PMIndiaData/PMIndiaSum huggingface dataset:
Minimum pension of Rs. 1,000/- per month in perpetuity to Pensioners of Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for continuation of the minimum pension of Rs. 1,000/- per month to the pensioners of Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 (EPS) beyond the financial year 2014-15 on perpetual basis. Currently, it is effective only upto March, 2015. The Cabinet also approved corresponding grant of continuous annual budgetary support for implementing the minimum pension which will be to the tune of Rs. 850 crore per year on a tapering basis. Providing a minimum pension of Rs. 1000/- per month is an effort to provide meaningful subsistence to pensioners who have served in the organized sector. The present proposal is likely to benefit approximately 20 lakh pensioners under EPS, 1995. Background: A large number of member pensioners under the EPS, 1995 receive low pensions which is not commensurate with the growing cost of living. The primary reason behind a meager pension is that it is calculated on the basis of pensionable service and average of last sixty months’ wages. If either of them is low, the pension amount will also be low. This is largely seen in cases of employees of seasonal industries. Further, pensioners who were earlier members of the erstwhile Family Pension Scheme, 1971 have been given past service benefits for determining pension as per Para 12 of the Employees’ Pension Scheme. This has resulted in fixation of low pension for these pensioners. The Union Cabinet has in its meeting in February, 2014 accorded approval to the proposal for ensuring a minimum pension of Rs. 1,000/- per month for the pensioners of EPS for the financial year 2014-15 by way of providing budgetary support of Rs. 1217.03 crore. Based on the approval of the Union Cabinet, the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 (EPS) was amended on 19.08.2014 to incorporate the provision for providing a minimum pension of Rs. 1,000/- per month for the financial year 2014-15. After the issue of the Gazette Notification dated 19.08.2014 (with effect from 01-09-2014), the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has commenced disbursing the revised pension from the month of September, 2014. The number of pensioners who have been benefited by the minimum pension provision, which has been compiled from the actual disbursement of pension made by the offices of EPFO after the implementation of the notification, is according to the table below: Month Number of Pensioners affected Amount as per original pension (Rs. Crore) Amount paid after Minimum Pension Notification (Rs. Crore) GOI support September 2014 19,19,756 104.17 165.98 61.81 October 2014 19,32,515 104.14 166.99 62.84 November 2014 19,42,476 104.69 168.18 63.49 December 2014 19,47,750 106.73 170.68 63.95 January 2015 15,13,827 94.72 148.75 54.03 February 2015 16,80,533 103.00 160.15 57.15 March 2015 17,65,307 99.25 158.39 59.13
PM writes to Afghan President; condoles demise of his cousin in a terrorist attack

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has written to the President of Afghanistan, Mr. Hamid Karzai, condoling the demise of his cousin, Mr. Hashmat Karzai, in a terrorist attack. In his letter, the Prime Minister said, “incidents such as this only deepen our conviction that terrorism remains the main threat to peace and security in Afghanistan.” He also said such incidents demonstrate that brave Afghans who oppose the menace of terrorism and its use as an instrument of state policy are being targeted systematically. “I know that you will remain a steadfast bulwark in the face of these challenges and continue to work to deliver a better future to Afghanistan,” the Prime Minister wrote to President Karzai, adding that India would remain a constant partner in this endeavour. The Prime Minister has also sent his condolences to the family of Mr. Hashmat Karzai.
PM pays tributes to Indian soldiers who fought in First World War

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has paid tributes to the Indian soldiers who fought in the First World War. “Today, as we mark one hundred years since the end of the horrific First World War, we reiterate our commitment towards world peace and pledge to work to further an atmosphere of harmony and brotherhood so that the trail of death and destruction caused by wars does not occur. India remembers our brave soldiers who fought in WW-1. This was a war in which India was not directly involved yet our soldiers fought world over, just for the cause of peace. I have had the honour of paying tributes at the Neuve-Chapelle Memorial in France and at the memorial in Israel’s Haifa, places associated with India’s role in the First World War. When PM Benjamin Netanyahu came to India, we paid tributes at the Teen Murti-Haifa Chowk”, the Prime Minister said.
PM releases book titled “The Birds of Banni Grassland”

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi released a book titled “The Birds of Banni Grassland” in New Delhi, today. The book was presented to the Prime Minister by the Scientists of Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology (GUIDE). The Book is a compilation of the research work, relating to more than 250 species of birds found in the Banni area of Kutch, Gujarat. The Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, located at Bhuj, has been studying the plant, bird and marine life in the Rann of Kutch for over 15 years.
Virtual Summit between PM and PM of Vietnam H.E. Nguyen Xuan Phuc

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will be holding Virtual Summit with the Prime Minister of Vietnam H.E Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc on 21 December 2020. During the Summit, the two leaders will exchange views on wide-ranging bilateral, regional and global issues and provide guidance for the future development of India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In 2020, both countries continued to maintain high-level exchanges. Vice-President of Vietnam H.E. Ms. Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh came to India in February 2020 on an official visit. Both Prime Ministers had a telephone conversation on 13 April 2020 to discuss the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 17th edition of the Joint Commission Meeting (virtual) co-chaired by the two Foreign Ministers was held on 25 August 2020. Raksha Mantri held an online meeting with his counterpart on 27 November 2020.
PM approves grant of Rs. 3 Lakh from PMNRF for the treatment of Smt. Doris Francis

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved a grant of Rs. 3 Lakh from PMNRF for the treatment of Smt. Doris Francis, yesterday. PMO took cognizance of a news regarding services rendered by Smt. Doris Francis and her sickness due to cancer. Doris Francis is undergoing treatment at AIIMS, New Delhi. The hospital authorities have been requested to provide utmost care to the patient. Hospital as well as the family members of the Smt. Doris Francis have been apprised about the sanction of the grant. Ghaziabad resident Smt. Doris Francis is well known for rendering voluntary services to manage traffic at a busy intersection on a National Highway.
PM to interact with students, teachers and parents at “Pariksha Pe Charcha 2021” on 7th April, 2021

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will interact with students, teachers and parents all over the world at “Pariksha Pe Charcha 2021” at 7.00 PM on 7th April, 2021 through video conference. The Prime Minister tweeted, “A new format, several interesting questions on a wide range of subjects and a memorable discussion with our brave #ExamWarriors, parents and teachers. Watch ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’ at 7 PM on 7th April… #PPC2021”
PM to inaugurate Biplobi Bharat Gallery at Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata on Shaheed Diwas

Gallery depicts contribution of the Revolutionaries in the freedom struggle It provides a holistic view of the events that led up to 1947 On the occasion of Shaheed Diwas, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate Biplobi Bharat Gallery at Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata on 23rd March at 6 PM via video conferencing. Prime Minister will also address the gathering during the event. The Gallery displays the contribution of the Revolutionaries in the freedom struggle and their armed resistance to British colonial rule. This aspect has often not been given its due place in the mainstream narrative of the freedom movement. The purpose of this new gallery is to provide a holistic view of the events that led up to 1947 and highlight the important role played by the Revolutionaries. Biplobi Bharat Gallery depicts the political and intellectual backdrop that triggered the Revolutionary movement. It showcases the birth of the revolutionary movement, formation of significant associations by revolutionary leaders, spread of the movement, formation of Indian National Army, contribution of Naval Mutiny, among others.
PM chairs 38th PRAGATI Meeting

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today chaired the 38th PRAGATI meeting, the ICT based multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation, involving Centre and State governments. In the meeting, eight projects were reviewed. Four of these projects were from the Ministry of Railways, two from the Ministry of Power and one each from Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and Ministry of Civil Aviation. Having a cumulative cost of around Rs 50,000 crore, the projects pertain to seven states viz. Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Haryana. In the previous 37 PRAGATI meetings, 297 projects having a total cost of Rs. 14.39 lakh crore have been reviewed.
PM to interact with DMs of various districts on 22nd January

The endeavour is guided by vision of PM to ensure that no part of the country is left out of development trajectory This interaction is intended at achieving saturation of various schemes at district level in mission mode Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will interact with DMs of various districts on 22nd January, 2022 at around 11 AM, via video conferencing. The Prime Minister will take direct feedback about the progress and present status of implementation of government schemes and programmes in the districts. The interaction will help review the performance and ascertain the challenges that are being faced. It is aimed at achieving saturation of various schemes by various departments in the districts in mission mode, in convergence with all stakeholders. Under the leadership of PM Modi, the Government has continuously taken several steps to overcome the asymmetry in growth & development across the country. This is in line with the commitment of the Government towards raising the living standards of all citizens and ensuring inclusive growth for all.
PM speaks to Swedish PM Stefan Löfven

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, spoke to Prime Minister of Sweden Mr. Stefan Löfven today. “Had a good discussion with H. E. Mr. Stefan Löfven, Swedish PM, on the phone. I deeply appreciate Sweden’s support for Make in India”, the Prime Minister tweeted.
PM visits Varanasi

Flags off first ever Diesel to Electric Converted Locomotive Foundation stone of Guru Ravidas Birth Place Development Project laid ‘Government is punishing the corrupt, rewarding the honest,’ says PM Modi The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, visited Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He laid foundation stone of Guru Ravidas Birth Place Development Project to mark Ravidas Jayanti celebrations. PM flagged off the first ever Diesel to Electric Converted Locomotive at Diesel Locomotive Works in Varanasi. In line with the Indian Railways’ Mission of 100 percent electrification, Diesel Locomotive Works, Varanasi has developed a new prototype Electric Locomotive converted from Diesel Locomotive. After its mandatory trials, the Prime Minister inspected the locomotive and flagged it off. Indian Railways has decided to convert all Diesel Locomotive to Electric Locomotive during its mid-life rehabilitation and utilise them till their codal life. The project is a step towards saving traction energy cost and also cut down on carbon emissions. Diesel Locomotive Works took just 69 days to convert two WDG3A Diesel Locos into a Twin Electric WAGC3 locomotive of 10,000 HP. A complete ‘Make in India’ initiative, the conversion is an Indian R&D innovation in the entire world. On Ravidas Jayanti, Prime Minister paid homage to Shri Guru Ravidas. He then laid the foundation stone of Guru Ravidas Birth Place Development Project at Shri Guru Ravidas Janmasthan Temple, Seer Goverdhanpur. Speaking on the occasion, PM said, “This government is punishing the corrupt and rewarding the honest”. He added that the teachings of Shri Guru Ravidas inspire us every day. He stressed that people won’t be able to connect with each other and there won’t be any equality in the society if there is caste-based discrimination,. He urged all to follow the path shown by Sant Ravidas and said had it been followed, we would have weeded out corruption .PM added that a grand park will be constructed with a statue of the seer, and all the facilities for the pilgrims will be there in one place as a part of the project.
PM welcomes Indians, who have returned from South Sudan

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has welcomed Indians, who have returned from South Sudan. Prime Minister spoke to External Afairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj and MoS Gen V K Singh and congratulated them for their efforts in rescuing Indians. Prime Minister also congratulated Raksha Mantri Shri Manohar Parrikar, Indian Air Force, Indian Railways and Air India for their role in the Operation Sankat Mochan.
PM condoles demise of former MP and journalist Shri Chandan Mitra

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of former Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament and journalist Shri Chandan Mitra Ji. The Prime Minister said that he will be remembered for his intellect and insights. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; “Shri Chandan Mitra Ji will be remembered for his intellect and insights. He distinguished himself in the world of media as well as politics. Anguished by his demise. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Portugal on cooperation in the field of IT&E

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Portugal on cooperation in the field of IT&E. The MoU was signed on January 6, 2017 in New Delhi. The MoU will help in developing a long term and sustainable cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual interest in the areas of IT&E in line with each country’s laws and regulations.
Cabinet approves creation of a Project Development Fund to catalyse Indian economic presence in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to create a Project Development Fund (PDF) with a corpus of Rs 500 Crore for catalysing Indian economic presence in the Cambodia, Laos Myanmar and Vietnam. The PDF shall be housed in Department of Commerce and operated through the EXIM Bank. The PDF shall be governed by an Inter-Ministerial Committee under the chairpersonship of the Commerce Secretary. Background: CLMV countries namely Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam have a unique position in the regional value chains and offer a gateway for market access to China/EU and other markets due to various trade agreements. The key advantage of positioning India on the regional value chains is securing on a long term basis, a dedicated market for Indian raw materials and intermediate goods besides a dedicated source for inputs and raw materials for Indian industry. While opportunities are a plenty in CLMV region, Indian entrepreneurs’ endeavors in these countries have, thus far, been limited due to limited information, infrastructure and other contingent risks. The PDF shall benefit India’s industrial community for business expansion, and to maintain cost competitive supply chains, besides integrating with global production networks.
PM greets the people of Tajikistan on their Independence Day

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has greeted the people of Tajikistan on their Independence Day. “On their Independence Day, my greetings to the people of Tajikistan. India shares deep historical and cultural links with Tajikistan. India and Tajikistan are actively working to further strengthen their ties in agriculture, connectivity, trade and defence,” the Prime Minister said.
PM’s remarks at the session on ‘Stronger Together: Addressing Food Security and Advancing Gender Equality’ at G7 Summit in Germany

Excellencies, We are meeting amid an atmosphere of global tension. India has always been in favour of peace. Even in the present situation, we have constantly urged for the path of dialogue and diplomacy. The impact of this geopolitical tension is not just limited to Europe. The rising prices of energy and food grains are affecting all the countries. The energy and security of developing countries is particularly at risk. In this challenging time, India has supplied food grains to many countries in need. We have dispatched about 35,000 tonnes of wheat as humanitarian aid to Afghanistan in the last few months. And even after the heavy earthquake there, India was the first country to deliver relief materials. We are also helping our neighbour Sri Lanka to ensure food security. I have some suggestions on the subject of global food security. First, we must focus on the availability of fertilizers, and keep the value chains of fertilizers smooth at a global scale. We are trying to increase the production of fertilizers in India and seek cooperation from G7-countries in this regard. Second, India has immense agricultural manpower compared to the countries of the G7. Indian agricultural skills have helped give new life to traditional agricultural products like cheese and olive in some of the countries of the G7. Can the G7 create a structured system for the widespread use of Indian agricultural talent in its member countries? With the help of traditional talent of India’s farmers, food security will be ensured to G7 countries. Next year, the World is celebrating the International Year of Millets. On this occasion, we should run a campaign to promote a nutritious alternative like millets. Millets can make a valuable contribution to ensuring food security in the world. Finally, I would like to draw the attention of all of you to the ‘natural farming’ revolution taking place in India. Your experts can study this experiment. We have shared a non-paper on this subject with all of you. Excellencies, Where gender equality is concerned, today, India’s approach is moving from ‘women’s development’ to ‘women-led development’. More than 6 million Indian women frontline workers kept our citizens safe during the pandemic. Our women scientists made a big contribution in developing vaccines and test kits in India. More than one million female volunteers in India are active in providing rural health, whom we call ‘ASHA workers’. Just last month, the World Health Organization honoured these Indian ASHA workers with its ‘2022 Global Leaders Award’. If all the elected leaders in India from local government to national government are counted, more than half of them are women, and the total number will be in millions. This shows that Indian women are fully involved in real decision-making today. Next year, India is going to chair the G20. We will maintain close dialogue with G7-countries on other issues, including post-COVID recovery, under the G20 platform. Thank you.
PM condoles the passing away of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Recalling his interactions with HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the PM said that Swamiji was a mentor to him and his service to society will always be remembered. After his address from the Red Fort tomorrow morning, the Prime Minister will go to Sarangpur, Gujarat to pay his last respects to HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj. “HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj, a stalwart among humans who embodied compassion & humility. His service to society will always be remembered. HH Pramukh Swami Maharaj was a mentor to me. I will never forget my interactions with him. Will miss his presence” , the Prime Minister said.
PM to visit Gujarat, inaugurate Phase 1 of RO RO Ferry Service between Ghogha and Dahej

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will visit Gujarat tomorrow – 22nd October, 2017. At a public meeting in Ghogha, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Phase 1 of the RO RO (Roll on, Roll off) ferry service between Ghogha and Dahej. This ferry service shall reduce the travel time between Ghogha in Saurashtra, and Dahej in South Gujarat, from about seven or eight hours, to just over an hour. When fully operationalized, it will also enable movement of vehicles. On Sunday, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Phase 1, which is passenger movement. The Prime Minister will travel in the maiden voyage of this service, from Ghogha to Dahej. The Prime Minister shall also address the gathering at Dahej, after completion of the voyage. Also at the public meeting in Ghogha, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Sarvottam Cattle Feed Plant of Shree Bhavnagar District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd. From Dahej, the Prime Minister will travel to Vadodara. At a public meeting there, he will dedicate to the nation, the Vadodara City Command Control Centre; the Waghodiya Regional Water Supply Scheme; and the New Head Office Building of the Bank of Baroda, at Vadodara. The Prime Minister will hand over keys of houses to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban, as well as Rural). He will lay the Foundation Stones of several infrastructure and development projects, including an integrated transport hub, regional water supply schemes, housing projects, and a flyover. He will also lay the foundation stone for the capacity expansion of the Mundra-Delhi petroleum product pipeline, and a greenfield marketing terminal project of HPCL, at Vadodara.
MoU between India and Qatar for promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of Information Communication Technology

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March, 2015. The MoU was ratified by both India and Qatar on 1st January, 2016 and 12th January, 2016 respectively for promoting bilateral cooperation in the field of Information Communication Technology (ICT). The MoU will result in active cooperation and exchanges between the private entities, capacity building institutions, Governments and other public organisations of the two countries in the field of ICT.
15th G20 Leaders’ Summit (November 21-22, 2020)

At the invitation of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will be attending the 15th G20 Summit chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the theme “Realising the Opportunities of 21st Century for All” on 21-22 November 2020. The meeting will be held in a virtual format. The upcoming summit is the second G 20 Leaders’ meeting in 2020. Following the telephonic conversation between PM and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the last G 20 Extraordinary Leaders’ summit was held in March 2020, where the leaders developed a timely understanding among the G20 countries to help contain the spread of the COVID 19 pandemic and to forge a global coordinated response. The focus of the upcoming G20 Summit will be on an inclusive, resilient, and sustainable recovery from the COVID-19. During the G 20 Summit, the leaders will discuss pandemic preparedness and the ways and means to restore jobs. The leaders will also share their vision for building an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future. India will enter the G20 Troika, along with Saudi Arabia when Italy will take over the Presidency of the G-20 on 1st December, 2020.