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           Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Home) decorated 11 BSF Officers and Men with Police Medals for Gallantry, and gave away 35 Police Medals for Meritorious Service. He also honoured two mahila constables with Director’s General Commendation Roles (DGsCR) at an Impressive 10^th BSF Investiture Ceremony  held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Sh Shivshankar Menon, National Security Advisor (NSA), Sh Nehchal Sandhu, Director IB, Sh A P Singh, Director CBI, Senior Officers from MHA, DsG and Senior Officers of other CAPFs, BSF Officers and men, Retired BSF DsG, Officers and families of the force were present on the occasion.

     In his welcome address, Shri U K Bansal, Director General BSF recalled Border Security Force journey since 1965. He said that BSF has successfully faced several challenges and crises over these years, and enjoys an excellent track record. He further stated that the BSF, at both Western and Eastern fronts is cognizant of the future challenges and is preparing itself in terms of doctrine, infrastructure, weaponry and training. He stated that BSF is carrying out relentless vigil across the borders.   He also reiterated BSF’s commitment in bringing peace in the Maoist’s infested areas where it is deployed.

    Shri P Chidambaram, Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Chief Guest of the function who joined the ceremony later also addressed the gathering. During his speech, he applauded the role and contribution of BSF in securing the country’s border. Sh Chidambaram has further stated that the force has become people friendly and quoted that the state govts of Orissa and Chhattisgarh have also acknowledged the role of BSF in anti Naxal operations.

    The Investiture Ceremony was followed by Rustamji Memorial Lecture – 2012, which was delivered by Shri Shivshankar Menon, National Security Advisor, to the Prime Minister.

   This ceremony is held every year on this day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sh K F Rustamji, the founder Director General of BSF.

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आई.एन.वी.सी,,

दिल्ली,,

               केन्द्रीय वित्त मंत्री श्री प्रणब मुखर्जी ने कहा है कि वस्तु और सेवा कर (जीएसटी) जब लागू होगा, तो उसका प्राथमिक लाभ होगा कि यह करों के भारी बोझ को कम कर देगा, जो छिपे हुए व्यय की तरह होते हैं और वस्तु और सेवा को घरेलु और अंतर्राष्ट्रीय बाज़ारों में गैर प्रतिस्पर्धी बना देते हैं। वित्त मंत्री ने कहा कि जीएसटी राजस्व के रिसाव को रोकेगा और राज्य सरकारें अपने क्षेत्रों में वस्तु और सेवा की खपत के अनुरूप कर राजस्व प्राप्त कर पाएंगे। उन्होंने कहा कि कर राजस्व का यह एक स्थिर स्रोत बन जाएगा और पूरे भारत को एक समान बाज़ार के रूप में जोड़ने में एक अहम भूमिका निभाएगा। वित्त मंत्री ने कहा कि उपभोक्ता के लिए जीएसटी का सबसे बड़ा लाभ इसका पारदर्शी होना और वस्तुओं के कुल कर भार में कमी आना है जो अभी 25 से 30 प्रतिशत के बीच है।

    प्रणब मुखर्जी वित्त मंत्रालय से जुड़े सलाहकार समिति की दूसरी बैठक को कल संबोधित कर रहे थे। इस बैठक में वित्त राज्य मंत्री श्री एस एस पलानिमणिक्कम और श्री नमो नारायण मीणा भी उपस्थित थे। बैठक में लोकसभा के सांसद श्री एंटो पी एंटनी, श्री मुकेश वी. गधवी, श्री नरहरि महतो, श्री नाटूभाई गोमनभाई पटेल श्री प्रभात सिंह चौहान, श्रीमति राजकुमारी रत्ना सिंह, श्री एसपीवाई रेड्डी, श्री सुरेश सी अंगडी, श्री विजय इन्दर सिंगला, श्री डब्ल्यू भाउसाहेब राजाराम, और श्री एम एस रेड्डी और राज्य सभा सांसद श्री अमर सिंह, श्री मुकुट मिथी, श्री एन के सिंह, श्री राजकुमार धूत, श्री साबिर अली और डॉक्टर अशोक शेखर गांगुली ने भाग लिया। अधिकारियों में वित्त सचिव श्री आर एस गुजराल, वित्तीय सेवा सचिव श्री डी के मित्तल, विनिवेश सचिव श्री हलीम मोहम्मद खान, मुख्य आर्थिक सलाहकार डॉक्टर कौशिक बसु और वित्त मंत्रालय के वरिष्ठ अधिकारियों ने इस बैठक में हिस्सा लिया।

    वित्त मंत्री ने कहा कि अभी कई वजहें ऐसी हैं जो भारत में जीएसटी लागू करने में सहायक हैं। उन्होंने कहा कि इस बारे में किया गया अध्ययन दर्शाता है कि जीएसटी अर्थव्यवस्था के विकास दर को तुरंत तेज़ी से बढ़ाएगा। श्री मुखर्जी ने कहा कि सभी राज्‍य पहले की बिक्री कर व्‍यवस्‍था की जगह राज्‍य मूल्‍य संवर्धन कर-वैट लागू करने में सफल रहे हैं। उन्‍होंने कहा कि 13वें वित्‍त आयोग की सिफारिशों को लागू करने में राज्‍यों को जिन दो वस्‍तुओं कपड़े और चीनी पर वैट लागू करने से रोका गया था, उन्‍हें भी एईडी सूची से हटा लिया गया है। वित्‍त मंत्री ने कहा कि वैट लागू किये जाने के बाद से सभी राज्‍यों के कर राजस्‍व में तेज विकास देखा गया। उन्‍होंने कहा कि जहां तक केन्‍द्रीय करों की बात है, तो केन्‍द्रीय उत्‍पाद शुल्‍क और सेवा कर के एकीकरण यानी वस्‍तु और सेवाओं के करों के समेकन का काम लगभग पूरा हो गया है। वित्‍त मंत्री ने कहा कि इसी अवधारणा पर केन्‍द्र लोकसभा में फरवरी, 2011 में एक संविधान संशोधन विधेयक पहले ही पेश कर चुका है, जो वैधानिक प्रक्रिया का पहला कदम है, जिससे इसे जीएसटी में बदला जा सकेगा।

   बैठक में उपस्थित अधिकतर सांसदों ने चर्चा में भाग लेते हुए जीएसटी के प्रस्‍ताव का समर्थन किया और आशा व्‍यक्‍त की कि यह देश के सकल घरेलू उत्‍पाद में एक से डेढ़ प्रतिशत की बढ़ोतरी लाएगा।

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The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Ajay Maken addressing the children enrolled under the “COME & PLAY SCHEME”, at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in New Delhi.

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Ajay Maken , Union Minister  of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs & Sports  visited various stadia of Sports Authority of India ( SAI) here today to see the arrangements for fresh registration  of children under the “ Come & Play” Scheme , which  has been started  last week.  In addition ,  Shri Maken also distributed the Medals & Certificates to the winners of  competitions organized under the Scheme  from 5^th to 15^th May , 2012  in respective sports discipline at  JN Stadium and Dr SP Mukherjee Swimming Pool complex . Shri Maken went around the various fields of play and interacted with the children playing under the aforesaid Scheme.

            While talking to the media persons on the sidelines of his visit to stadia , ShriMaken said that about 12,000 children  were registered under the Come & Play Scheme during last year . Since,the   response is very encouraging and   about 6500 children have been registered  till now and it is expected  about 20,000 children will use our infrastructure facilities this year .  In order to improve the coaching at various stadia , the SAI has deputed 80 coaches (under training)from NIS Patiala who are pursuing Diploma/ Degree  courses .

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The Union Steel Minister, Shri Beni Prasad Verma briefing the media after releasing ‘A Roadmap for Research & Development and Technology for Indian Iron and Steel Industry’, in New Delhi.

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                 Central Ground Water Board under Ministry of Water Resources today signed a contract with Council of Scientific Industrial Research – National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) to implement the pilot project on “Aquifer characterization using advanced geophysical techniques in representative hydrogeological terrains of India”. The contract was signed in the presence of Minister of Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal. Also present on the occasion were Minister of State for Water Resources and Minority Affairs, Shri Vincent H. Pala, Secretary, Water Resources Shri Dhruv Vijai Singh and Director General, CSIR, Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Bansal said that he is sure that the technique will be found useful and after pilot project, it will be scaled-up to cover larger area in the country. He said there are many areas in which Ministry of Water Resources and CSIR can work together.

The project is being implemented under World Bank funded Hydrology Project. The project would be implemented in six representative areas in different hydrogeological terrains covering the States of Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over a period of 15 months. NGRI would be providing consultancy services for advanced geophysical techniques for micro level aquifer mapping in these pilot areas. The total cost of the project is about Rs. 44.39 crore, out of which the CGWB component is about Rs. 16.98 crore and NGRI component is about Rs. 27.41 crore.

NGRI will apply different advanced geophysical techniques to provide precise information about shallow and deep aquifers. The study will include latest state-of-the-art geophysical techniques – Heliborne Transient Electromagnetic (TEM) technique. The study will establish the efficacy of various geophysical techniques under different hydrogeological conditions and will also include capacity building of scientists from Central and State Organisations. The study would also be indicative of the replicability of the techniques when the project is scaled-up for the entire country. The results of aquifer mapping would be the input for development of an Aquifer Information Management System (AIMS), which would be used to formulate Aquifer Management Plans (AMP). These Aquifer Management Plans are envisaged to be implemented through participatory ground water management.

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The Union Minister for Corporate Affairs, Dr. M. Veerappa Moily delivering the keynote address at the opening session of the Competition Commission of India ‘Annual Day” workshop jointly with UNCTAD on Competition Law Enforcement & State Owned Enterprises, in New Delhi.

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                Government is in the process of bringing out a National Competition Policy that will aim to achieve highest sustainable levels of economic growth, entrepreneurship and employment. Minister of Corporate Affairs Dr. Veerappa Moily stated this while speaking at the annual day workshop organised by Competition Commission of India jointly with UNCTAD to commemorate three years of implementation of Competition Act. Dr. Moily stated that the proposed New National Competition Policy has already been circulated to the Ministries /Departments for their comments and thereafter the policy will be put up to Cabinet for approval.

Dr. Veerappa Moily congratulated the Competition Commission of India for completing three years of enforcement of competition laws. He observed that some of the decisions of CCI have proved to be important milestones in ensuring free play of market forces in a liberalised economy. The Union Minister of Corporate Affairs also stressed that ultimately consumers should be the focus of any policy that Govt. makes and consumer should be the ultimate beneficiary.

Dr. Veerappa Moily opined that the objective of competition laws was to protect competition and not the competitors. He highlighted the need for competition to be promoted, protected and nurtured through appropriate regulatory mechanism. Policies initiated and pursued in various sectors like manufacturing, electricity, telecommunications, roads, transport, civil aviation, tourism etc. have yielded rich dividends so far. Dr. Moily stated that there has been an addition of 45 million new entrepreneurs during the last two decades on account of introduction of Competition. The minister expressed the hope that effective enforcements of Competition Laws and enactment of new National policy will pave the way for the second biggest reform initiatives after the 1991 economic reforms.

Earlier Shri Ashok Chawla, Chairperson, Competition Commission of India stressed on the need to sensitise the state Owned Enterprises about the Competition Act so that they could have robust, Competition Compliance and good operating practices that could be emulated by their private counter parts.

Shri Naved Masood, Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Shri O.P.Rawat, Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises and Mr. Hassan Qugaya , Head, Competition and consumer Protection Branch, UNCTAD also spoke on the occasion.

The two day workshop have been organised by Competition Commission of India on the subject of Competition Law and State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). The workshop is being attended by Secretaries of various Ministries and Chiefs of PSUs. Speakers from jurisdictions such as Russia, United Kindgdom, European Commission, Korean Fair Trade Commission, Korea, South Africa and Australian Authority are participating in the workshop.

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The Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal addressing at the signing ceremony of the Contract between Central Ground Water Board and CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute for carrying out Aquifer Characterisation using advanced geophysical techniques, in New Delhi. The Minister of State for Water Resources and Minority Affairs, Shri Vincent Pala and the Secretary, Water Resources, Shri Dhruv Vijai Singh are also seen.

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                    Central Ground Water Board under Ministry of Water Resources today signed a contract with Council of Scientific Industrial Research – National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) to implement the pilot project on “Aquifer characterization using advanced geophysical techniques in representative hydrogeological terrains of India”. The contract was signed in the presence of Minister of Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pawan Kumar Bansal. Also present on the occasion were Minister of State for Water Resources and Minority Affairs, Shri Vincent H. Pala, Secretary, Water Resources Shri Dhruv Vijai Singh and Director General, CSIR, Prof. Samir K. Brahmachari.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Bansal said that he is sure that the technique will be found useful and after pilot project, it will be scaled-up to cover larger area in the country. He said there are many areas in which Ministry of Water Resources and CSIR can work together.

The project is being implemented under World Bank funded Hydrology Project. The project would be implemented in six representative areas in different hydrogeological terrains covering the States of Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over a period of 15 months. NGRI would be providing consultancy services for advanced geophysical techniques for micro level aquifer mapping in these pilot areas. The total cost of the project is about Rs. 44.39 crore, out of which the CGWB component is about Rs. 16.98 crore and NGRI component is about Rs. 27.41 crore.

NGRI will apply different advanced geophysical techniques to provide precise information about shallow and deep aquifers. The study will include latest state-of-the-art geophysical techniques – Heliborne Transient Electromagnetic (TEM) technique. The study will establish the efficacy of various geophysical techniques under different hydrogeological conditions and will also include capacity building of scientists from Central and State Organisations. The study would also be indicative of the replicability of the techniques when the project is scaled-up for the entire country. The results of aquifer mapping would be the input for development of an Aquifer Information Management System (AIMS), which would be used to formulate Aquifer Management Plans (AMP). These Aquifer Management Plans are envisaged to be implemented through participatory ground water management.

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The Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries, Shri Charan Das Mahant addressing at the presentation of the Plant Genome Savior Community Awards & Recognitions (2010-11) to farming communities and individuals for conservation of biodiversity, in New Delhi.

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                  Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries, Dr.Charan Das Mahant today gave away awards and certificates to farming communities and individuals for conservation of biodiversity.

For this year the Plant Genome Saviour Community Awards are being given to four farming communities for their contribution in saving traditional plant varieties.

Shyamsunder Sister Nivedita Sangha, Burdwan, West Bengal gets the award for developmental services to rural and agricultural sector including conservation and preservation of traditional rice varieties.

Pokkali Rice Farming Community, Ernakulam, Kerala receives the award for organic farming system for sustainable growth of rice in low saline phase. Pokkalivariety selected and conserved by farmers is inherently tolerant to salinity and submergence.

Wayanad District Development Action Council, Wayanad, Kerala is engaged in overall development of the tribal communities of Wayanad and adjoining districts in Malabar Agro-biodiversity hot-spot of India. It has conserved traditional landraces of rice and encouraged traditional agricultural system. The conservation efforts of the Council not only promoted bio-diversity, indigenous and cultural diversity but also played an important role in enhancing the food and nutritional security.

Tamil Nadu Hill Banana Growers’ Federation, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu is working in the Pulney hills in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, which is the home of famousVirupakshi Hill Banana. The community revived this banana as it is tolerant to the bunchy-top virus disease with their conservation and preservation.

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Delhi,,

          The Central Government is committed to ensure Awiral and Nirmal flow of river Ganga.

Addressing a function this evening at Allahabad Minister of state (I/C) for Environment and Forest Smt. Jayanthi Natrajan said that for this objective the Central Government would not leave any stone unturned.

The Minister said that the Government has set up National Ganga River Basin Authority in the year 2009 for conservation and comprehensive management of the river. She said that by the collective efforts of centre and state governments the Authority will ensure that no untreated municipal sewage and industrial effluents will be dumped in the river by the year of 2020. The Minister said that for the conservation and cleaning of Ganga projects worth Rupees 2677 crore have been sanctioned and of them projects of 1342 crore Rupees are for Uttar Pradesh for sewage treatment and other related works.

Smt. Natarajan also announced that in view of Maha Kumbh Mela her Ministry will be launching a pre Kumbh campaign to create public awareness on the pollution in the rive Ganga. She also felicitated the members of ITBP conducting six phase Ganga Punardarshan rafting expedition. She also flagged off fourth phase of expedition from Allahabad to Patna. The expedition will be concluded at Ganga Sagar. It was started on April 23 from Gangotri.

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Delhi,,

A 3-day workshop on data analysis was inaugurated by the Chief Election Commissioner, Dr. S.Y. Quraishi at IIIDEM, Election Commission of India today in which all senior officers of the Commission are participating. Dr. S.Y. Quraishi emphasized the need of strengthening the statistical wing of the Commission. He emphasized the need for well equipped statistical and data analysis wing in each of the States and UTs. Mr. V.S. Sampath, Election Commissioner of India said on the occasion that the Commission will organize training for election officers at all levels with the help of Berkeley University. Mr. H.S. Brahma, Election Commissioner said that this workshop is an opportunity for all election officers to learn statistical tools. The workshop has been organized by University of California, Berkeley, USA. Prof. Pradeep Chhiber of University California is leading the workshop alongwith Ms. Francesca Jensenius of California University, Prof. Irfan Nooruddin of Ohio University and Shri Rahul Verma of CSDS, Mr. Kris S. Oswalt, Executive Director, DevInfo Support Group, Singapur is also participating in the workshop.

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Shimla,,

Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister was the Chief Guest on the occasion of concluding IPL T-20 Match played between Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils at Dharmshala last evening. Shri Rajiv Shukla, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs-cum-IPL Commissioner was present on the occasion as a Special Guest.

Chief Minister gave away prizes to the winners.

Shri Thakur Gulab Singh, PWD Minister, Shri Ravinder Singh Ravi. Irrigation and Public Health Minister, Shri Anurag Thakur, MP-cum-President, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, MLA’s, Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen of various Boards and Corporations were present on the occasion.

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Delhi,,

The Approach Paper, “Muslim Vision of Secular India: Destination & Roadmap” prepared by scholar, Dr Javed Jamil, will be unveiled for nationwide public debate on 21st May, 2012 at India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi.

What shall be the role of Muslims in their dear country India that is progressing leaps and bounds on daily basis, what shall be their destiny and the approach map to reach it, what shall be the basis of their progress in the light of Muslim and Islamic viewpoint and analysis, and what shall be the parameters of growth and progress in the light of Islamic rules and within the framework of Indian constitution, these are some of the salient features of Dr. Javed Jamil’s paper titled “Muslim Vision of Secular India: Destination & Roadmap”.

Talking to R.N.I., Dr. Jamil said that the approach paper is important because it is the first comprehensive approach paper for trying to analyze the Muslim Perspective of India’s goals of development and developing a national level multi-faceted, holistic strategy for the socio-economic empowerment of Muslims within the parameters of Islam, Indian culture and national interests. The paper not only makes a critical analysis of national policies and presents a Muslim perspective of the direction in which the growth is taking place in the country, it also critically analyses the problems of the country especially related to economic disparity, erosion of human values, spread of social evils and overriding negative impact of economic forces; and critically analyses the problems Muslims are facing and discusses the various issues involved. It covers almost all range of issues from religious education to modern education, employment, absence of Muslims in corporate sector, problems in medium and small scale industries, issues related to Islamic Finance sector, urban developmental issues, rural issues, health issues, importance of NGO sector, empowerment of women within Islamic framework, social and security issues, issues related to media and many more.

The paper suggests more than 170 measures in different fields. Some of these measures are to be taken by the government, some by the community and some by the combined effort of both. The paper has 20 chapters covering all the aspects of the system.

It emphasizes coordination between the governmental and community institutions as most of these measures require efforts at both the levels. The paper also devotes a special chapter on Interfaith, stresses an all-religion alliance against social evils and calls for an end to communal hatred.
Dr. Javed Jamil’s paper is being seen with great optimism in certain sections of the society and it remains to be seen up to what extent the Government of India make use of this report. A blueprint or rather a roadmap to the progress of Muslims in the country has already been prepared and it is upon the decision-makers to see that adequate measures are taken for its implementation.

Mr K. Rahman Khan, Former Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha will release the document. Law & Minority Affairs Minister, Mr Salman Khurshid will be the Chief Guest. Eminent Journalist, Mr Azeez Burney will be the Guest of Honour. Renowned Philanthropist & President IICC, Mr Sirajuddin Qureshi will deliver the welcome address. A large number of dignitaries including politicians, academicians, social activists, religious scholars, media personalities and academicians are expected to gather for the event. 

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Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister and Rajiv Shukla during IPL match at Dharamshala

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A Spokesman of the State Government said here today that the organizers of Indian Premier League (IPL) had not been exempted from entertainment cess and the same was being charged from them @ 10 percent. He said that Assistant Excise and Taxation Commissioner, Kangra had been authorised to collect the mandatory entertainment tax as per provisions.

He said that the news appeared in a section of the press that Himachal Pradesh has suffered a loss of Rs. eight crore due to exemption of entertainment cess to IPL organisers was not based on facts.

He said that the State earned income during IPL matches as people from various parts of the country as well as abroad come to see the IPL matches and spent on eatables, stay and purchase of various items on which various taxes were being paid by them.

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The Rural Development Minister Shri Jairam Ramesh has reiterated that the Government should and must have a role in the land acquisition as faster industrialization and urbanization are both inevitable and desirable. Talking to media here, a day after the Standing Committee report on the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill, 2011 was tabled in the Lower House of Parliament, he said, the role of the government in the acquisition process cannot be completely eliminated as India is not a developed country. He said, after inter-ministerial consultations, the changes, if any will be brought before the cabinet and all efforts will be made to pass the revised bill in the coming Monsoon Session of Parliament. He said, the second cardinal principle is that Acquisition role must be governed by public purpose, which is at times met by the government organization and sometime by private companies and illustrated that in many cases the Government consciously seeks private investment for public purpose like airports and ports. Shri Ramesh also strongly favoured that compensation should be fair and equitable, both to those whose land has been acquired and to those whose livelihoods were destroyed. The fourth principle, the Minister added that the procedure of acquisition must be timely and transparent and the fifth and final one is that the State Governments should be given maximum flexibility. Shri Ramesh described the above five principles as Panchsheel and said that whatever law in Parliament will be passed will facilitate Economic Growth and not hamper the development process. In reply to a volley of questions on the stand of the Parliamentary Committee on several aspects of the Bill, the Minister said, the positive recommendations of the Committee as well as suggestions of the State Governments will be incorporated in the revised bill, as he intends to do one more round of consultations with the State Governments. He said, land acquisition for Public-Private Projects is a contentious issue but it cannot be wished away as many State governments had supported the PPP model during the pre-introduction consultations. Shri Ramesh also rejected the observation that Trinamul Congress is opposed to many provisions of the Bill and informed that he had met the West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamta Banerji twice before the introduction of bill and also held wide ranging consultations with the trinamul party MP. D.Bandyopadhay. The Minister said that at a time when investor sentiment is low and economic growth is under pressure, the Government need to quickly resolve the land acquisition law to end uncertainty.

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Delhi,,

The Urban Development Minister has said that the role of Local Government is crucial in distribution and management of civic amenities, especially with growing urbanisation. Mr Kamal Nath was speaking at the 29th Board Meeting of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) in Belize City on 17th May 2012. The Minister emphasised that at present the Indian economy is generating great opportunities in terms of investment with huge market potential leading to urbanisation and this in turn is posing new challenges for equitable distribution of resources and management of civic amenities. He said this task cannot be accomplished without the active involvement of Local Government.

The Minister said that India is committed to the core values of local democratic principles, which governs the federal democratic structure of the country. The urban local government in India alone elects more than 70,000 representatives through a fair and non partisan election. The 74th constitutional amendment act ensures the Aberdeen Principle of ‘defined legislative framework’ for the local bodies thereby ensuring that local government have appropriate powers in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity.

Mr. Nath highlighted the need for greater regional co-operation and sharing of good practices amongst Commonwealth countries which share a special bond, history and control values.

The CLGF Board meeting is being attended by the representatives from Canada, Bahamas, Mauritius, New Zealand, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, Ghana, Uganda, and UK. Mr Kamal Nath had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Belize Mr Dean Barrow on the issues of mutual co-operation and fostering friendship. Mr. Nath also met HE Kamla Persad-Bissessar Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago.

CLGF was established by the CHOGM in 1995 in response to moves towards greater decentralisation and local democracy in Commonwealth countries. As a membership organisation it brings together representatives from local government associations, individual councils, academics and ministers of local government.

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The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Culture, Kumari Selja going round an Exhibition “Stamp of the past: Indian Heritage in Philately”, at Red Fort, in Delhi. The Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Ms. Sangita Gairola is also seen.

INVC,,

Delhi,,

The Union Culture and Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation Minister Kumari Selja today inaugurated at the Red Fort, Delhi an exhibition “Stamp of the past: Indian Heritage in Philately”. The exhibition has been mounted as part of the year-long celebrations of Archaeological Survey of India that has completed 150 years of its existence as the Nation’s premier organisation for archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage. The exhibition organised in collaboration with Department of Posts also has contributions from some philatelists.

The inauguration of the exhibition also coincides with the celebrations of International Museum Day on 18th May, 2012. The International Council of Museums (ICOM) observes International Museum Day to spread public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society. The Archaeological Survey of India has facilitated Free Entry to visitors to all archaeological museum sites today to mark the day.

The exhibition aims to accomplish the task of creating a sense of pride in our cultural legacy and imbuing the citizens of India with a heightened sense of responsibility about their contribution to the protection of our heritage.

Kumari Selja released a book both in Hindi and English titled: “KUMBHALGARH” written by C. Dorje and D.N. Dimri on the occasion. She also released a brochure on the exhibition.

The original stamps, first day cover, mini sheets and other philatelic objects provided by the Department of Posts and material provided philatelists is displayed in the exhibition.

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