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PM shares article on  Mahatma Phule’s Legacy by Sunita Duggal, Member of Parliament

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has shared an article by the Member of Parliament from Lok Sabha, Ms Sunita Duggal. The article is on ‘The True Inheritor of Mahatma Phule’s Legacy of Empowering Underprivileged Women.’ The Prime Minister tweeted: “‘The True Inheritor of Mahatma Phule’s Legacy of Empowering Underprivileged Women.’ Do read this article by Lok Sabha MP @SunitaDuggal7
PM to launch the platform for “Transparent Taxation – Honoring the Honest” on the 13th August 2020

Prime Minister will launch the platform for “Transparent Taxation – Honoring the Honest” via video conferencing on the 13th August 2020. The CBDT has carried out several major tax reforms in direct taxes in the recent years. Last year the Corporate Tax rates were reduced from 30 percent to 22 percent and for new manufacturing units the rates were reduced to 15 percent. Dividend distribution Tax was also abolished. The focus of the tax reforms has been on reduction in tax rates and on simplification of direct tax laws. Several initiatives have been taken by the CBDT for bringing in efficiency and transparency in the functioning of the IT Department. This includes bringing more transparency in official communication through the newly introduced Document Identification Number (DIN) wherein every communication of the Department would carry a computer generated unique document identification number. Similarly, to increase the ease of compliance for taxpayers, IT Department has moved forward with prefilling of income tax returns to make compliance more convenient for individual taxpayers. Compliance norms for startups have also been simplified. With a view to provide for resolution of pending tax disputes the IT Department also brought out the Direct Tax “Vivad se Vishwas Act, 2020” under which declarations for settling disputes are being filed currently. To effectively reduce taxpayer grievances / litigation, the monetary thresholds for filing of departmental appeals in various appellate Courts have been raised. Several measures have been taken to promote digital transactions and electronic modes of payment. The IT department is committed to take the initiatives forward and has also made efforts to ease compliances for taxpayers during the Covid times by extending statutory timeliness for filing returns as also releasing refunds expeditiously to increase liquidity in the hands of taxpayers. The upcoming launch of the platform for “ Transparent Taxation – Honoring the Honest “ by the Prime Minister will further carry forward the journey of direct tax reforms. The event will be witnessed by various Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations, Chartered Accountants’ associations and also eminent taxpayers, apart from the officers and officials of Income Tax Department. Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shrimati Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Shri Anurag Singh Thakur will also present on the occasion.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Belarus for Cooperation in the field of Vocational Education and Training

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for a Memorandum of Understanding between India and Belarus for cooperation in the field of Vocational Education and Training (VET). The MoU was signed on 12th September, 2017 during the State visit of H.E. Mr. Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus to India. This is for the first time MoU for cooperation in area of vocational education, training and skill development has been signed with Eurasian country. Belarus has a large concentration of industries, mainly into manufacturing and heavy industries, which draw their strength from available skilled manpower and a highly developed skill training system. The transfer of knowledge of their skilling methodology will immensely help in our initiatives like “Make in India” and “Skill India”. This MoU would pave the way for systematic transfer of their expertise and knowhow in skilling the manpower specially in manufacturing sector. Cooperation between two countries in identified areas would be implemented through establishing institutional partnerships between Republican Institute for Vocational Education” (RIPO) , an apex institution for development of Belarusian vocational education system and Directorate General of Training for transfer of technology in VET delivery & its sustainability. Cooperation with Sectoral VET/ Centres of Excellence of Belarus is proposed for Research and Development in the skilling ecosystem. The areas of cooperation are as under: The Belarusian side shall provide comprehensive transfer of know-how of emerging technologies, training and evaluation methodologies, content development for regular / distance learning / e-learning/training of master trainers, competency building of the assessors in area of their competency and network building & industry linkage; 1. Vocational education services for Indian citizens for skill development in the field of construction, electric-power production and distribution, manufacturing industry, trade, auto service and household goods repair and maintenance, transport, communication, hotels and restaurants as well as other fields being in high demand in India; 2. Retraining, up-skilling, internship for Vocational Education and Training managers, teachers and trainers of India by the Belarusian Side; 3. Advisory services in order to enhance planning, management and delivery of Vocational Education and Training and Skill Development. Major impact: • The MoU would bring in Belarus experience and expertise for overall improvement in skill eco system of the country. • Implementation of proposal includes innovation and improvement in the existing vocational education and skill development through Research and Development in the field. The financial arrangement for the co-operative activities undertaken within the framework of this MoU shall be mutually agreed upon by the Parties on a case-by-case basis, subject to the availability of funds.
PM’s telephone call to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi spoke to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on telephone today. Prime Minister congratulated Prime Minister Abe for a resounding victory in the election to the Lower House of the Japanese Parliament that had enabled him to retain a two-third majority in the House. Prime Minister said that the result reflected the strong confidence that the people of Japan had in Prime Minister Abe’s leadership and economic policies. Prime Minister expressed his confidence that Prime Minister Abe’s strong mandate will impart new momentum into the Japanese economy; and, that his new term will also be good for India, the region and the world. Prime Minister Abe thanked Prime Minister Modi for the telephone call; warmly recalled Prime Minister’s visit to Japan earlier this year and their more recent meetings in Myanmar and Australia in November; reiterated his belief in the enormous potential of India-Japan relations; and, reaffirmed his strong commitment to work with Prime Minister Modi to further strengthen the strategic partnership. The two leaders briefly reviewed progress in bilateral relations since their September Summit in Japan and resolved to continue expanding cooperation in every area of the broad-based relations between their countries. Prime Minister Abe looked forward to visiting India next year for the Annual Summit.
Cabinet approves Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2017

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the promulgation of the Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu & Kashmir) Ordinance, 2017 and replacement of the Ordinance by the Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2017. The Ordinance has extended the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 referred to as (CGST Act) to the State of Jammu & Kashmir. The Ordinance has been promulgated on 8th July, 2017 and the Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2017 will be tabled in the current session of the Parliament.
PM pays tributes to Savitribai Phule on her Jayanti

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Savitribai Phule on her Jayanti. “I bow to the great Savitribai Phule on her Jayanti. Hers was a life devoted to the empowerment of the poor and marginalised. She gave utmost importance to education and social reform. We are deeply guided by her ideals and are working tirelessly towards fulfilling her vision”, the Prime Minister said.
PM to Address the Convocation of IIT, Guwahati

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shall address the convocation of IIT, Guwahati through video-conferencing at 12 Noon, on Tuesday 22nd September 2020. Chief Minister of Assam Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Education Minister, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank , Union Minister of State for Education Shri Sanjay Dhotre and other dignitaries shall also participate in the event. 1803 students including 687 BTech and 637 MTech students will be obtaining degrees tomorrow.
PM congratulates All India Radio (Akashvani), on the launch of Akashvani Maitree

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated All India Radio (Akashvani), on the launch of Akashvani Maitree. “Congratulations to Akashvani (AIR) on launch of Akashvani Maitree, inaugurated by President of India. This can be heard in India and Bangladesh. Akashvani Maitree will serve as one more bridge of friendship between people of India and Bangladesh”, the Prime Minister said.
PM condoles loss of lives due to bus accident in Mandya, Karnataka

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives due to bus accident in Mandya, Karnataka. “Deeply pained by the bus accident in Karnataka’s Mandya. My thoughts are with the families of the deceased. May God give them strength in this hour of sadness”, the Prime Minister said.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and France on Technical Cooperation in Civil Aviation

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and its French counterpart, Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC), France to implement Technical Cooperation Program in civil aviation sector. The Technical Cooperation Program will be beneficial for enhancement of skills and expertise of AAI’s officers. This MoU is also beneficial for imparting training of engineers, technicians, managers etc.
Cabinet approves MoU on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space between India and Armenia

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was apprised about an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space between India and Armenia. The MoU has already been signed in April, 2017. This MoU shall enable the areas of cooperation such as, space science, technology and applications including remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication and satellite based navigation; space science and planetary exploration; use of spacecraft and space systems and ground system; and application of space technology. The MoU would lead to setting up of a Joint Working Group, drawing members from Department of Space/ Indian Space Research Organisation (DOS/ISRO), and the State Committee of Sciences of the Ministry of Education and Sciences of the Republic of Armenia, which will further work out the plan of action including the time-frame and the means of implementing this MoU. It will provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing of the earth; satellite communication; satellite navigation; space science and exploration of outer space. MoU would lead to develop a joint activity in the field of application of space technologies for the benefit of humanity. Thus all sections and regions of the country will get benefited. Financing of works carried out under this MoU shall be provided by the respective executive organisation with due consideration of national norms and rules concerning budgetary regulations in force in their respective States and within the limits of available resources. Joint projects and works carried out under this MoU depending on the type and field of activity shall be on non-commercial or commercial basis and shall be executed either without mutual payments or on the basis of compensatory arrangements or contracts. Background:- Armenia has expressed interest in cooperating with India in the area of space. Accordingly, a template of framework MoU for space cooperation was provided for further processing at Government level, for which Armenia side has given its concurrence in April 2017. Accordingly, an MoU between the Government of the Republic of India and the Government of the Republic of Armenia on cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, was signed at Yerevan on April 25, 2017 during the visit of Hon’ble Vice President of India.
Cabinet approves the MoU between the Indian Council of medical Research (ICMR), India and the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Switzerland

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, was apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Switzerland to strengthen the relation within the framework of the international scientific and technological collaboration and to promote cooperation in fields of mutual interest. The MoU has been signed in February’2021 by India. Benefits: This MoU will further strengthen relations between India and the Switzerland within the framework of inter-national scientific and technological co-operation in fields of mutual-interest. Financial Implications: ICMR is committed to make available funding up to $100,000 USD while FIND will make available funds up to $ 400,000 USD to local partners and researchers identified through Request for proposal (RFP). Background: ICMR promotes biomedical research in the country through intramural and extramural research. FIND is an independent non-profit organisation created under Section 8 of the (Indian) Companies Act, 2013.
PM’s interaction with business community in Toronto

Saamarthya aur Sambhaavnaayein: Capabilities and Possibilities Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today had extensive interactions with Canada’s business community in Toronto. In his remarks during a meeting with 30 influential members of the business community, the Prime Minister described the relationship between Canada and India, as a bonding of capabilities and possibilities – saamarthya aur sambhaavnaayein. He said if capabilities and possibilities came together, they could together scale new heights. He urged Canadian businesses to explore new avenues in India, and spoke about the range of decisions taken by the Indian Government over the last ten months, to boost investment. These include raising FDI caps in Railways and Insurance, the Smart Cities initiative, the Clean Ganga initiative, and solid waste management and waste water treatment in 500 cities and towns. The Prime Minister said that the combination of democracy, demography and demand make India the most suitable location for Canadian companies to expand their businesses. Earlier, the Prime Minister interacted over breakfast with major Pension Fund Managers of Canada. He assured investors of a predictable and stable tax regime. He also had a separate meeting with Mr. Tim Wiseman, CEO, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
Cabinet approves introduction of the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in the Parliament

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for introduction of the Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in the Parliament. The Amendment will increase the maximum limit of gratuity of employees, in the private sector and in Public Sector Undertakings/ Autonomous Organizations under Government who are not covered under CCS (Pension) Rules, at par with Central Government employees. Background: The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 applies to establishments employing 10 or more persons. The main purpose for enacting this Act is to provide social security to workmen after retirement, whether retirement is a result of the rules of superannuation, or physical disablement or impairment of vital part of the body. Therefore, the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 is an important social security legislation to wage earning population in industries, factories and establishments. The present upper ceiling on gratuity amount under the Act is Rs. 10 Lakh. The provisions for Central Government employees under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 1972 with regard to gratuity are also similar. Before implementation of 7th Central Pay Commission, the ceiling under CCS (Pension) Rules, 1972 was Rs. 10 Lakh. However, with implementation of 7th Central Pay Commission, in case of Government servants, the ceiling now is Rs. 20 Lakhs effective from 1.1.2016. Therefore, considering the inflation and wage increase even in case of employees engaged in private sector, the Government is of the view that the entitlement of gratuity should be revised for employees who are covered under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. Accordingly, the Government initiated the process for amendment to Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972.
Reforms in Homoeopathy

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the draft Homoeopathy Central Council(Amendment) Bill, 2019. Impact: The Bill seeks to extend the period for reconstitution of the Central Council from existing period of one year to two years so that the tenure of the Board of Governors may be extended for a further period of one year with effect from 17th May, 2019. This will help the Central Council of Homoeopathy in exercising the powers and performing the functions of the Council. Implementation: The Bill will replace the Homoeopathy central council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2019 and extend the tenure of Government for another one year. Background: The affairs of the Central Homoeopathy Council have been entrusted to a Board of Governors consisting of eminent and qualified Homoeopathy Doctors and eminent administrators. Till such time the council is reconstituted. The tenure has been extended since the council could not be reconstituted within one year due to the non-updation of state registers of Homoeopathy and coincidence of general elections
PM reviews drought and water scarcity situation at high level meeting with Madhya Pradesh CM

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today chaired a high level meeting on the drought and water scarcity situation in parts of Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, was present in the meeting. Senior officials from the Government of India, and the State of Madhya Pradesh, were also present. Initiating the discussion, the Prime Minister said he is holding separate meetings with Chief Ministers of the drought-affected States, to assess the specific requirements of each, and to focus attention on both immediate and long term measures. An amount of Rs. 1875.80 crore has been released to the State under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), after adjustments of the State balances. This is in addition to Rs 657.75 crore released as central share of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for 2015-16 to the State. A further amount of Rs. 345.375 crore has been released as first instalment of SDRF for 2016-17. The Chief Minister thanked the Prime Minister for his initiative to hold meetings with all drought-affected States. Apprising the Prime Minister of steps being taken for drought relief, he said that 61 lakh farmers have been given a total of Rs. 4664 crore as relief assistance. This is the highest ever in the State of Madhya Pradesh. The Chief Minister further said that due to preparatory steps taken over the last ten years, the State was relatively well placed to tackle the drought. These steps included creation of water storage structures. He said that despite the second successive year of deficient monsoon, transportation of water is required only in 113 villages. Even if it does not rain till the end of June, this number will be only around 400 villages out of approximately 50,000 villages. He also said that the State is giving highest priority to the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. The Chief Minister also outlined the preparations for implementation of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. The Prime Minister and the Chief Minister discussed various agriculture measures including micro-irrigation, use of liquid fertilizer, use of space technology, and focus on building farm ponds. The Prime Minister and the Chief Minister discussed strategies to increase awareness about water conservation and storage, and involving the youth organizations such as NCC, NSS, NYKS, and Scouts and Guides, in these activities. They discussed enhanced steps for tree plantation and protection in the catchment area of the River Narmada. The meeting ended with a resolve on the part of the Centre and State to work together.
PM to lay foundation stone of Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur on 18 December

Driven by PM’s vision to provide fast paced connectivity across the country From Meerut to Prayagraj, Expressway will pass through 12 districts of UP, connecting western and eastern regions of the state To be built at a cost of over Rs 36,200 crore, it will become the longest expressway of UP 3.5 Km long air strip for assisting emergency take off and landing of Air Force planes to be constructed on the Expressway in Shahjahanpur Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone of Ganga Expressway in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh at around 1 PM on 18 December, 2021. The inspiration behind the Expressway is the vision of the Prime Minister to provide fast paced connectivity across the country. The 594 Km long six-lane Expressway will be built at a cost of over Rs 36,200 crore. Starting near the Bijauli village in Meerut, the Expressway will extend till near the Judapur Dandu village in Prayagraj. It will pass through Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, RaeBareli, Pratapgarh and Prayagraj. Upon completion of work, it will become the longest expressway of Uttar Pradesh, connecting the western and eastern regions of the state. A 3.5 Km long air strip for assisting emergency take off and landing of Air Force planes will also be constructed on the Expressway in Shahjahanpur. An industrial corridor is also proposed to be built along the Expressway. The Expressway will also give a fillip to multiple sectors including industrial development, trade, agriculture, tourism etc. It will provide a big boost to the socio-economic development of the region.
Recruitment of 10 lakh people to be done by the Government in mission mode in next 1.5 years: PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has reviewed the status of Human Resources in all departments and ministries. He also instructed that recruitment of 10 lakh people be done by the Government in mission mode in next 1.5 years. The Prime Minister Office tweeted; “PM @narendramodi reviewed the status of Human Resources in all departments and ministries and instructed that recruitment of 10 lakh people be done by the Government in mission mode in next 1.5 years.”