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Cabinet approves MoU between UPSC and Royal Civil Service Commission, Bhutan

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC), Bhutan. The MoU will strengthen the existing relationship between RCSC and UPSC. It will facilitate sharing of experience and expertise of both the parties in the area of recruitment. The draft MoU between UPSC and RCSC, Bhutan will be signed to develop institutionalized linkage between the Public Service Commission of both the countries, which share the common ideals. The areas of cooperation include the following: a) Sharing of experience and expertise in Civil Service matters such as recruitment and selection, exchange of resource persons and development of professional skills of the officers and staff of the parties through attachment and training programs. b) Sharing of expertise on use of Information Technology (IT) in examination processes, Computer Based Recruitment Tests and Examinations, sharing of experience in Single Window System for expeditious scrutiny and speedy disposal of cases, building merit based staffing system, etc. c) Sharing of experience on the modalities adopted on audit of processes and procedures followed by various Government agencies in recruitment for posts under the delegated powers. d) Digitization of records, storage and display of historical records. Background: In the past, UPSC had signed MOU with Public Service Commission of Canada and Bhutan.
PM reviews PaHaL Scheme for Direct Benefit Transfer for LPG Subsidy

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today reviewed, in a high level meeting, PaHaL (Pratyaksha Hastaantarit Laabh), the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme for LPG Subsidy. PaHaL, which covers more than. 9.75 crore LPG consumers, is perhaps the world’s largest cash transfer program as compared to similar programs in other countries, such as China, Mexico and Brazil. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, made the presentation on PahaL to the Prime Minister at the high level meeting. Under PaHaL, LPG cylinders are sold at market rates and entitled consumers get the subsidy directly into their bank accounts. This is done either through an Aadhaar linkage or a bank account linkage. PaHaL aims to reduce diversion and eliminate duplicate or bogus LPG connections. The Prime Minister conveyed his congratulations for the scheme having witnessed massive enrolment in a short span of time. As on date, 9.75 crore LPG consumers have joined the scheme. This is 66% of the total consumer base of 15 crore. An amount of Rs. 3654 crore has already been transferred into the bank accounts of LPG consumers through 9.25 crore transactions. The modified scheme has put in place various mechanisms to simplify enrolment and enhance consumer convenience, and thus, only 1.09 lakh complaints have been received so far, which constitute a mere 0.1% of the transactions. Over 85% of the complaints have been resolved. Preliminary data from 54 districts indicate that the growth of subsidised LPG has reduced significantly accompanied by a corresponding increase in sale of commercial LPG. This indicates that the scheme will enable substantive savings in subsidy which can then be deployed for other productive purposes, without reducing any entitlements of existing consumers. The success of the scheme is a result of an intensive Information Education Campaign comprising advertising through various means, direct reaching out to consumers, and dealer level campaigns. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has undertaken several innovative measures such as guardian officers for each district, deployment of technology by use of SMS, and a single window portal www.mylpg.in to enable consumers to join the scheme. This portal is an important step in bringing transparency and gives details of who is benefiting from subsidy. The Prime Minister said that after Pradhaan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, this is the next big scheme which will substantially benefit the economy. He directed that all steps should be taken to bring the remaining LPG consumers into the fold of PaHaL as soon as possible. He wanted Aadhaar enrolment and linkages with bank accounts to be expedited, taking advantage of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. The Prime Minister has also asked for an impact analysis of the programme to be conducted in a professional manner. The Prime Minister complimented the staff and management of Oil PSUs and dealers for the successful rollout of the scheme.
In the history of Indian sports, Tokyo Paralympics will always have a special place: PM

The historic number of medals India won has filled our hearts with joy: PM PM lauded Government and people of Japan for their exceptional hospitality The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has said that in the history of Indian sports, the Tokyo Paralympics will always have a special place. He said Every member of our contingent is a champion and source of inspiration. The Prime Minister appreciated the coaches, support staff and families of our athletes for their constant support to the players. He also lauded the people of Japan, particularly Tokyo and the Japanese Government for their exceptional hospitality, eye for detail and spreading the much needed message of resilience and togetherness through these Olympics. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said; “In the history of Indian sports, the Tokyo #Paralympics will always have a special place. The games will remain etched in the memory of every Indian and will motivate generations of athletes to pursue sports. Every member of our contingent is a champion and source of inspiration. The historic number of medals India won has filled our hearts with joy. I would like to appreciate the coaches, support staff and families of our athletes for their constant support to the players. We hope to build on our successes to ensure greater participation in sports. Like I had said earlier, the people of Japan, particularly Tokyo and the Japanese Government, must be lauded for their exceptional hospitality, eye for detail and spreading the much needed message of resilience and togetherness through these Olympics.”
Swachh Bharat Mission: Sidelights

•The spirit of Swachh Bharat reverberated through the city of Delhi today. •The Prime Minister was welcomed by five thousand children with loud cheer. Children were enthusiastically waving flags and placards in support of cleanliness drive. •Film on Swachhta Mission was watched with rapt attention by everyone present. •Before administrating the oath, renowned actor and social activists, Shri Aamir Khan was called on the stage and then the pledge was administrated by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister asked everyone to raise their hands and think of Mahatma Gandhi while taking the oath. •To the utter delight of the children the Prime Minister started walked with them for some distance, despite being on fast, after flagging off the Walkathon. •People from all walks from life gathered at Rajpath on the occasion. •At Valmiki Basti, the Prime Minister exhorted children to become “Swachhta Senanis.”
PM wishes Ms. Sumitra Mahajan on her birthday

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today wished the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Ms. Sumitra Mahajan, on her birthday. “My best wishes to the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Sumitra Mahajan ji on her birthday. I pray for her long life and good health,” the Prime Minister said.
Cabinet approves payment of Productivity Linked Bonus equivalent to 78 days to railway employees for the financial year 2021-22

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today has given its ex-post facto approval for payment of Productivity Linked Bonus to railway employees for the financial year 2021-22. Payment of PLB to eligible railway employees is made each year before the Dusshera/Puja holidays. This year also, PLB amount equivalent to 78 days wages has been paid to about 11.27 lakh non-gazetted Railway employees. The maximum amount payable per eligible railway employee is Rs. 17,951/- for 78 days. The above amount has been paid to various categories viz. Track maintainers, Drivers & Guards, Station masters, Supervisors, Technician, Technician Helper, controller, Pointsmen, Ministerial staff & other Group ‘C’ staff. The financial implication of payment of 78 days PLB to railway employees has been estimated to be Rs. 1832.09 crore. The above decision for payment of PLB has been taken despite adverse financial situation caused by post Covid-19 challenges. The actual number of PLB days paid is more than the days worked out on the basis of defined formulae. The payment of PLB acts as an incentive to motivate the railway employees for working towards improvement in the performance of the Railways.
PM congratulates ISRO and IN-SPACe for successful launch of India’s maidan private rocket Vikram-S

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and IN-SPACe for the successful launch of India’s maiden private rocket Vikram-Suborbital developed by Skyroot Aerospace. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said; “A historic moment for India as the rocket Vikram-S, developed by Skyroot Aerospace, took off from Sriharikota today! It is an important milestone in the journey of India’s private space industry. Congrats to @isro & @INSPACeIND for enabling this feat.” “This accomplishment bears testimony to the immense talent of our youth, who took full advantage of the landmark space sector reforms of June 2020.”
PM reviews progress in railway and road sectors

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today reviewed the progress in the key infrastructure sectors of railways and roads. In the course of the review of the Railways sector, it was noted that the capital investment in 2015-16 was over Rs. 93,000 crore, which represents a massive increase of 65 per cent over the previous year, and is the highest-ever. Similarly, 1780 km of lines have been commissioned, and 1730 kilometres electrified during 2015-16, which represent the best performance on these metrics in railway history. The Prime Minister stressed upon the need to speed up the redevelopment of Railway Stations, and urged the Railways to substantially raise its level of ambition in this regard. He emphasized the need for the Railways to upgrade and diversify the uses of its infrastructure. He reiterated that railway infrastructure in rural areas could be used for activities such as skill development, and this could also result in an increase in non-fare revenue for the railways. In the roads sector, the Prime Minister was informed that over 6000 kilometres of highways were completed in 2015-16, while contracts for another 10,098 kilometres were awarded in the same period. The Prime Minister stressed on the need to study various models of road development across the country, and adopt the best practices, so that more private investment can be brought into the highway construction sector. He also stressed the need to decongest critical stretches, and adopt latest technologies for toll collection.
PM CARES Fund Trust allocates Rs.201.58 crores for installation of 162 dedicated PSA Medical Oxygen Generation Plants in public health facilities

The Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund Trust is allocating Rs.201.58 crores for installation of additional 162 dedicated Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Medical Oxygen Generation Plants inside public health facilities in the country. • The total project cost includes Rs.137.33 crores towards supply and commissioning of the plants and Management fee of Central Medical Supply Store (CMSS) and around Rs.64.25 crores towards Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract. • The procurement will be done by the Central Medical Supply Store (CMSS) – an autonomous body of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. • A total of 162 plants with total capacity of 154.19 MT are to be installed in 32 States/UTs [Annexure-I]. • The Govt. hospitals where these plants are to be installed have been identified in consultation with the States/UTs concerned. • The plants have a warranty for first 3 years. For the next 7 years, the project includes CAMC (Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract). • Routine O&M is to be done by the hospitals/States. After the CAMC period, entire O&M will be borne by the hospitals/States. • This mechanism will further strengthen public health system and enable long term systematic augmentation of medical oxygen availability in a cost effective manner. Adequate and uninterrupted supply of oxygen is an essential pre-requisite for managing moderate and severe cases of COVID -19, in addition to various other medical conditions where this need arises. Installation of PSA Oxygen Concentrator Plants in public health facilities is an important step to reduce the health facility’s dependence on the system of store and supply and to enable these facilities to have their own oxygen generation capacity. This will not only increase the total oxygen availability pool of the States/UTs, but also facilitate providing of oxygen support in timely manner to patients in these public health facilities. State/UT-wise distribution of number of PSA O2 Concentrator Plants Sl. No. Name of State/UT Total No. of PSA O2 Concentrator Plants 1. Assam 6 2. Mizoram 1 3. Meghalaya 3 4. Manipur 3 5. Nagaland 3 6. Sikkim 1 7. Tripura 2 8. Uttarakhand 7 9. Himachal Pradesh 7 10. Lakshadweep 2 11. Chandigarh 3 12. Puducherry 6 13. Delhi 8 14. Ladakh 3 15. J&K 6 16. Bihar 5 17. Chhattisgarh 4 18. Madhya Pradesh 8 19. Maharashtra 10 20. Odisha 7 21. Uttar Pradesh 14 22. West Bengal 5 23. Andhra Pradesh 5 24. Haryana 6 25. Goa 2 26. Punjab 3 27. Rajasthan 4 28. Jharkhand 4 29. Gujarat 8 30. Telangana 5 31. Kerala 5 32. Karnataka 6 TOTAL 162 Note: The remaining States/UT are yet to submit their PSA requirements.
PM condoles the loss of lives due to fire at firecracker factory in Punjab

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has condoled the loss of lives due to a fire at firecracker factory in Punjab. “The tragedy at a firecracker factory in Punjab is heart-wrenching. Deeply anguished due to it. My condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. I hope the injured recover at the earliest. Agencies are working on rescue operations at the site of the tragedy”, the Prime Minister said.
Proposal to provide two year extension with amendments to Framework on Currency Swap Arrangement for SAARC member countries

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given approval for the proposal to provide a two year extension with amendments to the ‘Framework on Currency Swap Arrangement for SAARC Member Countries’ upto November 14, 2017, and extension thereafter, if necessary, by Finance Minister. Under the facility, RBI offers swaps of varying sizes to each SAARC Member countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) depending on their two months import requirement and not exceeding US$ 2 billion in total, in USD, Euro or INR. In the 27th SAARC FINANCE Group Meeting held in Washington D.C on 9th October 2013, the Central Bank Governors of the SAARC Member Nations approved certain amendments made to the Framework based on the experience gained from operationalizing the Framework and with the intention to bring more clarity on the clauses of the Framework. After approval of the Cabinet, RBI will negotiate the operational details bilaterally with Central Banks of the respective SAARC countries. These bilateral agreements would be signed by RBI after obtaining prior Government approval. Any amendment to the Framework will require prior approval of Finance Minister. The Framework on Currency Swap Arrangement for SAARC member countries has enabled India to strengthen its ties with the SAARC countries. The arrangement will further financial stability in the region, besides improving the standing and credibility of India among the SAARC countries. The extension of currency Swap facility to SAARC countries will strengthen regional integration and inter-dependence and also enhance India’s economic influence in the region. Merely extending the validity of the Framework Arrangement has no financial implications. If any bilateral Swap Arrangement is signed, then, in the event of a draw down by either party/parties, the foreign exchange reserves with RBI would be temporarily depleted upto a maximum amount of 2 billion USD. Interest would be paid by the Receiving Party on the USD/Euro/INR amount although no interest will be received on the domestic currency given in exchange thereof to the Providing Party. Background: The “Framework on Currency Swap Arrangement for SAARC Member Countries” was approved by the Government of India on March 1st, 2012. The Framework was formulated with the intention to provide a line of funding for short term foreign exchange requirements or to meet balance of payments crises till longer term arrangements are made or the issue is resolved in the short-term itself.
PM addresses the Opening Ceremony of Khelo India School Games

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi declared the first edition of the Khelo India School Games open, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi today. Addressing the gathering, he said sports should occupy a central place in the lives of our youth. Sports is an important means of personality development, he added. He exhorted youngsters to devote time to games He exhorted amid their busy schedules. Referring to the eminent sportspersons present in the gathering, he said they too would have faced many obstacles; but they did not give up and went on to distinguish themselves. India does not lack sporting talent, the Prime Minister asserted. We are a youthful nation and we can do even better in sports, he added. Explaining the significance of India growing on the world stage, he said this does not only mean having a strong army and powerful economy. It includes people of India distinguishing themselves as scientists, artists, sportspersons etc., he said. He expressed confidence that India will scale these heights, adding that he trusts India’s youth. Khelo India is not only about winning medals, he said. It is an effort to give strength to a mass movement for playing more, he explained. We want to focus on every aspect that would make sports more popular across the nation, he added. Shri Narendra Modi said it is gladdening to see youngsters from rural India and smaller cities excelling as sportspersons. These are also youngsters who need support, which the Government wants to provide, he added. Those who love sports play for passion, not for monetary rewards, the Prime Minister said. This is why athletes are special, he added. When an Indian sportsperson wins and when he or she gets to hold the Tricolour, it is an extremely special feeling and it energises the entire nation, the Prime Minister said.
PM congratulates winners of Healthgiri Awards 21

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated the winners of the Healthgiri Awards 21. In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said; “I would like to congratulate the winners of the #HealthgiriAwards21. I would also like to laud the @IndiaToday group for their regular practice of honouring grassroots level change makers, be it in cleanliness or now healthcare, on 2nd October every year. Through the COVID-19 global pandemic, extraordinary individuals and organisations rose to the occasion and strengthened the fight against the pandemic. #HealthgiriAwards21 is a commendable effort by @IndiaToday to honour such outstanding efforts and highlight their work.”
PM visits Avadhoota Datta Peetham in Mysore, attends Centenary Celebrations of Jagadguru Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswami ji

PM condemns terror attack in Pathankot, says evil designs of India’s enemies will never succeed. Strongly condemning the terror attack in Pathankot today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that enemies of humanity who cannot see the Nation succeed, had attempted to cause harm to the Indian Armed Forces. He appreciated the Armed Forces for successfully defeating the designs of the terrorists, and paid homage to the jawans who were martyred during the operation. He said he is proud of the jawans and the security forces. The Prime Minister said that the Nation stood united against these enemies and therefore their evil designs would never succeed. The Prime Minister was speaking at a public meeting for the inauguration of the Centenary Celebrations of His Holiness Jagadguru Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji of Sri Suttur Math at Maharaja College ground in Mysore. Earlier, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, arrived in Mysore today. He was received at Mysore airport by the Governor of Karnataka Shri Vajubhai Vala, and the Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri Siddaramaiah. The Prime Minister visited the Avadhoota Datta Peetham, where he met His Holiness Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji. He visited the Datta Temple and was conferred the Peetham honours. Addressing the gathering there, the Prime Minister said that sages and saints in India do a lot of work for society which is not fully appreciated. In this context he appreciated the work of the Avadhoota Datta Peetham. The Governor of Karnataka Shri Vajubhai Vala was present. The Prime Minister inaugurated the Centenary Celebrations of His Holiness Jagadguru Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji of Sri Suttur Math, at Maharaja College Ground in Mysuru. He unveiled a foundation stone for a Knowledge Research Centre to mark the occasion. Addressing a large gathering, he said that Saint Basaveshwara had showed the path of social reform centuries ago. He recalled that he had the great fortune to unveil a statue of Shri Basaveshwara in London recently. The Prime Minister said that Indian society was unique because social reformers arose from it time and again, to reform society, and fight social evils. He said it was the social reform movements of the 18th and 19th century that laid the foundation for India’s successful freedom movement in the 20th century. The Prime Minister said that the 21st century is the century of knowledge, and the country which focused on knowledge and innovation would lead the world in this century. He appreciated Jagadguru Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji, for his Initiative of the Knowledge Resource Centre. The Prime Minister recalled the recent meeting of the CoP-21 in Paris, and the initiatives of “Mission Innovation” and “International Solar Alliance” taken there, in which India had played a leading role. The Governor of Karnataka Shri Vajubhai Vala, the Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri Siddaramaiah and Union Ministers Shri Ananth Kumar and Shri D. V. Sadananda Gowda were present on the occasion.
PM meets entire PMO family at RCR lawns

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today invited all officials and staff of the Prime Minister’s Office, for high tea, on the occasion of completion of one year in office. The Prime Minister said that the entire PMO family shares the credit for the success that has been achieved in serving people over the past year. Shri Narendra Modi said that a sensitive and humane approach was needed in fulfilling the responsibilities of the Prime Minister’s Office. The Prime Minister met various officials, and posed for group photographs with them.
PM congratulates medal winners at Asian Games

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has congratulated the medal winners at the Incheon Asian Games. “Very good day for India at the Asian Games. Congrats to our Hockey Team & congrats to our women athletes for the Gold in 4×400 metres relay. I have been closely following India`s progress at the Asian Games & I congratulate every medal winner. You make India very proud,” the Prime Minister said.