General Affairs
Demand in Lok Sabha for Setting Up Museum in Memory of President APJ Abdul Kalam
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NEW DELHI: A museum should be set up in Delhi in the memory of former President APJ Abdul Kalam and DRDO Bhavan should be renamed after him, a member demanded in Lok Sabha today.
AIADMK member A Anwhar Raajhaa also said that the birth and death anniversaries of Dr Kalam must be observed in a befitting manner.
He said the Tamil Nadu government has already declared Kalam's birthday on October 15 as 'Youth Awakening Day' and established an award of eight gram gold medal with Rs.5 lakh cash in his honour.
"On this occasion, I would like to urge upon the Union Government to establish Abdul Kalam Memorial Museum in the National Capital and the DRDO Bhavan in the vicinity of his Delhi residence must be re-named as Abdul Kalam Bhavan," Mr Raajhaa said.
Paying tributes to Dr Kalam, he said the former President had started as a researcher, evolved as a missile scientist and proved as a physicist.
"That is why, Pokhran-II forced the super power of the world to forecast that India will be a super power in 2030," he said.
NEW DELHI: A museum should be set up in Delhi in the memory of former President APJ Abdul Kalam and DRDO Bhavan should be renamed after him, a member demanded in Lok Sabha today.AIADMK member A Anwhar Raajhaa also said that the birth and death anniversaries of Dr Kalam must be observed in a befitting manner.
"On this occasion, I would like to urge upon the Union Government to establish Abdul Kalam Memorial Museum in the National Capital and the DRDO Bhavan in the vicinity of his Delhi residence must be re-named as Abdul Kalam Bhavan," Mr Raajhaa said.
Paying tributes to Dr Kalam, he said the former President had started as a researcher, evolved as a missile scientist and proved as a physicist.
"That is why, Pokhran-II forced the super power of the world to forecast that India will be a super power in 2030," he said.
Priyanka Vadra's Land Deal: Himachal High Court Summons State Chief Information Commissioner
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SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Friday summoned the state chief information commissioner and also stayed the proceedings in connection with information on the land purchase by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Vadra near this popular hill station.
A division bench comprising Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice PS Rana, which was hearing a contempt petition of Ms Vadra, issued a showcause notice to Chief Information Commissioner Bhim Sen and Commissioner KD Batish.
It asked them why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for deliberately disobeying the high court orders of July 7, whereby the proceeding of state information commissioner were stayed.
The bench directed them to appear in the court on September 11, the next date of hearing.
The information commission on July 23 rapped government officials, including Deputy Commissioner Dinesh Malhotra, and summoned them and the records related to the land deal on August 20.
The officials are facing penalty proceedings for withholding information sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
In her contempt petition, Priyanka Vadra said the contemnors had violated high court orders willfully, whereby the execution and operation of the order passed by the information commissioner was stayed.
The petition said that despite a stay order by the high court, the information commissioner summoned the records from the deputy commissioner for August 20.
Earlier, the high court stayed a directive of the information commission to the government to provide information about the land purchase by Priyanka Vadra.
The bench said the information commission "has not interpreted rightly" Section 8(1)(g) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act that speaks about the disclosure of information which would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes.
Ms Vadra's counsel challenged the information commission's June 29 order that directed the deputy commissioner of Shimla to provide within 10 days details about the land purchased by Priyanka Vadra.
The information under the RTI Act was sought in July 2014, but was denied by the deputy commissioner on the ground that Priyanka Vadra was a high-profile person and providing information could have a direct bearing on her security provided by the Special Protection Group.
Ms Vadra's cottage, just 15 km uphill of state capital Shimla, is coming up at a height of more than 8,000 feet.
SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Friday summoned the state chief information commissioner and also stayed the proceedings in connection with information on the land purchase by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Vadra near this popular hill station.A division bench comprising Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice PS Rana, which was hearing a contempt petition of Ms Vadra, issued a showcause notice to Chief Information Commissioner Bhim Sen and Commissioner KD Batish.
It asked them why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for deliberately disobeying the high court orders of July 7, whereby the proceeding of state information commissioner were stayed.
The bench directed them to appear in the court on September 11, the next date of hearing.
The information commission on July 23 rapped government officials, including Deputy Commissioner Dinesh Malhotra, and summoned them and the records related to the land deal on August 20.
The officials are facing penalty proceedings for withholding information sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
In her contempt petition, Priyanka Vadra said the contemnors had violated high court orders willfully, whereby the execution and operation of the order passed by the information commissioner was stayed.
The petition said that despite a stay order by the high court, the information commissioner summoned the records from the deputy commissioner for August 20.
Earlier, the high court stayed a directive of the information commission to the government to provide information about the land purchase by Priyanka Vadra.
The bench said the information commission "has not interpreted rightly" Section 8(1)(g) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act that speaks about the disclosure of information which would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes.
Ms Vadra's counsel challenged the information commission's June 29 order that directed the deputy commissioner of Shimla to provide within 10 days details about the land purchased by Priyanka Vadra.
The information under the RTI Act was sought in July 2014, but was denied by the deputy commissioner on the ground that Priyanka Vadra was a high-profile person and providing information could have a direct bearing on her security provided by the Special Protection Group.
Ms Vadra's cottage, just 15 km uphill of state capital Shimla, is coming up at a height of more than 8,000 feet.
2 Indian-Americans Honoured With Health Innovator Fellowship
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WASHINGTON: Two Indian Americans are among 20 healthcare leaders named for participation in the inaugural class of a US fellowship programme aimed at transforming the healthcare system.
Rishi Manchanda, chief medical officer, The Wonderful Company, Los Angeles, and Nisha Money, senior medical advisor at US Department of Homeland Security were selected for the Aspen Institute Health Innovators Fellowship.
This new two-year fellowship will strengthen the leadership of innovators across the US health care ecosystem and challenge them to create new approaches that will improve the health and well-being of all Americans, The Aspen Institute, an educational and policy studies organisation based in Washington, DC, said in a statement.
"We are thrilled to recognise an extraordinary group of individuals -- 10 men and 10 women -- who reflect the best of passion and commitment in the US health care system," said Rima Cohen, managing director of the Health Innovators Fellowship.
"The Fellowship will harness the creativity, deep expertise, and diverse experiences of these leaders to help solve our health system's complex challenges," she said.
The Fellowship has been launched in partnership with the Greenville Health System, a South Carolina-based not-for-profit healthcare system.
"Remarkable leadership talent from across the US is represented in this first cohort of Fellows," said Michael Riordan, president and CEO of Greenville Health System.
"As an academic health centre committed to innovative care, we are excited to partner with the Aspen Institute and witness the power of the Fellows' collective talents in leading the charge to transform health care," Mr Riordan said.
Among other efforts, Money creates and leads integrative mental fitness training programmes used in deployment, training, work, and personal site settings to address prevention, resiliency, and treatment of psycho-neurological disorders.
Besides being the chief medical officer of The Wonderful Company, a privately held $4 billion company committed to offering consumers high-quality, healthy brands, Mr Manchanda is also president of HealthBegins, an organisation that provides healthcare providers with tools to improve care and the social determinants of health.
WASHINGTON: Two Indian Americans are among 20 healthcare leaders named for participation in the inaugural class of a US fellowship programme aimed at transforming the healthcare system.Rishi Manchanda, chief medical officer, The Wonderful Company, Los Angeles, and Nisha Money, senior medical advisor at US Department of Homeland Security were selected for the Aspen Institute Health Innovators Fellowship.
This new two-year fellowship will strengthen the leadership of innovators across the US health care ecosystem and challenge them to create new approaches that will improve the health and well-being of all Americans, The Aspen Institute, an educational and policy studies organisation based in Washington, DC, said in a statement.
"We are thrilled to recognise an extraordinary group of individuals -- 10 men and 10 women -- who reflect the best of passion and commitment in the US health care system," said Rima Cohen, managing director of the Health Innovators Fellowship.
"The Fellowship will harness the creativity, deep expertise, and diverse experiences of these leaders to help solve our health system's complex challenges," she said.
The Fellowship has been launched in partnership with the Greenville Health System, a South Carolina-based not-for-profit healthcare system.
"Remarkable leadership talent from across the US is represented in this first cohort of Fellows," said Michael Riordan, president and CEO of Greenville Health System.
"As an academic health centre committed to innovative care, we are excited to partner with the Aspen Institute and witness the power of the Fellows' collective talents in leading the charge to transform health care," Mr Riordan said.
Among other efforts, Money creates and leads integrative mental fitness training programmes used in deployment, training, work, and personal site settings to address prevention, resiliency, and treatment of psycho-neurological disorders.
Besides being the chief medical officer of The Wonderful Company, a privately held $4 billion company committed to offering consumers high-quality, healthy brands, Mr Manchanda is also president of HealthBegins, an organisation that provides healthcare providers with tools to improve care and the social determinants of health.
Supreme Court Stays Defamation Case Against Activist Priya Pillai
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today stayed the trial court proceedings in a defamation case filed by the Essar Group against Greenpeace activist Priya Pillai and two others at Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh.
A bench of Justices Jagdish Singh Khehar and Adarsh Kumar Goel also issued notices to the firm and the Centre on Pillai's plea in which she has also challenged the validity section 499 (defamation) of the IPC.
The activist has contested the defamation complaint on the ground that Essar has filed it to curb the freedom of expression and prevent her from raising voice against the alleged wrongs of the company.
In her petition, Ms Pillai said that the corporates are using such litigations for preventing public interventions and these are aimed at intimidating activists and keeping them engaged in multiple litigations.
Earlier, another bench, hearing a batch of petitions challenging penal laws on defamation including the plea filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, had allowed Ms Pillai's counsel to argue her plea.
The criminal defamation suit was filed in a lower court of Madhya Pradesh against Ms Pillai and two other persons related to Greenpeace -- Kumi Naidoo and Samit Aich.
A bench of Justices Jagdish Singh Khehar and Adarsh Kumar Goel also issued notices to the firm and the Centre on Pillai's plea in which she has also challenged the validity section 499 (defamation) of the IPC.
In her petition, Ms Pillai said that the corporates are using such litigations for preventing public interventions and these are aimed at intimidating activists and keeping them engaged in multiple litigations.
Earlier, another bench, hearing a batch of petitions challenging penal laws on defamation including the plea filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, had allowed Ms Pillai's counsel to argue her plea.
The criminal defamation suit was filed in a lower court of Madhya Pradesh against Ms Pillai and two other persons related to Greenpeace -- Kumi Naidoo and Samit Aich.
China-Linked Hackers Breach American Airlines, Sabre Systems: Report
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China-linked hackers have breached the computer systems of US airline company American Airline Group Inc and travel reservations platform provider Sabre Corp, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the investigations.
The same hackers had targeted insurer Anthem Inc in February and the US government's personnel office in June, Bloomberg reported on Friday. (http://bloom.bg/1DyRQ8M)
The group had also hacked the systems of another US airline operator United Continental Holdings Inc in May or early June, Bloomberg reported last month.
American Airline and Sabre were not immediately available for comment.
American Airline shares some network infrastructure with Sabre, a former subsidiary that the US airline operator spun off into a separate company in 2000.
China-linked hackers have breached the computer systems of US airline company American Airline Group Inc and travel reservations platform provider Sabre Corp, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the investigations.The same hackers had targeted insurer Anthem Inc in February and the US government's personnel office in June, Bloomberg reported on Friday. (http://bloom.bg/1DyRQ8M)
The group had also hacked the systems of another US airline operator United Continental Holdings Inc in May or early June, Bloomberg reported last month.
American Airline and Sabre were not immediately available for comment.
American Airline shares some network infrastructure with Sabre, a former subsidiary that the US airline operator spun off into a separate company in 2000.
Business Affairs
FM Arun Jaitley says govt to impose import duty of 10% on wheat
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The goverment will impose an import duty of 10 per cent on wheat effective until March 31 next year, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told Parliament on Friday, reinstating tariffs after a gap of eight years following big purchases in recent months.
Reuters reported last week that a decision was taken after top officials from the ministries of agriculture, food, trade and finance met to discuss ways to curb overseas purchases when domestic stocks are ample.
In June some private firms signed deals to import 5,00,000 tonnes of high-protein Australian wheat in the biggest such purchases in more than a decade that led to criticism Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government was letting down farmers.
The goverment will impose an import duty of 10 per cent on wheat effective until March 31 next year, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told Parliament on Friday, reinstating tariffs after a gap of eight years following big purchases in recent months.
Reuters reported last week that a decision was taken after top officials from the ministries of agriculture, food, trade and finance met to discuss ways to curb overseas purchases when domestic stocks are ample.
In June some private firms signed deals to import 5,00,000 tonnes of high-protein Australian wheat in the biggest such purchases in more than a decade that led to criticism Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government was letting down farmers.
Jewellers stock up on gold ahead of festive season, but buyers in no rush
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Gold demand in Asia picked up modestly this week as global prices wallowed near multi-year lows, but buyers in the world's biggest consuming region for the precious metal were in no hurry as they waited for the market to weaken further.
Bullion is en route to fall for a seventh straight week, its longest retreat since 1999, with investors looking ahead to Friday's US nonfarm payrolls data that may help determine how soon the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates.
Spot gold has languished mostly below $1,100 an ounce since breaching that support level in a July 20 rout, sinking as far as $1,077 on July 24, its weakest since February 2010.
Premiums in India, the world's second-biggest gold consumer after China, hovered between $1.30 to $2.10 an ounce over the global spot benchmark, up from $1.50-$2 last week, with ample supply offsetting an improvement in demand.
"Jewellers have increased buying for the peak festive season. They are replenishing inventory," said Pradeep Nagori, senior vice president at Edelweiss Metals Ltd in Mumbai.
Nagori said jewellers are expecting increased retail demand during the last quarter of the year amid lower prices. Demand for gold jewellery is usually strong in India during the time, when it celebrates festivals such as Diwali and Dussehra and gold buying is considered auspicious.
"India's gold imports in fiscal 2015/16 are likely to be between 900 and 1,000 tonnes as lower prices will boost demand during the festive season," said Rajesh Khosla, managing director of MMTC-PAMP India Pvt Ltd, the country's biggest gold refiner.
Still, "retail demand is not as robust as it should be as consumers are thinking prices will go down further," Khosla added.
Buying interest in China, where the economy is facing headwinds from weaker exports and slow demand, is unlikely to be robust even if the gold price falls further, said Dick Poon, general manager at Heraeus Precious Metals, also in Hong Kong.
"I don't think it's a really good time to buy," said Poon.
In Hong Kong, premiums inched up to $1-$1.20 an ounce from 90 cents to $1.10. On the Shanghai Gold Exchange, premiums were steady at $3-$4 an ounce.
"There's no rush to buy. People are not sure if the price is low enough," said Ronald Leung, chief dealer at Lee Cheong Gold Dealers in Hong Kong.
Gold demand in Asia picked up modestly this week as global prices wallowed near multi-year lows, but buyers in the world's biggest consuming region for the precious metal were in no hurry as they waited for the market to weaken further.
Bullion is en route to fall for a seventh straight week, its longest retreat since 1999, with investors looking ahead to Friday's US nonfarm payrolls data that may help determine how soon the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates.
Spot gold has languished mostly below $1,100 an ounce since breaching that support level in a July 20 rout, sinking as far as $1,077 on July 24, its weakest since February 2010.
Premiums in India, the world's second-biggest gold consumer after China, hovered between $1.30 to $2.10 an ounce over the global spot benchmark, up from $1.50-$2 last week, with ample supply offsetting an improvement in demand.
"Jewellers have increased buying for the peak festive season. They are replenishing inventory," said Pradeep Nagori, senior vice president at Edelweiss Metals Ltd in Mumbai.
Nagori said jewellers are expecting increased retail demand during the last quarter of the year amid lower prices. Demand for gold jewellery is usually strong in India during the time, when it celebrates festivals such as Diwali and Dussehra and gold buying is considered auspicious.
"India's gold imports in fiscal 2015/16 are likely to be between 900 and 1,000 tonnes as lower prices will boost demand during the festive season," said Rajesh Khosla, managing director of MMTC-PAMP India Pvt Ltd, the country's biggest gold refiner.
Still, "retail demand is not as robust as it should be as consumers are thinking prices will go down further," Khosla added.
Buying interest in China, where the economy is facing headwinds from weaker exports and slow demand, is unlikely to be robust even if the gold price falls further, said Dick Poon, general manager at Heraeus Precious Metals, also in Hong Kong.
"I don't think it's a really good time to buy," said Poon.
In Hong Kong, premiums inched up to $1-$1.20 an ounce from 90 cents to $1.10. On the Shanghai Gold Exchange, premiums were steady at $3-$4 an ounce.
"There's no rush to buy. People are not sure if the price is low enough," said Ronald Leung, chief dealer at Lee Cheong Gold Dealers in Hong Kong.
Tata Motors Q1 net profit falls 48.7% to Rs 2,768.91 cr
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Homegrown auto firm Tata Motors on Friday reported a 48.7 per cent fall in consolidated net profit at Rs 2,768.91 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, mainly due to dip in sales of its British-arm Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
The company had reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 5,398.21 crore in the same quarter of previous fiscal.
Consolidated net sales during the period under review stood at Rs 60,180.57 crore as against Rs 64,150.74 crore in the year-ago period, down 6.18 per cent, the company said in a filing to the BSE.
JLR's revenue stood at Rs 49,178.5 crore during the first quarter as against Rs 54,425.97 crore in the year-ago period, down 9.64 per cent.
The company said JLR's financial performance in the quarter under review was lower than the strong corresponding quarter last year due to softer sales in China but was partially offset by strong performance in the UK, Europe and North America.
Tata Motors sales, including exports, of commercial and passenger vehicles for the quarter stood at 1,17,439 units, up 6.2 per cent, as compared to the corresponding quarter last fiscal.
On a standalone basis, Tata Motors net profit for the June quarter stood at Rs 257.57 crore, down 34.56 per cent from Rs 393.65 crore in the year-ago period.
Standalone net sales stood at Rs 9,197.62 crore as against Rs 7,612.89 crore in the previous fiscal, it added.
Tata Motors shares on Friday ended at Rs 392.55 apiece on the BSE, up 2.52 per cent from the previous close.
- Homegrown auto firm Tata Motors on Friday reported a 48.7 per cent fall in consolidated net profit at Rs 2,768.91 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, mainly due to dip in sales of its British-arm Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).The company had reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 5,398.21 crore in the same quarter of previous fiscal.Consolidated net sales during the period under review stood at Rs 60,180.57 crore as against Rs 64,150.74 crore in the year-ago period, down 6.18 per cent, the company said in a filing to the BSE.JLR's revenue stood at Rs 49,178.5 crore during the first quarter as against Rs 54,425.97 crore in the year-ago period, down 9.64 per cent.The company said JLR's financial performance in the quarter under review was lower than the strong corresponding quarter last year due to softer sales in China but was partially offset by strong performance in the UK, Europe and North America.Tata Motors sales, including exports, of commercial and passenger vehicles for the quarter stood at 1,17,439 units, up 6.2 per cent, as compared to the corresponding quarter last fiscal.On a standalone basis, Tata Motors net profit for the June quarter stood at Rs 257.57 crore, down 34.56 per cent from Rs 393.65 crore in the year-ago period.Standalone net sales stood at Rs 9,197.62 crore as against Rs 7,612.89 crore in the previous fiscal, it added.Tata Motors shares on Friday ended at Rs 392.55 apiece on the BSE, up 2.52 per cent from the previous close.
5 stocks that made news today: BHEL, Bharti Airtel and more
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A day after it touched a two-week high, the BSE Sensex closed in red on Friday. While the 30-share index fell 62 points to 28,236.39, the 50-share Nifty fell 24 points to 8,564.60.
Here are five stocks that were in news on the last trading day of the week:
- Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL): The state-run power equipment maker reported a 82.48 per cent plunge in standalone net profit at Rs 33.89 crore for the quarter ended June 30, due to lower sales. Shares of the company fell 5.81 per cent to close at Rs 265.80 apiece.
- Mahindra and Mahindra:The automative major reported a 3.35 per cent decline in standalone net profit for the quarter ended June 30. The company doesn't see tractor sales turning around anytime soon as the slowdown in rural India continues. Shares of the company closed 0.47 per cent lower at Rs 1387.65 on the BSE.
- Bharti Airtel: The telecom major had on Thursday announced the commercial launch of 4G services in 296 towns across the country after testing the market in select cities. It also hinted at a hike in tariff saying there was a big opportunity in reducing discounts and freebies on voice calls. Shares fell 0.75 per cent to close at Rs 411.80 apiece on Friday.
- Oracle Financial Services Software: Shares of the IT firm rose 0.94 per cent to Rs 4251.95 apiece despite it reporting a decline of 16.50 per cent in its consolidated net profit at Rs 329.33 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2015.
- Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing Co:Shares fell 7.01 per cent to Rs 80.90 apiece after the company reported a standalone net loss of Rs 53.37 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2015. Total income from operations, on a standalone basis, fell by 27 per cent to Rs 404.71 crore.
A day after it touched a two-week high, the BSE Sensex closed in red on Friday. While the 30-share index fell 62 points to 28,236.39, the 50-share Nifty fell 24 points to 8,564.60.
Here are five stocks that were in news on the last trading day of the week:
- Bharat Heavy Electricals (BHEL): The state-run power equipment maker reported a 82.48 per cent plunge in standalone net profit at Rs 33.89 crore for the quarter ended June 30, due to lower sales. Shares of the company fell 5.81 per cent to close at Rs 265.80 apiece.
- Mahindra and Mahindra:The automative major reported a 3.35 per cent decline in standalone net profit for the quarter ended June 30. The company doesn't see tractor sales turning around anytime soon as the slowdown in rural India continues. Shares of the company closed 0.47 per cent lower at Rs 1387.65 on the BSE.
- Bharti Airtel: The telecom major had on Thursday announced the commercial launch of 4G services in 296 towns across the country after testing the market in select cities. It also hinted at a hike in tariff saying there was a big opportunity in reducing discounts and freebies on voice calls. Shares fell 0.75 per cent to close at Rs 411.80 apiece on Friday.
- Oracle Financial Services Software: Shares of the IT firm rose 0.94 per cent to Rs 4251.95 apiece despite it reporting a decline of 16.50 per cent in its consolidated net profit at Rs 329.33 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2015.
- Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing Co:Shares fell 7.01 per cent to Rs 80.90 apiece after the company reported a standalone net loss of Rs 53.37 crore for the first quarter ended June 30, 2015. Total income from operations, on a standalone basis, fell by 27 per cent to Rs 404.71 crore.
Growth boost: Rs 4.85 lakh cr invested in big infra projects
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The government has invested Rs 4.85 lakh crore in big infrastructure projects, costing over Rs 150 crore, as of June 1 in the current fiscal.
In 2014-15, the total investment in such projects was to the tune of Rs 5.44 lakh crore; Rs 5.02 lakh crore in 2013-14 and Rs 4.48 lakh crore in 2012-13, Minister of State for Planning Rao Inderjit Singh said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Friday.
"Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation monitors ongoing central sector infrastructure projects costing Rs 150 crore and above on time and cost overruns on the basis of information furnished by the project implementing agencies," he said.
These projects are related to civil aviation, petroleum, power, railways, road transport and highways, steel, urban development, coal, atomic energy, shipping and ports, heavy, industry, fertiliser and telecommunications.
The government has invested Rs 4.85 lakh crore in big infrastructure projects, costing over Rs 150 crore, as of June 1 in the current fiscal.
In 2014-15, the total investment in such projects was to the tune of Rs 5.44 lakh crore; Rs 5.02 lakh crore in 2013-14 and Rs 4.48 lakh crore in 2012-13, Minister of State for Planning Rao Inderjit Singh said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on Friday.
"Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation monitors ongoing central sector infrastructure projects costing Rs 150 crore and above on time and cost overruns on the basis of information furnished by the project implementing agencies," he said.
These projects are related to civil aviation, petroleum, power, railways, road transport and highways, steel, urban development, coal, atomic energy, shipping and ports, heavy, industry, fertiliser and telecommunications.
General Awareness
MODI schemes: Urban Infrastructure Part 7
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Dear Readers & Aspirants, We collected Modi Schemes in Urban Infrastructure and make it in PDF format. We Hope it will definitely help you for your Exams.All the Best My Dear Aspirants & Readers.
- Modi Schemes: Banking & Insurance Part 1
- Modi Schemes: Agriculture & Irrigation – Part 2
- Modi Schemes: Technology Part 3
- Modi Schemes: Environmental and Health Part 4
- Modi Schemes: child and Women Empowerment Part 5
- Modi Schemes: Rural infrastructure Part 6
# 1.AMRUT–Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
*AMRUT — upgraded vesrsion of JNNURM — also called as -JNNURM-2
OBJECTIVE
The Cabinet also approved the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), a mission aimed at transforming 500 cities and towns into efficient urban living spaces, with special focus on a healthy and green environment for children. The Cabinet approved Rs 50,000 crore for this mission which is to be spent over the next five years.
Purpose of AMRUT
The National Priority is to create infrastructure to provide basic services to households, and build amenities
- This will improve the quality of life of all,especially the poor and the disadvantaged.
- The infrastructure should lead to provision of better services to people.
AMRUT’s Attributes
Cooperative federalism- Freedom to States/ULBs to design and implement.
- Service Delivery – Focus on infrastructure that leads to delivery of services to citizens.
- Reforms Incentivised – 10% incentive for Achievement of Reforms.
- Capacity building strategy.
- O&M of infrastructure built-in at Planning stage itself.
- Focus on Planning before hand –
- Service Level Improvement Plans (SLIP)
- State Annual Action Plan (SAAP).
Thrust Areas
- water supply,
- sewerage facilities and septage management,
- storm water drains to reduce flooding,
- pedestrian, non-motorized and public transport facilities, parking spaces, and
- enhancing amenity value of cities by creating and
- upgrading green spaces, parks and recreation
- centers, especially for children.
# Coverage_Five hundred (500) cities will be taken up having a population greater than one lakh (100,000)
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) has a wider reach in terms of the number of cities covered and therefore the funds available for each city would be proportionately less. The mission takes a project approach in working towards improving existing basic infrastructure services like extending clean drinking water supply, improving sewerage networks, developing septage management, laying of storm water drains, improving public transport services and creating green public spaces like parks etc, with special focus on creating healthy open spaces for children.500 cities and towns will be selected on the basis of population i.e. one lakh and above, while the other criteria of selection will apply for certain locations like tourist popularity, cities located at the stems of main rivers, certain popular hill towns and some select islands. The centre is laying out guidelines on the basis of which states will be free to suggest cities that they wish to bring under AMRUT. AMRUT is actually a new avatar of the existing JNNURM and will extend support to till 2017 to those projects that are at least 50% complete under the earlier JNNURM. Over 400 existing projects are likely to benefit from this.
Funds Allocation
- Formula for Allocation to States – total population and number of statutory urban towns (50:50)
- State contribution to the project cost shall not be less than 20%.
- Funds distribution – Project fund – 80% of the annual budgetary allocation (90% during first year).
- Incentive for Reforms – 10%
- State funds for A&OE – 8%
- MoUD funds for A&OE – 2%
Components
AMRUT supports States in creating basic urban infrastructure – Mission is project based.
Central government assistance –
*1/2 of project cost to cities having population > 10 lacs
*1/3 of project cost to cities having population < 10 lacs
Schemes covered
- Water supply
- Sewerage network
- Septage management
- Storm water drainage
- Urban Transport
- Green spaces and parks
Funding
- For planning Rs. 25 lakh is being released.
- Release of the installment shall be in the ratio of 20:40:40 of the approved project cost.
- First Installment shall be released on approval of SAAP.
- 2nd and 3rd installments shall be released on receipt of Utilization certificates and shall be subject to mobilizing the assured resources as per SAAP by the States/UTs, and States to release funds to cities with in 7 days
Challenges ahead
Till now central control over projects did not succeed in improving or incentivising state level involvement. With the new approach of extending central funding support and leaving it to the states to execute and monitor the projects as per their priorities and local needs, the centre has shifted the challenge and responsibility to the states.The problem is that municipal functioning at the state level is heavily politicized and corrupt. The big question is – will the states be able to rise above petty politics and ensure corrupt free and efficient implementation of mission objectives? There cannot be a successful urban mission of transformation without establishing the requisite professionally run management structure, with necessary checks and balances built-in, and one that has the ability to adopt technology and deliver efficient services.
#2.Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission
Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission will be launched to deliver integrated project based infrastructure in the rural areas. Announcing this during his maiden Budget Speech in the Lok Sabha today, the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said that this will also included development of economic activities and skill development. The preferred mode of delivery would be through PPPs while using various scheme funds. Shri Jaitley cited the example of Gujarat that has demonstrated successfully the Rurban development model of urbanization of the rural areas, through which people living in the rural areas can get efficient civic infrastructure and associate services.
SPMRM will deliver integrated project based high quality infrastracture in rural areas .infra provide both
Gujarat that has demonstrated successfully the Rurban development model of urbanization of the rural areas
Budgetary provision for the Pooled Municipal Debt Obligation Facility has been enhanced from Rs 5000 crore to Rs 50,000 crore with extension of the facility by five years to March 31, 2019
scheme covers
urban renewal of cities and towns, four fundamental activities
- safe drinking water and sewerage management
- use of recycled water for growing organic fruits and vegetables
- solid waste management
- digital connectivity
#3.Housing for All by 2022 scheme
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for launch of “Housing for All by 2022” aimed for urban areas with following components/options to States/Union Territories and cities.
- Slum rehabilitation of Slum Dwellers with participation of private developers using land as a resource;
- Promotion of affordable housing for weaker section through credit linked subsidy;
- Affordable housing in partnership with Public & Private sectors and
- Subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction or enhancement.
GUIDE LINES
- Central grant of Rs. one lakh per house, on an average, will be available under the slum rehabilitation programme.
- A State Government would have flexibility in deploying this slum rehabilitation grant to any slum rehabilitation project taken for development using land as a resource for providing houses to slum dwellers.
- Under the Credit Linked Interest Subsidy component, interest subsidy of 6.5 percent on housing loans availed upto a tenure of 15 years will be provided to EWS/LIG categories, wherein the subsidy pay-out on NPV basis would be about Rs.2.3 lakh per house for both the categories.
- Central assistance at the rate of Rs.1.5 lakh per house for EWS category will be provided under the Affordable Housing in Partnership and Beneficiary-led individual house construction or enhancement. State Government or their para statals like Housing Boards can take up project of affordable housing to avail the Central Government grant.
- The scheme will be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme except the credit linked subsidy component, which will be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme. The Mission also prescribes certain mandatory reforms for easing up the urban land market for housing, to make adequate urban land available for affordable housing. Houses constructed under the mission would be allotted in the name of the female head of the households or in the joint name of the male head of the household and his wife.
- The scheme will cover the entire urban area consisting of 4041 statutory towns with initial focus on 500 Class I cities and it will be implemented in three phases as follows, viz. Phase-I (April 2015 – March 2017) to cover 100 Cities to be selected from States/UTs as per their willingness; Phase – II (April 2017 – March 2019) to cover additional 200 Cities and Phase-III (April 2019 – March 2022) to cover all other remaining Cities. However, there will be flexibility in covering number of cities in various phases and inclusion of additional cities may be considered by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation in case there is demand from States and cities and have capacity to include them in earlier phases. Credit linked subsidy component of the scheme would be implemented across the country in all statutory towns from the very beginning.
- Dimension of the task at present is estimated at 2 crore. Exact number of houses, though, would depend on demand survey for which all States/Cities will undertake detailed demand assessment for assessing actual demand by integrating Aadhar number, Jan Dhan Yojana account numbers or any such identification of intended beneficiaries.
A Technology Sub-mission under the Mission would be set up to facilitate adoption of modern, innovative and green technologies and building material for faster and quality construction of houses. The Technology Sub-Mission will also facilitate preparation and adoption of layout designs and building plans suitable for various geo-climatic zones. It will also assist States/Cities in deploying disaster resistant and environment friendly technologies.
The Technology Sub-Mission will coordinate with various regulatory and administrative bodies for mainstreaming and up scaling deployment of modern construction technologies and material in place of conventional construction. The Technology Sub-Mission will also coordinate with other agencies working in green and energy efficient technologies, climate change etc.
The Technology Sub-Mission will also work on the following aspects
i) Design & Planning
ii) Innovative technologies & materials
iii) Green buildings using natural resources
iv) Earthquake and other disaster resistant technologies and designs.
In the spirit of cooperative federalism, the Mission will provide flexibility to States for choosing best options amongst four verticals of the Mission to meet the demand of housing in their states. The process of project formulation and approval in accordance with Mission Guidelines would be left to the States, so that projects can be formulated, approved and implemented faster. The Mission will provide technical and financial support in accordance to the Guidelines to the States to meet the challenge of urban housing.
Affordable housing policies
The Mission will also compile best practices in terms of affordable housing policies of the States/UTs designs and technologies adopted by States and Cities with an objective to spread best practices across States and cities and foster cross learning. The Mission will also develop a virtual platform to obtain suggestions and inputs on house design, materials, technologies and other elements of urban housing.
Dear Readers & Aspirants, We collected Modi Schemes in Urban Infrastructure and make it in PDF format. We Hope it will definitely help you for your Exams.All the Best My Dear Aspirants & Readers.
- Modi Schemes: Banking & Insurance Part 1
- Modi Schemes: Agriculture & Irrigation – Part 2
- Modi Schemes: Technology Part 3
- Modi Schemes: Environmental and Health Part 4
- Modi Schemes: child and Women Empowerment Part 5
- Modi Schemes: Rural infrastructure Part 6
# 1.AMRUT–Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation
*AMRUT — upgraded vesrsion of JNNURM — also called as -JNNURM-2
*AMRUT — upgraded vesrsion of JNNURM — also called as -JNNURM-2
OBJECTIVE
The Cabinet also approved the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), a mission aimed at transforming 500 cities and towns into efficient urban living spaces, with special focus on a healthy and green environment for children. The Cabinet approved Rs 50,000 crore for this mission which is to be spent over the next five years.
Purpose of AMRUT
The National Priority is to create infrastructure to provide basic services to households, and build amenities
- This will improve the quality of life of all,especially the poor and the disadvantaged.
- The infrastructure should lead to provision of better services to people.
AMRUT’s Attributes
Cooperative federalism- Freedom to States/ULBs to design and implement.
- Service Delivery – Focus on infrastructure that leads to delivery of services to citizens.
- Reforms Incentivised – 10% incentive for Achievement of Reforms.
- Capacity building strategy.
- O&M of infrastructure built-in at Planning stage itself.
- Focus on Planning before hand –
- Service Level Improvement Plans (SLIP)
- State Annual Action Plan (SAAP).
Thrust Areas
- water supply,
- sewerage facilities and septage management,
- storm water drains to reduce flooding,
- pedestrian, non-motorized and public transport facilities, parking spaces, and
- enhancing amenity value of cities by creating and
- upgrading green spaces, parks and recreation
- centers, especially for children.
# Coverage_Five hundred (500) cities will be taken up having a population greater than one lakh (100,000)
Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) has a wider reach in terms of the number of cities covered and therefore the funds available for each city would be proportionately less. The mission takes a project approach in working towards improving existing basic infrastructure services like extending clean drinking water supply, improving sewerage networks, developing septage management, laying of storm water drains, improving public transport services and creating green public spaces like parks etc, with special focus on creating healthy open spaces for children.500 cities and towns will be selected on the basis of population i.e. one lakh and above, while the other criteria of selection will apply for certain locations like tourist popularity, cities located at the stems of main rivers, certain popular hill towns and some select islands. The centre is laying out guidelines on the basis of which states will be free to suggest cities that they wish to bring under AMRUT. AMRUT is actually a new avatar of the existing JNNURM and will extend support to till 2017 to those projects that are at least 50% complete under the earlier JNNURM. Over 400 existing projects are likely to benefit from this.
Funds Allocation
- Formula for Allocation to States – total population and number of statutory urban towns (50:50)
- State contribution to the project cost shall not be less than 20%.
- Funds distribution – Project fund – 80% of the annual budgetary allocation (90% during first year).
- Incentive for Reforms – 10%
- State funds for A&OE – 8%
- MoUD funds for A&OE – 2%
Components
AMRUT supports States in creating basic urban infrastructure – Mission is project based.
Central government assistance –
*1/2 of project cost to cities having population > 10 lacs
*1/3 of project cost to cities having population < 10 lacs
AMRUT supports States in creating basic urban infrastructure – Mission is project based.
Central government assistance –
*1/2 of project cost to cities having population > 10 lacs
*1/3 of project cost to cities having population < 10 lacs
Schemes covered
- Water supply
- Sewerage network
- Septage management
- Storm water drainage
- Urban Transport
- Green spaces and parks
Funding
- For planning Rs. 25 lakh is being released.
- Release of the installment shall be in the ratio of 20:40:40 of the approved project cost.
- First Installment shall be released on approval of SAAP.
- 2nd and 3rd installments shall be released on receipt of Utilization certificates and shall be subject to mobilizing the assured resources as per SAAP by the States/UTs, and States to release funds to cities with in 7 days
Challenges ahead
Till now central control over projects did not succeed in improving or incentivising state level involvement. With the new approach of extending central funding support and leaving it to the states to execute and monitor the projects as per their priorities and local needs, the centre has shifted the challenge and responsibility to the states.The problem is that municipal functioning at the state level is heavily politicized and corrupt. The big question is – will the states be able to rise above petty politics and ensure corrupt free and efficient implementation of mission objectives? There cannot be a successful urban mission of transformation without establishing the requisite professionally run management structure, with necessary checks and balances built-in, and one that has the ability to adopt technology and deliver efficient services.
#2.Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission
Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission will be launched to deliver integrated project based infrastructure in the rural areas. Announcing this during his maiden Budget Speech in the Lok Sabha today, the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said that this will also included development of economic activities and skill development. The preferred mode of delivery would be through PPPs while using various scheme funds. Shri Jaitley cited the example of Gujarat that has demonstrated successfully the Rurban development model of urbanization of the rural areas, through which people living in the rural areas can get efficient civic infrastructure and associate services.
SPMRM will deliver integrated project based high quality infrastracture in rural areas .infra provide both
Gujarat that has demonstrated successfully the Rurban development model of urbanization of the rural areas
Budgetary provision for the Pooled Municipal Debt Obligation Facility has been enhanced from Rs 5000 crore to Rs 50,000 crore with extension of the facility by five years to March 31, 2019
scheme covers
urban renewal of cities and towns, four fundamental activities
- safe drinking water and sewerage management
- use of recycled water for growing organic fruits and vegetables
- solid waste management
- digital connectivity
#3.Housing for All by 2022 scheme
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for launch of “Housing for All by 2022” aimed for urban areas with following components/options to States/Union Territories and cities.
- Slum rehabilitation of Slum Dwellers with participation of private developers using land as a resource;
- Promotion of affordable housing for weaker section through credit linked subsidy;
- Affordable housing in partnership with Public & Private sectors and
- Subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction or enhancement.
GUIDE LINES
- Central grant of Rs. one lakh per house, on an average, will be available under the slum rehabilitation programme.
- A State Government would have flexibility in deploying this slum rehabilitation grant to any slum rehabilitation project taken for development using land as a resource for providing houses to slum dwellers.
- Under the Credit Linked Interest Subsidy component, interest subsidy of 6.5 percent on housing loans availed upto a tenure of 15 years will be provided to EWS/LIG categories, wherein the subsidy pay-out on NPV basis would be about Rs.2.3 lakh per house for both the categories.
- Central assistance at the rate of Rs.1.5 lakh per house for EWS category will be provided under the Affordable Housing in Partnership and Beneficiary-led individual house construction or enhancement. State Government or their para statals like Housing Boards can take up project of affordable housing to avail the Central Government grant.
- The scheme will be implemented as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme except the credit linked subsidy component, which will be implemented as a Central Sector Scheme. The Mission also prescribes certain mandatory reforms for easing up the urban land market for housing, to make adequate urban land available for affordable housing. Houses constructed under the mission would be allotted in the name of the female head of the households or in the joint name of the male head of the household and his wife.
- The scheme will cover the entire urban area consisting of 4041 statutory towns with initial focus on 500 Class I cities and it will be implemented in three phases as follows, viz. Phase-I (April 2015 – March 2017) to cover 100 Cities to be selected from States/UTs as per their willingness; Phase – II (April 2017 – March 2019) to cover additional 200 Cities and Phase-III (April 2019 – March 2022) to cover all other remaining Cities. However, there will be flexibility in covering number of cities in various phases and inclusion of additional cities may be considered by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation in case there is demand from States and cities and have capacity to include them in earlier phases. Credit linked subsidy component of the scheme would be implemented across the country in all statutory towns from the very beginning.
- Dimension of the task at present is estimated at 2 crore. Exact number of houses, though, would depend on demand survey for which all States/Cities will undertake detailed demand assessment for assessing actual demand by integrating Aadhar number, Jan Dhan Yojana account numbers or any such identification of intended beneficiaries.
A Technology Sub-mission under the Mission would be set up to facilitate adoption of modern, innovative and green technologies and building material for faster and quality construction of houses. The Technology Sub-Mission will also facilitate preparation and adoption of layout designs and building plans suitable for various geo-climatic zones. It will also assist States/Cities in deploying disaster resistant and environment friendly technologies.
The Technology Sub-Mission will coordinate with various regulatory and administrative bodies for mainstreaming and up scaling deployment of modern construction technologies and material in place of conventional construction. The Technology Sub-Mission will also coordinate with other agencies working in green and energy efficient technologies, climate change etc.
The Technology Sub-Mission will also work on the following aspects
i) Design & Planning
ii) Innovative technologies & materials
iii) Green buildings using natural resources
iv) Earthquake and other disaster resistant technologies and designs.
ii) Innovative technologies & materials
iii) Green buildings using natural resources
iv) Earthquake and other disaster resistant technologies and designs.
In the spirit of cooperative federalism, the Mission will provide flexibility to States for choosing best options amongst four verticals of the Mission to meet the demand of housing in their states. The process of project formulation and approval in accordance with Mission Guidelines would be left to the States, so that projects can be formulated, approved and implemented faster. The Mission will provide technical and financial support in accordance to the Guidelines to the States to meet the challenge of urban housing.
Affordable housing policies
The Mission will also compile best practices in terms of affordable housing policies of the States/UTs designs and technologies adopted by States and Cities with an objective to spread best practices across States and cities and foster cross learning. The Mission will also develop a virtual platform to obtain suggestions and inputs on house design, materials, technologies and other elements of urban housing.
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