India Year Book

INDIA YEAR BOOK - 2015INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015 Dear Students, With the focus to simply understanding of complex concepts and separate the wheat from the chaff, Rau’s IAS Study Circle presents a synopsis of the voluminous yet very important INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015. This issue prepared by the Study Circle, titled INDIA YEAR BOOK 2015 | PART I, covers all useful information of the first fifteen chapters and presents them in a very concise and lucid manner. All the important points are given in bold and highlighted. The content is complimented by figures and pictures as and when required. The aim is coverage of all relevant study material within minimum readable pages. INDIA YEAR BOOK 2015 |PART I covers the following topics: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Land and the People National Symbols The Polity Agriculture Culture and Tourism Basic Economic Data Commerce Communications and Information Technology Defence Education 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Energy Environment Finance Corporate Affairs Food and Civil Supplies By preparing the synopsis of the Year Book, the Study Circle hopes that all students will be able to make the best use of information available in the least amount of time. Good Luck! RAU’S IAS STUDY CIRCLE INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part - I 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER ONE | LAND AND THE PEOPLE……………………………………………………….......... 03 CHAPTER TWO | NATIONAL SYMBOLS………………………………………………………..……… 10 CHAPTER THREE | THE POLITY………………………………………………………..…………………. 11 CHAPTER FOUR | AGRICULTURE………………………………………………………..…………….… 22 CHAPTER FIVE | CULTURE AND TOURISM…………………………………………………………... 25 CHAPTER SIX | BASIC ECONOMIC DATA………………………………………………………..…… 30 CHAPTER SEVEN | COMMERCE………………………………………………………..………………… 33 CHAPTER EIGHT | COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY………… 40 CHAPTER NINE| DEFENCE………………….………………….………………….………………….….… 44 CHAPTER TEN| EDUCATION………………………………………………………..…………………….. 58 CHAPTER ELEVEN| ENERGY.………………………………………………………..…………………….. 60 CHAPTER TWELVE| ENVIRONMENT……………………………………………..…………………..... 65 CHAPTER THIRTEEN| FINANCE…..………………………………………………..………………….… 73 CHAPTER FOURTEEN| CORPORATE AFFAIRS....………………………………………..……….…. 80 CHAPTER FIFTEEN| FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES …………………………..………………….…. 82 INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part - I 2 CHAPTER-1 | LAND AND THE PEOPLE CHAPTER ONE | LAND AND THE PEOPLE INDIA is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only.’—Mark Twain India has a unique culture and is one of the oldest and greatest civilizations of the world. It stretches from the snowcapped Himalayas in the North to sun drenched coastal villages of the South and the humid tropical forests on the south-west coast, from the fertile Brahmaputra valley on its East to the Thar desert in the West. It covers an area of 32,87,263 sq. km.’ Lying entirely in the northern hemisphere, the mainland extends between latitudes o and o north, longitudes o and 97°25’ east and measures about 3,214 km from north to south between the extreme latitudes and about 2,933 km from east to west between the extreme longitudes. It has a land frontier of about 15,200 km. The total length of the coastline of the mainland, Lakshadweep Islands and Andaman & Nicobar Islands is 7,516.6 km. 8 4' 37 6' 68 7 ' The plains of the Ganga and the Indus, about 2,400 km long and 240 to 320 km broad, are formed by basins of three distinct river systems – the Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra. They are one of the world’s greatest stretches of flat alluvium and also one of the most densely populated areas on the earth. The desert region can be divided into two parts - the ‘great desert’ and the ‘little desert’. The great desert extends from INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part - I 3 CHAPTER-1 | LAND AND THE PEOPLE the edge of the Rann of Kuchch beyond the Luni river northward. The little desert extends from the Luni between Jaisalmer and Jodhpur up to the northern west. Between the great and the little zone of absolutely sterile country, consisting of rocky land, cut up by limestone ridges. The Peninsular Plateau is marked off from the plains of the Ganga and the Indus by a mass of mountain and hill ranges varying from 460 to 1,220 metres in height. Prominent among these are the Aravali, Vindhya, Satpura and Ajanta. The southern point of plateau is formed by the Nilgiri Hills where the Eastern and the Western Ghats meet. The Cardamom Hills lying beyond may be regarded as a continuation of the Western Ghats. RIVER SYSTEMS : The river systems of India can be classified into four groups viz., (i) Himalayan rivers, (ii) Deccan rivers, (iii) Coastal rivers, and (iv) Rivers of the inland drainage basin. The Himalayan rivers are formed by melting snow and glaciers and therefore, continuously flow throughout the year. The Deccan rivers on the other hand are rainfed and therefore fluctuate in volume. Many of these are non-perennial. The Coastal streams, especially on the west coast are short in length and have limited catchment areas. Most of them are non-perennial. The streams of inland drainage basin of western Rajasthan are few and far apart. Most of them are of an ephemeral character. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part - I 4 alpine to desert. forests of deodar. which is one of the great rivers of the world. Puthimari. comprises 15. The Brahmaputra in Bangladesh fed by Teesta. The principal tributes of Brahmaputra in India are the Subansiri. rubber and cashewnut. the Chenab and the Jhelum. The Malabar region covers the excessively humid belt of mountain country parallel to the west coast of the Peninsula. the head stream of Meghna. falling into the Bay of Bengal are about the same size. other conifers and broad-leaved temperate trees. flowing to the Arabian Sea and of the Kaveri in the south. silver birch and junipers. The Deccan region comprises the entire table land of the Indian Peninsula and supports vegetation of various kinds from shrub jungles to mixed deciduous forests. This diversity can be attributed to the vast variety in physiography and climatic situations resulting in a diversity of ecological habitats ranging from tropical. The Indus plain region comprises the plains of Punjab. tea. with a large number of plants which are not found elsewhere. The characteristic trees of this zone are high. From about 70 per cent geographical area surveyed so far.000 species. The basin of the Narmada in the uplands of the Deccan. betelnut. The vascular flora. FAUNAL RESOURCES OF INDIA : India is very rich in terms of biological diversity due to its unique bio location. Meghalaya and Nagaland and the Deccan Peninsula is rich in endemic flora. India has a rich and varied vegetation. beach and diluvial forests. spruce and silver fir occur. The Ganga plain region covers the area which is alluvial plain and is under cultivation for wheat. Its temperate zone is rich in forests of chir. occasional thick clumps of bamboos and tall grasses. over 46. finally falls into Ganga. pine. The Western Himalayan region extends from Kashmir to Kumaon. The Godavari in the southern Peninsula has the second largest river basin covering 10 percent of the area of India. temprate. Its important tributaries flowing in Indian territory are the Sutlej (originating in Tibet). mangrove. The alpine zone extends from the upper limit of the temperate zone of about 4. etc. Pagladiya and the Manas. such as coconut. Ethno-botanical study deals with the utilisation of plants and plant products by ethnic races. this region produces important commercial crops. Available data place India in the tenth position in the world and fourth in Asia in plant diversity. coffee. which forms the conspicuous vegetation cover.750 metres or even higher. though with different character and shape. The Indus. diversified climate conditions and enormous ecodiversity and geodiversity. India’s immense biological diversity encompasss ecosystems.CHAPTER-1 | LAND AND THE PEOPLE The main Himalayan river systems are those of the Indus and the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna system. hot and supports natural vegetation. FLORA : India is rich in flora. The Andaman region abounds in evergreen. species and their genetic make-up. Besides being rich in forest vegetation. the Beas. Higher up. the Ravi. Only small areas support forests of widely deferring types. According to world biogeographic INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . A number of detailed ethno-botanical explorations have been conducted in different tribal areas of the country. Kolkata. Next to it is the Krishna basin in the region and the Mahanadi is another large basin of the region. Dhansiri. rises in the hills in Manipur. rises near Mansarovar in Tibet and flows through India and thereafter through Pakistan and finally falls into the Arabian sea near Karachi.level silver fir. pepper. western Rajasthan and northern Gujarat.I 5 . A scientific study of such plants has been done by BSI. which only a few countries of comparable size possess.000 species of plants have been described by the Botanical Survey of India (BSI). sugarcane and rice. The Assam region comprises the Brahmaputra and the Surma valleys with evergreen forests. sub-tropical. With a wide range of climatic conditions from the torrid to the arctic. It is dry. populations. The Barak river. The Himalayan region extending from Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh through Sikkim. blue pine. Jia Bhareli. 5% (density is defined as the number of persons/sq km. • As per the census 2011.810.5 million. Kerala also occupies the top spot in the country both in male literacy with 96. It is encouraging to note that out of total of 202. The results of 2011 census reveal that there has been an increase in literacy in the country. 2011 stood at 1.382. is not literate.I 6 . Among major states.150. within only about 2% of world’s total land surface.587.7 million. Yet. who can only read but cannot write.5 per cent).1 per cent and female literacy with 92. On the contrary. Literacy rate has gone up from 64. followed by West Bengal 1. Bihar is the most thickly populated state with (a population density of) 1.2 million males and 587. children below five years of age were necessarily treated as illiterates. 80. It as held in two phases: • Population : Persons-1210.106 persons per sq. Kerala retained its position by being on top with a 94 per cent literacy rate. female 104. DEMOGRAPHIC BACKGROUND CENSUS : Census 2011 was the 15th Census of India since 1872.66 per cent). • Density of Population 2001-2011: Density in 2001:325 and density in 2011.54 per cent. POPULATION : The population of India as on March 1st. however.79 million sq. It is estimated that about two times that number of species still remains to be discovered in India alone. The population density of India in 2011 was 382 per sq km-decadal growth 17.375 species. This is the highest sex ratio recorded since census 1991.2 per cent) and females (51.) • Gender composition of Population 2011: Overall sex ratio at the National level has increased by 7 points since census 2001 to reach 943 at census 2011. India accounts for a meagre 2.6 for females.50% of the species of animals that the world holds and this percentage accounts nearly for 94037 species so far known.0 per cent. who can both read and write with understanding in any language. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part .CHAPTER-1 | LAND AND THE PEOPLE classification. Infact.7 million (623. a person aged seven and above. India is known to have over 7. difference being 17. Males 623.028 and Kerala 860.4 per cent of the world surface area of 135. Bihar has recorded the lowest literacy rates both in case of males (71. POPULATION DENSITY : One of the important indices of population concentration is the density of population. of which insects alone include 61.0 per cent showing an increase of 8.1 per cent.660.km.2 percentage points.0 percent of the total population aged seven and above and illiterates forme4 27. literates constituted 73. A person.km.8 per cent ranks last in the country. is treated as literate.0 per cent. Bihar with a literacy rate of 61. It is defined as the number of persons per sq. SEX RATIO : Sex ratio. it support and sustains a whopping per cent of the world population.8 per cent in 2001 to 73.657 outnumber male 98. Tropical Dry/Deciduous Forests and Warm Deserts/Semi Deserts). LITERACY : For the purpose of census 2011.km.5 million females). In the censuses prior to 1991. India holds a unique position with the priority of conservation of natural resources and sustainable development. closely followed by Lakshadweep (86. defined as the number of females per thousand males is an important social indicator to measure the extent of prevailing equality between males and females in a society at a given point of time.063. The literacy rate in the country is 73. India represents two of the major realms (the Palearctic and Indo-Malayan) and three bimes (Tropical Humid Forests.720 literates added during the decade. The density of population increased in all States and Union Territories between 1991 and 2011. and Females.2 million. The sex ratio from 1901-2011 has registered a 10 point increase at census 2011 over 2001.210. child sex ratio has declined to 919 per thousand male.9 for males and 64. 14 4 8.45 82.11 83.48 77.01 76.68 Females 5 65.04 81.18 78.43 59.46 TABLE : LITERATES AND LITERACY RATES BY SEX – 2011 India/ State/ Union Territory Literacy Rate (%) Persons Males 2 3 4 INDIA 74.59 7 .38 NCT of Delhi 86.98 26.24 Bihar 63.38 64.70 66.82 73.78 90.13 75.30 25.68 81.46 58.85 86.69 73.78 66.57 52.45 INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part .60 71.58 93.21 64.18 Meghalaya 75.63 78.40 Chattisgarh 71.72 Tripura 87.36 60.83 Punjab 76.4 45.96 56.63 88.72 79.34 81.16 56.57 76.95 73.83 74.67 Jharkhand 67.64 85.26 82.54 Uttarakhand 79.61 40.76 39.36 Himachal Pradesh 83.29 53.38 70.33 Haryana 76.71 78.3 34.81 West-Bengal 77.84 21.40 83.67 65.39 Sikkim 82.93 52.45 Odisha 73.35 21.33 76.49 Mizoram 91.66 59.17 89.04 3 21.14 Jammu and Kashmir 68.06 80.29 Manipur 79.59 16.CHAPTER-1 | LAND AND THE PEOPLE Census Year 1 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 State UT 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 TABLE : LITERACY RATE IN INDIA : 1951-2011 Persons Males Females 2 18.05 23.I Male-Female gap in literacy rate 5 18.33 28.27 71.86 15.45 43.15 73.17 Assam 73.62 24.69 Nagaland 80.20 87.03 Rajasthan 67.29 Arunachal Pradesh 66.97 29.75 92.77 80.04 82.26 53.43 90.21 64.51 Uttar Pradesh 69.34 91.08 82.48 Chandigarh 86. 72 14 Assam 2.I 8 .73 79.81 96.57 22 Tripura 0.31 87.76 13 Jharkhand 2.33 86.46 89.91 80.74 68.93 75.48 59.48 86.05 10 Gujarat 4.84 88.28 93.39 19 Jammu and Kashmir 1.56 82.32 75.81 92.99 6 Madhya Pradesh 6.09 18 NCT of Delhi 1.51 65.91 67.27 80.99 11 Odisha 3.85 92.47 12 Kerala 2.53 87.00 7 Tamil Nadu 5.84 TABLE : STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES BY POPULATION IN DESCENDING ORDER AND RANK IN 2011 CENSUS Rank 2011 State/Union Territory Percent to total Population of India 2011 1 2 3 1 Uttar Pradesh 16.05 82.60 4 West Bengal 7.28 3 Bihar 8.98 73.66 9 Karnataka 5.83 21 Himachal Pradesh 0.55 86.11 60.CHAPTER-1 | LAND AND THE PEOPLE 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 Madhya Pradesh Gujarat Daman and Diu Dadra and Nagar Haveli Maharashtra Andhra Pradesh Karnataka Goa Lakshadweep Kerala Tamil Nadu Puducherry Andaman & Nicobar Island 70.11 17 Haryana 2.29 16 Chattisgarh 2.04 20 Uttarakhand 0.58 15 Punjab 2.36 79.25 91.96 8 Rajasthan 5.02 86.40 92.11 96.02 70.07 77.13 81.22 81.66 75.12 90.86 81.50 2 Maharashtra 9.60 87.23 83.30 INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part .54 5 Andhra Pradesh 6. 03 0.23 0.20 246 33 88.90 524 159 76.80 226 26 89.03 0.00 275 44 86.02 0.90 299 62 82.30 360 79 82.70 10.25 0.70 23.10 0.05 0.20 27.15 INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part .70 743 286 72.20 10.30 629 218 74.09 0.70 17.CHAPTER-1 | LAND AND THE PEOPLE 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 Meghalaya Manipur Nagaland Goa Arunachal Pradesh Puducherry Mizoram Chandigarh Sikkim Andaman & Nicobar Islands Dadra and Nagar Haveli Daman & Diu Lakshadweep Census Year 1 1901 1911 1921 1931 1941 1951 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 2011 0.00 439 109 80.30 223 28 88.00 18.11 0.10 13.30 25.00 12.I 9 .80 834 377 68.10 19.16 0.09 0.80 11.01 TABLE : RURAL AND URBAN POPULATION Population (Million) Percentage of total population Rural Urban Rural Urban 2 3 4 5 213 26 89.12 0.85 31. was adopted in its Hindi version as the National Anthem of India on 24th January 1950. The duration of the national anthem is approximately 52 seconds. 2002. The bell-shaped lotus has been omitted. Carved out of a single block of polished sandstone. there is no restriction on the display of the National Flag by members of general public. is regulated by the State of India (Prohibition of Improper Use) Act. 1971 and any other law enacted on the subject.I 10 . 1950. conventions. meaning ‘Truth Alone Triumphs’. mounted on an abacus with a frieze carrying sculptures in high relief of an elephant. as the official seal of the Government of India. The use of the state emblem of India. the Capitol is crowned by the Wheel of the Law (Dharma Chakra). In the centre of the white band is a navy-blue wheel which represents the chakra. The Flag Code of India. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . 2002. NATIONAL SONG : The song Vande Mataram. brings together laws.. The wheel appears in the centre of the abacus with a bull on right and a horse on left and the outlines of other wheels on extreme right and left. The design of the National Flag was adopted by the Constituent Assembly of India on 22nd July. which took effect from 26 January. STATE EMBLEM : It is an adaptation from the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. The words Satyameva Jayate from Mundaka Upanishad. etc. It has an equal status with Jana-gana-mana. the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act. The ratio of width of the flag to its length is two to three. Its diameter approximates to the width of the white band and it has 24 spokes. composed originally in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore. there are four lions. was a source of inspiration to the people in their struggle for freedom. 1911 at the Kolkata Session of the Indian National Congress. A short version consisting of the first and last lines of the stanza (playing time aproximate1y 20 seconds) is also played on certain occasions. NATIONAL ANTHEM : The song Jana-gana-mana. only three lions are visible. standing back to back. In the state emblem. a bull and a lion separated by intervening wheels over a bell-shaped lotus. except as provided for in the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act. 1947. are inscribed below the abacus in Devanagari script. According to the Flag Code of India. It was first sung on 27th December. white in the middle and dark green at the bottom in equal proportion. educational institutions. practices and instructions to all. 2005. In the original. It was first sung at the 1896 session of the Indian National Congress. a galloping horse. adopted by the Government of India on 26th January 1950. Its design is that of the wheel which appears on the abacus of the Sarnath Lion Capital of Ashoka. composed in sanskrit by Bankim Chandra Chatterji. private organisations.CHAPTER-2 | NATIONAL SYMBOLS CHAPTER TWO | NATIONAL SYMBOLS NATIONAL FLAG : THE National flag is a horizontal tricolour of deep saffron (kesaria) at the top. 2002. The real executive power thus vests in the Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister as its head. (iv) Right to freedom of conscience and free profession. (v) Right of any section of citizens to conserve their culture. sex or place of birth and equality of opportunity in matters of employment. Article 12 to 35 contained in Part III of the Constitution deal with Fundamental Rights. These lay down that the State shall strive to promote the welfare of people by securing and protecting as effectively as it may a social order in which justice—social. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . FUNDAMENTAL DUTIES : By the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution. which inspired India’s struggle for freedom. the Vice-President and the Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister as the head to aid and advise the President. association or union. caste. Power to amend the Constitution also vests in Parliament. to cherish and follow noble ideals. language or script and right of minorities to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice. Article 74(1) of the Constitution provides that there shall be a Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister as its head to aid and advise the President who shall in exercise of his functions. assembly. These are: (i) Right to equality including equality before law. deals with matters relating to acquisition. DIRECTIVE PRINCIPLES OF STATE POLICY : The Constitution lays down certain Directive Principles of State Policy. movement. or (b) either of whose parents were born in India. and right to practice any profession or occupation (some of these rights are subject to security of the State. 1955. The Counsel of Ministers collectively responsible to the House of the People (Lok Sabha). 1950) domiciled in the territory of India and: (a) who was born in India. adopted in 1976. The Constitution distributes legislative power between Parliament and state legislatures and provides for vesting of residual powers in Parliament. a Union of States. public order. individually and collectively. (ii) Right to freedom of speech and expression. which was adopted by Constituent Assembly on November.CHAPTER-3 | THE POLITY CHAPTER THREE | THE POLITY INDIA. to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so and to promote harmony and spirit of common brotherhood transcending religious. The Republic is governed in terms of the Constitution. The President of India is the constitutional head of executive of the Union. Every person who was at the commencement of the Constitution (26th January.I 11 . to abide by the Constitution. FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS : The Constitution offers all citizens. 1950. CITIZENSHIP : The Constitution of India provides for a single citizenship for the whole of India. and (vi) Right to constitutional remedies for enforcement of Fundamental Rights. act accordance with such advice. (iii) Right against exploitation. The Constitution which envisages parliamentary form of government is federal in structure with unitary features. economic and political—shall form the basis in all institutions of national life. are ‘fundamental in governance of the country’ and it is the duty of the State to apply these principles in making laws. Article 51 ‘A’ contained in Part IV A of the Constitution deals with Fundamental Duties. practice and propagation of religion. or (c) who has seen ordinarily resident in India for not less than five years became a citizen of India. THE UNION EXECUTIVE : The Union executive consists of the President. friendly relations with foreign countries. The Citizenship Act. These are guaranteed in the Constitution in the form of six broad categories of Fundamental Rights which are justiciable. prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion. child labour and traffic in human beings. some basic freedoms. 1949 and came into force on 26th January. decency or morality). Fundamental Duties of the citizens have also been enumerated. race. These enjoin upon “citizen among other things. which though not justiciable. determination and termination of Indian citizenship after the commencement of the Constitution. prohibiting all forms of forced labour. residence. linguistic and regional sectional diversities. is a Sovereign Socialist Secular Demoratic Republic with a parliamentary system of government. election.I To 27 February 12 . He may by writing under his hand addressed to the Vice-President. art and social service. It is the duty of the Prime Minister to communicate to the President all decisions of Council of Ministers relating to administration of affairs of the Union and proposals for legislation and information relating to them. if. and not more than 238 representatives of the States and of the Union Territories. the same for all States. The Vice-President is ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha and acts as President when the latter is unable to discharge his functions due to absence. RAJYA SABHA : The Constitution provides that the Rajya Sabha shall consist of 12 members to be nominated by the President from amongst persons having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as literature. to aid and advise the President in exercise of his functions. the total number of existing seats as allocated to various States in the Lok Sabha on the basis of the 1971 census shall unaltered till the first census to be taken after the year 2026. The total elective membership of the Lok Sabha is distributed among the States in such a way that the ratio between the number of seats allotted to each state and the population of the State is. COUNCIL OF MINISTERS : There is a Council of Ministers. His removal from office is to be in accordance with procedure prescribed in Article 61 of the Constitution. Following the 84 amendment to the Constitution in 2001. While so acting. VICE-PRESIDENT : The Vice-President is elected by members of an electoral college consisting of members of both Houses of Parliament in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote. LOK SABHA : The Lok Sabha is composed of representatives of people chosen by direct election on the basis of adult suffrage. in his opinion. Of these. th Lok Sabha First Lok Sabha Date of First meeting after 13 May 1952 Date of dissolution 4 April 1957 Speaker Name Ganesh From Vasudev 15 May 1952 INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . He must be a citizen of India. not less than 35 years of age and qualified for election as a member of the Lok Sabha. science. His term of office is years and he is eligible for re-election.Indian community to be nominated by the President. not less than 35 years of age and eligible for election as a member of the Rajya Sabha. His removal from office is to be in accordance with procedure prescribed in Article 67(b). as far as practicable. The Council is collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha. Ministers of State (independent charge). headed by the Prime Minister.CHAPTER-3 | THE POLITY PRESIDENT : The President is elected by members of an electoral college consisting of elected members of both Houses of Parliament and Legislative Assembles of the states in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of single transferable vote. 530 members are directly elected from the States and 13 from Union Territories. His term of office is five years and he is eligible for re. he ceases to perform the function of the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. as a whole. illness or any other cause or till the election of a new President (to be held within six months when a vacancy is caused by death. that community is not adequately represented in the House). The President must be a citizen of India. resignation or removal or otherwise of President). suitable weightage is given to each vote. resign his office. and the Union. 20 members to represent the Union Territories and not more than two members of the Anglo. The Prime Minister is appointed by the President who also appoints other ministers on the advice of Prime Minister. The Council of Ministers comprises Ministers who are members of Cabinet. The maximum strength of the House envisaged by the Constitution is now 552(530 members to represent the States. To secure uniformity among states inter se as well as parity between the states. The Lok Sabha at present consists of 543 members. Ministers of State and Deputy Ministers. CHAPTER-3 | THE POLITY Mavalankar 1956 M. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar 11 May 1957 16 April 1962 Third Lok Sabha 3 March 1967 Hukam Singh 17 April 1962 16 March 1967 16 April 1962 Fourth Lok Sabha 16 March 1967 27 December Neelam 1970 Reddy Sanjiva 17 March 1967 Gurdial Dhillon Singh 08 August 1969 19 March 1971 19 March 1971 18 January Gurdial 1977 Dhillon Singh 22 March 1971 1 December 1975 Fifth Lok Sabha Bali Ram Bhagat Sixth Lok Sabha 25 March 1977 22 August 1979 Neelam Reddy Sanjiva 26 March 1977 K. Sangma 1997 23 May 1996 23 March 1998 (FN) 24 March 1998 20 October 199 (FN) Twelfth Sabha Lok 23 March 1998 26 April 1999 Thirteenth Sabha Lok 20 Oct. 2004 18 May 2009 Somnath Chatterjee 4 June 2004 1 June 2009 Fifteenth Sabha Lok 1 June.I 13 . Balayogi 2004 22 October 1999 3 March 2002 Manohar Gajanan 10 May 2002 Joshi 2 June 2004 Fourteenth Sabha Lok 2 June. Balayogi 6 February G. 2014 Sumitra Mahajan 6 June 2014 Till Date – INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part .M. Patil 10 July 1991 22 May 1996 Eleventh Lok Sabha 22 May 1996 4 December P. 1999 G.C.S. Ananthasayanam Ayyangar 8 March 1956 10 May 1957 Second Lok Sabha 10 May 1957 31 March 1962 M.M. 2009 18 May 2014 Meira Kumar 1 June 2009 18 May 2014 Sixteenth Sabha Lok 4 June. Hegde Seventh Sabha 5 January 1976 Lok 21 January 21 December Bal Ram Jakhar 1980 1984 21 July 1977 19 July 1969 25 March 1977 13 July 1977 21 January 1985 22 January 1980 15 January 1985 Eight Lok Sabha 15 January 22 November Bal Ram Jakhar 1985 1989 16 January 1985 18 December 1989 Ninth Lok Sabha 18 December 13 March 1991 1989 Rabi Ray 19 December 9 July 1991 1989 Tenth Lok Sabha 9 July 1991 10 May 1996 Shivraj V.C.A. more or less. dignity and equality for women in all fields. if referred to the Committee by the Chairman. and (d) Committee on Absence of Members from the Sittings of the House of the Lok Sabha. Standing Committees: Among the Standing Committees. etc. Public Accounts and Public Undertakings— constitute a distinct group as they keep an unremitting vigil over Government expenditure and performance. and (d) to consider policy documents presented to the Houses. promises. improvements in organisation. the three Financial Committees—Committees on Estimates. (x) On 4 March 1997. Parliamentary Committees are of two kinds—Standing Committees and ad hoc Committees. the members of the Committee on Estimates are drawn entirely from the Lok Sabha. (vi) Joint Committee on Salaries and Allowances of Members of Parliament. (v) Committees concerned with the provision of facilities to members (a) General Purposes Committee considers and advises Speaker/Chairman on matters concerning affairs of the House (b) House Committee deals with residential accommodation and other amenities for members. a Committee on Empowerment of Women with members from both the Houses was constituted.CHAPTER-3 | THE POLITY PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES: Both Houses of Parliament have a similar committee structure. The Public Accounts Committee scrutinizes appropriation and finance accounts of Government and reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General. Broadly. The Rules Committee of the Lok Sabha recommended setting-up of 17 Department Related Standing Committees (DRSCs). (c) Rules Committee considers matters of procedure and conduct of business in the House and recommends amendments or additions to the Rules. While members of the Rajya Sabha are associated with Committees on Public Accounts and Public Undertakings. Applications from members for leave or absence are considered by the House itself.. with few exceptions. constituted under the Salary. (iii) Committees relating to the day-to-day business of the House: (a) Business Advisory Committee recommends allocation of time for items of Government and other business to be brought before the Houses. Their appointment. undertakings. The Ethics Committee of the Lok Sabha was constituted on 16 May 2000. The former are elected or appointed every year or periodically and their work goes on. thus raising the number of DRSCs from 17 to 24. Allowances and Pension of Members of Parliament Act. It also examines whether the money is well laid out within limits of the policy implied in the estimates.I 14 . terms of office. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . 1954. functions and procedure of conducting business are also more or less similar and are regulated as per rules made by the two Houses under Article 118(1) of the Constitution. (ii) Committees to Scrutinise: (a) Committee on Government Assurances keeps track of all the assurances. Lok Sabha. (viii) The Library Committee (ix) On 29 April 1997. and (c) Committee on Papers Laid on the Table examines all papers laid on the table of the House by Ministers. efficiency or administrative reform consistent with policy underlying the estimates’ may be effected.. The latter are appointed on an ad hoc basis as need arises and they cease to exist as soon as they complete the task assigned to them. rules were amended to provide for the constitution of seven more such committees. There is no such Committee in the Rajya Sabha. sub-rules. Other standing committees are (i) Committees to Inquire: (a) Committee on Petitions examines petitions on bills and on matters of general public interest (b) Committee of Privileges examines any question of privilege referred to it by the House or Speaker/Chairman. the Ethics Committee of the Rajya Sabha was constituted. (b) Committee on Private Members’ Bills and Resolutions of the Lok Sabha classifies and allocates time to Bills introduced by private members. on a continuous basis. etc. To consider Annual Reports of ministries/departments and make reports thereon. and make reports thereon. The functions of these Committees are : (a) to consider the Demands for Grants of various Ministries/Departments of Government of India and make reports to the Houses. on which members from both Houses serve. Rajya Sabha or the Speaker. status. to secure. The Estimates Committee reports on ‘what economies. (iv) Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. other than statutory notifications and orders. (b) to examine such Bills as are referred to the Committee by the Chairman. conferred by the Constitution or Statutes is being properly exercised by the delegated authorities. rules. bye-laws. In July 2004. given by Ministers in the House (b) Committee on Subordinate Legislation Scrutinises and reports to the House whether the power to make regulations. ADMINISTRATIVE SET-UP: The Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules. GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN PARLIAMENT: The Minister of Parliamentary Affairs coordinates plans and arranges Government Business in both Houses of Parliament. Salary and other suitable facilities are extended to them through a separate legislation brought into force on l November 1977. CABINET SECRETARIAT: The Cabinet Secretariat functions directly under the Prime Minister. principles and programmes of the Government and their implementation. The minimum membership of a Consultative Committee is 10 and the maximum membership is 30. either by the two Houses on a motion adopted in that behalf or by Speaker/Chairman to inquire into and report on specific subjects (b) Select or Joint Committees on Bills which are appointed to consider and report on a particular Bill. These Committees are distinguishable from the other ad hoc committee as much as they are concerned with Bills and the procedure to be followed by them as laid down in the Rules of Procedure and Directions by the Speaker/Chairman.I 15 . OTHER PARLIAMENTARY MATTERS ALL INDIA WHIPS CONFERENCE: The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. MATTERS UNDER RULE 377 AND SPECIAL MENTIONS: The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs takes follow-up action on matters raised under Rule 377 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha and by way of Special Mentions in Rajya Sabha. The business allotted to cabinet secretariat is (i) Secretarial assistance to Cabinet and Cabinet Committees. The administrative head of the Secretariat is the Cabinet Secretary who is also the ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board. The Youth Parliament Scheme was first introduced in the Schools in Delhi in 1966-67. CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES: Functioning of Consultative Committees of Members of Parliament for various Ministries is one of the functions allocated to the Ministry of Parliamentary affairs under the Government of India (Allocation of Business) Rules. and (ii) Rules of Business. and Ministers and senior officers of the Government. organises All India Whips Conference to establish suitable links among the whips of various political parties at the Centre and the States who are concerned with the practical working of the legislatures to discuss matters of common interest and to strengthen the institution of Parliamentary Democracy. LEADERS OF OPPOSITION IN PARLIAMENT: The Leaders of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha are accorded statutory recognition. Their objective is to provide a forum for informal discussion between Members of Parliament. WELFARE OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT: The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs looks after the welfare of ailing Members of Parliament admitted for treatment in hospitals in Delhi. GOODWILL DELEGATION: The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs sponsors Government Goodwill Delegation of Members of Parliament to other countries and receives similar Government sponsored delegations of parliamentarians under the exchange programme from other countries through the Ministry of External Affairs. on the policies. 1961. 1961 are made by the President of India under Article 77 of the Constitution for the allocation of business of the Government of India. The Consultative Committee stand dissolved upon dissolution of every Lok Sabha and re-constituted upon constitution of each Lok Sabha. NOMINATION OF MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ON GOVERNMENT COMMITTEES/BODIES YOUTH PARLIAMENT COMPETITION: In order to develop democratic ethos in the younger generation the Ministry conducts Youth Parliament Competition in various categories of schools and colleges / universities.CHAPTER-3 | THE POLITY Ad hoc Committees : Broadly classified under two heads: (a) committees which are constituted from time to time. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . Fisheries and Dairying (Pashupalan aur Dairy aur Matsyapalan Vibhag) 2. Cabinet Secretariat is regularly bringing out a quarterly Newsletter titled “Performance Matters” since April. PMD of the Cabinet Secretariat has also undertaken various initiatives relating to overall improvement in the functioning of the Government departments These are: (i) Implementation of 2nd Administration Reforms Commission Recommendation. 2009. the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs assures the House or the individual Members that their sentiments would be conveyed to the concerned Ministers. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT DIVISION . (ii) Performance Related Incentives (PRI). (xi) Website: One of the interesting features on the PMD Website is Communities of Practice (COP) on various subjects. The RFD addresses three basic questions. Also after ‘Question Hour’ in both the Houses of Parliament. and is responsible for this activity through the mechanism called Results-Framework Documents.RESULTS FRAMEWORK DOCUMENT: The Prime Minister approved the outline of the Performance monitoring and Evaluation System (PMES) for Government Departments on September 11. (viii) Assistance to other countries.I 16 . Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Vanijya aur UdyogMantralaya) (i) Department of Commerce (Vanijya Vibhag) (ii) Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . LIST OF THE MINISTRIES / DEPARTMENTS 1. In the absence of concerned Minister. (v) Assisting State Governments in Implementing RFD. MATTERS UNDER RULE 377 AND SPECIAL MENTIONS : The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs takes follow-up action or matters raised under Rule 377 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha and by way of Special Mentions in Rajya Sabha. Performance Management Division (PMD) in the Cabinet Secretariat is headed by a Secretary to Government of India. (iv) Operationalizing ‘Sevottam’. importance attached to certain items. etc. The Minister in-charge decides the inter-se priority among the departmental objectives. (ix) Implementing e-Office: In its efforts to move towards a paperless office. each Department prepares a Results Frame Document (RFD) consisting of the priorities set out by the Minister concerned agenda as spelt out by the Government from time to time. MINISTRIES/DEPARTMENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT : The Government consists of a number of Ministries/Departments. (vi) ISO 9001 Certification: The quality consciousness in Government has been introduced with all Ministries/ Departments having been required to develop an action plan to obtain ISO:9001 certification of the Department in phases. changes of orientation. the day to day working of the Cabinet Secretariat is being carried out through the e-Office system developed by the NIC. (x) Newsletter “Performance Matters”:In government and to promote knowledge sharing in this area. COP is basically a group of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. Though it is not mandatory Ministers sometimes react to the points made by the Members. political expediency. At the beginning of each financial year. Members raise matters of urgent public Importance. (vii) Innovation in Government. the Performance Management Division. Ministry of Agriculture (Krishi Mantralaya) (i) Department of Agriculture and Co-operation (Krishi aur Sahkarita Vibhag) (ii) Department of Agricultural Research and Education (Krishi Anusandhan aur Shiksha Vibhag) (iii) Department of Animal Husbandry. (iii) Performance Appraisal Report (PAR) System.CHAPTER-3 | THE POLITY The Cabinet Secretariat is a useful mechanism by the departments for promoting inter-Ministerial coordination since the Cabinet Secretary is also the head of the civil services. 2009. number and character varying from time to time on factors such as volume of work. (a) department’s main objectives for the year (b) actions proposed to achieve these objectives (c) the degree of progress made in implementing these objectives. I 17 . on the advice of the CAG. The reports of the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India relating to the accounts of the Union shall be submitted to the President. Ministry of Home Affairs (Crib Mantralaya) (i) Department of Internal Security (Aantarik Suraksha V4thag) (ii) Department of States (Rajya Vibhag) (iii) Department of Official Language (Raj Bhasha Vibhag) (iv) Department of Home (Grih Vibhag) (v) Department of Jammu and Kashmir Affairs (vi) Department of Border Management 6. who shall cause them to be laid before each House of Parliament. be guided by the principle of subsidiarity. The accounts of the Union and of the States shall be kept in such form as the President may. powers and conditions of service of the Comptroller and Auditor-General have been specified by the Comptroller and Auditor General’s (Duties. It was further recommended that there was a need to carry out a detailed analysis of the functions/activities in each Ministry/Department to help the ministries to prepare an action plan for delegating implementation activities and non-core activities to attached and ordinate offices. Ministry of Finance (Vitta Mantralaya) (i) Department of Economic Affairs (Arthik Karya Vibhag) (ii) Department of Expenditure (Vyaya Vibbag) (iii) Department of Revenue (Rajaswa Vibhag) (iv) Department of Disinvestment (Vinivesh Vibhag) (v) Department of Financial Services ( Vittiya Sewayen Vibhag) 5. at all levels. Khadya aurSarvajanik Vitaran Mantralaya) (i) Department of Consumer Affairs (Upbhokta Mamle Vibhag) (ii) Department of Food and Public Distribution (Khadya aur Sarvajanik Vitaran Vibhag) 4. The duties.CHAPTER-3 | THE POLITY (Audyogik Niti aur Samvardhan Vibhag) 3. Food and Public Distribution (Upbhokta Mamle. COMPTROLLER AND AUDITOR GENERAL (CAG) : The Comptroller and Auditor General of India is appointed by the President. who shall cause them to be laid before the legislature of the State. 1971. prescribe. He is not eligible for further office under the Union or a State government after he ceases to hold his office. The procedure and the grounds for his removal from office are the same as for a Supreme Court Judge. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . Public Grievances and Pensions (Karmik Lok Shikayat tatha Pension Mantralaya) (i) Department of Personnel and Training (Karmik aur Prashikshan Vibhag) (ii) Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grivances (Prashasnik Sudharaur Lok Shikayat Vibhag) (iii) Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare (Pension aur Pension Bhogi Kalyan Vibhag) NOTE : IMPLEMENTATION OF 2ND ADMINISTRATION REFORMS COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION Administrative Reforms Commission-IT (ARC) in its report on “Organisational Structure of Government of India” inter alia recommended that Government of India should primarily focus on core functions and that it should. The reports of the CAG of India relating to the accounts of a State shall be submitted to the Governor of the State. Ministry of Consumer Affairs. Powers and Conditions of Service) Act. Ministry of Personnel. If the applicant is not satisfied even with the decision of the appellate authority he can file a second appeal with the Central Information Commission or the State Information Commission. (v) Capacity Building and skills up-grading. One has to simply make a request to the Public Information Officer of the office indicating the information sought and the address at which the information is required. Areas of cooperation under the MoU in the field of Public Administration and Governance are (i) Human Resources Management. except those posts which are specifically exempted from the purview of the Staff Selection Commission.Brazil South Africa (IBSA) initiatives and collaboration at regional and global level for promoting good governance and wishing to strengthen South-South cooperation the three countries acknowledged that joint efforts and collaboration will position them as active players in helping to direct the public administration and governance towards democratic values and social inclusion. The Act gives all the citizens the right to seek information held by any authority or body or institution of self government established or constituted by or under the Constitution. The appellate authority has to decide the appeal within 30 days of the receipt of appeal. Article 343 (2) also provided for continuing the use of English in official work of the Union for a period of 15 years (i. the President of Brazil and the President of South Africa met in Brasilia (Brazil) on 13th September. The request can be sent either by post or submitted in person in Hindi. promotes transparency and accountability in the working of the Government. If the applicant does not get the information within 3 days or the applicant is not satisfied with the reply given to him. as the case may be within 90 days. It has since held seven meetings and adopted the areas of cooperation as (i) integrated monitoring and evaluation. and (viii) Any other areas of co-operation in the field of Public ministration and Governance to be jointly decided by the participants. combat corruption. INDIA . (iii) human resource development. Article 343 (3) empowered the parliament to provide by law for continued use of English for official purposes even after 25 January 1965.I 18 .e. 1978. It recruits (i) all non-Gazetted Group ‘B’ post in the various Ministries/Departments of the Government and their attached and subordinate offices and (ii) all non-technical Group ‘C’ posts in the various Ministries/ Departments of the Government and their attached and subordinate offices. (ii) Improved systems of public service delivery. 2005 empowers the citizens. English or in the official language of the area and can also be sent through e-mail. and (vi) accountability and transparency. The Act aims at creating an informed citizenry which would be better equipped to keep necessary vigil on the instruments of governance and make the government more accountable to the governed. OFFICIAL LANGUAGE – CONSTITUTIONAL / STATUTORY PROVISIONS : Article 343 (1) of the Constitution provides that Hindi in Devanagari script shall be the Official Language of the Union. The Prime Minister of India. INDIA-BRAZIL--SOUTH AFRICA (IBSA) FORUM : Recognizing the emergence and consolidation of India . (ii) egovernance. 2006 for the 1St Summit meeting of the India-Brazil-South Africa dialogue forum.CHAPTER-3 | THE POLITY STAFF SELECTION COMMISSION : Staff Selection Commission (SSC) with Headquarters at New Delhi was set up on 1st July. and make the democracy work for people in real sense. an IBSA Working Group on Public Administration (WGPA) has been set up by the three countries.MALAYSIA COOPERATION : An MoU on cooperation in the field of Public Administration and Governance was signed on 25th November 2013. he can make an appeal within 30 days to the appellate authority appointed by the authority who is an officer superior to the Public Information Officer. or by notification issued or order made by the Central Government or a State Government. (v) anti-corruption and ethics. (iii) e( Governance.. (iv) citizen oriented service delivery. Pursuant to the IBSA Summit decision as contained in the Joint Declaration issued on the occasion. (iv) Accountability and Transparency. (vi) Quality of Outcome. (vii) Governance Reforms of both countries. RIGHT TO INFORMATION : The Right to Information Act. up to 25 January 1965) from the date of commencement of the Constitution. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . or by any other law made by the Parliament or a State Legislature. In pursuance of the recommendation made by the Sarkara Commission on Centre-State Relations. 1989. one-third by electorates consisting of members of municipalities. About one-third of members of the council are elected by member of legislative assembly from amongst persons who are not its member. The Inter-State Council has also considered other pu1ilic policy and governance issues. there is a legislature which consists of Governor and one House or. It also deliberates upon such other matters of general interests to the States as ma’ be referred by je Chairman to the Council. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. engaged in teaching institutions within the state not lower in standard than secondary school and a further one-twelfth by registered graduates of more than three years standing. Jammu and Kashmir. Public Sector Undertakings and Town Official Language Implementation Committees for outstanding achievements in the implementation of the Official Language Policy of the Union. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL : Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) of a state comprises not more than one-third of total number of members in legislative assembly of the state and in no case less than 40 members (Legislative Council of Jammu and Kashmir has 36 members vide Section 50 of the Constitution of Jammu and Kashmir). (c) Disaster Mangement . there is only one House known as legislative assembly. LEGISLATURE : For every state. aids and advises Governor in exercise of his functions except in so far as he is by or under the Constitution required to exercise his functions or any of them in his discretion. Only Indian citizens above 35 years of age are eligible for appointment to this office. Karnataka. Governor has special responsibility under Article 371 A of the Constitution with respect to law and order and even though it is necessary for him to consult Council of Ministers in matters relating to law and order can exercise his individual judgement as to the action to be taken. In Bihar. (d) Atrocities on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and Status of Implementation of the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.I 19 . (b) Blueprint of an Action Plan on Good Governance. INTER-STATE COUNCIL : Article 263 of the Constitution envisages establishment of an institutional mechanism to facilitate coordination of policies and their implementation between the Union and the State Governments. for at least three years. Executive power of the State is vested in Governor. for better coordination of policy and action with respect to that subject.Preparedness of States to cope with disasters. In respect of Nagaland. EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR : State executive consists of Governor and Council of Ministers with Chief Minister as its head. Council of Ministers with Chief Minister as head. one-twelfth by electorate consisting of persons who have been. there are two Houses know Council and Legislative Assembly. the Inter-State Council was set up in the year 1990 through a Presidential Order dated 28th May. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . Shields are given every year to Ministries/Departments. The Inter-State Council is a recommendtory body and it investigates and discusses such subjects. 1990. The Governor of a State is appointed by the President for a term of five years office. Banks and Financial Institutions. in which some or a1lof the States or the Union and one or more of the States have a common interest.CHAPTER-3 | THE POLITY AWARDS SCHEMES : The Indira Gandhi Rajbhasha Awards Schemes have been in operation since 1986-87. two Houses as the case may be. these are: (a) Contract Labour and Contract Appointments. In the remaining states. district boards and other local authorities in the state. supervises the nomination of candidates. Election Commission decides the election schedules for the conduct of elections . reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in proportion to their population for membership of Panchayats and office of Chairpersons in Panchayats at each level. science. direct elections to all seats in Panchayats at the village and intermediate level. fixing tenure of five years for Panchayats and holding elections within a period of six months in the event of supersession of any Panchayat. direction and control of the entire process of conduct of elections to Parliament and to Legislatures of the States and the Union Territories and elections to the offices of President and Vice-President held under the Constitution. art. 1950 with its headquarters at New Delhi. registers political parties. introduced VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail). carries out the voter education and awareness measures. monitors the election campaign. and later in Bombay and Calcutta in 1726. authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government. Demarcation of territorial constituencies is to be done in such a manner that the ratio between population of each constituency and number of seats allotted to it. It prepares. 1992 (known as Nagarpalika Act) relating to municipalities in 1992. and to the offices of Chairpersons of Panchayats at such levels. It conducts polling through EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) and recently. Parliament enacted the Constitution (74th Amendment) Act.. maintains and periodically updates the electoral rolls. as far as practicable. ELECTION COMMISSION : Election Commission of India was constituted on 25th January. cooperative movements and social service. It also facilitates the coverage of the election process by the media. there is no specific reference to Municipalities except the implicity in Entry 5 of the State List. if any. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part .CHAPTER-3 | THE POLITY Remaining members are nominated by Governor from among distinguished themselves in literature.both general elections and byeelections. A new part IX-A relating to the Municipalities added to provide for among other things. While the Directive Principles of State Policy refer to village Panchayats. is the same throughout the state. Nagar Panchayats for areas in transition from a rural area to urban area. reservation of not less than one-third of the seats for women. A new Part IX relating to the Panchayats has been inserted in the Constitution to provide for among other things. The Election Commission has also provided for compulsory identification at the time of voting by means of Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) and distribution of Photo Slip close to polls.I 20 . and oversees the counting of votes and the declaration of results. LOCAL GOVERNMENT MUNICIPALITIES: Municipal bodies have a long history in India. including funding and expenditure of candidates. In order to provide for a common framework for urban local bodies and help to strengthen the functioning of the bodies as effective democratic units of self government. Term of an assembly is five years unless it is dissolved earlier. Municipal Councils for smaller urban areas and Municipal Corporation for large urban areas. 1993. Legislative councils are not subject to dissolution but one-third of their members retire every second year. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY : Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) of a state consists of not more than 500 and not less than 60 members (Legislative Assembly of Sikkim has 32 members vide Article 371F of the Constitution) chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies in the state. The first such Municipal Corporation was set-up in the former Presidency Town of Madras in 1688. Election Commission of India (ECI) is a permanent and independent constitutional body vested with the powers and responsibility of superintendence. on pilot basis. It came into force on 1 June. Gram Sabha in a village or group of villages. PANCHAYATS: Article 40 of the Constitution which enshrines one of the Directive Principles of State Policy lays down that the State shall take steps to organise village panchayats and endow them with such powers and. constitution of Panchayats at village and other level or levels.e. organizes the polling stations/ booths where voting takes place. i. coxistitutiO1 of three types of Municipalities. CHAPTER-3 | THE POLITY VOTER TURNOUT HIGHLIGHTS OF LOK SABHA ELECTION 2014 LS 2014 LS 2009 1.19% 67.4% (Highest Ever) 65.09% 1.63% 41. 6.42 Percentage points INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . 55. Women Turnout (as percentage of total women electors) Male Turnout Gender Gap 5.46% Percentage Points (Lowest ever) 60. 3. Total Votes Polled in the Lok Sabha Elections Total Electorate Total Voter Turnout percentage 4.69 crore 58.7 crore 71.24 4.41 crore 66. 2.I 55.38 crore 83.82% 21 . National Food Security Mission : National Food Security Mission was launched in 2007-08 to increase the production of rice. Promotion of Self Help Groups (SHGs). 25. plan. construction of water channels. bagging etc. Allocation for this scheme was Rs. grading. Recent Initiatives by The Agriculture Ministry Under RKVY i. Paddy Transplanters and Pumpsets.CHAPTER. wheat and pulses by 10. 500 crore was provided during 2012-13 to take up activities to promote animal based protein production through livestock development. root & tuber crops. cashew and cocoa. approve and execute growth generating intervention and build agri-infrastructure as per their priorities and agro-climatic requirements. mushroom. National Mission for Saffron : This sub-scheme under RKVY in 2010-11 with an overall budgetary support of Rs. (c) Site specific activities for enhancing the production & productivity of crop. National Mission for Protein Supplements : This sub-scheme was launched in 2011-12 and an allocation of Rs. 400 crore. with an allocation of 300 crore with the objective to bring in more farming areas under protective irrigation in Vidarbha region. drying. power. flowers. (d) Marketing Support for the Promotion/Creation of Primary Processing Facilities including farm level storage.I 22 . vegetables. dairy farming rearing and fisheries in selected blocks. 8 and 2 million tonnes respectively by the end of Eleventh Plan through area expansion and productivity enhancement.06 crore over four years with an objective to bring economic revival of Saffron farming in J & K. 300 crore. iii. The fund earn programme for 2013-14 is Rs. restoring soil fertility and productivity creating employment opportunities. aromatic plants. Institution building/ linkage for procurement operations. 288.13 million tonnes of food grains during 2012-13. Activities also include other crop development programme. Activities undertaken through Bring Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI): (a) Cluster demonstrations for rice and wheat in Non-NFSM districts. 100 crore.. par-boiling of paddy. spices. The fund earmarked for this programme for 2013-14 under RKVY is Rs. ii.44 crore in 2010-11 and in 2011-12 and 2012-13. (iv) Vidarbha Intensified Irrigation Development Programne : This scheme was announced during 2012-13. National Horticulture Mission (NHM) : This is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in 2005-06 for promotion of holistic growth of the horticulture sector comprising of fruits. The funds earmarked for the this programme for 2013-14 is Rs.000 crore for the XI Plan to incentivize states to enhance investment in Agriculture and Allied sectors to achieve 4 per cent growth rate during the Plan period and to empower states to select. state governments and the farming community have succeeded in achieving record production of 257.4 | AGRICULTURE CHAPTER FOUR | AGRICULTURE AGRICULTURE is the principal source of livelihood for more than 55 per cent of the population of this country. While Government of India (GOI) contributes 85%. Agriculture provides the bulk of wage goods required by non-agriculture sectors and most of the raw materials for the industries sector. 39. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . etc. 15% share is contributed by State Governments. The combined efforts of Central Government. MAJOR PROGRAMMES OF DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) : This scheme was launched in 2007-08 with an outlay of Rs. (b) Asset building for water management activities such as construction of Dugwells/Shallow Tube wells/Borewells/Lift Irrigation such as Drum Seeders/Zero Till Seed Drills. and enhancing farm level economy. The main objective of the scheme is to protect the farmers against the crop losses suffered natural calamities. Faridabad. Charan Singh National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM). water use efficiency and soil health management. Under National Horticulture Mission (NHM).I 23 . National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) : NMSA is one of the eight Missions outlined under National Action Plan on Climate Change. Standardization and Grading : The Agricultural Produce (Grading & Marketing) Act. integrated pest management. cyclone. NMSA will also replicate the learning of the National Initiatives of Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) being implemented by ICAR in selected blocks on pilot basis. (b) defining quality indicated by every grade designation and (c) specifying grade designation marks to represent particular grade designation. NMSA as a restructured Mission for 12th Plan has been conceptualized by subsuming Rainfed Area Development Programme (RADP). etc. Emphasis on Organic Methods and Eco-Sensitive Farming : Government is promoting Organic farming through various schemes like National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF).. namely.CHAPTER. National Mission on Micro Irrigation (NMMI). 1937 provides for grading and marking of agricultural and other produce. Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan State (HMNEH). Standards notified as per provisions of the Act are popularly called Agmark Standards. New Delhi. i. seed. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . financial assistance is provided as back ended subsidy through NABARD for setting up/strengthening of existing bio-fertilizer and / or biopesticide production units. National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF). 40 lakh. micro-nutrients. the Marketing & Inspection (DM1). such as. efficient water/application tools. resource conservation. drought. and for setting up of Fruit and Vegetables Wastes/ Agro-Wastes Compost Production Units @ 33 per cent of total financial outlay or 60 lakh. The strategies and programme of action outlined in the Mission Document. assistance upto @25 per cent of total financial outlay or Rs. distribution of improved varieties/hybrid seeds. Jaipur and Small Farmers Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC). Under National Project on Organic Farming (NPOF). crops and risk commitment was introduced in the country from Rabi 1999-2000 replacing Comprehensive Crop Insurance Scheme (CCIS). that was accorded in principle approval by Prime Minister’s Council on Climate Change on September 23. farm machinery and resource conservation technologies along with capacity building of farmers. flood. pests and diseases. The Act empowers Central Government to make Rules for : (a) fixing grade designation to indicate quality of any scheduled article. Agriculture Marketing : The Government has been playing an important role in developing Agriculture Marketing system in the country. resource conservation techniques/energy management. hailstorm. The scheme is implemented by the Agriculture Insurance of India Ltd. award for best performing districts. The Marketing Division of the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC) is concerned with the policy and programme aspects of agricultural marketing and its implementation by the three organizations under its administrative control. National Project on Management of Soil Health & Fertility (NPMSH&F) and Soil and Land Use Survey of India under its domain. National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) : NAIS with the aim to increase coverage of farmers. need based plant and soil management. 2010 are aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture through seventeen deliverables focusing on ten key dimensions of Indian agriculture. whichever is less. These standards differentiate between quality and 2-3 grades are prescribed for each commodity.e. Ch.4 | AGRICULTURE The basic strategy of the Mission is to promote and extend improved technologies. National Project on Management of Soil Health and Fertility (NPMSHF) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY). soil amendments. cropping system based training and local initiatives. whichever is less. The major interventions/activities covered under NFSM include cluster demonstrations of rice. NMSA is expected to transform Indian agriculture into a climate resilient production system through suitable adaptation and mitigation measures in the domains of both crop husbandry and animal husbandry. National Horticulture Mission (NHM). Grades help farmers/traders to get prices for their agricultural commodities as per the quality produced by them and consumers get the desired quality. NMSA will accord special focus for development of rainfed areas. wheat and pulses. (AIC). 40 lakh tonnes (33.535 crore during 2012-13 which is about 25.19 lakh tonnes for inland fisheries) in 2012-13. These customized fertilizers are multi-nutrient carrier designed to contain macro and micro nutrients and are soil and crops specific.CHAPTER. and taking them across to farmers through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).37.47 Iakh tonnes for marine and 17.541 crore during 2012-13 which was about 4. • Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS). education and extension enabling development and infusion of appropriate technologies by ICAR Institutes and Agricultural Universities. Milk production in the beginning of Twelfth Plan (2012-13) was 132. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . Several measures have been initiated by the Government to increase the productivity of livestock.per training through State Government/ ICAR/SAUs/Fertilizer Industry. National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture (NeGP-A) : This Centrally Sponsored Mission Mode Project (MMP) sanctioned at a total cost Rs.000/per FFD is provided.57 lakh tonnes (24. 227. the value of output from fisheries sector at current price was about 91. Fish production has increased from 41.per demonstration of one acre area is provided through State Government /ICAR/SAUs/Fertilizer Industry.02% at constant prices (2004-05). which has resulted in increasing the milk production significantly from the level of 102. The per capita availability of milk was around 296 grams per day in 201213. India is the second largest producer of fish and the second largest producer of fresh water fish in the world.36% of the value of agricultural and allied sector output at current price.4 | AGRICULTURE For eco-sensitive farming. • Field demonstrations on balanced use of fertilizers are conducted at farmers field for which financial assistance of 10. fishing. and forestry sector at current price and 26. Livestock Production : Livestock production and agriculture are intrinsically linked. Government is promoting balanced use of fertilizers and various measures taken to promote balanced use of fertilizers are as below: • National Project on Management of Soil Health and Fertility has been under implementation since 2008-09 to promote soil test based. • Financial assistance for two days training for farmers on balanced use of fertilizers is provided @ 10.43 million tonnes with an annual growth rate of 3. This has been possible through pertinent agricultural research.000/.9 million tonnes at the end of the Eleventh Plan (2011-12). formulated on the basis of soil testing results. providing employment to over 50% of the work force and striving towards food security as well as inclusive growth and development. the value of output from livestock sector at current prices was about 5.000/.118 kms apart from the inland water resources. balanced and judicious use of chemical fertilizers in conjunction with organic sources of nutrients to improve soil fertility.54%. • For confidence building of farmers about usefulness of balanced use of fertilizers. Bhopal has been sanctioned a project for preparation of Geo-Referenced Soil Fertility maps including interlinking of soil fertility status with Soil Test Crop Response (STCR) data to generate site specific recommendations for use of chemical fertilizers in 19 major states (171 districts).79 crore for implementation in seven States during Phase-I of the programme introduced during the last phase of the 11th plan (2010-11).10 lakh tonnes for inland fisheries) in 1991-92 to 90. As per the estimates of CSO.21 lakh tonnes for marine and 57. • Ministry of Agriculture has been encouraging use of customized fertilizers with an objective to promote site specific nutrient management so as to achieve maximum fertilizer use efficiency. The NeGP-A aims to achieve rapid development of agriculture in India through the use of ICT by ensuring timely access to agriculture related information for the farmers of the country. Agriculture Research : Agriculture in India accounts for over 14% of the GDP and 12% of country’s exports. Milk Production : India continues to be the largest producer of milk in the world.I 24 . According to the estimates of the Central Statistics Office (CSO). soil testing laboratories conduct Frontline Field Demonstrations (FFD) on balanced use of fertilizers and financial assistance @ 20.6 million tonnes at the end of the Tenth Plan (2006-07) to 127. Fisheries Production : The country has vast potential for fisheries in view of our long coastline of about 8. each being dependent on the other.63% of the value of output from total agricultural. and both crucial for overall food security. is today widely exhibited by artistes across the country. It also gives scholarships to deserving young artists belonging to its regional centres. biannual art journals. two main divisions being classical and folk. INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE LALIT KALA AKADEMI : To promote and propagate understanding of Indian art. 1961. 1860 (as amended in 1957). Kathakali. Kuchipudi and Odissi. though it derives its roots from Tamil Nadu. folk and tribal arts authored by eminent writers and art critics. Odissi from Odisha. It themes are derived from mythology. In 1961. The Ministry also nurtures Gandhian Heritage and is responsible for commemoration of important historical events and centenaries of great personalities. both tangible and intangible. the Government of India established Lalit Kala Akademi (National Akademi of Arts) at New Delhi on 5 August. Lalit Kala Contemporary (English). The ephemeral quality of the arts. Important among them are Bhrata Natyam. These functions are set down in the Akademi’s Memorandum of Association.000 years. has developed into an all India form. The festivals of music. and the need for their preservation led to the adapting of a democratic system in which the common man had the opportunity to learn. dance and drama presented or promoted by the Akademi are held all over India. adopted at its registration as a society on 11th September. This has led to the existence of family traditions called gharanas and sampradayas. Ministry of Culture preserves and conserves ancient cultural heritage and promotes art and culture. Manipur has contributed to a delicate. practise and propagate the art. Dance and Drama. Each region limits ethnic folk/tribal dances. Manipuri. lyrical style of dance. both within and outside the country. Kathakali is a dance form of Kerala. Bharata Natyam. legends and classical literature. 1954. PERFORMING ARTS MUSIC : Two main schools of classical music—Hindustani and Carnatic continue to survive through oral tradition being passed on by teachers to disciples. The Akademi has worked towards building up a unified structure of support for the practice of music. The Lalit Kala Akademi accords recognition to art institutions/ associations and extends financial assistance to these bodies as well as State Academies.CHAPTER-5 | CULTURE AND TOURISM CHAPTER FIVE | CULTURE AND TOURISM CULTURE plays an important role in the development agenda of any nation.I 25 . SANGEET NATAK AKADEMI : Sangeet Natak Akademi. Kathak is a classical dance form revitalized as a result of Mughal influence on Indian culture. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . traditional. is a pioneer in creation of modern India that led politically to India’s freedom in 1947. Lalit Kala Ancient (English) and Samkaleen Kala (Hindi). and urban as well as rural environments. dance and drama in India encompassing traditional and modern forms. DANCE : Dance in India has an unbroken tradition of over 2. Sangeet Natak Akademi was reconstituted by the Government as a society and registered under the Societies Registration Act. Kathak. The Akademi brings out monographs on the works of Indian contemporary artists in Hindi and English and books on contemporary. once practised as a temple dance. Classical dance forms are based on ancient dance discipline and have rigid rules of presentation. while Kuchipudi is a dance form owing its origin to Andhra Pradesh. India’s National Academy of Music. called Manipuri. Flute and Talam (Nattuvangam/cymbals) Famous Dancers: Bala Saraswati. Damayanti Joshi.form from Orissa. Kathak (North India). the dancer is able to find adequate space for improvisations and Suggestive bhavas or emotions. Sarengi and Talam(cymbals) Famous Dancers: Bharati Gupta. Sambhu Maharaj.I 26 . Odissi (Orissa). Tabla. Vishnu or Krishna is most often the hero. Sonal Mansingh. Veena. Kumudini Lakhia. in the Natwari style (as it was then called) but the Moghul invasion of North India had a serious impact on the dance. bharati Sivaji. Rukmini Devi. Kanak Rele. Jaganam. Violin. Kalamandalam Satyabhama. story". Manipur' (Manipur). MOHINIYATTAM : The theme of Mohiniyattam dance is love and devotion to god. Leela Samson. I must get It first. Instruments Used: Pakwaj. The basic dance steps are the Adavus which are of four kinds: Taganam. the pure dance aspect and less on abhinaya (expression and emotion). The criteria for being considered as classical is the sty1e’s adherence to the guidelines laid down in Natyashastra. Chandrasekhar. Through slow and medium tempos. towering head gear. The dancer is attired in a beautiful white with gold border Kasavu saree of Kerala. Famous Dancers: Kalamandalam Kshemavati. The spectators can feel His invisible presence when the heroine or her maid details dreams and ambitions through circular movements. CV. BHARATANATYAM : Bharatanatyam originated in Tamil. Mohiniyatam (Kerala). Dhaganarn and Sammisram. Ustad Vilayat Khan and Padma Vibhushan : Ustad Vilayat Khan controversially refused the padma Vibhushan in 2000. The Sangeet Natak Akademi currently confers classical status on eight Indian classical dance styles: Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu). Folk dances of India vary according to the region and have no specific grammar. Kathakali (Kerala). Two main divisions of its forms are classical and folk. Mrinalirti Sambhai.”If there is any award for sitar in India . The Mohiniyattam dancer maintains realistic make-up and adorns a simple costume. Traditionally the stories were of Radha and Krishna. Sanyukta Panigrahi. Durga Das. These names are derived from the nomenclature called vairtari. which explains the Indian art of acting. Instruments Used: Chenda. In his words . Sitara Devi KATHAKALI : Kathakali (katha. Instruments Used: Mridangam. called devadasis. ODISSI : Odissi. with the distinctive white jasmin flowers around a French bun at the side of her head. Harmonium. The dance was taken to Muslim courts and thus it became more entertaining and less religious in content. They fit in with the scheme of festivals in each region. Birju Maharaj. Gopi Krishna.CHAPTER-5 | CULTURE AND TOURISM DANCES OF INDIA Dance in India has an unbroken tradition of over 2000 years. This dance form has been handed down through the centuries by dance teachers (or gurus) called nattuwanars and the temple dancers. More emphasis was laid on nritta. in comparison to costumes of other dances. In the sacred environment of the temple these familes developed and propagated their heritage. kali. delicate footsteps and subtle expressions. the dance . "performance") is a highly stylized classical dance drama form which originated from Kerala in the 17th century. Padrna Subrarnanyam. such as Kathakali. and Sattriya (Assam). is supposed to be the oldest surviving classical dance form from India.Odissi is based on the popular devotion to Lord Krishna and the verses of the Sanskrit play Geet Govinda are INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh). The training traditionally took around seven years under the direction of the nattuwanar who were scholars and persons of great learning.Nadu and was earlier known as Daasiyatam. and the rhythmic agility of the feet is accompanied by the table or pakhawaj. calling it an insult and saying he would not accept any award that other sitar players had received earlier. Yamini Krishnamurthi KATHAK : Kathak means 'to tell a story' This north Indian dance form is inextricably bound with classical Hindustani music. Cynioals and Ela taalam. Sunanda Nair. Maddalam. This classical dance form is particularly noticed for dancer's elaborate costume. Priyambada Mohanty. concentrating on the tribhang or the division of the body into three parts. and the style is a blend of folk and classical. flute and cymbals. Instruments Used: Pakwaj. of the Mairang dynasty re-enacted the dance and it became known as Lai-Haraoba. Parvati. whose temple is in Puri. table. The Odissi dancers use their head. Hundreds of centuries later. lyrical classical dance which depicts the ambience of Orissa and the philosophy of its most popular deity. Nirmala Mehta. the mudras and the expressions are similar to those of Bharatnatyam. Cymbals and Ela taatam KUCTDPUDI : Kuchipudi derives Its name from the village Kuchipudy (Kuchelapuram) in Andhra Pradesh from where it originated. Dhirendra Nath Pattnaik. in the 11th century. occasionally in fusion dance experiments. Famous Dancers: Debaprasad Das. The dance drama that still exists today and can most closely be associated with the Sanskrit theatrical tradition is Kuchipudi which is Kuchipudy also known as bhagavata Mela Natakarm. during the reign of Raja Loyamba. Radha and the gopis danced the Ras Leela. at cultural shows for connoisseurs and also at international events. The actors sing and dance. so to please her he chose the beautiful area of Manipur and re-enacted the Ras Leela. Kelucharan Mahapatra. Odissi performances are replete with lores of the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. The form is curvaceous. Kathakali is performed regularly at festivals in temples. Recent developments in Kathakali over the years include improved looks. and long silver nails. Lord Krishna lt is a soft. In ancient texts it has been compared to the movement of the planets around the sun. Maddalam. head. refined gestures and added themes besides more ornate singing and precise drumming. harmonium. Nayana jhaveri. It is said that when Krishna. Sonal Mansingh. Lord Jagannath. prince Khamtsa of the Khomal dynasty and Princess Thaibi . bust and torso. Savita Mehta INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . On the temple walls of Bhubaneshwar. Instruments Used : Chenda.I 27 . Flute and Talam (Nattuvangarn/ cymbals) MANIPURI : This dance style was originally called jogai which means circular movement. Instruments Used: Pung and cymbals Famous Dancers: Guru Blum Sinha. the consort of Lord Shiva also wished to see this dance. Violin. Veena. Arguably this is why this technique has greater freedom and fluidity than other dance styles. SATTRIYA : Sattriya Nritya emerged front the sanctum of Assam’s sattras in the latter half of the 19th century Until the first half of the 19th century this dance style was performed in a highly ritualistic manner by male dancers alone as the sattras had maintained certain rigid disciplines and austerities within their KATHAKALI : Kathakali billowing skirts. Puri and Konark the dance sculptures of Odissi are clearly visible.CHAPTER-5 | CULTURE AND TOURISM used to depict the love and devotion to God. lndrani Rahman. Jhaveri Sisters. bust and torso in soft flowing movements to express specific moods and emotions. Shiva made sure that no one disturbed the beauty of the dancing. Vempathi Chinna Sathyarm Instruments Used: Mridangam. Famous dancers: josyula Seethararmaiah. the most ancient dance of Manipur. N. the city of Chennai in India has its six week-long Music Season. Every December.I 28 .Mysore Manjunath. found predominantly in the peninsular regions. It remains fundamental to the lives of Indians today as sources of spiritual inspiration. Umayalapuram sivaraman. TM Krishna.2 million ragas (or scales) in Carnatic Music. historical Vedic philosophy and native Indian sounds but also enriched by the Persian performance practices of the Mughals. It has served as the foundation for most music in South India. CARNATIC MUSIC : The present form of Carnatic music is based on historical developments that can be traced to the 15th . Mysore Nagaraj. Kalpanaswaram. . it has contemporary traditions established primarily in India but also in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Balamuralikrishna. on themes not merely mythological. etc. and Hindustani music. Prapancharn Sita Raman. CLASSICAL MUSIC : The two main traditions of classical music are Carnatic music. dhamar. with around 300 still in use today.cyrnbals and Khol (Drum). has a history spanning millennia and developed over several eras.16th centuries AD and thereafter however. This was an artistic way of presenting mythological teachings to the people in an accessible. Sattriya was performed only by bhokots (male monks) in monasteries as a part of their daily rituals or to mark special festivals. in addition to this practice. Purandara Dasa is considered the father of carnatic music. Ariyakudi Ramanuja iyengar (the father of the current concert format). festival music and has also extended its influence to film music in the past 100-150 years or so. India's classical music tradition. It is one of the oldest musical forms that continue to survive today. India has a very rich tradition in music. the form itself is reputed to have been one of the gifts bestowed on man by the gods of Hindu mythology. and even when played on instruments. Noted artists of Carnatic Music include MS Subbulakshmi. Hindustani music was not only influenced by ancient Hindu musical traditions. including folk music. Today. which has been described as the world's largest cultural event. they are meant to be performed in a singing style. Ragam Tanam Pallavi The main emphasis is on the vocals as most compositions are written to be sung. Developing a strong and diverse tradition over several centuries. Hindustani Music Hindustani music is an Indian classical music tradition that goes back to Vedic times around 1000 BC. Sri Tyagaraja. Lalgudi Jayaraman. The core of Sattriya Nritya has usually been mythological stories.including Carnatic and Hindustani music. found in the northern and central regions. Classical genres are dhrupad. Instruments Used: Violin.CHAPTER-5 | CULTURE AND TOURISM MUSIC OF INDIA Music is one of the oldest and finest forms of human expression. and enjoyable manner traditionally. Carnatic music is melodic. Sri Shyama Shastry and Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar are considered the trinity of carnatic music and with them came the golden age in carnatic music in the 18th19th century. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . a sacred text. of academic research on the dance form all contributed to the recognition and acceptance of Sattriya Nritya as one of the eight classical dance forms of India. in the case of more advanced students. and. with improvised variations. tarana and sadra. It further developed circa the 13th and 14th centuries AD with Persian influences and from existing religious and folk music The practice of singing based on notes was popular even from t ne Vedic times where the hymns in Sama Veda. TN Se-shagopalan and more recently Sanjay Subrahmanyan. There are about 7. were sung as Samagana'and not chanted. Dr. In contrast to Carnatic music. K J Yesudas. Ramani. Sattriya is also performed on stage by men and women who are not members of the sattras. Neraval. immediate. Semmangudi Srinivasa iyer. It consists of a composition with improvised embellishments added to the piece in the forms of Raga Alapana. khyal. cultural expression and pure entertainment. Bombay jayashri. seminars. etc. The training course at NSD is of three years duration. cultural exchange programmes and literary meets organised all over the country. costume design. scene design. viii) Training in Archaeology. preservation and dissemination of culture in the entire country. The Akademi was founded in March 1954 as an autonomous body fully funded by he Department of Culture. including theatre history. It was registered as a Society in 1956 under the Societies Registration Act. The three fellowships by Sahitya Akademi are: 1. Later in 1975.CHAPTER-5 | CULTURE AND TOURISM SAHITYA AKADEMI : Sahitya Akademi is the Indian National Academy of Letters. Jaipur and Puducherry. Premchand Fellowship NATIONAL SCHOOL OF DRAMA : The National School of Drama (NSD)—one of the foremost theatre institutions in the world and the only one of its kind in India was set up by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1959. These centres have already established themselves as a premier agency in the field of promotion. 1860. sites and remains. It has a Regional Office at Bhopal and three Record Centres at Bhubaneswar.I 29 . a Repertory Compar ‘to establish professional theatre and regular experimental work. workshops. The Theatre-in-Education Company(renamed ar Sanskar Rang Toli) was founded in 1989 and has been actively involved in production of plays for children. lighting. totally financed by Department of Culture. organising summer theatre workshops in the school of Delhi and also promoting children’s theatre through Saturday Club. The School has a performing wing. Anand Fellowship 3. The NSD as promoted children’s theatre. to promote Indian literature through publications translations. The major activities of the Archaeological Survey of India are: i) Survey of archaeological remains and excavations. The objective of NSD is to train in students in all aspects of theatre. vi) Setting up and re-organisation of site museums. It is the official custodian of all non-current record of permanent value of the Government of India and its predecessor bodies. ix) Publication of technical reports and research works. TANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA : The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was established in 1861. The organisation is headed b he Director General. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . Sahitya Akademi Honorary Fellowship 2. NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF INDIA : The National Archives of India (NAT). production. ZONAL CULTURAL CENTRES (ZCC) : Zonal Cultural Centres aim to arouse awareness of the local cultures and to show how these merge into zonal identities and eventually into the rich diversity of India’s composite culture. ii) Maintenance and conservation of centrally protected monuments. makeup. v) Development of epigraphical research and numismatic studies. The Akademi has recognised 24 languages. 1891. iv) Architectural survey of monuments. iii) Chemical preservation of monuments and antiquarian remains. They promote performing arts by significant contribution in literary and visual arts. was originally established in Kolkata on 11 March. It has an Advisory Board for each of the languages that suggests various programmes and publications in the concerned languages. it became an autonomous organisation. vii) Expeditions abroad. It functions as an attached office of the Department of Culture. New Delhi known until independence as Imperial Record Department. to serve as a nodal and empowered body for all core statistical activities of the country.839 in 2012-13 showing a rise of 10. 1948. The major source of data of IIP is. The estimates are also simultaneously being released as per use-based classification viz. transmission and distribution of electricity registered with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) were covered under ASI up to 1997-98 irrespective of their employment size. 39. 12 July. one relating to Statistics and the other relating to Programme Implementation.9%.4 lakh crore. ANNUAL SURVEY OF INDUSTRIES (ASI) : The Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) is the principal source of industrial statistics in India. The survey is statutory under the Collection of Statistics Act. (ii) Infrastructure and Project Monitoring. as per the advance estimates for 2013-14 turns out to be Rs. At current prices. with a weight of 45.. Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) declared as an institute of National importance by an Act of Parliament. and (iii) Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme. The survey covers all factories registered under Sections 2m(i) and 2m(ii) of the Factories Act. at 49. repair services. The per capita income at current prices during 2013-14 is estimated at Rs. per capita net national income at factor cost at constant (2004-05) prices.4 percent.2%. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . The Programme Implementation Wing has three Divisions. 1953/2008.e. namely : (i) Twenty Point Programme. the growth rate of National Income is 11. the National Income has shown a growth of 4. The Statistics Wing redesignated as National Statistics Office (NSO) consists of the Central Statistical Office (CSO) and the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). The setting up of the NSC followed the decision of the Cabinet to accept the recommendation of the Rangarajan Commission.e. NATIONAL STATISTICAL COMMISSION (NSC) : The Government of India through a resolution dated 1st June. th PER CAPITA REAL INCOME AND PER CAPITA NET NATIONAL INCOME : The per capita real income. however. objectively and realistically. 1999 after the merger of the Department of Statistics and the Department of Programme Implementation. 2006. consumer durables and non-durables. intermediate goods. and at constant (2004-05) prices. of electricity gas and water supply and cold storage. All the electricity undertakings engaged in the generation. which reviewed the Indian Statistical System in 2001. viz. 67.CHAPTER-6 | BASIC ECONOMIC DATA CHAPTER SIX | BASIC ECONOMIC DATA THE Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation came into existence as an Independent Ministry on 15th October.856 for 2012-13. there is National Statistical Commission (NSC) created through a Resolution of Government of India and one autonomous institute. monitor and enforce statistical priorities and to ensure statistical coordination. The National Statistical Commission (NSC) was initially constituted w.3 lakh core.f. transmission etc. The Ministry has two wings. 2005 decided to set up the National Statistical Commission (NSC). the change in the growth.I 30 . 92. 74.920 as compared to Rs. INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION (IIP) : The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is released every month in the form of Quick Estimates with a time-lag of about 6 weeks as per the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) norms of IMF. Besides these three wings. basic goods. generation.. i.8 percent during 2013-14. These estimates are revised subsequently on receipt of updated production data from 16 different source agencies in various Ministries/Departments/Attached/ Subordinate Offices.961 as against the first revised estimate of Rs. capital goods. The survey also covers bidi and cigar manufacturing establishments registered under the Bidi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act. At constant (2004-05) prices. 38. NATIONAL INCOME : The National Income of the country (which is the net national income at factor cost) during 2013-14 at current prices is estimated at Rs. The ASI extends to the entire country.6 per cent in overall IIP. 1966. It provides statistical information to access and evaluate. composition and structure of the organized manufacturing sector comprising activities related to manufacturing processes. to evolve. the Ministry of Commerce and Industry that supplies data for 268 item groups. This indicates a growth of per capita real income of about 2. Initially the MPLADS was under the control of Ministry of Rural Development. the funds not ‘released in a particular year will be carried forward for making releases in the subsequent years subject to eligibility.. Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) under the Collection of Statistics Act and Enterprise Surveys. visually impaired. initiated in 1975 was restructured in 1982. The structure constructed with MPLADS funds shall be the property of State/UT Government. The Trusts/Societies and Cooperative Societies are eligible to receive only 50 lakh in their lifetime. housing. by following the State Government administrative. selection of implementing agencies. lepers. as a follow up of the Economic Census. sanctioning. as special Central Assistance to States. based on locally felt need to be taken up in their Constituencies/States. The scheme is governed by a set of Guidelines. in diverse fields. MPLADS funds is released in two instalments of 2. MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT LOCAL AREA DEVELOPMENTS SCHEME : The Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) was launched by the Government of India on 23 December. known as Twenty Point Programme (TPP) — 2006. The programme. protection of environment and many other schemes having a bearing on the quality of life. (ii) In 1993-94.5 per cent respectively of MPLADS funds for INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . Primary data is collected regularly through nationwide household surveys on various SocioEconomic subjects. spastic/mentally retarded children or for deaf and dumb children are eligible for receiving a maximum of 1 crore in their entire lifetime for creation of charitable and residential home.5 crore each by the Government of India directly to the District Authorities for execution of the eligible works recommended by the MPs. have been given priority. (viii) Special attention is given for infrastructural development of areas inhabited by Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes population by earmarking 15 per cent and 7. plays a significant role in the improvement of crop statistics through supervision of the area enumeration and crop estimation surveys of the State agencies. rd The salient features of the MPLAD scheme are as follows: (i) MPLADS is a plan scheme fully funded by Government of India. education. Public health. However Trust/Societies that run charitable residential homes for orphans. sanitation and roads etc. family welfare & health. 1994. old/aged persons. The present Guidelines were issued in August 2012. 1986 and 2006. (vi) Right from the inception of the scheme. The restructured programme. It also maintains a frame of urban area units for use in sample surveys in urban areas. in the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation.CHAPTER-6 | BASIC ECONOMIC DATA THE NATIONAL SAMPLE SURVEY OFFICE (NSSO) : The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO). widows. The elected members of the Rajya Sabha can recommend works anywhere in the State from which they are elected. technical and financial rules. prioritization and overall execution and monitoring of the scheme at the ground level. This was further increased to 5 crore from 2011-12. (vii) MPs can also recommend community infrastructure and public utility building works for registered Societies/Trusts and Cooperative Societies up to a ceiling for 1 crore in a financial year. which have been comprehensively revised from time to time. especially those living below the poverty line. The subject relating to the MPLAD Scheme was transferred to this Ministry in October. 2007. Nominated Members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha can recommend works for implementation anywhere in the country. an amount of 5 lakh per MP was allotted which was enhanced to 1 crore per MP per annum from 1994-95 and to 2 crore from 1998-99.I 31 . (iii) The funds released under the scheme are non-lapsable i. when the scheme was launched. under which funds are released in the form of Grant-in-aid. (v) The Lok Sabha Members shall recommend works in their respective constituencies. drinking water. is done by the District Authorities. TWENTY POINT PROGRAMME : The Twenty Point Programme (TPP) was conceived to improve the quality of life of the people.e. primary education. employment generation in rural areas. (iv) Examining the eligibility. on an all India basis. It gives a thrust to schemes relating to poverty alleviation. funding. is responsible for conducting large scale sample surveys. especially in the rural areas. works for creation of durable assets of national priorities viz. 1993 mechanism for Members of Parliament to recommend works of developmental nature for creation of durable community assets and for provision of basic facilities including community infrastructure. NSSO collects data on rural and urban prices. became operational with effect from 1st April. st st INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . (xv) Release of 1 instalment equal to 50% of annual entitlement in respect of MPs at the time of constitution of Lok Sabha and election to the Rajya Sabha is done automatically without waiting for a district authorities. release of first instalment was made subject to the condition that second instalment of previous year was released for the MP concerned and also subject to furnishing of provisional Utilization Certificate of previous year covering at least 80 per cent of the expenditure of the 1 instalment of previous year. (ix) Also to encourage Trusts/Societies to work for the betterment of the tribal people. the MP can recommend eligible works under the guidelines up to a maximum of Rs. (xx) The roles of Central Government. to a place outside their State/UT.CHAPTER-6 | BASIC ECONOMIC DATA those areas and in case there is insufficient tribal population in the area of Lok Sabha Member. Lok Sabha MPs from the non-affected areas of that state can recommend permissible works to the tune of up to Rs. colleges and public library are allowed subject to some financial restriction. 10 lakh per year for giving assistance to physically challenged persons for purchase of tri-cycles (including motorized tri-cycles). the ceiling of Rs. (xvi) To bring in more financial accountability. District Authorities and Implementing Agencies have been clearly demarcated for implementation of MPLAD Scheme. (xviii) 2 per cent of the MPLAD fund which is part of the annual entitlement of the MP has been allowed to District/State Authorities for their administrative expenses. this amount may be utilized in SC inhabited areas and vice-versa. From financial year 2012-13. they may recommend this amount for the creation of community assets in tribal areas outside of their constituency within their state of election. to contribute MPLADS funds. (xiv) Purchase of computers and Visual Display Units (VDU) for government aided institutions are also allowed. finds the need. (xvii) Funds released by the Government of India are deposited by the District Administration in nationalized banks. State Government. 50 lakh for the affected district. (xii) MP can spend a maximum of Rs. 25 Lakh should be used for the creation of public utility building assets primarily for the benefit of tribal people in tribal areas.I 32 . or outside the constituency within the states or both. 75 lakh where the additional amount of Rs. (xi) If an elected Member of Parliament. (xix) The normal financial and audit procedures prevalent in the states in which the works are executed apply with regard to the implementation of the works. battery operated motorize wheel chair and artificial limbs. 10 lakh in a financial year. 50 lakh has been increased to Rs. Utilization Certificate and Audit Certificate for the previous financial year are also pre-requisites for the release of the second instalment. (xiii) Purchase of books for schools. 10 lakh per annum in those areas. (x) In order to undertake rehabilitation works in the areas affected by calamities in a state. In case a state does not have ST inhabited areas. In the event of calamity of severe nature in any part of the country an MP can recommend works up to a maximum of Rs. 8 per cent and 2.8 per cent in 2012 and is projected to accelerate further to 4 per cent and 5. no country can remain isolated from the changes occurring in the rest of the world.3 per cent in 2014 and 2015 respectively. During the period 2013-14. Emerging market and developing economies is projected to grow at the rate of 4.7 per cent in 2014 is still below 20 years (1983-2013) average of 5.7 per cent in 2013-14 as per provisional estimate.1 percent in 2013-14.1 per cent of exports. The deficit fell sharply in 2013-14 by 27. India’s merchandise exports of GDP increased from 12.5 billion US $ on the back of 8. India is becoming increasingly integrated with the global economy.44 per cent.5 percent in 2004-05 to 44. However.23 per cent in India’s total exports. The Department formulates. (in Rupee terms). growth in volume of world trade increased marginally to 3. TRADE SCENARIO : India’s total external trade (exports plus imports including re-export) in the year 1991-92 stood at Rs.481 crore. India’s total merchandise trade as a percentage of GDP increased from 29. Both North and Latin America stand third together as a region with a share of 17. During 2012-13. the growth of 4.I 33 .6 per cent in 2004-05 to 18. growth in Global Trade was 2. India is the sixth largest exporter (with a share of 3. NE Asia and South Asia accounted for 49. As per the rankings for the year 2013 by WTO in its Press Release. India’s GDP growth has come down from 8. 91.6 percent in 2009-10 to 4. 2014. 2014. the value of India’s external trade reached Rs. India has trading relations with all the major trading blocks and all the geographical regions of the world. In an increasingly connected world.893 crore. Other West Asia. Region-wise and sub region-wise spread of India’s trade during 2012-13 and 2013-14.CHAPTER-7 | COMMERCE CHAPTER SEVEN | COMMERCE THE basic role of the Department of Commerce is creation of an enabling environment and infrastructure for accelerated growth of exports.9 per cent). April. In Commercial Services.57 per cent of which comprises 16. development and promotion of India’s International Trade and Commerce through formulation of appropriate international commercial policy and implementation of the various provisions thereof.7 per cent in 2014 and by 5.2 per cent in 2014 and 2015 while advanced economies are projected to grow at the rate of 1. Consequently India also suffered deceleration in growth which was further compounded by domestic structural constraints and inflationary pressures.42 per cent) has been INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part .3 per cent.8 percent to 137.1 per cent in 2013 over 2. implements and monitors Policy (FTP) which provides the basic framework of policy followed for promoting exports and trade. As per WTO. During the same period. India was the 19th largest exporter (with a share of 1. 4.3 per cent in 2015.303.3 per cent contraction of imports over the previous year and mild growth of 4. Its mandate is regulation.6 per cent and 5. in the top destinations USA (12. The year 2013-14 also witnessed a reversal in the trend of trade deficit that had ballooned to 190.7 percent) and 12 largest importer (with a share of 2.1 per cent in 2013 against 2.3 per cent) and seventh largest importer (with a share of 2. region corn ASEAN. West Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).45 per cent of India’s total of Europe in India’s exports stood at 18. th As per IMFs World Economic Outlook (WEO) July.3 percent in 2012. this has witnessed continuous increase with occasional slowdown. Since then.1 per cent in 2013-14.3 billion US $ by 201213 from 6 billion US $ by 2012-13 from 6 billion US $ in 2000-01. The global growth in 2013-14 was marked by persistent uncertainty caused by crisis in Euro area and general slowdown in global economy.5 per cent) of merchandise trade in the world. Global Trade is expected to grow by 4. The Trade Policy is periodically reviewed to incorporate changes necessary to take care of emerging economic scenarios both in the domestic and international economy. the share of Asia comprising East Asia.4 percent in 2014 and 2015. 09.995.819.66 –18. China (4. This export obligation is over and above the average level of exports of same and similar products achieved by the applicant in the preceding three licensing years.771. Hong Kong 66. in Crore) Rank Country Apr-Mar 2013 Apr – Mar 2014 % Growth % Share 1. production and post-production subject to a specific export obligation equivalent to 6 times of duty saved amount to be fulfilled in 6 years reckoned from authorization issue-date.77 4.384.41 4.96.71 90.4 8.338. and Singapore (3.59 1.515.18 –35. The calculation of the benefit shall be on annual basis under the extended scheme.08 1.35.772.832. It has been agreed to extend this scheme for the year 2013-14.96 8.126.84. This scheme is available for exports made to USA. China PRP 2.97.22 6.28 2.94 TABLE : TOP FIVE COUNTRIES OF IMPORT (Value of Rs.37. TABLE : TOP FIVE COUNTRIES OF EXPORT (Value of Rs.80 2. Widening the Scope of Utilization of Duty Credit Scrip : Duty Credit Scrips issued under Focus Market Scheme.684.42 2. 2013 to March. in Crore) Rank Country Apr-Mar 2013 Apr – Mar 2014 % Growth % Share 1. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part .74. 2013.05 5.63 4.898. 2012 for the exports made during January.33 1.99 5.49 19.240. Focus Product Scheme and Vishesh Krishi Gramin Udyog Yojana (VKGUY) can be used for payment of service tax on procurement of services within the legal framework of service tax exemption notifications under the Finance Act. EU and Asia.968.12.46 –1. Singapore 73.7 –6. Saudi Arabia 1.36. Switzerland 1.85 1.39 2.234.511.238.6 9.35 74.686.05 per cent).74. Incremental Exports Incentivisation Scheme : Government has announced Incremental Export Incentivisation Scheme on 26th December.613.14 Zero Duty Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme : The EPCG scheme allows import of capital goods on zero duty for preproduction.12 3.32 3.77 per cent).18 4. USA 1.94 percent).84.20. USA 1.923. United Arab Emirates 1.12.46 4. China PRP 73.98 15. 1994.11 4.84.7 3.59 3.CHAPTER-7 | COMMERCE the most important country of export destination followed by United per cent).17 77. United Arab Emirates 2. Holder of the scrip shall be entitled to avail drawback or CENVAT credit of the service tax debited in the scripts as per Department of Revenue rules.74 11.778.34 23.I 34 .29 12.99 1. Hong Kong (4.4 20. g. Norway. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (FTA) TERMINOLOGY Preferential Trading Agreement (PTA) Tariff liberalization on a limited number of lines e. EFTA European Free Trade Association 4 Iceland. are the ‘building blocks’ towards the overall objective of trade liberalization and should complement the multilateral trading system. Sri Lanka. 2. Liechtenstein and Switzerland. BIMSTEC Bay of Bengal Initiative on MultiSectoral Trade and Economic Cooperation 7 Bangladesh. Mutual Recognition. India-Korea CEPA. 3.Sri Lanka FTA Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) CECA or CEPA or BTIA terms are used to describe Agreements which consist of an integrated package of Agreement on Goods. Malaysia. Philippines. predictable. Investment. FTAs. Bhutan Myanmar. India. India .g. INDIA’S ENGAGEMENT IN FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS (FTAS) : India has always stood for an open. Cambodia. Oman. China. Myanmar.g. and Nepal.No. Thailand. e.I 35 . Sri Lanka. Fifty three countries of Latin America and Africa have been added with the objective to increase India’s share in these markets. APTA Asia Pacific Trade Agreement 5 Bangladesh. Qatar and Yemen. IndiaMercosur PTA. in India’s point of view. Kuwait. The present export to each of these markets is less than US$ 100 million.REGIONAL GROUPINGS AND ITS MEMBERS S. Laos. 4. Indonesia. ASEAN Association of Southeast Asian Nations 10 Brunei. Broad based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) ACRONYMS . Singapore.CHAPTER-7 | COMMERCE The Government has also agreed to include additional countries under Incremental Exports Incentivisation Scheme. 5. Intellectual Property etc. Republic of Korea. Thailand and Vietnam. non-discriminatory and rule based international trading system. Free Trade Agreement (PTA) Elimination of Tariffs on items covering substantial bilateral trade between the partner countries e. GCC Gulf Cooperation Council 6 Saudi Arabia. equitable. Acronym Grouping Number of Members Countries Member Countries Name of Member Countries 1. Services. India. Singapore. Bangladesh. Pakistan. France. 9. a few areas in agriculture. SACU Southern African Customs Union 5 South Africa. MERC OSUR Southern Common Market (Spanish: Mercado Comun del Sur-) 4 Argentina. Oman. Philippines. it was decided at the Eighth Ministerial Conference in 2011 to focus on areas where convergence was possible. Mozambique. 8. Tanzania. Lesotho. Bhutan and the Maldives 10. RCEP 10 ASEAN Members States (Brunei. Brazil. Singapore. Malaysia. Yemen. Egypt. India. China. South Korea and New Zealand Doha Round of Trade Negotiations in the World Trade Organisation The 2001 Ministerial Conference in Doha had mandated a comprehensive development agenda for multilateral trade negotiations. Madagascar.CHAPTER-7 | COMMERCE 6. Cambodia Indonesia. Accordingly. Laos. Swaziland and Namibia. Kenya. Malaysia.I 36 . United Kingdom and the United States of America 11. Brazil and South Africa. Seychelles and the Union of Comcros Free Trade Dialogue Partners China. SAFTA South Asia Agreement 7 India. Japan. it was agreed that WTO members would strive for an agreement on Trade Facilitation. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . development issues and issues of relevance for LDCs. South Africa. In the backdrop of the global economic downturn of 2008 and the inability of the membership to reach consensus on the full Doha Development Agenda. Bangladesh. IOR-ARC Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation 20 plus 7 Dialogue Partners Australia. United Arab Emirates. India. Sri Lanka. 7. Thailand. IBSA India South Brazil and Africa 3 India. Indonesia. This Round of trade negotiations is still underway. Thailand and Vietnam)+ its 6 FTA Partner countries (Australia. Nepal. Paraguay and Uruguay. after deliberations in the WTO in 2013. Jap an. Iran. Mauritius. Botswana. Sri Lanka. CHAPTER-7 | COMMERCE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO) The WTO is the principal international institution for the management of international trade. It was created at the Uruguay Round of trade talks in 1994, when it was agreed to transform the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) into a permanent institution. The Uruguay Round was a round of GATT negotiations started in Uruguay in 1986 and designed to promote free trade. It was the origin of the WTO and a range of multilateral agreements. It currently has 146 Member States. The WTO is responsible for: • Providing a forum for trade negotiations • Handling trade disputes • Monitoring national trade policies. The WTO also administers WTO agreements, provides technical assistance to developing countries and cooperates with other international bodies on trade issues. The WTO is the only organization that can enforce its own rules - which makes it an extremely powerful organization. The WTO dispute settlement system is used when countries differ in their interpretation of the WTO agreement. If two or more states have a dispute over, for example, a health-related trade measure, they have the right to invoke the WTO dispute settlement process. The WTO cannot itself prosecute a member: it is up to the countries involved to bring the dispute to the WTO. Only the complainant can argue the case and only if it relates to WTO agreements or commitments. What makes the WTO unique is that sanctions can be imposed by the WTO against countries that lose a case in this procedure. For example, a complainant may be allowed to impose import tariffs on products from the offending country to a certain value equal to the compensation decided by the WTO. The main pillars of the WTO are the multilateral trade agreements, including the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property rights (TRIPS). These agreements do contain some provisions for the protection of public health and safety but they remain controversial. In theory, all members have an equal voice in the consensus decision-making process. However, in practice the wealthier nations dominate. With the acceleration of free trade, many believe it is imperative that the WTO serves to accelerate world economic activity. However, others are concerned that this should not be done without reference to the social and cultural consequences, particularly in terms of the marginalization of vulnerable groups. NINTH MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE WTO : The Ninth Ministerial Conference of the WTO took place in 3 to 7th December, 2013. Ministers issued a Declaration and ten ministerial decisions were taken on various issues including Trade Facilitation, issues relating to agricultural trade rules and others relating to development, Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Amongst these Decisions, two ministerial particular significance for India - the ministerial decision for trade facilitation and the ministerial decision on Public Stockholding for Food Security Purposes. Trade Facilitation was brought into the agenda mainly by the developed countries. The issue of the rules relating to public stockholding for food security purposes was brought into the agenda of the Ninth Ministerial Conference through India’s efforts. TRADE FACILITATION : With the lowering of tariffs and the removal of quantitative restrictions, the focus in international trade has shifted to the simplification of trade procedures in general and customs procedures in particular. Negotiations for a new multilateral Agreement on Trade Facilitation began in Geneva as part of the Doha Round of trade negotiations which was launched in 2001. The Trade Facilitation Agreement, which was also endorsed by the India at the Ninth Ministerial Conference, is basically aimed at greater transparency and simplification of customs procedures, use of electronic payments and risk management techniques and faster clearances at ports. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part - I 37 CHAPTER-7 | COMMERCE TRADE FACILITATION AGREEMENT In December 2013, WTO members concluded negotiations on a Trade Facilitation Agreement at the Bali Ministerial Conference, as part of a wider “Bali Package”. Since then, WTO members have undertaken a legal review of the text. The resulting final text is available here. In line with the decision adopted in Bali, WTO members adopted on 27 November 2014 a Protocol of Amendment to insert the new Agreement into Annex 1A of the WTO Agreement. The Trade Facilitation Agreement will enter into force once two-thirds of members have completed their domestic ratification process. The Trade Facilitation Agreement contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit. It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues. It further contains provisions for technical assistance and capacity building in this area. PUBLIC STOCKHOLDING FOR FOOD SECURITY PURPOSES : Public stockholding programmes for food security is allowed as per the WTO Agreement on Agriculture. However, if food for such programmes is acquired at administered prices and not at market prices, then there deemed to be support to farmers. As per WTO rules negotiated in the Uruguay Round has to be kept within a limit of 10 per cent of the value of production of the product in question. This cap can constrain procurement and food aid programmes in developing countries. The draft agriculture negotiating text of December, 2008 seeks to change this. India, as part of a coalition of developing countries known as the ‘G-23’, proposal an amendment of the WTO’s Agreement on Agriculture to change these rules. DEVELOPMENTS FOLLOWING THE MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE : While there was a focus on finalising the work on implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, no such commitment was shown in implementation of other ministerial decisions taken in Bali. There was no progress on the ministerial decision on public stockholding for food security which is very important for India and other developing countries. Some of the members blocked discussions on the issue seeking information not relevant to the implementation of the issue. The market price support (or Minimum Support Price in Indias case) and procurement/ stockholding of food grains at MSP is a genuine requirement for India to ensure food and livelihood security of its largely poor population. India cannot move away from the Market Price Support like developed countries with deep pockets. It is important for developing countries to be able to guarantee some minimum returns to their poor farmers so that they are able to produce enough for themselves and for domestic food security. If the Doha Round had been concluded, we would have achieved substantial reductions and disciplines on agriculture support and export subsidies by the developed world, who are allowed such subsides due to unbalanced Uruguay Round Agreements. In view of very little commitment shown by members from the developed countries in implementing the Bali Ministerial Decisions, except the one on Trade Facilitation, the apprehension was that none of the developed countries would come back to the negotiating table to discuss this issue or any of the other nonbinding outcomes of the Bali Ministerial Conference. The result would be that the developed countries would have achieved their desired Agreement on Trade Facilitation. Developing countries would have lost the bargaining space for an outcome on food security. Moreover, any chance to conclude the Doha Round will be lost. The developed countries will then try to bring new issues of their interest into the WTO, none of which would be in the interest of the developing countries. At a meeting of the Preparatory Committee on 2 July, 2014, India stated categorically that till “we have an assurance and visible outcomes which convince developing countries that members will engage in negotiations with commitment to find a permanent solution on public stockholding and all other Bali deliverables, especially those for the LDCs, India will find it difficult to join the consensus on the Protocol of Amendment.” nd INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part - I 38 CHAPTER-7 | COMMERCE Despite criticism India reiterated its commitment to implementation of all the Bali Decisions including Trade Facilitation in various meetings in the WTO and outside it bilaterally and in various for as like the G20 and BRICS Trade Ministers Meetings in July, 2014; India’s concerns related to the uneven progress implementation of the Bali Ministerial Decisions, in favour of only Trade Facilitation. India explained its sensitivities on the Food Security issue and sought equal level of commitment and progress in working on the issue. On 25 July, 2014, India made a statement in the WTO General Council conveying that the adoption of the Trade Facilitation (TF) protocol must be postponed till a permanent solution on public stockholding for food security is found. India also offered suggestions on the procedure to be followed in order to ensure time bound delivery of an outcome on public stockholding for food security is found. India also offered suggestions on the procedure to be followed in order to ensure time bound delivery of an outcome on public stockholding for food security. India also made a case for adopting a similar approach on all the elements of the Bali package including the LDC issues. th NEW EXPANDED DUTY FREE TARIFF PREFERENCE (DFTP) SCHEME FOR LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES (LDCS) : One of the elements of the Hong-Kong Ministerial Declaration of December, 2005 has been to extend Duty Free Quota Free (DFQF) access to the Least Developed Countries (LDCs). In line with its commitments, India became the first developing country to extend this facility to Least Developed Countries (LDCs). India announced the Duty Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme for LDCs in the year 2008. The Scheme was announced to give support to the LDCs in their trade initiatives and upon full implementation, granted duty free access on about 85% of India’s total tariff lines and preferential access (Positive List) on about 9% of tariff lines. Only 6% tariff lines were under the Exclusion List. ROLE OF STANDARDS IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE : In today’s market, both domestic as well as international, Standards have assumed tremendous significance. As globally tariffs are going down, the complexities connected with the international trade are also increasing. In order to ensure supply of quality, safe and environment-friendly products to our consumers, it is important that our industrial enterprises and business operators also adopt the concept of standards and technical regulations in their respective oganisations. The WTO agreement on ‘Technical Barriers to Trade’ and the agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measure are the mother agreements on standards and conformity assessment at the international level. These Agreements try to balance the competing demands for domestic regulatory autonomy and the global harmonization of products standards in a manner which is trade friendly. Thus, these agreements attempt to prevent standards from becoming a protectionist device; however, in practice we notice the trend otherwise. Therefore, it is extremely important; for India to create a conducive atmosphere in which industry is encouraged, incentivized and facilitated to follow a standard driven culture. This would not only add value to our products but would also make our products competitive internationally. As a consequence, industry would also continuously strive for technology upgradation and more value addition. INDIA-COMESA JOINT STUDY GROUP (JSG) : Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) is Africa’s largest economic community comprising of 19 member states namely Burundi, Comoros, Democratic Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Swaziland, Sudan, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The 1 meeting of the India-COMESA JSG was held in Lusaka from 30-31 July, 2012. A Joint Study Group (JSG) has been set up to examine the feasibility of a FTA between India and COMESA. st st INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part - I 39 CHAPTER-8 | COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CHAPTER EIGHT | COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS and Information Technology in the country is handled by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. The Ministry contains three departments namely: • Department of Posts • Department of Telecommunications, and • Department of Information Technology. The salient features of these departments, main activities taken by them in this sector are given here. POSTAL NETWORK : At the time of Independence there were 23,344 post offices throughout the country. Of these 19,184 post offices were in the rural areas and 4,160 in the urban areas. Today, India has the largest postal network in the world with 154,856 post offices, of which 139,164 (89.78%) are in rural areas and 15,692 (10.22%) are in urban areas. Thus, the network has registered nearly seven-fold growth since Independence, the focus of this expansion having been the rural area. INITIATIVES IN SERVICE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT ARROW : ‘Project Arrow, an initiative to transform Department of Posts into a vibrant and responsive organization and to make a visible and positive difference to quality and efficiency of service to the customers, was conceived in April 2008. In specific terms, Project Arrow entails comprehensive improvement of the ‘Core Operations’ of the post offices as well as modernized ambience under ‘Look and Feel’ silo of the project. Enhancing the quality of services in ‘core ‘areas’ envisages focus on mail delivery, remittances, savings bank and office service levels through continuous monitoring of key performance indicators, identifying problem areas and take remedial action on a real-time basis, including making systemic changes to improve service quality. This has helped the Department to emerge as a one-stop shop for retail products and offer a single window facility for small savings, money remittances and other financial products and services including social initiatives such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the National Old Age Pension Scheme. The monitoring of ‘core operations’ is being undertaken in more than 21,600 post offices. ‘Look and Feel’ of the post offices have been improved in 2,615 post offices. NEW AND VALUE ADDED SERVICES SPEED POST : Speed Post service was introduced in 1986 to provide fast and time-bound delivery service between seven major cities in the country. Since then the network has been expanded across all major cities in the country. This service offers time-bound and assured delivery of letters, documents and parcels weighing upto 35 kg. across the country. Delivery norms are fixed taking into account the fastest available mode of transport between the stations. Speed Post is managed as a business service with commercial approach in its operations and management. Insurance facility is also provided as an add-on service for speed post articles. Articles can be insured for upto 1 lakh. In the unlikely event of delay in delivery of domestic speed post articles beyond the norms determined by the Department of Posts from time to time, the speed post fee paid by the customer is refunded as compensation. In the event of loss of domestic speed post articles or loss of its contents or damage to the contents, double the amount of speed post charges paid by the customer or Rs. 1,000/-, whichever is less refunded as compensation. EXPRESS PARCEL : Express Parcel is a premium parcel service available for retail as well as bulk customers. It offers time-bound, safe and secure home delivery of parcels. To have minimal transit time these parcels are given airlift INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part - I 40 After Independence.19. Time Deposit (TD). It offers door-to-door International Air Express service for documents and merchandise both. etc. This is the most premium offering of Department of Posts having a transit time of 2-4 days from major cities in India. which frames and modifies rules relating to these schemes and pays remuneration to the Department of Posts for services rendered. Public Provident Fund (PPF). the medium of postage stamps was initially used for highlighting the country’s achievements in science and technology as well as its socio-economic development by depicting themes like the Five Year Plans. celebrating and promoting national heritage. dams and irrigation projects. Recurring Deposit (RD).I 41 . Subscribers (any Indian citizen) in the age group of 18 to 55 can join NPS and contribute till age of 60. there are two categories of stamps viz. The Post Office Savings Bank operates Savings Account. PHILATELY : Philately is the hobby of collecting stamps as well as the study of postal history and other related items.835 crore as on 31st March. 6. earlier known as New Pension System. 2014.CHAPTER-8 | COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY wherever needed. FINANCIAL SERVICES POST OFFICE SAVINGS BANK : The Department of Posts operates Small Savings on behalf of Ministry of Finance. Under this scheme. culture. World Net Express brings with it the strengths of two global giants in the postal sector. The Committee had observed in 1993 that only 22 percent cent of the insurable population in this country had been insured and that life insurance funds accounted for only 10 per cent of gross household saving. Postal Life Insurance (PLI) was introduced in 1884 with the express approval of Secretary of State (for India) to Her Majesty the Queen Empress of India. st NATIONAL PENSION SCHEME : National Pension Scheme (NPS).5 kg.54 lakh post offices across the country.8 crore account holders on 31 March. The subscribers’ contribution is invested as per preference of the subscriber by the Pension Fund Regulator PFRDA. Minimum chargeable weight of Express Parcel is 0. The commemorative postage stamps. It plays a great role as an ambassador. on the other hand. National Savings Certificate (NSC) and Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS). entailing minimum expenditure in their manufacture. events and lives / achievements of eminent personalities. The outstanding balance under all National Savings Schemes and Saving Certificates in post office is over Rs. whereas maximum chargeable weight for retail customers is 20 kg and for contractual customers it is 35 kg. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . In keeping with their dual character as a ‘Token of Postage’ and as ‘Cultural Ambassador’. Department of Posts is a point of presence for the National Pension System for common citizens. Definitive and Commemorative Postage Stamps. The definitive stamps are meant for day-today use as a token of payment of postage on mail articles. monthly Income Scheme (MIS). over longer periods. 1. steel plants. for common citizens was introduced by the Government in 2009. It is a mode of commemorating. any subscriber who intends to open a pension account is provided the facility at all Head Post Offices in the country. Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) was introduced as a result of the recommendations of the Official Committee for Reforms in the Insurance Sector (Malhotra Committee). These incorporate less complicated design inputs. a brand image of the postal administration concerned and a statement of sovereignty of a nation. are designed and printed with greater aesthetic inputs. and are in large quantities. WORLD NET EXPRESS : World Net Express is an international express service jointly offered by Department of Posts and Deutsche Post DHL connecting major cities of India to more than 220 countries and territories globally. Savings Bank facilities are provided through a network of more than Rs. Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) has a customer base of more than 30. 2014. CERT-In. 2000. The project is envisaged to support NeGPs countrywide plans of increasing the availability of online services for citizens in their locality to improve the quality of basic governance in areas of concern to the common man. 27 have been approved by Government of India.35 crore during the last one year. The GI Cloud is envisaged to provide the following outcomes: Optional utilisation of ICT infrastructure. NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY POLICY : The National Cyber Security Policy was released in July. Detailed guidelines for formulation of project proposals under the e-Bharat scheme have been issued to all the States/UTs. The main objective of the Academy is to impart induction and in-service training to the officers of Indian Postal Service. The policy is intended to cater for a broad spectrum of ICT users and providers including Government and non-Government entities.CHAPTER-8 | COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PLI offers 6 (six) types of plans: • Whole Life Assurance (SURAKSHA) • Anticipated Endowment Assurance (SUMANGAL) • Convertible Whole Life Assurance (SUVIDHA) • Endowment Assurance (SANTOSH) • Joint Life Assurance (YUGAL SURAKSHA) • Children Policy (BAL Jiwan BIMA) RPLI offers 6 (Six) types of plans: • Endowment Assurance (GRAMA SANTOSH) • 10 years RPLI (GRAM PRIYA) • Children Policy (BAL JIWAN BIMA) • Whole Life Assurance (GRAMA SURAKSHA) • Convertible Whole Life Assurance (GRAMA SUVIDHA) • Anticipated Endowment Assurance (GRAMA SUMANGAL) RAFI AHMED KIDWAI NATIONAL POSTAL ACADEMY (RAKNPA). DIT in coordination with INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . Out of the 31 Mission Mode Projects (MMPs) under the NeGP implemented by various Ministries and Departments. Provision has been made in the amended Act for the Tribunal to comprise a Chairperson and many other members. DeitY has initiated a project named as ‘MeghRaj’ for creating a Government of India cloud (GI Cloud) computing environment at the national level. APP Store hosting certified applications. e-Bharat: The Government of India received a loan from the World Bank towards programme management and financial support for the National-Governance Plan (NeGP) for an amount of US$ 150 million (about 700 crore). 2013 for public use and implementation by all relevant stakeholders. The Tribunal after the amendment of the IT Act in the year 2009 is known as the Cyber Appellate Tribunal (CAT). The court was initially known as the Cyber Regulations Appellate Tribunal (CRAT). This will act as a common repository of cloud-based infrastructure resources and applications available on demand. Postal Service Group ‘B’ and all Accounts stream officers working in the Department. Speedy development and deployment of eGov applications. NATIONAL E-GOVERNANCE PLAN (NEGP) : The National e-Governance Plan (NeGP). 23 proposals have been approved at a total cost of 317. Quick replication of successful applications. Besides this. MeghRaj: To harness the benefits of cloud technology. CYBER APPELLATE TRIBUNAL (CAT) : The first and the only Cyber Court in the country has been established by the Central Government in accordance with the provisions contained under section 48(1) of the Information Technology Act. and e-Gov.I 42 . the flagship plan scheme of the Department is a multi-stakeholder programme which primarily focuses on making critical public services available and promoting rural entrepreneurship. GHAZIABAD : Rafi Ahmed Kidwai National Postal Academy (RAKNPA) is the apex training institute of the Department of Posts for meeting the training needs of its higher managerial cadres and is one of the Central Training Institutions recognized by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). as the Central Government may notify/appoint. SAMEER as an R&D institute is fully committed to the growth of technology development in the country through its President efforts in pursuing quality research and product development.05 per cent to 44. health. The consortia projects enabled stronger collaboration among various technology players of the country. agriculture. ERNET India has been serving institutions in various sectors namely. a White listing solution .EDGE. ERNET India is helping to create a truly global research community where advanced resources and new learning can be effectively shared by connecting the research network in Europe with ERNET. PARAMYUVA-II : Continuing its contribution to overcome the language barrier in computing and IT. Several solutions for authentication were also developed/enhanced. PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS (PSUS) : DoT has the following PSUs under its administrative control: i) Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) ii) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) iii) ITI Limited iv) Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) v) Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . These include a fingerprint identification system. Ministry of Communications & Information Technology (MCIT) for carrying out R&D in IT. C-DAC developed and enhanced several multilingual tools. higher education. Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MC & IT).23 per cent at the end of March. SOCIETY FOR APPLIED MICROWAVE ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING & RESEARCH (SAMEER) : Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering & Research (SAMEER) is an autonomous R & D institute under the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY). technologies and products during this year.AppSamvid. Electronics and associated areas. which was 73. India is an autonomous scientific society under the administrative control of the Department of Information Technology. and a consortia for Speech-to-Speech Machine Assisted Translation Dialogue System.I 43 . The rural tele-density increased from 41.64 per cent to 145. Govt. English to Indian Language Machine Translation (EILMT) consortia.01per cent during this period. C-DAC’s vision is to emerge as the premier R&D Institution for the design.46 per cent during this period. increased to 75. iris recognition and identity solution. a dynamic firewall solution . The organization was set up in 1984 with the goal of becoming a premier research institute in the field of RF and microwaves technologies.Chakra. a URL analyzer are examples of a few security solutions developed during the year. and online signature verification system. is an indicator of telecom penetration in the country. C-DAC : Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is the premier R&D organization of the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY). Tele-density in the country. registered a decline from 146. EDUCATION & RESEARCH NETWORK (ERNET) INDIA : Education & Research Network (ERNET). Urban tele-density. school and technology and thus.32% as on 1st April.CHAPTER-8 | COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MHA. Indian language Text-to-Speech Consortia. development and deployment of world class electronic and IT solutions for economic and human advancement. 2014. understands the needs of these knowledge institutions. of India. however. These included the Cross-Lingual Information Access (CLIA) consortia. Bharat Operating System Solution : Enterprise-wide self-managed network solution . face recognition system. 2013. NIC and other stakeholders prepared and circulated computer security guidelines and procedures for implementation across all Central Government Ministries/Departments. TELE-DENSITY : Tele-density which denotes the number of telephones per 100 population. strategic location. As non-state actors become more powerful. particularly with neighbouring countries and the regions of West Asia. Brazil and South Africa. To deal with these conventional and non-conventional security challenges. India continues to pursue a robust defence strategy that involves both. A stable and peaceful regional and international environment is a critical requirement to create a conducive climate for our overall national development. India is. India’s location at the base of continental Asia and at the top of the Indian Ocean provides it a vantage point with respect to both. trade links and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) links its security environment directly with the extended neighbourhood. the global security environment has seen major changes.3 million square kilometres and is strategically located vis-à-vis both continental Asia and the Indian Ocean Region.500 kilometres and a coastline totalling over 7500 kilometers make India a continental or maritime neighbour of 11 countries in Asia. located about 450 kilometres away from the mainland in the Arabian Sea. Central Asia. the menace of drug trafficking. On the other.I 44 . South East Asia. the world has witnessed a spurt of globalisation and deepening economic interdependence. The INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . The island territories of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. China. sit astride the sea lanes of communication running eastward from the Persian Gulf and the Red Sea. The Global Security Environment: Since the end of the Cold War. with increased multi-polarity generating new strategic uncertainties. which has ushered in a period of peaceful development and enhanced the growth and influence of countries like India. The island territories along with a long coastline extend India’s territorial waters to more than 160. the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the challenges to maritime security in the immediate and extended neighbourhood are some of the critical factors that affect India’s security environment. Central Asia and the Indian Ocean region. The global balance of power has witnessed new adjustments and dynamics. East Asia and the Indian Ocean. The activities of terrorist groups.000 square kilometers and the Exclusive Economic Zone to more than two million square kilometers. Land borders extending more than 15. the spread of small arms. thus a maritime as well as a continental entity. India’s size. emerging risks require greater attention. On the one hand.CHAPTER-9 | DEFENCE CHAPTER NINE| DEFENCE INDIA’S landmass covers an area of 3. the world continues to be adversely affected by conflict and violence. located 1300 kilometres away from the mainland in the Bay of Bengal. the strengthening of its own capabilities as well as engagement in regional and global efforts to promote peace and stability. The Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands. provide India with a strategic presence at the entrance to the Strait of Malacca. 2. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . Technology advances in telecommunications and other areas have provided potent force multipliers to boost the capabilities and impact of terrorist activities. The situation in the Afghanistan is critical to India. The challenge posed by the proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction has been made more complicated by the threat of nuclear terrorism. on the basis of common concerns including terrorism and the security of the sea lanes of communication in the Western Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. which seeks to promote bilateral socio-economic and security cooperation with African countries. friendly and cooperative relations with Pakistan and is committed to resolving all outstanding issues with Pakistan through bilateral dialogue in an atmosphere free from terrorism and violence. International security and the prospects for peace and stability in various regions are being endangered by the continuing proliferation of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. India continues to support a peaceful resolution of the Iran nuclear issue and Iran’s adherence to its international commitments. The developments in the Asia Pacific underline the need for continued efforts to build trust and confidence in the region. Continued terrorism emanating from Pakistan and areas under its control remains a core concern. countering of disruptive influences and furtherance of strategic interests. 1. India’s continuing engagement with ASEAN led fora like the ADMM Plus. lndias approach towards the region therefore focuses on developing strong politico-economic and security partnerships with the Central Asian countries. India has important stakes in the region which range from energy security. Continuing unrest and uncertainty in West Asia has a major impact on India’s diverse interests in the region.CHAPTER-9 | DEFENCE security environment has become more complex. 4. India remains committed to support the Afghan Government in building the capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces to assume full charge for the security of the country.I 45 . 3. India has been supportive of Iran’s right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The Strategic Partnership Agreement between India and Afghanistan signals the commitment of both countries to build on the bilateral relationship in all spheres. Qatar and the UAE. India’s view is that Pakistan must maintain the sanctity on the Line of Control (LoC). India desires peaceful. The Central Asian region is important to India’s security interests due to its geo-strategic significance and for economic reasons. ASEAN Regional Forum. particularly in the context of the anticipated 2014 drawdown of international security forces in the country. etc are a part of our progressive and multifaceted bilateral and multilateral partnerships with the ASEAN community. The security situation in the Asia-Pacific region is marked by maritime disputes. including defence and security cooperation aimed at enhancing mutual capability in the fight against terrorism and other security challenges. piracy etc. 1. The Regional Security Environment: A secure. India is also pursuing a defence engagement with Saudi Arabia. diplomatic and military factors in the Asia Pacific continues to impact the overall security assessment for the region as a whole. secure and tree for navigation and trade in accordance with international law. almost simultaneously. stable. The complex and dynamic interplay of economic. The situation in West Asia continues to be fluid. as well as the uninterrupted flow of energy imports from the region. including Oman. India has long standing. India has traditional historic ties with African countries and seeks to enhance its engagement including through the India-Africa Forum. 2. India’s policy is to encourage and participate in cooperative approaches which would enable all countries in the region to counter traditional and non-traditional security challenges and to ensure that the critical sea lanes in the region are kept open. which include the safety and security of over six million Indians who live and work in the region. new military postures and power rivalries. 5. peaceful and prosperous neighbourhood is central to India’s economic prosperity and security. India and Iran share historical and cultural ties which are the underpinnings of an important bilateral economic relationship. even two years after the ‘Arab Spring’ protests started in several countries. India has supported efforts to establish an open and inclusive security architecture for the region. with growing threats from terrorism. India continues to pursue defence and security engagements with various countries in the region. warm and wide-ranging relations with all countries in the region and continues to engage with them on the basis of mutuality of respect and interests. The bilateral ties have been characterized by open borders and deep-rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship and culture and the security and economic interests of both countries are intertwined.I 46 . India-Myanmar relations are reinforced by historical. peace and dignity India and Bhutan have a mutually productive and beneficial bilateral relationship. 5. cultural. Both sides have on various occasions reiterated their commitment to combat terrorism on all its forms and manifestations. Both countries share a convergence of views on security matters and on managing border security concerns. Both countries are engaged in efforts to maintain stability on the borders through a number of measures. including trade and infrastructure and cooperation in security matters. 6. India continues to engage with Myanmar on various fronts. 4. India-Sri Lanka relations remain close. India continues to remain engaged with Sri Lanka to achieve a lasting political settlement that meets the aspiration of the Tamil community for equality. India has a strategic and cooperative partnership with China. based on mutual trust and INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . cooperative and constructive. India has shares a unique relationship of friendship and cooperation with Nepal. India’s policy has been to engage with China on the principles of mutual trust and respect for each other’s interests and concerns. Cooperative relations between India and Bangladesh continued to be a positive factor in the regional security scenario. Both sides have acknowledged that peace and tranquillity on the India-China boundary is important guarantor for the development and growth of bilateral relations. 8. 7. Maritime security challenges and the maintenance of peace and stability in the common Indian Ocean region are issues which underpin the convergences in the strategic interests of both countries. Bilateral efforts are been pursued for the settlement of border issues.CHAPTER-9 | DEFENCE 3. justice. Although the unresolved boundary dispute between India and China has been a factor in India’s security calculus. ethnic and religious ties. in which the effort has been to work on areas of mutual interest which would enable both countries to pursue common goals of growth and development. The Myanmar leadership has conveyed its assurances that it will not allow its territory to be used for activities inimical to India. At the international level too. establishment matters.Service Organisations. ARMY: Large parts of India’s land borders with two of its neighbours remain unresolved. gun running and terrorism in the IOR continue to remain issues of concern. As a maritime neighbour. one-third of bulk cargo traffic and half the world’s container shipments are transported in sea lanes of the Indian Ocean.I 47 . the Army has been one of the largest troop’s contributors to UN missions. who is the Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister. defence policy. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . planning and control of departmental production units of the Ordnance Factory Board and Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). defence co-operation with foreign countries and co-ordination of all defence related activities. medicine and agriculture. India has had extensive cooperation with Bhutan in areas such as power. as well as in maintaining open and secure Sea Lines of Communication. Defence Research and Development is headed by a Secretary. India’s maritime interests involve the safeguarding of our coastline and island territories and also of our interests in the FEZ. The Department of Defence Production is headed by a Secretary and deals with matters pertaining to defence production. Two-thirds of the world’s oil shipments. namely. therefore.56 million square kilometres. IT. The security of shipping along the sea lanes of communications in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is. The incidence of piracy. both at home and abroad.CHAPTER-9 | DEFENCE 9. 2001 based on the recommendations of Group of Ministers to review “Higher Defence Management”. equipment and spares. It accounts for transportation of the largest tonnage of goods in the world. communications infrastructure. Maldives occupies an important position in India’s security construct and this is reflected in strong bilateral cooperation in defence and security matters. Indian Army is a multi lingual. The threat of piracy in the Western Indian Ocean and the activities of Somalian pirates that pose a threat to the safety of the sea lanes are serious concerns. leading to the need for effective border management and being prepared to respond to all types of challenges to India’s territorial integrity. transport. It has always been the first responder in times of crisis be it tsunami. Inter-Service Organisations. India’s economic development is crucially dependent on the sea because of the criticality of sea borne trade in an increasingly inter-linked world as well as because of the potential of vast economic resources of the oceans. industry. The Indian Navy is working is coordination with the Coast Guard and other Central and State agencies to deal with challenges of threats from the sea.000 ships transiting its expanse annually. which is based on the mutual interests of both countries. with almost 100. The principal functions of the Departments are as follows: The Department deals with the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS) and three Services and various Inter. Production Establishments and Research & Development Organisations. Six and Ten degree channel and the Arabian Gulf. India sits astride major commercial routes and energy lifelines in the Indian Ocean. multi religious organisation and an epitome of ‘unity in diversity” has been at the forefront for nation building through development initiatives. indigenisation of imported stores. India also faces the threat of sub conventional conflicts in the form of proxy war and insurgency. matters relating to Parliament. which were ravaged by natural or manmade disasters. spread over an area of 68. HEADQUARTERS INTEGRATED DEFENCE STAFF (HQ IDS): HQ IDS was raised on October 1. is central to India’s maritime interests and concerns. of vital interest. In addition. Ecologically aware. it has also undertaken afforestation initiatives and transformed large swathes of land. the Malacca Straits. India remains committed to assist the Royal Government of Bhutan in its socio-economic development. It is also responsible for the Defence Budget. The Indian Ocean. earthquakes or flood relief. education. The principal task of the Ministry is to frame policy directions on defence and security related matters and communicate them for implementation to the Services Headquarters. understanding. 10. Army has also been at the core of humanitarian and disaster relief operations. The complex maritime security environment in the IOR requires the IN to maintain a high level of operational tempo and readiness at all times. building trust with other friendly navies and participating in combined/joint operations. The IN is being increasingly called upon to address issues pertaining to safety. showing presence. INDIAN COAST GUARD: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) came into being as an independent service on August 19. Several initiatives have been undertaken by all stakeholders towards strengthening coastal security. fishing. the Coast Guard has acquired a wide range of capabilities both surface and airborne to undertake the assigned tasks during peace time and to supplement the efforts of Indian Navy during war. Participants from a number of foreign countries also train at Indian Army’s world class training institutions. lethal. constabulary and benign. The Navy discharges this role by shaping perceptions. self contained soldier under the FINSAS (Future Infantry Soldier As a System) project. building partnership.CHAPTER-9 | DEFENCE The modernisation of infantry aims of enhancing its all round capability and transforming the infantryman into a technically qualified. NAVY: The Indian Navy (IN) is the prime enabler and guarantor of the country’s maritime sovereignty and myriad use-of-sea activities. the IN has done a commendable job in thwarting to attacks on Indian and foreign merchant ships. conduct awareness programmes. More than 90 per cent of our trade by volume. is transported over the seas. For a rapidly growing economy seeking new markets worldwide. Army’s defence cooperation with friendly’ foreign countries involving joint exercises. India is a maritime nation and our economy is critically dependent on the seas for conduct of trade. As a responsible nation and a benign maritime neighbour. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . This is discharged by the Indian Navy through its four roles — military. Since its inception. which includes coastal and offshore security of the country. these trade figures will only spiral upwards in the future. Piracy continues to remain a major area of concern in the IOR. induction of Fast Interceptor Craft (FICs) and Immediate Support Vessels (ISVs). natural and energy resource extraction. setting up of Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB) for force protection duties. The key objective of the Indian Navy is to use India’s maritime power in support of the national foreign policy. diplomatic. and. The objective of the Navy’s military role is deterrence/ dissuasion against any intervention or act which is against our national interests and the ability to inflict a crushing defeat on the adversary in the event of hostilities. etc. enforcement of international laws. IN was designated as the authority responsible for overall maritime security. Army Aviation is a key growth area and for the first time combat helicopters and utility lift helicopters for operations will become an integral part of the Army. 1978. and 77 per cent by value. both within the country and also in global areas of interest. The use of the Indian Navy for disaster relief operations. humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) would continue to remain at the forefront of our international commitments. security and stability in the region. The role and responsibility of the IN to promote our maritime interests will continue to grow with the requirement to safeguard our expanding economic interests as also the leadership responsibilities associated with being a mature and responsible regional maritime power. 1978 under the Coast Guard Act. and security of our offshore and coastal assets. would continue to provide options to the national leadership. In addition. This would result in the enhanced use of the seas for economic development including shipping. expert exchanges and army to army staff talks contributes to strengthening of relationships and partnership with these countries. conduct of coastal security exercise with all stakeholders. OPERATIONS Anti-Piracy Operations and Coastal Security: In 2009. as part of the Navy’s benign role. During its anti-piracy patrols.I 48 . A major objective of the Navy’s Constabulary role is to ensure coastal security and implement anti-piracy measures. Some of the major naval initiatives include: setting up of Joint Operation Centres (JOCs). (ii) National Maritime Search and Rescue Coordinating Authority. (7) Other matters. (iii) Lead Intelligence Agency for Coastal and Sea Border. Air Force Academy and Naval Academy for Permanent Commission and Officers Training Academy (OTA) for Short Service Commission. Mumbai. Successful candidates join the Indian Military Academy. University graduates or those in final year of graduation are eligible to appear in the examination. National Oil Spill Disaster Committee. continues to render humanitarian assistance in times of need. AIR FORCE: Indian Air Force (IAF) has evolved into an Aerospace power over the last decade and has risen to the challenges of the 21 Century. that of operational capability. (vi) Indian Governor to Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating piracy and Armed Robbery against ships in Asia (ReCAAP). It aptly reflects the maxim “People First Mission Always” and reconfirms the unwavering commitment of IAF to serve the Nation.I 49 . RECRUITMENT IN ARMY: Apart from the UPSC entries. The Organisation has Regional Headquarters located at Gandhinagar. (6) Enforcing of enactments being in force in the maritime zones. The focus during the coming years would be to undertake upgradation in four priority areas. RECRUITMENT Recruitment of Commissioned Officers in the Armed Forces is through UPSC: Commissioned Officers in the Armed Forces are recruited through the UPSC which conducts the following two All India Competitive Examinations: (a) National Defence Academy (NDA) and Naval Academy (NA): The UPSC holds entrance examination twice a year for entry into the NDA and Naval Academy. IAF’s role in “Operation Rahat” in the recent Uttarakhand disaster will feature in the annals of Military Aviation as the biggest ever humanitarian relief and evacuation effort in difficult terrain at high altitude. (5) Assistance to customs and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations. Candidates on completion of 10+2 examination or while in the standard are eligible to compete. Chennai. the commissioned officers are also recruited in the Army through the following Non-UPSC entries: (a) University Entry Scheme (UES) (b) Technical Graduates Course (TGC) (c) Short Service Commission (Technical) Entry (d) 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES) INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . (iv) Coastal Security in Territorial Waters. (2) Protection and assistance to fishermen at sea while in distress. In addition to the mandate as laid down under section 14 of Coast Guard Act 1978. The duties and functions of Coast Guard as enunciated in the Coast Guard Act are as follows: (1) Safety and protection of artificial islands and offshore terminals installations and devices in Maritime Zones. the Indian Coast Guard has also been entrusted the following additional roles: (i) Offshore Security Coordination Authority. (v) Chairman.CHAPTER-9 | DEFENCE The command and control of the Coast Guard lies with the Director General of Indian Coast Guard. including measures for the safety of life and property at sea and collection of scientific data. Indian Air Force. Enhanced Security and Human Resource Development. (b) Combined Defence Service Examination (CDSE): CDSE is conducted by the UPSC twice a year. (3) Preservation and protection of marine environment. whilst honing its combat capability. at New Delhi. Infrastructure Development. Kolkatta and Port Blair. (4) Prevention and control of marine pollution. Administration. ASC (PC for Men). Permanent Commission is through 10+2 (Cadet) Scheme. one Independent Recruiting Office and 59 Army Recruiting Offices in addition to 47 Regimental Centres which carryout recruitment through rallies in their respective areas of jurisdiction. there are eleven Zonal Recruiting Offices.CHAPTER-9 | DEFENCE (e) (f) (g) Short Service Commission (Women): Women are offered Short Service Commission in three streams. two Gorkha Recruiting Depots. NCC (Special Entry Scheme): Students possessing NCC ‘C’ Certificate with minimum ‘B’ grade and studying in final year of the three year Degree course who have obtained more than 50 per cent aggregate marks in the first two years of the degree course are eligible to apply for Short Service Commission through this entry. Education. Accounts and Meteorology branches of the IAF. extendable by additional four years purely on voluntary basis. The non-UPSC entries for induction into the officer’s cadre are: SSC (Men & Women) flying. Education. Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics). Post Graduate/Specialist for a period of ten years. For such entries. Technical. and ssc (Non Tech) (Men & Women): (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) Recruitment through Service Selection: Recruitment through Service Selection Boards/ Air Force Selection Boards is made for the Flying (Pilot). RECRUITMENT IN INDIAN AIR FORCE : Induction of officers: Induction to National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Service Examination (CDSE) entries are through UPSC. The short-listed candidates are then sent for SSB interviews for the following Branches/Cadres of the Navy: (i) 10+2 (Cadet) Entry Scheme (ii) Executive: ShortService Commission for Air Traffic Control/ Law/ Logistic/ Naval Armament Inspectorate (NAI)/ Hydro cadres/Pilot/Observer and also Permanent Commission for Logistic/Law/NAI Cadres. Administration. Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics). Logistics. Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical). (iv) Electrical Engineering: SSC entry is through UES arid SSC(L) Schemes. (ix) Recruitment of Sailors: Recruitment into the Navy is carried out on All India basis on state-wise merit of the eligible recruitable male population. Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical).I 50 . Recruitment of Personnel below Officers Rank (PBORs) is carried out through open rally system. final and pre-final year Engineering students are eligible for induction into the technical Branches/ Cadres of the Navy. Recruitment of Personnel below Officers Rank (PBORs): In the Army. NonTechnical Graduate. as per the number of vacancies available. RECRUITMENT IN INDIAN NAVY: Apart from the UPSC entries the commissioned officers are also recruited through Non-UPSC entries. the applications are invited and short-listed at Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Navy) [IHQ of MoD (Navy)]. (v) Education Branch: Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission schemes exist for this branch. Judge Advocate General Entry: Law graduates with minimum 55 per cent aggregate marks in LLB. viz. (iii) Engineering (Including Naval Architects): Short Service Commission through University Entry Scheme (UES). SSS (Technical) (Men & Women). as Short Service Commission Officers. Logistics. who are within the age between 21 to 27 years of age can apply for Judge Advocate General Branch. (vii) Recruitment through NCC (viii) Special Naval Architecture Entry Scheme: The Government has recently approved the induction of 45 Naval Architect officers into the Naval Architecture Cadre of the Engineering Branch of the Indian Navy. Accounts and Meteorology branches of the Air Force. Recruitment through National Cadet Corps (NCC) Recruitment of Personnel below Officers Rank (PBORs) INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . NCC Entry (PC for men). GDOC (Non Tech) (PC for Men). (vi) University Entry Scheme (UES): Under UES. University Entry Scheme Recruitment of Women Officers: Eligible women are recruited as Short Service Commissioned Officers in the Flying. The non-UPSC entries are for both Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) cadres. Airmen Entry (PC for Air Warriors). 2. Selected Armed Forces officers of the rank of Brigadier/ equivalent and Civil Services officers of equivalent status of Director and above are nominated for training at the college. At present. 2009 has approved setting up of second Officers Training Academy (OTA). Judge Advocate General’s Department. The institute now serves as a feeder institute to the National Defence Academy.CHAPTER-9 | DEFENCE NATIONAL CADET CORPS: The National Cadet Corps (NCC) was established under the NCC Act. Police and Civilians. Air Force. there are 24 Sainik Schools located in various parts of the country. College of Defence Management: The College of Defence Management (CDM) is a Armed Forces Training institution (AFTI). Its main task. namely the Higher Defence Management Course for the award of the Master of Management Studies (MMS) degree. Besides. all round development of a child’s personality and to remove regional imbalance in the officer’s cadre of the Armed Forces. 1988 on completion of 25 years of its existence. The Academy has been commissioned on July 18. wishing to become officers in the Armed Forces of India. personnel from friendly foreign countries are also trained. It has completed 64 years of existence. Army Education Corps. Sainik Schools: The Sainik Schools were established as a joint venture of the Central and State Governments. College of Military Engineering. Chail in Himachal Pradesh and Ajmer and Dholpur in Rajasthaa. on December 2. The objectives of Sainik Schools include bringing quality public school education within the reach of the common man. concepts and practices in the senior leadership of the Armed Forces. From 1965 onwards. Chennai: Established in 1963. self-discipline and moral values. These schools are affiliated to CBSE. 10. With the entry of women officers in the Army since September 21. Keeping in mind the shortage of officers in the Indian Armed Forces and the consequent urgency for making up the deficiency the intake capacity of NDA was recently enhanced from 1800 cadets to 1920 cadets 4. 5. 2011. before 1965 was to train Gentlemen Cadets for grant of Emergency Commission. Rashtriya Military Schools: There are five Rashtriya Military Schools in the country at Belgaum and Bengalore in Karnataka. Osmania University recognizes the core course of CDM. the Academy trains cadets for Short Service Commission. CME is affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for the award of B. dedication. the Officers Training School (OTS) was redesignated as Officers Training Academy (OTA) from January 1. These are under the overall governance of Sainik Schools Socjety. Gaya. so that they become useful citizens and can take their place in all walks of life in the service of the nation. Pune: The College of Military Engineering at Pune is a premier technical institution conducting training for personnel of the Corps of Engineers. The NCC strives to provide the youth of the country opportunities for all round development with a sense of commitment. Officers Training Academy. Dehradun: Indian Military Academy is a premier training establishment imparting Pre-commissioned training to the Gentlemen Cadets (GC). other Arms and Services. The motto of NCC is ‘Unity and Discipline”. 9. National Defence College: The National Defence College has established a name for itself as a centre of excellence on matters pertaining to National Security and Strategic Studies. Navy. Signals and Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Boys are admitted in Class VI based on the results of an all India Common Entrance Test. Indian Military Academy.Tech. It is entrusted with the responsibility of instilling contemporary management thoughts. The officers undergo an eleven months programme with focus on National Security. Officers Training Academy. Corps of Engineers. The training is aimed to make the Gentlemen Cadet an effective Platoon Commander once he passes out. 7. TRAINING FOR DEFENCE SERVICES 1. National Defence Academy: The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a premier Tri-Service institution which trains cadets of all three Services before inducting them into their respective 55 commissioning training academies. Rashtriya Indian Military College: The Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) was founded on March 13. 6. 8. Para Military Forces. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . 3.I 51 . 1992. with the objective of providing the necessary preliminary training for boys of Indian birth or domicile. 1948. 1922. around 100 lady officers now get commissioned from OTA every year in Army Service Corps. Gaya: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). This is in existence for over three decades now. (7) BEML Limited (BEML): BEML Limited established in 1964. incorporated in the year 1970.: GRSE. The company has core competencies in areas of Radars and Fire Control Systems. production. electronic equipment. the Department has established wide ranging production facilities for various defence equipments through the Ordnance Factories and Defence PSUs. Ordnance Factories are divided into 5 operating groups (i) Ammunition and Explosive. from world class Frigates to Fast Interceptor Boats. (iv) Armoured Vehicles and (v) Clothing and equipments. Presently. repair. a Leading shipyard. (2) Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL): BEL is a Navaratna PSU. In addition. Semiconductor Devices. Aero-engines Accessories. For over four decades and more. Communication. Homeland Security systems and select non-defence applications. Avionics and Systems. A pioneer in the manufacture of Anti-Tank Guided Missiles. The college conducts a 45 week training programme from June to April every year. heavy vehicles. is a Miniratna Category-I multi-location. spanning fighter aircraft. is located on the East Coast of the Indian Peninsula and is nation’s premium shipbuilding and ship/submarine repair organization. specialized in construction of Warships of various sizes and classes. Submarines. Weapon systems. ORDNANCE FACTORIES: The Ordnance Factory Board has 39 Factories with two more being set up at Nalanda and Korwa. Over the years. overhaul and upgrade of Aircraft. submarines. DEFENCE PRODUCTION: The Department of Defence Production was set up in November 1962 with the objective of developing a comprehensive production infrastructure for the defence of the nation. each headed by Additional DGOF. The products manufactured include arms and ammunition. a Miniratna Category — I company. special alloys and special purpose steels.CHAPTER-9 | DEFENCE 11. warships. (3) Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. GSL has designed and built wide range of sophisticated vessels for defence commercial sectors with special expertise in building modern Patrol Vessels of Steel and Aluminium hull. armoured vehicles.e. Vehicles and Equipments. (ii) Weapons. Solar Cells etc. earth moving equipment. Apart from these. BEL ranks 69 amongst the top companies worldwide in defence revenues. Defence Services Staff College (DSSC): The DSSC is one of the oldest military institutions in India.I 52 . Sonars. marketing and after-sales service of wide range of equipment to three distinct business segments i. (4) Goa Shipyard Limited: Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) is capable of designing and building high technology and sophisticated ships to meet the crucial maritime security needs of the country. HAL’s expertise encompasses design. MDL also undertakes repairing of Warships. BEL also has presence in the areas of Access Systems. DEFENCE UNDERTAKINGS (1) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a Navratna Company and a premier aeronautical complex of South Asia. ammunition. Min and Construction and Rail & Metro. which was established at Bangalore in the year 1954. fighter aircraft and helicopters. Coast Guard and Submarines. the yard is constructing Scorpene Submarines and Missile Destroyers of for the Indian Navy. BDL is now th INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . HAL has so far designed and developed and manufactured 15 types of aircraft/helicopters and it has positioned itself as a comprehensive solution provider to the Indian Defence Services in Aviation. other technologically Advanced Commercial Vessels and Offshore Platforms/Drilling Rigs. (iii) Materials and Components. large variety of Components like Integrated Circuits. trainer aircraft and light helicopters. manufacturing. codevelopment of Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) and Multi-role Transport Aircraft has been taken up with Russian Panthers which will enhance the level of contribution of HAL towards self-reliance in defence field. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). has expertise of building a wide array of vessels. missiles. multi product engaged in design. The DSSC imparts training to middle level officers of the three Services besides a few civilian officers and officers from friendly foreign countries. tanks. Hybrid Microcircuits.. Degree from Madras University. Tablet PCs (BEL designed). Helicopters. Network Centric Systems. (5) Hindustan Shipyard Ltd: Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (8) Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL): Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Defence. After successful completion of the course they are awarded with M Sc. (6) Mazagon Dock Limited: Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) is the Mini Ratna company and is India’s premier Shipyard. QA coverage is provided through all the stages of design. decoys and test equipment. MBT Arjun. was established in 1973 at Hyderabad with the main objective of providing the Nation self-reliance in strategic materials which are key to sustenance and growth of the critical technologies and products to render support to several programs of national importance like Light Combat Aircraft. BDL has achieved a milestone of producing the wholly indigenous Surface-to-Air Missile — Akash for the Indian Armed Forces. overhaul repairs and up-gradation of aeronautical stores.BDL is producing Konkurs-M and Invar (3BK-20) ATGMs in collaboration with KBP. Defexpo INDIA : Conceived as a complementary exposition to Aero India. formulation of JV guidelines and other policy related issues from DDP’s perspective. The organization also acts as the Authority Holding Sealed Particulars (AHSP) and provides technical assistance to the Armed Forces in several areas such as formulation of GSQR and RFPs. users and is also responsible for technical evaluation and final acceptance of specified products. Navy and Coast Guard. Air Force.CHAPTER-9 | DEFENCE (9) manufacturing Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) of later generations. development. Bengaluru. In addition. Aero India: The ninth edition of Aero India (Aero India — 2013) was organized from February 06 to 10. The Headquarters of the organisation is in New Delhi and there are 34 Field Establishments in different parts of the country. Tula (Russia) and Rosoboron export (Russia) respectively and Milan-2T with MBDA (France). The Directorate primarily deals with capital acquisition of various Weapon Systems and Platforms of the Armed Forces of India viz. DEFENCE EXHIBITION ORGANISATION (DEO): The main function of DEO is to organize and co-ordinate Defence exhibitions in India and abroad.I 53 . Recently. DIRECTORATE OF STANDARDISATION (DOS) : The primary objective of the DOS is to establish commonality in equipment and components among the three Services so that the overall inventory of the Defence Services is reduced to the minimum. technical evaluation of tenders. DIRECTORATE OF PLANNING & COORDINATION : It was set up in 1964 with the primary objective of preparing overall plans for the production of defence equipment in the country. Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI): MIDHANI Ltd. DGQA provides technical guidance to manufacturers. Yelahanka. production. The objective is sought to be achieved through preparation of various Standardisation documents. DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF QUALITY ASSURANCE (DGQA) : DGQA is an Inter-Service Organisation under the Department of Defence Production responsible for quality assurance of all defence equipment and stores for the Army and Navy (excluding Naval Armaments) as well as common use items for the Air Force. Army. DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF AERONAUTICAL QUALITY ASSURANCE (DGAQA): DGAQA is an organisation under the Department of Defence Production that responsible for Quality Assurance and final acceptance of military aircraft accessories and other aeronautical stores for use in military aviation. International Exhibitions Abroad: With a view to provide an impetus to export potential of the Indian Defence Industry. C-303 (Anti-Tropedo Counter Measure Systems) produced by BDL has already been fitted in Indian Navy Submarines. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . The Directorate functions as an attached office of the Department of Defence Production. The Directorate also deals with issues relating to defence production policy. DEO organizes “India Pavilion” for major defence products manufactured by them in the international exhibitions abroad. primarily with a view to promote the export potential of defence oriented products and services. und water weapons. GSLV power plants etc. PSLV. 2013 at the Air Force Station. the Directorate deals with modernization of shipyards as well as matters pertaining to International Cooperation. Codification of Defence Inventory and through exercising strict entry Control. assessment of users’ satisfaction etc. developed and manufactured by the Indian Defence Industry. conduct of defect investigations. the Defexpo India was launched in 1999. surface-to-air weapon systems. DGAQA plays an important role in providing technical guidance to the Service Headquarters during various stages of procurement of aeronautical stores for indigenous as well as imported origin.. strategic weapons. launchers. Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme: 4000 scholarships are granted annually under Prime Minister Scholarship Scheme for the wards of Ex-servicemen/widows. armoured systems. St.dimensionally and has evolved as a core research organisation with a vast network of 54 laboratories and establishments spread across the country. House Repair Grant in case of any natural calamity Marriage Grant (Maximum 2 daughters). Disabled Children Grant. DRDO has made the country proud through achievement of technological self-reliance in a number of critical areas including aeronautics. ammunition. Dustan’s After Care Organisation (for blind soldiers) and for providing financial assistance under various welfare schemes as under: 1. Industry Interfacing. create new capabilities and cover the gaps that exist. disabled ESM and dependents/Wards of ESM. War Memorial Hostels: War Memorial Hostels have been constructed with a view to provide shelter to the children of war widows. Widows and their wards for various identified personal needs are Penury Grant. Medical Grant. 3. 2. Armed Forces Flag Day Fund (AFFD) is the major source for funding the institutions. Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme. Officer Cadet Grant (for Cadets of NDA only) . it has grown multi. Design Technology Development. and 3 Attached offices namely Kendriya Sainik Board.000 armed forces personnel retire or are released from active service every year.I 54 . Directorate General (Resettlement) and Central Organisation. Orphan Grant and Vocational Training Grant For Widows. Reserved Seats in Medical/Dental Colleges: 25 MBBS and 2 BDS seats are allotted to the wards of Defence personnel through KSB during academic year 2012-13.CHAPTER-9 | DEFENCE National Institute for Research and Development in Defence Shipbuilding (NIRDESH): NIRDESH which was set up as an autonomous society under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence. Kendriya Sainik Board: The Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) is the apex body of Government of India responsible for implementing Government policies for welfare of Ex-servicemen (ESM). Department of Defence Production has been envisaged as the nerve centre of India’s futuristic shipbuilding programmes. assistance in re-employment/placements and self-employment schemes. It has evolved into a highly professional organisation with strong technology base and management systems to undertake indigenous development of state-of-the-art weapon systems and equipment in a comprehensive manner including design development. undergoing Professional Degree Courses in India duly recognised by the Indian regulatory bodies such as AICTE. This scheme is funded from the National Defence Fund. micro-electronics devices. Since it came into existence in 1958. Raksha Mantri’s Discretionary Fund (RMDF): A portion of earnings of Armed Forces Flag Day Fund is utilized for providing financial assistance to needy ESM. Cheshire Homes. and new technological knowledge to be transferred for development of state of the-art weapon systems by the defence industries. 4. electronic warfare systems. MCI etc. Training and Project Management have been identified as the core areas guiding the roles of NIRDESH. cyber security. This nerve centre will be responsible to collate and consolidate existing capabilities. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT: Defence Research and Development Organisation is the Research and Development (R&D) Wing of the Ministry of Defence with a vision to empower India with cutting edge defence technologies. It plays significant roles. sonar systems. RESELEMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN: The Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare (DESW) formulates various policies and programmes for the welfare and resettlement of Ex-servicemen (ESM) in the country The Department has two Divisions viz. sevaluat01 of defence equipment for the military operational requirements. It is assisted in its task by 32 Rajya Sainik Boards and 377 Zila Sainik Boards. integration and production. Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) is entrusted with the responsibility of preparing retiring service personnel for a second career through various training programs. These training programs INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . Most of them are in the bracket of 35 to 45 years and need a second career. Education Grant. NBC defence and advanced computing. R and D. surface-to-surface missiles. Director General (Resettlement) : Nearly 60. Funeral Grant. such as paraplegic Homes. like providing scientific and chno1ogical advice to the Ministry of Defence in support of defence policy. Resettlement and Pension. 70 lakh Defence pensioners is disbursed through 27 Public Sector Banks. design and development in areas relevant to national security. one of the 6 countries to have developed a nuclear . disbursement of pension is done through 3 Pension Payment Offices (PPOs). building indigenous capabilities and equip India’s armed forces with state-of-the-art weapon Systems and equipments. the eminent scientist and educationist was the first to head the Organization. It apprises the Raksha Mantri on the influence on National Security of emerging developments in Science and Technology and renders advice to Raksha Mantri and to the three services and inter services organization on all scientific aspects of weapons. at Raja Marg. weapon-platforms. the R&D wing of the Ministry of Defence. BPCL and HPCL. 640 Treasuries. All these and many more world class weapon systems. Service medical facilities and civil empanelled/Govt. Schemes for Self-Employment: The DGR has formulated following self. 5 Pay and Accounts Offices (PAOs) spread all over India.I 55 .CHAPTER-9 | DEFENCE are also open to those ex-servicemen w could not avail the facility of these training programs while in service and to the widows/dependents of ex-servicemen. 4 Private Sector Banks.powered Submarine. Management of Company Owned Company Operated Retail Outlets of IOC. Allotment of Oil Product Agency (LPG / Petrol Pumps/Superior Kerosene Oil Distributorship). Management of CNG Stations in NCR. Pension to Armed Forces Personnel: Pension to an estimated number of 18. one of the 5 countries to have its own Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) program. (b) 10 per cent in Group ‘C’ posts. hospitals spread across the country. platforms and military equipment are based on cutting edge technology developed by DRDO. Platforms. It also functions as the nodal agency for the execution of major Defence related programs with the national scientific institutions. The Corporate Headquarters is located DRDO Bhawan. military operations. surveillance. Reservation in Government jobs: Central Government has provided for the following reservation in services for ESM: (a) 10 per cent posts of Assistant Commandants in Paramilitary forces. Coal Transportation Scheme. 63 Defence Pension Disbursing Offices (DPDOs). 2 Post Offices. one of select few countries to have its own Electronic Warfare and multi-range Radar program”. DRDO formulate and executes programs of scientific research. who is also the Secretary Department of Defence R and D and Director General DRDO is the head of the organization. Dr. Its mission is to achieve self-reliance in critical defence technologies and systems by indigenization and innovation. Operation of Mother Dairy Milk Booths and Fruit and Vegetable (Safal) Shops. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . (e) 100 per cent in Defence Security Corps. support and logistics in all likely theatres of conflict. one of the 7 countries to have developed its Main Battle Tank (MBT). employment ventures/schemes for rehabilitation and resettlement of ex-servicemen and their families i. For the Armed Forces Pensioners residing in Nepal. Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS): ECHS was launched with effect from April 1. 2003. DEFENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION India is today “One of the 4 countries to have multi-level Strategic Deterrence Capabilities. The Scheme aims at providing quality medicines to Ex-servicemen and their dependents for all known diseases through a network of ECHS Polyclinics. New Delhi DRDO carries out design and development of state-of-the-art Weapon Systems. Sensors and allied equipment. and lead them to production through production agencies. Allotment of Army Surplus Vehicles and Operations of Gopaljee Ghee and Farm Fresh Dairy milk booth. It came into existence in 1958 with the amalgamation of Technical Development Establishment (TDEs) of Indian Army and Directorate of Techni Development and Production (DTD&P) with Defence Science Organization (DSO) Scientific Advisor to Raksha Mantri (SA to RM). DS Kothari.e. (c) 14 per cent in Group ‘C’ posts in PUSs and Nationalized Banks. Coal Tipper Scheme attachment scheme. (d) 20 per cent in Group ‘D’ posts. PSUS and private agencies. development of Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system and On. expected to join Air Force in early 2014. the latest in series. Multi barrel Rocket Launcher System. 1. Nag — 3rd generation anti tank missile. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.“MBT-Arjun Mk-1”. Main Battle Tank — Arjun. Pinaka II with longer range is undergoing trials.000 crore. Agni 5 (>5000 kms). Products & Systems Developed/Accepted/Inducted: 1. Sudarshan. Convey Protection Jammers (SAFARI and STRIDE).Tejas. Akash — multi-directional. underwater launched ballistic missile (BO5). Selfprotection suites against Radars. INSAS is available in fixed and foldable butt versions of Assault Rifle and LMG. The production value of systems based on DRDO technologies that have been inducted/approved for induction into Services during the past decade has crossed Rs.a compact communication electronic warfare suite. have been raised and inducted in the Army. the mobile bridge laying system. multi-target SAM area defence weapon system is inducted. Aeronautical Systems: Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas MK-1 has achieved Initial Operational Clearance The Final Operational Clearance (FOC) is expected by 2014. nuclear powered submarine. Electronic Warfare Suites.I 56 . Adrushya mine to immobilize contemporary battle tanks. EWS Samyukta for Army and SANGRAHA for Navy. have given quantum jump to India’s military might. a laser seeker kit for converting 1000 lb bombs into laser guided bombs was developed and demonstrated. Pinaka 1 has been inducted by Indian Army. generating effective deterrence. Successful indigenous development and production of strategic systems and platforms such as Agni and Prithvi series of missiles. armaments.Board Computers for missiles. Mission Computers and avionics upgrade for several fighter aircraft are other success stories. The percentage of indigenous systems acquired by Indian Armed Forces has significantly increased from the earlier 30 per cent to above 55 per cent. Prithvi II and its ship launched version Dhanush. DRDO has developed wide range of strategic and tactical weapon systems and equipment along with complex technologies associated with such systems. High Accuracy Direction Finder (HADF). have been developed along with associated technologies and thee production facilities. Armament Systems: Over a million pieces of 5. Prahar.Arihant. 3. Radars: Indian INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . providing crucial leverage and marking India’s entry into the elite club of countries possessing such technologies. Mobility production and equipping it with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA). T-72 Ajeya tank has been modernized with indigenous technologies upgrading its Fire power. Millimetre Wave Seeker.55. electronic warfare systems. Missile and Strategic Systems: Surface-to-surface (SS) strategic missile systems: Agni 1 (700 km). and maiden launch of India’s long range cruise missile “Nirbhay’. sensors. Electronics. Indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AEW&C) have entered final phase of flight trial. ammunition. all firing the same ammunition and having 70 per cent commonality of parts. Some recent additions to the list of successes are launches of Agni 4 and Agni 5 ballistic missiles. Agni 4 (3500 km). Combat Vehicles and Engineering: Two regiments of Main Battle Tank . MINGS (Miniaturized Inertial Navigation and Guidance System) MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical system) based Hybrid Navigation System are some other products. and wide range of tactical weapons and support system such as light combat aircraft.the advanced Pilotless Target Aircraft. Thermal and blast effect has been developed for MBT Arjun.56 mm INSAS (Indian Small Arms System) inducted. simultaneous fragmentation. RINS-Ringh Laser Gyro based INS-GPS-GLONASS for long range missile and Aircraft. Agni 2 and Agni 3 are already inducted. Advanced ESM System (Varuna) for Navy with capability to intercept and process all modern radars. warheads for Rockets. 2. Missiles and torpedoes. SARVATRA. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles “Nishant” and ‘RUSTOM”. 5. a novel and highly manoeuvrable precision strike Surface-to-Surface tactical missile capable of being fired in salvo mode. Computer Systems and Micro Electronics: Electronic Warfare Systems (EWS): Diva Drishti integrated Signal Intelligence System. Thermo-haric ammunition capable of delivering a devastating. Integrated Fire Detection and Suppression System (IFDSS) and reconfigured Smoke Grenade Discharge (SGD). SUJAV . Global positioning System (GPS). Multi-channel Radar warning Receivers RWR). ‘Lakshya-II . Prithvi II. development of underwater launched ballistic missiles (BO5). LCA-Navy the naval variant of LCA is undergoing flight trials. Agni 2 (2000 km) and Agni 3 (35000 krn). Missiles and LASERs for helicopters. ‘Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)-MK XII”.CHAPTER-9 | DEFENCE Achievements: In terms of tangible outputs. 4. etc. Dhanush. Agni 1. Modular bridge SAKAV and Remotely Operated Vehicle (Daksh) are other inventories. BiModular Charge System (BMCS) for field guns etc. so is Brahmos for Army and Navy and is the only tactical Supersonic Cruise Missile in the world. Protective Clothing/Permeable Suites. high altitude medical products. Leptospirosis and swine flu. DRDO technologies developed for Armed Forces are also benefiting the civil society. high energy materials. ELISA kit for simultaneous identification of food pathogens. Combat Free Fall system capable to withstand the harsh conditions of free fall from 30. Private Industries.000 ft.4 lakh Gram Panchayats in phases.CHAPTER-9 | DEFENCE 6. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . PACHENDRIYA . molecular imaging drugs and enhancers for Armed Forces. Submarine Escape Set for escape from an abandoned submarine from depths of l00m. Doppler Radar INDRA-1 and II. creating centre of excellence and establishing high quality manpower resources. Torpedoes-Fire Control System. active towed array detection aim decoy system Mareech. Materials.Revati for Navy and Rohini for Air Force. Low Level Light Weight Radar (Bharani). High medicinal value Mushrooms. heavy weight torpedo Varunastra etc. DRDO developed biodigesters are likely to be installed in Lakshadweep islands and about 2. Training in specialised defence technology-related areas is offered to many developing countries for their scientific/engineering personnel at the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (A Deemed University). tropical forests and so on) is a high priority and DRDO has developed many Life Support Systems for Armed forces. Defence PSUs. The bio-digesters originally developed for armed forces for use in cold regions. water purification system. CBRN (Chemical Biological Radiation and Nuclear) defence systems: NBC . industry. being knowledge based organization. Life Sciences: Safety and efficiency of soldier. CW Type A/B Decontamination kit! Solution. The most significant contribution of DRDO is the creation of an eco-system conducive to development of cutting edge technologies by developing partnerships with academic/research institutions and with industries. nano-material technologies etc. advanced Panoramic Sonar Hull mounted APSOH. deserts. Directorate of Interaction with Services for Business (DISB) provides an effective single window interface to Army. Delhi and Hyderabad to give more impetus to directed research in cutting edge technologies in close association with academia. DRDO provides support to Academia to carry out research on topics related to military science under Grantsin-Aid Scheme. Coast Guard and Acquisition Wing of Ministry of Defence. The major partners in DRDO’s nation building endeavours include the three arms of the Services as the prime users. within the organization and the partner entities. Helicopter oxygen system to meet the aircrew oxygen requirement up to 33000 Ft. Plague. Malaria. Data-link for unmanned aerial vehicle – NISHANT etc. mountains. 3-D Central Acquisition Radars . 7. NBC Canister. Chikungunya. Torpedo Advanced Light TAL. NBC Protected Integrated Field Shelter. Three DRDO chairs have been created at Bengaluru. Some of these products are Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS). Communication Systems: Software Defined Radio (SDR). High Altitude adapted & fast growing Broiler Sheep.. Helicopter Fire Control System capable of launching of TAL (Advanced Light Torpedo) and depth charges.Integrated submarine sonar and tactical fire control system.Recce Vehicle. has been generating and protecting the intellectual property rights as part of its culture. and research scholars. Diagnostics kits for detection of Dengue. Advanced Active cum Passive integrated sonar system USHUS. Airborne dunking sonar MIHIR. Pune. Air Force. Herbal Anti oxidant supplement. Japanese Encephalitis. Typhoid. Multifunction phased array radar (Rajendra). have found application for passenger coaches in Indian Railways. Super Vision Maritime Patrol Radaf (SV-2000 MPAR). DMR-1700 Steel missile application: MDR-249A and DMR 2498 Steels for Naval Applications (Used in India’s 1st indigenous Aircraft Carrier INS Vikrant) etc. On-hoard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS). Over hundred new projects have been sanctioned covering emerging technology areas that include advanced signal processing. Water Poison Detection Kit. Portable Decontamination Apparatus. DRDO. NBC Filters/Ventilation systems.I 57 . Naval Systems: Ship-borne sonar HUMSA-NG. active cum Passive towed array sonar Nagan. the man behind machines under the most diverse battlefield conditions (extremes of cold and heat. creating exhaustive infrastructure. Navy. both. International Collaborators and Academic/Researchers. 8. to strengthen this foundation and to achieve the goal of universal access to quality education for all. Madarsas and Maqtabs supported INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . forms the foundation of the education pyramid. At present all the primary and upper primary Government. Hence. the centres run under Education Guarantee Scheme (EGS)/Alternative & Innovative Education (AIE).I 58 . to enhance enrolment. retention and attendance and simultaneously improving nutritional levels among children. a Centrally Sponsored Scheme “National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (NP-NSPE)” was launched on 15th August. With the enforcement of RTE Act. Department of School Education & Literacy and the Department of Higher Education. To meet this demand a number of schemes for Secondary Education are being implemented viz. and the vision of the Department of Higher Education is to realize India’s human resource potential to its fullest in the education sector. providing the foundation for the right to dignified living through its transformative potential to development. Elementary Education comprising primary and upper primary. were continued during the year 2011-12. 2009 became operative in the country on 1st April2010. The very concept of development in the past two decades has evolved in this direction which has moved from income and income distribution to human resource development. This is the very reason for the marked shift from the welfare approach of education to the right based approach. process-oriented programme which has demonstrated ways of empowering rural poor and marginalised women. the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is being implemented to achieve the goals of universal access and retention. Government-aided Local Body Schools. 2010. Further. to remove the acute regional. RIGHT OF CHILDREN TO FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION (RTE) : Article 21-A of the Constitution of India and its consequent legislation. bridging of gender and social gaps in enrolment levels and enhancement of learning levels of all children. retention and attendance and simultaneously to improve the nutritional status of children.e. 2009 became operative on 1st April. which has a special focus on the Educationally Backward Blocks (EBBs) is a unique. It is being increasingly realized all over the world that economic well being and productive efficiencies can be realized with higher intellectual and professional capabilities of human beings. The Ministry of Human Resource Development has two Departments i. 201213 and 2013-14. MID-DAY MEAL PROGRAMME : With a view to enhance enrolment. India has a vast population and to capture the potential demographic dividend. The Scheme was extended during 2008-09 to cover children of upper primary classes and the name of the Scheme was changed as National Programme of Mid-Day Meal in Schools’. Special emphasis is also given for promotion of girls’ education. National Child Labour Projects (NCLP) Schools. At the same time. pursuant to this important development. the major intervention includes ‘National Programme of Mid-Day Meal (MDM) in Schools’. Mahila Samakhya (MS). 1995. with equity and excellence. and further improvement in retention and transaction rates there is an increasing pressure on the Secondary Schools to expand capacity. The reform processes initiated in 2010-11. To meet these challenges. the Government is committed to make concerted efforts for improving the quality of education as mere quantitative expansion will not deliver the desired results in view of fast changing domestic and global scenario. A good quality human resource base is extremely important in today’s highly competitive environment. the Ministry’s endeavour has been to achieve ‘Education for All with an inclusive approach. the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act. Every child has a right to elementary education of satisfactory and equitable quality in a formal school which satisfies certain essential norms and standards specified in the RTE Act. the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act. All States/UTs have notified their State RTE Rules. It has promoted their effective participation in the public domain and in educational and learning processes. social and gender imbalances.CHAPTER-10 | EDUCATION CHAPTER TEN| EDUCATION EDUCATION is not only an instrument of enhancing efficiency but also an efficient tool for augmenting and widening democratic participation and upgrading the overall quality of individual and society. The vision of the Department of School Education & Literacy is to ensure education of equitable quality for all to fully harness the nations human potential. New Delhi. Currently the programme is being implemented in 126 districts of ten States viz. and EGS and AIE centers. Karnataka. (iii) Providing nutritional support to children of elementary stage in drought-affected areas during summer vacation. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . ISBN is known as short machine-readable identification number. was set up in 1969 by the Government of India. The scheme is being revised from time to time in its content and coverage. Bihar.12 lakh schools in the country. The objectives of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme are to address two of the pressing problems for majority of children in India. Initially. Ministry of Human Resource Development introduced ISBN System in India in 1985. Jharkhand. INDIAN COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH (ICSSR) : The Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). Andhra Pradesh. The objectives of the MS programme is to create an environment in which education can serve the objectives of women’s equality and where women can seek knowledge and information and thereby empower them to play a positive role in their own development and development of society. Raja Rammohun Roy National Agency. viz.CHAPTER-10 | EDUCATION under SSA are covered under Mid-Day Meal Scheme. hunger and education by : (i) Improving the nutritional status of children in classes I-VII in Government. Local Body and Government aided schools. Chhattisgarh. particularly those from socially and economically marginalized groups. the scheme was in operation till 31 March 2012. MAHILA SAMAKHYA PROGRAMME : Mahila Samakhya (MS) is an ongoing scheme for women’s empowerment that was initiated in 1989 to translate the goals of the National Policy on Education into a concrete programme for the education and empowerment of women in rural areas. SAAKSHAR BHARAT : Saakshar Bharat (SB). the State Governments. The University aims at empowering the disadvantaged and marginalised persons through appropriate education and skills for their gainful employment and opportunities for life long learning. which makes separate easy accessibility. coordinate and develop skills to undertake research in social and development. Kerala. Assam. to attend school more regularly and help them concentrate on classroom activities. the new variant of the National Literacy Mission. NCLP schools and Madarsas and Maqtabs supported under SSA. The financial parameters for 2013-14 were the same as in XI plan period. was launched on September 8. which is meant for the Monographic Publications. OPEN UNIVERSITIES : Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) was established by an Act of Parliament in 1985 to enhance access and equity to higher education through Open and Distance Mode. The Mid Day Meal Scheme covered 10. Its primary objective is to promote research in Social Sciences and to facilitate its utilization by the concerned stakeholder. (ii) Encouraging poor children. Gujarat. 2009. thereby promotes inclusive national growth within the objectives of the University. Uttar Pradesh & Uttarakhand. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BOOK NUMBER (ISBN) : The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique International Publishers Identifier number.I 59 . now Saakshar Bharat programme has been included in the XII Five Year Plan (2012-17).68 crore elementary class children in 12. belonging to disadvantaged sections. 2010. fuel through captive mining blocks. POWER : Power development in India commenced at the end of the 19th century with the commissioning of electricity supply in Darjeeling during 1897. AUTOMATIC APPROVAL FOR FDI: Automatic approval (RBI route) for 100 foreign equity is permitted in generation. The objective of the initiative is to ensure cheaper tariffs utilizing economies of scale. and with the setting up of thermal. Development and promotion of non-conventional/alternate/new and renewable sources of energy such as solar. CHEYYUR : The site for Cheyyur in Kanchipuram District. Two joint-venture power corporations. that too restricted to the urban areas. viz. are subsequently transferred to the successful developer. catering to the need of a number of States and to mitigate the risk relating to tie up of land fuel.8. RFQ for this UMPP has Programme objective of providing access to electricity to all rural Households over a period of four years. along with the various clearances etc.. The construction and operation of generation and transmission projects in the Central sector are entrusted to Central Sector Power Corporations. are also getting growing attention.I 60 . INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . the power supply was mainly in the private sector. and the Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) is the nodal agency for the programme. each with a capacity of 4. Four UMPPs namely Sasan in Madhya Pradesh. The projects are being awarded to the successful developers on the basis of tariff based competitive bidding route employing super critical technology. Tamil Nadu has been indentified along with captive port at Panaiyur village. the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) (formerly known as NJPC) and Tehri Hydro Development Corporation (THDC) are responsible for the execution of the Nathpa Jhakri Power Project in Himachal Pradesh and projects of Tehri Hydro Power Complex in Uttarakhand respectively. wind and bio-energy.2013 notified revised position for FDI Cap for Power Exchanges registered under CERC Regulations.. namely. These SPVs. the North-Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO). followed by the commissioning of a hydropower station at Sivasamudram in Karnataka during 1902. To tie-up for necessary inputs and clearances such as provision of site. etc. Mundra in Gujarat. the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC). transmission. water and other statutory clearances etc. Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Tilaiya in Jharkhand have already been awarded to the successful bidders and are at different stages of development. ULTRA MEGA POWER PROJECTS : The Government of India had launched an initiative for the development of coal-based Ultra Mega Power Projects (UMPPs). The Government on 22. hydro and nuclear power stations. a significant step was taken in bringing about a systematic growth of power supply industry all over the country A number of multipurpose projects came into being.CHAPTER-11 | ENERGY CHAPTER ELEVEN| ENERGY ENERGY is an essential input for economic development and improving the quality of life. With the formation of State Electricity Boards during Five-Year Plans. water and in-principle environment and forest clearances. The Power Grid is responsible for all the existing and future transmission projects in the Central Sector and also for the formation of the National Power Grid. Development of conventional forms of energy for meeting the growing energy needs of society at a reasonable cost is the responsibility of the government. power generation started increasing significantly. (PFC) . In the pre-Independence era. project-specific shell companies (SPVs) are set up as wholly owned subsidiaries of the Power Finance Corporation Ltd. Nuclear energy development is being geared up to contribute significantly to the overall energy availability in the country.the nodal agency for these projects. and distribution and trading in power sector without any upper ceiling on the quantum of investment.000 MW. Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana.000 crore and an investment base of more than 40. Recognising the contribution of the Company for overall development of power sector. system strengthening scheme etc. NTPC has authorized share capital of Rs. investigate. with higher weightage given to states having larger population of rural poor and low electrification levels. organize. far flung and difficult villages with low load potential. In September. apart from providing transmission systems assigned to it for evacuation of power from central sector projects. distribution. 8245. This scheme has been now merged with RGGVY. SATLUJ JAL VIDYUT NIGAM LTD : SJVN was incorporated on May 24. a fully owned subsidiary of POWERGRID to facilitate transfer of power within and across the regions with reliability. the component that relates to rural electrification has been set off against the loan component of MNP.000 crores and paid up capital is Rs. RURAL ELECTRIFICATION UNDER MINIMUM NEEDS PROGRAMME (MNP) : This was started in 5th Five Year Plan with rural electrification as one of the components of the programme.CHAPTER-11 | ENERGY PUBLIC SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS NTPC LIMITED : NTPC Limited. POWER GRID CORPORATION : Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) was incorporated as October 23. Under this programme funds were provided as Central assistance to the states in the form of partly grants and partly loans. 1989 as a public limited company. integrating multiple energy sources with innovative and eco friendly technologies and contribute to society”. powering India’s growth and a mission to “develop and provide reliable power and related products and services at competitive prices.471 crores. 1988 as a joint venture of the Government of India (GoT) and the Government of Himachal Pradesh (GoHP) to plan. NHPC was set up in 1975 and has now become the largest organization for hydro power development in India. operate and maintain Hydro Electric Power Projects in Satluj basin in the state of Himachal Pradesh and at any other place with equity contribution of Gol and GoHP as 75:25. security and economy on commercial principles. trading and sale of power generated at stations. execute. Since the inception of the MNP.. POWERGRID is a notified Central Transmission Utility since 1998. to plan.I 61 . 75% of this is held by the Government of India. NHPC LIMITED : NHPC Limited is a Schedule “A” Mini-Ratna Enterprise of the Government of India with an authorized share capital of 15. The Corporation. a Maharatna Company of the Government of India. is the largest power generator in India with comprehensive in-house capabilities in building and operating power projects. NTPC has a vision ‘to be the worlds largest and best power producer. 2007 the Company entered the Capital Market thro INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . with capabilities to undertake all the activities from conceptualization to commissioning of Hydro Projects. is also responsible for establishment of Regional & National Power Grids and operates (through POSOCO). respectively. SJVN is “Schedule-A” Miniratna Category-I PSU under the administrative control of Ministry of Power. The scheme has been discontinued from 2004 onwards and has been subsequently merged with the new scheme. it has been conferred with ‘Navratna’ status by Govt. of India in May 2008. RAJIV GANDHI GRAMEEN VIDYUTIKARAN YOJANA (RGGVY): This is Scheme of Rural Electricity Infrastructure and Household Electrification has been introduced in April. The areas covered under the MNP for the purposes of rural electrification were remote. 10.5 crores. 2005 for achieving the National Common Minimum and associated sectors. KUTIR JOYTI SCHEME: This programme was launched in 1988-89 to provide single point light connections to households of rural families below the poverty line including harijans and adivasi families. The main objects of NHPC include. The allocation amongst the states was based on the size of rural population below the poverty line and level of village electrification in the state. promote and organize an integrated and efficient development of power in all its aspects through conventional and non-conventional sources in India and abroad and also the transmission. The import were 184. showing a marginal decrease of about 0. The CPRI’s laboratories are accredited under the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration of Laboratories (NABL). 2012-13. a Government of India enterprise..64.862 37.08 –0. is engaged in exploration and production of oil and gas outside India. Crude oil production for the year 2013-14 was 37.96 The crude oil production has remained at around 38 MMT during this period with marginal year to year variations. it became a joint venture company between the Indian Government and Burmah Oil Company Limited UK 1981. In 2012-13. Average price of International crude oil (Indian Basket) during 2013-14 were lower by 2. 1965 to perform international exploration and production business. 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Crude Oil Production (MMT) 38.09 37. public holding in the Company is 42. valued at 7. The Company was rechristened as ONGC Videsh Limited from 1989. Oil India Private Limited was incorported to expand and develop the newly discovered oil fields of Naharkatiya and Moran in Assam. which is the national body for accreditation of laboratories.795 MMT.47 –12. by Underwriters Laboratories and Canadian Standard Association. IMPORTS OF CRUDE OIL : During the year 2013-14 the import of crude oil was 189.559 40. OIL became a wholly-owned Government of India enterprise. OIL INDIA LIMITED : Oil India Limited (OIL). INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part .862 MMT for the previous year viz. The average international crude oil price (Indian Basket) was US$ 105.679 35. The Research Institute has been given the membership status in the group of Short Circuit Testing Liaison of Europe. On February 18. CENTRAL POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE : The Central Power Research Institute (CPRI). ONGC VIDESH LIMITED : ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL).89% is held by Govt. serves as national laboratory to carry out applied research in electrical power engineering. power and power cables.e.60 –0. production and transportation of crude oil and natural gas.I 62 .407 Growth of Crude Oil Production % 1. CRUDE OIL AND NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION : The trend in production of crude oil and natural gas during the period 2011-12 to 2013-14 is given below. It also functions as an independent national testing and certificate authority for electrical equipment for ensuring their reliability.11% and the balance 57. The Institute has been accredited by INTERTEKASTA.52 per barrel (bbl) in 2013-14 as compared to US$ 107. 1959.97/bbl.788 Natural Gas Production (BCM) 47.875 crore. 2030’ eyeing more than six fold increase in production from about 9 MMTOE during current fiscal to 60 MMTOE per annum by 2030. CPRI laboratories are approved for certain products like communication cables LT capacitors etc. a society registered under the Societies Registration Act under the Ministry of Power.CHAPTER-11 | ENERGY subsequently through Follow-on Public Offer issues in FY 2010 Presently.92 –14.40 percent in quantity terms and 10.238 MMT valued at 8. an increase of about 2.652 crore in 2012-13 i.788 Million Metric Tonne (MMT) as against 37.27 per cent as compared to the previous year 2012-13.20 Growth of Natural Gas Production % –8. OVL has drawn an ambitious Perspective Plan.20 percent.22 per cent in value terms. UK for testing of low voltage and medium voltage equipment. In 1961. OVL was incorporated as Hydrocarbons on March 5. of India.84. is engaged in the business of exploration. 35 9 Mumbai Hindustan Petroleum 6.00 3 Koyali 13.CHAPTER-11 | ENERGY S.00 8 Bongaigaon 2.00 Private Sector Refineries 15.66 HINDUSTAN PETROLEUM CORPORATION LIMITED : Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is a mega Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) with “Navratna” status. in the downstream sector. BHARAT PETROLEUM CORPORATION LIMITED : Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is an integrated oil company.66 18 Bina Bharat Oman Refinery Ltd.3 MMTPA.50 10 Visakhapatnam Corporation Limited 8.65 7 Panipat 15.30 11 Mumbai Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. engaged in refining of crude oil and marketing of petroleum products. 12. AP Oil & Natural gas Corporation Total 0. one in Mumbai (west coast) having a capacity of 6. 3. 120.00 Reliance Industries Limited 33.00 8. Refinery Location Name of the Company 1 Guwahati 2 Barauni 6.70 4 Haldia 7.00 16 Mangalore Manglore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd.50 27. 1.00 Total 9.I 63 .66 19 Bathinda HPCL Mittal Energy Ltd.00 20 Jamnagar 21 SEZ. It has INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part .00 15 Numaligarh Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. 15. It has two refineries.00 Total 78. Jamnagar 22 Vadinar PSU Refineries Name Plate Capacity (MMRPA) Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.5 MMTPA and the other in Visakhapatnam (east coast) with a capacity of 8.00 9.00 Grand Total 213.00 17 Tatipaka.00 12 Kochi 13 Manali Chennai Petroleum 10.00 Essar Oil Limited 18. 6.50 14 Nagapattinam Corporation Limited 1.50 5 Mathura 6 Digboi 0.No. Broadly.CHAPTER-11 | ENERGY also diversified into production and marketing of petrochemical feedstock. and 20 million rural households to have solar home lighting by year.56 billion tonnes as on 1st April 2014. INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION : During the year 2013-14.I 64 . TPS-I and TPS-I Expansion and TPS II with a capacity of 2740 MW located in Tamil Nadu and Barsingsar TPS in Rajasthan. 1956. NEYVELI LIGNITE CORPORATION LIMITED (NLC) : NLC was registered as a company on November 14. Neyveli Lignite Corporation has conferred with ‘Navratna’ status since April 2011. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)/Agreements/Letter of intent (LoT) etc were signed and Bilateral/Multinational Meeting/Joint Working Group Meetings were convened and Participated by MNRE. West Bengal. Madhya Pradesh. the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) was launched. Around 1000 MW of grid connected solar power capacity has already been set up. In January 2010. Asian Development Bank (ADB) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Global Environment Facility (GEF). United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The reverse bidding process adopted under the mission has led to a significant reduction in solar power tariff within one and half year of its implementation. Mine IA and Mine II in Tamil Nadu and Barsingsar Mine in Rajasthan. Development and innovation to achieve grid-parity in the shortest time frame. to install 20 GW grid-connected and 2 GW off-grid solar power. The Ministry also gets support from various international/ Multinational funding agencies.6 MTPA and four thermal power stations viz. 20 million sqm of solar thermal collector area. the second till March 2017 and the third phase will continue till March. The first phase is up to March 2013. aggregating to a total capacity of 30. The Mission will be implemented in three phases. Mine I. like World Bank. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . COAL RESERVES : The coal reserves in India up to the depth of 1200 meters have been estimated by the Geological Survey of India at 301. JAWAHARLAL NEHRU NATIONAL SOLAR MISSION : India has planned harnessing solar energy potential in a big way.. Chhattisgarh.5 MMTPA. Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy took various initiatives to promote cooperation with other countries in the field of renewable energy. Odisha. The Mission supports research.. Coal deposits are chiefly located in Jharkhand. as one of the mission under the National Action Plan on Climate Change. the Mission aims. The mining operations in Mine-I were formally inaugurated in 1957. BPCL has refineries at Mumbai and Kochi with a combined refining capacity of 21. who are providing project based assistance for renewable energy programmes in India. NLC presently operates four open cast lignite mines viz. 2022. viz. The reef system. and some 300 coral cays and unvegetated sand cays. and wall reefs.373.000 ha and vary in shape to provide the most spectacular marine scenery on Earth.000 species of mollusc. It the world's most extensive stretch of coral reef and is probably the richest area in terms of faunal diversity in the world.e. including rugged mountains with dense and diverse vegetation and adjacent fringing reefs.14% of the country’s land area. anemones. Scientific and Cultural Organisation-World Heritage Convention (UNESCOWHC) and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). marine worms and crustaceans. resulting from elongated growth.56 sq. extending to Papua New Guinea. There are approximately 600 continental islands including many with towering forests and freshwater streams.I 65 . Its great diversity reflects the maturity of an ecosystem which has evolved over millions of years on the north-east continental shelf of Australia.662.87 sq. Mangroves are plants that survive high salinity tidal regimes. 3% of the global mangroves area and 8% of Asia’s mangroves. 0. The site contains a huge diversity of species including over 1. the reef comprises some 2900 individual reefs of all sizes and shapes covering more than 20. 2 The form and structure of the individual reefs show great variety. ensuring the welfare of animals and prevention and. including 760 fringing reefs.CHAPTER-12 | ENVIRONMENT CHAPTER TWELVE| ENVIRONMENT THE Ministry of Environment. strong wind velocity. and more than 175 species of bird. not all coastal areas are suitable for mangrove plantation as it requires an appropriate mix of saline and freshwater. abatement of pollution. resulting from radial growth. which range in size from under 1ha to over 10. and soft substrate like mudflats to enable it to grow and perpetuate.km i. its biodiversity. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The four major coral reef areas identified for intensive conservation and management in the country are: i) Gulf of Mannar. CORAL REEFS : The Indian reef area is estimated to be 2.000 km . GREAT BARRIER REEF The Great Barrier Reef is a site of remarkable variety and beauty on the north-east coast of Australia. ii) Gulf of Kachchh. provide spectacular scenery. education and awareness. the Ministry also supports research and development activities with emphasis on targeted research on coral biodiversity. United Nations Educational. The emphasis is more on preventive aspects through monitoring and surveillance as the restoration work is both costly and time consuming. about 360 species of hard coral. A rich variety of landscapes and seascapes. India is a party to five major international conventions related to Wild Life conservation. iii) Lakshadweep and iv) Andaman and Nicobar Islands. often in areas of strong water currents. The Ministry provides financial assistance to the state forest departments for all the four identified coral reef areas for activities like monitoring. Besides. Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the nodal agency in the Central Government for overseeing the implementation of India’s environment and forest policies and programmes relation to conservation of the country’s natural resources including lakes and rivers. However. surveillance. The mangrove ecosystem constitute a symbiotic link or bridge between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . high temperature and muddy anaerobic soil-a combination of conditions hostile for other plants. MANGROVES : India has a total mangrove cover of 4. International Whaling Commission (IWC). plus a great diversity of sponges. Two main classes may be defined: platform or patch reefs. km. among others. forests and wildlife. its management and various aspects of pollution in these areas. There are also many fringing reefs where the reef growth is established on subtidal rock of the mainland coast or continental islands. 5.500 species of fish. 1986 has notified the “Rules for the Manufacture. NBA is an autonomous. Import. Under this Act. given the severe pressures being placed on these species elsewhere. • To respect and protect the knowledge of local communities related to biodiversity • To secure sharing of benefits with the local people as conservers of biological resources and holders of knowledge and information relating to the use of biological resources. National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was established by the Government of India in October. molluscs and sea urchins. CBD. CPB and COP-MOP GENETIC ENGINEERING APPRAISAL COMMITTEE (GEAC) : The Ministry of Environment. In 2000. This contemporary use of and association with the Marine Park plays an important role in the maintenance of their cultures and there is a strong spiritual connection with the ocean and its inhabitants. handling and use of living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology. many of which are small and inconspicuous but which are highly productive and are heavily grazed by turtles. 2013 at Chennai (Tamil Nadu) under Section (8) of the Biological Diversity Act. the Great Barrier Reef may be their last secure stronghold. several steps were initiated to meet the commitments under the Convention. 1989” (Rules. fish. 15 species of seagrass grow throughout the reef area forming over 3. and to realize the opportunities offered by the Convention. Forests & Climate Change (MoEFCC). administrative and policy regimes in tune with the three-fold objectives of the CBD. Export and Storage of Hazardous Microorganisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells. sustainable use of its components. 2 The Great Barrier Reef. algae are an important component of reef building processes.CHAPTER-12 | ENVIRONMENT The site includes major feeding grounds for the endangered dugong and nesting grounds of world significance for two endangered species of marine turtle. such as dugongs. • Protection and rehabilitation of threatened species. These efforts were aimed at bringing the legislative. The objective of CPB is to ensure safe transfer. In addition. involvement of institutions of state government in the broad scheme of implementation of the Biological Diversity Act through constitution of committees. is important in the historic and contemporary culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups of the coastal areas of north-east Australia. India is a party to the CBD as well as CPB. A wide range of fleshy algae occurs. India enacted the Biological Diversity Act in 2002 to give effect to the provisions of this Convention. statutory and regulatory organization which is intended to implement the provisions of Biological Diversity Act. Pursuant to the ratification of the CBD by India on 18 February 1994. Use.GEAC. • Conservation and development of area of importance from the view point of biological diversity by declaring them as biological diversity heritage sites. It is also an important breeding area for humpback and other whale species. The State Biodiversity Boards (SBB) are to be established by the State Governments and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) to be constituted by the local bodies. a Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) was adopted under the aegis of the CBD. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . BIOSAFETY . 2003 in Chennai. under the Environment (Protection) Act. as well as habitat for four other species of marine turtle. the green and the loggerhead. COP-11 and NBA (BIODIVERSITY) CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY : The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is one of the key agreements adopted during the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. NATIONAL BIODIVERSITY AUTHORITY : At the national level. The three objectives of the CBD are: conservation of biological diversity. 2002. a National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) was set up in October. and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of genetic resources.000 km of seagrass meadows and providing an important food source for grazing animals.I 66 . and in particular the northern sector. The main objectives of NBA are : • To regulate access to biological resources of the country to conserve and sustainable use of biological diversity. Chennai and Jabalpur and three sub-regional offices at Guwahati. The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). Minister of State Environment and Forests. their habitat and corridors. Central Zoo Authority is the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority. PROJECT ELEPHANT : Project Elephant (FE) was launched by the Government in 1991-92 as a centrally sponsored scheme with the following objectives: to protect elephants. The Bureau has been envisaged as a multi-disciplinary body with officials from Police. Financial and technical support is being provided to major elephant. Hazardous microoganisms include those which are pathogenic to animals as well as plants. 1972. to address issues of man-animal conflict. In the national interest and in the interest of posterity. regulates the diversion of forest lands to nonforestry purposes.CHAPTER-12 | ENVIRONMENT 1989). development and testing of GMOs prior to environment release are conducted in a safe and scientific manner through appropriate implementation of Rule 1989 and biosafety guidelines. WILDLIFE INSTITUTE OF INDIA : Wildlife Institute of India (WIT) was established in 1986. Amritsar and Kochi. 1972 with the objective “to ensure maintenance of a viable population of tigers in India for scientific. as an autonomous Institute of the Ministry. therefore. 1989 has the mandate to approve large scale trials and environmental release of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and ensure that research. CZA is a twelve member body. to cut down delays and to make the process transparent. Forest Departments and Customs. Government of India is the ex-officio Chairman of the Central Zoo Authority and Member Secretary. As of date 163 countries are Parties to the Protocol. The Protocol has come into force from 11 September 2003. India is a party to the Protocol. to simplify the procedures. It became operational in 2008. the apex body under the Rules. WILDLIFE CRIME CONTROL BUREAU : The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) was constituted as a statutory body under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. taking into account risk to human health. CARTAGENA BIO-SAFETY PROTOCOL (CPB) : The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) was negotiated under the aegis of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and adopted on 29 January 2000. The rules also cover application of hazardous microoganisms which may not be genetically modified.I 67 . on June 6. The Institute has emerged as a premier training and research institution in the field of wildlife and protected area management in South and South East Asia. Kolkata. The objective of the Act is to regulate indiscriminate diversion of forest lands for non-forestry uses and to maintain a balance between developmental needs of the country and the conservation of natural heritage. welfare of domesticated elephants. 2007 to combat wildlife crime in the country. five regional offices at Delhi. 1972 to oversee the functioning of zoos in the country with the view to enhancing their role in conservation. The Bureau has its headquarters at Delhi. 1980 came into effect from October 25. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . The main objective of the Protocol is to ensure safe transfer. Mumbai. The guidelines are issued under the Act from time to time. WCCB has been tasked with the following functions under Section 38 (Z) of the Wild Life Protection Act. PROJECT TIGER NATIONAL TIGER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY : The centrally sponsored scheme “Project Tiger” was launched in April. th th FOREST CONSERVATION : The Forest (Conservation) Act. CENTRAL ZOO AUTHORITY : The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) was established in 1992 under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. handling and use of living modified organisms resulting from modem biotechnology that may have adverse effect on the conservation and sustainable biological diversity. 1972.1980 which provides for prior approval of the Central Government for diversion of forest lands for non-forestry purposes. Its mandate is to generate quality formation and knowledge products in wildlife science and mainstream it in capacity building programmes for various target groups and provide advisory support to central and state governments. bearing states in the country. this Act. FELLOWSHIPS AND AWARDS INDIRA GANDHI PARYAVARAN PURASKAR : In memory of late Prime Minister Smt. Pangthang Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh). Western Ghats. instituted an award called the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar (IGPP) to give recognition to those having made or have the potential to make measurable and major impact in the protection of environment. CPR Environmental Education Centre (CPREEC). Special attention is also given by NAEB to the regeneration of degraded forest areas and lands adjoining forest areas. one cash prize of Rs.each under “Organization Category” and three prizes of INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . 1. India represented Wetlands International on the Board of Directors and was elected as member of Supervisory Council of Wetlands International twice which is a partner organization of the Ramsar Convention. Chennai. in the year 1987. RAMSAR CONVENTION : Twenty-six sites have been designated as Ramsar sites in the country.00. REGENERATION AND ECO-DEVELOPMENT NATIONAL AFFORESTATION AND ECO-DEVELOPMENT BOARD (NAEB) : In order to promote afforestation. and four regional units located at Kosi-Katarmal. as an autonomous institute. to provide financial assistance for undertaking intensive conservation measures in the identified wetlands. with a mandate of achieving sustainable development and environmental conservation in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). the award comprises two prizes of Rs. and to preserve for all times. Presently. Centre of Mining Environment (CME). the Ministry launched the scheme— Centre of Excellence in 1983 to promote institutions in priority areas of environmental sciences and management.00. national parks.000/.B. Delhi. Bengaluru. Indian Institute of Science (IISC).I 68 . Chennai. the National Afforestation and Ecodevelopment Board (NAEB) was set up in August 1992. The Institute executes its mandate through its headquarters located at Kosi-Katarmal. Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON). Ten centres of excellence have so far been established in different areas: Centre for Environment Education (CEE). Indian delegation participated in Ramsar Convention COP-Il meeting held at Bucharest. to monitor implementation of the programme. Centre for Environment Management of Degraded Ecosystem (CEMDE) University of Delhi. Indira Gandhi. NATIONAL WETLAND CONSERVATION PROGRAMME : The National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) was initiated in 1987 with the following objectives to lay down policy guidelines for conservation and management of wetlands in the country. aesthetic. Centre for Ecological Sciences (CES). Six more wetlands are under process of being designated as Ramsar sites.was awarded to either an individual or an organization of India in recognition of their exceptional and outstanding contributions in the field of environment. 5. Indian School of Mines. Coimbatore. In the beginning. PANT INSTITUTE OF HIMALAYAN ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT : G. Thiruvanthapurm. and to prepare an inventory of Indian wetlands. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment and Development (GBPIHED) was established in August. Srinagar-Garhwal (Uttarakhand). cultural and ecological values. Romania in 2012 and intervened in almost all 22 resolutions passed during the convention. Bengaluru. areas of biological importance as a national heritage for Life benefit. education and enjoyment of the people’.000/. CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE : Enhancement of people’s awareness about environment requires capacity building at institutional and individual levels for providing adequate support to the efforts in the fields of environment education. etc. (Himachal Pradesh). sanctuaries and other protected areas as well as the ecologically fragile areas like the Western Himalayas. India is also a partner to the Himalayan initiatives alongwith other Himalayan countries. The Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI). tree planting. ecological restoration and eco-development activities in the country. G. Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions (FRLHT). Bengaluru. Aravalis. To serve this objective.B. CARTMAN. Ahmedabad. Madras School of Economics (MSE). Almora (Uttarakhand).CHAPTER-12 | ENVIRONMENT economic. and Centre for Animals and Environment. the Ministry of Environment and Forests. 1988 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. research and training. Dhanbad. which led to the adoption of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer in 1985 an Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987.P. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL : The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act. 3 judicial and 9 expert members are working in the Tribunal. RAJIV GANDHI WILDLIFE CONSERVATION AWARD : The Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Conservation Award is given annually for significant contribution in the field of wildlife conservation which has made. Five places of sitting with the Principal Bench at New Delhi and Pune. 1908. The Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure.000/..I 69 . 2010. The Tribunal’s dedicated jurisdiction in environmental matters shall provide speedy environmental justice and help reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts. Pal National Environment Fellowship Award for Biodiversity was instituted during 1993 and is awarded annually with a view to further develop. 2010 was brought into force in October. About 90 per cent of ozone formed in this way lies between 10 and 50 kilometer above the earth’s surface. deepen and strengthen the expertise on biodiversity available in the country. decrease crop yield etc.000/-.P. which is recognised as having shown exemplary courage or having done exemplary work for the protection of wildlife. 3. PITAMBER PANT NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FELLOWSHIP : Pitamber Pant National Environment Fellowship instituted in 1978 is awarded every year to encourage and recognize excellence in any branch of research related to the environmental sciences. OZONE LAYER PROTECTION : Ozone.each under “Individual Category”. a tri-atomic molecule of oxygen is formed from oxygen naturally in the upper levels of the earth’s atmosphere by high-energy Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Kolkata.CHAPTER-12 | ENVIRONMENT Rs.and Rs. Bhopal and Chennai as zonal Benches have been notified. Rs. It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues.00. B.000/. The award is given annually and an advertisement inviting nominations for IGPP is released every year on the 15th of July in national dailies with regional coverage. 2.00. NATIONAL AWARDS FOR PREVENTION OF POLLUTION AND RAJIV GANDHI ENVIRONMENT AWARD FOR CLEAN TECHNOLOGY : The National Awards for Prevention of Pollution and Rajiv Gandhi Environment Award for Clean Technology are given each year. products or practices that prevent pollution and find innovative solution to environmental problems. each awardee is given a Silver Lotus Trophy. eye cataract. 5. It was established for the effective and expenditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Delhi and Chennai Bench of the Tribunal have been operationalised. a major impact on the protection and conservation of wildlife in the country. It protects plant and animal life from UV-B radiation.00. The stratospheric ozone layer absorbs all the harmful UV-B radiation emanating from the sun. scroll and Citation. AMRITA DEVI BISHNOI WILDLIFE PROTECTION AWARD : The Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award is given for significant contribution in the field of wildlife protection. INDIRA PRIYADARSHINI VRIKSHA MITRA AWARDS : The Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra (IPVM) Awards were instituted in 1986 to recognize the pioneering and innovative contribution made by individuals and institutions in the field of afforestation/wasteland development every year. suppress body’s immune system. in the identified categories of highly polluting industries which have made a significant and measurable contribution towards development or use of clean technologies. but shall be guided by principles of natural justice. In addition to the Chairperson. The UV-B radiation has the potential to cause skin cancer. Along with the cash prize. called the stratosphere. PAL NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FELLOWSHIP FOR BIODIVERSITY : B. or has the potential to make. nilgai and chinkara can be seen. Some have been created in order to protect highly endangered species of wild plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Animals such as elephants require different types of habitat to feed in during different seasons. the star tortoise and the desert fox. As the grasses dry. There are several sanctuaries in the terai region—the Kaziranga National Park is the most famous and is home to the rhinoceros apart from elephant. Wildlife. The Great and the Little Rann of Kutch have been made into sanctuaries to protect the very rare wild ass. This thorn and deciduous forest is also the home of large herds of chital. where biological diversity. sambar and nilgai. elephants and deer. The Great Himalayan National Park is the largest sanctuary in this ecosystem and is one of the last homes of the beautiful snow leopard. The Dachigam sanctuary is the only place where the rare Hangul or Kashmir stag is found. Its bird life is extremely rich and includes ducks. The Manas sanctuary. the flamingo. The florican is found only in a few undisturbed grasslands in the terai sanctuaries. In the past. During 2002-2003. However. This is known as in-situ conservation. They utilize open grasslands after the rains when the young grass shoots are highly nutritious. the elephants move into the forest to feed on foliage from the trees. Biodiversity at all levels. pelicans and storks.CHAPTER-12 | ENVIRONMENT CONSERVATION OF BIO-DIVERSITY: IN SITU AND EX SITU IN SITU CONSERVATION : The conservation of a species is best done by protecting its habitat along with all the other species that live in it in nature. threatened or endangered species are found. can be best preserved in situ by setting aside an adequate representation of wilderness as protected areas. These should consist of a network of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries with each distinctive ecosystem included in the network. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . During the last 20 years. The great Indian bustard lives in these arid lands. Here. in addition to the above terai species. geese. large numbers. The biologist’s viewpoint deals with areas that are relatively species-rich. of which 89 are national parks and 500 are wildlife sanctuaries. In Gujarat. This is the only home of the very rare Siberian crane. wildlife is protected in the Desert National Park. which is conserving a species in its own environment by creating national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. no cranes were seen and it is possible that this beautiful bird will never again come to India. The objective of these areas should be expanded to the preservation of relatively intact natural ecosystems.I 70 . these easily become extinct due to human activity. the Gir Sanctuary protects the last population of the majestic Asiatic lion. lions. gaur. as genetic species and as intact ecosystems. of blackbuck. as well as tigers and leopards. Bharatpur is one of the most famous water-bird sanctuaries in the world. geese. They include a variety of ecosystems and habitats. As rare endemic species are found only in a small area. the 30 or 40 Siberian cranes have dwindled to only 2 or 3. can all be preserved. In the Thar desert. herons and other wading birds can be seen here. national parks and sanctuaries in India were notified to preserve major wildlife species such as tigers. Thousands of ducks. or those with endemic species. sanctuaries and national parks of India: There are 589 protected areas in India. or those where rare. also includes the rare golden langur and the very rare pygmy hog. from microscope unicellular plants and animals to the giant trees and large mammals. Such a network would preserve the total diversity of life of a region. which migrates to India every winter. swamp deer and hog deer in large numbers. species cannot be protected individually as they are all interdependent—the whole ecosystem must be protected. Such areas must be given an added importance as their biodiversity is a special feature of the region. wild boar. The Orissa Forest Department. Koyana. Sanctuaries such as Bhimashankar. hundreds of thousands of Olive Ridley turtles congregate on the beach. Now. The Marine National Park in Gujarat protects shallow areas in the sea. Rushikulya and the mouth of the Devi river on the Orissa coast. for mass nesting—the arribada. the Orissa Marine Fisheries Regulation Act was passed in 1982. very few of these magnificent animals are left in these jungles. ORISSA: OLIVE RIDLEY TURTLES Every year at Gahrimatha. This was the largest nesting site for Olive Ridleys in the world. EX SITU CONSERVATION : There are situations in which an endangered species is so close to extinction that unless alternate methods are instituted. Chandoli preserve this rich flora in Maharashtra. In the Nilgiri hills. that is. a successful breeding programme ensures that a species is reintroduced into its original wild habitat. When an animal is on the brink of extinction. Periyar and the Silent Valley in Kerala. Examples include Bandipur. There are severe threats to these nesting sites. Shrinking nesting sites. between December and April. by the end of March it was estimated that around 200. Parambikulam. These regions are also rich in highly endemic plant life. After its ‘discovery’ in 1974. reptiles and insects. However. disturbances. This strategy is known as ex situ conservation. it must be carefully bred so that in-breeding does not lead to the genetic composition becoming weak. The Sunderbans protect the largest mangrove delta in India. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . WII. Apart from these initiatives. ‘Operation Kachhapa’ is being coordinated by the Wildlife protection Society of India. Another form of preserving a plant is by preserving its germplasm in a gene bank so that it can be used if needed in future.Bandipur. Dandeli and Nagarhole in Karnataka. construction of roads and buildings close to these rookeries. Delhi and Wildlife Society of Orissa with many local NGOs as partners.I 71 . Dehra Dun and the Coast Guard are also involved in the project. islands. In 2001. Finally. Recognising the threat to turtles from fishing by large trawlers. Two important sanctuaries meant for preservation of coastal ecosystems are the Chilika lake in Orissa and Point Calimere in Tamil Nadu.CHAPTER-12 | ENVIRONMENT The sanctuaries of the Western ghats and associated hill ranges protect some of the most diverse forest types in the country. Breeding from the same stock can lead to poorly-adapted progeny or even an inability to get enough offspring. this is rather expensive. Bhadra. the beach was notified as a sanctuary (the Bhitarkanika sanctuary) and was closed for hunting. conserving the species outside its natural habitat in a carefully controlled situation such as a botanical garden for plants. the State Government of Orissa declared that a five-month period between January and May should constitute a no-fishing season for a distance of 20 km from the coastline. Mudumalai. Trawler fishing is another large threat to the turtles. the flying squirrel and a variety of hill birds. several species of amphibians. or other artificial influences that have been the primary cause of reducing the population of species. and other infrastructure development projects hamper nesting. coral reefs and extensive mudflats. Eravikulam. the species may be rapidly driven to extinction. This Act prohibits trawling within 10 km of the coastline throughout the state and makes it mandatory for all trawlers to use Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs). The few examples of highly-threatened species include the Malabar giant squirrel. 000 turtles had nested at the Gahirmatha beach. Wyanad and Bhadra. the forest sanctuaries protect some of the last pockets of the Indian elephant in South India. During the last 10 years. a zoological park for animals or within the care of humans where there is expertise to multiply the species under artificially managed conditions. a large number of the great tusker elephants of his region have been ruthlessly killed for their ivory. In 1999. This requires rehabilitation of the degraded habitat and removal of the other causes such as poaching. Marine biologists believe that only one out of every 1000 eggs actually matures into an adult. NOTE : DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NATIONAL PARKS AND WILD LIFE SANCTUARIES • • • • • • • The boundaries of national parks are well marked. The plan is to promote management.035 crocodiles and the crocodiles here lay two clutches of eggs a year. aesthetic values and option values. some human activities like timber extraction. Thus. In India. a modern zoo has to go beyond these functions to include breeding of endangered species as a conservation measure. forests of the Northeastern states and forests of the Western ghats. provided they do not have direct adverse impact on the wildlife. and finally conflicts arising from human-wildlife coexistence. It is title given by UNESCO to help protect the sites. forestry and cultivation are allowed. whereas wild sanctuaries are created through an order of a competent authority. • India is a bio-rich nation. national parks can only be constituted or abolished through state legislation. compared to one in the wild! Another recent success has been the breeding of the very rare pygmy hog in the Guwahati zoo. Thus. who can be the chief conservator of forests or a minister of a state. but in India. while most zoos are meant to provide visitors with a visual experience of seeing a wild animal at close quarters and provide the visitors with information about the species. whereas in wildlife sanctuaries. All human activities are completely banned in the area under the national parks. SOME IMPORTANT FACTS : • Biological diversity refers to the variation of life forms at three levels—genetic variability within a species. this has been highly successful. Ex situ conservation refers to protecting species away from their natural habitat. Biosphere Reserve A Biosphere Reserve is an ecosystem with plants and animals of unusual scientific and natural interest. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . consisting of a network of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. In India the areas under national parks are strictly reserved for the conservation and preservation of wildlife. successful ex situ conservation programmes have been carried out for all our three species of crocodiles. by establishing corridors between adjacent areas wherever possible so that wildlife can move between them.CHAPTER-12 | ENVIRONMENT Modern breeding programmes are undertaken in zoos that provide for all the animal’s needs. • These PAs must be integrated with each other. • In situ conservation refers to protecting species in their natural habitat by setting aside an adequate representation of wilderness as Protected Areas (PAs). In most countries. with no scope for human activities. These can be categorized as consumptive and productive use values. The most successful example is the Madras Crocodile Trust Bank.I 72 . In fact. socio-cultural values. only national or federal government can constitute national parks. This includes the sustainable use of natural resources. the variety of species within a community and the organisation of species in an ecosystem. poaching for wildlife for short-term economic gain. whereas the boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries are often not well marked. it is evident that national parks have greater degree of permanency than a wildlife sanctuary. state governments have the power to constitute national parks. it ranks among the top 15 countries that are exceptionally rich in species diversity. in conditions which can be closely controlled and monitored. • Biological diversity provides a variety of environmental goods and services. Both can be formed out of reserved of protected forests. including enclosures that simulate their wild habitats. There may also be a need to assist breeding artificially. research and education in ecosystem conservation. India’s ‘hotspot’ are concentrated in three areas—the Andaman and Nicobar islands. many of which are endemic to the country and found nowhere else in the world. but in the national parks there are no private ownership rights. In wildlife sanctuaries private ownership rights can continue as long as wildlife conservation is not adversely affected. • Threats to biodiversity include: habitat loss due to rapid urbanization and industrialization. • Areas that are rich in species diversity are called ‘hotspots’ of diversity. which has grown from 10 to 8. but at least two theories are generally accepted: Demand-Pull Inflation . This Ministry comprises five departments. In extreme cases. The value of a dollar is observed in terms of purchasing power. As inflation rises.1 percent as compared to 4. INDUSTRY : The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) based industrial growth during 2013-14 was (-)0. (ii) Expenditure. There are several variations on inflation: • Deflation is when the general level of prices is falling. DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS ECONOMIC GROWTH : As per the provisional estimates. (iii) Revenue. the mining and the manufacturing sectors declined by 0.0 per cent achieved during the same period of the previous year. tangible goods that money can buy.This theory can be summarized as "too much money chasing too few goods". this can lead to the breakdown of a nation's monetary system. It is measured as an annual percentage increase. One of the most notable examples of hyperinflation occurred in Germany in 1923.7 percent in 2013-14. (iv) Disinvestment and (v) Financial services. if demand is growing faster than supply.inflation continued to show uptrend during this period. if the inflation rate is 2% annually.98 per cent in 2013-14. For example. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part .1 per cent growth achieved in the previous year. WHAT IS INFLATION ? Inflation is defined as a sustained increase in the general level of prices for goods and services. After inflation. your dollar can't buy the same goods it could beforehand. The electricity sector grew at 6. This usually occurs in growing economies.02 in a year. when prices rose 2. prices will increase.CHAPTER-13 | FINANCE CHAPTER THIRTEEN| FINANCE THE Ministry of Finance is responsible for administration of finances of the Government. every dollar you own buys a smaller percentage of a good or service.8 per cent during 2013-14 vis-a-vis (-) 2. It regulates expenditure of the Government including transfer of resources to the states. There is no one cause that's universally agreed upon. The value of a dollar does not stay constant when there is inflation.7 per cent and 6. (i) Economic Affairs.500% in one month! • Stagflation is the combination of high unemployment and economic stagnation with inflation.8 per cent respectively. the growth rate of Gross-Domestic Product (GDP) at factor cost at constant (2004-05) prices is estimated at 4. released by the Central Statistics Office. which is the real. Out of the three broad sectors. while electricity sector recorded the highest growth during 2013-14. PRICES AND INFLATION : The average headline inflation measured in terms of Wholesale Price Index (WPI). However. It is concerned with all economic and financial matters affecting the country as a whole including mobilisation of resources for development and other purposes.I 73 . The decline in inflation was on account of fall in non-food inflation since the food.35 per cent in 2012-13 and further to 5. When inflation goes up.94 per cent in 2011-12 to 7. CAUSES OF INFLATION : Economists wake up in the morning hoping for a chance to debate the causes of inflation. In other words. there is a decline in the purchasing power of money. industry sector and services sector growing at 4. This happened in industrialized countries during the 1970s. • Hyperinflation is unusually rapid inflation. with agriculture and allied sectors. most developed countries have attempted to sustain an inflation rate of 2-3%. then theoretically a $1 pack of gum will cost $1. continued to decline in the financial year 2013-14 from 8.6 percent and 0.3 percent growth recorded during the previous year respectively.1 per cent compared to 1. when a bad economy was combined with OPEC raising oil prices. In recent years. namely. This is the opposite of inflation. the mining and the manufacturing sectors recorded negative growth during this period. 2 billion in 2013-14 as against US$ 502. 3.5 billion in 2012-13.5 billion during 2013. this is similar to getting an interest-free loan. • Uncertainty about what will happen next makes corporations and consumers less likely to spend. Net invisible receipts increased 7.4 billion (1. • If the inflation rate is greater than that of other countries. coupled with a rise in net invisibles receipts. BALANCE OF PAYMENTS The Balance of Payments (BOP) is the method countries use to monitor all international monetary transactions at a specific period of time. Contraction in the trade deficit.6 billion in 2012-13. resulted in a reduction of the CAD to US$ 32.I 74 . however. 2013. declined to USS 47. MONETARY TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS : The gradual monetary easing started by the Reserve Bank of India with the dampening of inflationary pressures was halted with the large outflow of capital. The question shouldn't be whether inflation is rising. see a decline in their purchasing power and. For those who borrow.2 billion (4. merchandise exports (on BoP basis) increased by 3.6 per cent of GDP) in 2013-14 from US$ 92. consequently. All trades conducted by both the private and public sectors are accounted for in the BOP in order to determine how much money is going in INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . but whether it's rising at a quicker pace than your wages. little inflation (or even deflation) can be just as bad as high inflation. labels. menus and more have to be updated.6 billion in 2013-14 as against US$ 306.2 billion in 2012-13. Imports declined by 7. or increased costs of imports. Problems arise when there is unanticipated inflation: • Creditors lose and debtors gain if the lender does not anticipate inflation correctly. foreign exchange reserves increased by US$ 15.2 per cent to US$ 466. BALANCE OF PAYMENT (BOP) : After remaining at elevated levels in 2011-12 and 2012-13.9 billion (2. the BOP is calculated every quarter and every calendar year. but they often ignore the fact that wages should be rising as well.CHAPTER-13 | FINANCE Cost-Push Inflation .9 per cent of GDP) in 2013-14 from US$ 195. taxes. Reversing its easy stance announced in its Annual Monetary Policy Statement made on May. they need to increase prices to maintain theirprofit margins. The recovery in exports and moderation in imports led to a sharp improvement in the trade deficit to US$ 147.2 per cent to US$ 115. Inflation affects different people in different ways.8 billion in 2012-13. The lack of inflation may be an indication that the economy is weakening. For example.7 per cent of GDP) in 2012-13.7 per cent of GDP) in 2013-14 from US$ 88. • People living off a fixed-income. This hurts economic output in the long run. Net capital inflows. such as retirees. banks can vary their interest rates and workers can negotiate contracts that include automatic wage hikes as the price level goes up. As you can see. but it isn't necessarily so. COSTS OF INFLATION : Almost everyone thinks inflation is evil. Increased costs can include things such as wages.14 as compared to increase of US$ 3. current account deficit (CAD) declined significantly in 2013-14 mainly on account of the success of the measures to contain non-essential imports like gold.0 billion (4. domestic products become less competitive.9 per cent to US$318. If the inflation rate corresponds to what the majority of people are expecting (anticipated inflation).When companies' costs go up. In some situations. Usually. it's not so easy to label inflation as either good or bad .6 billion (7. People like to complain about prices going up. During 2013-14.5 per cent of GDP) in 2012-13.9 per cent of GDP) in corresponding period of 2012-13 owing to lower net portfolio inflows and net repayment of short-term debt. the RBI took a series of short term measures after the indication from the USA to taper the quantitative easing triggered by the capital outflow and exchange rate volatility. inflation is a sign that an economy is growing. Finally. • The entire economy must absorb repricing costs ("menu costs") as price lists. particularly in debt segment and consequent steep depreciation of Rupee. It also depends on whether inflation is anticipated or unanticipated. On BoP basis.it depends on the overall economy as well as your personal situation. then we can compensate and the cost isn't high.7 billion (10. their standard of living.2 billion in 2013-14 from US$ 107. 38-63. more than 3.75 per US dollar. with National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) being the other Submission. intend to ensure provision of elementary education to all the children in the 6-14 age group. the BOP should be zero.0 crore and Rs. the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) supported by the Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS). INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part .01 per US dollar in March 2014 from Rs. st st NATIONAL HEALTH MISSION (NHM): The National Urban Health Mission (NUHM) was launched in 2013 as a sub-mission of National Health Mission (NHM). since FY 2011-12. the coverage of RSBY has been extended to various other categories of unorganized workers and it is the endeavour of the Government to extend RSBY to all unorganized workers in a phased manner. 2013. and greater clarity on US Federal Reserve taper. 2013. If a country has received money. aims at providing gainful employment to the urban unemployed and underemployed. However it recovered to 60. the monthly average exchange rate of rupee (RBI’s Reference Rate) was in the range of 54.41 crore. A sharp increase in NRI deposits reflected the impact of fresh Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Banks) FCNR (B) deposits mobilised under the swap scheme during September-November. a total of Rs.March. Thus.36 rupee per US dollar on August 28. NATIONAL SMALL SAVINGS FUND : In order to account for all the monetary transactions under small savings schemes of the Central Government under one umbrella.CHAPTER-13 | FINANCE and out of a country.8 per cent to Rs. April.71 BPL families are having the RSBY active smart cards by April 2014. 4. 2013.000 crore has been made for National Health /Mission for rural and urban during 201314. The net accretions under the small savings schemes are invested in the special securities of various States/Union Territories (with legislature)/Central Governments. RASHTRIYA SWASTHYA BIMA YOJANA (RSBY): Under the Yojana.2 billion over the level at end-March.42. The total budget provision for NRLM is Rs.e. The rise in external debt during the period was due to long-term debt particularly NRI deposits. 1997. 2013. 380.f. 61. 1st. 858. 2013. 2013 68. mine workers and auto/taxi drivers have been covered in June. as on 31st October. meaning that assets (credits) and liabilities (debits) should balance. EXTERNAL DEBT : India’s external debt stock stood at US$ 440. 24 States have transited to NRLM after establishing dedicated Mission architec systems. 2013 is Rs. The maturity profile of India’s external debt indicates dominance of long-term borrowings. NATIONAL RURAL LIVELIHOODS MISSION (NRLM): Swarnajyanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) has been restructured and implemented as the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM). National Small Savings Fund’ (NSSF) was set up in the Public Account of India w. Theoretically. The remaining four States are expected to transit to NRLM during the current financial year. 4000 crore for 2013-14 while the total release as on 30th September. but in practice this is rarely the case.I 75 . rickshaw pullers. MID-DAY MEAL (MDM): Some important programmes in the education sector viz. 2014 reflecting the impact of the steps taken by the Government and the RBI to moderate the current account deficit and boost capital flows.6 billion at end. rag pickers.850 people had benefited from this scheme.10 per US dollar on March 28. and if a country has paid or given money. this is known as a credit. 2014 recording an increase of US$ 31. During 2013-14. SWARNA JAYANTI SHAHARI ROZGAR YOJANA (SJSRY) : The SJSRY launched on 1 December. The occupational groups such as sanitation workers. The annual budgetary provision for the SJSRY for the year 2013-14 is Rs. 1999. Apart from the BPL families. the transaction is counted as a debit.40 per US dollar in March 2013. The daily exchange rate of the rupee breached the level of 68 rupee per US dollar in August. Allocation of 20. 2013. The minimum obligation of States to borrow from the National Small Savings Fund (NSSF) was brought down from 100 per cent to 50 percent of net collections in 2012. 950. EXCHANGE RATE OF RUPEE : During fiscal 2013-14.57 crore has been released up to 1 November. by encouraging them to set up selfemployment ventures or creating wage employment opportunities. the BOP can tell the observer if a country has a deficit or a surplus and from which part of the economy the discrepancies are stemming. 54. The rupee depreciated by 10. 10 lakh to Rs. RGESS has been further liberalized in the Union Budget 20 13-14 to enable the first time investor to invest in listed mutual funds and equity for three successive years. one Under Secretary. comprising 27 Mission Mode Projects (MMPs) and 8 components. Member . instead of the present provision of one year. is the principal accounts adviser to the Government of India and is responsible for establishing and maintaining a technically sound management accounting system. India is a member of four institutions of the World Bank Group viz.to formulate the policy relating to the general principles. PROCUREMENT POLICY : A Public Procurement Cell (PPC) was set up in this Department in June. Chairman . 2006. The income limit applicable for RGESS beneficiaries has been raised from Rs. transparency and reliability of such services at affordable cost. to coordinate and oversee INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . form and procedure of accounting for the entire Central and State Governments. The Scheme envisions making all Government services accessible to the common man in his locality through common service delivery outlets and ensuring efficiency. rd WORLD BANK : The World Bank is among the world’s leading development institutions with a mission to fight poverty and improve living standards developing world by promoting sustainable development through loans. Secretary-Smt.. NATIONAL E-GOVERNANCE PLAN (NEGP) : The Government approved the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP). The Scheme was launched in February. exclusively for the first time securities market. risk management products. 2013 and is implemented through depositories. Meena Agarwal.Justice Shri Ashok Kumar Mathur 2. one Assistant Director and one Assistant. India has been accessing funds from the World Bank (mainly through IBRD and IDA) for various developmental projects.Shri Vivek Rae 3. The Seventh Central Pay Commission comprises the following: 1. Member-Dr. International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MICA). Functions entrusted to the Controller General of Accounts are as under:. The World Bank concentrates its efforts on reaching the Millennium Development Goals aimed at sustainable poverty reduction. The Cell was gradually strengthened and a Division called Procurement Policy Division (PPD) was created under the overall supervision of OSD (PPD) with one Director. 2011 to take follow up action on the Report of the Committee on Public Procurement (CoPP) and drafting of the Public Procurement Bill and other related matters such as drafting of rules and setting up of a Central Public Procurement Portal. International Development Association (IDA).I 76 . 2014. to formulate the policy relating to the general principles. 12 lakh. Rathin Roy 4. and (non-ending) analytic and advisory services. The World Bank is one of the United Nations’ specialized agencies. guarantees. Government on 23 November 2012 notified a new tax saving scheme called ‘Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme’ (RGESS).CHAPTER-13 | FINANCE EXPANSION OF SCOPE OF RAJIV GANDHI EQUITY SAVINGS SCHEME (RGESS) : Pursuing the Union Budget announcement of 2012-13. At present there are four components operational under the Scheme : (i) Common Service Centre (CSC) (ii) State Wide Area Networks (SWAN) (iii) State Data Centres (SDC) (iv) Capacity Building CONTROLLER GENERAL OF ACCOUNTS (CGA) : The Controller General of Accounts (CGA) under the Department of Expenditure. SEVENTH CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION : The Seventh Central Pay Commission has been set up in February. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). This Resolution sets out the composition and Terms of Reference of the Commission and also envisages that it will submit recommendations within 18 months from the date of constitution of the Commission. May 18. form and procedure of accounting for the entire Central and State Governments. It has been entrusted with the responsibility of administering the scheme of payment of pension to Central. the Government took a decision to start the Direct benefit Transfer (DBT) Programme. CENTRAL PENSION ACCOUNTING OFFICE. Article 269(3) empowers the Parliament to formulate principles for determining when a sale or purchase of goods takes place in the course of inter-State trade of commerce. (d) establishment of a GST compensation Fund through a Constitutional Amendment.f. and as an interim arrangement.CHAPTER-13 | FINANCE the payment. NEW DELHI : The Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO) was established w. Besides. Further. ‘not only in India but also in Asia. audit of pension disbursing Banks. It was envisaged a training institution for officers recruited by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) through the annual Civil Services Examination and allocated to the various services responsible for managing senior and top management posts dealing with accounts and finance in the Government of India. body of individuals and artificial juridical person has been retained at Rs. (c) abolition of Entry Tax. payment of provisional pension to the pensioners/family pensioners covered under New Pension Scheme as per the orders of Ministry of Finance. Article 286 authorizes the Parliament to place restrictions on the levy on sale or purchase of goods. association of persons. 2 lakhs. (f) viability of Modified Bank Model for settlement of proceeds arising out of inter-State Trade and (g) establishment of GST monitoring cell etc. The rates for deduction of income-tax’ at the financial year 2013-14 from certain incomes other than ‘salaries’ have been specified in Part II of the First Schedule to the Act. MAJOR CHANGES MADE BY FINANCE ACT. Government of India. DIRECT BENEFIT TRANSFER (DBT) : To bring a paradigm shift in the delivery of services to the citizens. Similar Constitution empowers the Parliament to formulate principles for determining when the sale or purchase of goods takes place outside a State or in the course of imports into or exports from India. CENTRAL SALES TAX (CST) : The entry 92A of List-I (Union List) empowers the Central Government to impose tax on inter-State sale of goods.I 77 . 1990 for payment and accounting of Central (Civil) pensioners and pension to Freedom Fighters etc. (b) dispute resolution among States and between Union and the States to be done by Goods and Services Tax Council. particularly common man and the under-privileged section of society of the country. The Institute pursues an aim to develop as a centre of excellence in the areas of Financial Management and related disciplines. (e) distribution of the remaining proceeds of GST amongst States and Union at the end of financial year. 2013 RATES OF TAXATION : Basic exemption limit in the case of individual.e. 1st January. 2010 was first mooted by the Finance Minister in the Budget Speech for the Financial Year 2006-07. Government (Civil) Pensioners through authorized Banks. Hindu undivided family (HUF). in the nature of income by fees for INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . Some of the main recommendations of the Standing Committee on Finance on the subject include (a) inclusion of petrol and petroleum products and alcoholic liquor within definition of GST. This Programme envisages a switch from the present electronic transfer of benefits to bank accounts of the beneficiary to transfer of benefits directly to Aadhar seeded bank accounts of the beneficiaries. declared by the Parliament by law to be goods of special importance in the inter-State trade or commerce. GOODS AND SERVICES TAX (GST) : The proposal to introduce a national level Goods and Services Tax (GST) by April 1. preparation of Budget for the Pension Grant and accounting thereof. 2012 except that in case of certain payments made to a non-resident other than a company or a foreign company. receipts and accounting matters in the Central Civil LMS/Departments through the set up of the Civil Accounts Organization. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT : The National Institute of Financial Management (NIFM) was set up in 1993 as a registered society after the Union Cabinet approved the proposal made by Ministry of Finance. CPAO is an attached office under the organization of controller General of Accounts. Its core functions are: issue of Special Seal Authorities (SSAs) to Authorised Banks. The rates for deduction of income-tax at source during the financial year 2013-14 will continiue same as those specified in Part II of the First Schedule to the Finance Act. EXPORT IMPORT BANK OF INDIA (EXIM BANK) : Exim Bank offers a comprehensive range of lending and service/advisory programmes. Banks have been advised to issue Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to all eligible farmers. Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Public Sector Commercial Banks throughout the country. the Bank extended an aggregate of 24 Lines of Credit (LOCs) guaranteed by the Government of India. the newly inserted section. with credits amounting to US$10.77 billion. This would help promote both asset ownership by women (control over resources) and entrepreneurship which would increase employment opportunities for them. and financial inclusion. out of which 64. which was set up within NABARD by way of deposits. As on date. It is a co-contributory pension scheme whereby the Central Government would contribute a sum of 1000 per annum. if the payment is made to a Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) or a Qualified Foreign Investor (QFI). To achieve economic empowerment. control over assets is essential to access finance and vice versa. Hence the first step to empowerment is to provide equal access to financial services to women while addressing the problems of lack of collateral.I 78 . INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . 111 lakh KCCs issued by Public Sector Banks were eligible for conversion into ATM cards. to address the gender related aspects of financial access to all sections of women. This enables the Bank to promote inclusion of a large cross section of Indian exporters.03 billion are guaranteed by the Government of India. empowerment of women. WOMEN’S BANK . convenient and cost effective manner. an initiative called Swavalamban Scheme was launched on 29th September. 194LD provides for reduced rate of 5 per cent of withholding tax as against the normal rate of 20 per cent on interest payable in respect of a rupee denominated bond of an Indian company or a Government security. 173 LOCs to 62 countries. with credits amounting to US$ 1. The Scheme is being implemented by all the District Central Cooperative Banks. RURAL HOUSING FUND : Rural Housing Fund was set up in 2008-09 to enable primary lending institutions to access funds for extending housing finance to targeted groups in rural areas at competitive rates. The Bank has become functional after its inauguration on 19 November. aimed at aiding the globalisation efforts of Indian companies.BHARATIYA MAHILA BANK LIMITED With a view to promote gender equality and economic empowerment of women Government took a decision to set-up India’s first Women’s Bank. During Financial year 2013-14. as a innovative credit delivery system aiming at adequate and timely credit support from the banking system to the farmers for their cultivation needs including purchase of 3 inputs in a flexible. Since both the components are interrelated. A new scheme for KCC has been circulated by RBI and NABARD which provides for KCC as an ATM card which can be used at ATM/Point of sale (POS) terminals. st RURAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FUND (RIDF) : The Government of India established a fund to be operationalised by NABARD in the Union Budget 1995-96 called the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). 2014. Also. 1. th KISAN CREDIT CARD : The Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme was introduced in 1998-99. The Bank has been incorporated and RBI has already issued a banking license to the Bank.61 lath eligible KCCs have since been converted into ATM enabled KCC cards. the rate shall be twenty-five percent. Government has confused an initial capital of Rs. from Scheduled Commercial Banks operating in the country from the shortfall in their agricultural/priority sector/weaker sections lending.CHAPTER-13 | FINANCE technical services. 2010. women need equal access to economic institutions and control of assets. SWAVALAMBAN SCHEME : The Government of India is very conscious of the need to fulfil the old age income security needs of the working poor and is focused on encouraging and enabling them to join the NPS. KCC is one of the most effective tools for delivering agriculture credit. to 18 countries. 2013. The development of the insurance sector is necessary to support its continued economic transformation. in the opportunities being thrown up by globalization. As on 31 March. To encourage workers in the unorgnised sector to save voluntarily for their old age.000 crore in the Bharatiya Mahila Bank Limited. 1999. 100.is payable to the nominee/beneficiary. LIC Act. LIC is governed by the Insurance Act. Under this Social Security Scheme Below Poverty Line (BPL) and marginally above poverty line citizens are covered under 48 identified occupations. All these benefits are paid for a nominal ‘premium of Rs.000/.00 is borne by the member and/or Nodal Agency and/or Central/State Government Department which acts as the Nodal Agency. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part .per annum per child for two children per family of the insured members studying from 9 to 12 standard (including ITI courses). 1991 laid down the foundation for disinvestment. In case of death or total disability (including loss of 2 eyes/2limbs) due to accident. National Insurance Company Limited 3. Accordingly. a sum of Rs. 200. 1956. 1938. GIC and UTI.CHAPTER-13 | FINANCE The Public Sector Insurance Companies operating in the sector are as follows: 1. and the balance premium of 100. General Insurance Corporation of India Limited 7.00 per member per annum. Oriental Insurance Company Limited 4. LIC Regulations. 1956 and Insurance regulatory and Development Authority Act. 1200/. New India Assurance Company Limited 6. 37. Rangarajan Committee recommended that the percentage equity to be disinvested should generally be under 49 percent for industries reserved for public sector. Government of India has floated a highly subsidized insurance scheme. in April 1993. 1956 by amalgamating 243 Companies by an Act called Insurance Act. Later. The Scheme provides death cover of 30.00 is borne by Central Government through Social Security Fund maintained through LIC of India. United India Insurance Company Limited 5. Life Insurance Corporation 2. disinvestment started in the year 1991-92 with the sale of minority shareholding of CPSEs to selected financial institutions like LIC. 1956.I 79 . there is an add-on benefit of Scholarship at the rate of Rs.500/. th th DEPARTMENT OF DISINVESTMENT : The Statement of Industrial Policy of July 24. Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY) which is administered through Life Insurance Corporation of India. of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in India. out of which Rs. Agriculture Insurance Company of India Limited LIFE INSURANCE CORPORATION OF INDIA (LIC) : UC of India was incorporated on 1st September. In addition. SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME —AAM AADMI BIMA YOJANA (AABY) For the benefit of the weaker sections of the society.in case of natural death. By performing the task of CSR activities. The Board shall take into account the recommendations made by the CSR Committee and approve the CSR Policy of the company. The other salient features of this important piece of legislation include provisions with regard to more accountability of audit. but also applicable to branch and project offices of a foreign company in India. Applicability: Section 135 of the Companies Act provides the threshold limit for applicability of the CSR to a Company i. (b) turnover of the company to be Rs 1000 crore or more. human resources etc from the society. 2014 (CRS Rules) which has come into effect from 1 April 2014. or INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . There were about 29. keeping in view the changes that have taken place in the national and international economic environment. The Act provides more opportunities for new entrepreneurs and enables wide application of Information Technology in the conduct of affairs by corporates. was due for quite some time.CHAPTER-14 | CORPORATE AFFAIRS CHAPTER FOURTEEN| CORPORATE AFFAIRS THE corporate sector has played a significant role in the economic development of the country. 1956. recommend the amount of expenditure to be incurred on the activities referred and monitor the CSR Policy of the company. with minimum Government approvals. 2013 : The comprehensive revision of the existing Companies Act. 2013.e. Corporate Social Responsibility.I 80 .357 registered companies at work in 1957. the provisions of CSR are not only applicable to Indian companies. initial year of 2nd Five Year Plan and this number has increased to 800761 registered companies at work in March. Ministry of Corporate Affairs has recently notified Section 135 and Schedule VII of the Companies Act as well as the provisions of the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules. stricter action in case of fraud related offences and production of interests of investors. (c) net profit of the company to be Rs 5 crore or more. Definition of the term CSR: The term CSR has been defined under the CSR Rules which includes but is not limited to: • Projects or programs relating to activities specified in the Schedule. CSR Committee and Policy: Every qualifying company requires spending of at least 2% of its average net profit for the immediately preceding 3 financial years on CSR activities. India`s new Companies Act 2013 (Companies Act) has introduced several new provisions which change the face of Indian corporate business" Companies Act 2013 (Companies Act) has introduced several new provisions which change the face of Indian corporate business. This growth and development of corporate sector was enabled by various policy reforms introduced in the country from time to time. (a) net worth of the company to be Rs 500 crore or more. a policy which shall indicate the activities to be undertaken (CSR Policy). Further. The corporate sector has been given more flexibility in regulating their affairs. subject to full disclosure and accountability of their actions. the companies are giving something back to the society. One of such new provisions is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). the qualifying company will be required to constitute a committee (CSR Committee) of the Board of Directors (Board) consisting of 3 or more directors. The concept of CSR rests on the ideology of give and take. COMPANIES ACT. Further as per the CSR Rules. The new Act seeks to bring corporate governance and regulation practices in India at par with the best global practices. The CSR Committee shall formulate and recommend to the Board. Companies take resources in the form of raw materials. as amended. INDIAN INSTITUTE OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS (IICA) : The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) was registered as a society on 12th September. providing a platform for value-adding partnerships between government and these stakeholders. regulators as well as all other stakeholders related to the domain of corporate affairs. regulation. The Competition Act. comprising a Chairperson and minimum of two and maximum of six members. corporate entities and all other stakeholders in a one-stop-shop mode. INDIAN CORPORATE LAW SERVICE (ICLS) : Ministry of Corporate Affairs is the Cadre Controlling Authority Corporate Law service (ICLS). 2008 as the Indian Corporate Law Service. MCA21 E-GOVERNANCE PROJECT : MCA launched its pioneering e-Governance initiative MCA2I in January 2007. Competition Appellate Tribunal COMPAT is vested with following powers: • To hear and dispose off appeals filed against any direction issued or decision made or order passed by the Competition Commission of India established under the Competition Act. came into force from January 2003. 2008 under the Societies Registration Act. to enforce corporate law efficiently including incorporation. ‘MCA21 adopted a service oriented approach in the design and delivery of government services. The Competition Act. In addition. whereby stakeholders have easy and secure access to MCA services. The ICLS cadre is intended to provide human resources in corporate law making. To cope with the current economic developments at the international level and to prevent use of unfair and restrictive trade practices in the new era of competition. The initiative has been successful in achieving its aim of providing speed and certainty in the delivery of MCA services to its stakeholders. the IICA also aims to build capacity through a network of schools and centres. 2002. The Competition Appellate Tribunal was set up in 2009. The ICLS is also envisaged to be an important watchdog in the working of corporate sector. through a blend of well-defined goals and performance metrics. 2002. The IICA was established as a think tank.I 81 . provides for setting up of the Competition Commission of India (CCI). it also provides for establishment of the Competition Appellate Tribunal comprising a Chairperson and two members to hear and dispose off appeals against the orders of the Competition Commission of India and also to adjudicate on the claims of compensation that may arise from the findings of that Commission. The Ministry is committed to delivering opportunities for research.CHAPTER-14 | CORPORATE AFFAIRS • Projects or programs relating to activities undertaken by the Board in pursuance of recommendations of the CSR Committee as per the declared CSR policy subject to the condition that such policy covers subjects enumerated in the Schedule. The system has brought a fine balance between stakeholder facilitation and control. the government decided to enact a new law for promoting and sustaining competition in the Indian market. The erstwhile Indian Company Law Service was rechristened in November. 1860. • To adjudicate on claim for compensation that may arise from the findings of the Competition Commission of India or the orders of the Appellate Tribunal in an appeal against any findings of the Commission and pass orders for the recovery of compensation under that Act. action research service capacity-building institute to serve the Ministry. at any time and from any place and in a manner that best suits them. It is an autonomous institute under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Set up as the premier organization for cutting leadership in corporate regulation. investor protection and to implement corporate governance in the country. governance and running sustainable businesses. education and advocacy while simultaneously creating a repository of data and knowledge for policy makers. COMPETITION APPELLATE TRIBUNAL : Responding to the current trend of globalization and liberalization of the economy which led to enhancing the competition not only from within the country but also outside the country. 2002. through the infrastructure set up for the purpose. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . it was felt that there is need to shift our focus from curbing monopolies to promoting competition. 1995 by the Ministry of Human Resource Development with a view to enhance enrolment. sugar and edible oils through appropriate policy instruments.I 82 . with the objective to provide for food and nutritional security in human life cycle. Food Corporation of India (FCI) releases food grains to States/UTs at BPL rates as per allocation made by Department of School Education and Literacy. OTHER WELFARE SCHEMES (OWS) MID-DAY MEAL SCHEME : The Mid-Day Meal Scheme was launched on 15th August. 2013. From 2002-03. The vision of the Department is to ensure food security for citizens of the country. retention. WHEAT BASED NUTRITION PROGRAMME (WBNP) : This scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Women & Child Development. The food grains allotted under this Scheme are utilized by the States/UTs under the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) for providing nutritious/ energy food to children below 6 years of age and expectant/lactating women. the Scheme was introduced in all the blocks of the country. is a food based intervention in the KBK districts of State of Odisha targeted towards old. the Department has adopted the following mission : • Ensuring food security for citizens of the country • Management of Public Distribution System (PDS) operation in the country through efficient procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP). including maintenance of buffer stocks of food grains. ANNAPURNA SCHEME : The Ministry of Rural Development launched the scheme in 2000-01. Towards this end. This programme was introduced in 1995-96 covering initial 5 INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . (NFSA) 2013 in September. infirm and destitute persons belonging to BPL households to provide them food security in their & distress conditions. Education Guarantee Scheme/Alternative and Innovative Education Centres (EGS/AIE). By the year 1997-98. attendance and simultaneously improving nutritional levels among students in primary schools. especially to the weaker and vulnerable sections of society NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY ACT The Government notified the National Food Security Act. Ministry of Human Resource Development. The Department of Food and Public Distribution makes allocation of annual requirement of food grains under the Scheme to the Department of School Education & Literacy. EMERGENCY FEEDING PROGRAMME (EFP) : Emerging Feeding Programme. The implementation of the Scheme at the State level rests with respective States / UTs. storage and distribution of food grains (cereals) • Ensuring availability of food grains.CHAPTER-15 | FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES CHAPTER FIFTEEN| FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES THE Department of Food and Public Distribution is responsible for the management of the food economy of the nation. The Scheme presently covers students of Class 1-VIII of Government and Government-aided schools. Further allocation of food grains to States/UTs is made by that Department. in the country. thus covering about two-thirds of the population. The Act provides for coverage of upto 75% of the rural population and upto 50% of the urban population for receiving subsidized food grains under Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS). • Making food grains accessible at reasonable prices. Indigent senior citizens of 65 years of age or above who are not getting pension under the National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS) are provided 10 kg of food grains per person per month free of cost under the scheme. it has been transferred to State Plan along with the National Social Assistance Programme comprising the National Old Age Pension Scheme and the National Family Benefit Scheme. by ensuring access to adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices to live a life with dignity. The State of Jammu & Kashmir has enacted its own legislation in this field.. An aware consumer not only protects himself from exploitation but induces efficiency. India is a country. covering around 2 lakh beneficiaries. The ethanol blended petrol programme. Exercising powers under the Act. basically produced from the byproduct of the sugar industry. the sugar industry is unable to pay cane price to the farmers. Koraput. The Scheme is now being implemented by Government of Odisha in eight KBK Districts namely Bolangir. Naupada. Government has accorded top priority to Consumer Education. 1955 (EC Act) was enacted to ensure the easy availability of essential commodities to consumers and to protect them from exploitation by unscrupulous traders. Rayagada and Sonepur. The Act provides for the regulation and control of production.I 83 . popularly called Consumer Fora at the national. The SABLA Scheme was launched in 2010 by merging two schemes. 1955 lies with the State Governments and UT Administrations.CHAPTER-15 | FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES KBK Districts of Odisha with 45. Kalahandi. 1955 : The Essential Commodities Act. etc. The Act provides for Consumer Protection Council at state and district level as well. thus enduring utilization of molasses produced as a by-product during mandatory ethanol blending with petrol should be implemented across the country and procurement price of ethanol will be decided between Oil Marketing Companies and suppliers of ethanol. various Ministries/Departments of the Central Government and under the delegated powers. Nawarangpur. and information and guidance on existing public services along with aiming to mainstream out-of-school girls into formal or nonformal education. The enforcement/ implementation of the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act. is headed by a President. who is a retired Judge of the Supreme Court. distribution. transparency and accountability in the entire manufacturing and services Realising the importance of consumer awareness. molasses. hygiene. viz. It also aims at equipping the girls on family welfare. In the years of surplus production of sugarcane. namely. at the head of the three tier redressal machinery. CONSUMERS AFFAIRS ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES ACT. The Act also provides for a Central Consumer Protection Council. CONSUMER PRODUCTION : The Consumer Protection Act. The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. health. The most important milestone in Consumer Movement in the country has been the INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . Consumer Protection and Consumer Awareness.141 beneficiaries. 1986 (68 of 1986) was enacted to better protect the interests of consumers by establishing a three-tier quasi-judicial consumer dispute redressal machinery. the State Governments/UT Administrations have issued Control Orders for regulating production. life skills and vocational skills. state and district levels for settlement of consumer disputes. which has taken a lead in introducing progressive legislation for consumer protection. This is mainly due to surplus production of sugar. RAJIV GANDHI SCHEME FOR EMPOWERMENT OF ADOLESCENT GIRLS (RGSEAG) – ‘SABLA’ : The Ministry of Women and Child Development administers the scheme at the central level and State/UT Governments implement the scheme. distribution and pricing of commodities which are declared as essential for maintaining or increasing supplies or for securing their equitable distribution and availability at fair prices. which is an advisory body making recommendations to the Department of Consumer Affairs on protection of Consumers’ rights. The Scheme aims at empowering adolescent girls of 11-18 years of agegroup by improving their nutritional and health status and upgrading various skills like home skills. PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN : ‘Jago Grahak Jago’—An Initiative Towards Consumer Education and Awareness An enlightened consumer is an empowered consumer. when the sugar prices are depressed. is expected to provide another outlet for ethanol use. ETHANOL BLENDED PETROL PROGRAMME : Ethanol is an agro-based product. Under it food grains (rice) at BPL rates are allocated to the State Government by the Department of Food & Public Distribution. pricing and other aspects of trading in respect of the commodities declared as essential. Malkangiri. Nutrition Programme for Adolescent Girls (NPAG) and Kishori Shakti Yojana (KSY) into a single scheme to be implemented in 200 selected districts across the country. besides lowering pollution levels. ). Assaying and Hallmarking (A&H) centres where purity of jewellery articles is assessed are recognized by BIS after ensuring that the Centres have required infrastructure for assaying and hallmarking of gold and silver jewellery articles. The NCCF also runs three Industrial Units at Bhiwani (Haryana). BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS (BIS) : The Bureau of Indian Standards was set up as a statutory organization under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act. as they help to check rise in prices of consumer goods. taking over the assets and liabilities of the Indian Standards Institution (ISI) that came into existence in 1947. commerce. NATIONAL TEST HOUSE : The National Test House (NTH). • To evolve a national strategy for according recognition integrating them with growth and development of production and exports. in all sectors whether Private. Mandate of BIS is to satisfy the customers’ needs for quality of goods and services. evaluation and quality control of various engineering materials and finished products. The commercial operations of NCCF are handled at the headquarters in New Delhi and through its 26 branches/sub branches located in the state capitals and other important centres in the country.I 84 .CHAPTER-15 | FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES enactment of the Consumer Protection Act. The objective of Consumer Cooperatives has been to eliminate the middleman and to provide daily needs to consumers at reasonable prices. The affairs of NCCF are managed by a Board of Directors. Objectives of BIS: • Harmonious development of standardization. is a statutory organization under the Bureau of Indian Standards Ct. Mohali. NATIONAL COOPERATIVE CONSUMERS FEDERATION OF INDIA LTD. CONSUMER COOPERATIVES : Consumer Cooperatives have been playing a role in the distribution of essential consumer items at fair prices especially in the slum clusters in cities. 2000 to provide third party assurance to consumers on the purity of gold jewellery or its fineness. Public or Co-operative. the national standards body of India. Management System Certification and Hallmarking. 1986. government. trade and standardization. • To provide new thrust to standardization and quality control. The slogan ‘Jago Grahak Jago’ has now become a household name as a result of publicity campaign undertaken in the last 4 years. 1986. 1986. is a premier scientific institution of the country. 2005. (Punjab) and Noida (U. Production Certification. These cooperatives have received support from the Government. established way back in 1912. The Act applies to all goods and services unless specifically Central Government. It is actively involved in all aspects of technology connected with industry. under the then Railway Board and since then it has grown into a laboratory of national importance in the field of testing. 1965 and is administered under the Multi State Cooperative Societies Act. MANDATE OF BIS AND ITS PERFORMANCE : The Bureau of Indian Standards. Consumer Cooperatives have a four tier structure comprising primary stores. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . 32 branch offices and 8 laboratories which act as effective link between BIS. a subordinate office under the administrative control of Department of Consumer Affairs. It has played a pivotal role in the development of indigenous industries and services as a vital link between industrial research and manufacture of finished products under rigid quality control. Under the Scheme a jeweller has to obtain license from BIS to get his jewellery hallmarked. State Consumer Cooperative Federations and the National Consumer Cooperative Federation. wholesale/central stores. remote villages as well as in inaccessible and hilly areas. (NCCF) : The National Consumer Cooperative Federation was set up in October.P. The scheme for hallmarking of silver Jewellery/artifacts was launched in October. The Bureau has its headquarters in New Delhi. HALLMARKING : Hallmarking of gold jewellery was started by BIS in April. The Bureau has made steady progress in various fields of its key activities namely Standards Formulation. It has a network of 5 regional offices. marking certification. comprising both elected and nominated members as per the provisions of the bye-laws of the NCCF. industry and consumers. Subsequently this Ministry was made a Department and brought under the Ministry of Agriculture in 1999. INDIA YEAR BOOK-2015| Part . 50 crore per project. The tentative 12th Plan allocation for the scheme is kept at Rs. The scheme envisages financial assistance in the form of grant-in-aid at 50 per cent of the project cost excluding land component in general areas and at 75 per cent in North East region (NER) and difficult areas subject to a maximum of Rs.I 85 . This will not only provide better outreach for the schemes of the Ministry but also allow the Ministry to focus on policy issues relating to food processing sector. 1988 to give an impetus for development of food processing sector in the country. NATIONAL MISSION ON FOOD PROCESSING : The Ministry has launched a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme namely National Mission on Food Processing during the 12th Plan to be implemented through state governments.CHAPTER-15 | FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES FOOD PROCESSING : The Ministry of Food Processing Industries was set up in July. Some of the ongoing schemes of the Ministry have been subsumed in the NMEP in addition to the newly proposed components. 850 crore. SCHEME FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT MEGA FOOD PARKS : The scheme provides for creation of state of the art infrastructural facilities for food processing sector.