General Affairs
PM Modi On E-Drive In Varanasi. First E-Rickshaw, Then E-Boat.
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VARANASI: After launching e-boats and e-rickshaws in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a ride in both today.
"Schemes that strengthen the people are important, not schemes that strengthen vote banks," he said at Assi Ghat after the boat ride. It was another dig at the people, who, he said, were giving a political spin to the visit.
The Prime Minister flew into Varanasi after launching a scheme in Ballia under which free LPG connections will be given to five crore poor women. While there, he had his visit should not be politically interpreted - indicating a speculation made with an eye at the 2017 assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.
He said the Centre had plans to allocate "tremendous resources" to develop Uttar Pradesh. "Fruits of development have to reach the eastern part of India and then we will gain strength in the fight against poverty," he said.
During an earlier visit to Varanasi, PM Modi had launched the Rs 45,000 crore nationwide Integrated Power Development Scheme -- a bid to improve the failing infrastructure of what is said to be the oldest city in India.
In January, he had flagged off the superfast Mahanama Express that would ply between Varanasi and New Delhi thrice a week.
VARANASI: After launching e-boats and e-rickshaws in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a ride in both today.
"Schemes that strengthen the people are important, not schemes that strengthen vote banks," he said at Assi Ghat after the boat ride. It was another dig at the people, who, he said, were giving a political spin to the visit.
He said the Centre had plans to allocate "tremendous resources" to develop Uttar Pradesh. "Fruits of development have to reach the eastern part of India and then we will gain strength in the fight against poverty," he said.
During an earlier visit to Varanasi, PM Modi had launched the Rs 45,000 crore nationwide Integrated Power Development Scheme -- a bid to improve the failing infrastructure of what is said to be the oldest city in India.
Rs 5 In A letter: Jharkhand's Unpaid Workers Return PM Modi's Wage Hike
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LATEHAR, JHARKHAND: Over a hundred letters, Rs 5 enclosed in each of them, addressed to the Prime Minister's Office in Delhi. The senders are the villagers in Jharkhand's Latehar, who say they could do without the Rs 5 wage hike under MNREGA.
In a season of drought, the Centre's increase of wages in Jharkhand -- from Rs 162 to 167 a day - has added insult to injury, say the villagers. The minimum wage for labour and non-NREGA work is Rs 212.
"The government has done us a big favour perhaps by increasing the wages. In some other states, I am told, the increase is not even that," said 65-year-old Kamlesh Oraon, a marginal farmer. "But we cannot accept such a raise. It is too little. So we are sending the money back to the prime minister... Maybe he'll have some use for it."
Among those who wrote the letter to PM Modi on Sunday was 65-year-old Phulmania Devi. Her family of 5 depends heavily of NREGA to supplement income. But this year has been bad, there is no work, she said. The wage increase, however meagre, is on paper, since payments are not made on time. "We are facing a drought. If there is work, only then we can eat," said Phulmania Devi.
In March, Jharkhand's BJP Chief Minister Raghubar Das wrote to the Centre, asking for immediate release of due NREGA funds. The state says it hadn't been paid the money for workers' wages for more than three months.
Given the drought this year, NREGA could have helped greatly, said economist Jean Dreze, one of the architects of the MNREGA act. "NREGA was meant to be a saviour for the poor," he said. "But there are no funds. It is not a good thing at all."
Taking about the wage rise, he said the increase by Rs 5 after a number of requests was a textbook case of too little too late. "The wages should have been raised to at least Rs 300 in these times," he said.
More protests are likely in the coming days, say workers, unless the Prime Minister personally intervenes.
In a season of drought, the Centre's increase of wages in Jharkhand -- from Rs 162 to 167 a day - has added insult to injury, say the villagers. The minimum wage for labour and non-NREGA work is Rs 212.
Among those who wrote the letter to PM Modi on Sunday was 65-year-old Phulmania Devi. Her family of 5 depends heavily of NREGA to supplement income. But this year has been bad, there is no work, she said. The wage increase, however meagre, is on paper, since payments are not made on time. "We are facing a drought. If there is work, only then we can eat," said Phulmania Devi.
In March, Jharkhand's BJP Chief Minister Raghubar Das wrote to the Centre, asking for immediate release of due NREGA funds. The state says it hadn't been paid the money for workers' wages for more than three months.
Given the drought this year, NREGA could have helped greatly, said economist Jean Dreze, one of the architects of the MNREGA act. "NREGA was meant to be a saviour for the poor," he said. "But there are no funds. It is not a good thing at all."
Taking about the wage rise, he said the increase by Rs 5 after a number of requests was a textbook case of too little too late. "The wages should have been raised to at least Rs 300 in these times," he said.
More protests are likely in the coming days, say workers, unless the Prime Minister personally intervenes.
Harish Rawat Dares PM Modi, Amit Shah To Put Him In Jail If Found Guilty
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DEHRADUN: Former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat today virtually admitted his presence in the controversial sting CD, but said it was not a crime to meet a journalist or a legislator and dismissed the conversation shown in the video as "meaningless".
Alleging that the sting operation and the CBI probe into it were part of a "criminal conspiracy" by BJP to topple an elected government, he dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah to put him in jail if he is found guilty.
"If any evidence is found against me, like me offering money or post to anybody, hang me at the Clock Tower," Mr Rawat, who had so far been insisting that the sting was "fake", said while addressing party workers at a programme held by Uttarakhand Congress to mark the Labour Day in Dehradun.
"Why should anyone spend Rs 15 crore for me. The man (journalist) was saying something meaningless to while away my time and I said something to while away his. How does it matter? We keep saying things like this on a daily basis. Does that mean they should be used against us," Mr Rawat said, adding, his fight to "save democracy" will go on, "come what may".
"Is meeting a journalist a crime? If one of the MLAs who had not been technically disqualified by that time talked to me, how does it matter? Do we block any channels in politics," Mr Rawat told reporters on the sidelines of the programme.
Claiming innocence, Mr Rawat said, if anything in the CD showed he made an offer in cash or kind in exchange for the support of disgruntled legislators, he was ready to be hanged in public.
"I have kept my doors open. I present myself to be sent to jail (in the sting CD case) if that is what Modi baba (PM Narendra Modi) and Amit Shah are up to," he said.
The sting CD made by the editor-in-chief of a private news channel and circulated by the nine Congress rebels who created a political crisis in the state by siding with opposition BJP in the state Assembly, purportedly shows Mr Rawat negotiating a money deal with the journalist to buy the support of legislators who had revolted against him.
Training his guns at the Modi-Shah duo, Mr Rawat alleged PM Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah could "not tolerate" a non-BJP government performing and therefore "toppled" it by hatching a "criminal conspiracy".
They have been "conspiring" to "systematically bring down" governments in states where BJP is not in power, he said.
Ever since Modi government came to power, it has been "neglecting" Uttarakhand and when it failed to bring down the state dispensation by "money or muscle power," it "resorted to President's Rule" to dislodge it, he alleged.
Asserting that he was prepared to "bear even a heavier atrocity" if found in the wrong in the sting case, he said, he would not hesitate to face any challenge in his struggle for the development of the people of the state.
Earlier, addressing party workers at the programme, Mr Rawat said the commitment with which the Congress had worked for the poor and the working class was "exemplary".
Citing an instance, he said, it was the Congress which had introduced a novel and revolutionary scheme like MNREGA.
Mr Rawat also highlighted steps taken by his own government in the state to provide social security to the poor and the working class.
People of Uttarakhand will teach them (BJP) a fitting lesson for creating political uncertainty in the state and derailing its development, he claimed.
DEHRADUN: Former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat today virtually admitted his presence in the controversial sting CD, but said it was not a crime to meet a journalist or a legislator and dismissed the conversation shown in the video as "meaningless".Alleging that the sting operation and the CBI probe into it were part of a "criminal conspiracy" by BJP to topple an elected government, he dared Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah to put him in jail if he is found guilty.
"If any evidence is found against me, like me offering money or post to anybody, hang me at the Clock Tower," Mr Rawat, who had so far been insisting that the sting was "fake", said while addressing party workers at a programme held by Uttarakhand Congress to mark the Labour Day in Dehradun.
"Why should anyone spend Rs 15 crore for me. The man (journalist) was saying something meaningless to while away my time and I said something to while away his. How does it matter? We keep saying things like this on a daily basis. Does that mean they should be used against us," Mr Rawat said, adding, his fight to "save democracy" will go on, "come what may".
"Is meeting a journalist a crime? If one of the MLAs who had not been technically disqualified by that time talked to me, how does it matter? Do we block any channels in politics," Mr Rawat told reporters on the sidelines of the programme.
Claiming innocence, Mr Rawat said, if anything in the CD showed he made an offer in cash or kind in exchange for the support of disgruntled legislators, he was ready to be hanged in public.
"I have kept my doors open. I present myself to be sent to jail (in the sting CD case) if that is what Modi baba (PM Narendra Modi) and Amit Shah are up to," he said.
The sting CD made by the editor-in-chief of a private news channel and circulated by the nine Congress rebels who created a political crisis in the state by siding with opposition BJP in the state Assembly, purportedly shows Mr Rawat negotiating a money deal with the journalist to buy the support of legislators who had revolted against him.
Training his guns at the Modi-Shah duo, Mr Rawat alleged PM Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah could "not tolerate" a non-BJP government performing and therefore "toppled" it by hatching a "criminal conspiracy".
They have been "conspiring" to "systematically bring down" governments in states where BJP is not in power, he said.
Ever since Modi government came to power, it has been "neglecting" Uttarakhand and when it failed to bring down the state dispensation by "money or muscle power," it "resorted to President's Rule" to dislodge it, he alleged.
Asserting that he was prepared to "bear even a heavier atrocity" if found in the wrong in the sting case, he said, he would not hesitate to face any challenge in his struggle for the development of the people of the state.
Earlier, addressing party workers at the programme, Mr Rawat said the commitment with which the Congress had worked for the poor and the working class was "exemplary".
Citing an instance, he said, it was the Congress which had introduced a novel and revolutionary scheme like MNREGA.
Mr Rawat also highlighted steps taken by his own government in the state to provide social security to the poor and the working class.
People of Uttarakhand will teach them (BJP) a fitting lesson for creating political uncertainty in the state and derailing its development, he claimed.
With Signora, Revered Name Of (Mahatma) Gandhi Defamed: RSS-Linked Magazine
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NEW DELHI: Attacking the Congress over alleged corruption in the AgustaWestland chopper deal, a magazine linked with the RSS today dared the party to tell the country who is 'Signora Gandhi' mentioned in the Italian court's documents.
The editorial in 'Panchjanya' also said, "Thousands of people fear that a certain political party mired in corruption may resort to riots to deflect the nation's attention from its leaders."
Attacking Congress president Sonia Gandhi without naming her, the editorial said, "No one had thought the ghost of a scam will come all the way from Italy to haunt Signora."
"The people of the oldest party insist that Signora should not be linked to a particular name. But someone has betrayed the country. Who is it? Bribe-givers are behind bars. Who are the bribe-takers," it said, adding the Congress camp is "rattled" by the presence of some new faces in the Rajya Sabha, in an apparent reference to BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.
The editorial dares the Congress to reveal the mystery behind "Signora Gandhi", adding, "It's sad that with Signora, the name of (Mahatma) Gandhi, whom the nation reveres, was also defamed in an Italian court".
The Italian court has described this Signora as the "driving force" behind the helicopter scam, it said.
The magazine said people can see through the veil and "Signora has to come out in the open now".
"Signora will have to come out in the open now....Is Signora bigger than the party? Is she bigger than even Gandhi?" it asked.
The editorial in 'Panchjanya' also said, "Thousands of people fear that a certain political party mired in corruption may resort to riots to deflect the nation's attention from its leaders."
"The people of the oldest party insist that Signora should not be linked to a particular name. But someone has betrayed the country. Who is it? Bribe-givers are behind bars. Who are the bribe-takers," it said, adding the Congress camp is "rattled" by the presence of some new faces in the Rajya Sabha, in an apparent reference to BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.
The editorial dares the Congress to reveal the mystery behind "Signora Gandhi", adding, "It's sad that with Signora, the name of (Mahatma) Gandhi, whom the nation reveres, was also defamed in an Italian court".
The Italian court has described this Signora as the "driving force" behind the helicopter scam, it said.
The magazine said people can see through the veil and "Signora has to come out in the open now".
"Signora will have to come out in the open now....Is Signora bigger than the party? Is she bigger than even Gandhi?" it asked.
Separate Vidarbha Stir: Shreehari Aney hoists 'Vidarbha flag' in Nagpur
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NAGPUR: The supporters of separate Vidarbha led by its strong protagonist, former Maharashtra Advocate General Shreehari Aney, today hoisted a 'Vidarbha flag' and said they would intensify their movement for statehood to the region.
A number of pro-Vidarbha leaders and activists gathered at a private resort in Bajaj Nagar Square here and hoisted the specially prepared multi-colour flag as a mark of protest against the merger of the then Vidarbha, the Central Provinces and Berar into Maharashtra on May 1, 1960.
They also chanted pro-Vidarbha slogans.
Similar flags were also unfurled at about 24 other places across the Vidarbha region.
On the occasion, Mr Aney, whose remarks on separate Marathwada and Vidarbha recently sparked controversy leading to his resignation from Advocate General's post, said the flag of separate Vidarbha is being raised on May 1 for last three years.
He said this year the movement for separate Vidarbha state has gained momentum since it has been strongly opposed by the ruling alliance partner Shiv Sena, besides Mhararashtra Navnirman Sena.
"We are not apprehensive of any political party or group which is opposing the creation of Vidarbha state, but our fight will go on and it will be further intensified from day one of the commencement of winter session of state Legislature here in the second capital (of Maharashtra) in December," he said.
"Till December, we are chalking out strategy to agitate for carving out Vidarbha from Maharashtra," Mr Aney said. He declined to comment on alleged remarks by Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray against him and said, "Come what may we will maintain our discipline and decency in agitation."
Prominent members of pro-Vidarbha organisations, Vidarbha Economic Development Council (VED), Shetkari Sanghatana, Vidarbha Vikas Aghadi and other outfits also participated.
Former three-term lawmaker, Shetkari Sanghatana's Wamanrao Chatap, former Minister of State and Dalit leader Sulekha Kumbhare, ex-Director General of Police Prabir Chakraborty, former Chief Commissioner of Income Tax B Dharmik, Jan Manch president advocate Anil Killor, former Vice Chancellor of Nagour University Haribhau Kedar were among those present on the occasion.
NAGPUR: The supporters of separate Vidarbha led by its strong protagonist, former Maharashtra Advocate General Shreehari Aney, today hoisted a 'Vidarbha flag' and said they would intensify their movement for statehood to the region.A number of pro-Vidarbha leaders and activists gathered at a private resort in Bajaj Nagar Square here and hoisted the specially prepared multi-colour flag as a mark of protest against the merger of the then Vidarbha, the Central Provinces and Berar into Maharashtra on May 1, 1960.
They also chanted pro-Vidarbha slogans.
Similar flags were also unfurled at about 24 other places across the Vidarbha region.
On the occasion, Mr Aney, whose remarks on separate Marathwada and Vidarbha recently sparked controversy leading to his resignation from Advocate General's post, said the flag of separate Vidarbha is being raised on May 1 for last three years.
He said this year the movement for separate Vidarbha state has gained momentum since it has been strongly opposed by the ruling alliance partner Shiv Sena, besides Mhararashtra Navnirman Sena.
"We are not apprehensive of any political party or group which is opposing the creation of Vidarbha state, but our fight will go on and it will be further intensified from day one of the commencement of winter session of state Legislature here in the second capital (of Maharashtra) in December," he said.
"Till December, we are chalking out strategy to agitate for carving out Vidarbha from Maharashtra," Mr Aney said. He declined to comment on alleged remarks by Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray against him and said, "Come what may we will maintain our discipline and decency in agitation."
Prominent members of pro-Vidarbha organisations, Vidarbha Economic Development Council (VED), Shetkari Sanghatana, Vidarbha Vikas Aghadi and other outfits also participated.
Former three-term lawmaker, Shetkari Sanghatana's Wamanrao Chatap, former Minister of State and Dalit leader Sulekha Kumbhare, ex-Director General of Police Prabir Chakraborty, former Chief Commissioner of Income Tax B Dharmik, Jan Manch president advocate Anil Killor, former Vice Chancellor of Nagour University Haribhau Kedar were among those present on the occasion.
Business Affairs
India needs to seal FTA with EU even on compromise: Amitabh Kant
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India should enter into a free trade pact with the EU even if the country has to "compromise", otherwise benefits from rising wages in China will go to nations like Bangladesh and Vietnam, a top official said on Friday.
Highlighting significance of apparel exports in job creation, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said: "It is better to compromise on wine and cheese and on large vehicles to push for our apparel exports with Europe so that we can penetrate these global markets because this is one sector which will enable us to create large-scale jobs."
Kant spoke at the launch a World Bank report titled 'Stitches to Riches? Apparel Employment, Trade and Economic Development in South Asia', which estimates that rising wages in China present a huge opportunity to the apparel sector in India, with possibility of creating up to 1.2 million jobs in the country.
"Even a 10 per cent rise in Chinese apparel prices could create at least 1.2 million jobs in Indian apparel industry," the report added.
The negotiations for the Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and the 28-nation bloc have been held up since May 2013 as both sides are yet to bridge substantial gaps on crucial issues, including data security status for the IT sector.
Launched in June 2007, the negotiations for the proposed BTIA have hit many hurdles, with both sides having major differences on crucial issues like intellectual property rights, duty cut in automobile and spirits, and a liberal visa regime.
The report also cautioned that Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) accord a trade agreement between 12 Pacific Rim countries including the US will likely have a far-reaching impact for key sectors in South Asia, including apparel, pointing out that a reduction in tariff and non-tariff barriers could lead to trade diversion for South Asia, including the textiles and apparel sector.
According to the report, women are expected to benefit the most as their share in the total apparel employment is much higher than in other industries. Even the 1 per cent increase in expected wages in the textiles and apparel industry could raise the probability of women entering the labour force by 18.9 per cent.
Onno Ruhl, World Bank Country Director, India, stressed that the country needs a million jobs a month and female labour force participation has to increase.
"Rising costs of apparel manufacturing in China provide a window of opportunity for India to focus on apparel in productively employing its huge working-age population," said Ruhl.
At a time when nearly 10 lakh people are expected to enter the workforce every month for the next three decades, export-oriented apparel production in India and other South Asian countries has the potential to create more and better jobs, stated the report.
It emphasised on the need for India to move quickly to ease import barriers of man-made fiber, facilitate market access and encourage foreign investment to reach more end markets, which would also yield dividends for other light manufacturers like footwear and toys.
Referring to the inordinate delay at Indian ports in Customs clearances for outward shipments, Kant said: "Why should it take three days to export goods? Exports should be allowed to move in three hours, not three days."
He said further: "We need to cut out this paperwork. We have been able to bring it down from 9 documents to three, but we need to bring it down to just one document and allow exports to move freely. The turnaround time at ports and bringing in much greater economic efficiency is really critical for us."
Kant pitched for the trade agreements to be comprehensive and integrated which need to involve massive investments and intellectual property rights.
According to the report, although China remains the world's largest apparel exporter, apparel as a share of its total exports in 2012 accounted for only 7.1 per cent, about half of the 15.6 per cent in 1990.
India should enter into a free trade pact with the EU even if the country has to "compromise", otherwise benefits from rising wages in China will go to nations like Bangladesh and Vietnam, a top official said on Friday.
Highlighting significance of apparel exports in job creation, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said: "It is better to compromise on wine and cheese and on large vehicles to push for our apparel exports with Europe so that we can penetrate these global markets because this is one sector which will enable us to create large-scale jobs."
Kant spoke at the launch a World Bank report titled 'Stitches to Riches? Apparel Employment, Trade and Economic Development in South Asia', which estimates that rising wages in China present a huge opportunity to the apparel sector in India, with possibility of creating up to 1.2 million jobs in the country.
"Even a 10 per cent rise in Chinese apparel prices could create at least 1.2 million jobs in Indian apparel industry," the report added.
The negotiations for the Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) between India and the 28-nation bloc have been held up since May 2013 as both sides are yet to bridge substantial gaps on crucial issues, including data security status for the IT sector.
Launched in June 2007, the negotiations for the proposed BTIA have hit many hurdles, with both sides having major differences on crucial issues like intellectual property rights, duty cut in automobile and spirits, and a liberal visa regime.
The report also cautioned that Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) accord a trade agreement between 12 Pacific Rim countries including the US will likely have a far-reaching impact for key sectors in South Asia, including apparel, pointing out that a reduction in tariff and non-tariff barriers could lead to trade diversion for South Asia, including the textiles and apparel sector.
According to the report, women are expected to benefit the most as their share in the total apparel employment is much higher than in other industries. Even the 1 per cent increase in expected wages in the textiles and apparel industry could raise the probability of women entering the labour force by 18.9 per cent.
Onno Ruhl, World Bank Country Director, India, stressed that the country needs a million jobs a month and female labour force participation has to increase.
"Rising costs of apparel manufacturing in China provide a window of opportunity for India to focus on apparel in productively employing its huge working-age population," said Ruhl.
At a time when nearly 10 lakh people are expected to enter the workforce every month for the next three decades, export-oriented apparel production in India and other South Asian countries has the potential to create more and better jobs, stated the report.
It emphasised on the need for India to move quickly to ease import barriers of man-made fiber, facilitate market access and encourage foreign investment to reach more end markets, which would also yield dividends for other light manufacturers like footwear and toys.
Referring to the inordinate delay at Indian ports in Customs clearances for outward shipments, Kant said: "Why should it take three days to export goods? Exports should be allowed to move in three hours, not three days."
He said further: "We need to cut out this paperwork. We have been able to bring it down from 9 documents to three, but we need to bring it down to just one document and allow exports to move freely. The turnaround time at ports and bringing in much greater economic efficiency is really critical for us."
Kant pitched for the trade agreements to be comprehensive and integrated which need to involve massive investments and intellectual property rights.
According to the report, although China remains the world's largest apparel exporter, apparel as a share of its total exports in 2012 accounted for only 7.1 per cent, about half of the 15.6 per cent in 1990.
Maharashtra government plans to bring 70% farmers under crop insurance net
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Considering three consecutive years of drought in Marathwada region and weak monsoon last year, the government is trying to bring more farmers under the crop insurance net to compensate them for failed crops.
Speaking to reporters at Y B Chavan Center near Mantralaya on Thursday, a senior official from state Agriculture Ministry said that at present only 30 per cent of farmers are covered under crop insurance scheme Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
"The government intends to raise this target to 70 per cent," he said.
The official added that there many small and marginal farmers, who were otherwise left out of the insurance net, will now be able to avail the insurance cover after paying the premium sums, which have been brought down considerably.
Speaking to reporters after the state level pre-Kharif crop sowing season review meeting here, Minister for Agriculture Eknath Khadse said that as per the monsoon forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) this year the monsoon is likely to hit Mumbai by June 10 and shall cover the rest of the state by June 20.
Moreover, the IMD has forecast advancement of monsoon and shall be more than the normal average.
Khadse said that considering the early onset of monsoon this year the farmers will have to decide on crop sowing for the Kharif crop between May 15 to May 21.
Khadse said that the government expects the area under Kharif crop season to be at 150 lakh hectares.
Assuring that the government has made adequate arrangements for supply of seeds and fertilisers in the state, he said that this year the government intends to sell white urea, which will be coated with neem oil.
"This will help retention of nitrogen need for the crops to grow. The government had come across cases of misuse of white urea by chemical and pharmaceutical companies," he said.
In view of the opposition to sugarcane crop due to drought, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had recently said the crop is not cultivated by any big industrialists but by farmers only.
When asked to comment on Pawar's remarks, Khadse said during the sugarcane crushing season last year, all the sugar mills in Beed, Latur and Osmanabad districts crushed 17 lakh metric tonnes of sugarcane, utilising all the water in the dams.
"The same politicians then began questioning the government about its water management policy," the minister said, adding that the government shall now ensure that sugarcane and BT Cotton crops are cultivated using drip irrigation techniques.
According to government's own estimates, the yield of crops like pulses, cereals and sugarcane is expected to range between 5 per cent and 21 per cent for the Kharif season, although the cotton yield is expected to rise by 11 per cent.
Considering three consecutive years of drought in Marathwada region and weak monsoon last year, the government is trying to bring more farmers under the crop insurance net to compensate them for failed crops.
Speaking to reporters at Y B Chavan Center near Mantralaya on Thursday, a senior official from state Agriculture Ministry said that at present only 30 per cent of farmers are covered under crop insurance scheme Prime Minister Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
"The government intends to raise this target to 70 per cent," he said.
The official added that there many small and marginal farmers, who were otherwise left out of the insurance net, will now be able to avail the insurance cover after paying the premium sums, which have been brought down considerably.
Speaking to reporters after the state level pre-Kharif crop sowing season review meeting here, Minister for Agriculture Eknath Khadse said that as per the monsoon forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) this year the monsoon is likely to hit Mumbai by June 10 and shall cover the rest of the state by June 20.
Moreover, the IMD has forecast advancement of monsoon and shall be more than the normal average.
Khadse said that considering the early onset of monsoon this year the farmers will have to decide on crop sowing for the Kharif crop between May 15 to May 21.
Khadse said that the government expects the area under Kharif crop season to be at 150 lakh hectares.
Assuring that the government has made adequate arrangements for supply of seeds and fertilisers in the state, he said that this year the government intends to sell white urea, which will be coated with neem oil.
"This will help retention of nitrogen need for the crops to grow. The government had come across cases of misuse of white urea by chemical and pharmaceutical companies," he said.
In view of the opposition to sugarcane crop due to drought, NCP chief Sharad Pawar had recently said the crop is not cultivated by any big industrialists but by farmers only.
When asked to comment on Pawar's remarks, Khadse said during the sugarcane crushing season last year, all the sugar mills in Beed, Latur and Osmanabad districts crushed 17 lakh metric tonnes of sugarcane, utilising all the water in the dams.
"The same politicians then began questioning the government about its water management policy," the minister said, adding that the government shall now ensure that sugarcane and BT Cotton crops are cultivated using drip irrigation techniques.
According to government's own estimates, the yield of crops like pulses, cereals and sugarcane is expected to range between 5 per cent and 21 per cent for the Kharif season, although the cotton yield is expected to rise by 11 per cent.
Jet Airways offers up to 30% discount on international routes
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Jet Airways has announced up to 30 per cent discount from India to international destinations on premiere and economy class across its network.
For availing the discount, tickets must be purchased between April 28, 2016 and May 4, 2016. One can start and complete the journey between Jun 12, 2016, and February 28, 2017.
The offer can also be availed on code share flights operated by Etihad Airways, the airline said. Limited seats are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Jet Airways has announced up to 30 per cent discount from India to international destinations on premiere and economy class across its network.
For availing the discount, tickets must be purchased between April 28, 2016 and May 4, 2016. One can start and complete the journey between Jun 12, 2016, and February 28, 2017.
The offer can also be availed on code share flights operated by Etihad Airways, the airline said. Limited seats are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Vijay Mallya says he is in forced exile, no plans to return to India
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Embattled tycoon Vijay Mallya has said he is in a "forced exile" and has no plans to return to India where things are flying at him "fast and furious".
Mallya, whose passport was revoked this month, said he wants a "reasonable" settlement with creditor banks for his defunct airline, but they "are not getting any money" by taking his passport or arresting him.
"I definitely would like to return to India. Right now, things are flying at me fast and furious. My passport has been revoked. I don't know what the government is going to do next," he told the Financial Times.
Mallya, 60, said he remains an Indian patriot, who is "proud to fly the Indian flag", but as the outcry around him continues, he is more than happy to stay safe in the UK and has no plans to leave that country.
"It is important to understand the environment in India today. The electronic media is playing a huge role not just in moulding public opinion, but in inflaming the government to a very large extent," he said in what FT termed as a four-hour interview in Mayfair, Central London.
The Indian government yesterday wrote to Britain seeking deportation of the liquor baron against whom a non-bailable warrant has been issued in a money-laundering investigation.
Mallya, who flew first class from Delhi to London on March 2 as a group of state-owned banks knocked on the door of the Supreme Court to recover about Rs 9,000 crore owed by his collapsed Kingfisher Airlines Ltd, said he was "absolutely not guilty of any of these preposterous charges of diverting funds from Kingfisher, buying properties or stuff like that".
The government, he said, can appoint the world's best forensic auditor to audit the accounts of Kingfisher and audit how banks loans were utilised. "I am sure they are not going to find anything, because that's the truth."
He said he has always maintained that "notwithstanding anything else", he was interested in settlement with Kingfisher bankers.
Asked who was behind his woes, he said, "I wish I knew."
Pressed if the people after him were bureaucrats or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "All I can say is the manner in which my passport was first suspended and then revoked was done in an extraordinary haste."
"First, notice of suspension came on a public holiday last week... I replied. And my reply was not considered and the passport was revoked on Saturday," he said.
Asked if he had made mistakes, Mallya said, "I must have made many mistakes."
On being asked if he misjudged public mood as it turned against flamboyant multi-millionaires in business in India, he said he cannot understand why he was labelled as a wilful defaulter.
"We have invested over 610 million pound into Kingfisher Airlines, we tried everything conceivably possible to save the airlines. A combination of macroeconomic factors and then government policies unfortunately could not save Kingfisher.
(Though) I have lived my life in my normal life... people think I am flamboyant, actually I am quite simple," he explained.
Stating that he has worked hard all his life, he said he wanted "to try and settle with the banks and live my life in peace. That's my focus right now".
Mallya said he has acted as a brand ambassador for his brands in the 'media dark environments' while referring to prohibition on advertising for alcohol.
Trying to explain that the King of Good Times label was actually a slogan for the Kingfisher beer brand, he expressed dismay as to what could have gone wrong.
He made it clear that he does not intend to sell his current businesses in India. "These businesses are doing very well. If I had a passport, I could. But right now, I am in a forced exile," he said.
"(I am) willing to clear my name."
Mallya added that he has expressed willingness to settle with banks and a "very sincere" settlement offer was proposed to the Supreme Court of India.
The apex court has directed the Debt Recovery Tribunal to dispose of the main matter in two months.
"Notwithstanding that legal process, my offer for settlement stands," he said, adding that the filings before DRT by the consortium of bankers is of principal amount of a little over 500 million pound and the rest is towards unapplied interests.
Asked about Rs 9,000 crore outstanding claimed by banks, he said, "I don't know whether it's the banks or the media or the combination of the two... I have never been able to understand where this Rs 9,000 crore or 900 million pound figure came from. But as I said, if there is a reason and rationale all around, the banks can be settled along with other creditors."
"...we wish to settle at a reasonable number that we can afford and banks can justify on the basis of settlements done before... would like to repeat that I will reach out if they are interested in making a settlement," Mallya clarified.
Asked if he would consider raising his offer to settle outstanding loans, he said, "The banks also need to consider that there are other creditors which also need to be paid off and satisfied. I can't be seen giving preference to the banks just because of this extraordinary pressure on me by government agencies."
Embattled tycoon Vijay Mallya has said he is in a "forced exile" and has no plans to return to India where things are flying at him "fast and furious".
Mallya, whose passport was revoked this month, said he wants a "reasonable" settlement with creditor banks for his defunct airline, but they "are not getting any money" by taking his passport or arresting him.
"I definitely would like to return to India. Right now, things are flying at me fast and furious. My passport has been revoked. I don't know what the government is going to do next," he told the Financial Times.
Mallya, 60, said he remains an Indian patriot, who is "proud to fly the Indian flag", but as the outcry around him continues, he is more than happy to stay safe in the UK and has no plans to leave that country.
"It is important to understand the environment in India today. The electronic media is playing a huge role not just in moulding public opinion, but in inflaming the government to a very large extent," he said in what FT termed as a four-hour interview in Mayfair, Central London.
The Indian government yesterday wrote to Britain seeking deportation of the liquor baron against whom a non-bailable warrant has been issued in a money-laundering investigation.
Mallya, who flew first class from Delhi to London on March 2 as a group of state-owned banks knocked on the door of the Supreme Court to recover about Rs 9,000 crore owed by his collapsed Kingfisher Airlines Ltd, said he was "absolutely not guilty of any of these preposterous charges of diverting funds from Kingfisher, buying properties or stuff like that".
The government, he said, can appoint the world's best forensic auditor to audit the accounts of Kingfisher and audit how banks loans were utilised. "I am sure they are not going to find anything, because that's the truth."
He said he has always maintained that "notwithstanding anything else", he was interested in settlement with Kingfisher bankers.
Asked who was behind his woes, he said, "I wish I knew."
Pressed if the people after him were bureaucrats or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "All I can say is the manner in which my passport was first suspended and then revoked was done in an extraordinary haste."
"First, notice of suspension came on a public holiday last week... I replied. And my reply was not considered and the passport was revoked on Saturday," he said.
Asked if he had made mistakes, Mallya said, "I must have made many mistakes."
On being asked if he misjudged public mood as it turned against flamboyant multi-millionaires in business in India, he said he cannot understand why he was labelled as a wilful defaulter.
"We have invested over 610 million pound into Kingfisher Airlines, we tried everything conceivably possible to save the airlines. A combination of macroeconomic factors and then government policies unfortunately could not save Kingfisher.
(Though) I have lived my life in my normal life... people think I am flamboyant, actually I am quite simple," he explained.
Stating that he has worked hard all his life, he said he wanted "to try and settle with the banks and live my life in peace. That's my focus right now".
Mallya said he has acted as a brand ambassador for his brands in the 'media dark environments' while referring to prohibition on advertising for alcohol.
Trying to explain that the King of Good Times label was actually a slogan for the Kingfisher beer brand, he expressed dismay as to what could have gone wrong.
He made it clear that he does not intend to sell his current businesses in India. "These businesses are doing very well. If I had a passport, I could. But right now, I am in a forced exile," he said.
"(I am) willing to clear my name."
Mallya added that he has expressed willingness to settle with banks and a "very sincere" settlement offer was proposed to the Supreme Court of India.
The apex court has directed the Debt Recovery Tribunal to dispose of the main matter in two months.
"Notwithstanding that legal process, my offer for settlement stands," he said, adding that the filings before DRT by the consortium of bankers is of principal amount of a little over 500 million pound and the rest is towards unapplied interests.
Asked about Rs 9,000 crore outstanding claimed by banks, he said, "I don't know whether it's the banks or the media or the combination of the two... I have never been able to understand where this Rs 9,000 crore or 900 million pound figure came from. But as I said, if there is a reason and rationale all around, the banks can be settled along with other creditors."
"...we wish to settle at a reasonable number that we can afford and banks can justify on the basis of settlements done before... would like to repeat that I will reach out if they are interested in making a settlement," Mallya clarified.
Asked if he would consider raising his offer to settle outstanding loans, he said, "The banks also need to consider that there are other creditors which also need to be paid off and satisfied. I can't be seen giving preference to the banks just because of this extraordinary pressure on me by government agencies."
Airtel, Vodafone, Tata Tele seeking spectrum liberalisation: Ravi Shankar Prasad
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Apart from Reliance Communications, telecom operators Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Tata Teleservices have applied for spectrum liberalisation in select areas, Parliament was informed today.
"Reliance Communications (RCL) and Tata Teleservices have applied for liberalisation of spectrum in 800 Mhz band in 20 licensed service areas (LSAs) and 2 LSAs, respectively," Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
"Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Mobile Services have applied for liberalisation of spectrum in 1,800 Mhz in one LSA each."
The spectrum liberalisation will enable companies to use it for providing any type of mobile services like 3G and 4G and enter into agreement like spectrum sharing and trading, thus reducing cost of radiowave ownership.
"The government has approved the liberalised use of spectrum in 800 Mhz band for RCL in 16 LSAs. The request of RCL in remaining 4 LSAs and requests of other service providers are under consideration," Prasad said.
Telecom operators which were allocated spectrum before auctions were held in 2010 are required to pay market-determined rate to liberalise spectrum.
Apart from Reliance Communications, telecom operators Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Tata Teleservices have applied for spectrum liberalisation in select areas, Parliament was informed today.
"Reliance Communications (RCL) and Tata Teleservices have applied for liberalisation of spectrum in 800 Mhz band in 20 licensed service areas (LSAs) and 2 LSAs, respectively," Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.
"Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Mobile Services have applied for liberalisation of spectrum in 1,800 Mhz in one LSA each."
The spectrum liberalisation will enable companies to use it for providing any type of mobile services like 3G and 4G and enter into agreement like spectrum sharing and trading, thus reducing cost of radiowave ownership.
"The government has approved the liberalised use of spectrum in 800 Mhz band for RCL in 16 LSAs. The request of RCL in remaining 4 LSAs and requests of other service providers are under consideration," Prasad said.
Telecom operators which were allocated spectrum before auctions were held in 2010 are required to pay market-determined rate to liberalise spectrum.
General Awareness
Union Government approves Rs. 9,005 Crore Investment for affordable housing in three states – Maharashtra, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir
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Union Government nods Rs.9,005 crore investment in reasonable housing of 73,205 houses in 3 States for Economically Weaker sections under Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana
3 States: Maharashtra, Punjab and J&K
Ministry: Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA)
Sanctioned by: Dr. Nandita Chatterjee, Secretary (HUPA)
Committee: Inter Ministerial Central Screening & Monitoring Committee
The first affordable housing sanctions of these three States sanctioned under PMAY (Urban).
Sanctioned in Maharashtra
- Total Houses: 71,701
- Total Cost incurred: 8,932 Crore with central assistance of Rs. 1,064 Crore
- Total Cities: 10
- Virar, Kalyan, Thane, Gothegar, Mumbai Metropolitan region – Wave, Palghar, Pen, Nilaje Pada, Raygad and Kelawali
Sanctioned in Punjab
- Total Houses: 1,280 houses
- Region: Slum Redevelopment in Bhatinda
- Total investment: Rs.57 Crore for which central assistance of Rs.12.80 Crore
Sanctioned in J&K
- Total Houses: 224 houses
- Total investment: Rs.16.07 Crore with central assistance of Rs.3.36 Crore
- Region: Udhampur and Baramullah
The total investment approved for affordable housing under Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana (Urban) so far has gone up to Rs.43, 922 cr for construction of 6,83,724 houses for urban poor with total central assistance commitment of Rs.10,050 cr.
Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana
- The present Government of India had rechristened asPradhan Mantri Awas Yojana from ‘Housing for All’ scheme.
- Launched by the Prime Minister of India on 25th June 2015
- The target beneficiaries of the scheme would be poor and people living under EWS and LIG categories in urban establishments of the country.
- Under PMAY (Urban) launched in June last year, construction of 2 crore houses for urban poor by the year 2022 is targeted.
Union Government nods Rs.9,005 crore investment in reasonable housing of 73,205 houses in 3 States for Economically Weaker sections under Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana3 States: Maharashtra, Punjab and J&K
Ministry: Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA)
Sanctioned by: Dr. Nandita Chatterjee, Secretary (HUPA)
Committee: Inter Ministerial Central Screening & Monitoring CommitteeThe first affordable housing sanctions of these three States sanctioned under PMAY (Urban).Sanctioned in Maharashtra- Total Houses: 71,701
- Total Cost incurred: 8,932 Crore with central assistance of Rs. 1,064 Crore
- Total Cities: 10
- Virar, Kalyan, Thane, Gothegar, Mumbai Metropolitan region – Wave, Palghar, Pen, Nilaje Pada, Raygad and Kelawali
Sanctioned in Punjab- Total Houses: 1,280 houses
- Region: Slum Redevelopment in Bhatinda
- Total investment: Rs.57 Crore for which central assistance of Rs.12.80 Crore
Sanctioned in J&K- Total Houses: 224 houses
- Total investment: Rs.16.07 Crore with central assistance of Rs.3.36 Crore
- Region: Udhampur and Baramullah
The total investment approved for affordable housing under Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana (Urban) so far has gone up to Rs.43, 922 cr for construction of 6,83,724 houses for urban poor with total central assistance commitment of Rs.10,050 cr.Prime Minister’s Awas Yojana- The present Government of India had rechristened asPradhan Mantri Awas Yojana from ‘Housing for All’ scheme.
- Launched by the Prime Minister of India on 25th June 2015
- The target beneficiaries of the scheme would be poor and people living under EWS and LIG categories in urban establishments of the country.
- Under PMAY (Urban) launched in June last year, construction of 2 crore houses for urban poor by the year 2022 is targeted.
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