WADA

 -It was set up on November 10, 1999 in Lausanne, Switzerland, as a result of what was called the "Declaration of Lausanne"
- It is an independent foundation created through a collective initiative led by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
-It is to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against drugs in sport.
-Initially funded by the International Olympic Committee, WADA now receives half of its budgetary requirements from them, with the other half coming from various governments throughout the world.

What is  "Whereabouts clause"?
For every Sportsperson  to select one hour per day, seven days a week to be available for no-notice drugs tests.

Whereabouts controversy.
Indian cricket players have refused so sign up to the anti-doping code over security and privacy issues with WADA's "whereabouts" rule.The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formed an International Registered Testing Pool (IRTP) working group in a bid to resolve the issues surrounding the Indian board (BCCI) and its compliance with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Justice Mukul Mudgal committee::Action Taken in Recent Incidents of Doping

With a view to investigate the recent incidents of doping, including use of food supplements allegedly claimed to contain banned substances, Government has appointed Justice Mukul Mudgal, retired Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab & Haryana as a one member Committee with the following terms:-

i)To determine the facts and circumstances leading to large scale recent incidents of alleged doping in Athletics discipline.

ii)To examine reasons for such large scale prevalence of doping and modus operandi involved, including availability of the prohibited substances in and around training camps/competitions.

iii)to enquire into the role of agencies involved, if any.

iv)To suggest remedial measures to improve the protocols of dope testing and its integrity and promotion so that such lapses, if any, do not happen in future. v) Any other issues.

The Report of the Committee is still awaited.

Action as appropriate would be taken by the Government, on receipt of the Report of the Committee.

Schemes for Increasing per Capita Forest Cover in the Country

The per capita forest cover of India is 0.06 hectare while the global per capita forest cover is 0.6 hectare. To increase the per capita forest coverage in the country, the Ministry of Environment & Forests is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Afforestation Programme (NAP) for regeneration of degraded forests and adjoining areas in the country. The scheme is implemented through a decentralized mechanism of State Forest Department Agency (SFDA) at State level, Forest Department Agency (FDA) at Forest Division level and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) at village level. The choice of species to be planted under NAP Scheme is decided by JFMCs, based on local preferences, suitability of land and agro climatic conditions.  Seven models of Afforestation have been recognized under the National Afforestation Programme (NAP) and teak could be one of the species.

Besides NAP, the following steps have been taken to promote afforestation / tree planting in the country which will help to increase the per capita forest coverage in the country:

·  1)Two new Eco-Task Force (ETF) Battalions have been operationalised by the Ministry for eco restoration of degraded areas in Assam, in addition to supporting the existing four ETF battalions in the country. An amount of Rs. 31.91 Crores has been released during the 2010-11.

· 2)XIIIth Finance Commission has recommended Rs. 5000 crore for five years starting from 2010-11 for activities including conservation and development of forests.

·  3)Additional Central assistance of Rs. 81.66 Crores has been released to the    States during 2009-10 for Restoration and Regeneration of Forest Cover.

·  4)Tree planting is also an approved activity under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

Youth Employability Skill Project

The Government of India has initiated a pilot project namely Youth Employability Skill (YES) Project with the focus on providing specific employable skills to unemployed youth in all the States in the North Eastern Region. The objective is to enhance the employability of youth by running a variety of employable skills based training courses through recognized Vocational Training Providers (VTPs). The skill training would be provided by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) through its partner agency. A Training programme of three months duration in Rural Retail Sales & Marketing with Information Technology and Personality Development has already been started in July, 2011 in Manipur. During the current financial year i.e. 2011-12, a sum of Rs.3.00 crore has been sanctioned for the implementation of the scheme

Lok Adalats

  ADR (Alternate Dispute Resolution ) system has been an integral part of our historical past. The concept of Lok Adalat (Peoples' Court) is an innovative Indian contribution to the world jurisprudence. The institution of Lok Adalat in India, as the very name suggests, means, People's Court."Lok"
stands for "people" and the term "Adalat" means court. India has a long tradition and history of such methods being practiced in the society at grass roots level.

In ancient times the disputes were used to be referred to “panchayat” which were established at village level. Panchayat’s used to resolve the dispute through arbitration. It has proved to be a very effective alternative to litigation.
                                 This very concept of settlement of dispute through mediation,negotiation or through arbitral process known as decision of "Nyaya-Panchayat" is conceptualized and institutionalized in the philosophy of Lok Adalat. It involves people who are directly or indirectly affected by dispute resolution.
                         The evolution of movement called Lok Adalat was a part of the strategy to relieve heavy burden on the Courts with pending cases and to give relief to the litigants who were in a queue to get justice.
                      The advent of Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 gave a statutory status to Lok Adalats, pursuant to the constitutional mandate in Article 39-A of the Constitution of India. It contains various provisions for settlement of disputes through Lok Adalat. It is an Act to constitute legal services authorities to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities, and to organize Lok Adalats to secure that the operation of the legal system promotes justice on a basis of equal
opportunity.
               There is a Central Authority called the "National Legal Services Authority". Its patron is the Hon'ble Chief Justice of India. Its Executive Chairman is the senior most Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
                   So far as the State Legal Services Authorities are concerned, it is headed by a Patron-in-Chief who is none other than the Hon'ble Chief Justice ofthe High Court. In almost all the State Authorities, except perhaps one or two, a sitting Judge of the High Court functions as the Executive Chairman.
     
                                             Jurisdiction of Lok Adalat
                                       
A Lok Adalat shall have jurisdiction to determine and to arrive at a compromise or settlement between the parties to a dispute in respect of:

(i) any case pending before; or
(ii) any matter which is falling within the jurisdiction of, and is not brought before, any court for which the Lok Adalat is organised.
               The Lok Adalat can compromise and settle even criminal cases, which
are compoundable under the relevant laws.


  Organisation of Lok Adalat
                                   
               The State Authority and District Authority, Supreme Court LegalServices Committee, High Court Legal Services Committee and Taluk Legal Services Committee (mentioned in Section 19 of the Act) can organize Lok Adalats at such intervals and places as may be deemed fit.

- Every Lok Adalat so organized shall consist of:

(a) Serving or retired judicial officers,
(b) other persons, as may be specified.

The experience and qualification of “other persons” in a Lok Adalat conducted
by Supreme Court Legal Services Committee shall be prescribed by the Central
Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India. At present, Rule 13
of the National Legal Services Authorities Rules, 1995 prescribes suchexperience and qualifications as:
(a) A member of the legal profession; or
(b) A person of repute who is specially interested in the implementation of the
Legal Services Schemes and Programmes; or
© An eminent social worker who is engaged in the upliftment of weaker sections
of people, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, children,
rural and urban labour.
The experience and qualification of “other persons” mentioned in clause (b) shall
be prescribed by the State Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of
High Court.
Cognizance of Pending Cases & Determination
                                       
A. On Application:
(I) When all the parties to the case agree for referring the case to Lok Adalat, or
(ii) When one of the party to the case makes an application to court, praying to refer the case to Lok Adalat and the court is prima facie satisfied that there are
chances for settlement
B. Suo Moto: Where the court is satisfied that the matter is an appropriate one
to be taken cognizance of, by the Lok Adalat.
Then, the court shall refer the case to the Lok Adalat, after giving a reasonable
opportunity for hearing to all the parties.
Further, the Authority or Committee organising Lok Adalat may, on application
from any party to a dispute, refer the said dispute to Lok Adalat, after giving a
reasonable opportunity for hearing to all the parties.
-Lok Adalat shall proceed to dispose of a case refereed to it expeditiously.
- Shall be guided by principles of law, justice, equity and fair play.
- Shall yearn to reach a settlement or compromise between parties.
- When no compromise or settlement is accomplished, the case is to be
returned to the court which referred it. Then the case will proceed in the court
from the stage immediately before the reference.
                                 
 Passing of the Award
                                       
-Every award of Lok Adalat shall be deemed to be a decree of a civil court.
-Every award shall be signed by all the parties to the dispute and the panel
constituting the Lok Adalat.
-Every award shall form part of the judicial records.
-Every award shall be categorical and lucid.
-Every award shall be in the regional language or in English.
-A certified copy of the award will be given free of cost, to all the parties.
-Every award made by Lok Adalat shall be final and binding on all the parties to
the dispute, and no appeal shall lie to any court against the award.
-If a pending case is settled at Lok Adalat, any court fee already paid will be
refunded as provided by the Court Fees Act, 1870.


Powers of Lok Adalat
                                       
(1) The Lok Adalat shall have the powers of a civil court under the Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908, while trying a suit, in respect of the following matters:---
(a)Power to summon and enforce the attendance of any witness and to examine
him/her on oath.
(b)Power to enforce the discovery and production of any document.
(c)Power to receive evidence on affidavits,
(d)Power for requisitioning of any public record or document or copy thereof or
from any court.
(e)Such other matters as may be prescribed.
(2)Every Lok Adalat shall have the power to specify its own procedure for the
determination of any dispute coming before it.
(3)All proceedings before a Lok Adalat shall be deemed to be judicial
proceedings within the meaning of Sections 193, 219 and 228 of IPC
(4)Every Lok Adalat shall be deemed to be a Civil Court for the purpose of Sec
195 and Chapter XXVI of Cr.P.C.                                       Permanent Lok Adalat
(Hereinafter mentioned as ‘PLA’ - Chapter VI A of the Act)
-Chapter VI A was newly added by Amendment Act, 2002, introducing the
concept of Permanent Lok Adalat.
-The Central or State Authorities may establish by notification, Permanent Lok
Adalats at any place, for determining issues in connection to Public Utility
Services.
-Public Utility Services include:
(1) Transport service,
(2) Postal, telegraph or telephone services,
(3) Supply of power, light and water to public,
(4) System of public conservancy or sanitation,
(5) Insurance services and such other services as notified by the Central or
State Governments.
-PLAs have the same powers that are vested on the Lok Adalats, mentioned
under Section 22(1) of the Act.

 Organisational Structure of Permanent Lok Adalat
                               
Chairman--
A person who is or has been a district Judge or Additional District Judge or has
held judicial office higher in rank than that of a District Judge, shall be the
Chairman.
Members---
Two other persons having adequate experience in Public Utility Service to be
nominated by Central Government on the recommendation of Central Authority
and by the State Government on the recommendation of the State Authority.        

Cognizance of Pending Cases by Permanent Lok Adalat
                                     
1. Any party to a dispute can apply to PLA for settlement of a dispute in respect
of a public utility service, which is not pending before any court.
2. PLA does not have jurisdiction to entertain disputes involving offences which
are not compoundable.
3. PLA does not have jurisdiction to entertain a matter where the value of the
property involved exceeds ten lakhs, which limit can be enhanced as provided
for.
4. Once, an application is preferred to PLA for determination of a dispute, no
party to such application can invoke the jurisdiction of any court in the same
dispute.
Procedure by Permanent Lok Adalat for Determination
                                       
Where the PLA receives an application for determination of a dispute,
1.The PLA should direct each party to file before it a written statement stating
therein, all the facts and the nature of the dispute, points or issues and the
grounds in support or opposition. PLA may require the parties to file additional
statements at any stage.
2.The party may also file any document or such other evidence, in proof of such
facts and grounds urged.
3.The copy of the written statement and the documents or such other evidence
filed has to be sent to the other parties to the application.
4.When the statement and additional statement and reply if any are filed, PLA
shall conduct conciliation process between parties to the application, as it thinks
fit, considering the circumstances of the dispute.
5.PLA should assist the parties in their attempt to reach an amicable settlement,
in an independent and impartial manner. Every party is duty bound to co-operate
in good faith, in the conciliation process.
6.If after the conciliation process, the PLA is of an opinion that there exists
elements of settlement in such proceedings, which may be acceptable to the
parties, PLA may formulate the terms of a possible settlement of the dispute andgive it for the consideration of the parties. If the parties are agreeable to the
same, they shall sign the same and PLA shall pass an award in terms of the
settlement agreement.
7.If the parties are not agreeable to the settlement formulated, if the dispute is
not an offence, then the PLA should decide the dispute on merits.
8.PLA shall, while conducting conciliation proceedings or deciding a dispute on
merit, shall be guided by the principle of natural justice, objectivity, fair play,
equity and other principles of justice.
9.The PLA, when deciding a dispute on merit, shall not be bound by the Code of
Civil Procedure, 1908 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
10.Every award made by the PLA shall be by the majority of the persons
constituting the PLA.
11.The award rendered by PLA shall be deemed to be a decree of a civil court
and shall be final. The PLA may transmit the award to the court having local
jurisdiction for execution.

Right to Legal Aid

Right to Legal Aid:
It is the duty of the State to see that the legal system promotes justice on the basis of equal opportunity for all its citizens. It musttherefore arrange to provide free legal aid to those who can not access justice due to economic and other disabilities...(Art.39 A of the Constitution of India)Under this concept the State has provided categories of persons who are entitled for legal services under this Act.
Entitlement to Legal Services
Following persons are entitled for free legal aid under the Act:----
(i) A member of scheduled caste or schedule tribes;
(ii) A person whose annual income is not more than Rs.50,000/-
for cases before Supreme Court and Rs. 25,000/- in other courts;
(iii) A person victim of trafficking in human beings or beggar;(iv)Disabled, including mentally disabled;
(v) A woman or child;
(vi) A victim of mass disaster, ethnic violence, caste atrocities,
flood, drought, earth quake, industrial disaster and other cases of
undeserved want;
(vii) An industrial workman;
(viii) A person in custody including protective custody;
(ix) A person facing charge which might result in his imprisonment;
(x) A person unable to engage a lawyer and secure legal services on account of reasons such as poverty and indigence.

In  (Khatri II Vs. State of Bihar, (1981) 1SCC; 1981 SCC (Cri) 228; 1981 Cri. LJ 470)   it has been held that the Constitutional duty to provide legal aid arises from the time the accused is produced before the Magistrate for the first time and continues whenever he is produced for remand. In  (Madav Hayavadanrao Hoskot Vs. State of Maharastra (1978)3 SCC 544)it has been held that a person entitled to appeal against his/her sentence has the right to ask for a counsel, to prepare and argue the appeal.
               Section 304 of Criminal Procedure Code also provides that if the accused does not have sufficient means to engage a lawyer, the court must provide one for the defense of the accused at the expense of the state.
          Beside this The Magistrates and sessions judges must inform every accused who appears before them and who is not represented by a lawyer on account of his poverty or indigence that he is entitled to free legal services at the cost of the State.
In (Suk Das Vs.Union Territory ofArunachal Pradesh (1986) 2 SCC 401;1986 SCC (Cri) 166) it has been held that failure to provide legal aid to an indigent accused, unless it was refused, would vitiate the trial. It might even result in setting aside a conviction and sentence.

When can Legal services be rejected---

(i)If the applicant has adequate means to access justice; or
(ii) he does not fulfill the eligibility criteria; or
(iii) he has no merits in his application requiring legal action.

When can the legal services be withdrawn---

The legal services committee can withdraw the services if,
- the aid is obtained through misrepresentation or fraud;
-any material change occurs in the circumstances of the aided person;
-there is misconduct, misbehavior or negligence on the part of the aided person;  
-the aided person does not cooperate with the allotted advocate;
-the aided persons appoints another legal practitioner;
-the aided person dies, except in civil cases;
-the proceedings amount to misusing the process of law or of legal service.

Cases for which legal aid is not available ---

-Cases in respect of defamation, malicious prosecution, contempt of court,
perjury etc.
-Proceedings relating to election;
-Cases where the fine imposed is not more than Rs.50/-;
-Economic offences and offences against social laws;

Cases where the person seeking legal aid is not directly concerned with the
proceedings and whose interests will not be affected, if not represented properly.
Whom to approach for free legal aid---

The person who needs free legal aid can approach the Legal Services Authority
at any level- national, state, district or taluq. The request can be made to:
the Senior Civil judge nominated as the chairperson of the Mandal/Taluq Legal
Services Authority; the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority at the district level;
the Secretary, High Court Legal Services Committee at the state level;
the Secretary, Supreme Court Legal Services Committee at the higher level;
the member secretary of the state legal services authority;
the magistrate before whom s/he is produced;
or the custodial authorities, if under detention.

How to Approach?

- A written application can be made to the concerned authority
– Where the person cannot read or write, the legal services authority will
record his/her statement along with thumb impression. Such a statement
is treated as an application.
– The person who claims legal aid has to file an affidavit of his income.
Steps involved in the process: The eligibility criteria and the merits of the
case are examined. If the application for legal aid is rejected, reasons shall
be duly recorded and also informed to the applicant.

Nuclear Disarmament:India's role in this context

India has been consistent in its efforts at campaigning for a world free of nuclear weapons. From 1945 onwards, the country has expressed abhorrence for these weapons of mass destruction and presented several proposals and resolutions in the UN General Assembly on universal nuclear disarmament.

One of the most prominent and comprehensive approaches aimed at achieving this was presented in 1988 by then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi – the Action Plan for a Nuclear Weapons Free and Non violent World Order. It encapsulated a broad based, three phase schedule over a period of 22 years for reaching a world free of nuclear weapons by 2010. However, the world then was still mired in Cold War politics, and the Action Plan was ignored. Disappointed, and with increasing intelligence reports on the advances being steadily made in Pakistan’s nuclear weapons programme with Chinese help, India finally conducted its own nuclear tests in 1998 to safeguard itself against the possibility of nuclear blackmail and coercion.

Despite being engaged in operationalizing a credible deterrent since then, India’s aspiration for a nuclear weapon free world hasn’t dimmed. And, in fact, there’s no contradiction in these two positions since while the security threats of the moment require India to maintain a credible nuclear arsenal, it believes that the long-term security interests of the country can be best found in the universal elimination of these weapons.

This aspiration motivated Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in October 2010 to set up an informal group of experts (of which I had the privilege to be a member) to consider how best the ideas contained in the Rajiv Gandhi Action Plan of 1988 could be carried forward now. The group held a series of meetings and detailed consultations with several government officials who had participated in the drafting exercise of the Action Plan in 1988, as well as several international specialists, to try to gauge the international pulse on nuclear disarmament. Finally, on the occasion of the 67th anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi’s birth, on August 20 this year, the group presented its report to Singh.

The report makes the case for India to proactively pursue efforts at universal nuclear disarmament since the present conditions are far more favourable than in 1988, when the major players had extremely inflexible positions. Under President Barack Obama, the United States appears far more accepting of the need for disarmament, especially in view of the increasing dangers of nuclear proliferation and nuclear terrorism. And the US lead on this issue could galvanise other capitals too. Under this scenario, India has the opportunity to bilaterally engage with the United States on the issue, along with other major players, with all of whom New Delhi has a strategic partnership today.

The report suggests a seven point roadmap that includes the following specific steps: a statement of commitment by all nuclear armed states on eliminating their nuclear arsenal as part of a universal, non-discriminatory and verifiable global process; work on reducing the salience of nuclear weapons in the security doctrines of nuclear-armed states; reducing the dangers of accidental use of weapons through de-alerting; negotiating a global agreement on no-first use; negotiating a treaty incorporating negative security assurances; negotiating a convention banning the use or threat of use of nuclear weapons; and, finally a Nuclear Weapons Convention banning the production, stockpiling and possession of nuclear weapons.

Besides recommending that India must assume a high-profile role in advocating universal nuclear disarmament, the report hopes to start a debate on the subject. As is amply evident in the history of failed attempts at disarmament since 1945, unless countries seriously engage in discussions on the issue, we will never be able to find the ground for possible convergences. Therefore, there’s a critical need for India to bring disarmament to the agenda of all its bilateral strategic partnership dialogues to explore possible actions.

Lastly, it must also be noted that the creation of a world without nuclear weapons must essentially be built on the basis of certain fundamental principles that promise an inclusive approach and security for all nations. The Rajiv Gandhi Action Plan had identified these principles as universality, non-discrimination, verifiability, simultaneous collateral measures to enhance confidence and security, acceptance and tolerance, and an approach that is time-bound but flexible. The relevance of these principles is timeless, and only those measures that are based on these can hope to succeed. A collective search must begin now as the danger of the continued existence of nuclear weapons in national arsenals is growing by the minute.

                                                                                                                                                                   

By Manpreet Sethi

Monsoon Diseases

During rainy season some want to enjoy watching the weather from the comfort of their homes eating their favourite ‘pakoras’ and sipping a hot cup of ‘chai’, while others want to go out and enjoy the rains. Though following a scorching summer the rain ushers in new lease of life, it sometimes brings with it some deadly diseases.

Following are the most common diseases, their symptoms and some suggestions to prevent them during the rainy season.

Malaria 

•This is the most dangerous disease in India with a very high number of deaths credited to it. The disease is spread by Female Anopheles mosquito. A large number of cases are reported during the rainy season as water logging provides conducive conditions for mosquitoes to breed.

•Fever at regular intervals, bouts of shivering, muscle pain and weakness are the general symptoms of Maleria.

• Since this disease is spread by mosquitoes the best prevention is to keep the surroundings clean and mosquito-free. Make sure that water does not stagnate in your area as mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Use DDT in the drains near your home. Use of mosquito repellents and nets is highly recommended. Do not ignore any symptoms of malaria and consult your doctor immediately if you feel any sign of the disease.


Cholera 

•Cholera is caused by contaminated food and water. Also poor hygienic conditions help the spread of the disease. It normally spreads in places with poor sanitation facilities.

•Severe diarrhea with watery stools is the most common symptom of Cholera. There could also be vomiting with immediate water loss and muscle cramps.

•Keep the drinking water clean and boil it before using. Maintain personal hygiene and good sanitation. It is advisable to get vaccinated as it gives immunity for almost six months.

•Oral rehydration should be given immediately for patients suffering from Cholera.

Typhoid 

•Typhoid is another highly infectious disease that spreads during the monsoon season and it is also caused by contaminated food and water.

•The most common symptom of this disease is prolonged fever. Severe pain in abdomen and headache can also be the symptoms.

•This is a highly communicable disease so the patient should be isolated from the rest of the family. Advance vaccination may also help prevent it. High intake of fluid is advised to patients to prevent dehydration. Since this disease has a tendency of relapsing precautions should continue even after apparent recovery.

Hepatitis A 

•Hepatitis A is generally caused by flies. It can also spread by coming in direct contact with the patient.

•The symptoms are similar to those of flu including high fever along with headache, pain in joints and vomiting.

•The most important prevention of this disease is vaccination. This vaccine is available at all the government and private hospitals. Complete bed rest and a high calorie diet is advised to the patient.

Common Cold 

•Common cold is the most common disease that spreads easily during rainy season. • Constant sneezing, sore throat and fever are the common symptoms of the disease. • The easy way to prevent common cold is to avoid catching it. But if at all it catches you, treat yourself with a glass of hot turmeric milk. Gargles with warm water give relief to your sore throat. If things don’t improve you may like to see a doctor.

Dugong : Non-Violent Underwater Giants

Marine mammals form a fascinating group of animals including whales, dolphins, seals and the dugong, also known as the sea cow. Being mammals, they are more closely related to elephants, leopards, bats and hares than they are to sharks and other fish. There are some 120 species of marine mammal to be found in the world, and a fourth of these may be found in India and adjacent countries.Dugongs are one of the ancient living creatures underwater and are most interesting aquatic mammals. Perfect non- violent underwater giant do not injure any living creature. Because of their grass-eating habit, they are known as sea cow. The size, average four meter-long, does not matter and this mammal surf on waters every 15 minutes like Gangetic Dolphins and whales, for breathing. Unlike whale and dolphins, dugongs release breathing sounds like musical notes, hence were named Sirenades. Also unlike seals, they never come up on the land. Nature has lost Sea-Cows to poachers.

Dugong Conservation in India
Three areas of the Indian coast have remnant populations of Dugongs: the Gulf of Kutch, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Bay, and the Andaman and Nicobar waters. However, these populations are threatened by mechanized fishing and illegal hunting, pollution and destruction of coral reefs and sea grass beds.In October 2010, a ‘Task Force for the Conservation of Dugongs’ was constituted, with the agenda to look into the entire range of issues related to their conservation, and towards the implementation of the UNEP/CMS Dugong Memorandum of Understanding in India.

Foreign Direct Investment Prospect for India

Foreign Direct Investment Prospect for India

India now with consistent growth performance and abundant high-skilled affordable manpower provides enormous opportunity for investment both domestic and foreign. Foreign direct investment (FDI) causes a flow of money into the economies which stimulates economic activity, increases employment and induces the long run aggregate supply and brings in best practices. The FDI policy was liberalized progressively through review of the policy on an ongoing basis and allowing FDI in more industries under the automatic route.

FDI inflows had declined globally in 2009 and 2010. While India was able to largely insulate itself from the decline in global inflows in 2009-10, FDI flows had moderated in 2010-11. The slowdown in FDI inflows could mainly be attributed to a lagged effect of a pause in implementing investment decisions, which could range between one to two years, depending upon the sector and size of individual projects. A number of global investors had then remained cautious about making large investments in new sectors, given the fragility of the global recovery. However, the months of April-June, 2011 have shown a strong revival compared to the last two years. June 2011 witnessed second highest inflow in last 11 years of US$ 5.656 billion, representing an increase of nearly 310%, in US $ terms, over the FDI equity inflows of US $ 1.380 billion received in June, 2010.

Therefore, we can say that there is a credible reversal of downward trend in FDI inflows in the current financial year, where a significant upward trend in the FDI inflows is evident. FDI equity inflows, for the first quarter of the current financial year (April-June, 2011), have been US $ 13.441 billion, representing an increase of almost 133%, in US $ terms, over the FDI equity inflows of US $ 5.772 billion for the corresponding period of the last financial year (April-June, 2010). Commenting on the recovery Shri Anand Sharma, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry said, “There is a continuing effort on the part of the Government to make the FDI policy more investor friendly. The release of the final edition of the consolidated FDI Policy Circular effective from April 2011 is a step in this direction. We have incorporated a number of significant changes in the policy and announcement of the policy for FDI in Limited Liability Partnership (LLPs), are indicators of the Government’s strong commitment towards that end.”

India continues to be one of the favoured destinations for FDI. In fact, the UNCTAD World Investment Report (WIR) 2010, in its analysis of global trends and sustained growth of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, reported India as the second most attractive location for FDI for 2010-2012.

There has been a continuing and sustained effort to make the FDI policy more liberal and investor-friendly. Significant rationalization and simplification of the policy has, therefore, been carried out in the recent past. For example, a major exercise has been undertaken for consolidation of FDI policy, with the aim of simplifying FDI policy, promoting clarity of understanding of foreign investment rules among foreign investors and sectoral regulators, as also for having a single policy platform. The process of consolidation involved integration of 178 Press Notes, covering various aspects of FDI policy, which had been issued since 1991, as also a large number of other regulations governing FDI. The document was released as ‘Circular 1 of 2010’, on 31 March, 2010, as per the commitment made. The document has also been updated at six monthly intervals, to ensure that it remains current and updated.

A number of significant changes in the FDI policy have also taken place since. Some of the recent changes include:

(i) Review of policy on cases requiring prior Government approval for foreign investment: As of today, only proposals involving total foreign equity inflows of more than Rs.1200 crores (as against the earlier limit of the total project cost being more than Rs.600 crores), now require to be placed for consideration of CCEA. Further, a number of categories of cases, where prior approval of FIPB/CCEA for making the initial foreign investment had been taken, have been exempted from the requirement of approaching FIPB/CCEA for fresh approval. This has resulted in saving of considerable time and efforts for FIPB/CCEA and also in expediting foreign investment inflows;
(ii) Introduction of a specific provision for ‘downstream investment through internal accruals’: This will ensure that Indian companies have full freedom in accessing their internal resources for funding their downstream investments;
(iii) Flexibility in fixing the pricing of convertible instruments through a formula, rather than upfront fixation: This change, which provides flexibility in fixing the pricing of convertible instruments through a formula, rather than through upfront fixation, will significantly help recipient companies in obtaining a better valuation based upon their performance;
(iv) Inclusion of fresh items for issue of shares against non-cash considerations, including import of capital goods/ machinery/ equipment and pre-operative/ pre-incorporation expenses: This measure, which liberalizes conditions for conversion of non-cash items into equity, is expected to significantly ease the conduct of business;
(v) Removal of the condition of prior approval in case of existing joint ventures/technical collaborations in the ‘same field: The requirement of Government approval for establishment of new joint ventures in the ‘same field’ has been done away with. As a result, non-resident companies are now also allowed to have 100% owned subsidiaries in India;
(vi) Development and production of seeds and planting material, without the stipulation of having to do so under ‘controlled conditions’: FDI has been permitted in the development and production of seeds and planting material, without the stipulation of having to do so under ‘controlled conditions;
(vii) FDI has also recently been permitted in Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), subject to specified conditions: This change, which permits induction of FDI through the new modality of LLPs, will significantly benefit the Indian economy, by attracting greater FDI, creating employment and bringing in international best practices and latest technologies in the country.
With a view to participative and informed policy making, a mechanism for undertaking stakeholder consultations, through web-based discussion papers, on important issues relating to FDI, was devised. Five discussion papers were released during 2010. These covered FDI in ‘Multi-Brand Retail Trading’, ‘Defence’ and ‘Limited Liability Partnerships’, as also ‘approval of foreign/ technical collaborations in case of existing ventures/ tie-ups in India’ and ‘issue of shares for considerations other than cash’. Of these five, policy action has been completed in respect of the last three papers, while issues pertaining to FDI in ‘Multi-Brand Retail Trading’, and ‘Defence’ are under active consideration of Government. A discussion paper on the ‘rationale and relevance of caps’ under FDI policy has also been released recently.

India registered one of the highest increases in 2008 (more than China, Brazil, Indonesia, Argentina and South Africa). The total FDI flows into India increased dramatically to a peak US $ 40.4 billion in the year 2008, despite the global recession. Most of these economies saw declines in 2009.

Current financial woes of key markets will pose a challenge to India but at the same time the scenario has a potential to enhance the attractiveness of India as an investment destination,. A decade and a half ago the prospect of India becoming a major player in the global economy seemed a distance dream, today with the power of FDI it is a reality. With the ushering of social and economic base, we no longer discuss the future of India: we say “the future is India”.

Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPP)

Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPP) were launched to meet the growing needs of the economy, achieve power at low tariff, cater the needs of more than one states and to make swift capacity addition.  These are very large sized projects, approximately 4000 MW each involving an estimated investment of about $ 4 billion. The projects envisage to substantially reduce power shortages in the country. The Government has accordingly taken the initiative for facilitating the development of a few ultra mega power projects capacity each under tariff based competitive bidding route using super critical technology on build, own and operate basis.
These projects will meet the power needs of a number of States/distribution companies located in these States, and are being developed on a Build, Own, and Operate (BOO) basis. In view of the fact that promotion of competition is one of the key objectives of the Electricity Act, 2003, and of the legal provisions regarding procurement of electricity by distribution companies, identification of the project developer for these projects is being done on the basis of tariff based competitive bidding. For facilitating the development of these projects, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) has been designated as nodal agency. PFC has to create a project specific Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), which in turn will perform the bidding process for the project. Following are the salient features of this initiative:

·         The Ultra Mega Power Projects would use Super Critical Technology with a view to achieve higher levels of fuel efficiency, which results in fuel saving and lower green-house gas emissions.
·         Flexibility in unit size subject to adoption of specified minimum Supercritical parameters.

·         Integrated power project with dedicated captive coal blocks for pithead projects.

·         Coastal projects to use imported coal.


            As per the provision of the competitive bidding guidelines issued by Ministry of Power, a two stage selection process has been adopted.  The first stage of bidding involves Request for Qualification (RfQ) containing qualifying criteria for selection of bidders.   The RfQ documents submitted by the bidders are evaluated to identify those bidders who will be eligible to participate in the second stage of the process.   The second stage of bidding process invites Request for Proposals (RfP) from the qualified bidders. After evaluation of the RfP documents, the successful bidder is identified on the basis of the lowest levellised tariff.



Role of States
            From the initial step to the final commissioning of the UMPPs, the role of concerned State Governments is of immense importance.  In fact, no major activity can be started without a clear identification of a suitable site by the concerned State Government.
            Right from site identification, the host State and the other power procuring States are required to continue to play a highly pro-active role. In particular, some of the activities in which the concerned States are required to play a decisive role include finalization of site, land acquisition process, facilitation of studies at site, facilitation of obtaining state level environment and other clearances implementation of the R&R Plan, provide authorization to the PFC/SPV to carry out the bidding process on behalf of the distribution utilities, participate through its representatives in various committees set up for undertaking the competitive bidding process, facilitate signing of the Power Purchase Agreement, ensure proper payment security mechanism with the distribution utilities etc.  In fact, itsas the state utilities who enter into contract as per allocation of power.

Role of the Power Ministry

            The Ministry of Power is playing a crucial role for the development of the UMPPs by coordinating between various concerned Ministries/Agencies of the Central Government, and with various State Governments/Agencies. Some of the key areas requiring the Ministry of Power’s intervention include  –

Ø  Coordination with Central Ministries/Agencies for ensuring:
o   Coal block allotment/coal linkage
o   Environment/forest clearances
o   Water linkage
Ø  Working out allocation of power to different States from UMPPs in consultation with the States.
Ø  Facilitating PPA and proper payment security mechanism with State Governments/State Utilities.
Ø  Monitoring the progress of the SPVs with respect to predetermined timelines.

Concept of Shell Companies (SPVs) and its Operationalisation
            In order to enhance investor confidence, reduce risk perception and get good responses to competitive bidding, it was deemed necessary to create a project specific SPV and get it to tie up necessary inputs and clearances such as provision of site, fuel through captive mining blocks, water and in principle environment and forest clearances.  In addition, shell companies would also be responsible for tying up necessary inputs from the likely buyers of power and facilitate tying up of power off-takes from these projects.  In short, the preliminary project development activities including tie up of various inputs / clearances are to be carried out by the respective SPVs.  These SPVs, alongwith the various clearances, tie ups, etc. are subsequently transferred to the selected project developer.

 Some of the main activities undertaken by the SPVs are:-

Ø  Appointment of Consultants to undertake preparation of Project Report, preparation of Rapid Environment Impact Assessment Report and to conduct other studies as required etc.
Ø  To finalise RfQ/ RfP documents in consultation with States / bidders
Ø  To carry out RfQ/ RfP process and award of project
Ø  Acquisition of land for the project as per requirement of bidding guidelines
Ø  Obtaining allocation of Coal blocks for pit-head projects
Ø  Getting clearance regarding allocation of water by the State Govt. for pit-head locations
Ø  Approval for use of  sea water from Maritime Board/ other Govt. Agencies for coastal locations
Ø  Obtain/initiate environment and forest, clearances etc. as per requirement of Bidding Guidelines.
Ø  Obtaining geological reports/ other related data from CMPDI for the coal blocks.
Ø  Signing of Power Purchase Agreements with Procurers.

Status of Awarded and Upcoming  Projects
Four UMPPs namely Sasan in Madhya Pradesh, Mundra in Gujarat, Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Tilaiya in Jharkhand have been awarded to the identified developers.  A brief details of these projects are given below:
 These projects are envisaged to fructify in 12th Plan, however, two units each of 800 MW of Mundra UMPP are expected to come up in the 11th Plan. Furthermore, Request for Qualification (RfQ) for two more UMPPs one in Sarguja District of Chhattisgarh and another at Bedabahal in Sundergarh District of Orissa have already been issued. 
Sites in respect of Tamil Nadu UMPP and Andhra Pradesh Second UMPP have been identified.  Efforts are being made to bring them to bidding stage at the earliest. Sites selection processes are on for setting up of more UMPPs in different states like Jharkhand, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat etc.

Nalanda International University

Students and scholars from all over the world will soon be converging again at ancient capital of Magadha kings -  Rajgir,  Bihar to study at the new  Nalanda International  University.

                The name “Nalanda” in Sanskrit means “giver of knowledge”: a combination of “nalam” (lotus, representing knowledge) and “da” (“to give”). Nalanda University of yore  was founded according to historians in the fifth century (427 A.D.) as a place of learning for Buddhist monks and is known to have been one of the first great residential  universities in recorded history. Today Nalanda is a World Heritage site. The ruins of the monastery are located about 55 miles south east of the modern Indian city of Patna

                The University taught a wide range of subjects besides Buddhism including fine arts, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, war tactics, and politics. Over ten thousand students were taught by a faculty of 2000 in the  idyllic forested green surroundings. The ruins at Nalanda even today attracts a large number of tourists .

                As part of an international effort the world renowned ancient Nalanda university is now being  revived with the setting up of a modern university as an international centre of excellence .

                The Nalanda International  University is scheduled to begin academic activities from the 2013-14 session from rented premises with two subjects - Historical studies and Environment and Ecological studies - till the construction of its own campus is completed  work on which is continuing.

Way back in 2006 former President APJ Abdul Kalam while addressing the Bihar Legislature on March 28,2006 stressed the need for establishing a new Nalanda University that would be a place for meeting of minds from the national and international arenas, to carry out research that would link philosophy to science, to technology, economy and spirituality and integrate both ancient and modern thinking.

                As Bihar Government was also toying with  the idea it unanimously passed the University of Nalanda Bill  in March 2007.  In the mid-March 2006 Singapore showed interest in the development of Nalanda as part of Buddhist circuit for the growth of tourism and as a site for a twenty first century learning institution linking South and East Asia.

                It was in the  East Asia Summit held in Thailand in Oct 2009 that a decision was finally taken by the member countries which included the ten ASEAN countries and  Australia, China, India, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand, to set up the university. Later several other countries including the US too has given its support to the move.

The Nalanda University Bill was cleared by the Indian Parliament in  2010 to set up the University with a cost of Rs.1005 crore.

The University is initially going to have schools for  Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religions; Historical Studies; International Relations and Peace Studies; Business Management in relation to Public Policy and Development Studies; Languages and Literature; Ecology and Environmental Studies. There are  also plans to add one on Information Technology.

                Initially the Planning Commission has allocated Rs. 50 crore as endowment fund in the form of a special grant for the commencement of activities and till such time the Nalanda University becomes sustainable on its own.

Both the  External Affairs Ministry which  is acting as the nodal Ministry for this project and Bihar government are closely monitoring the development of this prestigious international project. The government . of Bihar has already acquired about 500 acres of land in Rajgir close to the original Nalanda. An international architecture competition is to be held to finalise the design of Nalanda International University.

  It is envisaged that the  revival of the University will lead to the growth of  Buddhist circuit giving a boost to the tourism industry.

                Harking back to the time when Nalanda University was the biggest centre of learning in the Magadha empire the modern university too would like to associate and build linkages with the people  living  in the 200 odd villages surrounding Nalanda since ancient times. Setting up cottage industries and teaching students of the  villages is being undertaken.

                The University shall function as a public-private partnership and the funds shall be provided on voluntary basis by the Government of Member States of East Asia Summit.

                The Nalanda International University planned to be a seat of learning, scholarship, philosophy and statecraft will  be a non-state, non-profit, secular and self-governing international institution with a focus to attract the brightest and the most dedicated students from all countries of Asia. The objective of the university is “aimed at advancing the concept of an Asian community...and rediscovering old relationships.”

                Several countries like Thailand, Australia, Singapore, Japan ,China, have shown interest in funding the University. Singapore has pledged US$4-5 million for building a library at Nalanda University. The huge library of ancient Nalanda University had been burned down.    On December 16, 2010, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao contributed US$ 1 million dollars for the Nalanda University during his visit to India.

                Eminent Sociologist  Gopa Sabharwal has been appointed the first Vice Chancellor of Nalanda International University.  Professor of Sociology at Lady Shri Ram College, Dr Gopa Sabharwal is an  alumnus of Delhi School of Economics and had  set up the Department of Sociology in Lady Shri Ram College of Delhi University in 1993.

         The Nobel laureate Amartya Sen who is the Chairman of  the Governing Board says, “Excellence and fairness in educating people in courses which are intellectually challenging and practically useful would be the guiding principles of the university.”

                The University aims at contributing to the promotion of regional peace and understanding by bringing together future leaders of the region and  reminding them of their shared history.

Population Stabilisation- The Way Ahead

India’s population as per 2011 census was 1.21 billion, second only to China in the world. India accounts for 2.4% of the world’s surface area yet it supports more than 17.5% of the world’s population.
Population Stabilization has always been one of the priority agenda and Family Planning as one of the key intervention for the Government. In 1952, India was the first country in the world to launch a national programme, emphasizing family planning to the extent necessary for reducing birth rates “to stabilize the population at a level consistent with the requirement of national economy”. The program has come a long way and currently Family Planning Program is being repositioned to not only achieve population stabilization but also to reduce maternal mortality and infant and child mortality.

National Population Policy, 2000
The National Population Policy, 2000 (NPP 2000) provides a policy framework for advancing goals and prioritizing strategies to meet the reproductive and child health needs of the people of India, and to achieve net replacement levels of fertility (i.e. TFR 2.1) by 2010. National Socio-Demographic Goals formulated to achieve the objectives of NPP, envisaged to –
·    Address the unmet needs for basic reproductive and child health services, supplies and infrastructure and to promote vigorously the small family norm to achieve replacement levels of TFR.
·    Achieve 80 percent institutional deliveries and 100 percent deliveries by trained persons.
·    Reduce infant mortality rate to below 30 per 1000 live births, maternal mortality ratio to below 100 per 100,000 live births, 100% registration of all births, deaths and pregnancies and achieve universal immunization of children against all vaccine preventable diseases.
·    Promote delayed marriage for girls, not earlier than age 18 and preferably after 20 years of age.
·    Achieve universal access to information/counselling, and services for fertility regulation and contraception with a wide basket of choices.
·    Bring about convergence in implementation of related social sector programs so that family welfare becomes a people centred programme.
Total Fertility Rate is still 2.6 at National level and scenario is diverse across states. Nine states are well above the replacement level fertility (TFR >3); twelve states/UTs are at threshold of achieving the replacement level of fertility (TFR – 2.1-3) while 11 state and 3 UTs have already achieved the replacement level of fertility i.e. <2.1.
The States also differ widely in terms of health indicators, nutritional status and socio-economic situation. Practice of Family planning is also low in the states where the other indicators are poor. Therefore, addressing population growth in the states with high fertility require a comprehensive approach to population stabilization based on social and economic development and improvements in the quality of life of people.

Renewed Thrust
Currently the Government follows High-focus district approach (264 such districts have been selected) and support these districts (and states) for better implementation of Family Planning programmes (and other programmes as well).
The Government is committed to reduce the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) to 100/100,000 live births, Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) to 30/1000 live births and to achieve the replacement level of fertility (Total Fertility Rate - 2.1) by 2012.

Strategic Options For Population Stabilization
States with TFR >3.0 (U.P. Bihar, M.P., Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Meghalaya): These States will account for almost 50% of the increase in India’s Population in coming years. In these States, the immediate concern is to address the unmet need and focus upon socio economic development to reduce the wanted fertility (desire for more than two children). At the same time the momentum for future population growth is to be checked by delaying age at marriage and ensuring adequate spacing between births.
States with TFR between 2.1 to <3 (Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Haryana, J&K, Orissa): The immediate concern in these states is to assist the couples to achieve their fertility goals by strengthening the family planning programme.
For States with TFR <2.1 (Delhi and Himachal Pradesh): The immediate concern in these States is to check the population momentum by delaying the age at marriage and ensuring adequate spacing between births.

Key Thrust Areas – 12th Five Year Plan : Family Planning
·    Addressing the unmet need in contraception through introduction of newer contraceptives.
·    Strengthening family planning service delivery, especially Post-Partum Sterilisation in high case load facilities.
·    Enlisting private/NGO facilities to improve the provider base for family planning services.
·    Community based distribution of contraceptives through ASHAs.
·    Vigorous advocacy of family planning at all levels specially at the highest political level.
Strategies to Achieve Thrust Areas:
·   Strengthening human resource structures (for programme management) at all levels (national, state and district).
·    Introduction of a dedicated counsellor for family planning at district hospitals and high case load facilities.
·    Marketing of contraceptives at households through ASHAs at nominal charges.
·    Improving compensation package (both for providers and acceptors) for sterilisation services.
·    Introducing Multi –load IUD (375) as a short term spacing method to improve IUD acceptance.
·    Performance Linked Payment Plan to ASHAs for improving retention and usage of IUDs.
·    Enlisting more number of private providers/ NGOs for provision of services.
·    Ensuring vigorous advocacy.

Project VIGEYE (VIGilance EYE)

Project VIGEYE (VIGilance EYE) is a citizen-centric initiative, wherein citizens join hands with the Central Vigilance Commission in fighting corruption.
Project Vigeye is the platform through which vigilance information flows freely through common public, the government agencies and the vigilance commission, making it possible to achieve a step jump in improving the corruption index of the nation.

The important features of Project Vigeye are:
* Citizens have multiple channels to air their grievances and complaints to CVC
a) Through their mobile phones: by downloading the mobile application from the CVC website. The complaints can be better articulated with additional data like audio/ video/ photo evidence from their mobiles directly.
b) Through the internet: by filling up the complaint form online they can attach audio/video/photo evidence.
c) Through telephone: help line have been setup
* The entire complaint processing is done online, in digital form, enabling fast and accurate processing of complaints.
* The concerned CVO will interact with the complainant directly over phone/email or in person, as the case may be, to take it forward

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana-New Dimensions

The ‘Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana’ for BPL families ( a unit of five)  in Unorganised Sector was launched on 1st October, 2007 and became operational from April 1, 2008.   Under the scheme, smart card based cashless health insurance cover of Rs. 30,000/- per annum on a family floater basis is provided to a BPL family in the organized sector.  The premium is shared on 75:25 basis by Centre and State Government. In case of States of North-East region and Jammu & Kashmir, the premium is shared in the ratio of 90:10.  The scheme provides for portability of smart card by the splitting the card value for migrant workers.

Till July 31, 2011,  27 States/Union Territories have initiated the process to implement the scheme.  Out of these 27 States/ UTs, 25 States namely  Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh,  Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana,  Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Orissa, Punjab, Tamilnadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Chandigarh Administration have started issuing smart cards. More than 2.4 crore smart cards have been issued as on July 31, 2011. Remaining States except, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan which have their own health insurance schemes, are in the process of implementation of the scheme.

            RSBY has been extended to building and other construction workers registered under the Building and other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) Act, 1996 and street vendors, beedi workers, MGNREGA beneficiaries who have worked for more than 15 days during the preceding financial year and Domestic Workers.

 The Outlay and target for the year 2011-12 for RSBY for BPL families  and other target groups are as under :-

S.No.	Name of the scheme	Outlay	Target fixed for 2011-12
1	RSBY for BPL families	Rs. 312.42 crore	2.4 crore
2.	Extension of RSBY to Building and other construction workers	To be met from the cess collected by the Boards constituted under the Building and other construction wokers (RECS), Act, 1996	-
3.	Extension of RSBY Street vendors	Rs. 19.91 crore	4.21 lakh
4.	Extension of RSBY MGREGA workers	Rs. 350	56    lakh
5.	Extension of RSBY Beedi workers	Rs. 62.25 crore	10    lakh
6.	Extension of RSBY Domestic workers	Rs. 350 crore	4.75 lakh

Basic features of the Scheme

·         All the BPL families in the unorganized sector to be covered in five years under the scheme;
·         The Government contributes 75% of the annual premium.  State Governments to contribute 25%.  Administrative cost to be borne by the State Governments. In case of North-East region, the premium is shared in the ratio of 90:10;
·         Beneficiaries are issued Smart Cards;
·         Total sum insured would be Rs. 30,000/- per family per annum on a family floater basis;
·         Cashless transaction;
·         All pre-existing diseases to be covered;
·         Hospitalisation expenses, taking care of most of the illnesses including maternity benefit;
·         Transportation cost of Rs. 100/- per visit with an overall limit of Rs. 1,000/- per annum within the limit of Rs. 30000/- and
·         Projects are prepared by the State Governments and submitted for approval of the Inter-Ministerial Approval and Monitoring Committee constituted by the Central Government.


Unique Features Of The Scheme

·         The use of smart card, making the scheme truly cashless as also providing     interoperability to facilitate use by migrant labour;
·         Use of IT applications on such a large scale for the poorest of the poor;
·         Using both public and private service providers for delivering the insurance package;
·         Evolving a business model which could make the scheme sustainable in the   long  run;
·         Seeking contribution for the first time, by way of Registration fee, from the BPL beneficiary with a view to inculcating a sense of ownership in them and
·         No age limit has been prescribed. Hence, senior citizens are also covered. ....(PIB Features)

Census 2011:Innovations Adopted,Methodology,Quality of Content,Adoption of Green Technology.

Indian Census is the single largest source of a variety of statistical information on different characteristics of the people of India. It is the most credible source of information on demography, economic activity, literacy and education, housing & household amenities, urbanisation, fertility and mortality, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, language, religion, migration, disability and many other socio-cultural and demographic data.

With a history of more than 130 years, this reliable, time tested exercise has been bringing out a veritable wealth of statistics every 10 years, beginning from 1872 when the first census was conducted in India non-synchronously in different parts.

The recently concluded Census 2011 is the 15th National Census of the Country in the unbroken series since 1872 and the seventh after Independence. It is remarkable that the great historical tradition of conducting a Census has been maintained in spite of several adversities like wars, epidemics, natural calamities, political unrest etc. Very few countries in the world can boast of such a glorious tradition.

The responsibility of conducting the decennial Census rests with the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India (ORGI) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, which includes conceptualization, planning and implementation of the Census operation in the country. The organization has field offices in all the States and Union Territories (except the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and the Union Territory of Daman and Diu, which are attached to the office at Gujarat). The field officers are headed by the Directors of Census Operations, who are responsible for the conduct of Census in their respective jurisdictions.

Methodology

The Census of India is conducted once in a decade, following an extended de facto canvasser method. Under this approach, data is collected on every individual by visiting the household and canvassing a single questionnaire over a period of three weeks. The count is then updated to the reference date and time by conducting a Revision Round. In the Revision Round, any changes in the entries that arise on account of births, deaths and migration between the time of the enumerators visit and the reference date/time are noted down and the record updated.

            Census 2011 has been conducted in two phases. In the first phase, known as Houselisting and Housing Census, each building, house and other structures were systematically listed and numbered. Besides, useful information on use of the house, amenities available to the households, if residential, and assets owned by them was collected. This exercise, held between April to September, 2010 in different States/Union territories was used to draw up a frame for the second phase of Census 2011, known as Population Enumeration held in February 2011.

In the second phase, the Population Enumeration exercise was held throughout the country from 9th to 28th February 2011. During this period, about 2.7 million Enumerators visited about 240 million households collecting information on every person living in these households. On the night of 28th February, 2011 the Houseless population was enumerated. Thereafter, a Revision Round was conducted to update the population with reference to the Census Moment, i.e., 00:00 hours of 1st March, 2011 by updating information on births and deaths occurring in the households.

Innovations Adopted

India had witnessed unparalleled change in terms of growth in population, economic development and adoption of new technology, particularly in the filed of Information Technology in comparison to the previous decades. This offered an opportunity to reassess each stage of census taking and modify the procedures taking into account the availability of resources and their optimum utilization. From planning to execution of the Census Operation, innovation was the key word. The objective was to ensure full coverage of the area and the population without omission or overlapping, collection of quality data without any prejudice and bias and to quickly process the data to make it available in the public domain for use before it becomes obsolete.
  Following are some of the steps taken in this direction:

Complete and Unduplicated  Coverage of Population-While undertaking census operation, a key aspect is to ensure complete coverage of the geographic area of the country without any omission or duplication. This requires the updating of jurisdictional boundaries of all the administrative units from States to the Villages/Towns. Towards this end for use in Census 2011, information on changes in the jurisdiction of the administrative boundaries of 35 States/Union Territories, 640 districts, 5,924 sub-districts, 7,935 towns and 6,40,867 villages were meticulously collected along with official notifications and maps. Each of these changes was recorded in the digitized maps using latest GIS software. In addition, the Census Organization has completed preparation of detailed digital maps of 33 capital cities of the country based on satellite imagery. These maps show detailed layout of buildings, houses, other structures, road network and important landmarks and were used in Census 2011.

Quality of Content

            Designing the Census Schedules- Two types of Questionnaire, known in Census as Schedules, are canvassed for the two phases of Census. In Census 2011, the work of designing the Schedules was entrusted to the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad which came up with brilliant designs, which were easy to use, aesthetically developed, easy to scan and comparable to the best in the world. The Schedules had several unique features like Bar Code, Unique Form Number and drop-out color from a standard palette. All these helped in collecting quality information and better inventory management, a nightmare in the past. These features have greatly enhanced the processing of data.

            Training- One of the most critical elements in Census is the training of the field Enumerators who collect information. Unless the 2.7 million functionaries are clear about the concepts and methodology, the quality of data collected will suffer. For the first time support of the NGOs was taken in imparting training in local languages. In Census 2011, a three-tier training hierarchy was put in place with National Trainers (90 in number) at the country level, Master Trainers Facilitators (725) at the State level and Master Trainers (54,000) at the District level. It was the responsibility of the Master Trainers to train 2.7 million Enumerators/ Supervisors at the grass-root level, a ratio of just 50 Enumerators per Master Trainer. The Instruction Manual was substantially improved by incorporating suitable illustrations and examples. In addition, Training Guides showing minute to minute agenda was prepared for use by the trainers at each stage of training. The Guide not only focused on elaborating concepts and methodology in Census but also covered such aspects as communication, rapport building etc. One important addition to the basket of training aids was the introduction of e-Learning modules on important census concepts, where animation characters representing Enumerators and Respondent(s) were shown actually delivering the dialogues and asking questions.

            Publicity Campaign in Census 2011- For any large scale operations like Census Operations to succeed, undertaking adequate publicity campaign is an important element. Adequate sensitization of the people is a pre-requisite, as Census aims to collect personal information on each individual residing in the country at the time of Census. It is also important to focus on proper enumeration of such critical aspects as gender and disability in the population. In absence of adequate in-house expertise, the work of devising the entire campaign was assigned to reputed advertising agencies in the country with support from the UN Agencies. Elaborate campaign was planned and executed by using mass media, public outreach and digital media to achieve the objectives. The basic modules in Hindi were translated in 12 languages for use in different parts of the country. The media plan was prepared using the latest reports available on reach of media in different parts of the country using different modes on a scientific basis.

Census in School Programme- To sensitize school students about the Census 2011, an innovative programme was introduced throughout the country, where specially prepared and attractively designed School Kits were sent to about 60 to 80 schools in each of the 593 districts in the country. Each School Kit contained a letter from the Census Commissioner, India to the Principals of these schools requesting them to sensitize the students about the ensuing Census 2011 and also about the importance and utility of Census. Special attention was paid to the students of Class VI, VII and VIII for whom special lessons were sent on different subjects. The Census Commissioner, India also requested the Principals to designate one week in January 2011 as Census Week to develop awareness about Census 2011.

            Gender Sensitization- Even though gender had been a prominent cross-cutting priority in 2001 Census, data related to female count, marital status, female headed households, female disability and female work-participation has continued to suffer from undercount or under-reporting. The 2001 census enumerated several villages/ districts that had reported very few women, very low female literacy and no female worker. To ensure collection of accurate information, an attempt was made to integrate gender issues into various stages of census taking by identifying gender critical districts, which had low sex ratio (less than 900); low female literacy (less than 30%) or low female work participation rate (less than 20%) on the basis of 2001 Census. In this way 262 Critical Districts were identified for focused attention and training. Special steps were taken to appoint additional Master Trainer Facilitators to sensitize the Enumerators on gender issues and train them in collecting authentic information. Special Data Sheets and Posters were prepared and displayed at each training class to sensitize the Enumerators on the poor status of women with reference to these three critical indicators. Extra effort was also made during the publicity campaign to sensitize the people to provide correct information about women and the girl child at the time of enumeration.

            Using Social Networking Websites-With the overwhelming popularity of the social networking sites among the youth today, for the first time, in Census 2011, a conscious effort was made to reach them directly. Census 2011 Group was created on Facebook and Twitter in the first week of February 2011 and regular posts were made initially informing the visitors about different facets of Census in general and Census 2011 in particular inviting their support in spreading the message on Census. Within a short time, a large number of persons, mostly from the younger sections of the population, became members and actively posted views on the wall. The experience was quite satisfactory as most of the posts complimented the efforts while a few pointing out about not being covered in Census 2011. Immediate action was taken to redress their grievances. The site was also used for disseminating information on Census 2011 extensively. At present, there are more than 20,000 members on this Group. Similarly on Twitter as well, the members welcomed the new initiative.  The Census Commissioner, India was awarded Exceptional Achievement  for  innovative use of social media in the country’s biggest governance exercise.

            Community Volunteers- This was a unique initiative in some North Eastern States where Civil Society Organisations joined hands with the Directorates to not only spread awareness but actually take part in the conduct of the Census. This has had a significant impact in these States and has greatly enhanced the participation of the general people in the Census.

Time bound completion of field operations and timely release of data.

            Using State of the Art data recognition technology in data capture and data processing-  The Census Office has always been in the forefront in the adoption of the latest data processing technology in the processing of census data. At 2001 Census, for the first time, a major technology change in the vital activity of data extraction recorded on the Census Schedule and creating associated computer data files was introduced, so as to fully computerize the subsequent data processing activities in generating output tables for use. India was the only large country in the world to have used this technology in 2001 Census. In the new technology used, the Census Schedules were scanned using high speed duplex scanners and information read using ICR technology. When the Census Office adopted this technology in India, it was considered a risk by many as the technology had been used only by a few small countries and not tested for a large country. This innovation by the Indian Census not only saved time and money but allowed accurate capture of data as well. Another major benefit in adopting this technology was that it allowed the Census to tabulate the entire data on a 100% basis rather than on a sample basis as was the case till 1991 Census. Using the ICR technology not only saved time for data capture and data tabulation thus ultimately making it available to the users early, but also was very cost effective saving public money.

Despatch and delivery of Census material-In Census 2011, approximately 340 million Census Schedules, 6 million Instruction Manuals, and other printed materials in 18 languages were used. The despatch and delivery of these Census materials weighing about 2000 metric tons, printed in the right language(s) from about twenty printing presses located in different parts of the country and delivering them to about 17,000 locations in each tehsil in the country was a logistic nightmare. After the operations, the filled-in Schedules were to be collected and delivered to the 17 Data Scanning Centres and the 33 Census Offices. This job of collection, delivery and return collection was given to Indian Posts which used their Logistic Post Service to deliver the material in each tehsil in the country, safely and securely and in time. With their expert services, the India Posts were able to complete the work in  time satisfactorily.

            Public Grievances and Monitoring-A Call Centre was set up to receive complaints from the public on various issues relating to Population Enumeration. Located in Pune, the facility was extended in 14 languages throughout the country. The complaints on non-coverage and other issues were quickly resolved with support from the local Census Offices. The Call Centers facility was also used to monitor the progress of enumeration work by directly contacting the Supervisions. At the conclusion of the Population Enumeration exercise, they have been assigned the job of Post Enumeration Survey (PES) in four metro cities.

            Outsourcing of non-critical activities-Undertaking the Census Operation requires planning and execution of a wide array of activities, some demanding serious application of mind and some simply involving logistics and infrastructure. The scale of operations in all cases, however, was gigantic, due to the geographic spread and absence of adequate infrastructure in the country. It was decided at the planning stage itself to outsource non-critical activities in Census 2011 to allow Census Officials to focus more on Census related activities than managing logistics.

Adoption of Green Technology.

Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India supervised and monitored the progress of the Census Operations through video conferences with all the 640 District Collectors every week. The video conferencing technology saved huge amount of money which otherwise would have been necessary if the supervision team practically travelled to all the places or issued instructions through letters or correspondences.

Availing Call Centre facility to address public grievances during census helped in spreading green technology.

Cost
The cost of Census taking in such a large country as India is enormous. In Census 2011, about Rs 2200 crore was spent from the Central Budget during the two phases of Census, i.e., Houselisting and Housing Census held from April to September 2010 and the Population Enumeration held in February 2011. The amount spent was quite low as compared to the world average. According to the 25th Population Conference organized by the UN Statistical Division held in Seoul this year, the average cost of Census taking in the world is estimated as $ 4.6 per person. In India, the cost was less than $ 0.5 per person in Census 2011.

The heroines and heroes of Census 2011 have undoubtedly been the 2.7 million enumerators and supervisors who have spared no efforts to complete the arduous task in time.  Three weeks to cover a vast and diverse country like India – a task looked at with awe by the world, but accomplished by these humble women and men with sincerity and devotion to duty. The Nation is proud of them and we salute each one of them for their hard work, perseverance and patience...(Dr. C Chandramouli)