handloom is any loom other than power loom that requires manual input for weaving at least at one stage of its processing ...eg. silk eri mooga etc...
handloom industry is cultural heritage and tradition of india.it has inspired our national freedom struggle.gandhi
this handloom sector js important in our economy as it can be run on small scale industry...it is unique... it is adaptable and flexible..indic
handloom industry is cultural heritage and tradition of india.it has inspired our national freedom struggle.gandhi
this handloom sector js important in our economy as it can be run on small scale industry...it is unique... it is adaptable and flexible..indic
bharti sharma, [29.09.16 06:01]
the sector is facing many problems such as obsolete technologies, unorganized production system, low productivity, inadequate working capital, conventional product range, weak marketing link, overall stagnation of production and sales and, above all, competition from power loom and mill sector
the sector is facing many problems such as obsolete technologies, unorganized production system, low productivity, inadequate working capital, conventional product range, weak marketing link, overall stagnation of production and sales and, above all, competition from power loom and mill sector
bharti sharma, [29.09.16 06:04]
Various schemes and programs are launched by the government that cater to the needs of the handloom sector both at the micro and macro level. Some ongoing schemes are deen dayal hathkargha protsahan yojana... mill gate price scheme and Input support... The handloom (reservation of articles for production) act 1985 aims at protecting millions of handloom weavers from the encroachment on their livelihood by the power loom sector and the organized mill sector. By providing direct and indirect employment to more than 30 lakh weavers, handloom sector has become the largest economic activity second only to agriculture in India
Various schemes and programs are launched by the government that cater to the needs of the handloom sector both at the micro and macro level. Some ongoing schemes are deen dayal hathkargha protsahan yojana... mill gate price scheme and Input support... The handloom (reservation of articles for production) act 1985 aims at protecting millions of handloom weavers from the encroachment on their livelihood by the power loom sector and the organized mill sector. By providing direct and indirect employment to more than 30 lakh weavers, handloom sector has become the largest economic activity second only to agriculture in India
avinash pakala, [30.09.16 00:20]
Committee on the Reform of the Indian Medical Council (IMC) Act, 1956 [Aravind Panagariya Committee]
Committee on the Reform of the Indian Medical Council (IMC) Act, 1956 [Aravind Panagariya Committee]
The Committee proposed that the IMC Act be replaced by a new Act, and proposed a draft Bill for this purpose. It recommended a complete overhaul of the existing regulatory structure for medical education. Key observations and recommendations
Issues with the Medical Council of India: The Committee noted the following regarding the functioning of the Council: (i) the conflict of interest where the regulated (including management of medical colleges) elect the regulators, preventing the entry of skilled professionals for the job; (ii) centralisation of powers allowing no segregation of responsibilitie
New regulatory architecture: The Committee recommended that the National Medical Commission (NMC) should be set up to replace the existing Medical Council of India. NMC would be the policy-making body for medical education in India. It would consist of representatives
The Committee recommended that independent bodies should be created with clearly demarcated roles, which would be coordinated by the NMC. These bodies would be: (i) a Medical Assessment and Rating Board for accreditation and assessment of institutions, (ii) a Board for Medical Registration to maintain a national register of all licensed medical practitioners, (iii) Under-Graduate Medical Education Board, and (iv) the Post-Graduate Medical Education Board.
Examinations: The Committee recommended a transparent admissions process based on merit rather than the ability to pay capitation fees. Students would be admitted to medical colleges based on an all-India National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. This would ensure a standardised set of skills for doctors following objective benchmarks to promote uniform outcomes.
Examinations: The Committee recommended a transparent admissions process based on merit rather than the ability to pay capitation fees. Students would be admitted to medical colleges based on an all-India National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. This would ensure a standardised set of skills for doctors following objective benchmarks to promote uniform outcomes.
The Committee also recommended a periodic disclosure of ratings by medical colleges, to enable students to make informed decisions. This would also aid the colleges in improving their own standards to attract the best students.
Passing a common exam would be mandatory to obtain a license and to subsequently apply for post-graduate courses. This exam would also test for skill sets prescribed by the central government keeping with the changing societal requirements of medical competencies.
Passing a common exam would be mandatory to obtain a license and to subsequently apply for post-graduate courses. This exam would also test for skill sets prescribed by the central government keeping with the changing societal requirements of medical competencies.
Fee Regulation: Despite the current fee regulation, there have been instances of corruption with regard to fees. The Committee recommended that the NMC should not engage in fee regulation of private colleges.
Since admissions to medical institutions would be based solely on merit, there would be no need for fee regulation except in certain circumstances. The regulation of fees may encourage the formation of an underground economy for medical education, and having a fee cap may discourage the entry of private colleges.
Since admissions to medical institutions would be based solely on merit, there would be no need for fee regulation except in certain circumstances. The regulation of fees may encourage the formation of an underground economy for medical education, and having a fee cap may discourage the entry of private colleges.
‘For-profit’ organizations to establish medical colleges: Currently, only ‘not-for-profit
avinash pakala, [30.09.16 00:36]
The Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas ( Pralhad Joshi Committee) submitted a report on the production of Coal Bed Methane (CBM
The Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas ( Pralhad Joshi Committee) submitted a report on the production of Coal Bed Methane (CBM
CBM is a natural gas found in coal seams and considered to be a clean source of energy.
Comprehensive policy: The Committee observed that the CBM Policy, 1997 has not been able to achieve its objective of production of CBM to the promised potential. It recommended that a revised and new CBM policy should be released. The new policy should address issues such as (i) coordination between multiple agencies, (ii) simultaneous mining of coal and CBM, (iii) use of CBM from existing coal mines, and (iv) pricing of CBM.
Reassessment of CBM: The assessment of CBM availability in the country was last done in 1990s. Post that, no exercise to assess the new CBM potential in the country has been undertaken. The Committee noted that this could be one of the reasons for poor performance of the CBM blocks. It recommended that the CBM potential in the country should be reassessed.
Technology sourcing for CBM: The Committee observed that the technology needed for coal mining from coal blocks and for drilling of coal seams for evacuation of CBM are different. The drilling required in CBM evacuation is directional in nature as it has to follow the coal seams. This is similar to the horizontal drilling used for the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. However, even though the technology relating to CBM evacuation is available in the country, it is not being put to use, particularly where simultaneous extraction of CBM in active coal mines is possible. The Committee recommend that an empowered task force should be constituted that will decide the appropriate technology that Coal India Limited (CIL) can use to carry out extraction of CBM at the earliest from its own coal blocks.
The Committee recommended that the award of new blocks and the relinquished blocks should be initiated at the earliest under the new Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP).
The Committee noted that the projected production is much below the potential and the government should set higher targets. It recommended that the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and Coal should jointly conduct CBM exploration and identify new areas for CBM extraction.
CBM pricing: Coal mining in the CBM blocks comes under the control of the Ministry of Coal. CBM being a natural gas, is priced as per guidelines of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Further, the government approves CBM prices on a case to case basis. However, CBM pricing has been brought under HELP, where the formula for determining prices for natural gas including CBM is provided. The Committee observed that the prices of CBM under HELP appear low as compared to the prices being charged by the existing producers. It recommended that the Ministry should formulate a separate pricing and marketing mechanism for CBM. This mechanism should consider the various variables in CBM operations such as availability of small volume of gas, number of drillings required due to low productivity, remote location, and should also incentivize the CBM producers.
Rights of coal block allottees: As per the existing system of award of CBM blocks, there may be an overlap between companies having rights over coal and CBM. This situation has given rise to delays due to which production has suffered. The Committee noted that this may be occurring because of lack of clearances for simultaneous drilling of coal and CBM. It recommended that the government may formulate a simple procedure to grant coal block allottees, if they desire, rights for extraction of CBM under HELP.
avinash pakala, [30.09.16 00:44]
The Standing Committee on Energy (Kirit Somaiya Committee) submitted a report on Power Generation from Municipal Solid Waste.
The Standing Committee on Energy (Kirit Somaiya Committee) submitted a report on Power Generation from Municipal Solid Waste.
Municipal solid waste: About 1.43 lakh metric tonne of solid waste is generated every day in the country. 23% of this waste is treated and disposed. Note that, under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), 100% scientific processing and disposal of municipal solid waste is envisaged by 2019. The Committee recommended that all urban local bodies should prepare action plans to establish waste treatment facilities. Further, segregation of waste should be made mandatory in all government offices, households, and commercial establishments.
Technology options: Energy can be generated from waste in various ways such as: (i) biomethanation of wet biodegradable waste (produces biogas), (ii) combustion of fuel generated from the dry, high organic component of combustible wastes, and (ii) complete combustion (or mass burning) of solid waste. Most of these techniques require proper segregation of waste, and an efficient segregation mechanism is lacking. The Committee recommended that government should provide policy and technical support for converting waste to energy. Further, mass burning of municipal waste should be prohibited as it is detrimental to environment and a major source of health hazards.
Role of urban local bodies (ULBs): The Committee noted that issues with the waste to energy sector include (i) irregular and inadequate quantity of supply, (ii) non-payment of agreed fee, and (iii) non-marketabili
Role of urban local bodies (ULBs): The Committee noted that issues with the waste to energy sector include (i) irregular and inadequate quantity of supply, (ii) non-payment of agreed fee, and (iii) non-marketabili
The Committee also recommended that the process of garbage collection should be made more scientific and efficient. ULBs should also properly estimate the approximate quantity of municipal waste generated every day in order to ensure its supply to the waste energy plant in a definite manner. To maximise waste collection efficiency, state governments and ULBs should integrate ragpickers and kabadiwalas within the formal system.
Tariff: The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has notified a tariff of Rs 7.9 per unit for power derived from waste. The Committee recommended that the practice of tariff determination by the CERC must be reviewed, by amending the Electricity Act, 2003. The tariff of electricity generated from all the waste to energy plants should be decided through competitive bidding.
The Committee also recommended that big polluters such as restaurants, hotels, and other commercial establishments should be asked to develop scientific methods of segregation of waste and its disposal. Failure to do so should be penalised through a tax, cess, or fine. The Committee also noted that common people pay twice for the disposal of the same garbage: (i) first to the local bodies for collection of garbage from their home, and (ii) second as a higher rate of electricity to compensate the producer of electricity from waste. It recommended that some alternate mechanisms should be adopted so that common people are not compelled to pay twice.
avinash pakala, [30.09.16 00:44]
Authorities: The Committee observed that at the central level, several Ministries are involved in handling municipal solid waste. These include the Ministries of Urban Development, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and New and Renewable Energy. It recommended that a Monitoring Committee, consisting of representatives
Authorities: The Committee observed that at the central level, several Ministries are involved in handling municipal solid waste. These include the Ministries of Urban Development, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and New and Renewable Energy. It recommended that a Monitoring Committee, consisting of representatives
avinash pakala, [30.09.16 01:02]
Kanwar Deep Singh Committee[] report on infrastructure lending in road sector.
Kanwar Deep Singh Committee[] report on infrastructure lending in road sector.
Long-term loans: The Committee observed that several of the long-term loans disbursed for the road sector are turning into non-performing assets (NPAs). Projects bids are often made without proper study, and projects are awarded in a hurry. This results in stalling of projects, and concessionaires
Long-term bonds: The Committee recommended long term bonds as a way of financing infrastructure projects. It suggested that the government should look at bonds for a period of 20 to 25 years.
Infrastructure lending: With regard to financing of road projects, the Committee noted that promoters of several infrastructure projects are smaller companies which results in insufficient equity. It also leads to situations where financial institutions refuse to finance such projects. The Committee recommended that the government allocation for projects should be increased and the bank NPAs may be supported by government allocations.
The Committee also noted that when projects are terminated due to various reasons the banks are not given an opportunity or any guarantee that the pending loan is repaid. It recommended that Model Concession Agreement may be revised based on feedback received from banks and financial institutions. Further, the recovery of bad debts should be made easier by empowering banks adequately.
The Committee also noted that when projects are terminated due to various reasons the banks are not given an opportunity or any guarantee that the pending loan is repaid. It recommended that Model Concession Agreement may be revised based on feedback received from banks and financial institutions. Further, the recovery of bad debts should be made easier by empowering banks adequately.
Vigilance: The Committee observed that with regard to financing NPAs, banks work under the fear of scrutiny by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Central Vigilance Commission. It recommended that NPAs should be financed through the banks’ discretion, and within their capacity. If decisions are taken in a transparent manner, there should not be any fear of investigation.
Project delays: Highway projects get delayed due to delays in acquiring land and environmental clearances, and rehabilitation issues. These delays also increase the cost of the projects. The Committee recommended that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways should obtain all these clearances before awarding the projects to concessionaires
The Committee also noted that lack of dispute resolution is one of the major hurdles in clearing stressed or delayed projects. It recommended that the government should set up a dispute redressal mechanism for road projects.
Role of central government: The Committee observed that while the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways invests in the construction of roads, its only source of revenue is budgetary support from the central government. The Committee recommended that the RBI and Ministry of Finance may help the Ministry of Road Transport to set up its own dedicated financial institutions to generate funds for development of the road sector. It also recommended that Ministry of Road Transport should monitor toll collection and channelise the surplus money towards stressed projects.
The Committee also noted that while the central government has allocated a huge budget for the road sector, this cannot sustain over a long term. It suggested that the government should devise ways and establish appropriate financial institutions and models to encourage the return of private investment to the road sector.
Role of central government: The Committee observed that while the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways invests in the construction of roads, its only source of revenue is budgetary support from the central government. The Committee recommended that the RBI and Ministry of Finance may help the Ministry of Road Transport to set up its own dedicated financial institutions to generate funds for development of the road sector. It also recommended that Ministry of Road Transport should monitor toll collection and channelise the surplus money towards stressed projects.
The Committee also noted that while the central government has allocated a huge budget for the road sector, this cannot sustain over a long term. It suggested that the government should devise ways and establish appropriate financial institutions and models to encourage the return of private investment to the road sector.
avinash pakala, [30.09.16 01:02]
Safety: The Committee observed that about 4.5 lakh road accidents occur annually in India. It noted that faulty design of roads, pot holes, absence of signage and speed breakers, and blind turns usually cause accidents. It recommended that road design and maintenance may be given top priority. Further, utilising a part of petrol and diesel cess on road safety may be considered
Safety: The Committee observed that about 4.5 lakh road accidents occur annually in India. It noted that faulty design of roads, pot holes, absence of signage and speed breakers, and blind turns usually cause accidents. It recommended that road design and maintenance may be given top priority. Further, utilising a part of petrol and diesel cess on road safety may be considered
avinash pakala, [30.09.16 01:10]
Shyam Benegal Committee constituted to recommend guidelines for certification of films by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
Shyam Benegal Committee constituted to recommend guidelines for certification of films by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)
The terms of reference of the Committee included: (i) to study the procedures of certification being followed by CBFC, (ii) to recommend guiding principles with respect to certification of films, within the ambit of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and (iii) suggest a suitable staffing structure for a more efficient service.
Role of CBFC: The Committee observed that an owner of a film has complete rights over it. Any alteration or change in the film can only be made by the owner or with his consent. It recommended that the current system of suggesting modifications and amendments to a film by the CBFC should be done away with and the Board must function only as a film certification body.
Modification to 1991 guidelines: Guidelines were issued in 1991 under section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952. Section 5B states that a film will not be certified if a part of it or the entire film is against the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of the country, decency or morality, etc. The Committee noted that some of the objectives under these guidelines, such as requiring the film to be sensitive to the values of the society, providing clean and healthy entertainment, were not within the ambit of the CBFC.
In this regard, the Committee has drafted a new set of guidelines. The objective of the guidelines is: (i) artistic expression and creative freedom of filmmakers is protected through parameters that are objective, (ii) audiences are empowered to make informed viewing decisions, (iii) the process of certification is responsive to social change. The guidelines also state that an applicant must mention in his application, (i) the category of certification he seeks, and (ii) the target audience.
Further, any cuts in a film can only be made by the applicant, depending on the certification he needs for his film.
Sub-division of existing categories of certification: The Committee also suggested that two categories of certification, that is UA (films that contain certain scenes not suitable for children below the age of 12) and A (films suitable for adults only), should be further sub-divided into sub-categories.
Sub-division of existing categories of certification: The Committee also suggested that two categories of certification, that is UA (films that contain certain scenes not suitable for children below the age of 12) and A (films suitable for adults only), should be further sub-divided into sub-categories.
Guidelines for certification: The Committee has proposed guidelines for certification, that have been divided into three categories: (i) general, (ii) issue related, and (iii) category specific. The general guidelines define the approach to be followed while certifying a film, with respect to general factors in a film, such as context, theme, etc. The issue related guidelines list issues in a society that apply to all categories of certification. Category specific guidelines lay down the approach that CBFC should take with respect to various categories of film certification.
Functions of CBFC: The Committee recommended that the CBFC should confine itself to: (i) submission of an annual report to the central government, containing an analytical study of the trends in the film industry, to be tabled in Parliament each year, (ii) prescribing the manner in which the records and accounts of the Board will be kept, (iii) reviewing the work of regional officers and the Regional and Central Advisory Panels, (iv) periodically review guidelines laid down for certification of films, etc.
avinash pakala, [30.09.16 01:10]
Staffing pattern of CBFC: In order to reduce the human interface between applicants and officials of the CBFC, the Committee recommended that process of application, and selection of members for the Examining Committee (that will sit through the screening of a film and deliberate on it) and Revising Committee (that will function as the first point of appeal) should be done through a computerised software.
Staffing pattern of CBFC: In order to reduce the human interface between applicants and officials of the CBFC, the Committee recommended that process of application, and selection of members for the Examining Committee (that will sit through the screening of a film and deliberate on it) and Revising Committee (that will function as the first point of appeal) should be done through a computerised software.
