Shri Anwar Calls For Judicious Use of Technologies and Resources To Achieve Food Security Minister Calls For Robust Regulatory System for Evaluation of GM Crops MOS Agriculture Address World Agriculture Congress 

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries, Shri Tariq Anwar today said that use of better technologies can help us to achieve our primary goal of food security even if availability of land and water is kept constant. “We just need to use these resources more judiciously,” he emphasised. 

Shri Anwar was speaking at the inauguration of World Agriculture Congress at Hyderabad today. The topic for this occasion is “Congress on Reshaping Agriculture for a Sustainable Future”. Inauguration of the Congress was attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Minister for Agriculture, Andhra Pradesh, Shri K. Lakshmi Narayana, and Chairman of the WAF Advisory Board, Shri James Bolger. Scientists and businessmen were also participated in the Congress. 

Stating that Bio-technology is expected to play a major role in improving productivity, the Minister said “what is needed is Robust Regulatory System which has scientifically established mechanism for evaluation of GM Crops so that all the issues raised on this matter can be put to rest. On this issue he reiterated the request made by Hon’ble President wherein he had ex-horted the Scientific Community and ICAR to contribute to the public discourse and provide clarity on this sensitive issue”. 

Shri Anwar further said that “contract farming and value addition of Indian food through food processing would play a major role in improving agricultural productivity as well as providing economic return for agricultural produce. Contract farming can provide the close hand holding regarding seed selection, seed treatment, soil testing, fertilizers, pest management and income support through procurement which Government programme cannot possibly provide”. 

The Minister also said that Indian agriculture faces a number of serious challenges like shrinking land, depleting water resources & inefficient water use, adverse impact of climate change, ineffective management of energy resources, shortage of farm labour, poor and inefficient market infrastructure, lack of access to appropriate technology, increasing cost and uncertainties of domestic and international markets and the biggest challenge which the country would be facing in the coming years shall be how to ensure food security in face of constantly growing population. 

Underlining measures to tackle impact of climate change on Indian Agriculture, Minister said that steps are being taken to mitigate the impact of climate change. Among the various areas in which interventions are being planned include improved crop seeds, livestock and fish culture, water efficiency, pesticides management, nutrient management, agriculture insurance, market access and livelihood diversification. Shri Anwar further informed that Indian Council for Agriculture Research(ICAR) has initiated a network project “National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture”(NICRA) aiming

at enhancing resilience of Indian agriculture through Strategic Research, Technology Demonstration and Capacity Building. 

MP:SS: Congress (5-11-2013) (Release ID :100401)

Foreign policy should be an extension of our national policy, says President 

Delegates to the fifth Annual Heads of Mission Conference called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today (November 6, 2013) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.  

Speaking on the occasion, the President said the theme of the Conference - “India’s place in the changing world order” is extremely relevant. Our foreign policy must be an extension of our national policy. There are certain basic fundamentals in our foreign policy that we have inherited from our core civilization values and our freedom movement. They must continue to guide us in our relations with our neighbours. 

The President said India has been always committed to global peace but is conscious of the fact that efforts for the same should begin from our neighbourhood. We can change friends but not neighbours. Change is the only constant and India’s foreign policy must adapt to changing scenarios in the world. 

The President said terrorism remains a major challenge. India was the first country to recognize at a high personal cost the threat that terrorism posed and to warn the world about it. Many countries in the Indian sub-continent have been victims of terrorism. It has witnessed the largest number of political assassinations of its leaders. This challenge of terrorism needs to be addressed through greater collective efforts. No country can insulate itself from this menace. 

The President said India deserves to have her rightful place in the comity of nations and called on the Heads of Missions to work towards this goal. 

TERC Gives Clear Mandate For FTA Negotiations 

A meeting of the Trade & Economic Relations Committee was held on 4th November, 2013. Detailed discussions were held on India’s trade engagements specifically India-EU BTIA, SAFTA, RCEP and Africa. A number of issues were discussed including impact of FTAs that have been entered into by India with its trading partners especially on India’s manufacturing sectors. 

Some concerns were expressed on the adverse impact of FTAs on the manufacturing sector as well as the trade balance and that imports from such countries had increased much faster compared to exports subsequent to signing such FTAs which had further worsened India’s trade balance. 

Commerce and Industry Minister clarified that most of the regional/bilateral FTAs signed by India either related to SAARC countries or to South East Asia and North East Asia. As far as SAFTA was concerned, India has huge trade surplus of about $12 billion. With ASEAN, exports have more than doubled after signing of the Indo-ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement in 2009, though imports have also grown as is natural in any trade agreement. It was further mentioned that a significant part of India’s imports from this region related to essential imports like edible oils from Malaysia and Indonesia and petroleum products and coke from Indonesia. In case these essential imports of more than $16 billion are discounted, India enjoys a trade surplus with ASEAN. Even globally if we were to rationalize our imports by deducting imports of essential products like mineral oil, edible oil, coal and some other raw materials the export of manufactured raw materials was doing well. Though there is significant possibility of improving our position, exports have done reasonably well in the last three months and trend is expected to continue. With China, there is a huge trade deficit amounting to $38 billion which is a matter of concern. This is an issue that has been repeatedly taken up with China bilaterally at the highest level and all efforts are being made to promote exports from India like pharmaceuticals and IT services. Further, continuous efforts have been made within the constraint of resources provided to the Ministry to boost exports in general as well as specific sectors and markets which need assistance.  

It was highlighted that there is an inbuilt mechanism of review in all FTAs which provides an opportunity for mid-course correction, if required. A comprehensive study has been conducted by the Department of Commerce to assess the impact of FTAs in the Indian context. It was outlined that Indian exports to different regions are crucially dependent on competitiveness which is guided by other factors such as ushering in the second generation reforms on taxation, rolling out of GST, reform in labour laws, Upgradation of infrastructure relating to power, ports and roads. High transaction costs and cumbersome procedure on the border at times hampers the ease of doing business in India which need to be addressed simultaneously to retain India’s competitiveness in global markets. 

Department Related Parliametnary Standing Committee on Commerce Invites Suggesstions of Public on Credit and Market Access Facilities for Foreign Trade 

            The Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce,

headed by Shri Shanta Kumar, M.P., Rajya Sabha has taken up the subject of“Credit and Market Access Facilities for Foreign Trade” for examination and report.

2.         The Committee has decided to invite views/suggestions/comments from individuals/ experts/ institutions/ organizations/ stake-holders interested in the subject matter. The views/ suggestions/ comments may, inter alia, focus on issues like assistance/ support/ facilities available to the Indian exporters/ importers, policy interventions required for strengthening the inherent capacity of MSME sector and facilitating bank and market access to the sector for foreign trade; structural reforms required in the foreign trade mechanism to make it risk-free and enable it to become priority sector for loan and finances; ways and means to infuse competitiveness to our production process and promote export of finished goods rater than raw material; infrastructural bottlenecks hampering efficient foreign trade; banking reforms desirable to facilitate low interest loans for the purpose of foreign trade, regulatory framework required to oversee the growth of foreign trade and check unfair practices; streamlining of various scheme/ incentives being offered by the Government, coordination between customs and DGFT authorities on foreign trade related policies/ schemes, co-opting State Governments to promote foreign trade; efficacy of Export Promotion Councils (EPCs), Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and India Trade Promotion Organisation(ITPO) to promote foreign trade, etc. The aforementioned issues are only indicative and not exhaustive.

3.         Those desirous of submitting their views and suggestions to the Committee may send their written memoranda (either in English or Hindi) on the above subject toShri J. Sundriyal, Director, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, Room no. 201, Second Floor, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi-110006 (Tel.: 23034541) or e-mailat sundrial@sansad.nic.in, rsc-comm@sansad.nic.in with thirty days from the date of publication of this Press Communique. Those willing to give oral evidence before the Committee, besides sending Memoranda, are requested to indicate so. However, the decision of the Committee, in the regard, shall be final.

4.         The memoranda submitted to the Committee would form a part of the records of the Committee and will be treated as confidential. These are not to be disclosed to anyone, till the report of the Committee is presented to Parliament, violation of which would constitute a breach of privilege of the Committee.

Rajya Sabha Secretariat Parliament of India, New Delhi, 4.11.2013

YSK/ UMA

PMRDF will address the challenge of Poverty head on: Jairam 

Union Minister of Rural Development Shri Jairam Ramesh has launched the profile book of Prime Minister’s Rural Development (PMRD) Fellows and announced the recruitment of second batch of the ongoing PMRDF Scheme here. 

The book profiles the current batch of 138 Fellows spread over 83 districts across 9 States and shares their experiences with the Fellowship in their own words. One hundred forty

Fellows will be selected in the second batch through a competitive process starting with an online All India Competency Assessment Test (AICAT) to be held on 15th December 2013. 

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ramesh said that helping the poor get their place in the society and development of underdeveloped regions remains a major challenge before the country. The task is much more complex than is commonly understood. It calls for a high degree of professionalization of our development interventions and a great sense of empathy while dealing with the underprivileged. He said the country has an acute scarcity of professional human resources in the districts and for working with the poor. This is more so in the underdeveloped regions of our country. The Minister laid stress on the need to expand the pool of professional human resources to confront the challenge of poverty head-on and added that PMRD Fellowship is a unique effort to address this challenge. 

PMRD Fellowship is an initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) where the focus is to reduce poverty and improve the lives of people in rural India. PMRD Fellowship is being implemented in collaboration with State Governments. 

The Fellowship is a short term work opportunity for young women and men who already possess academic and/or professional expertise. During the two-year duration of the Fellowship, PMRD Fellows work closely with District Collectors of backward and remote districts in improving programme delivery and interface with marginalized sections, aiming to reduce the developmental and governance deficits. Alongside, through structured learning exercises and events the Fellows get an opportunity to build their capacity in programme implementation, gain field experience and explore self-motivation as well as life goals. Thus the PMRDF scheme has the twin objective of providing short term catalytic support to the District Administration to improve the effectiveness of development programmes as well as to develop a cadre of development facilitators, who will be available as a ready resource for rural development activities over a long term. 

PMRD Fellowship was launched in September 2011 and the first batch of Fellows joined in June 2012. Fellows were selected through a highly competitive process conducted by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). 

Ministry of Rural Development now launches the PMRD Fellowship II after incorporating lessons from the first. In addition to filling up vacancies in the existing districts, Fellows will also be placed in the North Eastern States. 

PMRD Fellows of the second batch, as they continue their work in the districts, will simultaneously participate in a post graduate degree programme through e-enabled distance learning and contact sessions leading to M.Sc/M.Phil in Development Practice, to be conducted by TISS. Immediately after successful completion of the fellowship, a PMRD Fellow will be required to spend at least one year in public service as a paid full-time employee of the State Rural Livelihood Mission in the State she/he is assigned to. 

In the words of Sweta Trayambak, PMRD Fellow: 

I am privileged enough to get an opportunity to work with the Sabars & Birhors (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups), the poorest of the poor as we know them…………. 

……….Suppression of women is really disheartening for me. So I planned to mobilize and form women’s groups so that they can understand and support each other. The best practices I observed were that groups themselves started forming other groups and started sharing important information among them. Now the groups want to move a step further i.e. to work on enhancing livelihood sources. During my one year tenure as PMRD Fellow, I came across very sad incident about an old lady who died on her way to post office to collect old age pension. This incident made me to think that development does not only mean visiting fields but it also means making the people’s accessibility easier. To solve this sort of problems, we (along with district administration) are implementing payment at door step through business correspondent model. 

I consider myself fortunate to be a PMRD Fellow as it gave me an opportunity to reach people, understand their problems and empower them and to channelize their voices into the existing government system for better policy and implementation. I hope with my sincere efforts, innovative ideas, technology and support from district administration, I would be able to make some difference in the lives of the people specially women at the end of my second year and my efforts would go on…… 

Sweta is based at Ramgarh district in Jharkhand. She is a post graduate in Entrepreneurship Management from XLRI, Jamshedpur. She has worked on the issues of education, entrepreneurship, women empowerment and livelihoods for more than three years before joining PMRDF. 

To read the experiences of PMRD Fellows, please visit: pmrdfellows.wordpress.com 

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/pmrdfofficialpage 

Official website: http://rural.nic.in/pmrdfs/ 

Equip our youth with skills and jobs, says President 

The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated a Conference of Directors of National Institutes of Technology at the Rashtapati Bhavan today (7th November, 2013). This is for the first time that such a Conference is being convened by the President, who is Visitor to all NITs. 

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that India’s biggest strength in the coming years is going to be her demographic dividend. More than fifty percent of our population is under 25 and soon one fifth of the world’s working age population will be in our country. This dividend is however something we can not take for granted. We must urgently equip our youth with necessary skills and jobs. 

The President stated that the Government is investing huge amount of resources in higher education. The effort to increase ‘quantity’ exponentially must be matched with commensurate efforts to improve ‘quality’. We must lead our institutions into the ranks of the best such institutions in the world. 

The President said that the Conference was being held just two days after India attained a very significant milestone in the field of space exploration through the launch of the Mangalaayan Mission. He stated that our space scientists and engineers have repeatedly demonstrated that given determination, leadership, hard work and resources, India is fully capable of attaining global excellence in fields of frontier technology. The example set by the ISRO can be emulated in a large number of other sectors in our country.  

The President said that engineers play a very important role in every walk of life. They convert knowledge of basic sciences into products. They are versatile minds who build bridges between sciences, technology and society. They contribute to the nation’s technological and industrial progress. Our IITs and NITs play an important role by nurturing world class engineers who are not only professionally competent but also committed to mastering frontier areas of technology, improving the quality of life of our countrymen and taking our nation to new heights of achievement. 

The President expressed the hope that NITs of India will play a central role in leading the drive for quality engineering education across the country. He said that NITs must evolve clear strategies to encourage research and development, which then leads on to innovation and patents. Engineering institutions like NITs must work towards making the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy a success. They must mentor grassroots innovators to develop their ideas into useful products that benefit the common man. 

National Conference on Intellectual Disability: Empowering Persons with Intellectual Disabilities 

The Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Kumari Selja inaugurated the National Conference on Intellectual Disability, jointly organized by the Department of Disability Affairs, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and National Institute for Mentally Handicapped, Secunderabad, here today. 

Addressing the conference the Minister, Kumari Selja said that this conference has special relevance in the present context because of the complex nature of problems. Mental retardation is a complex condition which affects the development of cognitive functions, motor functions, social and communication skills of the Individual. It is one of the core areas where active involvement of multi-disciplinary specialists and parents or guardians is required for planning for therapeutic intervention. 

The Minister further added that as per 2001 Census out of the total number of persons with disabilities of about 2.19 crores, the number of persons with mental disabilities was about 23 lakhs. The causative factors of intellectual disabilities have their influence in the pre-conceptual, pre-natal, peri-natal and post-natal phases of the life cycle of a child. Intellectual disability can also occur due to hereditary reasons. 

Persons with disabilities are prevented from reaching their full potential not only due to their impairment, but as a result of discriminatory barriers in terms of legal, attitudinal and architectural aspects. The Minister emphasized that the Ministry is fully committed to removing barriers, physical or otherwise for the empowerment of persons with disabilities and to ensure their full and equal participation. 

Kumari Selja said that India is a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). In order to fulfill its obligations under UNCRPD, the Ministry is actively working on enactment of a new Act replacing existing PwD Act 1995. The new Bill envisages more rights and entitlements to all categories of persons with disabilities including the persons with intellectual disabilities and would also improve implementation mechanisms. Apart from implementation of the United Nations Convention on Persons with Disabilities in its letter and spirit, the Ministry is also engaged in achieving the goals, targets and indicators as envisaged in the Incheon Strategy to ‘Make the Rights Real’ piloted by the UNESCAP. 

The Minister wished the National Conference all success and hoped that its findings would be useful for ensuring speedy empowerment of persons with Intellectual Disabilities. 

The Secretary, Department of Disability Affairs, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Ms. Stuti Kacker addressing the Conference said that the problems being faced by the persons with intellectual disabilities are unique as compared to other forms of disabilities. Studies show that 42% of intellectual disabilities occur due to illness during childhood followed by head injury, as well as problems during pregnancy and birth related complications. This implies a lot is required to be done in the R& D sector for identification and early intervention to reverse the trend of growing numbers of intellectual disabilities in the country. 

The Secretary said that the Working Group constituted by Planning Commission for the XII Five Year Plan observed that there is lack of opportunity for mentally ill person to ensure full recovery, inability of the family to provide adequate level of care, lack of preparedness to address differential need of such class of disability and also there is inadequate rehabilitation service available to the mentally challenged person. An objective assessment of the situation indicates that there is an urgent need to think in an innovative manner for early intervention and prevention of mental disabilities. 

Considering the urgent need of rehabilitation services and shortage of professionals to handle the complex problems of this group of very special persons the Secretary informed that the Department of Disability Affairs is in the process of initiating a proposal to set up National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation. 

The Joint Secretary, Department of Disability Affairs, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Awanish Awasthi, in his address at the Conference said that this is the first such conference and the Department has planned similar national level conferences of National Institutes as it is felt that there is a genuine need to address the issues relating to the sector. The Joint Secretary further added that the Department is addressing the various need of the persons with disabilities and together will able to built a strong, meaningful, sustainable and comprehensive rehabilitation program to enhance the quality of life of persons with disabilities. 

Present at the Conference were Poonam Natrajan, Chairperson, National Trust, Maj. General Ian Cardozo,Chairman, Rehabilitation Council of India, Shri T. C. Siva Kumar, Director, NIMH and various officials of organizations -- PARIVAAR, the National Confederation of Parents Organizations, Action for Autism- National Centre for Autism, Down Syndrome Federation of India, Indian Academy of Pediatrics and Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists. 

The National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped (NIMH), Secunderabad was established in the year 1984 to with the primary objective to cater to the needs of Persons with Mental Retardation. NIMH has facilities for providing comprehensive therapeutic services for children with intellectual disabilities right from infancy stage to any age level.  

In order to meet the demand for the trained professionals NIMH is involved in manpower development by conducting long term academic programs from Diploma to M.Phil level. NIMH is also involved in research and developmental activities. The results of the research and developmental activities are disseminated through their published books, pamphlets, leaflets, videos, posters, radio-spots, etc. 

National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2013 to be introduced in the winter session of Parliament 

. However, for actual enrollment process, physical presence of the resident is a must. It is also clarified that certain agencies are falsely circulating e-mails offering online registration for Aadhaar. It is stressed that UIDAI does not currently offer online enrollment.

Meanwhile, all necessary steps have been taken for introduction of the National Identification Authority of India ill, 2013 in the winter session of  Parliament likely to commence from the 1st week of the next month. The Union Cabinet has already approved the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Planing

for December. The Speaker Sabha in consultation with the, Rajyanding Committee on Finance. TheIn the meantime, the UIDAIhas been functioning under an executive order issued by the

Government in January 2009, establishing UIDAI as an Attached Office of the Planing CommissionThe Bill proposes to constitute a statutory authority to be called the National Identification Authority of India and lay down the powers and functions of the Authority, the framework for issuing Aadhaar numbers, defines offences and penal.

PROVISIONS OF THE BILL

(a) for issue of Aadhaar numbers to every resident by the Authority on providinhis demographic information and biometric information to it in such manner as mabe specified by regulations;

r  to his biometric information and demographic information subject to uchconditions(c) for establishment of the National Identification Authority of India consisting of

a Chairperson and two part-time Members;-forenrolment thereof; 1 ob) The Committee had also, stated that pending the issuance

of Aadhaar numbe "unethical" and "violative" of Parliament prerogatives when the bill has y passed. The issuance of Aadhaar was based on the opinion of the Ministrof

 stated that the UIDAIcan continue to function under the executive orderissued the Authority from functioning under the executive authorization  misuse of personal information, it has been stated that UIDAI recognizes thattheB protection of information) As regards the apprehension that service/benefits might be

denied to individualwhoit has been clarified that Aadhaar number is anenablerwith a purpose of effective delivery and benefits by establishing idenityof. s possession of Aadhaar should not be one, especially if efforts are madtoensure of Aadhaar will be determined by the implementing ministries/agencies.raised by the Committee are untested andunreliable,  study on financial implication, duplication of effort with National Population. The following points may be noted in this regard: and is currently processing over 1 million Aadhaar per day wih acapacity. e largest Database of its kind in the world. welfare and inclusive growth.lsobeent Rs 12,398.22 crore as compared to Rs. 150,000 Crore as reported in smemedia. d ,, .Insttute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) shows that the Internal Rate of• In January 2012, it was decided with the approval of the Cabinet Commiteeonu3  and is thus very convenient and useful for people moving fromsay(b) On-line verification (also called as authentication) - the Aadhaar platfo on-line

verification of a person`s identity anywhere in the country byvariousiBenefit to Government:iaBanking Correspondent for money or at a PDSoutlet for grain); and,y  as connectivity is there.) Convenience - a resident can get access to services close to where teyare) Mobility - a resident can access services throughout the country; andiii)

Empowerment - since the resident has a choice of outlets for a particularservicer), the bargaining power shifts to the resident. This also redcescorruption(c) Electronic-Know Your Customer (e-KYC) - resident authorized proviionofr(POA) to an authorized agency) Productivity - instant paperless provisioning of services has geatimpactii) Inclusion - can provide access to services like bank accounts ndmobileiii) Audit - every KYCrequest has a unique transaction code, cannot berepudiatedBenefit to resident:i; and,ii.

 money just with the Aadhaar number as the address.

Minister calls for a holistic, integrated and sustainable waste management system in the country 

Expressing concern over the quantum of waste produced every year from construction and demolition (C&D) activities Union Minister of State for Urban Development Smt Deepa Dasmunshi has called for a holistic, integrated and sustainable waste management system in the country. Inaugurating a two day symposium on Technology & Equipments for Construction & Demolition Waste Recycling in association with ICI in New Delhi, the minister said, the plan should also target for waste diversion and recycling through implementation of new policies, information technologies, awareness and waste management facilities. Recycling of aggregate materials from construction and demolition waste can turn the otherwise waste materials into usable products and help in the conservation of natural resources for future generations as well as for the sustainable development of the society, Smt Dasmunshi added. 

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, Urban Development Shri Sudhir Krishna underlined the need for a regulatory framework so that the issue of C&D waste is addressed in a systematic approach. To exploit the full potential of C&D waste Shri Krishna said, his ministry is implementing incentive schemes and promoting R&D so that the waste generated from these C&D activities can be used as raw materials for generating economic resources. In addition to this, the Ministry of Urban Development also acts as an intermediary by formulating policy guidelines and providing technical assistance to the states and cities for implementation of waste management projects. 

The Symposium witnessed participation from eminent experts, technology providers and equipment manufacturers. A range of topics covered in the symposium include management of C&D waste, process of recycling concrete pavements, washing equipments, on site crushing, mobile plants, robotic demolition etc. 

Awareness is the key factor for the success of development and welfare schemes : Sh. Manish Tewari 

The three day Public Information Campaign in Dakha of Ludhiana district began today . Inaugurating the campaign, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Manish Tewari said that the success of welfare schemes meant for people depends on awareness about them in the general masses. The Minister said that the Centre has initiated several projects for the general welfare of people and these are implemented by the state government. The Central government releases thousands of crores worth of grants under these programmes and projects but a large chunk of the same does reach the beneficiaries. Shri Manish Tewari further said that the centre has provided the Right to Information (RTI) a powerful instrument to the public through which they can seek information related to government activities . Lauding the effort under the Public Information Campaign for bringing awareness among the masses, he said that the aim of such efforts, these campaigns is to take the right information to the people doorstep and also to clarify any doubts in peoples mind over government schemes. The campaign has been organized by the Press Information Bureau with the support of other media units of Information and Broadcasting Ministry & district administration of Ludhiana. 

In her welcome address, Principal DG, Press Information Bureau, Smt. Neelam Kapur said that the aim of the campaign is to create awareness among the general public and also to reduce the gap between the administration and the people. She further said that so far over seven hundred Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaigns have been organized across the country and the one in Dakha is 25th in the Punjab state. 

In today’s deliberations, the speakers gave detailed information on Land Acquisition Act, Food security Act, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and central government schemes for rural development. Thirty Exhibition stalls have been set up in coordination the with district administration which showcase the activities of various development programs undertaken by different departments of the centre and state government. An ‘Awareness Rally’ was also taken out by school students and worker of Integrated Child Development Scheme . 

India and Japan to Strengthen their Cooperation in the Maritime Sector 

India and Japan have decided to further strengthen their cooperation in the maritime sector as a part of the overall robust bilateral relations. The two countries agreed to enhance their interaction through the existing forums and through port-to-port exchanges.

These issues came up for a discussion between the Union Minister of Shipping Shri G.K. Vasan, who is on an official visit to Japan and his Japanese counterpart Shri Akihiro Ohta, Minister of land, Industries and Transport & Tourism, Government of Japan. 

Shri Vasan explained the developments that were taking place in India in the Ports sector and

assured Shri Ohta that concerns regarding infrastructure and connectivity of ports are being addressed expeditiously. In particular, he said that the ports in Ennore and Chennai are catering to the Japanese car exporters like Toyota and Nissan who have so far exported about 42000 and 300000 cars respectively from these ports. 

During the talks, Shri Vasan thanked the Japanese government for its support to various Indian Ports and infrastructure projects through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He also mentioned the possibility of JICA assistance to VOC Port at Thoothukudi for the upcoming Outer Harbour Project. 

Japanese Minister Shri Ohta, while acknowledging the existing cordial relationship between India and Japan, assured that Japan will carry forward the momentum. He also thanked Shri Vasan for his efforts in this direction and expressed Japan’s interest in shipbuilding and recycling industries in India. 

Shri Vasan later visited the Yokohama port where he was received by Shri Nobuya Suzuki, Deputy Mayor of Yokohama city and Shri Masaharu Ikegami, the Vice Director General of the Ministry of Land, Industries and Transport & Tourism, (MLIT) Government of Japan. 

.

Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the National Education Day celebrations and the inauguration of 40th Jawaharlal Nehru National Science,

Mathematics and Environment Exhibition for Children –2013 

            I am indeed happy to be amidst you today on the occasion of the National Education Day celebrations. This day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of the first Education Minister of India, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a great visionary, freedom fighter, scholar, and eminent educationist.

2. It was Maulana Azad who had woven the fabric of a secular, liberal, modern and universal education system. We owe a great deal to the progress achieved in education in independent India to the direction and goals that Maulana Azad had envisioned for us. Addressing the Conference on All India Education on January 16, 1948, Mauland Azad observed and I quote: “We must not for a moment forget, it is the birth right of every individual to receive at least the basic education without which he cannot fully discharge his duties as a citizen.” (Unquote). Maulana Azad, as independent India’s first Education Minister, brought about substantial reforms in the education system of our country which continue to guide us in achieving our goal of ‘Education for All’. On this occasion, I take the opportunity to salute and pay homage to this great visionary and architect of our education system. We as a nation need to strive hard to turn his dreams into reality.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

3. The 40th Jawaharlal Nehru National Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition for Children – 2013, which has been organised on this occasion seeks to encourage, popularize and inculcate a scientific temper among the children of the country. I am glad to learn that NCERT organizes national level science exhibitions every year where children showcase their talents in science and mathematics and their applications in different areas related with our everyday life.

4. The Exhibition commemorates our first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was of the opinion that science is capable of bringing about far reaching changes, the most vital of these being inculcation of scientific temper. Panditji once observed and I quote: “It is scientific method alone that offers hope to mankind and ending of the agony of the world.” This exhibition, in which potential mathematicians and scientists have put on display their multifarious talents, is an index of the infinite capacity of young men and women of the country to solve the problems the society faces – be it those relating to environment, industrial development, energy or security. I understand that there are around one hundred and seventy exhibits on display in this exhibition, which represent the efforts made by thousands of students through district and state level feeder exhibitions organized last year. Children have converged from various parts of our country to this meet to show case their scientific work. I congratulate the National Council of Educational Research and Training for its endeavour to popularize science and mathematics and inculcate a scientific temper in the children of India. I am confident that organisation of these exhibitions will enable the students and teachers to generate new scientific ideas for addressing problems relating to the society and environment.

5. The central theme of this year’s exhibition, “Science and Society”, is an occasion for us to reflect on the issues and problems our society is facing. On the one hand, we face challenges regarding conservation of our resources for future needs and on the other, the fulfilment of basic necessities of the ever increasing population continues to remain a persisting problem. It is high time, we redefine the concept of development in a wider perspective, and try to find innovative ways based on scientific knowledge and mathematical understanding to tackle them. There should be no confrontation between the environment considerations and development requirements.

6. The population of the world has already crossed seven billion and India accounts for about one sixth of this boom. The problem can be compounded further by poverty, hunger, malnutrition and illiteracy, if appropriate steps are not taken immediately. It is imperative to face the situation squarely and adopt a scientific and mathematical approach to the performance of tasks at hand. There is a need to make our children aware of the nexus between problems like unchecked population growth and energy crisis, depletion of natural resources, pollution of the environment, and so on. Towards this end, our younger generation needs to be made not only aware but also responsive to all the issues which have a direct bearing on our society. We should encourage children to visualise the future of the nation and help them become sensitive and responsible

citizens. Science and Mathematics are powerful ways of investigating and understanding the world. It is, therefore, extremely important to inculcate the ethos of science and mathematics in the minds of our young students who are the future scientists and technologists of this nation.

7. The exhibition has been renamed as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition (JNNSMEE) for Children. This, I am informed was done keeping in mind the celebration of the ‘Year of Mathematics’ and in order to give more emphasis on environment-related issues. Sikkim, where the exhibition is being held this year is well known for its rich biodiversity and the pro-conservation policies followed by its Government. I urge our young participants to regard the five elements of life: Earth, Water, Energy, Space and Air as something that we have inherited and that we have to pass on to the next generation. We have no right to squander or pollute them because we do not own them. This does not mean that we should not pursue science, develop technology and strive to improve the quality of human life, but while doing this we should take care not to disturb the delicate balance of our compound ecosystem. All the natural elements that sustain life on earth are inter-connected and exhibit the highest order of coordination; and any disturbance caused to any one of them will lead to imbalance in nature as a whole. We simply cannot afford to do that.

8. Ladies and Gentlemen,

Education is a necessary tool for national progress, human empowerment and social change. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and the inclusion of Article 21-A in the Constitution of India has far reaching implications for elementary education and for the implementation of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), in the years to come. Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) focuses on strengthening of the secondary school system in the country so as to raise enrolment in secondary education, reduce the gender, social and regional gaps in enrolment and improve school retention. In higher education, a plethora of reforms are being introduced to increase access and ensure meaningful quality. An umbrella scheme of Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) is being launched to address the needs of State institutions so as to strengthen them and enhance their quality.

9. However, much remains to be done. There is a need to promote a culture of excellence and provide quality education for all with special focus on the marginalized and disadvantaged groups. The thrust should be on inclusive education and the three Es of expansion, equity and excellence in education across all levels. Teachers should inspire students to imbibe correct values and shape future citizens having a sound character. There is a need to give greater focus on female literacy as well as the synergy between literacy and skill development. We must focus on technology enabled learning in all the institutions across the country and empower the faculty and students to harness technology for improving the quality of education. Increased use of technology solutions to address the problems of accessibility, quality and faculty shortage is necessary.

Accessibility and affordability are key steps for inclusion.

10. Innovation will be a determining factor of growth in the future. In a world marked by resource constraints, growth will increasingly depend on technology up-gradation. India has dedicated 2010-20 as the Decade of Innovation. The Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, unveiled this year, calls for mentoring grassroots innovation. Innovation in science and technology can lead to the development of new products and processes which could act as catalysts for growth. Therefore, Research & Innovation needs to play a vital role in our education system. Further, our drive towards innovation should benefit those at the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid.

11. My vision is that India should become a knowledge power in the coming decade wherein every Indian is literate and has access to affordable, quality education. I am sure the visionary perspectives of Maulana Azad will continue to inspire and guide us to build a knowledge society.

12. I would once again like to thank the NCERT, New Delhi and the Government of Sikkim for inviting me to this exhibition. Panditji had once observed and I quote: “Who indeed could afford to ignore science today? At every turn we have to seek its aid... The future belongs to science and those who make friends with science”. (Unquote). I hope, young children that you continue to take inspiration from these eternally relevant words of Pandit Nehru. Remember that Science, Technology and Innovation is the key to progress and prosperity for our nation. Always move forward with an open mind and strive to reach new heights. I offer my best wishes to you for a bright and productive future.

Science, technology and innovation is the key to progress and prosperity, says President 

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 40th Jawaharlal Nehru National Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition (JNNSMEE) on the occasion of National Education Day today, (November 11, 2013) at Gangtok, Sikkim. 

Speaking on the occasion, the President said this day is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of the first Education Minister of India, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a great visionary, freedom fighter, scholar, and eminent educationist. He recalled that addressing the Conference on All India Education on January 16, 1948, Maulana Azad observed “We must not for a moment forget, it is the birth right of every individual to receive at least the basic education without which he cannot fully discharge his duties as a citizen.” 

The President said Science, Technology and Innovation is the key to progress and prosperity for our nation. Our first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru once observed “It is scientific method alone that offers hope to mankind and ending of the agony of the world.” 

The President said the central theme of this year’s exhibition, “Science and Society”, is an occasion to reflect on the issues and problems our society is facing. There is a need to make our children aware of the nexus between problems like unchecked population growth and energy crisis, depletion of natural resources, pollution of the environment, and so on. It is extremely important to inculcate the ethos of science and mathematics in the minds of our young students who are the future scientists and technologists of this nation.

The President called upon young participants to regard the five elements of life: Earth, Water, Energy, Space and Air as something that we have inherited and that we have to pass on to the next generation. We have no right to squander or pollute them because we do not own them. 

The President said innovation will be a determining factor of growth in the future. India has dedicated 2010-20 as the Decade of Innovation. The Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, unveiled this year, calls for mentoring grassroots innovation. 

The President said his vision was that India should become a knowledge power in the coming decade wherein every Indian is literate and has access to affordable, quality education. 

***

Prime Minister’s speech at International Conference on “Evolving Common Strategies to Combat Corruption and Crime 

Following is the text of Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Speech at the International Conference on “Evolving Common Strategies to Combat Corruption and Crime in New Delhi today: 

“Let me begin by extending my very warm greetings to all ranks of the Central Bureau of Investigation in its Golden Jubilee year, and also to all those who have been associated with the organization in the past. I also extend a very warm welcome to our guests from abroad who are participating in this international conference. 

In the last 9 years I have now participated in this conference 6 times. Also, this is the 3rd

consecutive year that I am addressing this event. I must therefore confess that it was a little difficult for me to decide on what to say to this distinguished gathering. What could I say to you which I have not said before or which you do not already know as experts in investigating of corruption cases? After a great deal of thought I decided that I would flag certain larger issues about the debate on corruption and related matters that our country has been witnessing. 

But before I proceed further, a few words of congratulations to the very fine officers who have received medals today and also some remarks about the work of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the structure of this conference. The six officers whose work has been honored today are examples of what we can achieve with hard work and determination. I wish them even greater success for the future. 

The CBI has now completed 50 years of its existence. Though conceived as an anti-corruption agency, it has consistently been asked to investigate complex crimes as well, particularly those which have national or inter-state ramifications. It has contributed significantly to our efforts to contain and punish cases of corruption and other serious crimes. I compliment the agency for its achievements. 

Some questions have come up recently about the legality of the CBI. Our Government will look into this matter seriously and promptly. This is a matter that will undoubtedly have to be considered also by the highest court in the land. The Government will do all that is necessary to establish the need for the CBI and its legitimacy, and protect its past and future work.  

I understand that the structure of this conference would be a departure from the past. The session-wise themes would cover the entire mandate of the CBI and not only anti-corruption efforts, as was the practice in the earlier conferences. I am also happy that other law enforcement agencies of the country as also international and national experts from a range of area, representatives of Public Sector Units, Industry and Non Governmental Organizations have also been invited to participate in this conference. This reflects the need that the fight against corruption should be a collective national effort of diverse stakeholders, and should not only be confined to investigation and prosecution of corruption related offences once they happen. 

The economic reforms of the 1990s followed by periods of fast economic growth have brought about rapid changes in our country’s economy. This process of change will continue in the future as well, as our economy continues to grow and expand. The march of globalization driven by quick advances in technology is breaking down geographical boundaries. There is a growing exchange of people, ideas, goods, services, capital and data across the country and across national boundaries. These powerful forces of change that are instrumental in creating greater prosperity are also throwing up new areas of crime and corruption as also adding to the complexity of the existing crimes. As I have said on an earlier occasion, the answer to this complex set of issues is in emphasizing even more the need for reforms together with better regulation. I hope this international conference with the theme Evolving Common Strategies to Combat Crime and Corruption will help the participants enhance their understanding of transnational crimes and corruption. 

To keep pace with the aspirations of the people for clean and transparent governance and

also deal with the increasing complexity of economic offences, our government has taken several legal and administrative measures in the last 9 years. I would not take your time in listing all of them but I would mention a few like the Right to Information Act, initiatives to enact the Lokpal and the Lokayuktas Act and to amend the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, the Public Services Delivery Bill, and administrative steps to reduce discretionary powers of public servants and ensure expeditious disposal of disciplinary proceedings. The point I wish to make here is that we now have a framework in place to curb corruption and increase transparency and accountability in public administration. I hope that in the time to come we will be able to make effective use of this framework. 

In the public debate on corruption in our country it is sometimes forgotten that economic growth also implies greater opportunity for corruption. It is important, therefore, that we look at the issue of corruption in the correct perspective. While we must maintain utmost vigilance in preventing corruption and do our utmost in ensuring transparency, accountability and probity in public life, it is also important to ensure that the work of nation building goes on at a reasonably fast pace. I think our public debate needs to concentrate a little more on what it would take to make our progress even faster. I think it needs to concentrate more on how to improve infrastructure, how to improve the delivery of public services and how to build institutions. It also needs to concentrate more on the achievements that we can legitimately be proud of. We can`t be all the time just running down institutions of governance because there have been some cases of wrong doing. 

As you all know, under our Constitution, maintenance of public order, which would include prevention, detection and prosecution of offences is the domain of the Executive. The police and the investigation agencies therefore, are a part of the Executive and must function under its administrative supervision. 

This brings me to an issue which has made much news in the recent months- that of autonomy of the CBI, and generally of the police. I think it is very important to remember that under the law, the police enjoy complete autonomy in the matter of investigation of offences and no one, other than a superior police officer, can interfere with such investigation. 

I would also like this gathering to reflect on the issue of autonomy of a police organization. Autonomy in investigation is already guaranteed. If anything more needs to be done to further insulate the investigative process from external interference, we must not hesitate to do it. But it would be worthwhile to introspect if the debate on autonomy should lose sight of the fact that the CBI and other investigating agencies are part of the Executive. We should be able to clearly distinguish between operational autonomy and the rules of oversight, supervision and control in organizational and institutional matters that are normal for public bodies of the Executive funded by public money. 

That the debate on autonomy has acquired political overtones is indeed unfortunate. What is almost as distressing is that sensitive investigations are increasingly becoming subjects of running media commentary, often on the basis of material that is not otherwise in the public domain. No one can appreciate better than this gathering of experts that confidentiality is in the interests of the integrity of an ongoing investigation. This was precisely the thought

process behind exempting the CBI from the RTI Act. I hope that, as responsible professionals, you will be able to reflect on this issue in the correct perspective. 

Over time, investigating agencies in our country have been increasingly enquiring into administrative decisions and also matters relating to policy making. Such cases require great care in investigation. While actions that prima facie show malafide intent or pecuniary gain should certainly be questioned, pronouncing decisions taken with no ill-intention within the prevailing policy as criminal misconduct would certainly be flawed and excessive. Policy-making is a multi-layered and complex process in the government, and will increasingly become more so, and therefore I don’t think it would be to appropriate for a police agency to sit in judgment over policy formulation, without any evidence of malafide. 

In order that public servants may not be paralyzed in taking effective decisions based on their own sound judgment and on the apprehension of an ill-informed inquiry or investigation, it is necessary that lines of confidence be clearly drawn between investigating and police agencies on the one hand and honest executive functionaries on the other. Indeed, “the protection of the honest” is a facet of Article 14 of the Constitution of India and is an obligation chargeable on the State. It is with this in view that the Prevention of Corruption Act (Amendment) Bill, 2013 has been introduced in the Parliament, to amend a provision which presently criminalizes, even in the absence of any mens rea, any action of a public servant that secures for any person a pecuniary advantage. 

It is also important that errors of judgment are distinguished from criminal acts. As I have said on earlier occasions, decision making in a world of uncertainty is a highly risky operation and some decisions which appear sensible ex ante may ex post turn out to be faulty. Our administrative set up has to be so managed that the fear of the unknown must not lead to paralysis in decision making. 

A trained mind is necessary for discovering criminality. When a charge sheet is filed, the charge sheet must go through rigorous process of scrutiny and there must be a high chance of securing conviction in that case. This highlights the need for greater professional expertise in the CBI, including from non-police organizations. I have touched upon this subject earlier also but this is something that is well worth repeating. 

Even as the CBI strengthens its capacity and effectiveness, it must also work not only to strengthen the State Anti-Corruption Bureaux but also the State CIDs and Economic Offences Wings. I am therefore happy that the CBI is considering setting up a Centre of Excellence that will build knowledge partnerships with leading national and international institutions in the fields of investigation, prosecution, technology, forensics and management. This is an excellent initiative and I commend it. 

Let me end by wishing this conference all success. Great importance attaches to your recommendation and I wish the CBI even greater success in its endeavors in the time to come. 

Thank you. Jai Hind.” 

Finance Minister Shri P.Chidambaram Releases a Commemorative Coin of Rs. 20 and a Circulation Coin of Rs.5 to Mark the Culmination of the 125th Birth Anniversary

of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad; Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was an Indian and A Muslim; a Nationalist, Patriot and Totally Secular :FM 

The Union Finance Minister Shri P.Chidambaram released a Commemorative Coin of Rs. 20 and a circulation coin of Rs.5 to mark the culmination of the 125th Birth Anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad at a function held here today. Shri K. Rehman, Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Shri Wazahatt Habibullah, Chairman, National Commission for Minorities, Dr Arvind Mayaram, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Members of Parliament and other senior officers of the Ministry of Finance were present on the occasion among others.. 

This year marks culmination of 125th Birth Anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. Maulana Azad was one of India’s most prominent freedom fighters, who espoused the cause of an undivided India. He opposed the ‘two nation theory’ of Muslim League and was a leading proponent of Hindu-Muslim unity. He was India’s first Minister of Education. He was posthumously awarded country’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna in 1992. 

Following is the Text of the Speech of the Union Finance Minister Shri P. Chidambaram made on this occasion: 

“Today we mark the 125th birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. The Government of India and, in particular, the Ministry of Finance are honoured to be able to bring out two commemorative coins on this occasion. 

The history of the freedom struggle is also the story of many great men and women. Among the tallest of those men and women was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. It is widely acknowledged that he, as the first Minister of Education, laid the foundation of the modern education system. The institutions that he founded bear testimony to his vision and his farsightedness. Among them were the first Indian Institute of Technology, University Grants Commission, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Sahitya Academy, Lalit Kala Academy, Sangeet Natak Academy and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. 

Maulana Azad made a significant contribution to the recording of history through his book “India Wins Freedom”. History cannot be bent. Historical facts are sacred. I thought the best tribute to Maulana Azad would be to read excerpts from his autobiography that will throw light on a sad chapter of India’s history, namely, the partition of India. These portions would also be a lesson in history to all those who participate in public discourse. 

Maulana Azad writes: 

“A truly pathetic situation had developed as a result of the Congress mistake in giving Finance to the Muslim League. This had led to the deadlock which gave Lord Mountbatten the opportunity of slowly preparing the ground for the partition of India. As he began to give a new turn to the political problem he tried to impress on Congress the inevitability of partition, and sowed the seeds of the idea in the minds of the Congress Members of the Executive Council. 

Lord Mountbatten was extremely intelligent and could read the minds of all his Indian colleagues. The moment he found (Sardar Vallabhai) Patel amenable to his idea, he put out all the charm and power of his personality to win over the Sardar.  

As soon as the Sardar Patel had been convinced, Lord Mountbatten turned his attention to Jawaharlal. Jawaharlal was not at first at all willing and reacted violently against the very idea of partition, but Lord Mountbatten persisted till step by step Jawaharlal’s opposition was worn down. Within a month of Lord Mountbatten’s arrival in India Jawaharlal, the firm opponent of partition had become, if not a supporter, at least acquiescent towards the idea. 

When I became aware that Lord Mountbatten was thinking in terms of dividing India and

had persuaded Jawaharlal and Patel, I was deeply distressed. I realised that the country was moving towards a great danger. 

Now that Sardar Patel and even Jawaharlal Nehru had become supporters of partition, Gandhiji remained my only hope. 

Later that day (31 March) Gandhiji met Lord Mountbatten. He saw him again the next day and still again on 2 April. Sardar Patel came to him soon after he returned from his first meeting with Lord Mountbatten and was closeted with him for over two hours. What happened during this meeting I do not know. But when I met Gandhiji again, I received the greatest shock of my life, for I found that he too had changed. He was still not openly in favour of partition but he no longer spoke so vehemently against it. What surprised and shocked me even more was that he began to repeat the arguments which Sardar Patel had already used. For over two hours I pleaded with him but could make no impression on him. 

The details of Lord Mountbatten plan were not yet published, but I guess that it would entail the partition of India. He returned to Delhi on 30 May and on June 2 held discussions with the representatives of the Congress and the Muslim League. On the 3rd of June a White Paper was issued which gave all the details of the plan. The Statement of the British Government will be found in the Appendix and I need only say that my worst fears were realised. The price for freedom was the partitioning of India into two States. 

The publication of this Statement meant the end of all hopes for preserving the unity of India. This was the first time that the Cabinet Mission Plan was discarded and partition accepted officially. In trying to explain why the Labour Government changed its attitude, I came to the painful conclusion that its action was governed more by consideration of British than Indian interests. 

The AICC met on 14 June 1947. I have attended many meetings of the AICC but this was one of the strangest that it was my misfortune to attend. Congress, which had always fought for the unity and independence of India, was now considering an official resolution for the division of the country. 

When the resolution was put to the vote, 29 voted for it and 15 against. Even Gandhiji’s appeal could not persuade more members to vote for the partition of the country! 

The resolution was no doubt passed, but what was the condition of the people’s minds? All hearts were heavy at the idea of partition. Hardly anyone could accept the resolution without mental reservations. Even those who accepted the partition had all their feelings against it.”  

A fair reading of the above account will show that partition was forced upon the country due to the intransigence of Mohammed Ali Jinnah and Lord Mountbatten’s plan to safeguard British interests. 

These excerpts from the book are a measure of the man that was Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. He was an Indian and a Muslim. He was a nationalist, patriot and totally secular. More than anyone else he was able to foresee the consequences of the two-nation theory. He was a passionate advocate, until the very last, of the unity of India. He was able to reflect the true

feelings of millions of people both within and outside the Congress party. He had always fought for the unity and independence of India and for love and brotherhood among all communities, particularly between Hindus and Muslims. 

As we remember him today, let us also remember his work, his words, his actions and his legacy. 

I have the honour to release these commemorative coins”. 

Education – A Necessary Tool for National Progress and Social Change, says President Pranab Mukherjee 

The President has said there should not be any confrontation between the environment considerations and development requirements. Inaugurating the National Day Education celebration and Jawaharlal Nehru National Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition (JNNSMEE) 2013, at Gangtok, Sikkim today, the President Shri Pranab Mukherjee said that it is high time that we redefine the concept of development in a wider prospective and try to find innovative ways on scientific knowledge and mathematical understanding to tackle them. 

Paying rich tribute to the first Education Minister of the country, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the President described him as a great visionary, freedom fighter, scholar and eminent educationist. He said it was Maulana Azad who had woven the fabric of a secular, liberal, modern and universal education system. Calling for promotion of innovation, he said it will be the determining factor of growth in the future. In a world marked by resource constraints growth will increasingly depend on technology upgradation. It is the innovation in Science and Technology which can lead to development of new products and processes which could act as a catalyst for growth. Describing education as a necessary tool for national progress, human empowerment and social change the President said the changes made in the education system including Right to education, implementation of Sarva Shiksha Abiyaan, Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abiyaan (RMSA) to strengthen the seconadry school system in the country and now launching of the Rashtriya Uttachar Shiksha Abiyaan (RUSA) will have far reaching positive implications. 

Speaking on the occasion, MoS HRD Dr. Shashi Tharoor also paid tribute to Maulana Azad. He said that the modern secular education in the post independent India is a product of his initiative and vision. 

The Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling said that the state has made a rapid stride in the field of education. The literacy rate in the state has jumped from 56% in 1984 to 82% till last year. Efforts are being made by the state government to up lift the standard in higher education and it also proposes to provide best possible facilities in the higher education sector. 

The National Education Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Maulana Azad. 

*********

Text of the Speech of the Union Finance Minister Shri P.Chidambaram at Xxth Conference of CBI & State Anti Corruption Bureaux on “Building A Criminal Justice

System to Deal with Financial Crimes” 

  

             The Central Bureau of Investigation is the premier investigating agency of India.  It

owes its existence to the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.   To begin with, it had a

limited mandate, namely, to investigate cases of corruption.  Over the years, its mandate has expanded.  Today, it has three wings: anti-corruption wing, special crimes wing, and economic offences wing.  The offences that may be investigated by the CBI are notified by the Central Government under section 3 of the Act. 

It is evident that the scope of the jurisdiction of CBI is quite large.   It extends to the core of the financial system which comprises tax authorities, banks, insurance companies, provident fund and pension fund authorities, regulators such as SEBI, IRDA and PFRDA, and other important players in the financial sector.  Besides, there are no financial crimes which do not also attract the provisions of laws dealing with conventional crimes such as the Indian Penal Code.  Virtually every serious financial crime will also attract one or more IPC provisions such as section 192 (fabricating false evidence), section 405 (criminal breach of trust), section 415 (cheating), section 463 (forgery) etc.

New Challenges in a Market Economy            Since 1991, we have transited from a closed and controlled economy to an open and market economy.  The transition has brought in its wake both new opportunities and new challenges. Our laws have lagged behind.  Hence, as you are perhaps aware, in March 2011, Government constituted the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission “with the view to rewriting and cleaning up the financial sector laws to bring them in tune with the current requirements.”   The Commission submitted its report in March, 2013.  One of the recommendations of the Commission is on ‘market abuse’.  ‘Market abuse’ has been defined as meaning insider trading, abuse of information and securities market abuse.  The Commission has recommended that market abuse and attempting or abetting market abuse must be made offences and must be punished with penalties extending to three times the illegitimate gains made or losses caused as well as with imprisonment.  It will therefore be evident that as new challenges emerge, new laws will be made, new offences will be defined, and new responsibilities will fall on investigating agencies.   

A Time to Dispel Some Myths

In my view, the CBI is as good an investigating organisation as any other in the world.   We are proud of the achievements of the CBI.  It has performed a difficult role especially when the primary responsibility for enforcement of laws lies with the State Governments.  Let me also remind you that, save in certain cases, an offence falling under the jurisdiction of the State Police cannot be investigated by the CBI without the express consent of the State Government concerned.  The best testimony to CBI’s credibility is the numerous demands that are made for cases to be ‘taken over’ by the CBI rather than be investigated by the State Police.   Every such demand is a tribute to the CBI.

My focus today will be on financial crimes. 

Safety is a ‘public good’.  Public good is defined around two tests: non-rival and non-excludable.  Safety is non-rival: my safety while walking on a street does not reduce your consumption of safety. Safety is non-excludable: when one more child is born into the world, it is not possible to exclude that child from the umbrella of safety. Safety satisfies both tests and it is a public good.  A fortiori, safety of the financial system is a public good.  Safety is the pre-requisite for an open or market economy, which is the highway to prosperity.  If we fail on safety, we will fail to get growth.   Providing safety is the job of the Government.  A sound criminal justice system must ensure safety of the financial system.  It must protect the financial system against theft, fraud, forgery, mis-selling, money laundering, hacking, cyber attacks etc.  Registration and investigation of offences is the starting point of a sound criminal justice system.  Hence the need

for a first rate investigating agency.

The second limb of capacity is technology.  Financial crimes are committed using the most advanced technology, including sophisticated software.  The investigating agency must have technological capability matching the offender’s capability. It must have software that is able to search millions of pieces of information and locate and unravel the source of the crime, the key persons, and the complex web of activities that constitute the crime.

I may also point out that there are usually three groups of persons involved in financial crimes.  Firstly, there are the core conspirators.  Then there are accomplices in the financial system and, finally, there are their accomplices in Government departments or regulatory bodies.  Any thorough investigation must uncover all the groups of persons and all the links that made the conspiracy possible.  All the groups must suffer punishment.  Usually, the face of the crime is the face of the principal offender and with his/her arrest and arraignment the excitement usually dies.  Unfortunately, this will let the other conspirators get away – only to commit more financial crimes after lying low for some time.  It is therefore important that the investigating agency identifies all the individuals who collaborated in the crime and brings to justice every one of them.  That alone will establish deterrence.

Let me now turn to the vexed question of interpreting and applying criminal laws to financial transactions. As a rule of criminal jurisprudence, a crime requires mens rea, that is a criminal state of mind.  I am aware that there are exceptions and some offences are charged on the principle of ‘strict liability’.  In my view, the principle of strict liability may not apply without qualification to financial crimes, except in the small number of cases where there is a clear and unambiguous rule of conduct and the law unambiguously stipulates that any violation of that rule would be considered an offence. Ordinarily, a financial crime would arise from either unlawful gain or unlawful loss and, in such cases, the law could either stipulate proof of the state of mind or presume a state of mind to cause the unlawful gain or the unlawful loss.  So, in financial crimes, mens rea or the state of mind must be invariably proved or presumed from certain facts.  This, in my view, is the correct approach to financial crimes.

A close reading of the above provision does not, in my view, rule out mens rea.  The words “without public interest” imply that the offender must have committed the act although he knew that there was no public interest.  In a case arising under this section, if the accused is able to show that there was indeed some public interest, in my view, the offence would not be made out and the accused would be entitled to an acquittal.  I would once again commend the prudent approach to financial crimes that I outlined above, and that is the requirement of mens rea or state of mind, unless it is unambiguously excluded by the express language of the law.

            Finally, I would caution investigating agencies to respect the line that divides policy-making and policing.  An offence is committed when a prescribed rule of conduct is violated.  If there is no prescribed rule, or if there is no violation of a prescribed rule, there is no offence.  It is not the business of the investigating agency to lay down a rule of conduct; nor is it the business of the investigating agency to presume a rule of conduct.  Even where a rule has been prescribed, if there is a policy behind that rule, it is not the business of the investigating agency to question the wisdom of that policy or to suggest a different policy that would be better in the view of the investigating agency. The investigating agency must confine itself to the question whether there has been a violation of a laid-down rule of conduct.

In conclusion, let me state the fundamentals of how an investigating agency needs to be constructed in the emerging new India.  There are three pillars:

Clearly defined objectivesPrecisely enumerated powersCarefully designed accountability mechanisms             I am happy to see the enthusiastic response to this Conference and the wide coverage

it has received in the media.  I wish your deliberations success and I wish the CBI many more years of good and dedicated public service.

           

True Education Should Equip individuals to Live Creatively, Responsibly and Peacefully and to become agents of Change for A better Society – Vice President 

Vice President Addresses at Valedictory Function of Quartoseptcentenial (175 Years) of Madras Christian College 

 The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that the importance of faith and

values in education has been emphasized in human society down the ages. Aristotle rightly said that “educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all”. More recently, Gandhi ji stressed that literary education is of no value, if it is not able to build up a sound character. If the young friends in the audience follow these dicta, they will improve themselves and at the same time contribute to making this world a much better place for all to live in. Addressing at the “Valedictory Function of the Quartoseptcentenial (175 years) of Madras Christian College (MCC)” in Chennai, Tamil Nadu today, he has said that the goal of education is not to produce machine-like humans. It is to inculcate in them a social conscience so that they build a fine balance between the heart and mind. True education should equip individuals to live creatively, responsibly, and peacefully and to become agents of change for a better society.

 He said that it is generally accepted that the human being is a moral creature, possessed of faculties

that make it responsible for its actions. These faculties are intellect or a power of thinking, conscience or a capacity to distinguish between right and wrong, and will or an ability to make a choice on the basis of motive and character. Together, they constitute what has been called the moral landscape . Such a landscape does exist, consciously or unconsciously, in every human being and the effort of education, culture and civilization down the ages has been to awaken these faculties and hone them for individual or collective purposes in terms of the requirements of the period.

 The Vice President opined that in the twenty-first century, education is a critical tool for developing

a modern economy, a just society and a vibrant polity. It provides skills and competencies for economic well-being and social mobility. Education strengthens democracy by imparting to citizens the tools needed to fully participate in the governance process. It also acts as an integrative force in society, imparting values that foster social cohesion and national identity. A well educated population, equipped with the relevant knowledge, attitudes and skills is essential for economic and social development in this century. It is estimated that developed economies and even China will face a shortage of about 40 million highly skilled workers by 2020, while, based on current projections of higher education, India is likely to see some surplus of graduates in 2020. Thus, India could capture a higher share of global knowledge-based economy work, if there is focus on higher education and its quality is globally benchmarked.

 Following is the text of the Vice President’s address :  

 “I am happy to be here today for this Valedictory Function of the 175 th anniversary celebrations of

the Madras Christian College. I congratulate to the students, staff, alumni and management of the College on this important occasion.

 It is often said that the worth of an institution is judged by the character of its products. In this regard

the Madras Christian College stands tall and the list of its alumni who have served the country and society with distinction in all walks of life is indeed remarkable. The current students have a responsibility to maintain this glorious tradition and carry forward a rich legacy.

 Since its foundation in April 1837, the Madras Christian College has pursued excellence in the field

of education, guided by the principles of faith, sound knowledge and service of humanity. The founders of the College were inspired by their belief that serving God means more than worship and prayers, and that it is also about putting your love for God into action by carrying out work and service in his name.

 For over one and a half century, the College has strived to provide quality education to its students

based on the fundamental tenets of academic excellence, social relevance and spiritual vitality. The importance of faith and values in education has been emphasized in human society down the

ages. Aristotle rightly said that “educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all”. More recently, Gandhi ji stressed that literary education is of no value, if it is not able to build up a sound character. If the young friends in the audience follow these dicta, they will improve themselves and at the same time contribute to making this world a much better place for all to live in.

 The goal of education is not to produce machine-like humans. It is to inculcate in them a social

conscience so that they build a fine balance between the heart and mind. True education should equip individuals to live creatively, responsibly, and peacefully and to become agents of change for a better society.

 Two questions arise at this point. What are the values that should be imbibed? How is this objective

to be achieved? It is generally accepted that the human being is a moral creature, possessed of faculties that make it

responsible for its actions. These faculties are intellect or a power of thinking, conscience or a capacity to distinguish between right and wrong, and will or an ability to make a choice on the basis of motive and character. Together, they constitute what has been called the moral landscape. Such a landscape does exist, consciously or unconsciously, in every human being and the effort of education, culture and civilization down the ages has been to awaken these faculties and hone them for individual or collective purposes in terms of the requirements of the period.

 In our own times, and with human beings living in societies as citizens possessed of rights and

duties, the endeavour has been to harness these faculties to societal purposes. By the same logic and with the emergence of a global society, however imperfect, perceptions have veered in the direction of universal values. Some of these have been accepted and incorporated in Declarations accepted by the community of states.

 This approach drives us to the conclusion that values have to be inclusive rather than exclusive.

Every level of an individual’s association – family, fraternity, professional, national and global – has its own set of values and the challenge at all times is to accommodate and harmonize them in a framework that is not mutually disruptive or destructive.

 The Constitution of India spells out the framework of values to be nurtured in our citizens. These

include the values for living in harmony with oneself and one’s natural and social environment, as well as the universal human values, intrinsic in human nature.

 Recognizing the importance of value education the Report of the University Education Commission

(1962) noted that “If we exclude spiritual training in our institutions, we would be untrue to our whole

historical development.” It went on to make a case, not for religious or moral education, but for evolving “a national faith, a national way of life based on the Indian outlook on religion, free from dogmas, rituals and assertions.”

 Since then, successive government policy documents and reports on education, including the

National Curriculum Framework 2005, have echoed the vision of education where values are inherent in every aspect of schooling. Most have emphasized the importance of reaffirming our commitment to the concept of equality amidst diversity, mutual interdependence of humans to promote values that foster peace, humaneness and tolerance in a multi-cultural society.

 Nevertheless, a general feeling prevails that there has been an erosion of the essential social, moral

and spiritual values in our society. One reason could be the excessive focus on cognitive to the neglect of the affective in our education system. The problem of declining values in society, however, is multi-dimensional, arising out of combination of factors such as globalization, materialism, consumerism, commercialization of education, threats to humanity due to climate change, environmental degradation, ideology or identity based conflicts and terrorism. These have led, individually or collectively, to insecurities, individualistic life styles, excessive greed, sense of alienation and other negative consequences.

While some of the causes of this decline in values may be beyond our control, one of the correctives within our competence is the education system. What is required of it is to enable students to inculcate the three faculties of intellect, conscience and will, and thereby reinforce their moral sense.

 We need to remember that value education cannot be confined to concepts and has to be used as a

practical instrument to address prevailing social and cultural realities and challenges.‘The mark of an educated person’, said Plato ‘is the willingness to use one’s knowledge and skills to solve the problems of society’. It must, in the final analysis, lead to realization of justice which, as John Rawls put it, ‘ is the first virtue of social institutions.’

 Justice, you would recall, is inscribed as the first objective in the Preamble of our Constitution. 

II 

Allow me to move to another aspect of education. When this venerable institution was established, and until quite recently, education was essentially local in the sense that the contents of the curricula were determined more by autonomous perceptions than by external imperatives. This is now changing. In an increasingly integrated and globalised world that is focused on knowledge economy, it is the quality of human resources which will determine the competitiveness of countries in the global market place. Every country will have to create an intellectual repository of human capital to meet its needs and shape its future.

 In this context, the importance of quality education cannot be overstated, nor can its shortfall

underplayed. This quality deficit has been described by knowledgeable observers as the Achilles Heel of our higher education system. The phenomenon of ‘massification’ and insufficiency of resource allocation have contributed to it and so has avoidable politicization that impedes correctives.

 In the twenty-first century, education is a critical tool for developing a modern economy, a just

society and a vibrant polity. It provides skills and competencies for economic well-being and social mobility. Education strengthens democracy by imparting to citizens the tools needed to fully participate in the governance process. It also acts as an integrative force in society, imparting values that foster social cohesion and national identity. A well educated population, equipped with the relevant knowledge, attitudes and skills is essential for economic and social development in this century.

 It is estimated that developed economies and even China will face a shortage of about 40 million

highly skilled workers by 2020, while, based on current projections of higher education, India is likely to see some surplus of graduates in 2020. Thus, India could capture a higher share of global knowledge-

based economy work, if there is focus on higher education and its quality is globally benchmarked. The challenge is to combine access with affordability and ensure high-quality education in order to

realize the potential of the country’s ‘demographic dividend’. The future expansion of education would have to be carefully planned so as to correct regional and social imbalances, reinvigorate institutions to improve standards and reach international benchmarks of excellence, match demand with supply by improving employability, and extend the frontiers of knowledge.

 In the coming decades, when technology and innovation would further reduce physical distances,

competition would progressively emanate from all corners of the planet. Political or geographical boundaries will provide no protection against them. We as a nation, especially our youth, have to be prepared for the emerging challenges of globalization so that these can be addressed comprehensively for India to take its rightful place as a modern, prosperous and progressive nation-state amongst the community of nations. A failure to do so in good measure could lead to a demographic disaster.

 In this endeavour, institutions like the Madras Christian College have an important role to play.

They have to keep adapting to the evolving situation and changing realities in the times to come. This is not an option but an imperative necessity.

 Let me conclude by calling upon the students to use their acquired knowledge and skills for the

noble task of nation building and for the greater good of their fellow citizens, especially the poor and the needy. They must at all times remember, recall and implement the values of quality and compassion acquired by them here in this institution and endeavour to do good to the largest number.I thank the Principal for having invited me to this function. Jai Hind.”

 *****

INS Vikramaditya Adds A New Dimension to Navy’s Operational Capabilities: Antony INS Vikramaditya Commissioned in Indian Navy 

Marking a new high in India-Russia strategic cooperation, the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony today commissioned the completely refurbished 44,500 tonne carrier Admiral Gorshkov into the Indian Navy as INS Vikramaditya at an impressive ceremony at sub zero temperature in the wind- swept  SevmashShipyard in the beautiful city of Severodvinsk in Russia. Snow flakes kept falling as the ceremony was held.

Speaking at the event, Shri Antony said INS Vikramaditya would significantly enhance the reach and capability of the Indian Navy. He said, the country has a rich maritime history and the Indian Ocean has guided our fate over the centuries.

“India’s economic development is dependent on the seas and safeguarding the nation’s maritime interests is central to our national policy. Aircraft carriers have been part of the Indian Navy’s force structure since our independence and have effectively served the country over the past five decades or so. The induction of ‘Vikramaditya’ with its integral MiG29K fighters and Kamov-31 helicopters, not only reinforces this central policy, but also adds a new dimension to our Navy’s operational capabilities. The meaning of ‘Vikramaditya’, which literally translates into “Strong as the Sun” is complemented by the Ship’s motto –“Strike Far, StrikeSure”,he said.

Reflecting the mood at the ceremony, Shri Antony said, ‘the event realizes the vision of capability-based transformation of the Indian Navy that was conceived more than a decade ago’. Calling it a Red Letter Day in the history of India- Russia cooperation, Shri Antony said this relationship remains a matter of the highest priority for

both nations for our mutual benefit and as a factor of global peace and stability.

“The successful culmination of Project 11430 truly symbolizes the time-tested Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between our two great nations. The Project has propelled the strategic partnership between our nations to a new level. The relationship between our two countries based on mutual trust and belief has withstood the test of time and the result is for the entire world to see in the form of ‘Vikramaditya’. As the ship sails into its home waters in the Indian Ocean Region, INS ‘Vikramaditya’ will be a befitting tribute to our long-standing relationship”, he said.

Describing the Project 11430 as a unique one, Shri Antony said, it was a challenging task for both the Russian and the Indian sides and congratulated the entire team for converting the ‘Dream Project’ into a reality. “The transformation of INS ‘Vikramaditya’ is an engineering marvel, which has tested the professionalism, capability and perseverance of the Indian Navy and the Russian industry, especially the SevmashShipyard”, he said and expressed confidence that all possible support would be extended by Russia to ensure that the ship serves India effectively and efficiently for the duration of its expected operational life cycle.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral DK Joshi said the INS Vikramaditya will bridge the time-gap that may come up between the INS Viraat and the Indigenously built aircraft carrier Vikrant.It will also help achieving our medium term goal of operating two aircraft carriers.

A large number of dignitaries including the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia MrDmitry Rogozin and Defence Minister Mr Shoigu, the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral DK Joshi, the Indian Ambassador to Russia Shri Ajay Malhotra, the Defence Secretary ShriRK Mathur, the DG Acquisition Shri SB Agnihotri were present on the occasion.

Mr Rogozin said INS Vikramaditya symbolises the close friendship between India and Russia and expressed confidence that it will grow in the coming years.

 About INS VikramadityaINS Vikramaditya, the floating airfield has an overall length of about 284 meters and

a maximum beam of about 60 meters, stretching as much as three football fields put together. Standing about 20 storeys tall from keel to the highest point, the sheer sight of this 44,500 tonne mega structure of steel is awe inspiring. The ship has a total of 22 decks.

 With over 1,600 personnel on board, INS Vikramaditya is literally a ‘Floating City’.

With a capacity of over 8,000 tonnes of LSHSD, she is capable of operations up to a range of over 7,000 nautical miles or 13000 kms.

 To enable this 44,500 tonnes floating steel city to cut through the choppy seas with

speeds of up to 30 knots, she is powered by 08 new generation steam boilers generating a total output power of 180,000 SHP. These boilers power four enormous propellers, each greater in diameter than twice the height of an average male. Such a four propeller - four shaft configuration is another first in the Indian Navy.

The power generation capacity onboard is about 18 megawatts enough to cater to the lighting requirement of a mini city. An extensive revamp of sensors including fitment of Long range Air Surveillance Radars, Advanced Electronic Warfare Suite makes the ship capable of maintaining a surveillance bubble of over 500 kms around the ship.

The ship has the ability to carry over 30 aircraft comprising an assortment ofMiG 29K/Sea Harrier, Kamov 31, Kamov 28, Sea King, ALH-

Dhruv and Chetakhelicopters. The MiG 29K swing role fighter is the main offensive platform and provides a quantum jump for the Indian Navy’s maritime strike capability. These fourth generation air superiority fighters provide a significant fillip for the Indian Navy with a range of over 700 nm and an array of weapons including anti-ship missiles, Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missiles, guided bombs and rockets.

The ship is equipped with state of the art launch and recovery systems along with aids to enable smooth and efficient operation of ship borne aircraft. Major systems include the LUNA Landing system for MiGs, DAPS Landing system for Sea Harriers and Flight deck lighting systems.

The heart of the operational network that infuses life into the combat systems onboard the ship is the Computer aided Action Information Organisation (CAIO) system, LESORUB-E, with the capability to gather data from ship’s sensors and data links and to process, collate and assemble comprehensive tactical pictures. This state of the art system has been specifically designed keeping in mind the essential requirement on the carrier for fighter control and direction.

 One of the most prominent equipment fitted on the super structure is the Resistor-E radar complex. Resistor-E is the automated system designed for providing air traffic control, approach/landing and short range navigation for ship borne aircraft. This complex along with its various sub-systems provides navigation and flight data to ship borne aircraft operating at extended ranges from the mother ship. The precision approach guidance system aids the fighters on approach to be directed down to a distance of 30 meters short of flight deck. INS Vikramaditya also boasts of a very modern communication complex, CCS MK II, to meet her external communication requirement. Installation of Link II tactical data system allows her to be fully integrated with the Indian Navy’s network centric operations. Sitanshu Kar from Sevmash Shipyard in Russia with inputs from Captain PVSatish in New 

Delhi 

Awareness is key for successful implementation of Government Programmes: Kum. Selja Three-day Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign begins in Shahzadpur 

The Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment, Kumari Selja inaugurated the three-day Bharat Nirman Pubic Information Campaign in Shahzadpur, Amabala district today. The Campaign has been organized by the Press Information Bureau, Chandigarh- a media unit of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting- to provide detailed information on the major pubic welfare programmes of the Government of India. Inaugurating the Campaign, the Minister said that most of the programmes of the UPA Government are right-based. She further said that the Centre has launched several developmental and welfare schemes/programmes for the masses in the last nine years under which huge sums of money are spent through the state governments, they being the line departments. But due to lack of awareness and information about these policies and programmes, the common man is not in a position to derive due benefit from these schemes. She further said that the officers must ensure that the benefits provided under the Right to Information, The Right to Education, The Right to Employment, the Food Security Act and other schemes reach the people in the

right earnest. 

She appreciated the Press Information Bureau’s effort in creating awareness among masses about government schemes. The Minister expressed the hope that the Public Information Campaign will be of great help in creating awareness among people and thereby empowering them. The Minister said that Aadhar and the Direct Benefit Transfer schemes can create a revolutionary change in taking the government benefits to the public at large. Referring to the new initiatives of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, the Minister said that over 40 lakh students from the socially backward classes are getting benefited from the Pre-matric scholarship scheme for 9th and 10th standard students launched last year. Also the Centre has recently enacted a law for the rehabilitation of those engaged in scavenging. This Act will get operational on December 6, the death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. To ensure development of the backward classes, the corpus of National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation has been raised to Rs. 1500 crore from Rs. 700 crores. 

Many Centre & State Government departments as well as Public Sector Undertakings have put up their exhibition-cum-stalls at the campaign. DAVP put up an Photo Exhibition of major policies and programmes of the government. The artists of Song & Drama Division made theme-based cultural presentations. 

Director PIB, Shri Ravinder Singh in his welcome addressed gave detailed information about the Campaign. 

Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Choudhary Ram Kishan Gujjar and MLA Sadhura Shri Rajpal Bhukhri were present as special guests. Among others present on the occasion included Shri Bhupendra Kainthola, Director, PIB (NR), senior officers of various media units of the Ministry of I&B and officers of the District Administration.

3rd BRICS International Competition Conference, 2013 to Facilitate Showcasing India as an Attractive Investment Destination 

Corporate Affairs Minister Mr. Sachin Pilot has expressed the hope that the 3rd BRICS International Competition Conference(ICC), 2013 being organised in New Delhi shall facilitate to showcase India as an attractive investment destination. Briefing media persons about the 3rd BRICS ICC, 2013, Mr. Pilot said that this International Conference being hosted by Competition Commission of India(CCI) shall enable exchange of ideas on issues and challenges in competition enforcement in BRICS countries. BRICS Competition authorities shall sign the Delhi Accord that would show their unanimity in development and cooperation amongst the BRICS competition authorities. The Corporate Affairs Minister appreciated the role of competition regulator in India and advised it to become a facilitator in setting a forward looking economic agenda and give confidence to people that there would be a level playing field in the sphere of economic activity. 

Responding to a question about the draft National Competition Policy, Mr. Sachin Pilot informed that the consultation with stakeholders is being held and the policy is almost ready for adoption. 

The third BRICS International Competition Conference is being held at New Delhi during November 20-22, 2013. The conference is being organised by Competition Commission of India (CCI) on behalf of BRICS countries in pursuance of the Beijing Consensus, New Delhi Declaration and Action Plan adopted at Fourth BRICS Leaders Summit in New Delhi on March 29, 2012. The theme of the 3rd BRICS ICC is “Competition Enforcement in BRICS Countries: Issues and Challenges”. 

Responding to queries by the media persons, Chairman, CCI Mr. Ashok Chawla said that the 3rd BRICS ICC will not only provide an opportunity to the BRICS countries but it will also act as a knowledge sharing platform between BRICS countries and other global competition regulators. 100 foreign delegates from various competition authorities including the US, EU and Australia are participating. Apart from international delegates, around 180 Indian delegates including professionals, academics and government functionaries are expected to participate in the conference. 

First Ever Joint India-Russia Air Force Exercise to be held in 2014 India and Russia Decide to give New Thrust to Strategic Cooperation 

Meeting just two days after the successful commissioning of the much-awaited aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya into the Indian Navy, India and Russia today agreed to expand the range of their strategic partnership in a significant manner at the 13th Meeting of the India – Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation (IRIGC-MTC) which was co- chaired by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony with his Russian counterpart Mr Sergey Shoigu in Moscow. 

The meeting held in an atmosphere of cordiality and warmth, decided that the two countries will hold joint Air Force level exercise for the first time besides a joint Navy Exercise in the Peter the Great Bay in the Sea of Japan, both in 2014. It may be recalled that the Armies of the two countries had recently held Exercise Indra in Rajasthan recently and the focus was on anti-terrorism. The two Ministers agreed that there is a need for further cooperation at all levels, especially in view of the regional and global challenges and to fight the menace of terrorism jointly. Both sides reviewed the situation in West Asia, especially in Syria and the evolving paradigm in Afghanistan. 

In order to give a new impetus to the relationship which has gathered momentum over the years, the two sides agreed that the time has come to expand the cooperation not only in product design and development, which has made significant progress over the years but also to involve various echelons of the Defence establishments in strategising policies and cooperation in the fast changing global security scenario. 

Referring to Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft(FGFA) and Multi-role Transport Aircraft (MTA), Shri Antony said, the two projects are significant because they symbolise going-past the relationship of buyer- seller. He said both sides must give their best at all phases of the execution of these two projects- design, development and production. 

Mr Shoigu assured that the Naval Aviation specialists will train Indian pilots fully for take- offs and landing on INS Vikramaditya and in all probability it will be held in Goa. 

The Meeting also reviewed issues relating to T-90 tanks and SU-30 projects. 

On the issue of after sales support, both sides felt that they should sign long-term maintenance support agreement. 

Earlier in the morning, Shri Antony and the members of the Indian delegation drove down to Poklonnaya Gora (Bow-Down Hill) at Victory Park and laid a wreath at the World War-II Memorial. He was also presented a ceremonial guard of honour. 

The Indian delegation included the Defence Secretary Shri RK Mathur, Secretary Defence Production Shri GC Pati, Indian Ambassador to Russia Shri Ajay Malhotra, Air Marshal S Sukumar, Vice Admiral NN Kumar, Lt Gen Narendra Singh and DG Acquisition Shri SB Agnihotri. 

National Integration Week 

With a view to foster and reinforce the spirit of Communal Harmony, National Integration and pride in vibrant, composite culture and nationhood, the “Quami Ekta Week” (National Integration week) will be observed all over the country, from the 19th to 25th November, 2013. 

The National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH), an autonomous organization with the Ministry of Home Affairs also organizes communal harmony campaign coinciding with the Qaumi Ekta Week. The foundation also provides financial assistance for relief and rehabilitation of children rendered orphan or destitute in communal, caste, ethnic or terrorist violence. 

The week long programmes to be observed during Quami Ekta Week (Nov.19-25th,2013) include National Integration Day (Nov.19), Welfare of Minorities Day (Nov.20), Linguistic Harmony Day (Nov.21), Weaker Sections Day (Nov.22), Cultural Unity Day (Nov.23), Women’s Day(Nov. 24) and Conservation Day (Nov.25) . 

ICFFI  held at Hyderabad

Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, while receiving the National Innovation Council’s Report to the People 2013 

Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of Rural Development,

Dr. Sam Pitroda, Chairman, National Innovation Council,Delegates of Third Global Innovation Round Table,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to receive the third annual `Report to the People’ of the National Innovation Council. The Council was constituted by the Prime Minister to realise the vision of the Government of making this decade as India`s ‘Decade of Innovation’. Over

the last three years, the Council has been undertaking various initiatives towards creating a Roadmap for Innovation in the country. At the outset, I would like to congratulate Dr. Sam Pitroda, Chairman, National Innovation Council and his team for taking innovative steps for realization of the vision of the Government.

2. Knowledge and Innovation are the twin pillars around which nations will compete, grow and prosper in the 21st Century. Strengthening the country’s knowledge and innovation ecosystem is critical to ensure a brighter future for our young and to enhance competitive advantage in an increasingly globalised world. In the Indian context innovation is especially critical, not only for growth and development, but, because, we have a huge reservoir of unmet needs in critical areas of economy such as health, education, energy, housing and agriculture. These needs have not been met through conventional approaches. Applying the lens of innovation to these critical-needs sectors can not only generate new solutions to solve old problems, but also enable the development process to become more inclusive by serving a large section of underserved populations at the bottom of economic pyramid.

3. India’s biggest strength in the coming years is going to be her demographic dividend. More than fifty percent of our population is under 25 years and soon one fifth of the world’s working age population will be in our country. Innovation is thus critical to address the needs of our younger generation in a sustainable manner and for creating new opportunities for them.

Innovating in the areas of education, skill development, and entrepreneurship can enable our youth to emerge as the work force not only for India, but also for the world, as working age populations decline globally.

4. Governments around the world are making concerted efforts to encourage innovation. India, too, dedicated 2010-20 as a decade of innovation. Government of India has announced a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy for innovation-led development. The success of this policy will require creation of an eco-system, collaboration and adoption of best global practices for innovation activities to thrive. I am happy that National Innovation Council has been working through international collaborations by inviting the top brains around the globe for Global Innovation Round Table. The eco-system for innovation based on access, equity and excellence will ensure that innovation becomes a way of life in this country.

5. Today, we are in the midst of exciting times as we have access to new tools, technology and connectivity and these platforms can ignite innovation like never before.

These new tools and platforms will have a massive impact on organisational structures, delivery models and business processes, where innovation will be critical. We as a nation must be ready for this new wave of innovations.

6. All our efforts should focus on inclusive growth, affordability, scalability and

sustainability. Our pervasive model of innovation ‘of the people, by the people and for the people’ should truly empower the nation and in the process lead to creation of wealth for the stakeholders. This Indian approach of inclusive innovation can also emerge as a model for sustainable development for the world to emulate.

7. The Council is in the final stages of launching the India Inclusive Innovation Fund (IIIF), in collaboration with the

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

This fund is the first of its kind in the world, that will back creative new solutions to developmental challenges - projects that improve quality of life for the poor. Many innovative ideas suffer due to lack of funding options. This fund, through appropriate structure, will ensure that this does not happen in India any more.

8. India has an estimated 5,000 small and medium scale regional industry clusters and 85,000 MSME units which are employing over 10 lakh people. These units are not functioning at the optimal level. I am told that the National Innovation Council has been working towards the creation of an ecosystem for seeding innovations in these small and medium enterprises, by facilitating the creation of Innovation Clusters to drive job creation and productivity.

9. I am happy to learn that National Innovation Council has piloted the Innovation Cluster models in 7 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) clusters in the past 24 months. By successfully demonstrating 10 new products, 12 new processes and 2 new centres, the MSME cluster pilots have opened the doors for positive impact in these units benefitting over a million employees. I am happy to note that this pilot initiative was through minimal incremental investments made by the stakeholders. This initiative opens up a new window of opportunity for Small and Medium Enterprises to compete and grow using the low cost solutions.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

10. The National Innovation Council has suggested the creation of a Meta University riding on National Knowledge Network, which will reinterpret the concept of a university as not just a traditional, physical space of learning, but as a repository of knowledge and information that can be delivered in multiple ways, and can be accessed from anywhere and anytime. This would offer a collaborative and multi-disciplinary learning platform, where students enrolled in a primary college/university will be able to take courses available in other universities and colleges.

11. The Institutions of repute in the country have been given a platform to identify their strengths and weaknesses and supplement the academic and infrastructure weakness by using this innovative concept. It may address the core concern of Indian higher education system which is facing shortage of quality manpower and infrastructure to

deliver the quality education.

12. The Council has launched the ‘TOD FOD JOD’ (TFJ) initiative which aims to provide a hands-on learning environment, where students can de-construct, re-construct or re-purpose everyday objects that they see or use. This initiative is an exciting step in fostering creative thinking and analytical skills amongst the students.

13. The Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi had said, “India lives in its villages.” He also advocated for ‘village swaraj’. We have been making attempts through conventional means to improve the lives of people living in villages. In spite of our best efforts, we are still away from our goal. Government has launched an ambitious programme to connect two lakh fifty thousand Panchayats in the country through optic fibre based broadband.

The empowerment of people through innovative ICT applications will transform the way people live, think, work and take decisions in villages. This will be closer to the dreams of Mahatma Gandhi, who saw villages as nerve centres of India.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

14. India is a developing country and we have several milestones to achieve before we attain the status of a developed nation. The only way we can leapfrog to a status of a developed nation is by using innovation as a ladder. I urge each and every citizen of this country to be a part of the innovation movement which has started in this country. I also urge the universities, colleges and schools to be in the forefront of these innovation initiatives and contribute in all possible manners in realizing our goal of inclusive development and growth.

15. I wish Dr. Sam Pitroda and his team at the National Innovation Council great success in their pioneering initiatives and remain hopeful that the work of the Council will make a significant impact in transforming the country into an ‘Innovation Nation’.

Jai Hind.

Use innovation as a ladder to leapfrog to status of a developed nation, says President 

The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee received the National Innovation Council’s Report to the People 2013 in Rashtrapati Bhavan today (November 19, 2013). 

Speaking on the occasion, the President said Knowledge and Innovation are the twin pillars around which nations will compete, grow and prosper in the 21st Century. Strengthening the

country’s knowledge and innovation ecosystem is critical to ensure a brighter future for our young and to enhance competitive advantage in an increasingly globalised world. He said the only way we can leapfrog to a status of a developed nation is by using innovation as a ladder. 

The President said applying the lens of innovation to these critical-needs sectors can not only generate new solutions to solve old problems, but also enable the development process to become more inclusive by serving a large section of underserved populations at the bottom of economic pyramid. He said Innovating in the areas of education, skill development, and entrepreneurship can enable our youth emerge as the work force not only for India, but also for the world, as working age populations decline globally. 

The President said we are in the midst of exciting times as we have access to new tools, technology and connectivity and these platforms can ignite innovation like never before.  

He said new tools and platforms will have a massive impact on organisational structures, delivery models and business processes, where innovation will be critical. We as a nation must be ready for this new wave of innovations. Indian approach of inclusive innovation can emerge as a model for sustainable development for the world to emulate. 

****

Waheeda Rehman to receive First Centanary Award at 44th IFFI 

An icon for the film lovers and iconoclast for the professionals, Waheeda Rehman will be honoured with the first Centanary Award for the Indian Film personality at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The award has been introduced this year and the veteran actor will receive the trophy on the opening day of the festival. It consists of a cash component of Rs. 10 lakh and a citation. 

The ‘Quintessential Beauty of Bollywood’ is known as much for her performance as for her choice of roles. Her undertoned approach to essay a character added a landmark shine to the golden era of Hindi films. Born in Chengalpattu near Chennai in 1936, Waheeda Rehman began her career with Tamil and Telugu movies and went on to work with Gemini Ganesan in ‘Kaalam Maari Pochu’ in 1955. Guru Dutt happened to see the Telugu version of this film and offered her a role in ‘C.I.D.’. With this, the Indian screen was gifted with an artist who redefined the Hindi film heroine by breaking away from the theatrical style prevalent in the 1940’s and 1950’s. The pairing of Waheeda Rehman with Guru Dutt treated the cinegoers with such marvels as ‘Pyasa’. ‘ Kaghaz Ke Phool’, ‘Saheb Bibi aur Ghulam’ and ‘ Chudhvin

ka Chaand’. Her riveting performance also impressed the other stalwarts like Dilip Kumar (Ram aur Shayam, Dil Diya Dard Liya), Raj Kapoor (Teesri Kasam) and Dev Anand (Guide). Her stint with the younger artists has equally been marked with elegance and excellence. She is remembered with the same fondness for her roles in ‘Reshma aur Shera’, ‘Kabhie Kabhie’, ‘Khamoshi’, ‘Delhi-6’and ‘Rang De Basanti’. 

A persona oozing grace and grandeur, Waheeda Rehmaan won the National Award for the Best Actor in 1971 for ‘Reshma Aur Shera’ and Filmfare Awards in 1966 for ‘Guide’ and in 1968 for ‘Neel Kamal’. She was honoured with Padma Shri in 1972 and with Padma Bhushan in 2011. In 2004, a Waheeda Rehman Film Retrospective was held at the Seattle Arts Museum and the University of Washington. 

The first Centenary Award to Waheeda Rehman acknowledges the creative contribution of an artist who opted for roles which were much more than just the appealing shadow of the male actors of the times. 

***

Text of the Speech delivered by I&B Minister Shri Manish Tewari at the 3rd Asian Forum on Global Governance 

“I read with great interest the outstanding programme that has been designed for and delivered to you over the past ten days. I have no doubt that ORF and the ZEIT stiftung would have created an immaculate platform for each of you to engage with, interactive on, and be provoked by. 

I would encourage you to take back these learnings and hopefully they will benefit you at every stage of the bright career that lies in front of you. I have engaged with the AFGG since its inception and have the pleasure of meeting each of the young leaders that has passed through this programme. Yet I never cease to be amazed by the competence and quality of the CVs I read, and am reassured by the thought that the future of this world is in your hands. 

What I would then like to propose is that each of us must commit to being responsible for how the world manages itself in the days ahead. Most of you here are under thirty five and have about three decades of an active professional life ahead of you and therefore your stakes are much higher than anyone else in this room

You owe it to yourselves, your families, your communities, and your people. Your commitment to an equitable, sustainable and peaceful world must be unimpeachable and I would hope in the last ten days you would have come across some ideas, some thoughts and some experiences of others that would enable you to deliver on this front. 

Since I have the luxury of being the last speaker, let me start off by taking a contrarian stand on the theme of the event itself. And say that what you describe as gridlock in the programme, as paralysis in your analyses, I describe as vibrant democracy and pluralism.

What you see as a rudderless world, a listless world without direction, I see as one with diverse and vibrant voices. 

What you see as governance failure I see as the inability of government to comprehend and then respond in time to the contemporary societies that we seek to serve. 

What you see as incapacities and inefficiencies, I see as frameworks that are no longer relevant to our daily lives. 

So my proposition now is that each of us must understand that the paternalistic governance frameworks of the twentieth century be they national, regional or global are obsolete and inadequate. 

Technology has given voice to the voiceless. Transport has allowed people to migrate like never before. Cyberspace allows communities to inhabit territories which were inaccessible.This basically means we will have more voices emerge more rapidly, louder voices, demanding, seeking, contesting and suggesting. Communication has never been easy and conversations will never be more difficult. 

This loud pluralism perhaps frightens each one of us. And therefore we explain this away as a gridlock or a dead lock. 

All over the world there is no dearth of legislation and laws. Despite your commitments to your governments, to your colleges, to your companies, to your institutions, I would urge you to engage your communities as well. To work with them, to assist them, to provoke them if need be, to engage with them. It could be through charity, it could be through sharing your expertise, it could be through mobilising opinions, voices and support for change orit could be through creating frameworks to help governments. 

We are a world of seven billion people, so, we are also a world with an equal number of challenges, and a world with an equal number of opportunities, and most of these are at the community level. It will be leadership at the community level that will differentiate successful societies from ossified and failed ones. 

So here I would like to propose that gridlock is in fact a manifestation of the lack of leadership. 

You need not bet on politicians, you need not bet on politics, you need not bet on corporations, you need not bet on entrepreneurs, but you cannot - not bet on people. People is what this is all about and it is people who will find and resolve the knots we find ourselves in. 

Having spent considerable time at student politics and at youth level politics, and at national level politics, I would certainly concedethat the urge to be a creator and contributor develops and is created in the early days of any individual`s journey. 

This age group that you represent are the formative years of leadership, - do not let this

opportunity pass you by. Do not be overly deferential to age and wisdom. You need to challenge hierarchies, contest narratives and upturn dogmas, challenge conventions. If these extant systems were so brilliant, apt,cogent and relevant we wouldn`t find ourselves in the state we are ....where we sek new answers to old questions. 

I do not believe that true leaders bring about incremental change. In fact the whole point of leadership is to change the whole discourse and bring about a paradigm shift in the way things are done. 

You people have to discover these new paradigms, this is a disruptive process but you must not be afraid of this disruption. You must dare to differ, you must be a heretic, because as well all know new thought starts off as heresy and ends up as dogma. 

There can be no change without disruption, no change without heresy. And no leadership that does not disrupt. That is management and not leadership

I cannot give you a template here, because true leadership does not come from preconceived notions. This is a path you will have to carve for yourself.  

But I can give you an example - India, a country that has benefitted from this kind of disruptive leadership, a leadership that dared to differ. 

In an era when violent revolution and war were the norm, India deployed non-violence - a tactic that was derided in its infancy. 

Those of you who work in NGOs and other institutions must realise that you serve the people and you don`t necessarily serve your self-interests, which become unsustainable.  

There is a fine line between a creator and an activist. We seek creators not activists. Each one of us was born an activist - from the moment of our birth we cry out loud... now is the time to grow up, stop crying and become creators. 

So let us now look at what leadership is, what leadership implies and what are the forms of leadership this world demands from us? I would for the purpose of this address, very broadly categorise three levels of leadership. 

First we need global leaders, citizens of this world, not removed from the realities of their nations, their provinces or their communities, but those who can see the congruence between these and what the world wants. What we seek is people who can see through the fog and navigate a straight line that connects their people`s aspiration with the demands of stable and prosperous world. To be able to connect the dots easily, simply and sustainably. 

The second type of leadership we require is at the national level. Essentially national leaders who can shed populism in the dance of democracy, or those who can induce rationality in autocracies and theocracies. We need leaders at that level who can see national interest....leaders who can link the national interest to the good of the world, people who can see that what is good for the world is good for Germany and what is good for the world is good for India. 

Finally and most importantly we need community leadership. ...because this is probably the most neglected and dying leadership of all. And let me emphasise that lack of leadership at the level of the community, will undo leadership at every other level. Community leadership therefore is the most vital, but community leadership is also the most scarce. 

Now what do I mean by community leadership? In the age of cosmopolitanism, in the age of globalisation, communities are dying. The evolution of mankind was supported by strong families and communities. 

I would just like to caveat that this is not an advertorial for catholic family values, or Hindu joint family set-up in the Indian system. Far from it, this is pragmatism. Philanthropy, care, aid and social security, all these emanated at the level of communities. 

And we see all over the world that while at one level, the globe is aggregating, at another level communities are fragmenting. So there is no dichotomy between strong communities and a united world. 

Community leadership therefore is where I think the real solutions lie. How you use your water, how you price resources, how you treat women, children, the vulnerable and the weak. These are all answers we need to find at the micro level, at the level of the community, of the town. 

We live in a new and still emerging world. And what we are unfamiliar with scares us. Many of us in government, the private sector, civil society and media have never seen vibrancy and plurality and diversity of opinion, thought and action like what we see today.

This is not paralysis this is a comprehension gap. And the sooner we are able to understanding this new operating environment, the sooner we will be able to adjust the form and format of how governments and citizens engage with the emerging realities. Status Quo will never be the answer and I would suggest change is what we need to engage with. 

So how do we redefine and reimagine governance? How do we rearticulate democracy? And here I would suggest that the solution is in fact simple. Not easy but simple.  

Like always like in each century that has preceded this one the protagonist for this change will be the individual. We seek leadership from each individual in this room and from others around the world. 

Leadership is the only basis for re-comprehending this new world, for reimagining governance, for reshaping engagement and of signing a new social contract between people and governments. 

And therefore this programme and this setting is about leadership. When the organisers picked each one of you, they were betting on the leader in you. And if my understanding of this programme is accurate, they expect a network of leaders and they expect new forms of leadership with creative solutions and creative ideas to flow from this network of leaders. 

If they have been able to catalyse this translation or accelerate the process of translation this programme would have served its purpose. 

I`m sure countries and government around the world would be only too happy to see this new age and new generation of leadership emerge....shedding the dogmas of the past, going beyond zero sum games, going beyond north-south, east-west discourses while absorbing diversity, common interests, differences with a certain pragmatism that the 21st century compels us to imbibe. 

For those of you in the sphere of International Relations I would venture, that foreign policy that does not take into account domestic politics becomes unsustainable. 

When domestic policies do not reflect domestic realties, it becomes unsustainable, and when domestic realities are not in consonance with capabilities and resources that are available, societies become unsustainable. 

So those of you who work in foreign policy must take into account the national priorities and national aspirations, those of you who work in national governments must understand the needs and requirements the people. 

And those of you who work in companies and corporations must realise that your success and your prosperity will be unsustainable if it cannot be linked to grassroots and organic economic existences. 

The Mahatma and India`s first prime minister - Jawaharlal Nehru, chose pathways and modes of government that were unique in the newly liberated colonies. If we have been able to lift three hundred million people out of poverty and send a mission to mars it is because, of the leadership that shaped this countries destiny in its formative years. `

India now like other countries again stands at a cusp. We seek new ideas, we seek new solutions. We seek them from you and from within from our young leaders. We have heard you over these last ten days and we will learn from you. 

I must congratulate the Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs for their support to this venture which is truly outstanding. The fact that they don`t meet you till the last day is a testimony to their commitment, on supporting leadership without agendas and wit out conditions. I must again congratulate the organisers - ORF and ZEIT who have truly created a formidable leadership programme. 

I must also congratulate Shashi for his vision and leadership and dedication in remaining involved and giving the Asian Forum a truly distinct character, a contemporary agenda and a peerless curriculum. 

I hope some of you are going to take this opportunity to travel a bit - to see India to experience its diversity, to see some of its struggles, experience some of its riches - both in nature and in society - in its art, its cuisine, its culture. I would urge you to pack your bags and experience this very interesting and warm country, or at least come back to India again -soon.

Let me conclude by saying that this is your home, you have a family here, and we look forward to welcoming you back - India after all is an idea and not geography....keep this idea with you and when you can this geography will welcome you again. 

God Speed for those traveling and my warmest wishes to each one of you for the future.”  

2nd Day of Bharat Nirman Pubic Information Campaign Focussed on Education and Employment 

The second day of Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign at Shahzadpur, Ambala was mainly devoted to education, employment and related rights. Speaking on the Right to

Education, Block Primary Education Officer Sh. Satpal Kaushik said that in this Act the Centre had provided for free education to all up to the age of 14. Giving details of the provisions of this law, he said that special attention had been given to the education of girls. He informed that literacy rate for males in Haryana is 84 percent whereas for females, it is 56 percent, thereby need for focusing on the education of girls.

In his address on MNREGA, Shri Balwinder Attri, Deputy Director (M&C), PIB Jalandhar informed that on an average 480 lakh families are given employment annually. The Centre Government has spent Rs. 2,38,400 crore till the end of March 2013 since the schemes was launched in 2006, he added. He further said that under a new provision under MNREGA, small warehouses can be set up at the block and Panchayat level. People belonging to states like Haryana and Punjab can avail this facility as these are surplus states in the agriculture produce. The states have just to provide land for these warehouses, which can have capacity of upto 18000 tons. On Land Acquisition Act, he said that under the new law, land could be acquired only with the consent of land-owners. The compensations for land in rural areas will be four times the market rate, whereas it would be double the market rate for urban areas. 

Speaking on Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Assistant Project Coordinator Sh. Pramjit Singh said that it had brought a fundamental improvement in the education infrastructure and level of instruction/education in the schools. 1442 additional rooms have been built in 798 schools of Ambala district under SSA. Water tanks have been provided in 477 schools and toilets for students built in 473 schools, he said. 430 separate toilets for girls students have been built and arrangements made for 1929 students needing special care. 

Senior Marketing Officer from AGMARK, Smt. Shakuntla Juneja exhorted the farmers to avail of the government scheme for building rural warehouses. The government provides subsidy of upto 25 percent on the cost of such warehouses. Ayurvedic Medical Officer, Dr. Naresh Kumar highlighted the effectiveness of this system in curing chronic diseases through cheap and easily available medicinal herbs. 

Directorate of Field Publicity also organized a quiz contest on the major policies and programmes of the Government of India. Artists of Song and Drama Division enthralled the audience with information-packed entertainment presentations. A large number of school students and local people visited the exhibition stalls, gathered information and collected the printed material on different programmes & schemes. 

Mainstreaming Disadvantaged Groups A National Priority: Kum. Selja 

The Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Kumari Selja launched a composite programme on schemes of her Ministry for persons belonging to Schedule Castes, Backward Classes, Safai Karamcharis and for the differently abled, here today.  

She said the UPA Government was committed to inclusive growth, and an important component of this process was mainstreaming the disadvantaged groups in the society such

as those who were physically and mentally challenged. Kum. Selja said keeping in mind the special needs of the differently abled, the government formed a separate Department of Disability Affairs. She said the focus is on physical, economic and educational rehabilitation of the differently abled. She listed out the various achievements of organizations under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, and pointed out that disadvantaged groups were availing in large numbers the benefits of the various programmes being run by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. 

On this occasion Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation distributed aids and appliances. The other main attractions of the composite camp were distribution of Self Employment loan and cheques, skill training offers, awareness generation of the schemes of the Ministry through mobile vans and flagging-off the Badhte Kadam programme of National Trust. 

The Governor of Haryana, Sh. Jagannath Pahadia while praising the efforts of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, said the programme would be understood as complete only when each and every disadvantaged child is included as a beneficiary. Shri Pahadia said since State resources are limited the Government ought to involve NGOs to broadbase the schemes and for a more effective delivery. 

Among the organizations that participated include National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation, National Safai Karamchari Finance and Development, National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation, National Handicapped Finance & Development Corporation, National Institute of Mentally Handicapped, National Institute of Hearing Handicapped and National Institute of Orthopaedically Handicapped. 

Prime Minister’s speech at the banquet hosted in the honour of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam

Following is the text of Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s speech at the banquet hosted in the honour of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam in New Delhi today: 

“It is a great pleasure tonight for me to welcome amongst us His Excellency the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam on his first State visit to India. Excellency, your visit to India in 2010 as the Chairman of Vietnam’s National Assembly added great momentum to our relationship. Tonight, we welcome you back as a friend and a leader of a great country - a nation that has stood as a symbol of resilience, resolve and heroism for generations of Indians and which is now a vibrant economy at the heart of a dynamic region. Your leadership, Excellency, is vital not only for Vietnam’s progress, but also for our

region’s stability and prosperity. 

Excellency, if Bodh Gaya is the symbol of our shared spiritual heritage, the historic Cham monuments in My Son in Vietnam equally bear witness to the vigorous civilizational links between our two countries. Our great leaders, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President Ho Chi Minh, forged a partnership in the wake of the retreat of colonialism from Asia. Theirs was a relationship based on mutual trust and respect, sentiments which have also been our guiding principles as we have slowly built our relationship in the modern era.  

Today, in this new century, at a time of new dynamism in our two economies and in a resurgent Asia of great promise and many challenges, our relationship holds ever greater promise. 

It was to fulfil this promise that, six years ago, our two countries embarked on a new journey of Strategic Partnership. It is a partnership of great character, diversity and depth. Our political engagement and our growing defence and security relationship are of immense value to our two countries. Our convergent interests, including in maritime security, have translated into productive partnerships in regional and multilateral fora. 

Our economic and energy relations are growing. We are working together on oil exploration and production in the East Sea and your offer of new blocks for exploration and award of a 1.8 billion U.S. dollar power project to Indian companies demonstrate the promise of our economic relations. 

India’s support in the 1970s for the transformation of Vietnam’s rice cultivation and, now, in your special gesture of establishing Vietnam’s first overseas catfish breeding farm in India, are very special symbols of friendship and mutual support in capacity building, which now also covers areas such as information technology, education and science and technology.  

Excellency, Vietnam is an important pillar of our Look East Policy and crucial for our vision of India’s integration with ASEAN. As India-Vietnam relations prosper, India-ASEAN relations will also deepen. As heirs to the ancient wisdom of Asia and blessed with the energy of its youth, India and Vietnam have common interests, profound responsibility and enormous opportunities to promote peace, stability and prosperity in Asia Pacific.  

Long ago, a Vietnamese monk said, "We have more possibilities in a moment than we realise”. Your visit, Excellency, shows that we are seizing every possibility and every moment to make our relationship richer and bring our people closer. With those words, Ladies and Gentlemen, may I request you to join me in a toast to:

1. the good health and happiness of His Excellency Mr. Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam; 

2. the prosperity and happiness of the people of Vietnam and; 

3. the everlasting friendship between India and Vietnam. 

Phailin

Typhoon haiyan Prime Minister’s Statement to the Media during the State Visit of General Secretary

of the Communist Party of Vietnam

Following is the text of Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh’s Statement to the Media during the State Visit of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam in New Delhi today: 

“I am delighted to welcome His Excellency General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on his first State Visit to India. 

Both India and Vietnam belong to a region that holds enormous potential, but also many challenges. We have a strong convergence of interests in working together, and with others in the region, for a stable, peaceful and prosperous Asia. We have therefore sought to build a comprehensive relationship with a broad-based agenda of bilateral and regional cooperation. Vietnam’s emergence as one of the most vibrant economies in the Asia Pacific region is greatly welcomed by India, especially because we regard Vietnam as a trusted and privileged strategic partner and an important pillar of our Look East Policy. 

General Secretary Trong and I held very cordial and productive discussions today. We have agreed on a number of initiatives that will define the contours of our Strategic Partnership in the years ahead. 

We reaffirmed the importance of defence and security cooperation in our overall Strategic Partnership and agreed to strengthen it further. India will continue to assist Vietnam in modernization and training of its defence and security forces, including through a 100 million U.S. dollar line of credit for defence purchases. We will also help in setting up the Indira Gandhi High-tech Cyber Forensic Laboratory in Hanoi and a Vietnam-India English and IT Training Centre at the National Defence Academy of Vietnam. 

Our bilateral trade has grown steadily and we are on course to achieve the trade target of 7 billion US dollars by 2015. A new Joint Sub-Commission on Trade has been tasked to work towards realizing the enormous potential of our economic relations. Indian investments in Vietnam are growing and I requested General Secretary Trong to facilitate them further in Vietnam. I expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s decision to award Tata Power a 1.8 billion US dollar thermal power project in Vietnam and the offer of another offshore block to ONGC Videsh Limited for continued oil and gas exploration. We also look forward to boosting our bilateral economic ties through the India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and connectivity projects. 

The Air Services Agreement signed today advances our goal of strengthening connectivity between our countries. 

General Secretary Trong and I reviewed our development partnership and capacity-building efforts. The PARAM High Performance Computing Facility has just been inaugurated at the

Hanoi University of Science and Technology, which is India’s first gift of a supercomputer to another country. Vietnam has been an important partner in the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme, which we have agreed to continue. We have identified Education and Information Technology as important areas for further collaboration. 

We are satisfied with the progress in Science and Technology cooperation, especially in bio-technology and agriculture. India also appreciates Vietnam’s assistance in setting up its first overseas farm for catfish breeding, where Vietnam has proven expertise. 

I conveyed the Archeological Survey of India’s readiness to take up the project for conservation and restoration of the Cham Monuments, which are a symbol of our historical, civilizational and cultural contacts. We have also decided to open an Indian Culture Centre in Hanoi. 

We have agreed to further strengthen contacts at all levels - national and provincial - and between leaders in all walks of life. We also look forward to initiating a Distinguished Visitors Programme soon. 

We exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest. We appreciate Vietnam’s steadfast support to India’s integration and engagement with the ASEAN and our aspiration for permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council. 

I believe that this visit by General Secretary Trong has put our Strategic Partnership on a firm growth path.” 

IFFI 2013: Celebrating ‘Soulful’ Asia 

The renowned Iranian film maker Majid Majidi will open the ‘Soul of Asia’ segment tomorrow at the 44th IFFI in Goa. Introduced last year as a special segment, ‘Soul of Asia: Cinema of Mysticism’ will celebrate spirituality, so much integral to the way of living in this part of the globe, in the same vein this year. 

The segment will open with the screening of ‘The Patience Stone’ by the much acclaimed Afghan-French author, Atiq Rahimi. The movie, in a war-torn Afghanistan, sears into the recesses of a woman’s soul searching life beyond existence. 

The other films in the section include Mohsen Makhmalbaf’s ‘The Gardener’, Pan Nalin’s’ ‘Faith Connections’ and Vincent Sandoval’s ‘Apparation’. ‘Indian Master of Masters: Osho brings into focus the mystic’s contemporary creative interpretations and insights into the wisdom of world masters. 

The director of the directors and the recipient of the lifetime Achievement Award at the 44th International Film Festival of India, Jiri Menzel said, ‘life is good for living and my films are a celebration of life’. He was addressing the mediapersons here today. Underscoring the basic component of his films, Jiri Menzel said, ‘I don’t make intelligent or stupid films, I make films for my neighbours.’ 

On the idea of censorship, Jiri Menzel admitted, ‘freedom is good for adult people but, unfortunately, the people are not adult enough.’ The advent of new technologies has never been impending to my work, he added. 

About the essential comic tone of most of his films, he acknowledged humour has been a measure for him to survive pain. Responding to a question on how he views new wave

cinema being it’s pioneer, Jiri Menzel said he has not worked on a manifesto, it just happened. 

Acting is using one’s imagination: Susan Sarandon 

The actor activist and the chief guest of the 44th International Film Festival of India, Susan Sarandon said, ‘I am an actor because I have very strong imagination which raises in me empathy towards the pain and pleasure of the people. These two qualities are connected and make for an activist’. She was addressing the mediapersons here during the ongoing festival. Elaborating on acting and activism she said acting is using one’s imagination while activism is what one does as a person. 

Expressing her candid views on the social role of an actor, Susan Sarandon said, ‘it has always been hurting to my ego to live without asking questions about the issues concerning mankind’. As cinema reframes one’s vision of the man and his world, it is important to make good movies with substance, she added. She asserted that ultimately one has to create his or her own story. 

Responding to a question on gender discrimination she said education is the basis of any change and that a man is comfortable when he chooses a strong woman. The business of filmmaking is very hard on woman, she replied to another question. Oscar is the biggest award but the film winning the award need not necessarily be the best. The awards are decided by contribution of Jury and voting system which has evolved into a different system. 

Manish Tewari Releases ‘Bhartiya Cinema Ka Safarnama’ at 44th IFFI 

Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari released the book titled ‘Bhartiya Cinema Ka Safarnama, here today in the presence of film director Rakesh Om Prakash Mehra, actress Divya Dutta and actor Pawan Malhotra. The book is a compilation of articles by Indian film personalities on the journey of Indian Cinema. The book has been

published by the Publications Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.  

The book contains nine interviews and 22 articles. While Mahesh Bhatt has enriched the book with a bird’s eye view on trends, Gulzar has contributed his observations on political cinema. Renowned film-makers like Muzaffar Ali, N. Chandra, Ramesh Sippy, Dipti Naval, Khaiyyam and Remi D’Souza have been interviewed for this compilation. Dr. Chandra Prakash Dwivedi, A. K. Bir, Tigmanshu Dhulia, Prasoon Joshi, Kailash Kher and Pankaj Shukl have contributed articles on topics as diverse as mythological cinema, cinematography, New Cinema, music and lyrics and technical aspects of the celluloid. 

The segment on regional cinema contains eight articles and interviews. The segment opens with the interview of the eminent Assemese film-maker, Jahnu Barua. Punjabi film-maker Gurvir Grewal, Bhojpuri actor Dineshlal Yadav ‘Nirhuva’, Bengali Director Kaushik Ganguli and Prof. Abhijit Kundu have also contributed for this segment. Noted journalist K. V. Kurmanath, N. Vidyashankar and Manmohan Chadda have written on regional cinema in different Indian languages. Noted journalists and writers have contributed on important issues in the last segment of this book. Ajay Brahmatmaj, Pradeep Sardana, Meenakhi Sharma, Ajay Kumar, Avinash Vachspati, Iqbal Rizvi, Deb Prakash Chaudhury and others have contributed on various topics related to the journey of Indian cinema. These include: cinema of the 21st century, national film awards, film publicity, posters, studios, women film-makers, theatre and cinema and comic components of the Indian cinema. 

***

Agnieszka Holland Retrospective at 44th IFFI 

The 44th International Film Festival in Goa is presenting the six – film retrospective from today to acquaint the film aficionados with the content and craft of noted Polish film director, Agnieszka Holland. Her films underline decaying ideals, crisis of identities, human despair and a universal struggle to overcome maladies of the mankind. Her work traverses through the social and political landscape of Poland profiled by its most turbulent times – World War II, Solidarity Movement and the Communist regime. 

Ms Agnieszka Holland began her career under the guidance of master like Andrzej Wajda and Krzystoff Zanussi. She studied film-making at Prague’s Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU). Her films ‘Angry Harvest’ (1985) and ‘In Darkness’ (2010) earned nominations for the Academy Award for best Foreign Language Film. Her 1991 feature, ‘Europa, Europa’ won a Golden Globe for the Best Foreign Language Film. Her other best known films include ‘To Kill A Priest’ (1988), ‘The Secret Garden’ (1993) and ‘Burning Bush’ (2013).  

Heads of Competition authorities of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) sign the Delhi Accord 

The Heads of the Competition Authorities of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa signed a Joint Accord namely ‘DELHI ACCORD’ on November 22, 2013 during the ongoing 3rd BRICS International Competition Conference (ICC) at New Delhi. 

BRICS Competition Authorities, reflecting the principle of mutual trust and respect, considered the need of establishing good communication between the BRICS Competition Authorities on competition law and policy to further improving and strengthening the relationship between the BRICS Competition Authorities. 

BRICS Competition Authorities, while recognising the benefits of technical cooperation among the competition agencies, in sound and effective enforcement of competition laws expressed their resolve and commitment to exchange views on different aspects of competition policy. 

The heads of the Competition Authorities of BRICS recommended the publication of the material of the 3rd BRICS ICC on their respective websites for the purpose of competition advocacy. 

The Competition Authorities of BRICS support the hosting of the Fourth BRICS ICC during 2015. 

The Delhi Accord was signed by Alessandro Serafin Octaviani Luis, Commissioner, CADE for the Brazilian Competition Policy System, by Andrey Tsarikovsky, Stats Secretary-Deputy Head of the FAS, Russia for the Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russian Federation, by Ashok Chawla, Chairman, for the Competition Commission of India, by Sun Hongzhi, Vice Minister, for the State Administration for Industry and Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and by Tembinkos Bonakele, Acting Commissioner for the Competition Commission of South Africa. 

…

Twelve States and Four UTs to Receive Funds Under Rusa 

To boost research and innovation, twelve states and four UTs have been considered eligible to receive Rs. 120 crore each under the Research, Innovation and Quality Improvement Component of RUSA – Rashtriya Uchchatara Shiksha Abhiyan. They are – Andaman & Nicobar, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. All innovative schemes will be funded as per the decision of the PAB (Project Approval Board). The funds are meant to support different types of research programmes like base research, key technology (R&D), High end (R&D), etc during the current Five Year Plan. 

Setting up of science parks and cutting edge technology and instrumentation facility will be supported by this fund. The funds will also take care of promoting inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary research centres as well as promoting research and entrepreneurial activities. Some other areas to be funded under the Research and Innovation Component are: initiative to attract quality researchers and students; institutions that offer merit-based scholarships, fully funded doctoral fellowships, post-doctoral fellowships; faculty and students exchange programmes with world-class institutions; and initiatives to scale up industry-academia partnership. 

States that have either already implemented reforms or given the commitment to the earliest

implementation of reforms that would facilitate research and innovation at institutional level will be covered under the component of Research, Innovation and Quality Improvement of RUSA. States will have to prepare a Research and Innovation Plan (RIP). PAB will be at liberty to approve the plan in its entity or restrict it to a few selected interventions. States can leverage this plan through PPP, industry participation etc. Weights will be assigned wherever extra resources are promised in the RIP. 

States may decide about unit of implementation. It can either be the State as a whole or a few select institutions. 

*******

ngry for cinema.’ He further said that, Indian films always remind him of Mexican films which are similarly packed with melodrama, comedy and action. When asked to profile the measures in order to survive the onslaught of Hollywood films, Rossoff made the observation that ‘you have to be good at what Americans are not good at.’ 

Italian writer-directors, Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza worked together for a long time as writers and script consultants. Their debut as directors ‘Rita’ (2010) was presented at international film festivals across the globe. ‘Salvo’, featuring in the 44th IFFI, has been acclaimed as ‘the renaissance of Italian cinema ’. It has the Palistinian actor, Saleh Bakri of the ‘The Band’s Visit’ fame, in the lead role. When Salvo, a Sicilian hitman sneaks into a house to eliminate a man, the target’s blind sister Rita stands helplessly. Salvo is torn between his duty to get rid of this witness and his growing fascination for her. 

Introducing ‘Salvo’, Fabio Grassadonia said, ’the idea of staging a story is always there when we write a story and the contrast between the physical blindness of the girl and the moral blindness of the killer in ‘Salvo’ carries the probability of this staging.’ Antonio Piazza added his idea of film-making to Grassadonia’s introduction. About his experience in India he said, ‘at festivals in India you are in touch with the real audience while at festivals like Cannes you are in touch with business people only. ‘

****

Prime Minister’s speech at the annual conference of DGPs

Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s speech at the annual conference of DGPs in New Delhi today: 

“This is probably the ninth year that I have been addressing this important conference. I don’t know if I have anything new to say on this occasion, that I have not said earlier. But it is a pleasure for me to be associated with the Intelligence Bureau completing 125 years of its existence. I therefore begin by extending my very warm greetings to all past and present members of the Intelligence Bureau on completion of 125 years of its existence and service to our country. 

I am very happy that the Intelligence Bureau, or IB as it is commonly called, has achieved some major successes in this very special year. It was, I have been told, the intelligence

gathered by the organisation that led to the arrest of some suspects of several terror attacks. I congratulate the IB on these achievements. 

The past year also saw a massive tragedy in Uttarakhand. A large number of officers and men of the police and para-military forces made a stellar contribution to the relief and rescue operations that were undertaken in the State. I particularly pay homage to those who lost their lives in attempting to save others. 

Very recently our intelligence organisations and police and para-military forces have done commendably well in maintaining law and order during polls in the naxal-affected areas of Chhattisgarh. 

The successes that I have just mentioned also point to the diverse range of challenges that our security apparatus faces. I understand that the important ones of these challenges are a part of the agenda of your conference. I am sure that over the past 2 days you have had productive discussions on the issues before you. I only propose to add my own perception of some issues to what has already transpired in this important conference. 

But before I do that, let me congratulate the very fine officers who have received medals today. I wish them even greater success in the future. 

During the current year some States of the Union have witnessed a substantial increase in the number of communal incidents. A major communal clash in Muzaffarnagar and the adjoining districts of Western Uttar Pradesh in September took a large toll of lives and displaced thousands of innocent people. This is most worrisome. It sounds like a cliché but is necessary to say that we simply cannot afford such a state of affairs to continue. Our law and order agencies must, therefore, ensure that trivial or local issues are not exploited by vested interests to flame communal passions. And once disturbances occur they must be tackled with the utmost firmness and speed, without prejudice, fear or favour. The State Governments have the responsibility to ensure this, and State DGPs present here have the responsibility to ensure that their police forces act in the required manner in preventing communal tensions and dealing with them once they do take place. I expect all State DGPs to discharge this responsibility fully. 

We witnessed misuse of the social media and SMSes to fan violence during the recent disturbances in Muzaffarnagar, and also last year, when disinformation spread through these means contributed to a mass exodus of people belonging to the North-East from southern States like Karnataka. It is widely accepted that social media facilitates exchange of knowledge, information and ideas and can be used for constructive purposes. Therefore, in preventing its misuse we need to find creative solutions which do not unreasonably curb the freedom of expression and the ease of communication that social media does provide. 

This leads me to the related issue of cyber security, an area which has been in the news internationally in recent times. I think there is a vast scope for improvement in our present capabilities in this area. Apart from finding technological solutions, we must also concentrate on designing our processes in a manner such that our vulnerability to cyber attacks is minimized. I would be interested in knowing about the proceedings of this conference in this important area and also about their follow up. 

A little while back I spoke about the recent successful conduct of polls in the naxal-affected areas of Chhattisgarh. The high voting percentage that was witnessed in these areas clearly underlines the faith of the local population in processes of our functioning democracy. We have also witnessed a declining trend of naxal violence over the last few years. This is a result of the combined efforts of the Central and State Governments and is a really encouraging development. It is important that we don’t let up on our efforts to root out the menace of naxalism and continue to build on our successes. This necessarily implies that we also have to improve the quality of governance and the pace of development in the naxal-affected areas. I would also like to emphasize here the need to maintain the centrality of the local police forces in any anti-naxal operation and the need to sensitize the security forces being inducted into any of the naxal-affected areas to the socio-cultural practices of the local people. 

This year, Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed a few brazen attacks on our security forces. The situation along the International Border and the Line of Control, particularly in Poonch district of Jammu region has remained volatile with several ceasefire violations. Resurgence of terrorist groups, particularly Lashkar-e-Taiba and increased infiltration attempts call for heightened vigil and coordination by our security forces. There is also a likelihood of attempts to disrupt the forthcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. The security forces also need to be careful and measured in their response to militant attacks as well as law and order disturbances. 

As I have said on a number of occasions, there should be nothing which affects the role of innocent citizens in leading their normal lives, and our attack on naxals and other such bad elements, should not in any way affect or disturb the livelihood patterns of local people. The security situation in the North-East continues to remain complex, with insurgency, extortion and agitations being the main disruptive elements. Persistent efforts on part of the Government have resulted in considerable progress in the dialogue with insurgent and ethnic separatist groups. Further, the susceptibility of Lower Assam areas and Karbi Anglong region of the State to ethnic and communal tensions, the growing mistrust between tribals and non-tribals in Bodo areas, the Garo insurgency in Meghalaya, the increasing targeting of non-Manipuris in Manipur are also areas of considerable concern. We need to tackle all these issues with collective resolve and firm determination. 

As far as terrorism is concerned, four major incidents occurred this year, in Hyderabad, Bangalore, Bodhgaya and Patna. The disclosures made by the arrested members of the terrorist outfits confirm our apprehensions that Indian hinterland remains an active area of operation for these outfits. Therefore, we need to ensure that our security apparatus and intelligence sharing platforms such as the Multi Agency Centre constantly hone their skills to stay ahead of the nefarious designs of these terrorist outfits. However, while dealing with terror cases, care needs to be taken that security forces remain scrupulously bipartisan so that our people do not lose faith in the professionalism of investigative agencies and the secular nature of our polity. 

The tragic rape and murder of a young girl in Delhi last December not only brought into sharp focus the issue of women’s safety but also the rising expectations of the people from the Police in preventing such crimes. We have recently enacted several laws providing

stringent punishment for such crimes and more sensitive treatment of victims during investigation and trial. We also need to put in place other institutional mechanisms to ensure the safety and security of women and children. I expect the DGPs of States to show leadership in this area. 

Before I end, I would also like to draw your attention to the growing challenges of Policing in metropolitan areas. This is a subject which I have touched upon in my earlier interventions as well, but it is worth repeating again. The process of rapid urbanization that we have witnessed in the past few decades will further accelerate in the future. Factors like the anonymity offered in the urban landscape, individualistic lifestyles and floating populations make the detection of metropolitan crimes difficult, and therefore we need special techniques to tackle this growing menace. There is also a need to place greater emphasis on the concept of community policing which not only helps in the prevention and detection of crimes but also encourages citizens to associate themselves voluntarily with the local police in solving neighbourhood problems, thus generating greater public confidence in our police forces. I urge you to intensify efforts towards promoting and institutionalizing community policing initiatives. 

I realize that most of these issues have already been discussed at length in this three-day conference over the past two days. Nevertheless, I would expect the participants to go back and continue the process of serious deliberation to come up with creative solutions to the many challenges to our internal security, and also to implement the ideas that they have learnt here. I am sure that you will show the leadership that our country and our people expect from you. I wish you all the very best in your valiant efforts.” 

Japanese Film Makers find IFFI an ideal platform for promotion of Cinema 

In an interaction with media-persons here today during the 44th International Film Festival of India(IFFI), eminent Japanese film-makers discussed the content and craft their films . As Japan is the country of focus in the 44th International Film Festival of India(IFFI) , many film personalities like Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Keiichi Hara, Sang-il Lee and Takashi Nishimura were present on the occasion. 

Kiyoshi Kurosawa, eminent director of films like Tokyo Sonata (2008) has directed film ‘Real’ a sci-fi horror mix depicting the variety of genre in the Japanese films. Kurosawa himself admitted that a new line of Japanese film makers are trying to bring variety in Japanese films on the line of Indian films. 

Sang-il Lee widely known for Hula Girls (2006) has directed a drama film Unforgiven’, was screened at IFFI.Attending IFFI for the first time, Lee mentioned that Indian films and film stars like Rajnikanth and Amitabh Bachchan are very popular in Japan. 

Keiichi Hara, a well-known name for giving a leap to the animation filmmaking with TV series like Doraemon and Shin Chan first time directed a drama ‘Dawn of a Filmmaker’. The film is a biopic of legendary Japanese filmmaker Kinoshita Keisuke. 

Answering the questions Japanese filmmakers said that the new environment for filmmaking in Japan is very encouraging. They admitted that lot of good films like Tokyo Sonata by Kiyoshi Kurosawa himself are being made but still remain unnoticed due to lack of media exposure. There are around 400-500 annual releases adding variety of genre to the art of filmmaking. 

Replying to a question that whether Japanese directors are reworking on the classical works of the legendary directors like Kinoshita Keisuke, Ozu, Akira Kurosawa and Kenji Mizoguchi, Mr.Kiyoshi Kurosawa said that there have been many TV dramas and short documentary films on their works. 

Denying the fact that most of Japanese films highlight violence Sang-il Lee said that on the contrary most Japanese films propagate peace and happiness. 

Kurosawa admitted that the eminent Indian filmmakers Satyajit Ray and GuruDatt are popular among the Japanese filmmakers. Similarly films like ‘3 Idiots’ have been liked very much by the Japanese audience. 

Japanese filmmakers praised the 44th International Film Festival Of India saying that it’s a wide platform for the filmmakers to have cross cultural interaction and share art and ideas of filmmaking. 

****

MIFF – 2014 From 3 February New Competition Categories, Special Awards Announced 

The 13th edition of Mumbai International Film festival for Documentary, Short and Animation Films (MIFF) organized by Films Division, Government of India, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will be held at the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai from February 3 to 9, 2014. Addressing the mediapersons here today, Shri VS Kundu, Director General, Films Division and Director, MIFF – 2014 said, ‘MIFF has an enormous goodwill among independent documentary and short film makers and the 13th edition has been reoriented in tandem with the stakeholders.’ MIFF intends to attract more and more of producers as well as finance providers to promote a documentary culture in the country, he added. MIFF – 2014 has received 793 entries from 34 countries. Of these 588 are for the National Section and 205 for the International Section. 

The oldest and largest international film festival for the non-feature and animation films in Asia, MIFF-2014 brings a lot of valuable content for film makers and cineastes. Apart from best director, awards have been introduced for producer, cinematographer, editor, sound recordist and animator. Awards for the most innovative film (named after Pramod Pati) and most popular film of the festival have also been instituted taking the total number of awards to 32 from 22 in the MIFF 2012. A veteran Indian documentary film maker will be honoured

with V Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award. MIFF will distribute cash awards worth Rs. 55 lac apart from Golden Conches, trophies and certificates to the winners in different categories. 

The MIFF-2014 will also have a number of special events. Apart from hosting internationally acclaimed pitching forum ‘Good Pitch Squared’ partnered by BRITDOCS and Sundance Institute Documentary Program, MIFF will partner with Cinekids, Amsterdam and Lennep Media to hold a ‘Dutch Children’s film festival-cum-students film workshop’ and with Action Aid India for a film festival on ‘Our City : Ourselves’ in the suburbs, as run-up events to the MIFF. The festival directorate has also decided to hold parallel screening of national competition films in metros and important cities, from February 3 to 9, 2014, for the benefit of film lovers who are unable to travel to Mumbai for the MIFF. The festival will have funders’ talk, docwok, panel discussions, directors’ adda, retrospectives, homages, curated film packages including animation, seminar, workshops and master classes to make MIFF-2014 a rich and wholesome experience for film makers, students and cinephiles. The festival will pay tribute to the acclaimed documentary film maker, Peter Wintonick who passed away on November 18, 2013, with the screening of his select works. 

***

44TH IFFI Japanese Film Makers find IFFI an ideal platform for promotion of Cinema 

In an interaction with media-persons here today during the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), eminent Japanese film-makers discussed the content and craft of their films. As Japan is the country of focus in the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), many film personalities like Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Keiichi Hara, Sang-il Lee and Takashi Nishimura were present on the occasion.

Kiyoshi Kurosawa, eminent director of films like Tokyo Sonata (2008) has directed film ‘Real’ a sci-fi horror mix depicting the variety of genre in the Japanese films. Kurosawa himself admitted

that a new line of Japanese film makers are trying to bring variety in Japanese films on the line of Indian films.

Sang-il Lee widely known for Hula Girls (2006) has directed a drama film ‘Unforgiven’, was screened at IFFI.Attending IFFI for the first time, Lee mentioned that Indian films and film stars like Rajnikanth and Amitabh Bachchan are very popular in Japan.

Keiichi Hara, a well-known name for giving a leap to the animation filmmaking with TV series like Doraemon and Shin Chan first time directed a drama ‘Dawn of a Filmmaker’. The film is a biopic of legendary Japanese filmmaker Kinoshita Keisuke.

Answering the questions Japanese filmmakers said that the new environment for filmmaking in Japan is very encouraging. They admitted that lot of good films like Tokyo Sonata by Kiyoshi Kurosawa himself are being made but still remain unnoticed due to lack of media exposure. There are around 400-500 annual releases adding variety of genre to the art of filmmaking.

Replying to a question that whether Japanese directors are reworking on the classical works of the legendary directors like Kinoshita Keisuke, Ozu, Akira Kurosawa and Kenji Mizoguchi, Mr.Kiyoshi Kurosawa said that there have been many TV dramas and short documentary films on their works.

Denying the fact that most of Japanese films highlight violence Sang-il Lee said that on the contrary most Japanese films propagate peace and happiness.

Kurosawa admitted that the eminent Indian filmmakers Satyajit Ray and GuruDattare popular among the Japanese filmmakers. Similarly films like ‘3 Idiots’ have been liked very much by the Japanese audience.

Japanese filmmakers praised the 44th International Film Festival of India saying that it’s a wide platform for the filmmakers to have cross cultural interaction and share art and ideas of filmmaking.

****

India has Immense Potential for Independent Film Making 

Noted independent film maker Ramesh Tekwani said that India has a huge potential for making good films. Interacting with media at 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here today, he said, there are about 2 lakh film makers in India and there are millions of stories/plots on which good films could be made. 

Vincent Corda, an independent film maker said that since last 20 years film teaching institutes have increased immensely to train young talent for film industry. Independent film making requires research on how the film can get a place in the audience. These films can be shown to Indian diaspora who have different prospectives. 

Andrew worsdale sought for strong INDO-SOUTH african collaboration in cinema 

Interacting with media in the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), South African director/writer/journalist Andrew Worsdale appreciated the Indian film industry for producing a wide variety of films. He said that South African film industry is in the growing stage and collaboration between India and South Africa in Cinema could add to a great significance in the art of filmmaking. 

As a film maker Andrew Worsdale has made several shorts and produced some documentaries including the cult underground feature-film ‘Shot Down’, which was banned in his home country. Talking about his film ‘Durban Poison’ which is being screened at IFFI, he said that the movie depicts noir romance set amongst the marginalized white underclass.

Inspired by a true story, this is a road movie that follows a police investigation into four murders and charts the doomed romance of the outlaw lovers. 

He appreciated IFFI for giving a single platform for films of different genre, ethnicity and cultures. He said that India and South Africa share the history and culture which could be a nice business platform for Indian film makers in South Africa. 

Regional Film Makers Make Forays into Contemporary Themes 

Cast and crew of Indian Panorama Films of three languages interacted with the media here today. Director of Marathi Film, ‘Astu’, Sumitra Bhave informed that her film is about what’s happening to and around us now. May be an old man who has lost his memory understands this. It is a story about an old man suffering from dementia is following an elephant and his daughter following her father. This is a story about a life-changing experience. 

The lead actor and co-producer of the film ‘Astu’ Dr. Mohan Agashe said that the issues in the film are very relevant. It’s about a family, about coping, about problems today or tomorrow, which we are likely to experience ourselves or in our near relatives. On one hand because of medical advances and technological revolution, we may have very long span of life, wherein degenerative diseases crop up. 

The Kannada film ‘Bharath Stores’ Director P. Sheshadri said that his film explores the socio-cultural implication of FDI in multi brand retail pushing out the small retailers.  

Lead cast of Bengali Film ‘Ajana Batas’ (Mystic Wind) Paoli Dam talked about her film in which she is playing the role of a copywriter in an advertisement firm, suffering from loneliness. She said, the fight of the girl against this solitude and depression has been depicted in a poetic manner as the film is based on Joy Goswami’s novel. 

‘Sala Budha’, Tale of Human Values and Generosity 

The Director of the Odia film, ‘Sala Budha’ (The Stupid Old Man) Sabyasachi Mohapatra has said that instead of looking at elderly people as liability by the younger ones, he feels that they are a great resource for leading the society. He said this at a media interaction here today during the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). He said that one in every five persons will be over 65 by 2035. It is not just the traditional values but the older generation who could be the light house for prosperity. Sala Budha has a subtle message for the present fast paced uncaring society. He said that the film is a tale of human values and generosity. 

Sala Budha, made in Sambalpuri dialect spoken in the western part of Odisha, is one of the

26 feature films selected for the Indian Panorama category in this year’s edition. Mohapatra said that the story is based on a 100 years old story penned by his father, Sahitya Akademy award winner Shri Kapileswar Prasad Mohapatra. It is a black and white film with an 83-year-old protagonist. Sala Budha commemorates the silver jubilee of Mohapatra’s last film in the Sambalpuri dialect, Bhukha, a widely acclaimed film. 

Set in a rural backdrop, Sala Budha is a film that ventures into the folklore lives of these simple God believing people. A journey through their faiths, culture, tradition and musical lives where man has only learnt to give and share. 

Atala Bihari Panda, the main protagonist of the film said that acting in his first ever film was a challenge for him since he was a dramatist since childhood. The cast and crew of the film said that IFFI is a wide platform for the filmmakers to have cross cultural interaction and share their ideas of filmmaking. 

HRD Minister asks Industry to Join Hands to Boost Skill Development 

The HRD Minster Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju asked the industry to participate more vigorously with government in skill development. Speaking at a conference on Government public initiative for skill building in information technology and telecom sector in New Delhi today, he said we have to provide necessary skill to one crore twenty lakh youth joining the work force every year to take full advantage of demographic dividend. He said that Industry has to contribute in achieving the target of skilling 50 crore youth by 2022. 

Stressing the need for putting skill in education, he said we need to periodically revise curriculum to make it more industry friendly. Dr. Raju said, it will also enhance the employability of our youth and their income. Speaking on the occasion the Communication and Information Technology Minister, Shri Kapil Sibal said there has to be a paradigm shift in our education sector following fast paced technology changes. He said skill requirement cannot be adequately met through usual university system. Asking for a tripartite system for skill developmen , Shri Sibal said that skill development system needs to work closely with all the sectors of the economy to meet their peculiar requirements. Pushing for PPP model the Minister said the country has to be ready for cyber space. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary (Higher Education) Shri Ashok Thakur said that all the centrally funded Institutions, right from IIT to polytechnique, will have to co-opt the community colleges to meet skill development at the community level by the end of current five year plan in 2017. Expressing satisfaction over development in community colleges area, he said funds have been released to 120 community colleges this year. The Secretary said Universities have

started implementing National Vocational Education Qualification Framework (NVEQF) guidelines and they will work with 200 medical colleges for skill development.  

An MoU was also signed between All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and NIELIT - National Institute of Electronics and Information and Information Technology on the occasion to establish a new specialization under the IT/IITs sector of NVEQF namely NIELIT certified IT professional (NCITP). Under NCIPT, the NIELIT O & A level courses are proposed to be aligned to level 5 and level 7 of NVEQF. 

The one day conference was organized by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) of Department of Information and Technology. 

RNM/DS/HKJ/Skill Develop/2013 

Government of Goa raises financial limit under Film Finance Scheme from 25 to 50 lakh 

In an interaction with the media at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), the Chairman, governing Council of Entertainment Society of Goa, Vishnu Surya Wagh said that government of Goa has increased the limit of film finance to 50 lakh for the promotion of regional cinema. He said that scheme is for both categories i.e. feature films (60 %) and short films (40%). The earlier limit was 25 lakh which has now been increased to 50 lakh.  

The cast and crew of highest box office grossing Marathi film ‘Duniyadari’ was also present during the interaction. Sanjay Jadhav, the Director of film ‘Duniyadari’ said that his film is based on Suhas Shirvalkar’s novel set against the backdrop which is of 1970s. He said that it is a completely entertaining film depicting friendship, romance and sacrifice. He said that his film has already earned 30 crores and still working well in different theatres.  

Swapnil Joshi, lead cast of the film said that he enjoyed a lot during the making of film. AnkushChoudhary, who have also acted in the film said that the film is working well even in the smaller towns. 

***

44th IFFI witnessed films from variety of genre under Indian Panorama category 

Today in 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Directors of different films under Indian Panorama interacted with media. In this interaction, UtpalDatta, a film-maker, critic, broadcaster and writer talked about his film ‘By-Lane 2’. He said that the film is dedicated to Pabitra Kumar Deka, the first dedicated film journalist of Assam. He said ‘this is my celebration of 100 years of Indian cinema depicting the spirit of a person who lived in By-Lane 2, who loved film-literature-theatre.’ 

RidhamJanve, the Director of ‘KancheAur Postcard’ talked about his film which depicts childhood emotions and innocence. He said that it is a story of a schoolboy wanting but being denied a game of marbles while on vacation. He said that the story is full of drama,

with deeply felt rejections, difficult choices and unfortunate compromises. The film also reminds us of the often overlooked yet very essential differences of perception and understanding between children and adults. 

Director of ‘Sama: Muslim Mystic Music of India’, Shazia Khan interacting with the media said that her film Sama explores the Islamic music tradition in India. She said that the film attempts to discover that connection which allows the artiste to become one with the creator and experience the peace, calm, serenity and joy. 

South American film Directors seek cooperation from Indian film industry for growth of film industry in their countries 

The South American film Directors want to take the help of Indian film industry to develop the film industry in their countries. Interacting with media at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here today, the Directors said that since the film industry in South America is very young and growing, the collaboration with booming Indian film industry could be a wider platform for the South American film industries.  

The Director of film the ‘Reading According to Justino’, Arnaldo Andre said that during his visit to India, he will interact with the Indian film industry for cooperation in film making in Paraguay. ‘Reading According to Justino’ is being screened in Cinema of the World Category at the IFFI-2013. 

The Directors of the film ‘So Much Water’ (Uruguay), Ana Guevara and Leticia Jorge also said that the South American film industry is not growing because of lack of sufficient fund for completion of films. They said, in their country film making is not an industry like in India. They have to work alone to complete the film. Though these countries have talented people but because of lack of infrastructure in film producing and distribution the film industry is not growing. ‘So Much Water’ is being screened in the Cinema of the World Category at the ongoing IFFI-2013. 

‘Baga Beach’ a Gritty tale of life behind the Fun, Feni and Freedom 

The film ‘Baga Beach’, directed by LaxmikantShetgaonkar explores the struggles of people living on the coastal belt of Goa. Following the screening of the movie today, Shri Shetgaonkar, while interacting with the media at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) said that in a State where the number of tourists in a season is more than three times the local population and where tourism is promoted indiscriminately for revenue it generates, the lives of people are bound to get impacted in more ways than one can imagine.  

He said that ‘Baga Beach’ presents how the tourists, the locals and the migrants are interdependent economically, emotionally and socially and how they perceive these complex unequal relationships. He said that ‘Baga Beach’ presents a gritty tale of life behind the Fun

Feni and Freedom in Goa. The film is about the beaches that represent the beauty of the exotic seashore which also throw up the harsh truths that affect the locals.  

The producer of the film Dr. PramodSalgaocar said that at an international tourist destination like Goa, the locals, the migrants and the domestic and international tourists mingle with each other leading to complex situations. 

The co-producer of the film Dr. SagarSalgaocar said that the film deals with sensitive issues like child abuse, migration and impact of tourism. 

The cast of film ‘Baga Beach’, Paoli Dam and AkashSinha said that it was a different experience working with national award winning director. 

****

UM/MD/NSK/AK/DB (Release ID :100862)

Greek Director Kyriacos Tofarides impressed by Indian films Portraying Social Values 

The Director of Greek Film ‘Block 12’, Kyriacos Tofarides said that India has a great history in cinema and was impressed by the Hindi movie ‘Mother India’ and others which depict deep values of Indian society. He said this while interacting with media in 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here today. Cyprus born Kyriacos Tofarides said that in comparison to Greek films, India produces many films on diversified issues. He expressed his happiness that his film, ‘Block 12’ which had been selected for an award by the European Film Academy could be presented to the Indian audience. 

Giving details about his film, he said that the film is based on the issue of how big powers manipulate the resources and people of the country. The film is a political, allegorical comedy with plenty of surrealism, social satire and magical realism. It is a film driven by the human need to dream, and also the need to see the dark side of power, of big interests, political games, of the high level contraband revealed in the light of comedy. 

‘Block 12’ has been included in the Cinema of the World section of IFFI-2013. Kyriacos Tofarides’s film company has produced three award winning short films, and in 2008 the company completed its first feature - ‘The Last Homecoming’. 

Noted Indian actress Neetu Chandra, who is playing the role of Goddess of Love in the film ‘Block 12’ said that it was a challenge for her to work in an international film after working

in Bhojpuri, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu films. 

****

ilms depict real essence of life and culture 

The Director of the film, ‘The Coffin Maker’ Veena Bakshi said that the films depict the essence of life and preservation of culture. Interacting with media persons with her cast and crew during the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here today, she said “The Coffin Maker is a life changing film. It represents cinema that inspires. The film has gravity, charm, humour and a soul that celebrates the magic, called life.” 

Set against the authentic and seductive spirit of a Goan Village, Coffin Maker is a poignant tale about a reluctant Coffin Maker who learns about life from a very unusual and mysterious source. 

The debut feature film Director said that it is a part of Entertaining cinema that inspires and she hoped that all Indians would watch the film and get inspired. It will make Indian cinema proud in the world stage, the director added. 

The Director said that the story is set in that part of Goa which is generally not exposed to tourists. The real Goa is still conservative, orthodox and far away from the beaches. The film is being made at a very old Christian Goan village. 

The Producer of the Film, Bharat Vijan said that the music of Bapi-Tutul and songs by Hema Sardesai captures the essence and the sunshine spirit of Goa. Coffin Maker represents the blueprint of dealing with life in an entertaining way. 

Hema Sardesai thanked the Director that she has cared about Goa and made the film depicting Goan and Konkani language and culture. 

Coffin Maker is being screened at the International Competition, as well as the Indian Panorama section of IFFI 2013. The film is having second screening on 27th of this month. 

IDPA sought wide platform for screening of documentaries 

In an interaction with the media at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), General Secretary, Indian Documentary Producers’ Association (IDPA), Sanskar Desai said that a wide platform should be evolved by the government to screen documentaries in theatres and different TV Channels. He also said that the documentary makers who are doing great work for a social cause should be given due recognition. 

Sanskar Desai said that IDPA is committed to take documentary films to the remotest corners of the country by arranging different open forums, workshops and seminars. He said that IDPA in partnership with Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is providing a good platform for promotion of documentaries. He said that IDPA is working in close

collaboration with organizations like Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari (Film City), P.L. Deshpande Kala Academy and Film and Cultural Society of North East for screening of documentaries. 

Priti Chandriani, Treasurer of IDPA added that IDPA is conducting open forums at 44th IFFI, IDPA-festivals in various cities, Open Forums and Seminars at MIFF-2014. 

Lygia Mathews, Executive Committee Member, IDPA said that these open forums and workshops arranged by IDPA are the platform for foreign documentary makers to have deep insight into Indian documentaries. 

Aftab Afridi, Executive Committee Member, IDPA said that acting on the request of IDPA, Doordarshan has provided a half-an-hour slot on each Monday where all documentary makers can screen their documentaries. 

Dr Farooq Abdullah announces New Initiatives to bring Clean Cooking Technologies to Rural India during the India Clean Cookstove Forum 2013 

With the vision of enhancing the use of improved cookstove technologies, envisaged under the National Biomass Cookstove Programme (NBCP), Dr Farooq Abdullah, Minister of New and Renewable Energy inaugurated the India Clean Cookstove Forum 2013 organised jointly by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH operating on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Farooq Abdullah said “increased use of clean and efficient cookstoves is crucial to reduce the burden of disease from indoor air pollution as well to avoid the overuse of biomass resources. Efficient cooking technologies have a direct tangible impact on the livelihoods of the poor, as they save time and money that previously had to be spent on procuring cooking fuels.” 

During the Forum, the Minister launched a new initiative on biomass cookstoves developed under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the United Nations Frameworks Convention on Climate Change to reduce the cost of improved stove technologies to rural customers through the sale of carbon credits. He added that this is just one of several joint efforts to provide clean and reliable energy to rural areas and these initiatives have further endorsed the close relations and cooperation between India and Germany. 

Mr. Heiko Warnken, Head of the Development Cooperation, German Embassy highlighted the importance of cooperation between India and Germany on renewable energy attributing it to the relevance for both poverty alleviation and environmental sustainability, as well as the energy needs of the vast rural population for cooking and income-generating activities. He added that this is just one of several joint efforts to provide clean and reliable energy to rural areas and these initiatives have further endorsed the close relations and cooperation between India and Germany. 

UPSC Foundation Day Lecture Series on ‘Governance and Public Service’ 

The 4thLecture on “Governance and Public Service” is to be delivered by President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee on 29th November, 2013 at Plenary Hall, Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. 

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is responsible for advising the Government on service related matters that actually cover personnel policy and human resource management. It is in furthering this central role in the governance structure that UPSC has initiated an annual lecture series focusing on the inter linkage of governance and public services. 

This lecture series aim at providing a forum for raising issues of contemporary relevance to governance and public administration and to generate ideas and fresh thinking that will help not only the UPSC but concomitantly all other units of governance as well. 

The inaugural lecture on ‘Governance and Public Service’ was delivered by Her Excellency Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Hon’ble Former President of India on 12th November, 2009. The Second Lecture was delivered by Hon’ble Vice-President of India Shri Hamid M. Ansari on 3rd May, 2011. The 3rd Lecture was delivered by Hon’ble Former President of India Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on 1st December, 2011. 

ice President Inaugurates International Conference on Digital Libraries (ICDL) 

The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari  : “I am happy to have been invited for the inauguration of the International Conference on

Digital Libraries being organised by ‘The Energy and Resources Institute’ (TERI). I welcome all the participants and wish them a pleasant stay in Delhi.

The importance of libraries in human society can be best summarised in a statement

attributed to the Roman statesman, Cicero, who said “to add a library to a house is to give that house a soul.” This was true then as it is true now.

In all periods of history, civilisations built libraries as repositories of knowledge and information stored in the form of books, scrolls and manuscripts. In modern age, libraries became a more universal institution and have played a critical role in the higher evolution of human civilization.

The advent of Information and Communication Technologies, which has revolutionized our

world in all walks of life, has also transformed the library systems. Emerging technologies have facilitated the conversion of discrete data into a useful digital format.

We all know that a digital library is a computerized system which allows users to obtain a

consistent flow of information and data in electronic format, in an organized way, and with greater facility. It has inherent advantages and is not limited by the usual constraints of physical boundary. It enjoys round the clock availability and easy information retrieval.

There is consensus that knowledge would be the key driving force in the 21 stcentury. The

ability to use and create knowledge capital will determine a country’s capacity to empower and enable its citizens by increasing human capabilities. Knowledge would also determine the pace and trajectory of socio-economic development of countries, besides their global competitiveness,

The realisation of these objectives would naturally involve the widest possible dissemination

and imparting of knowledge amongst all sections of society. In this endeavour, digital libraries would be a critical instrument as they would enable people to access, share, and apply knowledge in a more efficient and effective manner.

The challenge before us would be to overcome the digital divide that exists between

countries of the north and the south; regions within national boundaries and on the basis of socio-economic stratification. Democratisation of access to knowledge and creation of level playing field by bridging the digital divide would be essential for inclusive, sustained development.

In this context, digital libraries provide us a valuable platform for achieving the desired

results by providing an efficient and cost effective medium through which information can be delivered and knowledge shared in formats that are easily accessible to the masses.

As we stand today after the first decade of the 21st century, the challenges can be summed

up in three or four propositions: ii)                                           Dissemination of knowledgeiv)                                         Cost of knowledge,Sanjay Kumar/VPI/27.11.2013

India is the Kaleidoscope of multiple beliefs with vast potential for films 

In an interaction with media in the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)Pacho Velez, Director of film ‘Manakamana’ said that India is a very colourful country with

multiple belief systems, hence has a lot of stories to be told through films. He said that his film ‘Manakamana’ takes us via a state-of-the –art cable car up and down one of the vast valleys of Trishuli in the Gorkha district of Nepal, where the famous Manakamana Temple attracts pilgrims and tourists from the world over. He said, the film boldly extends the ambitions of transcendental cinema by focusing on the amalgam of the sacred and the profane in everyday life. 

In the same interaction, Mika Mattila, Director of Chinese film ‘Chimeras’ said that his film reflects on important questions of China’s modernization, at a juncture where its aspirations are at war with its traditional identity. He said, his film is a story of a budding photographer and an established contemporary artist depicting different colours of contemporary China under influence of west and east. 

Feature films of upcoming directors need wider platform for distribution and screening. 

In an interaction with media in the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Mr. Ram, Director/Actor of Tamil film ‘Thangameengal’(Goldfish) said that the feature films made by upcoming directors which have good plot should be given due platform for screening. He said that his film Thangameengal narrates the relationship between a father and daughter and how the educational system of today affects their normal life. He said that the privatization of education system after 1992 triggered the blossoming of a number of private educational institutions, turning education into a full-fledged business.

In the same interaction Laxman Utekar, Director of Marathi film “Tapaal” (letter) said that his film moves around an incident in the life of a postman serving a small rural community. The film charts two days in his life that change the course of life of his family. He said that in this age of digital revolution, we all have become slaves of instruments and lost a

connecting bridge, the Postman. He said, “I have tried to find him, to experience him in this film”. 

Indranil Roychowdhury, Director of Bengali film “Phoring” also talking about his film said that the film deals with complexities of adolescence which a child has to pass through. He said the film also deals with student teacher relationship and finding the possibilities of life in the real world. 

India’s cooperation sought to develop film industry in Afghanistan 

Director of Afghan Film ‘A Man’s Desire for A Fifth Wife’, Sediq Abedi wants that India should help to develop film sector in Afghanistan. In an interaction with media persons along with his cast and crew at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), he said that Afghan people love India and its film. He said, due to prolonged turbulence in Afghanistan, the film industry has collapsed and film making, its marketing and infrastructure facility is not available to show the commercial films in the country. Abedi said that as India is helping in rebuilding Afghanistan, the Indian film industry and the government should come forward to develop the film industry too in Afghanistan. He informed that there are only about 20 film theatres which are not even capable to run high budget films. 

Abedi said that in the last 66 years, this is the first feature film which was filmed in Afghanistan itself to show the reality of his country. It was a challenge for the crew and technical team which came from India and Tajikistan for the two months long shooting. He said, ‘we tried to establish the cultural and social realities of the country in the film and want to release this Dari language film ‘A Man’s Desire for A Fifth Wife’ in India with Urdu and English subtitles.’ 

For the establishment of film industry in Afghanistan, the Producers of the film Murad Hamidi and Sabruddin Rahmani have sought India’s help to train Afghani talents in the film making field. 

The actress of the film ‘A Man’s Desire for A Fifth Wife’, Takhmina Rajabova, a Tajik, has acted in nine films in Tajikistan and two films in Afghanistan. She said that she is acting as

the third wife in the film. It was a challenge for her to work with the crew from India.  

The film ‘A Man’s Desire for A Fifth Wife, reflects the thousand year’s old custom which occurs in a village at the north of Afghanistan. It tells the story of violence against women. A man with old traditions wants to get married for the fifth time; despite having four wives already. The story shows the suffering of women in their society. The story also portrays all aspects of the age old culture and traditional game Buzkashi or Oghlak with thousand horses. 

The cast and crew of the film thanked and praised the 44th IFFI for providing a wide platform for filmmakers to have cross cultural interaction and share art and ideas of filmmaking. 

****

India, Belgium agree to enhance cooperation in Renewable Energy 

India and Belgium have agreed to work on signing an MOU to enhance cooperation in renewable energy. This was discussed at a bilateral meeting between Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Government of India and Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium. Princess Astrid is currently visiting India as head of the Belgian Economic Mission to India. She is accompanied by Mr. Didier Reynders, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and European Affairs and Mr. Kris Peeters, President of the Region of Flanders and Flemish Minister for Economic, Foreign Policy along with a large business delegation. 

Dr. Abdullah briefed the visiting delegation on the energy situation in India and the rapid growth of the renewable energy sector in India. He spoke of India’s plans to add over 30 GW of renewable energy to its energy mix in the next 5 years. He dwelt on the success of the wind programme as well as the significant cost reductions in solar energy through the Jawahar Lal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). He also highlighted India’s conducive and investor friendly policy framework for promoting renewable energy in a big way. Dr. Abdullah suggested that India and Belgium had great potential for enhancing cooperation in promoting renewable energy and offered to provide all possible assistance for the purpose. 

The Belgian delegation recognized India’s considerable achievements and strengths in renewable energy and noted that India had made large strides in this field. The business delegation accompanying the official delegation also made brief presentations on their activities and reciprocated India’s desire for enhanced energy cooperation between the two countries. 

After detailed discussions, the two sides agreed to start work on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of Renewable Energy between the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy of the Government of India and the Government of Belgium in order to strengthen, promote and develop renewable energy cooperation between the two countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. Both countries also agreed to explore possibilities of

coordination in renewable energy through joint Research and Development programmes of mutual interest. 

***

Ministry of Rural Development launches Kaam Mango Abhiyan under MGNREGA 

The Ministry of Rural Development has launched a “Kaam Mango Abhiyan” last week to proactively register demand in select districts of the country. Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister, Rural Development has written to chief ministers of the six states last week urging states to use the opportunity to’ motivate all stakeholders in realizing the benefits conferred under the Act’ and ‘create good models that can benefit large number of poor households’. He has urged Chief Ministers to personally lead this effort and extend it to all districts of these states. Chief Minister of Jharkhand Shri Hemant Soren has already flagged off the abhiyan recently with several MGNREGA workers and civil society representatives present.

The Ministry recognises that the decline in people demanding work under MGNREGA is not because of a lack of demand but because of a failure to capture demand effectively. This campaign therefore seeks to increase awareness around the entitlements of MGNREGA and increase participation in the programme by fulfilling the guarantee of employed against demand. For the coming month, the focus will be on six districts in the country – Sitapur (Uttar Pradesh), Nashik (Maharashtra), Raichur(Karnataka), Katihar (Bihar), West Singhbum (Jharkhand) and Sundergarh (Odisha). This will present a model for a nationwide campaign that will be launched on 2nd February 2014, MGNREGA Day.

The abhiyan will be a collaborative effort with district, state and central government, NREGA workers and civil society organisations. In this duration an attempt will be made to reach out to every ward/habitation and give people an opportunity to register their demand for NREGA work. Multiple modes to capture demand will be utilised. It will involve training of officials, mass awareness drives via padyatras and institutionalizing monthly “Rozgar Diwas in every panchayat as an opportunity for people to register their demand and grievances. Demand will be anticipated and capacity will be built for increased responsiveness of the administration.

Through this campaign, the Ministry of Rural Development invites the active support and facilitation of all sections of society including civil society organisations, district administration, state administration, students, media, academics and most importantly NREGA workers. The Ministry will be monitoring figures of demand as reflected on the official MGNREGA website.

Jharkhand Kaam Maango Abhiyan Launch

The Kaam Maango Abiyan was launched in Jharkhand in Chaibasa district recently by Shri Hemant Soren, Chief Minister of Jharkhand during the ongoing Vikas Mela. With over 2000 people present, the Chief Minister directed the administration to implement theabhiyan in its true spirit. The Chief Minister personally registered demand of twenty workers by accepting the application and handing over receipts. These accepted applications were then given to the Rozgar Sewak who was to ensure that work is opened with fifteen days of the date of demand. In his speech, the Chief Minister appreciated the collaborative efforts made by the district administration and civil society organizations such as the Poorest Areas Civil Society (PACS) working in the area.

Click here to see Photo

Upgradation of libraries providing services to the public under the National Mission on Libraries 

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Ministry of Culture`s proposal of the scheme for upgradation of libraries providing services to the public under the National Mission on Libraries (NML). 

The scheme would benefit students, researchers, scientists, children, artists, differently abled persons, the general public, neo and non-literates and would entail an expenditure of Rs.400 crore during the 12th Plan period. 

The scheme envisages creating a National Virtual Library of India for facilitating a comprehensive database on digital resources on information about India and on information generated in India. This would be facilitated in an open access environment. 

The scheme would develop six libraries under Ministry of Culture, 35 state Central Libraries and 35 District Libraries, with particular emphasis on economically backward districts, as model libraries. In addition, 629 district libraries across the States would be provided network connectivity. 

The scheme intends to prepare a baseline data of libraries in India through a quantitative and qualitative survey of 5000 libraries to collect detailed information on quality characteristics and performance indicators in terms of their traditional role as readership promoters. It would also be assessed whether these libraries meet the requirement of their users in the electronic/internet era.

The scheme also proposes to enhance the professional competence of library personnel.  

For setting up of the NML model libraries, existing libraries would be identified in consultation with State governments, to improve infrastructure and upgrade technology used by them. Efforts would be made to locate them alongwith educational institutions. 

Library professionals working in public and other libraries would be given need based training to improve their managerial skill and competence to utilize Information Communication Technology applications.

While the survey of libraries would be completed within one year, the other objectives of the scheme would be achieved by the end of the 12th Plan period. 

Background: 

In pursuance of National Knowledge Commission recommendation for setting up a National Mission on Libraries to revamp the Library and Information Service Sector, the Ministry of Culture had set up a high level committee as the National Mission on Libraries. 

***

Central American directors Jonas D’Adesky and Claudia Sainte-Luce have used a film craft to deal with the issues of loneliness and belonging in their society. 

During a media interaction at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Jonas D’Adesky’s, Director of film “Three Kids” said that his film is a story about three 12 years old kids who live in a home in Port-au-Prince, who are friends and do everything together. One among them tries to convince his other two friends to leave the home and live as they want to live. He said that film depicts post 2010 earthquake scenario in which all three of them try to find a place to live and get separated by an accident.  

Jonas D’Adesky added that Indian films are popular in Caribbean countries due to presence of large Indian diaspora. He said that the Government of Caribbean countries should evolve a collaborative arrangement with India for development of cinema. 

In the same interaction Mexican Director Claudia Sainte-Luce said that her film ‘The Amazing Catfish’ is a story of a lonely young woman, Claudia who works in a super market. One night, she is admitted in the hospital with a severe case of appendicitis, where she meets another female patient and her family. After gaining their trust she starts to live with them. The Director said that the story tells about how a lonely woman experiences a sense of belonging when her health is decaying day by day but the bond with each member of family grows more and more strong. 

Serbian Film Director Kosovcevic: Violence does not solve any problem 

Director of Serbian film ‘The Whirlpool’, Bojan Vuk Kosovcevic said that his film gives the message that through violence you will never get anything good. During a media interaction, ‘Meet the Director’ at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panjim, Goa today, he said, Indian films are liked by Serbian people for their artistic appeal.  

He said that ‘The Whirlpool’, is set in the second half of the 1990s in Belgrade against the backdrop of disintegration of Yugoslavia and its socio-economic impact on Serbia. He said that social extremes were apparent everywhere in Serbia especially among the youth during the collapse of Serbia. He said that due to war, inflation, physical isolation and sanctions, Serbia was becoming a kind of closed society, which was most visible in Serbia’s capital,

Belgrade. He said, his film ‘The Whirlpool’ is about this isolated environment, where the young begun to create their own worlds. It is seen from the perspectives of those youth who were becoming adults, and about their efforts to find themselves getting sucked into a chaotic whirlpool of violence. 

The debut feature film director said that though his country is rich in terms of infrastructure and marketing of films, still people are not going to theatres because of television and advent of internet. He said that collaboration between countries is the solution to this problem. 

Report on Youth Employment-Unemployment Scenario 2012-13 Released 

 

Labour Bureau, Chandigarh , an attached office of the Ministry of Labour & Employment released the Report on `Youth Employment-Unemployment Scenario 2012-13` today. It comprises the labour force estimates for specific age groups representing “Youth" based on various approaches to measure Employment & Unemployment scenario in the country.

The main findings of the survey are as follows:

· Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is estimated to be 31.2, 47.3 and 39.5 per cent respectively among age groups 15-24, 18-29 and 15-29 under UPS approach at All India level.

· Worker Population Ratio (WPR) is estimated to be 25.5, 41.2 and 34.2 per cent respectively among age groups 15-24, 18-29 and 15-29 under UPS approach at All India level.

· Unemployment Rate (UR) is estimated to be 18.1, 13.0 and 13.3 per cent respectively among age groups 15-24, 18-29 and 15-29 under UPS approach at All India level .

· Based on the survey results, majority of the persons employed under the age group 15-29 years are either self employed or casual worker.

· Based on usual principal status approach for the age group 15-29 years, 41.3 per cent employed persons are self employed followed by 34.7 per cent under casual worker category and remaining 24.0 per cent under wage/salaried employee and contract category worker classification.

· The survey results show that with increase in education level, the unemployment rate is also increasing for all age groups viz. 15-24 years, 18-29 years and 15-29 years.

· Every 1 person out of 3 persons who is holding a degree in graduation and above is found to be unemployed based on the survey results under the usual principal status approach for the age group 15-29 years.

· In rural areas the unemployment rate among graduates and above for the age group 15-29 years is estimated to be 36.6 per cent whereas in urban areas the same is 26.5 per cent.

· The unemployment rate among the persons who can`t read and write any language or are considered as "not literate" as per the survey is lowest with 3.7 per

cent for the age group 15-29 years at All India level.

· The different approaches in such a survey are: usual principal status (UPS) approach, usual principal and subsidiary status (UPSS) approach, current weekly status (CWS) approach and current daily status (CDS) approach. The estimates of LFPR, WPR and UR under different approaches at all India level is as follows.

    in per cent

Approach 15-24 Year 18-29 Year 15-29 Year

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

UPS 31.2 47.3 39.5

UPSS 33.2 49.4 41.5

CDS 30.7 46.1 38.6

CWS 32.0 47.7 40.1

Worker Population Ratio (WPR)

UPS 25.5 41.2 34.2

UPSS 28.1 44.0 36.9

CDS 25.4 40.2 33.6

CWS 26.9 42.2 35.3

Unemployment Rate (UR)

UPS 18.1 13.0 13.3

UPSS 15.3 11.0 11.3

CDS 17.2 12.7 13.0

CWS 16.0 11.7 12.0

The main features/parameters for the survey are:

·         The survey has been conducted in all the States/UTs by covering all the districts from October, 2012 to May, 2013. 

·         A moving reference period of last twelve months from the date of survey is used to derive the estimates based on usual status approach. For current weekly and current daily status approach, the week comprising of seven days preceding the date of the survey is taken as the reference period.

·         The labour force estimates are derived for the persons aged 15 years and above. A total sample of 1,33,354 households has been covered with a break up of 82,624 households in the rural sector and 50,730 households in the urban sector.

·         Labour force and related estimates presented in the report are state-wise/ age-group wise/gender-wise/sector-wise 

 

Status for  Northern Region

·         In  the Northern Region, Labour Force Participation Rate in Haryana is estimated to be 35.3 per cent followed by 36.2 per cent in Punjab, 36.3 per cent in Chandigarh & 45.1 per cent in Himachal Pradesh for the age group 15-29 under the

Usual Principal Status Approach.

·         Under the Worker Population Ratio , it is estimated to be 31.0 per cent in Haryana followed by 31.3 per cent in Punjab & Chandigarh each & 37.2 per cent in Himachal Pradesh for the age Group15-29 year.

             In case of Unemployment Rate for the age group 15-29 year in Himachal Pradesh a maximum with 17.7 per cent followed by 13.6 per cent in Chandigarh, 13.5 per cent  in Punjab and 12.3  percent in Haryana.

The Labour Bureau has already released the results of the Third Annual Employment & Unemployment Survey 2012-13 in two Volumes on 19 th Sept, 2013. The present one is the third volume. The publication is available on the website of Labour Bureau (www.labourbureau.gov.in).

***

ST/-

UPSC Foundation Day Lecture Series 

The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee delivered the Fourth UPSC Foundation Day Lecture on “Governance and Public Service” here today:

          Click here for full text of the speech.

          Click here for the full text of the speech.

          Click here for the full text of the speech.

****

‘Beatriz’s War’ from East Timor bags ‘Golden Peacock’ at IFFI 2013 Government to put up single window clearance system for shooting of films in India 

Festival closes with screening of ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’ 

East Timor film ‘Beatriz’s War’ bagged Golden Peacock award for Best Film at the closing ceremony of 44th International Film Festival of India. The film, directed by Bety Reis and Luigi Acquisto, is a passionate story of one woman’s conviction to remain true to the man she loves. The award carries a Golden Peacock, a certificate and a Cash Prize of Rs. 40 lakh. 

Indian Director Kaushik Ganguli bags the award for Best Director for his Bengali film ‘Apur Panchali’. The award carries a Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 15 lakh.  

Special Jury Award went to Turkish film ‘Thou Gild’st The Even’, directed by Onur Unlu. The award carries a Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 15 lakh.  

Best Actor (Male) award went to Alon Moni Aboutboul for his performance in Israeli movie ‘A Place in Heaven’. The award carries a Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh. 

Best Actor (Female) award was presented to Boczarska Magdalena for her excellent performance in Polish film ‘In Hiding’. The Award carries a Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh. 

The Special Centenary Award was given to Bengali film ‘Meghe Dhaka Tara’, directed by Kamaleshwar Mukherjee. The award carries a Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh. 

On the occasion Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari said that 44th IFFI was a celebration of freedom of the human spirit, liberated from the mores of conventionalism, imbued with the ability to dare and above all the power of a ‘New Idea’. Talking about the initiatives taken over the past one year, he said, the first and foremost is the single window mechanism that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has put in place to allow and facilitate film makers from abroad to come and shoot in India in any part of the country with convenience. He added that the same mechanism has been extended to domestic film producers also so that the number of clearances which they face for shooting are brought down so that the whole business of film or producing films can be streamlined. He said that the government has also taken the initiative to replace the archaic Cinematograph Act with a completely new legislation, the draft of which is on the Ministry’s website for public consultation. He said that the government is proposing to increase the number of cinema screens across the country by working with state governments.  

Justin Chadwick’s film ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’ was the closing film of the festival. The film is based on anti-apartheid revolutionary and former South African President Nelson Mandela’s autobiographic book, ‘Long Walk to Freedom’. The film chronicles his life from his childhood in a rural village to his emergence as the first democratically elected President of South Africa. 

With this, the 11-day extravaganza of films, discussions and press conferences on films came to an end. Governor of Goa Shri Bharat Veer Wanchoo, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Manish Tewari, Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Manohar Parrikar, many International and Bollywood personalities including Asha Parekh, Rohit Shetty, Jimmy Shergil and Deepshikha were also present at the closing ceremony. Famous Malaysian actress and filmmaker Michelle Yeoh was the Chief Guest for the closing ceremony. The ceremony opened with gala performances by renowned Indian rock fusion artist and film playback singer Remo Fernandes from Goa. 

Joint Secretary (Films), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Raghavendra Singh and Chairman, Governing Council of Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) Shri Vishnu

Surya Wagh were also present at the closing ceremony. 

****

‘Pad Yatra: A Green Odyssey’ calls to save Himalayan Ecology

His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa, one of the main Buddhist spiritual leaders of the Himalaya, said that there is a need to conserve the ecological resources of Himalayas against rampant exploitation and pollution for the generations to come. While interacting with media at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) here today, he said that Himalayan water bodies are polluted with plastics. Plastics contain toxins which pollute the natural water flowing in the streams. He said, through the film ‘Pad Yatra: A Green Odyssey’, and by walking in the Himalayas, we tried to connect ourselves with nature. To build a relationship with nature, we need to walk in order to connect with the elements of nature, he added. 

His holiness said that there is a need to live harmoniously with nature and spread the idea of live to love. He said that to educate the inhabitants of the Himalayas he has decided to continue such Pad Yatras annually in Himalayas. He said, being a leader of the Region, he has been termed as ‘water protector’ or ‘Himalayan Guardian’. 

Talking about the empowerment of women, he said that women are inherently empowered by God. Men should only make way and allow women to contribute and perform to their potential. He also talked about how some nuns had been trained in Kung Fu. He was proud that Kung Fu had its origin in India. 

Executive Producer of the film, Michelle Yeoh said that when she met with His Holiness in London she got the idea to produce this film. His Holiness has inspired her to show the world the condition of Himalayan ecology. 

‘Pad Yatra: A Green Odyssey’ is about the harrowing adventure of 700 people, trekking across the Himalayas with a call to save the planet’s “3rd Pole,” a glacial region now devastated by chaotic climate change associated with global warming. 

Led by H.H. the Gyalwang Drukpa, a recipient of a United Nations Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Honor (2010), the journey is punctuated by spiritual insights amidst obstacles along the way. He renews ancient wisdom with a modern context. 

Fighting illness, injuries, and starvation at altitudes above 17,000 ft, the story of Pad Yatra: A Green Odyssey is told through the perils and adventures the trekkers face as they struggle through the most treacherous terrain on the planet. 

The treks covered a total of 450 miles during which half a ton of plastic litter was collected, hundreds of villages were educated on environmental responsibility, 50,000 trees were planted, and the journey has left the Himalayas changed forever. The result: an

unprecedented environmental movement now thrives across the rooftop of the earth, a beacon of hope for the rest of the world. Battling the most treacherous terrain on earth, they spread their message of ecological compassion through man’s most basic means –by walking on foot, village to village. 

Shot with solar power by Himalayan monk Ngawang Sodpa, the film features the Gyalwang Drukpa and Aamir Khan. The film is produced by Michelle Yeoh, narrated by Daryl Hannah, and it is a debut feature documentary from director Wendy J.N. Lee. 

****

Single window clearance for films will establish Goa as favourite shooting destination 

In a Press Conference here at the 44th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Chairman of Governing Council of Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG), Shri Vishnu Surya Wagh, famous Bollywood Film Director, Rohit Shetty and Secretary, Information and Publicity, Government of Goa, Shri P.K. Sain interacted with the media. In this interaction film Director Rohit Shetty said that Goa has always been his favourite location for shooting and also been very lucky for him as his films shot here got huge commercial success. He appreciated the plans of Goa Government to establish a system of single window clearance for films where the film producers can get all kind of clearances from different ministries through a single window. 

Talking about his upcoming projects, Rohit Shetty said that he is working on Singham 2, some part of which he is planning to shoot in Goa. He added that he is keen to work with upcoming actors as the story of the film demands. He also showed his interest to work with new script writers. 

In the same interaction Vishnu Surya Wagh said that ESG is focusing on improving the International Film Festival of India and projecting Goa as a favourite cinema destination.  

Explaining the future plans of Goa government to the media earlier, Shri P.K. Sain said that the government is establishing a single window clearance system for films from next year with ESG as nodal centre. He added that the system will promote Goa as a favourite film shooting destination.