Year End Review- Ministry of skill Development

Year End Review- Ministry of skill Development

MSDE has an enormous skilling challenge at hand and in the year 2016 thrust was on skilling at scale, speed and standards. Some of the key highlights are mentioned below:

1.      First-ever Indian Institute of Skills:  Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the first-of-its-kind “Indian Institute of Skills” in the country in Kanpur on December 19, 2016. Conceptualized by the Prime Minister during his visit to Singapore’s Institute of Technical Education, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, headed by Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, in partnership with the Institute of Technical Education, Singapore, decided to open the institute inspired by the Singapore model of training. The Institute would adopt various best practices from the country. The MSDE has decided to have six such institutes across the country.

2.      Prime Minister also inaugurated the KaushalPradarshini (Skill Exhibition) for the youth of Uttar Pradesh at the Railway Grounds, Kanpur and launched an array of skill development initiatives, including Pradhan MantriKaushalKendras (PMKKs) and Drivers’ Training Institutes. There was also strategic partnership with various industries that will train and employ approximate 4 Lakh youth over the next 3 years.

The Prime Minister had shown concern about the training of drivers so to achieve his dream, the Ministry has decided to open 100 Driver Training Institutes all across India soon. NSDC has signed a MoU with OLA cabs which needs 1 lakh drivers.

3.      IndiaSkills 2016: “Skill India” celebrated its first anniversary on 15^thJuly, 2016. To mark the day, the Hon’ble President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the first edition of “IndiaSkills Competition” on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day. IndiaSkills is a national competition steered by Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to select the best talent who will lead India’s participation at the biennial WorldSkills International Competition. The upcoming WorldSkills International Competition is scheduled at Abu Dhabi in 2017. More than 4500 candidates competed in 80 regional rounds to win their way to the IndiaSkills Competition 2016, which was held at PragatiMaidan on 16^th &17^th July, 2016. The winners have qualified for the final selection round for participating in WorldSkillsInternational Competition at Abu Dhabi, 2017

4.      Pradhan MantriKaushalVikasYojana (PMKVY): Launched on July 15, 2015 by Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, Pradhan MantriKaushalVikasYojana (PMKVY) is the flagship outcome-based skill training scheme of MSDE. It is also India’s largest skill certification scheme with the objective to enable and mobilize a large number of Indian youth to take up outcome-based skill training and become employable and earn their livelihood. Owing to its successful first year of implementation, the Union Cabinet has approved the scheme for another four years (2016-2020) to impart skill training to 10 million youth of the country with an outlay of Rs 12,000 crores. It is being implemented through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

A detailed status (as on 02.12.2016) of PMKVY (2015-16) is given below.

PMKVY (2015-16) – Highlights – 2016

	Total No of Youth trained under PMKVY#		Targets allocated under PMKVY 2 which are under registration, enrollment and training*
	FY 2015-16	FY 2016-17 till 25.12.16
All India	15,84,162	4,06,032	7,98,856

^#Refers to combined numbers for Recognition of Prior Learning and Short term Fresh training
*Refers to target allocated under Short term Fresh training only

In its current version, the scheme has four components: Short Term Training, Recognition of Prior Learning, Special Projects, and State Engagement.

5.      Pradhan MantriKaushalVikasKendras:

The MSDE is working towards the creation of PradhanMantriKaushal Kendra(s) (PMKKs) under the “Skill India Mission” of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India.

As of December 9, 2016, allocation for setting up of 432 PMKKs in 415 districts (320 Parliamentary Constituencies) has been done to 34 training providers across 26 States and 1 Union territory. The allocation of the remaining districts of India will be completed by the end of the Financial Year 2016-17

So far, 44 PMKKs have been established across 18 states and another 115 PMKKs are in the process of setting up. The target is to deliver training to a minimum of 1 lakh candidates annually.

A unique brand book has been created and deployed for PMKK, which defines the quality of the centers prepared. Similarly, effort is underway to standardize lab equipment and machinery for labs under PMKVY 2.0. Standard lab guidelines have been designed for 10 labs. In phase 1 of the activity, guidelines will be developed for 20 labs by December 2016.

6.      NAPS (National Apprentice Promotion Scheme)

National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) is a new scheme of Government of India to promote apprenticeship training and increase the engagement of apprentices from present 2.3 lakh to 50 lakh cumulatively by 2020. The scheme focuses on sharing of 25% of prescribed stipend subject to a maximum of Rs. 1500/- per month per apprentice to all apprentices with the employers. It was notified on August 19, 2016. Government supports Rs. 7500 for a maximum of 500 hours for basic training.

The target under the scheme is 5 lakh, 10 lakh, 15 lakh and 20 lakh apprentices respectively in 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-2019 and 2019-20. The engagement of fresher apprentices shall be 20% of total annual target. As on today, one lakh apprentices are undergoing training under NAPS.

States may create a State Apprenticeship Cell and encourage engagement of apprentices to the maximum of 10% of total strength of private establishments and State Public Sectors. They may also encourage them to avail the benefits of NAPS.

INITIATIVES TAKEN

·      A web portal has been launched on Apprenticeship Training. Accordingly, all the establishments have been requested to register on the portal and declare the apprenticeship vacancies.

·      Out of 259 designated trades, syllabi for 123 designated trades have been revamped.

·      17 Awareness campaign/workshops were conducted in the first phase across different industry clusters of the country in coordination with CII and FICCI.

·      Workshops/Meetings are being held regularly by all State Apprenticeship Advisers and six Regional Directorates of Apprenticeship Training (RDATs) in their respective State/Regions.

·      Meeting with all Chairman-cum-managing Directors of Central Public Sector Undertakings convened to encourage them to take apprentices under NAPS.

7.      Directorate General of Training (DGT), MSDE

Academic equivalence to ITI course: DGT, MSDE and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) under Ministry of Human Resource Development signed an MoU on July 14, 2016   to put in place a system for academic equivalence to ITI qualification and provide options to meet aspirations of those candidates of ITI system who want to attain high academic qualification in addition to their skills. This MoU also opens pathways for ex-trainees of ITI, holding National Trade Certificate (NTC), to earn secondary/senior secondary qualification. Under the MoU following arrangements have been made

Dual System of Training: Training in both classrooms (ITI) and in Industries:  A Dual System of Training has been set up to enable industries to partner with (Government & Private) Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) for conducting training programmes under high employability courses to fulfill the needs of industries. The Curricula consists of Trade Theory & foundation practicals which will be completed at the ITI with the remaining portion of the practical training to be conducted in the concerned industry/ organization. This helps in ITI–Industry linkage.

Space-based Distance Learning Programme (SDLP) for MSDE: The vocational training facilities in the country have grown substantially in the last few years. There are around 2200 government & 10800 private ITIs (Industrial Training Institutes), which is the biggest vocational training infrastructure in the country. To address the requirements of capacity building through education and training of ITIs, MSDE now plans to make use of space technology for increasing the reach to thousands of ITIs spread across the country, including remote and difficult areas. 

 Benefits of proposed Concept

The resource persons at the Advanced Training Institutes (ATIs), will be able to deliver the lectures to a large number of students located at various ITIs including remote locations across the country, where SITs and ROTs installed. The interactions between the lecture originating ATI and SITs are transmitted to all the SITs, thus creating a virtual classroom. This will have a large positive impact on the skill development initiative taken up by the Government of India and significantly contribute towards National development.

Status of the Project

·         MOU signed with Development & Educational Communication Unit (DECU), ISRO for technical support.

·         Technical Specifications drawn by ISRO.

·         Funds for the first phase approved and sanction orders under issue.

·         RFP for purchase of equipments is being floated.

·         Letters issued to State Training Directors to identify one ITI per district for installation of SITs. 

 International Collaborations

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has been collaborating with a number of countries in the area of skill development and entrepreneurship. Joint Working Group meetings on active collaborations were held with China, UK, Australia, and Germany. Over the last one year, new MoUs have been signed with UAE and Qatar (on mutual recognition of Qualifications); with France (for skill training in the Power sector); with Switzerland (on sharing of best practices) and with Singapore (with NSDC as the partner on the Indian side), to set up new centres for excellence.

With a view to ensure that Indians are equipped with the skills to be employed not only in India, but also overseas, MSDE has benchmarked standards of 82 job roles with UK standards and of 26 job roles with Indian standards.

In July this year, MSDE signed anMoU with the Ministry of External Affairs, to provide skills training opportunities for overseas employment. Under this MoU, MSDE will establish India International Skill Centres, which will train young Indians in internationally benchmarked standards. Those who are trained in these centres will also be given a pre departure orientation, language training and cultural orientation (supported by MEA) to ensure that youth in India are well prepared to take up employment overseas.

 Corporate Engagements

·           Major agreements were signed with PSUs including CIL, NTPC, RECL, POWERGRID, SAIL, RINL, AAI, NALCO, DPE among others under this initiative.

·           Major agreements were also signed with private sector including JSW, Uber, JCB, Schneider, Hindustan Zinc Limited, Indo-US Aviation Cooperation Program, etc. with at least 30 leading corporates to be signed in the next couple of months.

·          Contributions of over Rs 80 Crores have been received from both public and private sector companies to the National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) to support over 60,000 youth through skill development activities.

·           Special focus has also been accorded to train wives and families of jawans in Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF, CISF, SSB, ITBP, etc.) in their commanding units.

·           Special focus has been accorded to infrastructure-related projects (like ports, airports, roads, petroleum & natural gas, MSME clusters, etc.) where private sector is mobilised to setup PPP projects in skill development through umbrella MOUs between MSDE and various central ministries.

·           Direct job linkages with private sector for hiring skilled personnel through outreach activities (like Job Melas) and aggregator platforms (like Uber, LinkedIn, Ola, etc.) are underway.

·           A single-window online IT system (Skills to Jobs aggregator platform) has been developed with the assistance of World Bank to channelize more CSR contributions through matching fund contributions.

            All these steps will help ensure that skills training translates into sustainable livelihoods for India’s youth, making it an aspirational career choice for India’s youth.

Year End Review of Ministry of Mines

Year End Review of Ministry of Mines

 

Ø Use of Space Technology for curbing illegal mining issues

 

·         MoU with National Remote Sensing Centre: Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) has signed a MoU with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO on 21.01.2016 to undertake a pilot project on “monitoring of mining activities using satellite imagery and capacity building of IBM officers for three years including technical support for setting up of remote sensing laboratory in IBM”. The in principle approval and expenditure sanction of 2.03 Cr has already been accorded by the Ministry for setup of remote sensing laboratory in IBM at Hyderabad.

 

·         Mining Surveillance System:  A Mining Surveillance System (MSS) has been launched by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Coal, Power, New & Non Renewable Energy and Mines on 15th October 2016 from New Delhi. The Ministry of Mines, through Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), has developed the MSS, in coordination with Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG), Gandhinagar and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY), for curbing illegal mining activity in the country by the use of space technology and remote sensing imagery.

 

Ø Sustainable Mining Initiatives: Star Rating of Mines

 

·         An innovative scheme of ‘Star Rating’ system has been instituted by Ministry through IBM, in which star rating will be awarded to the mining leases for their efforts and initiatives taken for implementation of the Sustainable Development Framework (SDF).  One to five stars would be given to the mines by Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM). The best performing leases would be given 5 Stars. The Star Rating for this year of all the working mines is planned to be completed by Dec, 2016.

 

Ø Information Technology implementation in regulation of mining sector - Mining Tenement System (MTS)

 

·         The induction of Information Technology is being done to instill improvement in governmental capacity of mineral administration. The Union Ministry is committed to establishing a Mining Tenement System (MTS), which would primarily involve automating the entire mineral concession life-cycle, starting from identification of area and ending with closure of the mine; and connecting the various stakeholders for real-time transfer of electronic files and exchange of data. This shall enable effective management of mineral concession regime and transparency in mining operations, transportation of ore with the help of online electronic weighbridges and check-posts. The rolling out of the modules of MTS will start within six months and the project is likely to be fully operational in eighteen months.

·         Consequent to the amendment of MMDR Act, and adoption of auction as the method for granting of mineral concession 17 blocks have been successfully auctioned in various States. 

·         MMDR Act was amended during the year to include transferability of captive mines.

·         Union Cabinet approved the setting of a society “B6 International Geological Congress for organizing 36” International Geological Congress in NCR in 2020.

·         The following rules were notified during the year Minerals (Other than Atomic Minerals Hydrocarbon Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016 on 4th March, 2016.

·         National Geo-Science Awards for the year 2014 were conferred on 33 Geoscientist in recognition of their extra ordinary achievements and outstanding contributions in the fields of Geo-science.    

 

GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA (GSI)

 

·         GSI has completed 3762 sq. km Specialized Thematic Mapping (on 1:25,000 scale) out of 9230 sq. km target during Annual Programme 2016-17 till the end of November 2016.

·         GSI has completed 46,064 sq. km National Geochemical Mapping (on 1: 50,000 scale) out of 1,37,000 sq. km target during Annual Programme 2016-17 till the end of November 2016

·         GSI has completed 40,121 sq. km National Geophysical Mapping (on 1: 50,000 scale) out of 95,200 sq. km target during Annual Programme 2016-17 till the end of November 2016

·         GSI has completed 32,355 line-km by airborne multi-sensor survey (including spill over) out of 60,000 line-km target during Annual Programme 2016-17 till the end of November 2016

·         GSI has completed preliminary marine mineral investigation for 18,439 sq. km in Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) out of 25,000 sq. km target during Annual Programme 2016-17 till the end of November 2016

·         GSI has been engaged in 37 programmes of National Landslide Susceptibility Mapping (NLSM on 1: 50,000 scale) during 2016-17.  GSI has covered 25,700 sq. km by Landslide Susceptibility Mapping out of 50,000 sq. km target during Annual Programme 2016-17 till the end of November 2016

·         GSI has digitized all its mineral exploration reports (6090 nos.) and is in the process of uploading these in public domain in phased manner.

·         In the calendar year 2016, GSI has reported augmentation of natural mineral resources to National Mineral Inventory (NMI of Indian Bureau of Mines) of copper (20.09 million tonne), iron (27.266 million tonne), bauxite (57.93 million tonne), limestone (765.76 million tonne), gold (1.807 million tonne), coal (578.57million tonne) and lignite (389.17 million tonne).

·         GSI is implementing an integrated IT-enablement system - Online Core Business Integrated System (OCBIS) with a goal towards comprehensive data management across Missions and Support systems. OCBIS has been scoped to enhance IT capability of GSI as well as to put GSI into an open standards based IT platform to effectively exchange information with external stakeholders, including Ministry of Mines, national and state level earth science organizations / departments, industry and citizens. GSI has rolled out beta go live version of OCBIS on 27^th September 2016.

 

INDIAN BUREAU OF MINES (IBM)

 

Ø  Achievements of IBM in 2016-17 (up to November, 2016)

 

·         For promotion of conservation and scientific development of mineral resources and ensuring protection of mines environment in mining areas, IBM carried out 864 Inspection of mines for enforcement of provision of MCDR, 1988 and examination of MP/MS, disposed 50 Mining Plans, 200 Schemes of Mining and 13 Final Mine Closure Plans. IBM issued detailed guidelines for disposal of mining Plan on 22.7.2016.

·         For up gradation and utilization of low grade and sub-grade ores and minerals, IBM carried out 26 Ore dressing investigations, 19951 Chemical Analysis and 1487 Mineralogical studies.

·         Updation of National Mineral Inventory as on 1.4.2015 is in progress, so far inventories for 31 minerals have been finalized.

·         For dissemination of data on mines and minerals, 13 Statistical and technical publications have been released.

 

Ø Mineral Sector Performance 2016-17

 

·         The total value of mineral production (excluding atomic minerals) during 2016-17 has been estimated at ` 257882 crores, which shows a decrease of about 6.78% over that of the previous year.  During 2016-17, estimated value for fuel minerals account for Rs. 178953 crores or 69.39%, metallic minerals, Rs. 29163 crores or 11.31% of the total value and non-metallic minerals including minor minerals Rs. 49767 crores or 19.30% of the total value.

 

·         The Gross Value Added (GVA) accrued from mining and quarrying sector at 2011-12 prices for the first quarters of 2016-17 is estimated at Rs. 86091 crore, indicated a decrease of about 0.4% over that in the same period of previous year.  Similarly, the advance estimates of GVA (at current prices) for the first quarter of the year 2016-17 is estimated at Rs. 97614 crore.  The mining and quarrying sector contributed to GVA accounted for about 3.0 % for the first quarters of the year 2016-17.

 

 

Ø Project “Sudoor Drishti” with National Remote Sensing Centre

 

·         IBM has entered into a MOU for project named “Sudoor Drishti” on 21^st January, 2016, with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Department of Space, Government of India for monitoring of Mining activity through satellite under the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Digital India’.

 

·         The project would ffacilitate to monitor periodic changes of the mining areas within the mining lease boundary.  As per the MOU, NRSC is imparting training to the IBM officials, on the developed methodology towards processing and interpretation of satellite data, so that the activity can be taken forward by IBM independently after the pilot study.  NRSC is also providing technical guidance for IBM in creating a remote sensing laboratory at IBM, Hyderabad. As a part of Pilot Project in Tandur area, Andhra Pradesh, volume changes in a cluster of mines (6) have been studied for 2007-2015 period and overall volume change of +10 to 11% has been observed.

 

Ø Opening of new Regional Offices of IBM in mineral rich states

 

·         Ministry of Mines, Government of India has approved opening of new regional offices of IBM in the States of Chhattisgarh and Gujarat and upgradation of Sub-Regional Office at Guwahati, Assam. Raipur Regional Office is effective from 1^st April, 2016 and Gandhinagar Office is opening shortly and the Guwahati sub-regional office is being upgraded. This has facilitated better co-ordination with State DGM and synergy between Central and State Governments in most of the mineral rich states for better accessibility to the industry for ease of doing business.

 

MINERAL EXPLORATION CORPORATION LIMITED (MECL)

 

·         The upward trend in physico-financial performance of the company has been maintained during 2016-17. The drilling performance of the company is 299054 m representing 24% higher achievement w.r.t. previous year. Similarly, the Gross Revenue of company is Rs. 215.50 crore representing 39 % higher achievement w.r.t. previous year for the same period.

 

·         Foundation stone was laid by Shri Balvinder Kumar, Secretary (Mines) in December 2016 for construction of a new Integrated building comprising Laboratory, Workshop, Conference cum Training Centre Complex at Utilities Complex of MECL.

 

·         MECL’s role in Auction of Mineral blocks by State Govt.: Out of 17 mineral blocks auctioned by State Governments, 9 blocks have been explored by MECL and 12 more Blocks explored by MECL are in pipeline for auction by State Governments of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Jharkhand

 

·         MECL has been designated as a “Nodal Exploration Agency” by the Governing Body of National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET). It is the first mineral exploration company to take up mineral exploration project through NMET. Presently, MECL is carrying out mineral exploration in 16 blocks in the states of Maharashtra, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh through NMET funding

 

NATIONAL ALUMINIUM COMPANY LIMITED (NALCO)

 

Ø Performance Highlights

·         During the year 2015-16, Bauxite Mines and Alumina Refinery have achieved highest ever production since inception with bauxite transportation of 63.40 lakh MT and Alumina Hydrate production of 19.53 lakh MT respectively. Aluminium Smelter and CPP achieved cast metal production of 3.72 lakh MT and Net Power Generation of 5,841 MU respectively registering 14% growth over previous year. In the year, 156 MU of wind power was generated by the Company. Total metal sale has been 3.72 lakh as against 3.26 lakh MT in last year registering 14% growth.  The gross sales turnover of the Company for the year is Rs. 7157 crores.

 

·         Total dividend payment by the Company for FY 15-16 is Rs. 467 crores i.e. 40% of share capital against 35% dividend paid in FY 14-15. The Buy Back process of 25% of paid up capital (63.43 crore share) completed in Sep’16 with cash outflow of Rs. 2835 crore at Rs. 44 per share. After Buy back, the Govt. of India’s shareholding stands at 74.58 %.

 

Ø Projects:

 

The Company’s achievements with regards to various projects in the year are enlisted below:

 

                                    (i)        Utkal D&E Coal Blocks: Utkal D and E Coal blocks has been allotted to NALCO in May’ 16 by Ministry of Coal.

 

                                  (ii)        5th Stream Refinery & Pottangi Mines: Conditionof Lease agreement of Govt. of Odisha for Mining Lease of Pottangi Mines has been accepted by NALCO. Investment approval accorded for setting up a 5th Stream refinery at Damanjodi, Odisha of 1 million capacity. The process of Environmental Clearance is underway.

 

                                 (iii)        100 MW Wind Power Project: 50 MW Wind Power commissioned in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan in Sep’ 2016. Another wind power plant of 50.4 MW capacity at Sangli, Maharashtra is in final stages of commissioning.

Swachh Bharat-Health Ministry collaborate for sanitation in health centres

Swachh Bharat-Health Ministry collaborate for sanitation in health centres

 ‘Swachh SwasthSarvatra’, an inter-ministerial joint initiative between the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare was launched in the Capital today. The Union Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda, Union Minister, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar, and Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Shri Parameswaran Iyer were present at the launch event which commemorated Good Governance Day 2016. Another joint initiative, ‘Swasth Bacche Swasth Bharat’, between Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Human Resource Development was also launched on the occasion.

The objective of the ‘Swachh Swasth Sarvatra’ initiative is to build on and leverage achievements of two complementary programmes – Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and Kayakalp – of the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and Ministry of Health and FamilyWelfare, respectively. Under this initiative:

(a)    Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has declared over 700 blocks as Open Defecation Free (ODF). Community Health Centres (CHCs) in ODF blocks of the country will be allocated Rs 10 lakhs under National Health Mission (NHM) to focus on sanitation and hygiene.

(b)   Under Kayakalp, one Primary Health Centre (PHCs) in each district is awarded for meeting quality standards including sanitation and hygiene. Under SBM, the Gram Panchayat in which the PHC which gets awarded under Kayakalp for that district will be noted, and special focus will be given to make it ODF at the earliest.

Speaking at the launch event, the Union Minister, Ministry of Health and FamilyWelfare, Shri JP Nadda, said that this initiative would be a very important step towards convergence of various government schemes and programmes. He said that by merging the goals of Swachh Bharat with his Ministry’s focus on health, the two will be able to move the needle from hospital-care to healthcare, i.e. from treatment of diseases to prevention of diseases by focussing on improved overall health.

Shri Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister, Ministry of Human Resource Development, also spoke about the power of children as change agents. He said that Swachh Bharat focusses on mindset change – which does not need any big technological or infrastructural intervention – but a focussed behaviour change campaign. He said that educated children will be the best agents to spread the message of sanitation to their parents. By focusing on children, he said, Swachh Swasth Sarvatra will lead to an ODF India by 2019.

Shri Parameswaran Iyer, Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, spoke about the progress made by SBM so far. He said that over 70 districts, over 700 blocks, and over 1.3 lakh villages of the country have achieved ODF status so far, and many others are very close to the target. He highlighted convergence across Ministries undertaken to launch Swachh Swasth Sarvatra as the perfect example of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s message to make SBM a jan aandolan, i.e. sanitation as everybody’s business. He said that anothercollaboration is underway between Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation and the Ministry of Human Resource Development for focused action in the sector of school sanitation.

Shri CK Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, spoke about how, the small cost of focusing on clean, sanitary and hygienic health centres in the country, will lead to huge health benefits in terms of avoidable communicable diseases through the initiative. He also lauded the commitment and dedication shown by SBM and health functionaries at grassroots, who are working on the frontlines to bring about this revolution in the country.

Achievements & Initiatives taken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare during last 30 months

Shri Radha Mohan Singh briefs Achievements & Initiatives taken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare during last 30 months

During Kharif 2016, 366.64 lakh farmers have been covered under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

Against a target of 2.53 crore soil samples collection upto March 2017, 2.33 crore soil samples have been collected

Against a target of 10,000 clusters, 9186 clusters made for promoting organic farming till Dec 2016

35,04,371.13 tonnes of agriculture produce worth Rs. 7,131.21 crore has been transacted on e-NAM platform

Annual Milk production increase by 6.3 % during 2015-16

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Radha Mohan Singh held a press conference to brief achievements and initiatives taken by his ministry during the last 30 months here today. On this occasion Shri Radha Mohan Singh has released a book of achievements with the title ¡°30 Months, New Steps-Progressive Steps¡±.

Following are the main highlights of the activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in 30 months:-

1. PRADHAN MANTRI FASAL BIMA YOJANA: 

About 309 lakh farmers of 23 states had been covered under Fasal Beema during previous Kharif Season 2015 in which 294 lakh farmers were lonee and 15 lakh farmers were non-lonee.  During Kharif 2016, however, 366.64 lakh farmers have been covered out of which 264.04 lakh farmers are lonee and 102.60 lakh farmers are non-lonee. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana has been implemented by 21 states during Kharif 2016.

2. SOIL HEALTH CARD SCHEME:

Against a target of 2.53 crore soil samples collection upto March 2017, 2.33 crore soil samples have been collected till 27.12.2016, from which 12.82 crore soil health cards are being made. Out of these, 4.31 crore soil health cards have printed and 4.25 crore soil health cards have been distributed to the farmers and remainings are under process. During 2016-17, 0.20 crore samples are to be collected from which 1.10 crore soil heath cards will be prepared. During 2014-17, 460 Soil Testing Laboratories have been sanctioned while during 2013-14 only 15 Soil Testing Laboratories were sanctioned. In addition to 460 Soil Testing Labs, 4000 mini labs have also been sanctioned to the States.

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3. PARAMPARAGAT KRISHI VIKAS YOJANA:

The scheme was started in 2014 to promote organic farming with an allocation of Rs. 597 crore for three years and a target to set up 10,000 clusters. Till December, 2016, State Governments have made 9186 clusters.

4. NATIONAL AGRICULTURE MARKET (NAM):

       Under this scheme, 250 mandis of 10 states have been integerated with e-NAM Portal. In principal approval has been to integrate 399 mandis with e NAM for which an amount of Rs. 93 crore has been released. As on 27.12.2016, 35,04,371.13  tonnes of agriculture produce worth Rs. 7,131.21 crore has been transacted on e-NAM platform. As on 27.12.2016, 9,49,112 Farmers, 59,742 Traders and 31,317 Commission Agents have been registered on the e-NAM platform.

5. PRADHAN MANTRI KRISHI SINCHAYEE YOJANA(PMKSY):

During 2013-14, an area of 4.3 lakh hectare was covered under micro irrigation. Whereas, during 2014-16, an area of 12.74 lakh hectare has been brought under micro irrigation under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana which is an increase of 200 %. PMKSY scheme is being implemented in mission mode with aim of completing 99 major and medium irrigation projects with the capacity of 76.03 lakh hectare in a phased manner by December, 2019 with command area development with an amount of Rs. 77,595 crore. During the year 2016-17, a sum of Rs. 12,517 crore will be incurred to implement 23 irrigation schemes under PMKSY Mission.

6. DEVELOPMENT OF BEEKEEPING :  

Honey production has increased from 1,48,450 MT during 2012-14 to 2,63,930 MT during 2014-16 which is an increase of 78 %. An amount of Rs. 7.15 crores released to National Bee Board (NBB) during last two years (2014-15 & 2015-16) in comparison to an amount of Rs. 5.94 crores released during last three years (2011-12 to 2013-14). An amount of Rs. 12.00 crores has been approved for National Bee Board (NBB) for the year 2016-17.

7. FARMER PRODUCER ORGANIZATION (FPO):

568 FPOs have been registered during 2014-16 ( 2 Years) against 223 FPOs were registered during 2011-14 (3 years) which is an increase of 155 %.

8. FINANCING OF JOINT LIABILITY GROUPS (JLGS):

Financing of 18.21 lakh Joint Liability Groups from 2014 to 2016 during just 2 ½ years as compared to 6.7 lakh JLGs during the 7 years from 2007 to 2014. In comparison to cumulative achievement of Rs. 6630 cr. During 7 years from 2007 to 2014, Rs. 18,005.79 cr. were made available to JLGs during just 2 ½ years from 2014 and September, 2016.

9.        HORTICULTURE:

During last decade area under horticulture has increased about 2.7% per year and annual production has increased by 5.5%.  In spite of two successive droughts during 2014-15 and 2015-16, the production of horticulture crops has increased.

10. COCONUT DEVELOPMENT:

From the beginning of this financial year 2016-17, India has started exporting Coconut Oil to Malaysia, Indonesia and Sri Lanka from where coconut oil was being imported from these countries in previous years. India became first in coconut production and productivity in the world. Coconut area, production and productivity reached 1.97 million ha, 20.439 billion nuts and 10345 nuts per ha respectively. 33% increase found in replanting and area rejuvenation of Coconut Development Board (CDB) during the year 2014-16 as compared to 2011-14.

11. STATE DISASTER RELIEF FUND:

For the years 2010-2015, a provision of Rs. 33580.93 crore was made for State Disaster Response Fund. The same has been increased to Rs. 61,220 crore for the period 2015-2020.

12. NATIONAL DISASTER RELIEF FUND:

During 2010-14, States sought an assistance of Rs. 92044 cr. And were granted Rs. 12516 cr. whereas during, 2014-16, States sought an assistance of Rs. 94787 cr. and were granted Rs. 24556 cr.

13. NEEM COATED UREA:

In one year, Modi Government has made available 100% neem coated area in the country. Due to this diversion of unauthorized use of urea by Chemical Factories has been stopped. Now farmers are getting urea in adequate quantity. Besides this, the cost of production is being reduced by 10-15% with the use of neem coated urea. Productivity will also increase with the use of Neem Coated Urea.

14. AGROFORESTRY:

For the first time, Sub-Mission on Agroforestry has been initiated which will accelerate the programme ¡°Medh Par Ped¡±. In addition, trees would also be grown as strip and intermittent plantation on farm land along with crops/ cropping system and as block plantation in cultivable waste land. Implementation of the scheme only in the states having liberalized transit regulations for transport of timber and will be extended to other states as and when such relaxations are notified by them. So far, the scheme is being implemented in 8 states.

15.   Coordinated programme on Horticulture Assessment and Management using geo-Informatics (CHAMAN): The programme has the objective to develop and firm up methodology for estimation of area and production under horticulture crops using ¡°Remote Sensing Technology¡± and ¡°Sample Survey Methodology¡±. Launched during September, 2014; to be completed in 3 years.

16.   INITIATION OF MOBILE APP FOR FARMERS:

Following mobile apps have been launched for the welfare of farmers: Kisan Suvidha, PUSA Agriculture, Agri Market, Crop Insurance and Crop Cutting Experiment (CCE) which can be downloaded from google play store as well as from www.mkisan.gov.in

17.   NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY MISSION (NFSM) / STEPS TAKEN FOR PULSE PRODUCTION :

Ø  Till 2013-14 only three crops were covered under National Food Security Mission namely – Rice, Wheat & Pulses.  The coverage during Modi Government has been increased to seven crops namely – Rice, Wheat, Pulses, Jute, Sugarcane, Cotton & Coarse Cereals.

Ø  Till the year 2013-14, 482 districts of 16 States were included in National Food Security Mission (NFSM).  Now with the addition 8 North Eastern States, 3 Hilly States (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand),  Goa and Kerala, the Mission covers all 638 districts of 29 States in the country.

Ø  Out of the total allocation of Rs.1700 crores under NFSM for 2016-17, Rs.1,100 crore (central share) was allocated for pulses which amounts to more than 60% of total allocation.

Ø  For expansion of cultivation of new kinds of seeds, Rs.7.85 lakhs mini-kits are being distributed to farmers free of cost in the year 2016-17, through State Governments.

Ø  In the year 2016-17, demonstrations of new techniques for pulse production are being carried out in 31,000 hectares by 534 Agriculture Science Centers through ICAR & State Agriculture Universities and Rs.25.29 crores were allocated for this purpose. 

Ø  Seed Hubs are being created through ICAR, State Agriculture Universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) for ensuring the availability of new kinds of seeds. For this purpose, Rs. 225.31 crore have been approved for establishment of 150 seed centers during 2016-17 to 2017-18, out of which Rs.131.74 crore is proposed for 2016-17. From these seed centers 1.50 lakh quintals of improved seeds will be ensured.

Ø  The production target for pulses for the year 2016-17 is 20.75 million metric tonnes. The production of kharif pulses in 2016-17 is expected about 8.70 million tonnes (as per 1^st Advance Estimates) against target of 7.25 million tonnes.

18.    RASHTRIYA GOKUL MISSION:

With a view to conserve and develop indigenous bovine breeds, Rashtriya Gokul Mission, a new initiative under National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development has been launched for the first time in the country, with an allocation of Rs 500 crore. Under the Mission, 14 Gokul Grams are being established, 35 Bull Mother Farms modernized with investment of more funds and 3629 Bulls have been inducted for genetic upgradation. Since 2007-08 to 2013-14, a meagre amount of only Rs 45 crore was spent for the development of indigenous breeds. Whereas, the current Government has in only one and a half years, upto December 2015, has approved 35 projects from 27 States and has sanctioned Rs 582.09 crore. This amount has been increased by more than 13 times in the last two years. Two National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre, one in northern region-Madhya Pradesh and other in Southern region- Andhra Pradesh, are being established in the country with an allocation of Rs 50 crores.

19.    MILK PRODUCTION: In comparison with (2014-16) growth rate between (2012-14) is 11.7%. Annual Milk production has increased by 6.3 % during 2015-16.

  

20.   FOUR NEW SCHEMES FOR DAIRY SECTOR:

a)        PASHUDHAN SANJIVANI :

Ø  An animal Wellness Programme; encompassing provision of Animal Health cards (¡®Nakul Swasthya Patra¡¯) along with UID identification of animals in milk and a National Data Base.

Ø  Under the scheme 8.5 crore animals in milk will be identified using UID and their data will uploaded in the INAPH data base.

Ø  This will play crucial role in control of spread of animal diseases. This will also lead to increase in trade of livestock and livestock products.

b)       ADVANCED BREEDING TECHNOLOGY: 

Ø  Assisted Reproductive Technique to improve availability of disease free female bovines through of sex sorted semen technology.

Ø  Under the scheme 50 embryo transfer technology labs and In Vitro Fertilization labs care will be established.

Ø  This will lead to exponential increase in milk production and productivity of animals in an exponential manner.

c)        NATIONAL BOVINE GENOMIC CENTER FOR INDIGENOUS BREEDS(NBGC-IB):

Ø  In developed dairy countries genomic selection is used to increase milk production and productivity for attaining faster genetic gain.

Ø  In order to increase milk production and productivity of indigenous cattle, a National Bovine Genomic Centre will be established in the country.

Ø  By using genomic selection indigenous breeds can be made viable within few generations.

Ø  This center will play crucial role in identification of disease free High genetic merit bulls.

d)       E-PASHUDHAN HAAT PORTAL:

Ø  At present there is no authentic market for bovine germplasm in the form of semen, embryos, male & female calves; heifers and adult bovines. Farmers depend on middlemen for sale and purchase of quality germplasm.

Ø  Breed wise information on availability of bovine germplasm is not available which is essential for promotion of indigenous bovine breeds.

Ø  For the first time in the country under National Mission on Bovine Productivity E Pashudhan Haat portal has been developed. This portal will play important role in connecting breeders and farmers of indigenous breeds.

Ø  Through this portal farmers will be aware about breed wise information on indigenous breeds. Farmers/breeders can sale animals of indigenous breeds through this portal. Information on all forms of germplasm has been uploaded on the portal. Immediately farmers can obtain benefits of the portal.

Ø  This portal will give new dimensions to development and conservation of indigenous breeds as at present information on availability of germplasm of indigenous breeds is not available with the farmers.

Ø  Through the portal there will be no involvement of middlemen in sale and purchase of animals. Portal for sale and purchase of germplasm in all the forms is not available even in developed dairy countries.

21.    FISH PRODUCTION: Fish production has increased from 186.12 lakh tonnes during 2012-14 to 209.59 tonnes during 2014-16 (an increase of Rs.12.61 %). The Annual growth rate of fish production during 2015-16 is 6.21%.

22.    EGG PRODUCTION: During the year 2015-16, 82,930 million eggs produced while during 2014-15, 78,484 million eggs were produced. Egg production is now increasing by 5.66% annually. In comparison to 2012-14 during 2014-16 egg production growth rate is 10.99 %. Annual egg production rate is 5 %. Per person availability of egg has reached 66.

23.    VETERINARY EDUCATION:

To ensure that the existing syllabus and standards for graduate veterinary education is aligned with globally accepted standards, wide-ranging amendments have been made in Minimum Standards for Veterinary Education Regulations, 2008. In addition to this, to meet the shortage of trained veterinary manpower, the number of veterinary colleges has increased from 36 to 46. Intake of students in various Veterinary Colleges was enhanced from 60 to upto 100 seats. Total number of seats has been increased to 1,334 from 914 in 17 Veterinary Colleges.  The number of veterinary graduates has increased by one and half times. Similarly the seats in veterinary colleges have increased by one and half times. One and a half time increase in post graduate studies in veterinary education has been attained. Seats in veterinary colleges have been increased by one and a half time.

24.   INCREASE IN RECRUITMENT OF SCIENTISTS:

81 % recruitment in 2014-15 and 2015-16 in comparison to only 66% in 2013-14, accelerated recruitment process through open competition and increase in representation of women scientists.

25.   EMPIRICAL LEARNING UNITS:  

Compared to 2007-13, the number of empirical learning units in agricultural colleges was 264 which have now been increased to 416 in just two years during 2014-16 which is almost 58 percent increase. Education budget has also been increased by 50% in the last two years (2014-15 & 2015-16).

26.   STRENGTHENING OF KVKS:

Efforts were made to strengthen the KVKs by enhancing the number of staff positions of KVKs from the existing strength of 16 to 22.

27.   ATTRACTING STUDENTS, YOUTH TOWARDS AGRICULTURE AND IMPROVING THE SCIENTISTS – FARMERS INTERFACE:

Ø  Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture (ARYA):

The ARYA project will attract and empower the Youth in Rural Areas to take up various Agri-enterprises in Agriculture, allied and service sector for sustainable income and gainful employment. The project is running in 25 districts of 25 States through KVKs.

Ø  FARMER FIRST:

The Farmer FIRST aims at enriching Farmers –Scientist interface, technology assemblage, application and feedback, partnership and institutional building and content mobilization.It will provide a platform to farmers and scientists for creating linkages, capacity building, technology adaptation and application, on-site input management, feedback and institution building. The scientists from 100 ICAR Institutes/ Universities are proposed to work with one lakh farmers directly.

Ø  STUDENT READY:

Introduction of Fellowship from 2016-17 @ Rs. 3,000 per month for all the students for a period of 6 months during Student Ready which was Rs. 1000 per month earlier. Components of this scheme are:

i.            Experiential Learning (EL)

ii.          Rural Agriculture Work Experience (RAWE)

iii.        In Plant Training /Industrial Attachment/Internship

iv.        Skill Development Training

v.          Student Project

Ø  Mera Gaon- Mera Gaurav programme has been initiated to effectively promote direct interface of scientists of ICAR Institutes and State Agricultural Universities with the farmers to hasten the lab to land process. For this, a group of four scientists each will adopt 5 villages. Thus, there will be nearly 5000 groups of scientists adopting 25000 villages. At present, agricultural scientists have started providing information on newer technologies to the farmers in 15000 villages.

28.   CLIMATE RESILIENT VARITIES (DROUGHT RESISTANT AND FLOOR TOLERANT)

During 2014 to 2016, 127 varieties of food grains, 70 of pulses, 58 of oilseeds and 37 of others (total 292 new varieties) have been developed.

29.   AGRICULTURE EDUCATION:

Ø  Recognizing the enormous potential of North-East India, six new colleges were opened by Modi government under Central Agricultural University, Imphal. Due to this, the number of agricultural colleges in the Northeast region has increased by almost 85 percent in the last two years.

Ø  Similarly, in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, 4 new colleges under Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi and conversion of Central Agriculture University have been completed. 

Ø  To make agriculture graduation courses income oriented, Government has approved the 5th Dean¡¯s Committee report recommendations of the committee. Dean¡¯s Committee report will be implemented in this educational session i.e. 2016-17. Through this new curriculum all agriculture based graduation courses will be altered into the professional ones which will be conducive to earn their livelihood in future.

30.   SPECIAL INITIATIVES:

Ø  Four new ICAR Awards in two years:  ICAR Administrative award, Haldhar Organic Farmer Award, Pandit Deendayal Antyodaya Krishi Puruskar and Pandit Deendayal Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Protsahan Puruskar.

Ø  Pandit Deendayal Unnat Krishi Shiksha Yojana has been started in the year 2016 by way of 130 training programmes on organic farming/natural farming and cow based economy in 32 SAUs of the country.

Ø  Rashtriya Krishi Shiksha Divas is being celebrated on 3^rd December in remembrance of country¡¯s first Agriculture Minister Dr. Rajendra Prasad.  

Ø  Jai Kisan-Jai Vigyan Week is being celebrated since the year 2015 across the entire country during 23^rd to 29^th December, on the occasion of birth anniversaries of Ch. Charan Singh and Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.