Planning Commission to have discretionary powers on release of funds to States

The Planning Commission has decided to restructure 16 Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) into Additional Central Assistance (ACA) Schemes. The new funding pattern will be effectivefrom2013-14.

While restructuring the CSSs will give more flexibility to the States to utilise the funds, it will also give the Planning Commission absolute control over the quantity of money to be released. CSS funds are routed through the Ministries, but once the new system is in place as many as 11 ministries will lose monetary control over their schemes. It is feared that the new funding pattern could be used as a political tool by the Centre to discriminate between States on the basis of the party in power.　

Arogya Fair 2012

“AROGYA” is an exhibition showcasing the strength, efficacy and affordability of the AYUSH systems of medicine which include Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homeopathy. The fair showcases the best and latest developments in the field of AYUSH. The last Arogya fair at Hyderabad was held in November 2005. Addressing the meeting of AROGYA fair at Hyderabad today, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare said the fair started in 2001. The fair has grown into a country-wide phenomenon with more than 10 fairs organized throughout the year now. The Department of AYUSH organizes and supports these fairs to encourage the dissemination of information on the benefits and achievements of the AYUSH systems of medicine and for sharing of experiences and best practices between the industry, academia and research institutions. The active participation of AYUSH drug industries, medicinal plant traders, research institutions, hospitals, publishers and other stakeholders in the AROGYA fairs ensures a wide spectrum of activities thus making it more informative and interesting for the general public. Shri Azad said that over the past three decades there has been a tremendous resurgence of peoples’ interest in the AYUSH Systems of Medicine, not only in India but also in many parts of the world, including Europe and the USA. This is mainly because of holistic approach towards preventive, promotive and positive health and multi-dimensional aspects of disease management in these traditional systems of medicine. It is a matter of pride that there are 504 AYUSH educational institutions including 111 postgraduate colleges where about 27,000 students are admitted annually. India has the largest number of traditional and alternative medicine teaching institutions in the world. India has signed several MoUs for bilateral cooperation in the area of traditional medicine and setting up Ayurveda chairs and AYUSH information centres in various countries, such as South Africa, Malaysia and Trinidad & Tobago.

Rehabilitation of Children Under NCLP Scheme

Under the Child Labour Policy, Government of India follows a multi-pronged approach with the following three major elements:

·         Legal Action Plan

·         Focus on general development programmes for the benefit of the families of child labour; and

·         Project-based action in areas of high concentration of child labour.

 

Report of the Rangarajan Committee on Deregulation of Sugar Sector in India

A government committee has favoured complete decontrol of the sugar industry, dispensing immediately with the levy sugar obligation and administrative control on non-levy sugar. These recommendations are in line with the industry’s demand for easing controls.The committee, led by C. Rangarajan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, pitches for a stable trade policy and a moderate duty on imports and exports, but wants outright ban or quantitative restrictions done away with.

Amendments in the "Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986"

The Union Cabinet today approved the introduction of Amendments to the "Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986" in Parliament.

Key amendments proposed are as follows:
i. Broaden the scope of the law to cover the audio-visual media and material in electronic form.

ii. Penalties to be enhanced to a maximum of three years of imprisonment and fine of between Rs.50,000 to Rs.1,00,000 for first conviction, and imprisonment of not less than two years, but which may extend to seven years, and a fine between Rs.1,00,000 to Rs.5,00,000 for second conviction.

(iii) Police officers not below the rank of Inspectors authorized to carry out search and seizure, in addition to State and Central Government officers authorized by the State or Central Government.

Person in News :President of India to Confer Sangeet Akademi Fellowships and Akademi Awards 2011 on 9 October 2012

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will confer the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Akademi Awards for 2011 at a special ceremony on 9 October 2012. This year eleven eminent personalities will be conferred with Akademi Fellowships and thirty six artists will receive the Akademi Awards.