Modi@2: Key initiatives, Achievements and Challenges
On 26th May 2016, Narendra Modi completed his two years of run as the Indian Prime Minister. This new BJP-led NDA government came into power during an important time period when the nation was in high need of a corruption free and highly decisive leadership. Also, this party garnered the majority Lok Sabha seats after 30 years. The two years of Modi’s ruling included many initiatives such as MIN (Make In India) initiative, Agricultural Initiatives such as PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana), PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana) and SHC (Soil Health Card), SBA (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan), DII (Digital India Initiative), NITI Aayog, JAN Trinity, PMSBY (Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana), Infrastructural Initiatives (Setu Bharatam, Sagar Mela, Rurbar Mission etc). The Welfare Initiatives included PMUY (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwal Yojana), USTAAD, PMJJY (Padhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Yojana), etc. Some of the key challenges included Black Money, Security threats such as cross-border terrorism and left-wing extremism, and relations with neighbor nations, socio-economic development and non-performing banking sector. The major achievements by Modi government were in the fields of foreign investments, new businesses, human development and fiscal deficit.
Railways Minister launches ‘Rail Humsafar Saptaah’
On 26th May 2016, the Railways Minister inaugurated a new week-long initiative named ‘Rail Humsafar Saptaah’. This initiative will be highlighting the significant achievements by the Railways Minister across all spheres. The initiative will be concluded on 1st June 2016. During this week, each day will be celebrated with particular focus and theme. The days that will be celebrated are 26th May to 1st June and their names will be Swachchta Diwas, Satkar Diwas, Sewa Diwas, Satarkata Diwas, Saamanjasya Diwas, Sanyojan Diwas, and Sanchaar Diwas respectively.
ICGS (Indian Coast Guard Ship) ARUSH Commissioned
On 26th May 2016, ICGS (Indian Coast Guard Ship) ARUSH got commissioned. West Seaboard commander of the coast guard ADG (Additional Director General) SPS Basra commissioned ARUSH at Kochi. The name of the ship ‘AARUSH’ signifies sun’s first rays. Out of the 20 FPVS (Fast Patrol Vessels) designed and manufactured by the CSL (Cochin Shipyard Limited) AARUSH is 17th. The length of AARUSH is 50 meters and the maximum speed it can achieve is 33 knots with 1599 miles endurance. It has state-of-the-art weaponry as well as advanced navigational and communication equipment. AARUSH is ideas for undertaking diverse missions like interdiction, surveillance, medical evaluation as well as search & rescue missions. Some of the Ship’s special features include IMCS (Integrated Machinery Control System) and IBMS (Integrated Bridge Management System).
Lakshadweep becomes the first UT (Union Territory) in India to sign the ‘24×7 Power for All document’
On 27th May 2016, Lakshadweep signed the ‘24×7 Power for All document’. It is the first UT in India to do so. The objective of this documents is to provide electricity access to each household under the 2019 24X7 PSP (Power Supply Project). The document prepares a plan for increasing the region’s solar capacity to 8.45 megawatts from present 2.15 megawatts. The plan also aims to reduce the losses of AT&C to around 6.7 percent from current 21 percent level till 2019. This will happen by enhancing the level of collection efficiency to ninety percent. As part of this measure, the UT administration will be distributing 100000 LED bulbs by EESL (Energy Efficiency Services Limited). Also, the UJALA program will replace the CFL bulbs with better performing LED bulbs.
Indian President Pranab Mukherjee presented the MGP (Malti Gyan Peeth) Puraskars
On 29th May 2016, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee presented the MGP (Malti Gyan Peeth) Puraskars for year 2016. The event took place at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. This award is presented on a yearly basis to 5 teachers on five subjects that include English, Chemistry, Social Studies, Mathematics and Physics. The award was formed by MSSERS (Mohinder Singh Syngle Education & Research Society) in memory of the founder Smt. MMS Syngle. Syngle was a noted social worker and environmentalist. The award is given on a yearly basis to the school teachers of the government schools in Punjab. The award is worth Rupees 1 lakh, a medal, an honor robe and a ‘certificate of excellence’.
Aditi Krishnakumar, Indian author wins 2016 Scholastic Asian Book Award
2016 SABA (Scholastic Asian Book Award) has been conferred to Aditi Krishnakumar. She is an Indian-origin author from Singapore. She was conferred with the award for her work “Codex: The Lost Treasure of the Indus”, a 32000-word manuscript. This manuscript had detailed deep Indian rooted history and had a contemporary feel that fetched Aditi ten thousand Singapore Dollars. Out of her two manuscripts shortlisted for the award, Codex was chosen. Scholastic Asia will be publishing the manuscript. Aditi has experience in the financial sectors of Singapore and India. She is currently residing in Singapore and is employed at ALR (Agent Lila Raman) where she is working in the Indus Valley Civilization’s mysterious script. In 2012, her first work ‘A whole Summer Long’ was published.
Report on Jat-Quota Agitation submitted by Parkash Singh Committee
During the second week of May, a committee was constituted named PSP (Parkash Singh Panel) with the objective of enquiring into the commission and omission of all officials and officers of the civil and police administration during the Jat-Quota agitation. This committee submitted the report on 13th May 2016. The report was submitted in volume one and volume two. The total report consisted of 450 pages out of which the prime report consisted of 200 pages and rest 200 pages consisted of Annexures. The volume two of the report consisted of only 40 pages which highlighted the intelligence’s role during the riots. The report mentions at least 90 officers guilty during the agitation. After reading the report, the CM assured that government will be examining the situation and take corrective actions accordingly.
NTPC and Coal India ties-up to enter the Fertilizer Sector
On 16th May 2016, State-run power firm NTPC Limited signed a JVA (Joint Venture Agreement) with CIL (Coal India Limited), a state-run miner. The objective of this joint venture is to enter into Fertilizer Sector as well as revival of FCIL (Fertilizer Corporation of India Limited) Plants. The joint venture signees were General Manager of NTPC, AK Gupta and General Manager of CIL, T Bandopadhyay. During the initial years, the joint venture will act with a 50:50 equity partnership. During later stages, it will also add strategic partner induction depending on the future business requirements.
NKS committee formed for review and recommendations on the FRBM roadmap
On 17th May 2016, a new committee was formed by the Indian Union Government for comprehensively reviewing as well as giving suggestions on the FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management) future roadmap. The committee which is headed by NK Singh (Former Revenue & Expenditure Secretary) is supposed to share its final recommendations report by 31st October 2016. Other committee members included Rathin Roy (Director of NIPFP), Urijit Patel (Deputy Governor of RBI), Dr. A. Subramanian (Chief-Economic Advisor) and Sumit Bose (Former Finance & Revenue Secretary).
Results of By-Election 2016 declared by Election Commission
On 19th May 2016, India’s Election Commission announced the results of by-elections that were held for sates namely Jharkhand, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Telangana. In Jharkhand elections were for 2 seats Panki and Godda. The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) won Godda seat while INC (Indian National Congress) won the seat of Panki. These by-polls were introduced after the deaths of Bidesh Singh and Raghunandan Mandal in early 2016. In UP, Jangipur and Bilari were two seats for elections which were won by the Samajwadi Party incumbent. In Gujarat, the Talala seat was won by BJP. In Telangana, the Palir assembly polls were won by TRS (Telangana Rashtra Samithi).
NGT bans 10-plus years old heavy and light diesel vehicles across six cities of Kerala
On 23rd May 2016, NGT (National Green Tribunal) officially banned the usage of heavy as well as light diesel vehicles with manufacturing date of 10 or more years. This ban was introduced across six big cities in Kerala. These major cities include Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kannur, Kochi, Kollam and Tiruvananthpuram. The order was issued during the first sitting of NGT Circuit Committee headed by Justice S Kumar and BS Sajwan. Justice Kumar issued this order after the LEAF (Lawyers’ Environmental Awareness Forum) filed the petition against diesel vehicles like buses and trucks causing high pollution.
Second batch of thirteen Smart Cities announced by the Union Government
On 24th May 2016, the second batch of thirteen Smart Cities was announced by the Union Government which will be developed under the SCM (Smart City Mission) project of Narendra Modi. The plan of smart cities was first launched in 28th January 2016 with 20 cities in the first batch. In the second batch, Lucknow was at the top among 23 cities taken for the competition. As of now, total Union Territories/States covered under this plan has been 25 with plan for more. The selection of these cities was based on marks they scored during the fast-track competition conducted as well as the benchmarks set by top performers during the first competition. These thirteen cities are Warangal, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Shimla, Kolkata, Raipur, Chandigarh, Panaji, Bhagalpur, Imphal, Port Blair, Faridabad, Agartala and Ranchi.
2016 DNP (Draft National Policy) for Women unveiled
On 17th May 2016, Union Minister for Women & Child Development Maneka Gandhi unveiled the 2016 DNP (Draft National Policy) for Women. The draft was made public for consultation and comments. This policy will replace the NPEW (National Policy for Empowerment of Women) in 2001. It will also aid in guiding government actions on various women issues in coming 15-20 years. The objective of this policy is to seek a society wherein women having full potential, contribute as equals across all aspects of life.
CMs of the drought-affected states urged by Union Government to construct weekly plan of actions on drought
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Union Minister (Agriculture and Farmers Welfare) RM Singh organized meetings with CMs of the top drought-affected states in India. During this meeting, Chief Ministers from these states were urged to prepare weekly plans on how to curb the water scarcity problem in these states. These states involved were Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Telangana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. During the meeting, it was decided that CMs will be reviewing their plans on a weekly basis. This is to ensure grass root level management and monitoring of the scarcity level and better usage of current water resources in an optimal and prudent manner.
Odisha to initiate ‘Green Passage’ Scheme for students who are orphan
On 17th May, the government of Odisha decided to initiate a new scheme named ‘Green Passage Scheme’ for students who are orphans. The objective of this scheme is to ensure that higher education is provided free of cost for these students. Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik gave a go ahead to this scheme which will be monitored under the DHE (Department of Higher Education). It is estimated that more than 16000 orphan students across 272 institutions in Odisha will not have to bear any admission fee, laboratory fee or tuition fees while studying for higher degrees. They will also be provided facilities such as free food and free hostel. All these costs will beard by Odisha state government.
EHS (Eclat Health Solutions) and Telangana Government sign MoU for investing $15 million
On 24th May 2016, the US-based (healthcare) tech organization EHS (Eclat Health Solutions) and Telangana Government signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) for investing $15 million. This investment will be for improving the healthcare facilities across Telangana’s tier two cities. Apart from this agreement, the government of Telangana also signed another agreement with Afi Hasan, Safye Holdings’ CEO and Chairman of the Genesis Pharmaceuticals, Monif Matouk. Both the signing of these MoUs took place in Indianapolis, USA in presence of KTR Rao (Telangana IT and Industries Minister).
Maharashtra Government initiated Adi Praman (online app) for validity certificate of tribal caste
On 29th April 2016, Governor of Maharashtra CV Rao announced the launch of Adi Praman, an online web-based app. With the launch of this application, Maharashtra becomes the first Indian state to share caste-validity certifications online. Adi Praman app will help the tribal population of Maharashtra I getting online certificates of caste validity. The portal was launched in an event at the Raj Bhavan, New Delhi. This app will be making the entire processing of securing the caste validity certificates transparent, easy and fast. Also, this will ensure that productions of bogus certificates are effectively minimized. Now tribal people will also be able to receive timely government services. This app will also serve the goal of DIP (Digital India Programme) by inclusion of tribal people into the digital market and helping tribal youths in getting jobs.
Underground corridor for Namma Metro launched in South India
On 30th April 2016, Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiyah and Union Minister for Urban Development Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the first ever Underground Corridor for a Metro in South India. The metro will be the Bangalore metro as named Namma Metro. This new underground metro will be about 5 kilometers long and will run from the Cubbon Park to the city railways. The journey will be of 18 kilometers along the east-west corridor also known as Purple line. This Purple line which will connect Baiyappanahalli and Mysuru road in east and west respectively will be function from 6.00 am daily.
Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh launched CBY (Chandranna Bima Yojana)
On 1st May 2016, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Chandrababu Naidu launched the ‘Chandranna Bima Yojana.’ The scheme was launched in Vijayawada during the ‘labour Day’ occasion. This scheme is launched for the Indian working class citizens. The scheme, funded by state government will be covering around 1.5 crore workers across the state. As per this scheme, any worker who is insured if meets with a permanent disability or accidental death will be given Rupees 5 lacs. Insured workers suffering from partial disability due to accident will receive Rs. 3 lacs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launches PMUY (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana) at Ballia
On 1st May 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the PMUY (Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana) at Ballia, UP. The objective of this scheme is to increase benefits to the poor and women. One of the major aim of this scheme will be to provide 5 crore PBL (below poverty line) beneficiaries with cooking gas-connections in the coming three years. The CCEA (Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs) has approved an amount of Rupees 8000 crore for three years starting this financial year i.e. 2016-17. The major need of this scheme arose from the uneven distribution of LPG which is much more is the semi urban and urban areas compared to the rural areas. Excessive use of conventional fuels such as cow dung as well as fossil fuels is having tremendous health effects on children and women from rural areas.
Supreme Court orders all diesel cabs to be banned in Delhi from May 1
On April 30 2016, the Supreme Court of India has presented its view against extending the deadline of removing diesel based cabs from Delhi. As per the official notification, all diesel based cabs have been banned from roads in Delhi, effective from May 1 2016. The decision came after Supreme Court had earlier granted a month’s extension. The actual date of ban was from April 1 2016, but the same was extended by a month as per the request. The only exception to this ban are the vehicles of Delhi Jal Board & Delhi Police, who can use new diesel vehicle for their use, provided the engine capacity of the vehicle is not more than 2000 CC.
SC Collegium suggested 4 names to be elevated to the apex court
The SC (Supreme Court) Collegium which is chaired by TS Thakur (Chief Justice of India) recommended on 4th May 2016 to alleviate one senior lawyer and three Chief Justices from High Court to India’s apex court. After the break down of the NJAC (National Judicial Appointments Commission) by a SC bench on 16th October 2015, this was the first time recommendations for appointing apex court judges were made by SC Collegium. The three recommended judges were AM Khanwilkar (HC Justice from Madhya Pradesh), DY Chandrachud (HC Justice from Allahabad) and Ashok Bhushan (HC Justice from Kerala). The fourth appointment was of senior lawyer Nageshwar Rao who counseled for Jayalalitha, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
Union Cabinet approves MoU between BMGF (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) and MWCD (Ministry of Women & Child Development)
On 4th May 3016, Union Cabinet approved signing of a significant MoU between the BMGF (Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation) and MWCD (Ministry of Women & Child Development). The major objective of this MoU will be cooperation in ICT-RTM (Information and Communication Technology Enabled Real Time Monitoring) and other associated technical matters. This MoU will help in facilitating development of the CAS for ICT-RTM, Trainer training as well as similar technical requirements. This MoU will be covering 162 districts from 8 states suffering from high malnutrition. The covered states are Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
Beef possession decriminalized by Bombay HC, upholds slaughter of bullocks, bulls ban in Maharashtra
On 6th May 2016, the Bombay HC decided that it will upheld ban on bullocks and bulls slaughter in Maharashtra. The HC also indicated that beef consumption will stay banned across Maharashtra. However, Justice SC Gupte and AS Oka of the divisional bench removed the provisions criminalizing beef or animal meat possession across Maharashtra. Both Justices held these provisions unconstitutional and declared that only ‘conscious possession’ shall be termed as offence. The judgment was made on a 245-page strongly worded document.
From 1st January 2017, 112 will be used as Emergency number throughout India
After approval from the Telecom Minister RS Prasad, the government of India announced that from 1st January 2017 onwards the number 112 will be used as a one-stop number for all kinds of emergencies across the Indian Nation. Citizens will be using this number to reach out for immediate police services, fire department or ambulances. This number will be same as the ‘911’ emergency service number used in the US. This service can be also accessed by those landlines or SIMs that have temporarily suspended or barred outgoing call facilities. Once a person calls this number, they will be immediately transferred to the concerned departments for help. Once this emergency number is fully functional, running and all citizens are fully aware of this new all-in-one service, all other emergency number services will phase out.
Uma Bharti initiates ‘Rural Sanitation Initiatives for Ganga Rejuvenation’ in Jharkhand
On 9th May, Uma Bharti (Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation) initiated the RSI (Rural Sanitation Initiatives). These initiatives are a combination of 9 projects with the objective of rejuvenating the Ganga by improving the rural sanitation facilities. These initiatives are launched under the Ministry’s NGP (Namami Gange Programme). The initiatives will aim to enhance the quality and health of lives of 45000 households across 78 villages scattered around the Jharkhand Ganga Basin. It will also aim to reduce the toxicity of storm water and waste water runoff via villages into the Ganga. These projects will be covering the entire stretch of 83 kilometers of the Ganga River in Jharkhand.
President accepts Four Judges names for Supreme Court
On 11th May, President of India Pranab Mukerjee accepted the appointment of 4 judged for the supreme court of India. These four judges include three high court chief justices and 1 senior level advocate. Earlier on 4th May 2016, the SC (Supreme Court) Collegium chaired by TS Thakur (Chief Justice of India) recommended these four names. These names are MP High Court Justice AM Khanwilkar, Kerala HC Justice Ashok Bhushan, Alllahabad HC Justice DY Chandrachud as well as senior advocate LN Rao.
Ceiling rate of 54 drug-formulations fixed by NPPA
On 11th May 2016, the NPPA (National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority) announced fixing the ceiling rate of 54 drug-formulations. NPPA is a drug-price regulatory boy which controls the drug-rates and pricing in Indian pharmaceutical companies. The drug formulations involved are mainly used for disease treatments such as hypertension, bacterial infections, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. The NPPA also fixed retail prices of 11 other formations under the DPCO act 2013, covering 680 formulations.
Drought in 29 thousand villages declared by Maharashtra
On 12th May, the government of Maharashtra declared drought across 29 thousand villages. Most of these villages are concentrated in the Vidarbha and Marathwada region. In a corrigendum published by the government and assured by the BHC (Bombay High Court) recently, it has been clarified that any reference of ‘drought-like situation’ in state manuals shall be considered as drought. The state has implemented various schemes for providing relief in these areas. During an earlier cabinet meeting on 7th May 2016, 1000 crore agriculture fund was requested by Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis from the Prime Minister which will be used in developing further measures for these drought hit areas as well as mass irrigational projects across Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
Nitin Gadkari (Union Road Transport Minister) launches safety features equipped Nirbhaya buses
Union Minister for Road Transport Nitin Gadkari recently started a pilot project wherein 20 buses with safety features equipped were launched. This project has been initiated under the ‘NIRBHAYA’ Scheme and included 10 luxury as well as 10 ordinary buses. The various safety measures included were CCTV, VTS (Vehicle Tracking System) as well as panic buttons across every seat.
