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AGRICULTURE
Two schemes Gramin Bhandaran Yojana and Development of marketing infrastructure, grading and standardisation of agriculture, launched for improving storage and marketing infrastructure.
A credit package for farmers announced. Flow of credit 30 % more than the previous year; to be doubled in three years.
Plan allocation of agricultural research and education increased this year from Rs. 775 crore to Rs. 1000 crore.
Support prices for rabi crops announced in the sowing season itself to let farmers decide the crop they want to plant. CCI will intervene and cotton exports will be encouraged so that cotton prices do not go below the support prices because of record production this year.
Minimum Support Prices (MSP) of oilseeds and pulses increased substantially.
Task Force on application of biotechnology in agriculture set up under Prof. M.S. Swaminathan. The Task Force recommended setting up of a National Biotechnology Regulatory Authority and promoting public awareness on biotechnology-related matters.
Ministry of Agriculture has nominated two farmers on the Board of Directors of National Seeds Corporation and one on that of the State Farms Corporation of India.
Farmers who have been suffering on account of various calamities will be given relief by restructuring/rescheduling their debts.
ATOMIC ENERGY
The construction of the 500 MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu) started. This marks the beginning of the commercial phase of the second stage of the Indian Nuclear Power Programme.
CIRUS, the second research reactor of India first commissioned in 1960 attained full power generating capacity of 40 MW on November 10 after refurbishment. The complete refurbishment has given a new lease of life of at least 15 years.
Three newly developed radiation mutants of groundnut and a small leaf mutant registered by National Bureau of Plant Gen Genetic Resources, Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
VIKIRAN – the first cobalt: 60 based radiation processing plant in the eastern region of the country inaugurated on August 21, 2004 at Dankuni, Central Kolkata.
CHEMICALS & PETRO CHEMICALS
With a view to bring down prices of essential drugs, a Committee constituted to review the span of price control including trade margins for medicines. Process of monitoring being strengthened.
Feasibility report being prepared to revive sick fertilizer units.
Steps initiated to ensure adequate and timely supply of fertilizers to the farmers.
CIVIL AVIATION
The restructuring and modernization of Mumbai and Delhi airports is taking place through joint venture participation. An Empowered Group of Ministers (EGOM) has been monitoring the progress of the entire process.
Plans in place to modernize and upgrade 6 metro and 22 other non metro airports of the country, to bring them to world class standard.
Union Cabinet approves the hike in FDI in Civil Aviation sector from 40 per cent to 49 per cent.
The country’s first ‘low cost’, No Frill Airline – Air Deccan started operation in trunk routes with effect from August 25, 2004.
India has entered into new Air Services Agreements with UK, Australia, Austria and Saudi Arabia enhances the air services to and from India to the respective countries.
The Government to implement a limited Open Sky Policy from November 1, 2004 to March 31, 2005 to help foreign airlines to mount additional services to take care of the peak season rush.
Greenfield Airports being set up at Bangalore, Hyderabad and other cities.
A long-term civil aviation policy is on the anvil to boost sector. The second part of the Naresh Chandra Committee report on the civil aviation sector since submitted. It will be the working document for preparing the new National Civil Aviation Policy.
COAL & MINES
A new initiative of e-auction of coal started to check malpractices in sale of coal to non-core consumers.
Coal India Ltd. (CIL) reported profit before tax of Rs. 2693.32 crore for May – October, 2004 as compared to Rs. 1078.84 crore for the same period last year.
Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) reported profit before tax of Rs. 559.36 crore for May – October, 2004 as compared to Rs. 468.35 crore for the same period last year accorded the status of mini-ratna.
NLC’s proposal for expansion of the capacity of Mine-II and Thermal Power Station – II at a cost of Rs. 4192.06 crore approved.
An Expert Committee constituted for a comprehensive review and recommending a road map for the coal sector in India. The Expert Committee will suggest measures for meeting the demand – supply gap in respect of coal in short, medium and long term.
Proposal of Punjab Electricity Board to set up a 3.5 million tons per year coal washery in the command area of Central Coalfields Ltd. approved.
The long pending revision of royalty on major minerals (other than Coal, Lignite and Sand for stowing) and Dead Rent notified.
Government’s prior approval conveyed for granting 10 additional Reconnaissance Permits in Nine States taking the total Reconnaissance Permits granted so far to 175 covering a total area of 2,37,466 sq. kms.
NALCO’s second phase of expansion worth Rs. 4091.51 crore, approved. It would increase NALCO’s Bauxite mining capacity to 63 lakh tons from the present 48 lakh tons, of Alumina production from 15.75 lakh tons to 21 lakh tons and of Aluminium production from 3.45 lakh tons to 4.60 lakh tons.
NALCO earned a net profit of Rs. 598.60 crore during the first half of current fiscal year.
Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL), a loss making PSU turns around with a net profit of Rs. 22.84 crore during May – October, 2004.
COMPANY AFFAIRS
National Company Law Tribunal being set up to dispense speedy justice to the aggrieved parties in the domain of Company Law.
A Concept Paper on the Companies Act circulated countrywide to elicit opinion on it from all concerned. The Paper endeavours to remove the obsolete provisions in the Companies Act, 1956 and to simplify laws relating to the companies from the existing 781 sections to 287 sections. The proposed legislation is likely to be ready by this year-end.
Set in motion the Serious Frauds Investigation Office to nail big offenders.
Endeavours to tighten its grip on companies vanishing after cheating the investors.
COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
Record growth in India’s exports which cross US $ 40 billion in seven months (April – October 2004), an increase of 23.73% as compared to the figure for the corresponding period last year.
First ever comprehensive Foreign Trade Policy announced. It takes an integrated view of the overall development of India’s foreign trade.
India’s interest fully protected in the WTO Framework Agreement.
FDI inflows into India doubled to US $ 2.38 billion compared to the corresponding period last year.
Domestic industrial activity continues to remain buoyant. The first quarter GDP estimates indicate a growth rate of 6.8 per cent for overall industrial output, which is almost one percentage point higher than the growth experienced in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) reveals an aggregate industrial growth of 7.9 per cent for the first half of the year.
India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – comprising the six Gulf countries signed an India – GCC Framework Agreement on Economic Cooperation, marking a new milestone in India’s relations with the Gulf countries to give a big boost to commercial and economic ties.
CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Antyodaya Anna Yojana, a scheme for the poorest of the poor expanded to cover an additional 50 lakh BPL (Below Poverty Line) families, taking the total to 2 crore families.
Buffer sugar subsidy to the extent of Rs. 257.88 crore disbursed. The cane price arrears for 2003-04 have come down from Rs. 2568.79 crore (24.8 %) as on April 30, 2004 to Rs. 569.51 crore (5%) as on August 31, 2004.
The duty structure on edible oil has been restructured in the interest of domestic oil seeds growers and to curb import of edible oils on a large scale.
In order to streamline the functioning of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), the Government has engaged management consultants, McKinsey.
State governments have been encouraged to take up procurement of foodgrains under the decentralized procurement scheme.
An Inter-Ministerial Committee called the Tuteja Committee on the issue of sugarcane dues, has been set up.
A Standing Committee has been constituted for promotion of consumer interest and for highlighting consumer interest to the forefront of all operations in the Government, public or private sector.
The Department of Consumer Affairs has constituted three Committees for preparing a module for consumer clubs, for drafting a National Consumer Policy and for suggesting a suitable mechanism for handling consumer complaints.
The Bureau of Indian Standards has initiated hallmarking of gold jewellry in 2000 and at present 19 hallmarking centres have been recognized for this purpose and more than 800 jewellers have been certified under the scheme.
CULTURE
Central Advisory Board on Culture set up. The Board would advise the Government in matters of cultural importance and would attempt coordinated implementation of schemes/initiatives.
Under the national mission for manuscripts, a pilot project for the survey of monuments undertaken in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Orissa. The project is to be extended to the national level in due course.
Bhasha Bhavan, the new building of the National Library in Kolkata completed. State-of-the-art facilities have been provided in the new library at a cost of Rs.70 crore.
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) reconstituted.
DEPARTMENT OF NORTH EAST REGION
Upgradation of the Department of North East Region to a full-fledged Ministry
Projects retained for detailed examination under Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) for the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura
Budgetary provisions for Projects under NLCPR increased
North East Council (NEC) Revitalization Report finalized
15 NEC Projects in the Roads, Health and Power sectors approved
Guidelines for NLCPR Revised
Establishment of Indian Institute of Management (IIM) for NE Region approved
First Conference of Chief Secretaries and Vice Chancellors of NE Region
Externally Aided Projects in North Eastern Region invited
14 projects for Capacity Building Activities sanctioned
Under the Advocacy & Publicity Plan Scheme, DONER-NEWSLINE, a Quarterly Newsletter on the activities and achievements of the Ministry launched
DEFENCE
Keeping in view the increased need for modernisation of armed forces the allocation for Defence ministry in this year’s Budget increased to Rs 77000 crore.
The government decides to reduce troops in Jammu & Kashmir as a confidence building measure.
The Third Flight test of Agni-II Missile carried out successfully in August 2004.
The first batch of five indigenously manufactured Main Battle Tank Arjun rolls out.
Prithvi-III, a modified version of surface-to-surface missile successfully test fired.
Supersonic Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Brahmos successfully flight tested.
Department Of Ex-Servicemen Welfare Created.
Indo-US joint Air Force exercises at Alaska in USA.
ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS
Production of ozone-depleting Halons phased out.
Compensatory Afforestation Fund set up for afforestation of degraded forest land.
"Good practices" adopted in regulatory procedures such as environmental and forestry clearance, Coastal Zone Regulation, Genetic Engineering Approval Committee and experimentation on animals.
Draft National Environment Policy released. The policy describes the key environmental challenges currently and prospectively faced by the country, the strategic themes for intervention and broad indications of the legislative and institutional development intended to accomplish the strategic themes.
Further reforms initiated in grant of environmental clearances.
Guidelines framed covering utilization and care of animals to be used in testing, research and training.
Planning Commission asked to examine strategies for tribal development afresh. The issue of viable livelihood strategies that enhance conservation within the framework of the Forest Conservation Act through a Task Force also to be examined.
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Efforts have been made to take forward and intensify the ongoing process of confidence building, dialogue and cooperation with Pakistan. The Foreign Secretary level talks in June 2004 marked the resumption of the Composite Dialogue. One full round of Composite Dialogue was concluded in September, 2004.
In order to promote greater people-to-people exchanges, the Government announced unilateral measures for further liberalization of the visa regime with Pakistan.
The momentum of high level interaction with China has been maintained.
Bilateral trade with China is expanding rapidly, as per China’s customs statistics in the first eight months of 2004, the trade volume registered a growth of 86.5 % to reach US $ 8.72 billion with India’s exports growing by 100 per cent to reach US $ 5.25 billion, and imports increasing by 69.1 % to reach US $ 3.47 billion.
There has been a marked acceleration in contacts with Japan at high level. In a significant step forward, India and Japan agreed to mutually support each other’s candidature for the permanent membership in an expanded UN Security Council.
Prime Minister and the US President met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session.
A joint statement "US-India Partnership – Cooperation and Trust" was issued on September 21, 2004.
Foreign Office Consultations and Asian Security Dialogue between Foreign Secretary and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs was held on September 17, 2004 in Washington DC.
India announced a flood relief assistance of Rs. 100 crore to Bangladesh.
Home Secretary led a delegation to Dhaka and had a meeting with his counterpart on September 16-17, 2004. This meeting took place after a gap of four years and there was forward movement in areas such as issue of double entry visas.
Additional amount to fund the 1020 MW Tala Hydro electric Power Project in Bhutan is under processing.
India is in various stages of implementation of a total of 92 projects in Nepal and Bhutan.
The 25th Session of the SAARC Council of Ministers met in Islamabad in July 2004. All delegates endorsed India’s view that SAARC must move from words to action.
India suggested setting up of SAARC High Economic Council, with the Finance and Commerce Ministers of the member countries.
India proposed for the setting up of a SAARC Infrastructure Fund, with a corpus of about $ 10 billion to fund large infrastructure projects in the region.
Our Missions in the Gulf have taken up with the contractors to let the interested Indian employees to leave Iraq and to ensure safety and well-being of civilian workers who chose to remain voluntarily.
With a view to ensure safety and well being of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, a Helpline is being established in the Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah.
FINANCE
The country recorded a current account surplus of nearly US$2 billion during the first quarter of the current year. Reflecting the growing strength of surpluses in the ‘invisible account’, which more than neutralized the deficits in the trade account.
Operationalized the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act by notifying the rules there under, to bring down the revenue and fiscal deficits, as a proportion of GDP, to 2.5 per cent and 4.4 per cent respectively.
The rate of interest on Central loans to States has been reduced from 10.5 per cent to 9 per cent with effect from April 1, 2004.
The Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers, at its meeting held on June 18, 2004, resolved to introduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) at the State level from April 1, 2005. A Technical Expert Committee to work closely with State Governments for smooth implementation of VAT has also been set up.
Task Force set up for recommending an action plan to revitalize the cooperative credit system in the country.
Cabinet approved the proposal for enactment of the Credit Information Companies (Regulation) Bill, 2004 in its meeting held on August 17, 2004. The Bill is proposed to be introduced in the forthcoming Winter Session of the Parliament.
The monetary ceiling of the cases to be referred to the Lok Adalats, organized by Civil Court was enhanced from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh with effect from July 12, 2004.
Banking Regulation (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Ordinance, 2004 issued.
During the first six months of the current year, Rs. 53, 590 crore has been disbursed by various institutions against the current year target of Rs. 1,04,5000 crore. Similarly about 30 lakh new farmers have been brought under institutional lending.
Sponsor Banks have been made accountable for the performance of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). RRBs that adopted new Governance standard and that abide by the prudential regulations, will qualify for receiving funds from the Government for their restructuring.
The Rural Infrastructure Development Fund revived with a corpus of Rs.8,000 crore for the year 2004-05, and schemes worth Rs.908 crore have already been sanctioned.
A Water Harvesting scheme for SC/ST farmers has been introduced with an outlay of Rs 200 crore and a central subsidy of Rs. 100 crore. During the current year Rs. 20 crore is expected to be disbursed.
A Weather Insurance Scheme, called Varsha Vima Yojna, introduced on a pilot basis in selected districts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, for kharif 2004.
An Inter-Institutional Group (IIG) of financial institutions comprising IDBI, IDFC, ICICI Bank, SBI, LIC, Bank of Baroda, and Punjab National Bank, has been formed for speedy implementation of infrastructure projects, with particular emphasis on airports, seaports and tourism.
The Universal Health Insurance Scheme (UHIS) redesigned specifically for benefiting those below the poverty line (BPL). The revised premia under the scheme are Rs.165, Rs.248, and Rs.330, respectively, for individuals, a family of five, and a family of seven, respectively. The scheme came into force from September 20, 2004.
A new Senior Citizens Savings Scheme, offering an interest rate of 9 per cent, introduced.
The long-term capital gains from securities transactions exempted from income tax. The rate of short term capital gains tax has been reduced to a flat rate of 10 per cent.
A securities transactions tax (STT) imposed for streamlining tax collections with respect to financial market transactions
Specific measures taken by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for protecting the interests of small investors by making the primary securities market more scientific, transparent and investor-centric.
The SEBI has reduced the turnaround time for processing of FII applications for registrations from 13 working days to 7 working days except in the case of banks and their subsidiaries.
FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES
Food processing sector included in priority lending by financial institutions.
Automatic approval granted for foreign investments except in a few cases.
Export-oriented units permitted to import raw materials and capital goods free of duty.
A Plan scheme for technology upgradation, establishment and modernization of food processing industries in operation. The scheme covers fruits and vegetables, milk products, meat, poultry, fishery, oilseeds and other horticultural sectors leading to value addition and shelf life.
The Group of Ministers on Agriculture decides to evolve a uniform food law to rationalize the overlapping jurisdictions of the concerned Ministries.
A uniform food law on the anvil for enactment by Parliament.
HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
An additional Rs. 408 crore made available for containing the disease burden on account of communicable diseases. For AIDS, an additional amount of Rs. 217 crore is being provided.
A new World Bank assisted Integrated Disease Surveillance Project launched with a view to better assess the prevalence and spread of diseases. This is a 5-year project and aims at developing a decentralized State based system of surveillance.
A fresh surveillance and evaluation of the incidence of HIV/AIDS to be carried out with a view to formulate a better approach in increasing awareness and prevention of AIDS.
With a view to make National Population Commission more cohesive and function as an effective mechanism, the Commission has been transferred to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare as originally envisaged in the National Population Policy.
A National Rural Health Mission is being launched soon which would bring about an integrated health delivery system in rural areas with special focus on primary healthcare.
Various steps for developing quality standards and implementing Good Manufacturing Practices for Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani drugs initiated.
The Ministry is in the process of augmenting the food and drug testing capacity in the country by providing expensive laboratory equipment, additional technical staff and renovation of existing laboratories, to make available good quality drugs.
In preparation for increased investment in the Health Sector over the next five years, the National Commission of Macro-Economics and Health is to assess the impact of increased investment in the Health Sector.
HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
Every effort being made to modernize and restructure sick PSEs and revive sick industry. An amount of Rs. 517 crore as the first tranche of money required for restructuring of 24 ailing PSEs sanctioned.
The establishment of a Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises (BRPSE) approved to address the entire gamut of issues pertaining to revival/restructuring of public sector undertakings.
Successful profit making Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) operating to be given full autonomy.
All privatization proposals to be considered on a transparent and case to case basis. Generally, profit making companies will not be privatized.
The purchase preference policy extended beyond 31.3.2004 for a further period of one year.
A review is being done for providing enhanced powers for Navaratna and Miniratna PSEs in an effort to improve their performance in the global competitive environment. Under the enhanced delegation, it is proposed to provide delegation for mergers and acquisitions as also for re-establishment of joint ventures/subsidiaries.
The Boards of Directors are being professionalised by induction of independent professional directors of repute.
The system of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is being further strengthened by incorporating additional parameters such as measurable Productivity, International Benchmarking, Human Resource Management etc.
HOME AFFIARS
Prevention of Terrorism (Repeal) Ordinance, 2004 promulgated to repeal POTA, 2002. Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Ordinance, 2004 promulgated incorporating provisions for dealing with various facets of terrorism.
Centre’s support for a four year plan for development and reconstruction of Jammu & Kashmir amounting to Rs.24,000/- crore declared. The plan aims at revitalizing the State’s tourism industry, creating new capabilities, generating self-employment opportunities as well as creating new avenues for salaried and professional employment.
Several developmental programmes and projects taken up in Manipur and Assam, coinciding with the Prime Minister’s visit to the two States during November 2004. The programmes and projects include those relating to improvement of road and rail links, launching of irrigation and power projects, electrification of villages, generation of employment and improvement of health as well as education facilities. Construction of a new State capital complex to be taken up in Manipur and the Manipur University to be upgraded to a Central University. Special plan assistance of Rs.240 crore for flood damage repair and infrastructure development in Assam announced.
Number of terrorist related incidents in Jammu & Kashmir down to 1102 between June-October 2004 as compared to 1619 in the corresponding period last year. Number of troops deployed in the State reduced.
Task Force on naxalism constituted to deliberate upon the entire gamut of steps needed to deal with the naxalite situation.
National Integration Council being reconstituted.
Assistance of Rs.501.33 crore released to the affected States from the National Calamity Contingency Fund for flood management. Norms amended to enhance quantum of assistance for relief.
Draft law on communal violence being formulated, Approach paper finalized.
A five member Committee set up to review the Armed Forces(Special Powers) Act, 1958 to meet aspirations of people of Manipur.
Tamil declared a classical language. Software for learning Hindi through Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu launched.
HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
The mid-day meal scheme is being made attractive with twin goals of providing nutritious food to the children, specially the under-privileged and achieving the goal of Education For All. Cooked meal to be provided in all the schools in the country in a phased manner.
Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) reconstituted after a gap of 10 years. Seven committees on different aspects of education have been set up to address critical issues.
Education Cess imposed on all taxes to generate the much needed resources to achieve the goals of Education For All. The Government is in the process of the increasing public spending in education to 6 % of GDP in a phased manner.
EDUSAT (Education Satellite) launched to be utilized in a big way to provide quality education to hard-to-reach areas in the country.
Autonomy of six Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to decide on their fee structure for students restored.
Major thrust on elementary education programmes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
A new scheme called Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya approved for setting upto 750 residential schools with boarding facilities at elementary level for girls belonging to SC/ST/OBC and minorities in difficult areas.
More thrust being given to women empowerment programmes like Mahila Samakhya, National Programme for education of girls at elementary level and Rashtriya Mahila Kosh.
NCERT directed to initiate action for curriculum renewal keeping in mind the noble ideals enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution of India.
National Monitoring Committee for Minority Education constituted.
A new humane transfer policy for the Kendriya Vidyalaya teachers evolved.
All students admitted to IIMs, whose annual gross family income is Rs. 2 lakh and below, will be eligible for receiving financial assistance amounting upto full tuition fee waiver. The banks have waived the collateral for loans upto Rs. 7.5 lakh, if a satisfactory guarantee is provided on behalf of the student.
INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
The Ministry has proposed amendment of the relevant provisions of the Press & Registration of Books (PRB) Act, 1867; a Group of Ministers to go into the wider aspects of the print media policy.
The scope of the Ku Band transmission for Direct to Home (DTH) project enlarged. Now, the number of free-to-air channels, to be carried on Ku Band, has been increased from 30 to 40 channels without charging any carriage fees from the private broadcasters for two years.
Initiative has been taken to move towards finalization of Phase-II, Private F. M. radio broadcasting. Recommendations of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have been examined and the matter is now under consideration between the Ministry and the TRAI.
A special package to improve radio coverage and radio signals in J & K is under formulation. Proposal for extending coverage of Kashir channel for 5 more years, with enhanced quality content in terms of software, as also efforts to improve the reception of both the Kashir Channel and general transmission in the State of J & K, is underway.
26 letters of intent issued and 10 institutions have signed License Agreements with the Ministry for setting up Community Radio Stations.
Festival of Children’s Films, the first of its kind, was organized in Srinagar between 12th and 14th October, 2004 and DVDs of children’s films were distributed to army personnel.
The Government is considering review of the uplinking guidelines for private TV Channels. Necessary action has already been initiated in this regard.
Various mechanisms for control over downlinking are being considered. Downlinking guidelines have been prepared, which provide for registration of channels uplinking from abroad
LABOUR
Social Security Scheme for unorganised workers launched in 50 districts on pilot basis.
National Child Labour Project to be extended from 150 to 250 districts to eliminate child labour.
Five hundred existing Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to be upgraded at an estimated cost of Rs. 800 crore for imparting skills to workers to meet international standards.
Tripartite consultation process being further strengthened to deal with workers’ issue.
Outstanding arrears of workers amounting to Rs. 727 crore recovered from CPSUs.
Unorganized Sector Workers’ Bill 2004 being redrafted to promote well being of workers in the unorganised sector.
Housing assistance to beedi workers for each unit doubled upto Rs. 40,000, eligibility ceiling also increased.
Labour Ministry to give one time grant of Rs. 2 crore to State Governments, ESIC and NGOs for construction of hospitals for beedi workers.
Core group set up under Labour Secretary to monitor implementation of NCMP concerning Labour and Employment Ministry.
LAW & JUSTICE
Prevention of Terrorist Activities Act (POTA) abolished and Ordinance Promulgated to further amend the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
75 vacant posts of High Court Judges filled up. Efforts on to fill remaining 147 posts shortly to ensure speedy justice and clearance of backlog cases. Introduction of computers with internet system in almost all the courts being undertaken so that records can be updated and disposal made easy.
Action initiated for proper functioning of the Legal Service Authorities which are functional in almost all states. Under the scheme Free Legal Service is being provided to weaker sections of society.
The Government decided to set up an Administrative Reforms Commission for preparing a detailed blueprint for revampi
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