Friday, January 9, 2009

investment opportunities in India

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Status Report on Avian Influenza in Assam and West Bengal as on 8.01.09

New Delhi : January 9, 2009

West Bengal

Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries has notified a new epicenter on 6.1.2009 in Darjeeling District [Village Bansdhura in block Rangli Rangliot]. This is in addition to the earlier notified village Binay Krishnapally in Mathegara block. The Central Team already deputed by MOHFW to Darjeeling would also cover the containment operations in the new epicentre. So far about 26,959 birds have been culled. 71 Animal Health workers are under chemoprophylaxis.

Assam

Since the first notification of Avian Influenza in Assam on 27.11.2008, 17 other epicenters, spread over eight districts have been notified. The last notification was on 24.12.2008. No new centres have been notified.

Brief of containment operations

• So far a total of 4,81,624 birds have been culled.

• A total of 418 Animal Health workers, who were deployed for the culling activity are on Chemoprophylaxis.

Surveillance

• Central government RRTs is covering the epicenters notified on 24.12.2008. They are working with the state RRT teams.

• Active house to house surveillance for 10 days post culling/ mopping is over in earlier notified areas. In these areas passive surveillance is continuing.

• In areas notified on 24th Dec. 2008 active house to house surveillance is being followed in 0-3 km zone. In 3-10 km area surveillance is conducted in phases. As per the reports received, a population of 1,04,38 was covered in 0-3 Km area and 1,60,699 in 3-10 km area. (as on 1/7/09)

• 72 cases of Upper Respiratory Infection [URI] with fever were detected [7 in 0-3 Km and 65 in 3-10 Km]. None of them had history of handling dead or sick birds.

• 24 cases of URI with fever in the outpatient department were detected in the identified health facilities.

• 847 Health Workers are deployed for surveillance.

Logistics

40,000 capsules of Tamiflu, 12,000 surgical masks, 1200 personal protective equipments, 400 N-95 masks, 50 bottles of tamiflu syrup and 8 ventilators have been supplied by MoHFW. Sufficient anti-viral drugs and PPE are in stock with the State Government.

Communication

• Messages to create public awareness are being telecast/ broadcast in local channels and AIR.

• Local campaign such as miking and interpersonal communication is followed in all epicenters.

Monitoring

• The situation is being monitored on a daily basis.


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Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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Issues relating to the truckers’ strike

New Delhi : January 9, 2009

The following issues were raised at the Press Briefing addressed here by the Secretary (Road Transport & Highways), Shri Brahm Dutt late last evening.

1) What is the stand of the Government on the demand relating to diesel prices?

As per the information available with this Department, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has expressed its reservation to lower the diesel prices by Rs.10/-. However, they are constantly monitoring the international oil prices and would consider reducing the diesel prices at an appropriate time.

2) Can you clarify the position relating to the Notifications issued by the Ministry on 5.12.2008 regarding toll rates?

As per the agreement reached with AIMTC in July 2008, the Government was not supposed to increase the toll rates in respect of public-funded National Highways controlled and managed by NHAI for a period of one year. The Government has not violated this commitment.

The Government has issued National Highway’s Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 on 5.12.2008 for collection of fee for use of sections of National Highways, permanent bridges, by-passes and tunnels. These Rules only specify the policy for collection of toll on stretches of National Highways which would be completed henceforth and the toll would be imposed for the first time. Thus, the intent of this notification does not in any way relate to the earlier agreement with AIMTC in July 2008. That Agreement was purely related to all completed stretches of National Highways where toll was already levied and subsequently the toll was increased after 5 years.

3) Whether the Government is negotiating with the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) to break the impasse?

Though there has been no formal discussion with the AIMTC, informal channels are being maintained. AIMTC is adamant on their demands without understanding the ground realities which could pave the way for any formal negotiations.

4) What action the Government has taken on the Service Tax matters as it is a major issue for the strike?

As per the agreement with AIMTC in July 2008, the Department of Revenue had earlier issued necessary notifications / clarifications. However, one issue relating to exempting the subcontractors under Goods Transport Agency (GTA) from the purview of Service Tax could not be implemented due to non-availability of certain information. However, the Government has already issued a Notification in this regard two days ago exempting the subcontractors from the purview of Service Tax. This has resolved the outstanding issue relating to Service Tax and there is no point in raising this demand and insisting on it by the transporters. As regards, the apprehension of the AIMTC relating to the status of the legal notices issued by Service Tax Department, it is apparent that the Department of Revenue would certainly come out with clarifications, if required.

5) What the Government proposes to do to ensure uninterrupted movement of essential commodities?

The Government has worked out a 17-point action plan to deal with any eventuality arising out of the truckers strike. The major action point being declaring transport services as an Essential Service, revoking the permit of truckers under Section 86 (e) of Motor Vehicles Act 1988, involving the local traders / businessmen etc. to ensure smooth flow of essential commodities. Preventive measures under various laws can also be invoked by the State Governments / UTs to ward-off any untoward incidents during the strike. Chief Secretaries of the States/UTs have been advised in this regard to take appropriate steps deemed necessary. The State Governments have also been advised to allow the use of transport vehicles for carrying essential commodities without the requirement of any permit under Section 66 (3) (n) of Motor Vehicles Act 1988.

6) How many States have invoked ESMA so far?

As per the information available with this Department, till today, only four States/UTs, namely, Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have invoked ESMA.

7) What is the overall impact on the supply of essential commodities?

There is almost no impact on the supply of essential commodities reported by the States/UTs. However, only two States, viz., Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, have reported marginal impact on supply of essential commodities. Haryana has issued Prevention of Hoarding and Maintenance of Quality Order, 1977 to ensure supply of essential commodities.

8) What is your assessment about the impact of strike in the country?

There has been some impact on the inter-State operations of vehicles in Andhra Pradesh, Daman and Diu, Gujarat, Goa, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Local operation of vehicles has not witnessed any significant impact. However, there is no response in Bihar, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, North-Eastern States and West Bengal.

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Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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National Seminar on role of Natural History Museums in National Heritage Interpretation begins tomorrow
New Delhi : January 9, 2009

A National Seminar on the role of natural history museums in national heritage interpretation will begin at Rajiv Gandhi Regional Museum of Natural History (RAGRMNH) Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan tomorrow.Experts and NGOs in the field of Museum, culture heritage and tourism- both local and national level, officials of Central and State Government Departments in the fields of environment forests archaeology are likely to participate in this two day National Seminar. Tourism and Culture would immensely contribute to the development of the draft proposals for the benefit of the RAMRMNH.

The seminar intends to draw guidelines for the developmental plans of the Museum by bringing inputs from the makers and the users of the Museum together. The seminar will result in sharing of knowledge and effective regional networking for promotion and protection of Natural Heritage, development of themes for exhibitions and galleries in RGRMNH and identification of potential groups and experts whose services could be utilized for development of the Museum. The themes thus chalked out on the relevant subjects would be utilised for development of Galleries and programmes in the Museum. This seminar will help in developing Galleries and programmes especially on the adaptations and ecology of desert ecosystems and its impact on natural and cultural heritage in this region in the Museum.

National Museum of Natural History, New Delhi is a subordinate institution under the Union Ministry of Environment & Forests. The Museum has a mandate of creating environment awareness among exhibit galleries and non – formal educational programmes. To make the museum accessible to the people of the country, the ministry has opened four Regional Museums on Natural History in Mysore, Bhopal, Sawai Madhopur and Bhubaneswar to cater to the south, central, western and Eastern regions of the county. RAGRMNH Regional Museum in Sawai Madhopur, opened last year, is a natural hub harbouring Ranthambhor National Park. It is an important Tiger Reserve in the Western region of the country.

KP /:/….spandey, kol…..(RelSet1_9Jan09)



Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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PBD sessions highlight investment opportunities in India

New Delhi : January 9, 2009

Continuing on its objective to deepen economic engagement with the Indian diaspora, three concurrent sessions at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2009 addressed opportunities presented for investment in India. The PBD convention is being held in Chennai from 7-9 January by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in partnership with the Government of Tamilnadu and the Confederation of Indian Industry. The consensus was that the Indian growth story is still intact and overseas Indians can take advantage of business opportunities across sectors such as real estate, education and healthcare.

Addressing the session ‘Building Bridges: Trade and Investment’, Dr Ashwani Kumar, Minister of State, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, pointed out that India is still a good growth story, as its economic fundamentals are strong. A GDP growth of 6.5% is expected, even while most countries are suffering economic downturn. He stressed that the diaspora must bring funds into India. At the same time, it should engage in skill-building activities in the country.

Mr. Gopinath Pillai, Ambassador-at-large and Chairman, Institute of Asian Studies, Singapore, said that compared to the Chinese Diaspora, Indian Diaspora has brought in less investments, but on the other hand, it has brought better skills which is also of enormous significance. He suggested that to properly utilise the skills of returning workers, they should be involved in developmental activities.

Mr. Hari Pandey, President, Wealth Management, North American Region, ICICI Bank Group, Canada, stressed that overseas Indians must show the world how to invest in India. Mr. Ravi Pillai, Managing Director, Nasser S Al–Hajri Corporation, Bahrain said that the diaspora should uncompromisingly endorse India and Indian products should be used by them to the maximum. Mr. Jayadev Galla, Managing Director, Amara Raja Batteries Ltd, Hyderabad, India, stressed the importance of returning to the roots. Chairing the session, Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Vice President, CII, opined that with a large and growing middle class with increasing purchasing power, and exports at 15% export intensity, the investment potential for India is high.

Continuing the emphasis on education and knowledge exchange at the concurrent session on Education and Diaspora Knowledge Network, Chief Guest, Smt. D Purandeswari Devi, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, urged the Indian diaspora to supplement the efforts of the Indian Government to make India a knowledge-based economy. The Minister outlined the educational initiatives of Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and Mid Day Meals Scheme, which have attracted more students to schools. However, she urged, there is a long way to go as 7 million children are still out of school and about 25 percent faculty shortfall is being experienced.

Datuk Dr. S Subramaniam, Minister of Human Resources, Malaysia, and Guest of Honour, pointed out that Diaspora Knowledge Network should not only focus on Diaspora-Home country relations but also strengthen Diaspora-Diaspora relations. In response to his call, the Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, Shri Vayalar Ravi, who was present among the audience, readily accepted his suggestion.

Mr. S Ramadorai, Chief Executive Officer, Tata Consultancy Services, Mumbai pointed out that Internet has become an important means of global integration and Diaspora Knowledge Network has great potential. However, he urged that the portal should result in concrete collaborations and generate ideas and transform them into community actions.

Lord Diljit Singh Rana, MBE, Founder and Chairman, Andras House Ltd., UK, mentioned the successful Irish experience of knowledge network. Talking about the role of diaspora in the delivery of education, he recommended that an Advisory Panel at District level be considered in order to better coordinate with the diaspora.

Mr. Ravi Seethapathy, Chair, Canadian Advisory Council of the Sastri Indo-Canadian Institute, Canada, talked about possible operational difficulties in the Global-INK concept. He pointed out that the Government should think about the ways and means of sharing the knowledge in different layers of civil society.

Dr. Raj P Warrier, Vice Chancellor, Manipal University, Manipal, in his address outlined the plans for the PIO university and its proposed role in greater integration with the Diaspora. Mr. P Kishore, MD, Environ Systems, offered three solutions for the present education problems in India – Technology as a Solution; Technology-enabled Institutions and Enhanced Private Investments in Education. The concurrent session was chaired by Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor, Houston University, USA.

The concurrent session ’Building Bridges: Media & Entertainment’ was chaired by Mr. N Ravi, Editor of the Hindu. The Guest of Honour was Dr. P Ramasamy, Deputy Chief Minister, Penang, Malaysia. The speakers included Mr. Shan Chandrasekar, President & CEO, Asian Television Network International, Canada, Mr. Loganathan Naidoo, Executive Councillor & Deputy Mayor of eThekwini (Durban), South Africa, Mr. Venkat Raman, Correspondent, The National Business Review Editor, Indian Newslink, New Zealand, Mr. Prakash M Swamy, Indian American Journalist, USA and Mr. Ranvir Nayar, Managing Director, Media India, Paris.

The session focused on the role of media played by two spheres of Indians—the diaspora and the Indians. The image of Indians abroad has progressed over the past 150 years across the globe—from South Africa to New Zealand. There is great visibility and pride being felt in the Indian diaspora. Dr. Ramasamy raised the plight of Tamil Indians in Malaysia and the need for greater support and networking within the Indian community, both in India and abroad. The discussion stressed that the role of third-generation diaspora is significant in sustaining the growth of cultural roots irrespective of the country of immigration. Though the Indian media has grown in certain countries like Canada, there is relatively slower growth in Europe. Mr. Prakash Swamy from New York mentioned that the primary focus of Indian media has shifted to community-focused publications to enhance the participation of the Indian community in politics in the United States.

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Press Information Bureau
Government of India
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PBD sessions call for Greater Diaspora role in India's Social Development

New Delhi : January 9, 2009

Continuing on its objective to deepen engagement with the Indian diaspora, three concurrent sessions at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2009 addressed opportunities presented for participating in social development in India. The PBD convention is being held in Chennai from 7-9 January by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs in partnership with the Government of Tamilnadu and the Confederation of Indian Industry. Health and education have emerged as the key social sector areas for increasing diaspora engagement in India.

The concurrent session on Healthcare for all took stock of the achievements made and the new directions that should be taken to increase disapora interaction in the medical field. Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, briefed the delegates on the progress of the Indian health sector, particularly the achievements of the National Rural Health Mission. As 75% of the population lives in rural India with only 25% of medical facility, he urged the Indian diaspora to invest in medical equipment, medical education for nurses and paramedics, and research in healthcare. Today, in spite of the recession, Dr Ramadoss said that Indian doctors abroad are returning to India due to better opportunities on home ground.

He also urged medical professionals in the Indian diaspora to participate in organizations such as Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (GAPIO), American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin AAPI, and British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) to collectively work towards the betterment of healthcare in India.

Keynote speaker, Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman and Managing Director, Global Health Pvt Ltd said that diaspora should work on bringing next practices in medical healthcare into India. Suggesting Corporate-Corporate Partnership, he encouraged the diaspora to adopt villages and take healthcare to the poor. Finance, transfer of knowledge, exchange of personnel, corporate participation and research support are some of the various ways in which Diaspora can contribute towards enhancing growth and development in the Indian healthcare sector.

Delivering the speech on behalf of Mr Vasant Bunwaree, Minister of Education, Mauritius, Mr Mookesswar Choonee, High Commissioner, Mauritius High Commission suggested a two pronged approach to engage the diaspora in improving healthcare, including engaging young minds and promoting healthy workplaces, eating habits and lifestyles.

Chaired by Mr Pratap C Reddy, Chairman, Apollo Group of Hospitals, Chennai, the panel discussion included medical experts, Dr Sanku S Rao, President, AAPI, Dr Ramesh Mehta, President, BAPIO, UK, Dr Rajni Kanabar, Chairman, Regency Medical Centre, Tanzania and Dr Georgi Abraham, Consultant, Madras Medical Mission, Chennai. Collaboration with government in health sector, knowledge and research collaboration, reimbursement for Ayurveda Medicine expenses for government employees, scientific validation of traditional medicines and standardization and accreditation of hospitals were the key deliberations of the panel discussion.

At the session on diaspora philanthropy, Union Minister for Panchayati Raj and Development of North-Eastern Region, Shri Mani Shankar Aiyar called upon delegates to reestablish linkages with communities for better development in India. There are more elected women in India, then anywhere in the world, said Shri Aiyar, signifying the improvement of the role of the Indian woman over the years and saying that it is a “ tribute to the ability of the country.”

Ms Renuka Chowdhury, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Women and Child Development briefed about government schemes for empowering women with legal and financial support. While expressing her concerns over the problems faced by women across the world, she mentioned that the Government was taking appropriate measures to address those issues. Among these schemes was the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs program for deserted women.

Secretary, Ministry of Indian Overseas Affairs, Shri K. Mohandas announced that the Government is planning to launch the India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDF – OI) in a few weeks time. The objective of the foundation is to bridge overseas philanthropists with recognized Indian Organizations, enabling public private partnerships and accountability to the donor.

Ms. P.T. Usha, President, Usha School of Athletics and former Olympian, called upon the Indian Diaspora to donate generously for the development of the School of Athletics by which Indians can win many medals at the Olympics 2012. The Founder of Loomba Trust, U.K, Shri Rajinder Paul Loomba, said that the foundation helps over 3,600 orphan children in India and works in over 11 countries for the betterment of children and women. Panelists Prof. Dasarath Chetty, Pro Vice Chancellor, University of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa, Shri Inder Singh, President, GOPIO, USA, and Shri Kasi V P Rao, Consultant, Canada shared their views on Diaspora philanthropy, highlighting the need for Diaspora to contribute to their ancestral country’s needs and to establish innovative models for engaging philanthropy.

The concurrent session on Increased Interaction with Diaspora Women expressed concerns about maintaining values and traditions in a changing environment. Women have the desire to leverage their empowerment for gender equality in India, said Ms Subbulakshmi Jagadeesan, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment.

Ms Meera Ravi, Editor, Salaam Bahrain, Bahrain, called on the diaspora to leverage India’s cultural advantages to the maximum. Justice Mohini Murugesan, Judge, High Court of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa briefed the audience on the initiatives and programmes in South Africa and also about the political status of women in her country. Ms Leela Gujadhur Sarup, Chairperson and MD, Sarup Group of Industries, Mauritius, explained her initiative to network diaspora and Indian women through web portals. Ms Anita Ratnam, Dancer, Arangham Trust said that Dance showcases the culture of the country, disseminates stories about India and would also teach about respect to the younger generation.

The participants appreciated the Government of India for initiatives and interest in the development of women and for linking diaspora women and Indian women.

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