The Vice President of India, Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that the media must stand up to fear, seek information and speak out. It must not hesitate to tell the powers their errors in commission and omission and a fundamental function of the media and a basic requirement for the functioning of a healthy democracy. He was addressing the gathering after giving away the C.H. Mohammed Koya National Journalism Awards 2016, here today. The former Minister for Defence, Shri A.K. Anthony and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that Journalism as a professional calling is more than a mere job, it is a public good. A healthy, vibrant democracy not only creates the space for a free media, but rather it needs an impartial and independent media for its survival, he added.

The Vice President said that a responsible press is needed to hold power to account and that is why our founding fathers enshrined the freedom of press in the Constitution under the rubric of Article 19 (1)(A), subject only to reasonable restrictions. The media has an important responsibility, particularly in a democratic polity, to tell the truth to the powers that be, even if the powers that be have a habit of not liking this, he added.

Following is the text of Vice President’s address:

“It has been a pleasure to give away the C.H. Mohammed Koya National Journalism Awards. The awards, instituted in the memory of C H Mohammed Koya, former Chief Minister of Kerala, are a fitting tribute to his memory. He believed in using the media to bring about social awareness and change and his role in advancing the educational infrastructure in Kerala as education Minister is well known. The efforts of the C H Mohammed Koya Trust and the Calicut Press Club in instituting and maintaining these awards, that recognize outstanding contribution to journalism, are laudable. I congratulate all the awardees for their hard-work and dedication to the highest traditions of journalism.

In this era of ‘post-truths’, where ‘advertorials’ and ‘response features’ edge-out editorials, we would do well to recall one of the greatest journalists that India has ever produced, and look at the ethos and principles that powered his journalism.

I am referring, of course, to Mahatma Gandhi.

Gandhiji was associated with six journals, and for two very influential weeklies, he was the editor. He published no advertisement; at the same time he did not want his newspapers to run at a loss. He had gained considerable experience in South Africa, where he had taken over the editorial role of the 'Indian Opinion' in 1904 and published it in English, Tamil and Gujarati, sometimes running the press himself. Later, 'Young India' and 'Harijan' became powerful vehicles of his views on all subjects. He wrote on all subjects. He wrote simply and clearly but forcefully.  For Gandhiji, the three objectives of the press were;

• One, to understand the popular feeling and give expression to it;
• Two, to arouse among the people certain desirable sentiments, and
• Third, to fearlessly expose popular defects.

On the profession of journalism, Gandhiji wrote;

“In my humble opinion, it is wrong to use a newspaper as a means of earning a living. There are certain spheres of work which are of such consequence and have such bearing on public welfare that to undertake them for earning one's livelihood will defeat the primary aim behind them. When, further a newspaper is treated as a means of making profits, the result is likely to be serious malpractices. It is not necessary to prove to those who have some experience of journalism that such malpractices do prevail on a large scale.”

How many of our journals and newspapers today would pass Gandhiji’s test?

John Rawls, in his seminal book, ‘A Theory of Justice’, maintained that substantially equal access to the media was an essential requirement to prevent politics being captured by concentrations of private economic power, which would make it impossible for equally-able citizens to have equal opportunities to influence politics regardless of their class. In an article investigating the charge of editorial bias, A. S. Panneerselvan, drawing on Rawls, wrote last year that journalism has to ensure that its twin functions – the credible-informational and the critical-investigative-adversarial or “what is in public interest and what the public is interested in — be carried out in a manner where “issues of public interest are not subsumed by the dictates of what the public is interested in.”

Journalism as a professional calling is more than a mere job, it is a public good. The fourth estate has an important role to play in a democracy. A healthy, vibrant democracy not only creates the space for a free media, but rather it needs an impartial and independent media for its survival. The essential roles that a free and responsible media is expected to play in a democratic society include;

• Inform the people of democratic choices through the clarification of complex issues, particularly in an age when information is the driving force of economic advancement and international events impact on people's daily lives as never before;
• Provoke public debates leading to greater public participation in decision making;
• Uncover abuses of power for their rectification;
• Alert and mobilize public opinion to instances of injustices;
• Allow space for political pluralism by carrying different views and opinions, and;
• Keep leaders attuned to public opinion while offering them a medium to explain their policies and decisions to public opinion.

We need a responsible press to hold power to account. That is why our founding fathers enshrined the freedom of press in the Constitution under the rubric of Article 19 (1)(A), subject only to reasonable restrictions in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the state, public order, decency, contempt of court, defamation and incitement to an offence. Repeated Judicial pronouncements have upheld this freedom, underscoring that ‘freedom of speech and of the press is the Ark of the Covenant of Democracy’ because public criticism is essential to the working of its institutions. Recently, the Supreme Court, terming liberty of thought and expression as ‘cardinal’, struck down the controversial Article 66 (A) of the IT Act as being unconstitutional for being violative of Article 19(1)(A), not saved by Article 19(2).

The media, with its protections and rights, enjoys tremendous freedom. The media also has a transmutative power. It not only portrays reality but can alter the perception of reality itself. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru said on the eve of our independence, ‘Freedom and power bring responsibility’. The media has an important responsibility, particularly in a democratic polity, to tell the truth to the powers that be, even if the powers that be have a habit of not liking this.

In a letter addressed to George Washington in 1792, Thomas Jefferson said,

“No government ought to be without censors, and where the press is free, no one ever will. If virtuous, it need not fear the fair operation of attack and defence. Nature has given to man no other means of sifting out the truth whether in religion, law or politics. I think it as honourable to the government neither to know nor notice its sycophants or censors, as it would be undignified and criminal to pamper the former and persecute the latter.”

With what degree of certainty can we say that our press has upheld its social responsibilities?

In its 2016 assessment of press freedom in India, the Freedom House, Freedom of Press report, categorized India as ‘partially free’, with an overall score of 41 (out of 100). The Press status report by the organization Reporters sans Frontiers was even more critical, ranking India 133 out of 180 countries in terms of press vitality and freedom.

The capitulation of our press, when confronted with the abuse of power in our country was tellingly put in perspective by a senior political personality, when he said that the press, ‘when asked to bend, crawled’. He was, of course, referring to the manner in which our media, barring a few notable examples, conducted itself during period when emergency was imposed. Perhaps more damning were his comments in an interview in 2015 that ‘parts of the media still bend, often without being asked’.  Coming on the heels of his caution that the ‘forces that can crush democracy are stronger’, it calls for serious introspection by our media.

In a recent article underlining the need for a free media, Irina Bokova, the Director General of UNESCO said that the ‘Freedom of expression, press freedom and freedom of information are ends in themselves — the free flow of ideas and opinions, as well as debate and critical examination, creates a wealth of ideas and drives innovation and positive change’. Freedom of media is vital for accountability and transparency. It is a pillar of democracy, the rule of law and good governance and contributes to more inclusive and sustainable development, and, in empowering citizens of our country.

Today, more than ever, the media must stand up to fear, seek information and speak out. It must not hesitate to tell the powers their errors in commission and omission. It is a fundamental function of the media and a basic requirement for the functioning of a healthy democracy. Today’s award winners prove that this can be done.

Jai Hind.”

***

KSD/BK

INS Vikramaditya, the largest warship and latest aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, has a strength of over 1500 personnel. A versatile national capability and a full-fledged township by herself, the ship has a new acquisition – an ATM machine installed onboard by the nation’s largest bank and banking network, the State Bank of India. The one-of-a-kind ATM machine was inaugurated onboard at a function at the Naval Base Karwar on 21 Jan 17, jointly by Rear Admiral KJ Kumar, Flag Officer Commanding, Karnataka Naval Area and Shri Rajnish Kumar, Managing Director and Group Executive (National Banking Group), State Bank of India.

The facilities offered by the State Bank of India to the ship include cash withdrawals, generation of mini-statements, access to bank balance details and change of PIN numbers. In the near future, the facility will be upgraded to a recycler machine with a cash deposit facility. Additionally, facilities like cash transfer, Card-to-Card transfer, Credit Card payment, mobile number registration and updation would also be available. The Indian Navy has a Memorandum of Understanding with the State Bank of India that operates Defence Salary Packages. This joint venture between India’s largest warship and largest banking network is a significant step towards cementing the partnership between the Navy and the bank further, underlines the mutually supportive relations the two organisations share. The ATM machine is a unique floating banking system, and along with the Point of Sale machine that is also proposed to be installed onboard, would go a long way in supporting cashless transactions on the ship, in line with the government’s policy of digitising the India economy.

Speaking on the occasion, Captain Krishna Swaminathan, Commanding Officer of INS Vikramaditya stated that the ATM machine will add to the variety of other facilities and amenities available to the crew. It will enable personnel of the ship to manage their domestic financial requirements better and assist them in conducting their money transactions at their own convenience. Shri Rajnish Kumar, MD, mentioned the glorious achievements and history of the Indian Navy as well as the SBI. He said the two institutions are symbols of national achievement and this inauguration would extend the digital footprint of the country nautical miles beyond Indian shores. RAdm KJ Kumar said it was a matter of pride for Navy to be associated with the largest Indian bank and that this event would take the partnership between the two many notches higher. He also expected the relationship between the two to grow from strength to strength in the years ahead.

Smt. Rajni Mishra, CGM (Bangalore Circle), Mr. SM Farooque Shahab, CGM and Shri Y Vijay Kumar, GM of the SBI were also present during the function.

*****

DKS/AC                                                                                                                                            

Every year, the Officers of the Board of Customs & Central Excise, Department of Revenue are considered for grant of Presidential Award of Appreciation Certificate for ‘exceptionally meritorious service rendered at the risk of life’ and for Presidential Award of Appreciation Certificate for ‘specially distinguished record of service’ on their achieving and maintaining excellence in the discharge of their duties. These awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day.

            This year, forty (40) officers have been selected for grant of Presidential Award of Appreciation Certificate for ‘Specially distinguished record of service’.

            These officers have been selected on the basis of their exemplary and flawless performance in their respective field of services over the years. The awardees selected this year include the officers working as Principal Commissioners/Commissioners; Directors/ Additional Directors/ Additional Commissioners / Joint Commissioners; Deputy/ Assistant Commissioners; Superintendents/ Senior Intelligence Officers; Senior Private Secretary; Administrative Officer; Inspectors/ Intelligence Officers; Driver and Head Havaldar, who have been consistently committed to the department in various fields.

            The aforesaid officer’s performance in various fields includes the prevention of smuggling of contraband and Narcotics Drugs, detection of tax evasion in Customs, Central Excise and Service Tax, detection of trade based money laundering, detection of foreign exchange violations and streamlining enforcement procedures etc. in the department. Besides,  many awardees  have shown their brilliance and given laudable performance in other fields as varied as tax policy, revenue mobilization, development of software for automation of Customs, Central Excise and Service tax formations, reducing litigations and dispute resolution, effective defence of cases in the Tribunals and High Courts, capacity building and training, as well as skilful handling of administrative work .

5.         The list of officers, along with their designation and their present place of posting, who have been selected for grant of the Presidential Award of Appreciation Certificate for ‘Specially distinguished record of service’, on the occasion of Republic Day, 2017 is given below:

PRINCIPAL COMMISSIONERS/COMMISSIONERS

1.      Shri Satya Narayan Saha, Principal Additional Director General, Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), Zonal Unit, Hyderabad.

2.       Shri Syed Haider Hasan, Principal Commissioner , Central Excise Zone, Meerut.

3.       Shri Srinivas Murty Tata, Commissioner (Service Tax), Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), New Delhi.

4.       Shri Sunil Jain, Commissioner, Central Excise Zone, Hyderabad.

DIRECTORS/ADDITIONAL DIRECTORS/ ADDITIONAL COMMISSIONERS/JOINT COMMISSIONERS

5.       Shri Rajendra Kumar, Director (Legal), Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), New Delhi.

6.       Shri Neeraj Prasad, Additional Commissioner, Directorate General of Tax Payers Services, New Delhi.

7.       Shri Manish Goyal, Additional Director, Directorate General of Human Resource Development (DG HRD), New Delhi.

8.       Shri Nasim Arshi, Additional Director, Risk Management Division (RMD), Mumbai.

9.       Dr M. G. Thamizh Valavan, Director (Anti-Smuggling), Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), New Delhi.

10.     Shri Dinesh Kumar Gupta, Director (Drawback), Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), New Delhi.

11.     Shri Mihir Ranjan, Additional Commissioner, Directorate General of Vigilance (DGoV), New Delhi.

12.     Shri Nitin Saini, Additional Director, Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), Regional Unit, Ludhiana.

13.     Shri Zubair Riaz Kamili, Director (Customs), Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), New Delhi.

14.     Shri Maneesh Kumar, Additional Director, Directorate General of Revenue Intelligence (DGRI), Zonal Unit, Ahmedabad.

15.     Dr. Pradyumn Kumar Tripathi, First Secretary, High Commission of India, Singapore.

16.     Shri Pramod Kumar, Officer on Special Duty (Joint Commissioner), Tax Research Unit (TRU), Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC), New Delhi.

17.     Shri Sanjiw Kumar Mishra, Joint Commissioner, Directorate General of Systems and Data Management, New Delhi.

DEPUTY COMMISSIONERS/ASSISTANT COMMISSIONERS

18.     Shri Chanderpal Singh Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner, Customs Zone, Mumbai-II.

19.     Ms. Samrita Kaur Gill, Deputy Director, Directorate General of Revenue Intelligence (DGRI) (Hqrs.), New Delhi.

20.     Shri Avinash Shashikant Patane, Assistant Commissioner, Central Excise Zone, Pune.

SUPERINTENDENTS / SENIOR INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS

21.     Shri Shiv Kumar Sharma, Senior Intelligence Officer, Directorate General of Revenue Intelligence (DGRI), Zonal Unit, Delhi.

22.     Shri K. Ramachandran, Superintendent, Central Excise Zone, Chennai.

23.     Shri D. Venkateswaran, Senior Intelligence Officer, Directorate General of Revenue Intelligence (DGRI), Zonal Unit, Chennai.

24.     Shri Probir Kumar Sen, Superintendent, Customs and Central Excise Zone, Shillong.

25.     Shri Achal Mehrotra, Senior Intelligence Officer, Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI) (Hqrs.), New Delhi.

26.     Shri Nagabushanam P, Superintendent, Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), Zonal Unit, Bengaluru.

27.     Shri Pramod Marotrao Dange, Senior Intelligence Officer, Directorate General of Revenue Intelligence (DGRI), Zonal Unit, Mumbai.

28.     Shri Ashwani Kumar Kapur, Senior Intelligence Officer, Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), Regional Unit, Ludhiana.

29.     Shri Baldev Prasad Khanduri, Superintendent, Central Excise Zone, Meerut.

30.     Shri Mohan Raghavan, Senior Intelligence Officer, Directorate General of Revenue Intelligence (DGRI), Zonal Unit, Mumbai.

31.     Shri Rajesh Ramdas Salian, Superintendent, Risk Management Division (RMD), Mumbai.

32.     Ms. Seema, Superintendent, Directorate of Logistics, New Delhi.

33.     Shri Mahesh Kumar Purohit, Appraiser, Customs Zone, Mumbai-III.

34.     Shri Rajneesh Gupta, Additional Assistant Director (Supdt), Directorate General of Human Resource Development (DG HRD), New Delhi.

Ministerial Officers

35.     Ms. Geeta Mohan Menon, Senior Private Secretary to Chief Commissioner of Customs Zone, Mumbai-I.

36.     Shri A.G. Rajan, Administrative Officer, Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), Zonal Unit, Chennai.

INSPECTORS/INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS

37.     Shri Ravi Dutt Shankar, Intelligence Officer, Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), Zonal Unit, Delhi.

38.     Shri Mamidi Narsingh Rao, Intelligence Officer, Directorate General of Revenue Intelligence (DGRI), Zonal Unit, Hyderabad.

DRIVER

39.     Shri Ranbir Singh, Driver Grade-I, Directorate General of Revenue Intelligence (DGRI) (Hqrs.), New Delhi.

HEAD HAVALDAR

40.     Shri Laxman Singh Negi, Head Havaldar, Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI) (Hqrs.), New Delhi.

*****

DSM/KA

A.    Introduction:Public procurement forms a very important part of Government activity and reform in Public Procurement is one of the top priorities of the present Government. Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is a very bold step of the Government with the aim to transform the way in which procurement of goods and services is done by the Government Ministries/Departments, PSUs, autonomous bodies etc.

B.     Background:GeM owes its genesis to the recommendations of two Groups of Secretaries made to the Hon’ble PM in January 2016. They recommended setting up of a dedicated e-market for different goods & services procured/sold by Government/PSUs besides reforming DGS&D. Subsequently, the Hon’ble FM in his Budget speech for FY 2016-17, announced setting up of a technology driven platform to facilitate procurement of goods and services by various Ministries and agencies of the Government.

DGS&D with technical support of NeGD (MeitY) has developed GeM portal for procurement of both Products & Services. The portal was launched on 9^th August 2016 by the Hon’ble Commerce & Industry Minister. Procurement on GeM has been authorized by GFR by adding Rule 141A (DoE OM dated 3^rd May 2016). Presently more than 7400 products in about 150 product categories and hiring of transport service are available on GeM POC portal. Transactions for more than                                                              Rs 140 Crore have already been processed through GeM.

GeM is a completely paperless, cashless and system driven e-market place that enables procurement of common use goods and services with minimal human interface.

C.    Benefits of GeM to the Government, Sellers and the Indian industry and economy

1.      Transparency: GeM eliminates human interface in vendor registration, order placement and payment processing, to a great extent. Being an open platform, GeM offers no entry barriers to bonafide suppliers who wish to do business with the Government. At every step, SMS and e-Mail notifications are sent to both buyer, his/her head of organization, paying authorities as well as sellers. Online, cashless and time bound payment on GeM is facilitated through integration with PFMS and State Bank Multi Option System (SBMOPS); web-services integration is being extended to payment systems of Railways, Defence, major PSUs and State Governments. Seamless processes and online time-bound payment, which is also mandated by the OM issued by Department of Expenditure, has given confidence to the vendors and reduced their ‘administrative’ cost involved in pursuing officers for timely payment. 

2.      Efficiency: Direct purchase on GeM can be done in a matter of minutes and the entire process in online, end to end integrated and with online tools for assessing price reasonability. For procurements of higher value, the bidding/RA facility on GeM is among the most transparent and efficient, in comparison to e-procurement systems in vogue within the Government sector. For creating a bid/RA, the buyer does not need to create his/her own technical specifications as they have been standardized on GeM. The bid/RA can be created in a matter of minutes and finalized within a minimum of 7 days.The bid/RA is notified via e-mail and SMS to all the eligible suppliers; new suppliers are also notified once they get themselves registered online on GeM and are determined as ‘eligible’ by the system. GeM bidding/RA therefore ensures competition, fair play, speed & efficiency and leads to proper price discovery. The reasonableness of the rates can also be confirmed through online comparison with market price on leading e-Commerce portals. Very soon, GeM will also start getting feeds from various other public procurement portals in order to ensure that the same item has not been procured at a lesser rate by any other Government agency, from the same or a different vendor.The reasonability of price would be further strengthened by way of integration with GSTN and ICEGATE that will enable the buyer to ascertain the price of an item when it exited the factory gate or when it got imported into the country.   These would make GeM an extremely powerful tool in the hands of Government organizations to plan and procure.

3.      Secure and safe: GeM is a completely secure platform and all the documents on GeM are e-Signed at various stages by the buyers and sellers. The antecedents of the suppliers are verified online and automatically through MCA21, Aadhar and PAN databases. In addition, SEBI empaneled credit rating agencies are also being used for conducting third-party assessment of suppliers. This would further strengthen due diligence about the veracity of suppliers wanting to do business on GeM.For high value bids/RA on GeM, an e-Bank Guarantee is also being introduced.

GeM is a far better system than the existing one which relies more on financial instruments (EMD in case of tenders for large procurements only) to guarantee good conduct by the suppliers. In the existing system, there is zero check on the antecedents of the suppliers for small value procurements (uptoRs 1 lakh) whose cumulative value is huge across the Government organizations. GeM does a 100% online verification of all vendors irrespective of the value of procurement.

4.      Potential to support Make in India:On GeM, the filters for selecting goods which are Preferential Market Access (PMA) compliant and those manufactured by Small Scale Industries(SSI), enables the Government buyers to procure Make in India and SSI goods very easily. Easily accessible MIS also enables the administrators and policy makers to easily and effectively enforce the Government regulations on PMA and SSI sourcing. After the launch of GeM it has been noticed that several leading computer manufacturers have placed PMA compliant products on GeM.

5.      Savings to the Government: The transparency, efficiency and ease of use of the GeM portal has resulted in a substantial reduction in prices on GeM, in comparison to the tender, Rate Contract and direct purchase rates. The average prices on GeM are lower by atleast 15-20%, and in some cases even upto 56%. GeM is also doing Demand Aggregation for items that are to be procured by various Central/State Government Departments. Demand Aggregation is expected to further drive the prices south, by way of standardization of specifications and economy of scale. Demand aggregation for most of the common use goods and services is estimated to result in annual savings to the tune ofRs 40,000 Crore per annum. If pursued to its logical conclusion, GeM would eventually emerge as the National Public Procurement Portal, keeping in tune with the Global best practices; most of the OECD countries, like USA, South Korea, UK, Singapore etc, have a single NPPP and as a result annual savings of billions of dollars are made in public procurement, besides giving a fillip to the domestic industry.

****

  MJPS

Tejas is indigenously developed by Aeronautical Development Agency, an autonomous society of DRDO and produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It is a light-weight and multirole four plus generation tactical fighter aircraft which can carry laser guided bombs and modern missiles to cause extreme damage to the target. Tejas has been inducted into 45th Squadron of Indian Air Force. It is a move towards self-reliance in ‘Air Power’ requirement of the nation. Tejas is the pride of the country and a step towards “Make in India” initiative.

The Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C) is an ‘Eye in the Sky’. It is a force multiplier, developed by DRDO for IAF with Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS) as nodal agency. AEW&C system consists of multiple sensors for Surveillance and Signal Intelligence. It helps in Air Defence operations and is capable of communicating using VHF, UHF, C-Band and SATCOM links for Network Centric Operations. Induction of AEW&C into services will make the country self-reliant and position India in top five countries having this capability.

The Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) is an indigenous weapon system developed by DRDO under Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE); a Pune based premiere R&D establishment of DRDO is the nodal agency for design and development of ATAGS with industry partners namely Bharat Forge Limited and Tata Power SED. ATAGS has excellent accuracy, consistency, mobility, reliability and automation and is capable of achieving 47 plus km range. The armament system of the ATAGS which comprises 52 calibre Gun Barrel with Breech Mechanism, Muzzle Brake and Recoil System has been designed and developed to fire the 155 mm calibre ammunitions held by Army with enhanced range, accuracy and precision as well as greater fire power. The system is configured with All Electric Drive technology for the first time in the world that will ensure maintenance free and reliable operation over longer periods of time.

Medium Power Radar - Arudhra has been indigenously developed by Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE), Bengaluru, an establishment of DRDO. Arudhra is the first indigenous rotating active phased array multi-function radar with Digital Beam forming technology. The radar covers 360 degree in azimuth and is capable of performing volumetric surveillance to detect and track aerial targets up to 400 km in range and 30 km altitude. This radar can survive intense ECM environment and electromagnetic interference. It is integrated with modern identification of Friend or Foe system to recognize enemy targets and is transportable by road, rail and Air.

DRDO has a mission to empower India with self-reliance in defence technologies. Since its creation in 1958, DRDO’s research, design and development efforts have led to the production of hundreds of products that include state-of-the-art weapons, platforms, equipment and life support systems for the Indian armed forces. Today, the production value of systems (excluding the strategic systems) already inducted or approved for induction, exceeds Rupees Two lakh sixty thousand crores. The strategic systems developed by DRDO have given our country the much needed multi-level strategic deterrence.

NW/NAo/Ranjan

SA to RM and DG (Missiles and Strategic Systems) Dr G Satheesh Reddy who was present during the launch operations said that the success of Guided PINAKA has reinforced the technological strength of the country in converting unguided systems into weapons of high precision. Director ARDE, Pune Dr KM Rajan, Director, RCI, Hyderabad Shri BHVS Narayana Murthy, Director, ITR, Chandipur Dr BK Das, Director HEMRL, Pune Shri KPS Murthy and, Director PXE, Chandipur Shri R Appavuraj monitored the Launch operations.

The Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar congratulated both the Army and the DRDO for developing the Guided PINAKA in a very short span of time. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr S Christopher applauded this shining example of the synergy between the Armed Forces and the DRDO. DG, (Armament & Combat Engineering Systems), DRDO Shri Pravin K Mehta also congratulated team Pinaka for their successful endeavour.

The Deputy Chief of Army Staff (P&S) Lt Gen Subrata Saha, DG Artillery Lt Gen PK Srivastava and other Senior Army Officers witnessed the successful launch.

NW/NAo/Ranjan

Text of the PM’s Press Statement during the joint media briefing with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi (January 25, 2017)

1.

Agreement on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Republic of India and the UAE

This is a general framework agreement which highlights the areas of bilateral cooperation identified under the comprehensive strategic partnership as agreed upon in the high level joint statements issued in the August 2015 and February 2016.

2..

MoU between the Ministry of Defence of the Government of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Defence of the Government of UAE on cooperation in the field of Defence Industry

This MoU aims to establish cooperation in the identified fields of defence manufacturing and technology, including through studies, research, development, innovation and cooperation between public and private sector institutions of the two countries. The two sides will cooperate in areas of armaments, defence industries and transfer of technology.

3.

MoU between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the UAE on Institutional Cooperation on Maritime Transport

This MoU provides a framework for enhancing bilateral maritime trade ties through facilitating maritime transport, free transfer of monies between contracting parties and reciprocal recognition of ships’ documents.

4.

MOU between the Directorate General of Shipping, Republic of India and the Federal Transport Authority- Land and Maritime in the UAE on Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Competency as per the provisions of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping Convention (STCW78) and amendments thereof

This MoU aims to deepen the maritime economic activities in general by establishing a framework for Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Competency of marine officers, engineers and crews.

5.

MoU between the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of the Republic of India and the Federal Transport Authority, Land and Maritime of the UAE on Bilateral Cooperation in the Road Transport and Highways Sector

This MoU aims to establish cooperation in the sectors of Highways and Road transport through sharing of technologies, systems and best practices in freight logistics, warehousing and value added services.

6.

MOU between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of UAE on cooperation in prevention and combating of human trafficking

This MoU aims to enhance bilateral cooperation on the issue of prevention, rescue, recovery and repatriation related to human trafficking, especially of women and children expeditiously.

7.

MoU for the cooperation in the field of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and innovation between the Ministry of Economy of United Arab Emirates and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MoSMSME) of the Republic of India

This MoU aims at promoting cooperation in MSMEs Sectors, including in joint projects, R & D and related activities.

8.

MoU between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Climate Change & Environment of UAE in agriculture and Allied sectors

This MoU aims to develop a framework for cooperation in various agricultural fields of mutual interest, including through enhancement of cooperation in food processing and transfer of technology in cultivation methods.

9.

MOU between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of UAE on mutual exemption of entry visa requirements to the holders of Diplomatic, special and Official Passports

The agreement allows holders of diplomatic, special and official passports visa free travel between the two countries.

10.

MoU between Prasar Bharati, India and Emirates News Agency (WAM), UAE for cooperation in programme exchange

This MoU aims to strengthen ties between Prasar Bharati and Emirates News Agency (WAM), UAE through cooperation in the field of broadcasting, mutual exchange of programmes, news and best practices.

11.

MoU between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Economy of United Arab Emirates on trade remedial measures to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest

This MoU aims to enhance cooperation in the field of anti-dumping and allied duties through exchange of information, capacity-building, seminars and trainings in mutually indentified areas related to trade remedial measures.

12.

Agreement on Oil Storage And Management
between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company

This agreement aims to establish a framework for the storage of crude oil by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in India and to further strengthen the strategic relationship between the two countries in the field of energy.

13.

MOU between National Productivity Council and Al Etihad Energy Services Co. LLC

This MOU is on Cooperation in Energy Efficiency Services.

14.

MOU between National Security Council Secretariat of India & National Electronic Security Authority of the UAE

This MoU is on technology development and cooperation in cyberspace.

Raksha Mantri Padak was instituted in 1989 and since then it is awarded to the most deserving Cadets every year for bravery or exceptional service of highest order. This year the Raksha Mantri Padak has been awarded to Company Under Officer Priyanka Mishra of Rajasthan Directorate, Raksha Mantri Commendation Cards have been awarded to Cadet Kushagra Misra (Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh Directorate), Senior Under Officer Rajlaxmi Baral (Odisha Directorate) and Girls Cadets Instructor (GCI) III E Gomathi (Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andaman & Nicobar Directorate).

The Raksha Mantri Padak was also awarded to ten girl cadets and one GCI. The Cadets and GCI who received the Raksha Mantri Padak are Cadet Rigzen Dolker and Cadet Baljeet Kaur (Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh & Chandigarh Directorate), Cadet Tashi Laskit, Cadet Stanzin Laskit and Cadet Tsering Angmo (Jammu & Kashmir Directorate), Cadet Pooja Mehra (Uttarakhand Directorate), Cadet Lalrintluangi (North Eastern Region Directorate), Cadet Sulaxchana and Cadet Trishal Gurung (West Bengal & Sikkim Directorate), Cadet Kumari Nutan (Rajasthan Directorate) & Girl Cadet Instructor III Dolyne Kharbhih (North Eastern Region Directorate), who successfully summitted Mt Everest in May 2016 and created world record for maximum number of women from a single team and single country. Raksha Mantri Commendation Card was also awarded to Girl Cadet Instructor II Saroj Boriwal of Madhya Pradesh & Chhattishgarh Directorate who was part of the support team for Mt Everest.

The Defence Minister also inspected the well laid out flag area prepared by the cadets from all 17 NCC Directorates depicting various Social Awareness themes. He was given a crisp brief by the cadets on their respective models.

The Minister along with other distinguished guests later witnessed a spectacular cultural programme by the cadets in the NCC auditorium.

NW/NAMPI/Ranjan

The President has approved award of 398 Gallantry and other Defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel and others on the eve of the 68^th Republic Day Celebrations.  This includes two Kirti Chakras, 12 Shaurya Chakras, three Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), 91 Sena Medal (Gallantry), two Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), four Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), 29 Param Vishisht Seva Medal, five Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, two Bar to Ati Vishisht  Seva Medal, 49 Ati Vishisht Seva Medal,  14 Yudh Seva Medal, four Bar to Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), 36 Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), eight Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), 14 Vayu Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty), four Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal and 119 Vishisht Seva Medal.

The President has also approved seven awards to Indian Coast Guard Personnel for gallantry, meritorious service and distinguished service.

The full list of the recipients of gallantry and other Defence decorations to Armed Forces personnel and others is as follows:

Three Tatrakshak Medal (Gallantry) have been awarded to Commandant Anwar Khan, Pardeep, U/NVK(ME) and Sandeep, U/NVK(QA). One President’s Tatrakshak Medal (Distinguished Service) has been awarded to Inspector General Virender Singh Pathania, TM. Three Tatrakshak Medal (Meritorious Service) have been awarded to Deputy Inspector General Satyajit Krishnaji Vaidya, Deputy Inspector General Shajen Kurian and Commandant Jashbir Singh Randhaawaa.

Besides these, 44 personnel from Army and others have also been awarded ‘Mention-in-Despatches’ by the Government, which include four for ‘Operation Meghdoot’, 32 for ‘Operation Rakshak’, five for ‘Operation Rhino’, two for ‘Operation Orchid’ and one for ‘Operation Hifazat’.

The highlights of this year’s Parade will be, a 149-member UAE Presidential Guard, the Air Force, the Navy and Army contingent led by a UAE band consisting of 35 musicians marching on Rajpath and presenting a ceremonial salute to the President of India. The UAE military contingent is led by Lt Col Abood Musabeh Abood Musabeh Alghfeli.

This year’s parade will also see some of the firsts to its credit. For the first time a contingent of the National Security Guard (NSG) popularly known as the Black Cat Commandoes will march-past the Rajpath. The parade will also see the fly-past of three LCA Tejas Aircraft flying at a height of 300 m from ground in ‘Vic’ formation and the Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C) developed by DRDO.

Sticking to the 67 years tradition of the Republic Day Celebration, the colourful BSF Camel Regiment led by Deputy Commandant Kuldeep Seervi will take part.

The Indian Army’s missile firing capability, T-90 ‘Bhishma’ tank, Infantry Combat Vehicle BMP-2K, Mobile Autonomous Launcher of the BrahMos Missile System, Weapon Locating Raddar ‘Swathi’, Akash Weapon System, CBRN Recconnnaisance Vehicle and Dhanush Gun System will be the main draw in the mechanised columns.

An Indian Air Force Tableau will roll down the Rajpath with the theme “Air Dominance Through Network Centric Operations”. The Tableau will display the scaled down models of Su-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, AWACS, UAV, Apache and Communication Sattelite.

This year the Indian Navy’s Tableau will have the theme ‘Indian Navy – Professional Force-Anchoring Stability, Security and National Prosperity’. The tableau showcases the lethal Marine Commandoes proceeding for action, the indigenously built Kolkata Class Destroyer and the Kalvari Class next generation attack submarines. The tableaux also displays a model of the P-8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The parade ceremony will commence at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate where the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lead the nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath. An eternal flame burns at the Amar Jawan Jyoti to commemorate the indomitable courage of our Armed Forces personnel who have made the supreme sacrifice in the service of the motherland. The Amar Jawan, the immortal soldier, is symbolised by a reversed rifle standing on its barrel and crested by a soldier’s helmet.

As per tradition, after unfurling the National Flag, the national anthem will be played with a 21 gun salute. The parade will then commence and the President will take the salute. This year’s Chief Guest in the parade will be His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces. The parade will be commanded by Lt. General Manoj Mukund Naravane, General Officer Commanding, Delhi Area. Major General Rajesh Sahai, Chief of Staff, Headquarter Delhi Area will be the parade Second-in-Command.

Param Vir Chakra winners Subedar Major & Honorary Captain Bana Singh (Retd), Subedar Yogendra Singh Yadav, 18 Grenadiers and Naib/Subedar Sanjay Kumar, 13 JAK Rifles and Ashok Chakra winners Major General Cyrus A Pithawalla (Retd), Lt Col Jas Ram Singh (Retd), Shri Hukum Singh and Shri Govind Singh of district Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh and Shri Bhure Lal of district Guna also from Madhya Pradesh will follow the Deputy Parade Commander on Jeeps.

The marching contingents of Army will include horse-mounted columns of the 61st Cavalry, the Machanised Infantry Regiment, the Bihar Regiment, the 39 Gorkha Training Centre, 58 Gorkha Training Centre, the Madras Engineering Group and Centre and 103 Infantry Battalion (Territoral Army) Sikh LI.

The marching contingent of Navy comprising 144 young sailors will be led by Lieutenant Aparna Nair, while the Indian Air Force contingent comprising 144 men will be led by Squadran Leader Attal Singh Shekhon. The Paramilitary and other auxiliary civil forces will include the Border Security Force Camel Contingent, Indian Coast Guard, Central Reserve Police Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Delhi Police, National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme.

Tableaux from 17 States and UT, six Central Ministries and Departments will present the varied historical, art and cultural heritage of the country. They will also showcase country’s progress in different fields, particularly floats from Goa, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam and Jammu & Kashmir with their varied themes, which will be of special attraction. The floats of Central Board of Excise and Customs, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises and Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Allevation will showcase the rapid development of some of the flagship programmes of the Government. The floats of Council of Scientific and Industial Reasearch (CSIR) and Ministry of Skill Development & Enterpreneurship will highlight the significant progress in the scientific and technoligical growth in the country as well as our efforts to promote skill development and enterpreneurship to achieve the vision of “Skill India”.

Twenty one of the Twenty five children selected for the National Bravery Award–2016 will also participate in the parade. Four children have got the award posthumously. In the children’s pageant section, about 600 boys and girls drawn from three schools in Delhi and a group of school children from South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur will perform colourful dances on varid themes. The splendid driving skills of ‘Dare Devils’- the motorcycle display team of Corps of Military Police will be a major attraction of the parade. They will perform different stunts like Salute to President, Ladder, Double Bar, Lotus, Christmas Tree, Aircraft, Sudarshan Chakra, Flower Pot, Pyramid and Wheeling on moving motor cycles.

The grand finale of the parade will be a spectacular flypast by the IAF. The flypast will commence with the ‘Chakra’ formation, comprising three Mi-35 helicopters in ‘Vic’ formation, followed by the ‘Hercules’ formation comprising three C-130J Super Hercules aircraft in ‘Vic’ formation. Trailing them will be the ‘Netra’ which is an Airborne Early Warning and Control System Aircraft also known as “Eye in the Sky”. It will be followed by the ‘Globe formation’ comprising one C-17 Globemaster flanked by two Su-30 MKIs. Next in line will be the fighters, where five Jaguars will fly in Arrowhead formation, another five MiG-29 Air Superiority Fighters will fly in Fulcrum style. Then the breath-taking ‘Trishul’ formation comprising three Su-30 MKIs of No. 24 Squadron would fly over the Rajpath, and once in front of the saluting dais, the Su-30 MKI aircraft will split upwards, making a Trishul in the sky. The flypast will conclude with another Su-30 MKI carrying out a ‘Vertical Charlie’ manoeuvre over the saluting dais.

The ceremony will culminate with the national anthem and release of balloons.

NW/NAo/DM/Ranjan

Urgent need for collective efforts against forces of extremism, terrorism and intolerance, says President

Speech by the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the banquet hosted in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces on January 25, 2017

The results of different competitive presentations in the Republic Day Parade – 2017 have been announced by the Ministry of Defence. Among the Services category, Madras Engineer Group has been adjudged the best marching contingent. In the category of Para-Military Forces and other auxiliary marching contingents, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) contingent has been adjudged the best marching contingent.

In the tableau category, in total 23 tableau including six from Union Ministries / Departments took part in this year’s Republic Day Parade, out of which first position has gone to Arunachal Pradesh tableau, which depicted the Yak dance, one of the most famous pantomimes of the Mahayana sect of Buddhist tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. Tripura’s tableau based on ‘Hojagiri’ dance, depicting the magnificent Reang tribal dance was adjudged the second best, while the third position was shared by Maharashtra and Tamilnadu. The tableau of Maharashtra depicted the commemoration of 160th birth anniversary of the honoured freedom fighter, Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak. The Tamilnadu tableau portrayed the popular folk dance ‘Karagattam’ which forms an important event in temple festival celebrations, especially in Amman temple festivals in the rural areas of Tamilnadu.

In the category of tableaux representing Union Ministries/Departments, the first prize has been awarded to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship which depicted the theme ‘Transforming India through Skill Development’, and highlighted the achievements of the Ministry and its programmes. The tableau presented by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) depicting the concept of ‘Green India-Clean India’ was selected for a special prize by the jury.

In the competitive category of school children items, the dance presented by Kendriya Vidyalaya, Pitampura, Delhi has been adjudged the best children item for their performance to express how our National Flag has been a witness to the glorious tales of our freedom fighters, establishment of Indian democracy, the endless affection of Indians, women’s empowerment and such countless achievements. A Consolation Prize has also been awarded to South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur for their performance of the ‘Saila Karma’ dance which is a popular dance of the Gond Tribe of Dindori district in Madhya Pradesh.

As in previous years, this year also Ministry of Defence had appointed three panels of judges for assessing the marching contingents from three Services, Para-Military Forces and Tableau from various States/Ministries/Departments and School Children items from Schools of Delhi as well as outside Delhi. The panels of judges today announced their results here.

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Vice Admiral RC Wijegunaratne, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy is on an official visit to India from 29 January to 02 February 2017. The visit is aimed at consolidating bilateral naval relations between India and Sri Lanka and to explore new avenues for naval cooperation.

Commander, Sri Lankan Navy will hold bilateral discussions with Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of the Naval Staff and other senior officials of the Indian Navy on 30 January 2017.  The Admiral is also scheduled to meet the Chief of the Air Staff, Chief of the Army Staff as well as the Director General, Indian Coast Guard. Calls on of the Hon’ble Minister of State for Defence and Defence Secretary have also been scheduled as part of his official meetings in New Delhi.

Naval cooperation between India and Sri Lanka has been traditionally strong, encompassing a wide span which includes operational interactions through bilateral exercises, Training, Port Calls, Hydrographic co-operation, Special Forces interactions, Capability Building and Capacity Augmentation initiatives. Two Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessels (AOPVs) are also being constructed for the Sri Lankan Navy at M/s Goa Shipyard Limited.

In addition to New Delhi, the Admiral is also scheduled to proceed to Goa where he will be visiting Naval War College and Goa Shipyard Limited besides interacting with Flag Officer Commanding Goa Area. The Admiral would further visit the Training Command of the Indian Navy based at Kochi, where he would be briefed on training aspects and would also visit various training facilities/ professional schools. During his visit to Kochi, the Admiral would also interact with Sri Lankan Naval personnel undergoing training in India. The Commander, Sri Lankan Navy’s visit follows closely on the visit of the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Sunil Lanba’s visit to Sri Lanka wherein he also participated in the 7^th International Maritime Conference, Galle Dialogue 2016.

DKS/AC                                                                                                                                             

 On the basis of the results of the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2016 held by the Union Public Service Commission on 23^rd   October, 2016, 8563 candidates with the following Roll Numbers have qualified for being interviewed by the Service Selection Board of the Ministry of Defence, for admission to (i) Indian Military Academy, Dehradun 143^rd Course commencing in July, 2017 (ii) Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kerala, Course commencing in July, 2017 (iii) Air Force Academy, Hyderabad (Pre-Flying) Training Course (202/16F/PC) commencing in July, 2017 (iv) Officers Training Academy, Chennai  106^th SSC Course (for Men) commencing in October, 2017 and (v) Officers Training Academy, Chennai, 20^th SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course commencing in October, 2017. 

The candidature of all the candidates, whose Roll Numbers are shown in the lists below, is provisional.  In accordance with the conditions of the admission to the examination, they are required to submit the original certificates in support of age (Date of Birth), educational qualifications, NCC (C) (Army Wing/Senior Division Air Wing/Naval Wing) etc. claimed by them along with attested copies thereof, to Army Headquarters, A.G.’s Branch/Rtg./CDSE Entry Section for males and SSC Women Entry Section for women candidates, West Block-III, Ground Floor, Wing 1, R.K. Puram, New Delhi-110066 in case of IMA/SSC as their first choice and to IHQ of MoD (Navy), DMPR (OI & R Section), Room No. 204, ‘C’-Wing, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi-110011 in case of Navy as their first choice, and to PO 3 (A) Air Headquarters, ‘J’ Block, Room No. 17, Opp. Vayu Bhawan, Motilal Nehru Marg, New Delhi-110011 in case of Air Force as their first choice.  The original Certificates are to be submitted within two weeks of completion of the SSB Interview and not later than 13^th  May, 2017 for AFA and not later than 01^st July, 2017 for IMA and not later than 01^st June, 2017 for admission to NA (1^st August, 2017 in case of SSC only).  The candidates must not send the original Certificates to the Union Public Service Commission. 

All the candidates who have successfully qualified in the written exam are required to register themselves online on the Indian Army Recruiting website joinindianarmy.nic.in within two weeks of announcement of written result. The successful candidates would them be allotted Selection Centres and dates, of SSB interview which shall be communicated on the registered e-mail ID. Any candidate who has already registered earlier on the site will not be required to do so. In case of any query/Login problem, e-mail be forwarded to dir-recruiting6-mod@nic.in. 

In case, there is any change of address, the candidates are advised to promptly intimate directly to the Army Headquarters/Naval Headquarters/Air Headquarters as the case may be. 

The Union Public Service Commission have a Facilitation Counter near Examination Hall Building in its Campus. Candidates may obtain any information/clarification regarding this examination on working days between 10.00 AM to 5.00 PM, in person or over telephone No.011-23385271, 011-23381125 and 011-23098543 from this Facilitation Counter.  Candidates can also obtain information regarding their result by accessing UPSC website http://www.upsc.gov.in  

The marks-sheet of candidates who have not qualified, will be put on the Commission’s website within 15 days from the date of publication of the final result of OTA (after conducting SSB Interview) and will remain available on the website for a period of 60 days.   

Click here for full list

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KSD/NK/KM/PK/sk

Budget advancement for efficient resource utilization; due care will be taken as it comes ahead of polls, says Finance Minister

Government will observe restraint in Budget presentation to ensure level playing field in State Assembly Elections: Finance Minister

Government holds All Party Meet ahead of Budget Session of Parliament

beginning tomorrow

Addressing floor leaders of parties in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha here today, ahead of Budget Session of Parliament beginning tomorrow, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi noted that in order to preserve and enrich the institution of Democracy in India, it is imperative that both the Houses of the Parliament run without disruption and constructive discussion takes place on issues of national importance.

Shri Modi urged leaders of all the political parties to rise above party lines to cooperate with the Government and hoped that the experience of the last Winter session is not repeated. The Prime Minister also noted that knowledge is not limited to the treasury benches and it rather emanates from all the members of both Houses and hence, the session should be used constructively and differences be resolved by consensus.

Responding to observations of different leaders on advancing of the Budget Session 2017 and presenting the Budget before start of polling in five poll bound States, Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley asserted that this decision was a well thought of step and was discussed in detail in the Cabinet. Further, he informed that the decision to this effect was taken by the Cabinet over six months back and is based on sound financial principles that would lead to efficient utilization of finances under different Centre and State Government schemes. Shri Jaitley also assured all the parties that the Government will observe discipline and will abide by Election Commission guidelines regarding level playing field for all parties in poll bound States.

A host of issues were brought up by the leaders of parties during the meeting including withdrawal of high value currency notes, advancing of Budget presentation, increasing the number of sitting days of the Parliament and holding another meeting of leaders of all parties before the start of second part of the Budget Session 2017. There was a consensus across party lines on ensuring smooth functioning of the Parliament without disruptions and deadlocks to be resolved through constructive discussions in both the Houses.

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananth Kumar, later briefing media persons said that all parties, especially the opposition, were in favour of a productive Budget session. He informed that the Government’s legislative agenda for the 31 sittings of the Budget Session includes 40 Bills consisting of 1 Bill relating to Supplementary Demands for General Budget.

Items of Government Business Identified for being taken up in both the Houses of Parliament during this Budget Session, 2017:

I           Bills for replacing Ordinances

1.         The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill, 2016, as passed by Lok Sabha and as reported by Select Committee of Rajya Sabha

2.         The Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2017

3.         The Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Bill, 2017

II         Bills for Introduction, Consideration and Passing

1.         The Finance Bill, 2017

2.         The Indian Institute of Management Bill, 2017

3.         The Inter-State River Water Disputes (Amendment), Bill, 2017

4.         The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2017

5.         The Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2017

6.         The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Amendment) Bill, 2017

7.         The Aircraft (Amendment) Bill, 2017

8.         The Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill, 2017

9.         The Chit Funds (Amendment) Bill, 2017

10.       The Collection of Statistic (Amendment) Bill, 2017

11.       The Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2017

12.       The Central Goods & Service Tax Bill, 2016;

13.       The Integrated Goods & Service Tax Bill, 2016;

14.       The Goods & Services Tax (Compensation for loss of revenue) Bill, 2016

15.       The Divorce (Amendment) Bill, 2017

16.       The Footwear Design and Development Institute Bill, 2017

17.       The Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill, 2017

18.       The High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017

19.       The Indian National Defence University Bill, 2017

20.       The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2017

21.       The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017

III       Bills for Consideration and Passing

            (A) Bills pending in Lok Sabha

1.         The Mental Health Care Bill, 2016, as passed by Rajya Sabha

2.         The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016, as passed by Rajya Sabha

3.         The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016

4.         The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2016

5.         The National Institute of Technology, Science Education and Research (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016

6.         The Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2016

7.         The Consumer Protection Bill, 2015

            (B)  Bills pending in Rajya Sabha

1.         The Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2015, as passed by Lok Sabha

2.         The Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2016, as passed by Lok Sabha

3.         The Employees Compensation (Amendment) Bill, 2016, as passed by Lok Sabha

4.         The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013

5.         The Armed Forces Tribunal (Amendment) Bill, 2012

6.         The Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (Prevention and Control) Bill, 2014

IV    Financial Business

1.         Third Supplementary Demands for Grants (General) for 2016-17;

2.         Demands for Grants for 2017-18;

V         Bills for Withdrawal (in Lok Sabha)

1.         The Payment of Wages (Amendment) Bill, 2016

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AAR/VM

Lieutenant General Jagbir Singh Cheema takes over as Deputy Chief of the Army Staff (Information Systems and Training) on 01 February 2017. The General Officer is an alumnus of National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy. He has a distinguished career spanning more than 38 years during which he has tenanted critical command, staff and instructional appointments at various levels. The General Officer has vast operational experience across the entire spectrum of conflict in both conventional and sub-conventional scenarios along the Western and Northern Fronts.

The General Officer has attended all the prestigious professional courses including the Defence Services Staff College, Long Defence Management Course and the National Defence College Course. The General  is a recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Vishisht Seva Medal and three Army Commander’s Commendation Cards.

Lieutenant General J S Cheema was the Director General of Infantry in Integrated Headquarters of  MoD (Army) prior to elevation to the present appointment of DCOAS (IS&T).

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Manoj Tuli

APRO (Army)

Lieutenant General Suresh Sharma took over as Engineer-in-Chief of the Indian Army today (01 Feb). In his capacity as Engineer-Chief, in addition to steering the Corps of Engineers, he will serve as the Principal Advisor to Chiefs of Army, Navy, Air Force and the Ministry of Defence on all matters pertaining to engineering works services, being head of Military Engineering Services (MES).

The General Officer commanded an Engineer Regiment during Operation Parakram and has held key operational logistics appointments in an Infantry Brigade along the Line of Control and an Infantry Division & Strike Corps in the South Western Theatre. He was assigned to the United Nations as an Advisor and served as Chief Operations Officer of the Mission in Bosnia & Herzegovina. 

Within the Corps, the General Officer has commanded the Bengal Engineer Group and Centre, a premiere training institution, and tenanted the appointments of Chief Engineer (Indian Navy & Coast Guards) Mumbai Zone, Chief Engineer South Western Command and Director General Combat Engineers at the Army HQs. 

Prior to taking over as the Engineer-in-Chief, he served as the 24th Director General of the Border Roads Organisation (DGBR), where he provided direction and renewed impetus to number of strategic border area projects. Today, the BRO is a vibrant, effective and responsive government agency that stands tall in the pursuit of its vision. On 26 January 2016, the General Officer was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) by the President of India.

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Manoj Tuli

APRO (Army)

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will open the annual ‘Udyanotsav’ of the Rashtrapati Bhavan tomorrow (February 04, 2017).

       The highlights of this year’s ‘Udyanotsav’ include two new varieties of roses named after the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and his late wife Smt. Suvra Mukherjee; Vertical Gardens and Air Purifying Plants which absorb toxins from polluted air.

The two varieties of roses named ‘President Pranab’ and ‘Suvra Mukherjee’ were developed by Shri Pranabir Kumar Maity and Shri Ashok Kumar Maity of Pushpanjali Rose Nursery at Jakpur, West Bengal in honour of the President. The Indian Rose Federation recognized the same and issued a certificate after trials in January 2017.  The roses were subsequently planted in the Mughal Gardens and are expected to blossom soon. 

About 14,000 Tulip bulbs in seven different colors such as red, orange, yellow mixed with red, pink, and purple have been planted in Mughal Gardens.

Several beds of roses, including both new and heritage varieties are the main attraction of the Long garden. Flower Carpets in magnificent designs will be on display in the Central Lawns revealing the skill and craft of the gardeners of Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The dominant color scheme of this year’s ornamental flowers is various shades of yellow, red and orange. A small cactus corner, as in previous years, forms part of the display.  Exhibition Stalls will be set up near the Spiritual Garden displaying produce of fresh vegetables and fruits grown in the President’s Estate Organic Farm. Visitors and plant lovers will also be able to see a Lotus pond with a cascading waterfall in the Spiritual Garden.

The Mughal Gardens will remain open for general public from February 05 to March 12, 2017 (except on Mondays which are maintenance days) between 0930 hrs to 1600 hrs.  Members of the public will also be able to visit the Spiritual Garden, Herbal Garden, Bonsai Garden and Musical Garden. 

Entry and exit for the general public will be from Gate No. 35 of the President’s Estate, close to where North Avenue meets Rashtrapati Bhavan. Visitors are requested not to bring any water bottles, briefcases, handbags/ladies purses, cameras, radios/transistors, boxes, umbrellas, eatables etc. Such articles, if any, will have to be deposited at the entry point. However, arrangements of drinking water, toilets, first aid / medical facility; rest rooms for senior citizens, women and children are provided at various places in the route for public.

The Mughal Gardens will be open exclusively on March 10, 2017 to special category of visitors viz farmers, differently abled persons, defence/para-military forces and Delhi Police personnel from 0930 hrs. to 1600 hrs.  This entry and exit will be through Gate No. 35.  

The Tactile Garden will also be open for visually impaired people on March 10, 2017 from 1100 hrs. to 1600 hrs.  Entry and exit will be from Gate No. 12, situated on Church Road (next to the North Avenue). 

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AKT/AK/VK