Launch Multi- modal Electric Public Transport System

ON DECEMBER 27, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

INVITATION

Dear Sir/Madam,

Event: A Press Conference to announce plan to launch Multi- modal Electric Public Transport System in 10 cities by Shri Anant Geete, Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Sector Enterprises. MoS Shri Babul Supriyo will also be present.

Venue: 1st Floor, Room No. 176 Minister Office (HI&PE), Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi.

Date: Wednesday, 27th December, 2017

Time: 4:30pm.

You cordially invited to cover.

175 GW target for installed Renewable Energy capacity by 2022

ON DECEMBER 27, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Government is on its way to achieving 175 GW target for installed Renewable Energy capacity by 2022

India attains global 4th and 6th position in global Wind and Solar Power installed capacity

By November 2017, a total of 62 GW Renewable Power installed, of which 27 GW installed since May 2014 and 11.79 GW since January 2017

Historic Low Tariffs for Solar (Rs. 2.44/ unit) and Wind (Rs. 2.64/ unit) achieved through transparent bidding and facilitation

Ambitious Bidding Trajectory for 100 GW capacity of Solar Energy and 60 GW capacity of Wind over the next 3 years laid down.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has taken several steps to fructify Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s dream of a clean energy future for the ‘New India’. The largest renewable capacity expansion programme in the world is being taken up by India. The government is aiming to increase share of clean energy through massive thrust in renewables. Core drivers for development and deployment of new and renewable energy in India have been Energy security, Electricity shortages, Energy Access, Climate change etc.

A capacity addition of 27.07 GW of renewable energy has been reported during the last three and half years under Grid Connected Renewable Power, which include 12.87 GW from Solar Power, 11.70 GW from Wind Power, 0.59 from Small Hydro Power and 0.79 from Bio-power.   Confident by the growth rate in clean energy sector, the Government of India in its submission to the United Nations Frame Work Convention on Climate Change on Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) has stated that India will achieve 40% cumulative Electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel based energy resources by 2030 with the help of transfer of technology and low cost International Finance including from Green Climate Fund. As on 30.11.2017, Solar Energy Projects with an aggregate capacity of over 16611.73 MW including 863.92 MW from Solar Roof Top projects has been installed in the country.

The government is playing an active role in promoting the adoption of renewable energy resources by offering various incentives, such as generation-based incentives (GBIs), capital and interest subsidies, viability gap funding, concessional finance, fiscal incentives etc. The National Solar Mission aims to promote the development and use of solar energy for power generation and other uses, with the ultimate objective of making solar energy compete with fossil-based energy options. The objective of the National Solar Mission is to reduce the cost of solar power generation in the country through long-term policy, large scale deployment goals, aggressive R&D and the domestic production of critical raw materials, components and products. Renewable energy is becoming increasingly cost-competitive as compared to fossil fuel-based generation.

In order to achieve the renewable energy target of 175 GW by the year 2022, the major programmes/ schemes on implementation of Solar Park, Solar Roof Top Scheme, Solar Defence Scheme, Solar scheme for CPUs Solar PV power plants on Canal Bank and Canal Tops, Solar Pump, Solar Rooftop etc have been launched during the last two years.

Various policy measures have been initiated and special steps taken in addition to providing financial support to various schemes being implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) for achieving the target of renewable energy capacity to 175 GW by the year 2022. These include, inter alia,  suitable amendments to the Electricity Act and Tariff Policy for strong enforcement of Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) and for providing Renewable Generation Obligation (RGO); setting up of exclusive solar parks; development of power transmission network through Green Energy Corridor project; guidelines for procurement of solar and wind power though tariff based competitive bidding process, National Offshore Wind Energy Policy notified, Repowering of Wind Power Projects, Standards for Deployment of Solar Photovoltaic systems/ devices, orders for waiving the Inter State Transmission System charges and losses for interstate sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by March 2019; identification of large government complexes/ buildings for rooftop projects; provision of roof top solar and 10 percent renewable energy as mandatory under Mission Statement and Guidelines for development of smart cities; amendments in building bye-laws for mandatory provision of roof top solar for new construction or higher Floor Area Ratio; infrastructure status for solar projects; raising tax free solar bonds; providing long tenor loans; making roof top solar as a part of housing loan by banks/ NHB; incorporating measures in Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) for encouraging distribution companies and making net-metering compulsory and raising funds from bilateral and international donors as also the Green Climate Fund to achieve the target.

Other important initiatives and achievements of MNRE are:

ESTIMATED POTENTIAL OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

The increased use of indigenous renewable resources is expected to reduce India’s dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels. India has an estimated renewable energy potential of about 1096 GW from commercially exploitable sources viz. Wind – 302 GW (at 100-meter mast height); Small Hydro – 21 GW; Bio-energy – 25 GW; and 750 GW solar power, assuming 3% wasteland

TARGETS

The Government of India has set a target of 175 GW renewable power installed capacity by the end of 2022. This includes 60 GW from wind power, 100 GW from solar power, 10 GW from biomass power and 5 GW from small hydro power.

A target of 14550 MW grid renewable power (wind 4000 MW, solar 10000 MW, small hydro power 200 MW, bio-power 340 MW and waste to power 10 MW), has been set for 2017-18. Besides, under off-grid renewable system, targets of 15 MW eq. waste to energy, 60 MW eq. biomass non-bagasse cogeneration, 7.50 MW eq. biomass gasifiers, 0.5 MW eq. small wind/hybrid systems, 100 MW eq. solar photovoltaic systems, 150/25 Nos. eq. micro hydel and 110,000 nos. family size biogas plants have been set for 2017-18.

SHARE OF RENEWABLE POWER IN TOTAL INSTALLED CAPACITY

Economic growth, increasing prosperity, a growing rate of urbanization and rising per capita energy consumption has increases the energy demand of the country. In order to meet the energy demand, India has total installed power generation capacity of 331.95 GW as on 31.10.2017 from all resources. With 60.98 GW installed renewable power capacity, the renewable power has a share of about 18.37% to the total installed capacity.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The details of year round initiatives and achievements of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy are as follows:

Green Power Capacity Addition

A total of 11788 MW of grid-connected power generation capacity from renewable energy sources has been added so far this year (January 2017 to November 2017) in the country.

A total of 11319.71 MW of grid-connected power generation capacity from renewable energy sources like solar (5502.38 MW) and wind (5585.98 MW), Small Hydro Power (105.90 MW), Bio-Power (161.95 MW) has been added during 2016-17 in the country against target of 16660 MW.  During 2017-18, a total 4809.51 MW capacity has been added till 30.11.2017, making cumulative achievement 62053.73 MW.

Sector-wise highlights of achievements 

• Largest ever Wind Power capacity additionof 5502.39 MW in 2016-17 exceeding target by 38%. During 2017-18, a total 467.11 MW capacity has been added till 30.11.2017, making cumulative achievement 32746.87 MW. Now, in terms of wind power installed capacity India is globally placed at 4thposition after China, USA and Germany.
• Biggest ever Solar Power capacity additionof 5525.98 MW in 2017-18. During 2017-18, a total 4323.1 MW (including 207.92 MW Solar Roof Top) capacity has been added till 30.11.2017, making cumulative achievement 16611.73 MW (including 863.92 MW Solar Roof Top).
• So far,1.42 lakh Solar Pump have been installed in the Country as on 30.11.2017 including 1.31 lakh during last three and half year.
•  Solar projectsof capacity 23656 MW have been tendered and LoI for 19,340 MW issued.
• A capacity addition of0.59 GW has been added under Grid Connected Renewable Power since last three and half years from Small Hydro Power plants.
• Biomass powerincludes installations from biomass combustion, biomass gasification and bagasse co-generation making a cumulative achievement to 8181.70 MW.
• Family Type Biogas Plants mainly for rural and semi-urban households are set up under theNational Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP). During 2017-18, against a target of 1.1 lakh biogas plants, 0.15 lakh biogas plants installations has been achieved making a cumulative achievement to 49.8 lakh biogas plants as on 30.11.2017.

Programme/ Scheme wise Physical Progress in year 2017-18 (January- November 2017)
Sector	FY- 2017-18
	Achievement (Jan-November 2017)		Cumulative Achievement as on 30.11.2017
I.   GRID-INTERACTIVE POWER (CAPACITIES IN MWp)
Wind Power	4046.44		32746.87
Solar Power	7599.31		16611.73
Small Hydro Power	64.80		4399.35
Bio Power (Biomass & Gasification and Bagasse Cogeneration)#	60.95		8181.70
Waste to Power	16.00		114.08
Total	11787.50		62053.73
II.  OFF-GRID/ CAPTIVE POWER (CAPACITIES IN MWEQ)
Waste to Energy	12.11		175.45
Biomass(non-bagasse) Cogeneration	9.50		661.41
Biomass Gasifiers	0.92		163.37
Aero-Generators/Hybrid systems	0.32		3.29
SPV Systems	146.02		551.56
Total	168.87		1555.08
III.  OTHER RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS
Family Biogas Plants (in Lakhs)	0.15		49.80
Water mills/micro hydel (Nos.)	0.00		2690/72
#Progress of Bio power has been revised to installed capacity from exportable power capacity.

Major Initiatives taken by Ministry

Solar Power

• Under National Solar Mission, the target for setting up solar capacity increased from
  20 GW to 100 GW by 2021-22. Target of 10,000 MW, set for 2017-18 which will take the cumulative capacity over 20GW till 31st March 2018.
•  As on date,23656 MW has been tendered out, of which LOI issued for 
  19340 MW.
•  Capacity of the scheme for “Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects” has been enhanced from 20,000 MW to 40, 000 MW.35 solar parks of aggregate capacity 20,514 MW have been approved in 21 States.
• Kurnool Solar Park in Andhra Pradesh with 1000 MW capacity has already been commissioned and is operational. With commissioning of1000 MW capacity at single location, Kurnool Solar Park has emerged as the World’s Largest Solar Park.
• 650 MWcapacity commissioned in Bhadla Phase-II Solar Park in Rajasthan.
• 250 MWcapacity commissioned in Phase –I of Neemuch Mandsaur Solar Park (500 MW) in Madhya Pradesh.
• 3 new solar parks have been approvedin this year at Rajasthan (1000 MW), Gujarat (500 MW) and Mizoram (23 MW) after issue of Guidelines for Enhancement of capacity from 20, 000 MW to 40, 000 MW under Solar Park Scheme.
• Solar tariff has declined to lowest level of Rs 2.44 /kWh.  The chronology of down ward trend in Solar tariff during recent times is as given below:

S. No	Period	Capacity	Lowest Tariff (Rs./KWh)	Scheme	State
1	February-2017	750 MW	3.30	State Scheme	Madhya Pradesh        (REWA Solar park)
2	May-2017	250 MW	2.62	VGF Scheme	Rajasthan (Bhadla IV Solar park)
3	May-2017	500 MW	2.44	VGF Scheme	Rajasthan (Bhadla III Solar park)
4	Aug-17	500 MW	2.65	State Scheme	Gujarat (Non-Solar Park)

•  As on 30.11.2017 over41.80 lakh Solar Lighting Systems, 1.42 lakh Solar Pumps, and power packs of 181.52 MWeq have been installed in the country. Major achievements of 18.47 lakh Solar Lighting Systems, 1.31 lakh. Solar Pumps, Power Packs of 96.39 MWeq have been reported during last three and half years.
• Several schemes namely (i) Defence scheme (ii) Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) scheme (iii) Bundling scheme (iv) Canal Bank/ Canal Top scheme (v) VGF Scheme (vi) Solar Park scheme (vii) Solar rooftops, have been initiated/launched by the Ministry under National Solar Mission which are under implementation.
• UnderDefence scheme against a target of 300 MW, 357.50 MW has been sanctioned; under Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) scheme against a target of 1000 MW, entire capacity sanctioned; under 3000 MW Bundling scheme, Tranch-I: 3000 MW has been tendered; under 100 MW Canal Bank/ Canal Top scheme, all capacity sanctioned; under 2000 MW & 5000 MW VGF Scheme; and under 20,000 MW Solar Park scheme, 35 Solar parks have been approved in 21 States with aggregate capacity of 20,514 MW.

Solar Rooftop

Ministry is implementing Grid Connected Rooftop and Small Solar Power Plants Programme which provides for installation of 2100 MW capacity through CFA/ incentive in the residential, social, Government/PSU and Institutional sectors.

Under the programme, central financial assistance upto 30% of bench mark is being provided for such projects in Residential, Institutional and Social sectors in General Category States and upto 70% of the benchmark cost in Special Category States. For Government sector, achievement linked incentives are being provided. Subsidy/CFA is not applicable for commercial and industrial establishments in private sector.

• So far sanctions for 1767 MWp capacity solar rooftop projects has been issued and around 863.92 MWp capacity has been installed.
• All the 36 State / UT ERCs have now notified net/gross metering regulations and/or tariff orders for rooftop solar projects
• Concessional loans of around 1375 million US dollarsfrom World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and New Development Bank (NDB) have been made available to State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Canara Bank for solar rooftop projects.
• Suryamitra programmehas been launched for creation of a qualified technical workforce and over11 thousand persons have been trained under the programme.
• An online platform for expediting project, approval, report submission, and monitoring of RTS projects has been created.
• Initiated geo-tagging of RTS projects, in co-ordination with ISRO, for traceability and transparency.
• Launchedmobile app ARUN (Atal Rooftop Solar User Navigator) for ease of access of beneficiaries for request submission and awareness.
• MNRE has allocated Ministry wise expert PSUs for implementation of RTS projects in various Ministries/Departments.
• Published best practices guide and compendium of policies, regulations, technical standards and financing norms for solar power projects. 

Wind Power

• During the year 2016-17, wind power capacity addition of 5.5 GW was made, which is highest ever wind power capacity addition in the country during a single year.   The present wind power installed capacity in the country is around 32.75 GW. Now, in terms of wind power installed capacity India is globally placed at
  4thposition after China, USA and Germany.
• India has a strong manufacturing base of wind power equipment in the country. Presently, there are 20 approved manufacturers with 53 models of wind turbines in the country up to a capacity of 3.00 MW single turbines. Wind turbines being manufactured in India are of international quality standards and cost-wise amongst the lowest in the world being exported to Europe, USA and other countries.
• The wind power potential of the country has been reassessed by the National Institute for Wind Energy (NIWE), it has been estimated to be 302 GW at 100 meter hub-height. Online wind atlas is available on NIWE website. This will create new dimension to the wind power development in the country.
•  Signing of PPAs/ PSAsfor first SECI wind auction (1000 MW, tariff discovered was Rs. 3.46 in Feb 2017). Second wind auction of 1000 MW which resulted in lowest tariffs of Rs. 2.64/ unit.
• India has long coastline where there is a good possibility for developing offshore wind power projects. The cabinet has cleared the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy and the same has been notified on 6thOctober 2015. Certain blocks near Gujarat and Tamil Nadu coast line have been identified. First LiDAR installed and commissioned off Gujarat coast for gathering wind resource data.
• Wind Forecasting: Based on wind forecasting experience of Tamil Nadu with NIWE, MoUs for forecasting done with Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• Meso scale mapprepared for wind resource at 120 meter height, as most of turbine hub heights being installed are more than 100 meters. Total assessed wind resource of India would go up from 302 GW at 100 m to about 600 GW at 120 m); MESO scale map also prepared for Offshore wind. However for actual use these would have to be correlated with actual site specific measurements.
• Bidding guidelinesfor wind auction under Section 63 of Electricity Act have been notified in December to Ministry of Power.

Small Hydro Power

A capacity addition of 27.07GW of renewable energy has been reported during the last two and half years under Grid Connected Renewable Power, 0.59 GW from Small Hydro Power.

Biomass Power

Biomass power includes installations from biomass combustion, biomass gasification and bagasse co-generation. A cumulative achievement to 8181.70 MW has been reported as on 30.11. 2017.

Family Size Biogas Plants

Family Size Biogas Plants mainly for rural and semi-urban households are set up under the National Biogas and Manure Management Programme (NBMMP). During 2017-18, against a target of 1.10 lakh biogas plants,0.15 lakh biogas plants installations has been achieved making a cumulative achievement to 49.8 lakh biogas plants.

Off-Grid Solar Applications

As on 30.11.2017 over 41.80 lakh Solar Lighting Systems, 1.42 lakh Solar Pumps, and power packs of 181.52 MWeq have been installed in the country. Major achievements of 18.47 lakh Solar Lighting Systems, 1.31 lakh. Solar Pumps, Power Packs of 96.39 MWeq have been reported during last three and half years.

Amendments in Tariff Policy to promote Renewable Energy

• Enhancement in Solar RPO to 8% by March 2022.
• Introduction of RGO for New coal/lignite based thermal plants after specified date.
• Ensuring affordable renewable power through bundling of renewable power.
• No inter-state transmission charges and losses to be levied for solar and wind power.
• Further, pursuant to the revised tariff policy, the Ministry of Power on 22ndJuly 2016 has notified the long term growth trajectory of RPO for solar and non-solar energy for next 3 years 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 as under:-

Long term trajectory	2016-17	2017-18	2018-19
Non-solar	8.75%	9.50%	10.25%
Solar	2.75%	4.75%	6.75%
Total	11.50%	14.25%	17.00%

IREDA

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has been awarded Mini Ratna Status and the authorised capital of IREDA is increased from Rs.1000 Cr. to Rs.6000 Cr.

Green Energy Corridor

Intra-State Transmission System is being implemented by eight renewable rich States (Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh) withtotal project cost of Rs. 10141 crores, with funding mechanism consisting of 20% State Equity, 40% Government of India Grant (total 4056.67 crores) and 40% KfW loan (500 million EUR). The project includes about approx. 9400 ckm transmission lines and Substations of total capacity of approx. 19000 MVA to be completed by March 2020. The purpose is to evacuate approx. 20,000 MW of large scale renewable power and improvement of the grid in the implementing States.

Projects worth Rs. 6766 crore have been awarded and approx. Rs. 1400 crores have been disbursed to the States from the Government of India share. 

Other Initiatives

• India is taking a leading role in the International Renewable Community and was a leading country along with France in formation of International Solar Alliance (ISA), an international body of 121 countries lying between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.  47 countries have signed the Framework Agreement and 18 countries have ratified it within 1 year of opening of Framework for signature.  Accordingly, ISA became alegal entity on 6.12.2017, with its headquarters in India.

• Bank loans up to a limit of Rs.15 crores will be given to borrowers for purposes like solar based power generators, biomass based power generators, wind power systems, micro-hydel plants and for renewable energy based public utilities viz. Street lighting systems, and remote village electrification. For individual households, the loan limit will be Rs.10 lakh per borrower.

• Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) up to 100% is permitted under the automatic route for renewable energy generation and distribution projects subject to provisions of The Electricity Act, 2003.

In order to achieve the targets, various initiatives have been taken by the Government which interalia include:

1. Announced a cumulative target of 175 GW renewable energy based electric installed capacity of 100 GW solar power installed capacity;
2. Issued guidelines for procurement of solar and wind power through tariff based competitive bidding process;

iii.             Declared Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to the year 2018-19;

1.  Declare Renewable Generation Obligation on new coal/lignite based thermal plants;
2.  Notified National Offshore Wind Energy Policy;
3.  Notified policy for Repowering of Wind Power Projects;

vii.             Notified standards for deployment of solar photovoltaic systems/devices;

viii.             Issued order for waiving the Inter State Transmission System charges and losses for inter-state sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by March 2019;

1.  Launched Atal Jyoti Yojna for Solar LED Street Lights in five States; and
2.  Setting up of exclusive solar parks;
3.  Identification of large government complexes/ buildings for rooftop projects;

xii.             Provision of roof top solar and 10 percent renewable energy as mandatory under Mission Statement and Guidelines for development of smart cities;

xiii.             Amendments in building bye-laws for mandatory provision of roof top solar for new construction or higher FAR;

xiv.             Infrastructure status for solar projects;

1.  Raising tax free solar bonds;

xvi.             Making roof top solar a part of housing loan by banks/NHB;

xvii.             Raising funds from bilateral and international donors as also from the Green Climate Fund to achieve the target. And

Highlights of the Achievements of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs 2017

ON DECEMBER 27, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Year End Review 2017

Following are the highlights of the activities of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs during the year 2017.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs continued its endeavors for socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes (STs) through especially tailored educational, infrastructure and livelihood schemes to fill in for critical gaps. Allocation of Business Rules (ABR) of the Government now mandates this Ministry to monitor ‘Tribal Sub-Plan’ (now called as ‘Scheduled Tribe Component’) funds of Central Ministries based on the framework and mechanism designed by NITI Aayog.   In order to consistently improve public service delivery, Ministry of Tribal Affairs continuously reviews various schematic initiatives; the recent ones being being rationalization of scholarship schemes, onboarding  of scheme on DBT, online portal for NGO Grants etc.

2. The Budget allocation for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs has gone up from Rs. 4827.00 Cr in the year 2016-17 to Rs. 5329.00 Cr in 2017-18.  Also , allocation for the welfare of Scheduled Tribes across all Ministries has witnessed an increase from  Rs. 24,005.00  Cr in the year 2016-17 has gone up to Rs. 31,920.00 Cr in the corresponding period.  The Ministry has already utilized 70% of its allocated outlay on various developmental initiatives for STs.   An amount of Rs. 2280.49 Cr (as on 21st December, 2017) has been released under two Special Areas Programme of the Ministry viz. Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme and Grants under Article 275(1) of the Constitution for Education, Health, Livelihood/Income Generation Activities etc.

With the implementation of the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) complete  transparency and monitoring of funds released is ensured by the Ministry. All agencies receiving funds from the Ministry on 100% basis and sub agencies that receive funds from the main agency have been on boarded in the system. This ensures tracking of utilisation of funds by the implementing agencies. 

3. Monitoring of funds for tribal development:

There are 32 Central Ministries and Departments having ‘Tribal Sub-Plan(TSP)’ funds [now called as ‘Scheduled Tribe Component’(STC)] catering to specific tribal development in various sectors through 273 different schemes.

Allocation of Business Rules (ABR) has been amended in January, 2017 whereby Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has been given mandate for monitoring of STC funds of Central Ministries based on the framework and mechanism designed by NITI Aayog.  An online monitoring system has been put in place with web address stcmis.nic.in. The framework envisages monitoring of allocations for welfare of STs under the schemes, monitoring of expenditure vis-à- vis allocations, monitoring of physical performance and outcome monitoring. The framework also envisages to capture location wise details to ensure accountability and targeted spending. Further, nodal officer has been nominated in the line Ministries / Departments for coordination and monitoring. The allocations under schemes for welfare of STs have already been allotted a separate budget head 796 for avoiding possibility of diversion of funds. Ministry / Department-wise performance shall be reviewed on a half yearly basis jointly by MoTA and NITI Aayog.

As on 15.12.2017, 68% of the total allocated STC amount has been released by different Central Ministries / Departments against various development projects relating to education, health, agriculture, irrigation, roads, housing, electrification, employment generation, skill development etc.

4. Scheme for Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS):

(i)            51 EMRSs were made functional during last three years taking the total tally of functional schools to 190.

(ii)           14 new EMRSs have been sanctioned during 2017-18 and an amount of Rs. 322.10 crore released for the purpose. Now 271 EMRSs have been sanctioned overall by the Ministry.

(iii)          An amount of Rs. 235.48 crore released to the States during 2017-18 for meeting recurring cost of 190 functional EMRSs where about 56000 tribal students are enrolled (@Rs. 42000/- per student per annum).

5. Skill Development:

An amount of Rs. 165.00 Crore has been released to various states under the scheme Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Scheme (SCA to TSS) and Grants under Article 275(1) for skill development of more than 71 thousand male and female tribal beneficiaries in a wide gamut of trades such as (i) Office Management (ii) Solar Technician / Electrician (iii) Beautician (iv) Handicraft (v) Skills required for day to day construction works (such as Plumbing, Mason, Electrician, Fitter, Welder, Carpenter (vi) Refrigeration and A/C repairing (vii) Mobile repairing (viii) Nutrition (x) Ayurvedic & tribal medicines (xi) IT (xii) Data Entry (xiii) Fabrication (xiv) Paramedics and Home Nurse Training (xv) Automobile Driving and Mechanics (xvi) Electric & Motor Winding (xvii) Security Guard (xviii) Housekeeping & Management (xix) Retail Management (xx) Hospitality (xxi) Eco-tourism (xxii) Adventure Tourism.

6. Construction of Museums for Tribal Freedom Fighters:

The Government desires and is planning permanent museums in the States where Tribals lived, struggled against the Britishers and refused to be bowed down. The Government will work to make such museums in different States so that the coming generations may know how our tribals were far ahead in making sacrifices. Ministry has decided to construct a state-of-the-art Tribal Museum of national importance in Gujarat with a total cost of Rs. 75.00 Crore. out of which Ministry of Tribal Affairs will provide Rs. 50.00 Crore. An amount of Rs. 25.00 Crore has already been released to the State.

7. Achievement under Forest Rights Act (FRA) from the period 31.12.2016 to 31.08.2017:

	Total claims received (individual and community)	No. of titles recognized	Extent of forest land for which titles distributed (in acres)
Status as on 31.08.2017	41,76,192	18,03,442	138,37,483.48
Status as on 31.12.2016	41,69,962	17,47,507	122,93,136.71
Achievement during 2017  (as on 31.08.2017)	6,230	55,935	15,44,346.77

            Thus, implementation of FRA, 2006 is being very closely monitored and claims are being filed and titles are being distributed. 

8. Initiatives under Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs):

• Ministry has enhanced the allocation of funds for the development of particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) from Rs. 270 crores in 2016-17 to Rs. 340 crores in 2017-18.
• State Government have been given the flexibility of utilizing the funds using the gaps identified through Bae Line Survey.
• In order to ensure the overall and particular development of PVTGs, emphasis is being given on Micro planning using GIS mapping of tribes.
• Emphasis in the Comprehensive cum Development (CCD) is for preserving traditional architecture, traditional medical practices and cuisine and maintaining the heritage and culture of PVTGs.

9. Scholarships:

1. Pre Matric Scholarship

•  State are using own portal/National Scholarship Portal(NSP) for inviting online applications.
• Financial assistance has been enhanced from Rs. 212.19 crore to Rs. 265.00 crores in 2016-17.

1. Post Matric Scholarship

• State are using own portal/NSP portal for inviting online applications.
• Financial assistance has been enhanced from Rs. 748.45 crores to Rs. 1347.07 crores.

III. National fellowship and Scholarship Scheme for higher education of ST students

Financial assistance for the scheme has been enhanced from Rs. 80 crores to Rs. 120 crores.

1. Scholarship Scheme

• NSP is used for inviting application from top class students.
• Tuition fees are being disbursed directly to the institute while maintaining allowance for students to student’s individual accounts directly online through PFMS.
• Family Income ceiling for eligibility increased from Rs.4.50 Lakhs to Rs.6.00 Lakhs

1. Fellowship Scheme

• Ministry has taken over the implementation of the scheme from UGC so that students get money in time.
• Developed NFST portal and hosted the same on Ministry NIC server for inviting fresh applications online.
• Various student queries are being resolved through coordination with PFMS, Banks and NSP teams.
• Higher priority fixed for Persons with Disabilities, PVTGs, BPL and females.

iii. National Overseas Scholarship for ST students

• Portal has been developed by the Ministry and hosted at Ministry’s NIC Server.
• Brought in flexibility of courses to be undertaken by the Students.
• Fresh guidelines have been issued providing for enhanced flexibility to students regarding the courses.
• Students who have cleared GRE/GMAT/TOEFL etc. will be given priority, as per revised guidelines.

1. DBT

• 9 schemes being implemented by the Ministry have been board on DBT.
• Data being collected every month and uploaded at DBT Bharat Portal.
• DBT App 3.0 installed at Ministry to capture beneficiary wise data.

10. Aadi Mahotsav:

Ministry of Tribal Affairs in association with TRIFED had organized a National Tribal Festival from 16th November, 2017 to 30th November, 2017.   The Festival commenced with a tribute to Birsa Munda, legendary tribal leader, freedom fighter and folk hero on his 142nd birth anniversary through an advertisement in print and social media on 15th November, 2017. Aadi Mahotsav was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Vice President of India on 16.11.2017.  The Aadi Mahotsav, a celebration of the spirit of Tribal Culture, Craft, Cuisine and Commerce, was successfully conducted with 15 days of engagement with lacs of Delhi residents. The Festival showed exquisite craftsmanship of tribal artisans. This included beautiful sarees, dress materials, jewellery, bamboo & cane products, paintings and hundreds of other items. Almost 800 Artisans and Artists from 27 States participated in the Mahotsav and sold their products and displayed their crafts and skill through more than 200 stalls that was set up for them. Stage programs of tribal dances and folk songs conducted daily were a great attraction every evening. 85 Tribal Chefs from 25 states showcased tribal delicacies like Banjara Biryani from Telangana, Khodiyar Roti and Chicken from Orissa and delightful vegetarian and Non-vegetarian preparations from North East, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat and other States. The people of Delhi greatly relished them.   The Tribal Artisans logged a sale of more than Rs.1.60 Crores during the fortnight, which is a record for this event. TRIFED purchased goods worth Rs.2.50 crores from the Artisans for sale through its showrooms. The total sale of tribal artisans during the Mahotsav was Rs. 4.10 Crores. This is a very heartening feature for the tribal artisans.

11. NGO Grants:

Ministry has been funding NGOs in service deficient areas in sectors such as Health, Education etc.  In order to ensure transparency and in line with Government policies, NGO Grants portal has been developed.   Henceforth, all interventions will be funded through applications received only through online portal.   Also new projects on merits will be considered for funding after many years.

12. Minimum Support Price for Minor Forest Produce :

The MSP for the ten MFP items which had formed a part of the scheme since inception in 2013-14 had been revised on 31.10.2016.   Also, furthermore MFP items had been included in the list of MFP items and the scheme was made applicable all over the country. Prior to that the Scheme was applicable only in Schedule V States.  Subsequently, the MSP of the ten items existing in the Scheme since its inception were further reviewed consequent upon a study conducted by M/s TERI, Delhi on behest of TRIFED, and recommendation of the Pricing Cell.   The MSP of five items viz. Sal Seed, Sal Leaves, Chironji Pods with seeds, Rangeeni Lac and Kusumi Lac have been increased in November, 2017.

Russian RS-12M Topol ICBM tested

ON DECEMBER 27, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces have tested a perspective armament for the RS-12M Topol intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Defense Ministry said on Tuesday. A combat team test-fired an RS-12M Topol intercontinental ballistic missile from the Kapustin Yar state central combined arms training range in the Astrakhan Region, TASS reported, citing the statement. The tests made it possible to obtain experimental data that will be used in developing “effective means of overcoming anti-ballistic missile defense and equipping the perspective grouping of Russian ballistic missiles with them,” according to the military.

DY PM Arkady to head,Davos economic forum

ON DECEMBER 27, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich will head the Russian government delegation to the 48th World Economic Forum, to be held on January 23-26, 2018. The Russian agenda for discussions at the key international consultative platform includes the development of industry and public-private partnership. During the forum in the Swiss Alps, an official residence called Russia House will operate, offering space for meetings and negotiations. It will unite business leaders, politicians, economists, scientists and public figures. Russia House, organized by the country’s largest operator of convention and exhibition events, the Roscongress Foundation, has prepared a busy business and cultural program. The 48th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting’s initiatives are focused on “Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World.”

Lufthansa flight from Tel Aviv emergency landing

ON DECEMBER 27, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

A Lufthansa passenger jet flying from Tel Aviv to Munich made an emergency landing in Bulgaria early Wednesday after the smell of burning spread through the cabin. Lufthansa aircraft landed in Sofia after smell of burning spreads through cabin and is on search for the short circuit fault.

Passengers were evacuated and technicians began examining the Airbus, Israel’s Channel 10 reports. Lufthansa has apologized to the stranded passengers and provided them with lodging until they can board another flight to continue on their way to Munich.

“Special Invitee”- “PRAKASHmay 11th ENERTIA Awards 2017”

ON DECEMBER 27, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

Calling “Your Goodself” to join as a “Special Invitee” to Grace the Occasion of the “PRAKASHmay 11th ENERTIA Awards 2017” – India & South Asia’s Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Energy, Power & Renewables” and Join the Felicitation of the “WINNER(s).

TRADERS STRONG PROTEST AGAINST SEALING TODAY AT CHATTARPUR

ON DECEMBER 27, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

The​ traders of Delhi are a worried lot since they have been forced to live under the threat of sealing of their business establishments due to most irresponsible attitude of the MCDs and Delhi Government. MCD has failed to regularise several areas whereas Delhi Government has failed to notify 351 Roads in various areas of Delhi as either commercial or mix land use road.

Today the MCD sealing team had to face strong opposition from traders in Chattarpur area where thousands of traders squatted on the road and oppose sealing operations amid heavy police arrangement. The MCD sealing team had to go back with sealing only one banquet hall. The traders demanded advance notices as per ​provisions of MCD Act which were not served anywhere on the pretest that MCD is carrying sealing as per orders of the Monitoring Committee. The question arises whether Monitoring Committee or any other body can violate the mandatory provision of the governing ACT which has been passed by the Parliament ?

Alarmed with gravity of the issue, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has asked both Central Govt and State Govt to swing into action and protect Delhi traders from the onslaught of sealing which is the result of inaction, callous and lethargic attitude of Government officials. The CAIT has stressed the need of passing of The National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provision) Third Amendment Bill which extend validity of second Act 2011 beyond December,2017, in the current session of Parliament but before 31st December,2017. The CAIT has also sought an appointment with Shri Arun Jaitley, Shri Rajnath Singh and Shri Hardeep Puri on the subject.

CAIT Secretary General Mr. Praveen Khandelwal said sealing business premises without following mandatory provisions of MCD Act amounts to violation of principle of natural justice.Even in an ordinary circumstances, a show cause notice and opportunity of hearing is given to meet the ends of justice. MCD Act is a statutory Act passed by the Parliament and therefore everyone is obliged to comply the provisions of the Act.

He stated that in the year 2007, Secretary, Ministry of Urban Development while filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court confessed that during four decades, the Government could able to develop only 16% of the commercial space in Delhi, the rest of the 84% required commercial space was developed by traders with their own capital and hard work.

It is astonishing to note that current Master Plan 2021 was put to review by the Government and though eight years have passed but still the Master Plan is under review. This speaks of the lethargic and callous attitude of the Government officials and it is irony that on the lapses of the Government officials, the traders have been made scapegoat.

Mr. Khandelwal hoped that Government will rise to the occasion and will protect the business of Del​hi​.

2017 winners of Wiley Library Awards

ON DECEMBER 27, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

2017 winners of Wiley Library Awards – India’s first and only Library Awards, announced

Winners in 3 categories chosen from 145+ nominations from IITs, IIMs, NITs, IISERs, leading medical institutes such as AIIMS, and research institutes such as CDRI

New Delhi, December 27, 2017:  Wiley India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of John Wiley and Sons Inc. and a global leader in the publishing industry, today announced the winners of the second edition of the Wiley Library Awards 2017. The awards for Digitally Transformed Academic Library, Aspiring Young Academic Library, and Digitally Transformed Research Library went to IIT Kharagpur, IISER Mohali, and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai respectively. The winners were chosen by an independent jury comprising of highly respected professionals who have made ground-breaking contributions in advancing the library sciences like Dr. H. Anil Kumar (Librarian and Head NICMAN, IIM-A), Dr. Medha Joshi (Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai), Dr. Ramesh C Gaur (Librarian, JNU), Dr. Suman K Malik (Central Drug Research Institute) and Dr. Tamal Kumar Guha (Librarian IIT Guwahati).

Dr. K P Singh (Director, National Medical Library) and Central Institute of Technology, Kokrajhar (represented by Dr. Sangrang Brahma) were given the coveted Wiley Visionary Award and Wiley Library Award for Emerging Library respectively.

The Wiley Library Awards is a one of its kind initiative in India bringing together and honouring the best in the field of library and information sciences, encouraging innovation and digital transformation efforts, and paying tribute to the community that helps spearhead knowledge dissemination in society. This year, there were more than 145 nominations from the various leading institutions like IITs, IIMs, NIT’s, IISER’s, along with medical institutions and research institutes. First instituted in 2016, each award carries a citation and a cash prize of INR 25,000.

Vikas Gupta, Managing Director, Wiley India, said, “My heartiest congratulations to all the winners of the Wiley Library Awards 2017. It is heartening to note that this year both the number and quality of nominations have grown multifold. We sincerely hope that the awards further nudge the library fraternity in India towards the avowed objective of advancing libraries to the next level in addition to making them even more relevant in a Google-led world.”

Dr. B. Sutradhar of the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur which beat 80 other nominees to win the Digitally Transformed Academic Library Award, said, “It has been an overwhelming experience with so much competition seen in most of the categories. Digital is the way to go in the current context and also from where we are all headed, and I am happy to know that our efforts in ensuring our library was not lagging behind but moving ahead are now recognized by my peers.”

Dr. (Mrs.) P. Visakhi of IISER Mohali which clinched the Aspiring Young Academic Library Award, said, “I would like to applaud this initiative taken by Wiley in recognizing the excellence in libraries. The intent to institute a category focused on young librarians itself is laudable. It gives me immense pride in having been chosen for this honour. This only motivates us to achieve and drive ourselves more in the days and years ahead.”

Dr. R. Prabakaran, accepting the award for Digitally Transformed Research Library on behalf of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research said, “For India to be truly developed, research across disciplines is key and research libraries play an important role in this. I am pleased to note that our efforts in digitizing our research library is now known to the fraternity at large across India. It only spurs us to do more to aid research efforts in India.”

AAP Rajya Sabha Nominees to Drive India’s Public Interest

ON DECEMBER 27, 2017 BY NARESH SAGARLEAVE A COMMENTEDIT

December26, 2017 (C) Ravinder Singhprogressindia2015@gmail.com

Three seats in Rajya Sabha is greatest opportunity to send India’s top experts who may make long lasting impact on politics in India.

AAP has to keep in Mind Future Political agenda and National Program. AAP need at least 500 Leaders to make IMPACT on National Scale – THREE to represent 500 in the intervening period.

Their 10 qualities are –

ü Nominees to represent Public Interest in Parliament,

ü Nominees to Contribute in Corruption Free India,

ü Nominees to Effectively ENGAGE in Parliament Committees,

ü Nominees to Lend VOICE to Exploited Public,

ü Nominees who have Skills to Clean India,

ü Nominees who have Good Demonstrable Experience.

ü Nominees who can GUIDE Younger generation,

ü Nominees who are FEARLESS WINNERS.

ü Nominees who can devote 100% Time for Public Office,

ü Nominees who are CLEAN – No interest in Enriching Own Family.

Ravinder Singh, Inventor & Consultant, INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROJECTS

Y-77, Hauz Khas, ND -110016, India. Ph: 091- 8826415770, 9871056471, 9650421857