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Cabinet approves extension of tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis for three years

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today has approved the extension of the tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) for three years beyond 31.3.2022. The total implication of the extension for three years would be approximately Rs.43.68 crore. Impact : The major beneficiaries would be the Safai Karamcharis and identified manual scavengers in the country since the NCSK for 3 more years beyond 31.3.2022. The number of Manual Scavengers identified under the MS Act Survey as on 31.12.2021 is 58098. Details: The NCSK was established in the year 1993 as per the provisions of the NCSK Act 1993 initially for the period upto 31.3.1997. Later the validity of the Act was initially extended upto 31.3.2002 and thereafter upto 29.2.2004. The NCSK Act ceased to have effect from 29.2.2004. After that the tenure of the NCSK has been extended as a non-statutory body from time to time through resolutions. The tenure of the present Commission is upto 31.3.2022. Background: The NCSK has been giving its recommendations to the Government regarding specific programmes for welfare of Safai Karamcharis, study and evaluate the existing welfare programmes for Safai Karamcharis, investigate cases of specific grievances etc. Also as per the provisions of the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013, the NCSK has been assigned the work to monitor the implementation of the Act, tender advice for its effective implementation to the Centre and State Governments and enquire into complaints regarding contravention/non-implementation of the provisions of the Act. Though the Government has taken many steps for the upliftment of the Safai Karamcharis, the deprivation suffered by them in socio-economic and educational terms is still far from being eliminated. Although manual scavenging has been almost eradicated, sporadic instances do occur. Hazardous cleaning of sewer/septic tanks continues to be an area of the highest priority for the Government. Hence, the Government feels that there is a continued need to monitor the various interventions and initiatives of the Government for welfare of Safai Karamcharis and to achieve the goal of complete mechanization of sewer/septic tanks cleaning in the country and rehabilitation of manual scavengers.
Cabinet approves hiving off mobile tower assets of BSNL into a separate company, fully owned by BSNL

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for hiving off mobile tower assets of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) into a separate company, fully owned by BSNL. This approval authorizes BSNL to monetize its telecom tower infrastructure with the formation of a separate subsidiary company. There are around 4,42,000 mobile towers in the country out of which more than 66,000 mobile tower are of BSNL. An independent, dedicated tower company of BSNL with a focused approach will lead to increasing of external tenancies and consequentially higher revenue for the new company. Background: The telecom tower industry has emerged as an independent business to harness the potential for sharing of infrastructure. The business model arose from the need to achieve economies of scale and to reduce capital investment costs for providing mobile services. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) policy allows sharing of passive infrastructure i.e. the tower structure, Diesel Generator sets, battery units, power interface unit, air-conditioning etc., which has facilitated the growth of the telecom infrastructure industry. A tower infrastructure company essentially owns the passive infrastructure asset and leases it to telecom service providers enabling them to minimize duplication of investments and economize on costs of Operation and Maintenance (O&M), thereby improving profitability. Besides the captive model in BSNL and MTNL where the service provider owns their passive infrastructure also, there are three different business models within the telecom tower industry:- companies created by hiving off the tower assets portfolios of service providers into subsidiaries, companies established as independent joint venture entities by service providers jointly and companies promoted by specific service providers but established as independent entities with the promoter being the anchor tenant for the tower company.
PM thanks world leaders for their greetings on India’s 73rd Republic Day

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has thanked world leaders for their greetings on India’s 73rd Republic Day. In response to a tweet by PM of Nepal, the Prime Minister said; “Thank You PM @SherBDeuba for your warm felicitations. We will continue to work together to add strength to our resilient and timeless friendship.” In response to a tweet by PM of Bhutan, the Prime Minister said; “Thank you @PMBhutan for your warm wishes on India’s Republic Day. India deeply values it’s unique and enduring friendship with Bhutan. Tashi Delek to the Government and people of Bhutan. May our ties grow from strength to strength.” In response to a tweet by PM of Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister said; “Thank you PM Rajapaksa. This year is special as both our countries celebrate the 75-year milestone of Independence. May the ties between our peoples continue to grow stronger.” In response to a tweet by PM of Israel, the Prime Minister said; “Thank you for your warm greetings for India’s Republic Day, PM @naftalibennett. I fondly remember our meeting held last November. I am confident that India-Israel strategic partnership will continue to prosper with your forward-looking approach.”
PM lauds first dose vaccination of over 50% of youngsters between 15-18 age group

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has lauded the first dose vaccination of over 50% of youngsters between 15-18 age group. In response to a tweet by Union Health Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Prime Minister said; “Young and youthful India showing the way! This is encouraging news. Let us keep the momentum. It is important to vaccinate and observe all COVID-19 related protocols. Together, we will fight this pandemic.”
PM offers prayers at Kedarnath Temple; takes an overview of progress of reconstruction projects

On the occasion of Diwali, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Kedarnath today. He offered prayers at the historic Kedarnath Temple. He extensively walked around the entire temple complex, where significant reconstruction works are in progress. He was briefed by senior officials about the progress of the works. He interacted briefly with various people present at the temple complex. The Kedarnath Temple complex is currently the focus of a major development and reconstruction effort, following the severe flood and landslide that affected the region in 2013.
PM greets the Nation on Dhanteras

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has greeted the Nation on the occasion of Dhanteras. “Dhanteras greetings to all of you. I pray that this very special day brings prosperity, happiness and good health in everyone’s lives,” the Prime Minister said.
Cabinet approves MoU between UPSC and CSCM

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Civil Service Council of Mongolia (CSCM). The MoU will strengthen the existing relationship between CSCM and UPSC. It will facilitate sharing of experience and expertise of both the parties in the area of recruitment.
Mr. Ravi Karunanayake, Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka calls on Prime Minister

Mr. Ravi Karunanayake, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today. rime Minister recalled his productive and memorable visit to Sri Lanka on occasion of the International Vesak Day last month. He congratulated Mr Karunanayake on taking over his new responsibility as Foreign Minister. Prime Minister further conveyed condolences on the loss of lives and destruction caused by the recent floods and landslides in Sri Lanka. He reaffirmed India’s readiness to continue assisting Sri Lanka in this regard. Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake thanked Prime Minister for quick Indian assistance in the aftermath of the floods and landslides. He conveyed the commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to continue strengthening the close partnership with India.
PM announces ex gratia relief of Rs. 1 lakh to the next of the kin of E-rickshaw driver beaten to death for espousing the social cause of Swachha Bharat

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi who is on a visit abroad has sanctioned Rs. one lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the next of kin of the E-rickshaw driver Ravindra Kumar who was beaten to death for stopping two people from urinating in the public in New Delhi. The Prime Minister condemned the incident and directed the authorities to bring to book and punish the culprits for committing such inhuman act. Earlier in the day Urban Development and Information & Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu visited the family of the e-rickshaw driver at GTB Nagar in New Delhi. He also handed over a cheque of Rs. 50,000 from his salary to the family terming the act as condemnable. Shri Naidu said that the culprits must be punished.
PM’s meeting with President of Cyprus on the sidelines of UNGA 74

Prime Minister met President of the Republic of Cyprus, H.E. Mr. NicosAnastasiades on the sidelines of the High Level Segment of the UNGA 74. Both leaders discussion the broad spectrum of bilateral relations, pursuant to the State visit of Hon’ble President of India to Cyprus in September, 2018. In 2018-19, bilateral trade stood at US$ 464 mn. The two leaders stressed the need to enhance the volume of bilateral trade and investment given the considerable potential and strengths of the two economies. Prime Minister thanked the government of Cyprus for its support to India’s candidature for UNSC permanent membership in an expanded Security Council, NSG and other international platforms. He reiterated India’s consistent support for the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Cyprus. They also discussed issues of regional and international significance including the issue of international terrorism.PM Modi invited President Anastasisdes to join the International Solar Alliance.
PM’s message on International Day of the Girl Child

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in his message issued on the International Day of the Girl Child, which is observed every year on October 11, has said :- “The girl child has left a mark in every area, from studies to sports. Saluting their accomplishments on International Day of the Girl Child. We should collectively work towards an India where there is no discrimination based on gender & where girls get all opportunities to shine.”
Opening Remarks by PM at the bilateral meeting with President of Russia

Excellency, I got a chance to meet you once again and also got the opportunity to discuss many topics. When you visited in December last year, we had discussions on many topics and even after that, as you said, we have had discussions on telephone once and there also we had detailed discussions on the issues related to bilateral relations between India and Russia and the problems of the world. We have discussed in great detail about the problems that are there. Today we are meeting once again and today the biggest concerns facing the world and especially the developing countries are the problems of food security, fuel security, fertilizers; and we must find some way out and you too must contribute to that. Today we will get an opportunity to discuss those issues. Excellency, I would like to thank both you and Ukraine because when thousands of our students were trapped in Ukraine in the early days, during the crisis, with your help and with the help of Ukraine, we were able to safely evacuate our students, we could send them to their homes and I am grateful to both countries for this. Excellency, I know that today’s era is not of war and we have spoken to you many times on the phone that democracy, diplomacy and dialogue are such things that touch the world. Today we will get a chance to discuss how we can move forward on the path of peace in the coming days. I will also get an opportunity to understand your view point. Excellency, The relationship between India and Russia has deepened manifold. We also value this relationship because we have been such friends who have been with each other every moment for the last several decades and the whole world also knows how Russia’s relationship with India has been and how India’s relationship with Russia has been and therefore the world also knows that it is an unbreakable friendship. Personally speaking, in a way, the journey for both of us started at the same time. I first met you in 2001, when you were working as the head of the government and I had started working as head of the state government. Today, it has been 22 years, our friendship is constantly growing, we are constantly working together for the betterment of this region, for the well-being of the people. Today, at the SCO Summit, I am very grateful to you for all the feelings that you have expressed for India. Excellency, I am confident that our bilateral meetings today, our talks today will further deepen our relations in the coming days, and will help in fulfilling the hopes and expectations of the world. I am once again very grateful to you for taking out the time today.
PM inaugurates IDFC Bank

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today said that the banking sector is poised to achieve a big boost in growth in rural areas. He said this would be similar to the growth achieved by the telecom sector some years ago. The Prime Minister was speaking at the launch of the IDFC Bank in New Delhi. The Prime Minister complimented IDFC for its successful journey of 18 years so far, and said that it was now embarking on a more challenging role, as it expands into banking, especially in the rural areas. He said that from helping to build infrastructure, the organization is now progressing to building lives (jeevan-nirmaan). The Prime Minister said the entire banking sector is undergoing major transformation with the advent of latest technology, and the future of banking would not just be premises-less and paper-less, but also, eventually, currency-less, and this would help curb black money. The Prime Minister described the banking sector reforms being undertaken by the Union Government, especially in areas such as senior appointments, creation of a bank board bureau, re-capitalization of banks, de-stressing of assets, empowering bank management through zero-interference, creation of a framework of accountability through Key Performance Indicators, and reform of governance of banks. Union Minister for Finance Shri Arun Jaitley, and Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Jayant Sinha were present on the occasion.
PM welcomes the unanimous election of Sumitra Mahajan as Speaker of Lok Sabha

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has welcomed the unanimous election of Smt. Sumitra Mahajan as Speaker of the sixteenth Lok Sabha, in accordance with the highest traditions of the House. Congratulating Smt. Sumitra Mahajan soon after she took over as Speaker, the Prime Minister also welcomed the assumption of this high office in the world`s largest democracy, by a woman, and said that Smt. Sumitra Mahajan’s guidance would be of immense benefit as the House endeavoured to serve India’s people. He said that Smt Mahajan had vast experience in public life, from being a corporator in the Indore Municipal Corporation, to an eight-term MP of the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister said that the sixteenth Lok Sabha was comparable to the first, with approximately 315 first-time MPs. He said the House has an opportunity to leave behind many old traditions, and establish new ones. He said Indian Parliament is a temple of democracy, and has the opportunity to present India to the world as a powerful democracy, with new energy. He said the Speaker’s name itself suggests that everyone will feel she is a friend. Our ancient texts also say – “Mahajaney yen gatah panthaya” – it is beneficial to walk the path on which Mahajans walk. He assured the Speaker on behalf of the entire House, that she would receive full cooperation of all members in conducting the proceedings of the House successfully.
PM greets the people of Luxembourg, on their National Day

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Luxembourg, on their National Day. “On their National Day, my greetings to the people of Luxembourg. I am confident our ties will get even stronger in the years to come”, the Prime Minister said.
PM extends greetings on National Maritime Day

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has extended his greetings on National Maritime Day. “Greetings on National Maritime Day. We cherish India’s glorious maritime heritage and vitality of the maritime sector in India’s growth.”, the Prime Minister said.
Cabinet approves Agreement on the facilitation of visa arrangements signed between India and Maldives

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its ex-post facto approval to the Agreement on the facilitation of visa arrangements signed between India and Maldives signed in December, 2018. The Visa Facilitation Agreement signed during the visit of Maldivian President to India aims to further deepen people to people exchanges between the two countries making it easier for Maldivian and India nationals to travel to each others’ countries for tourism, medical treatment, education as well as business and employment. The Agreement provides for 90-day visa free travel for tourism, medical and limited business purpose and also provides for easy conversion of such visa free entry to medical visa as well as visas for dependents of students and those pursuing employment in each other’s territories. Background: India and Maldives share time tested and traditional bonds of friendship. Close people to people contacts constitute the foundation of special bilateral relation between India and Maldives, which received a positive momentum with the visit of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi to Male in November, 2018 for the Inauguration ceremony of the newly elected President of Maldives, Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and the subsequent visit of the Maldivian President to India in December, 2018.
MoU between India and Iran on visa facilitation

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the signing of the agreement between India and Iran on visa facilitation for Diplomatic, Official/Service and Ordinary passport holders. Salient features of the agreement are as given below:- (i). Consequent upon this, upon presentation of an official note by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with the visa application, the resident Diplomatic Missions in the host country would, within 20 working days, issue a gratis visa valid for 90 days for the holders of valid Diplomatic/Official/Service passports, assigned on long-term missions to the Diplomatic Missions or the Consulates General. Appropriate gratis visas of three months’ validity for visiting close family members (blood relations such as parents, siblings, adult children as well as in-laws) and visas for other close relatives of the assignees, on payment of visa fees due would be issued. (ii). On presentation of an official note by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stating the purpose of the visit, a non-extendable gratis entry visa will be issued within three working days, with a validity of up to fifteen days, to political authorities and officials travelling for specific bilateral purposes or to participate in a conference or seminar. (iii). A multiple-entry gratis visa of three months’ validity, for stays up to 20 days during each visit, for the audit/financial and IT/computer officials who travel on stated official business to their respective Diplomatic Missions and Consulates General will be issued within 15 working days. (iv). Under special administrative exigencies, a single-entry gratis visa of validity up to three months for temporary deployments to the Diplomatic Missions or Consulates General in the host country will also be issued within 15 working days. (v). Upon presentation of an official note by the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs along with the visa application of the teachers and their dependent spouse and children, a single entry Service/Official gratis visa of three months’ validity will be issued, within twenty working days. (vi). This Agreement will come into force upon signing and exchange of official notes confirming that legal formalities on either side have been fulfilled. (vii). This Agreement will be valid for an indefinite period. Each Party may, however, terminate this Agreement by giving a written notice for this purpose through diplomatic channels, at least 60 days in advance. (viii). Either Party reserves the right to prevent the entry, shorten or terminate the stay of the nationals of the other party in accordance with their respective laws and regulations. (ix). This Agreement can be amended at any time as decided and mutually agreed upon in writing by the Parties. Any dispute arising out of the interpretation, implementation or application of any provision of this Agreement shall be settled amicably through consultation or negotiation between the Parties.
PM bows to Mahakavi Bharathiar, Subramania Bharathi on his Jayanti

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra has paid tributes to Mahakavi Bharathiar, Subramania Bharathi on his Jayanti. The Prime Minister tweeted; “I bow to the great Subramania Bharathi on his Jayanti. ‘Mahakavi Bharathiar’ embodied remarkable courage and outstanding intellect. He had a grand vision for India’s development and the empowerment of every Indian. We are working to realise his ideas across different sectors.
PM salutes Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on their martyrdom day

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has saluted Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on their martyrdom day. “I bow to Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev on their martyrdom day & salute their indomitable valour & patriotism that inspires generations. In the prime of their youth, these 3 brave men sacrificed their lives so that generations after them can breathe the air of freedom”, the Prime Minister said.