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Cabinet approves amendment in Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for amendment in the Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) to further incentivize investments in Electronic Sector and moving towards the goal of ‘ Net Zero imports’ in electronics by 2020. Besides expediting investments into the Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector in India, the amendments in M-SIPS are expected to create employment opportunities and reduce dependence on imports. The projects already received under the scheme have the potential to generate employment to the extent of upto one million persons (direct and indirect). The Policy covers all States and Districts and provides them an opportunity to attract investments in electronics manufacturing. So far, 243 applications have been received under the scheme, out of which 75 applications have been approved involving investment proposals of Rs. 17,997 crore. The salient features of the amendment are: a) The applications will be received under the scheme upto 31st December 2018 or till such time that an incentive commitment of Rs 10,000 crore is reached, whichever is earlier. In case the incentive commitment of Rs 10,000 crore is reached, a review will be held to decide further financial commitments. b) For new approvals, the incentive under the scheme will be available from the date of approval of a project and not from the date of receipt of application. c) The incentives will be available for investments made within 5 years from the date of approval of the project. d) Approvals will normally be accorded to eligible applications within 120 days of submission of the complete application. e) A unit receiving incentives under the scheme, will provide an undertaking to remain in commercial production for a period of at least 3 years. f) The Appraisal Committee recommending approval of project will be chaired by Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and IT. g) A separate Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary and comprising of CEO, NITI Aayog, Secretary Expenditure and Secretary, MeitY will be set up in respect of mega projects, envisaging more than Rs. 6850 crore (approx. USD 1 Billion) investments. Background The Cabinet had, in July, 2012 approved the M-SIPS to provide a special incentive package to promote large scale manufacturing in the Electronic System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sector. The scheme provides subsidy for capital expenditure – 20% for investments in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and 25% in non-SEZs. The Scheme was amended in August, 2015 for scope enhancement and simplification of procedure. The Scheme has attracted investments in the ESDM sector to the tune of Rs. 1,26,838 crore, of which investments of around Rs. 17,997 crore have been approved by the MeitY. The M-SIPS has been able to create positive impact on investment in electronics sector.
PM greets nation on the auspicious occasion of Diwali

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. “Happy Diwali! May this festival bring happiness, good health and prosperity in everyone’s lives. May the power of good and brightness always prevail,” the Prime Minister said.
Cabinet approves ILO Recommendation No. 204 (R-204) concerning transition from the informal to the formal economy

The Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for placing the new Instrument adopted by International Labour Organization (ILO) – Recommendations concerning ‘The Transition from the Informal to the Formal Economy (No.204)’ before the Parliament. The International Labour Conference of ILO at its 104th Session held in Geneva in June 2015 adopted the above recommendation. Its adoption was supported by India, represented at the Session by the Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment. Under Article 19 of the ILO Constitution, each Member State of the ILO is required to submit the instruments adopted by the Conference before the competent authority (the Parliament in case of India) within a period of one year from the closing session of the Conference. The Recommendation provides guidance to Members to facilitate the transition of workers and economic units from the informal to the formal economy while respecting workers’ fundamental rights and promote creation, preservation and sustainability of enterprises and decent jobs in the formal economy and prevent informalization of formal economy jobs. There is no financial implication on India in adopting the ILO Recommendation, which is applicable to all workers in the country which ratifies the instrument. Background:- ILO Conventions are international treaties, open for ratification by member countries. The ratification of an ILO Convention is a voluntary process. Once ratified, the ILO Conventions create legally binding obligations on the Member countries that ratifies the particular Convention. ILO Recommendations are not open to ratification but they are meant to provide guidance to the National Governments as regards formulation and implementation of policy, legislation and practices. A Protocol is an instrument that partially modifies a Convention. As regards formal ratification of the Convention and Protocol to the Convention, the same is to be decided separately by Government keeping in view the national laws and practices. Given the diversity of the informal economy across member States, the competent authority should identify the nature and extent of the informal economy as described in this Recommendation, and its relationship to the formal economy using Tripartite mechanisms. In designing coherent and integrated strategies to facilitate the transition to the formal economy, the Recommendation encourages members to take into account the diversity of characteristics, circumstances and needs of workers and economic units in the informal economy. It also seeks to take into account specific national circumstances, legislation, policies, practices and priorities, effective promotion and protection of the human rights and promotion of gender equality and non-discrimination.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Mauritius in the field of Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Mauritius. The MoU will help to establish a framework for cooperation between the National Development Unit, Prime Minister’s Office of the Republic of Mauritius and the Ministry of Rural Development of the Republic of India in the sphere of rural development. The MoU will encourage cooperation in the field of rural development and capacity building on the basis of equality and mutual benefit between both countries. Under the MoU, a Joint Committee on Cooperation on Rural Development will be established which will meet alternatively in both countries on mutually agreed dates. The MoU will come into effect from the date of its signature. Both countries have agreed to coordinate and facilitate appropriate technical cooperation, including the access to Indian expertise institutions that can assist in fulfilling the objectives of this MoU, exchange of relevant information and documents in the sphere of rural development, including scientific and technical information together with policies and support measures adopted to foster rural development, cooperation by exchanging relevant information on issues of mutual interest, undertaking exchange visits on programmes to foster sharing of experience, collaboration to strengthen their human resource capacity through sector-specific in-country training in Mauritius and training at reputed institutions in India through customized schemes and facilitating the transfer of latest technology, state of the art equipment and materials, and share best practices. Background: An institutional arrangement for bilateral cooperation between India and Mauritius in the field of rural development and poverty alleviation was under consideration for some time. Both countries have a large segment of their population living in rural areas and are pre-dominantly dependent on agriculture and its allied activities for their livelihoods. The Ministry of Rural Development plays a pivotal role in the overall development strategy of rural areas of the country.
PM remembers Guru Gobind Singh Ji on his 350th Prakash Parv

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid homage to 10th Sikh Guru Guru Gobind Singh ji on his 350th Prakash Parv. PM said, “As we mark the 350th Prakash Parv, I bow to the venerable Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. He was an embodiment of exceptional courage and immense wisdom. His brave deeds and noble thoughts inspire people across generations. Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji believed in the power of equality. He opposed all forms of social discrimination and was revered for his sense of justice as well as honesty.”
Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana – 2017

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its post-facto approval for launching of Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017 (VPBY 2017). It is a part of Government’s commitment for financial inclusion and social security. The scheme will be implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) during the current financial year to provide social security during old age and protect elderly persons aged 60 years and above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions. The scheme will provide an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8% per annum for ten years, with an option to opt for pension on a monthly / quarterly / halfyearly and annual basis. The differential return, i.e., the difference between the return generated by LIC and the assured return of 8% per annum would be borne by Government of India as subsidy on an annual basis. VPBY-2017 is proposed to be open for subscription for a period of one year from the date of launch.
PM condoles the demise of Manipur Governor Shri Syed Ahmed

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the demise of Manipur Governor Shri Syed Ahmed. “Manipur Governor Shri Syed Ahmed was an experienced leader who held many positions in his long political career. Saddened by his demise. Rest in Peace”, the Prime Minister said.
List of MoUs/Agreements signed during the State visit of President of Vietnam to India

1 MoU on Economic and Trade Cooperation. The purpose of the MoU is to establish a framework for enhancing economic and trade promotion. Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Hon’ble External Affairs Minister H.E. Mr Tran Tuan Anh, Minister, Ministry of Industry and Trade 2 Work Plan for the years 2018-2022 between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam. The purpose of this Work Plan is to promote cooperation in transfer of technology and exchange of visits of technical experts in the fields of agriculture and allied Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Hon’ble External Affairs Minister H.E. Mr Nguyen Xuan Cuong, Minister, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development 3 MoU on Cooperation between the Global Centre for Nuclear Energy Partnership, India (GCNEP) and the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM). The purpose of the MoU is to strengthen the technical cooperation in the field of atomic energy for peaceful purposes. Shri Sekhar Basu, Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy H E Mr. Dang Dinh Quy, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
PM’s statement prior to his departure for Russia

Today I will commence my visit to Russia, my first bilateral visit after we formed the Government. I am very optimistic about the outcome of this visit. History is witness to the close ties India and Russia have had over the decades. Russia remains one of India’s most valued friends in the world. My mind goes back to 2001. I had just assumed charge as Gujarat CM and had accompanied Atal ji to Russia. This was, perhaps, one of the first India-Russia annual Summits, a practice that goes on till date. My visit will deepen the cooperation between India and Russia in the economic, energy and security spheres. We also want to increase cooperation in science and technology, mining among other sectors. Trade ties between India and Russia can increase even further, to benefit not only our two nations but also the world. The visit will witness extensive deliberations with President Putin. There will be an interaction with Russian businesspersons to invite them to invest in India. I will also attend a ‘Friends of India’ programme. I am certain that this visit will substantially take forward the already strong people to people ties between our Nations.
PM speaks to West Bengal CM on flood situation in parts of the state

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has spoken to West Bengal Chief Minister Ms Mamata Banerjee on the flood situation caused by water discharge from dams in parts of the state. The Prime Minister also assured all possible support from the Centre to help mitigate the situation. A PMO tweet said, “PM @narendramodi spoke to WB CM @MamataOfficial on the flood situation caused by water discharge from dams in parts of the state. PM assured all possible support from the Centre to help mitigate the situation. PM Modi prays for the safety and wellbeing of those in affected areas.”
PM to launch Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana at Ranchi, inaugurate Pakyong Airport in Sikkim

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will launch the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) at Ranchi, Jharkhand, on September 23, 2018. Under this scheme, over 10 crore families will be provided health assurance worth Rs. 5 lakh each, every year. The Prime Minister will visit an exhibition on the PMJAY. He will witness a demonstration of activities such as beneficiary identification, and e-card creation. At the same event, the Prime Minister will lay the Foundation Stone for medical colleges at Chaibasa and Koderma. He will inaugurate 10 Health and Wellness Centres. He will address the gathering, before departing for Gangtok, Sikkim. On September 24, the Prime Minister will inaugurate Pakyong Airport, which will bring the State of Sikkim on the country’s aviation map. The airport will provide a big boost to connectivity in the Himalayan State, and also give a fillip to tourism. The Prime Minister will arrive at Pakyong Airport, where he will be briefed about the airport and terminal building. He shall unveil a plaque to mark the inauguration of Pakyong Airport. He shall later address a gathering.
Cabinet approves the agreement between India and Tajikistan for avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the protocol amending the agreement between India and Tajikistan for avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income. The protocol, after it enters into force, will enable sharing of information exchanged under Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement, DTAA with other law enforcement agencies for non tax purposes.
Unprecedented work done in the last few years to modernise the railways: PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has underlined change in approach in railways infrastructure development in recent times. This change has led to unprecedented progress in modernization in Indian Railways. Shri Modi was speaking after flagging off eight trains connecting different regions of the country to Kevadiya in Gujarat and inaugurating several railways related projects in the state, via video conferencing. The Prime Minister said that earlier focus was limited to keeping the existing infrastructure running and there was little attention on new thinking or new technology. It was imperative to change this approach. In the recent years, work was done on comprehensive transformation of entire railway system and it wasn’t limited to tinkering with budget and new train announcements. The transformation took place on many fronts. He gave example of the present project of connecting Kevadiya where multi-pronged focus led to completion of the task in record time. The Prime Minister also presented Dedicated Freight Corridor as an example of change in approach from earlier times. The Prime Minister dedicated the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors recently. This project was under progress and between 2006-2014 work was done only on papers with not even a single kilometre track laid. Now a total of 1100 Kilometre are about to be completed in next few months.
PM addresses Joint Conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed the Joint Conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices, in New Delhi, today. The Prime Minister mentioned the high level of trust that the common man has in the judiciary. Referring to the speech of the Chief Justice of India, where he spoke of the large number of cases pending in various courts in India, the Prime Minister said that he understood the Chief Justice’s concern. He said that going forward, he hoped that the Government and the Judiciary could work together to find solutions to these issues. The Prime Minister also stressed on the efforts being made by the Government to remove archaic laws from the statute books.
PM congratulates all beneficiaries of Jan Dhan Yojana on its third anniversary

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on the completion of three years of the Jan Dhan Yojana, has congratulated all the beneficiaries of this historic financial inclusion initiative. “Today, Jan Dhan Yojana completes 3 years. I congratulate the crores of people, particularly the poor, who benefitted from this initiative. Jan Dhan Revolution is a historic movement to bring the poor, downtrodden and marginalised into the financial mainstream. Through Jan Dhan Yojana, social security schemes, MUDRA & Stand-Up India, we have given wings to millions of aspirations. Our efforts to bring a qualitative and transformative change in the lives of the poor and marginalised continue with immense vigour”, the Prime Minister said.
Telephone Conversation between PM and His Majesty the King of Saudi Arabia

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke on phone today with His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The two leaders exchanged views on the global challenges in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the leadership provided by Saudi Arabia during its ongoing Presidency of the G20 grouping. The leaders agreed that the initiatives taken at the level of the G20 had helped in promoting a coordinated response to the pandemic. They also discussed the main priorities presently on the agenda of the G20. The two leaders expressed their satisfaction at the state of bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia, and committed to further strengthen cooperation in all areas. Prime Minister expressed his special thanks to His Majesty King Salman for the support provided to Indian expatriates by the Saudi authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister conveyed his warm good wishes for the good health and wellbeing of His Majesty King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, other members of the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia and all citizens of the Kingdom.
Transfer of a portion of land and building of erstwhile National Instruments Limited by Jadavpur University to Defence Research and Development Organization for establishment of a defence research centre

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for transfer of a portion of land and building of erstwhile National Instruments Limited by Jadavpur University, West Bengal to the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) on long term lease. The land will be transferred for establishment of a defence research centre namely the Jagadish Chandra Bose Centre for Advanced Technology (JCBCAT). Transfer of a portion of the land and building of the erstwhile National Instruments Limited to DRDO for establishment of a defence research centre, will be beneficial as Research and Development efforts are expected to result in reduction in import dependence in the strategic sector. Background: The National Instruments Limited Jadavpur University was a Central Public Sector Enterprise under the administrative control of the Department of Heavy Industry. As it became sick, its assets, liabilities and manpower were transferred to Jadavpur University with effect from 1.1.2009 under the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) sanctioned revival scheme (SRS). According to Section 7B of the SRS, the land of National Instruments Limited transferred to Jadavpur University will be used for research, project works, pilot plant study and the land will not be alienated, sold, leased, transferred without approval of Government of lndia (Gol) and subject to such terms and conditions as may be decided by Gol. Further, the assets transferred to National Instruments Limited will be put to use only for the purpose of research, pilot projects etc.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Paraguay for Strengthening Cooperation in the field of Tourism

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Paraguay for Strengthening Cooperation in the field of Tourism. The MoU was signed in New Delhi on 27th September, 2019. Salient features and main objectives of the MoU: Expansion of bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector; Exchange of information and data related to tourism; Encouraging cooperation between tourism stakeholders including Hotels and Tour Operators and airlines; Establishing exchange programmes for cooperation in Human Resource Development; Investment in the Tourism and Hospitality sectors; Exchanging visits of Tour Operators/Media/Opinion-Makers for promotion of two-way tourism; Exchange of experience in the areas of promotion, marketing destination, development and management; Participation in travel fairs/exhibitions in each other’s country; and Promoting safe, honourable and sustainable tourism. Benefits: The MoU between India and Paraguay will help the two nations in creating an institutional mechanism for enhancing cooperation in the tourism sector. It will further help India in increasing foreign tourist arrivals from Paraguay, which in turn, will result in economic development and employment generation. It will create favourable conditions for long-term tourism cooperation for the mutual benefits of all stakeholders within the broader framework and areas of cooperation. The MoU will explore to incorporate the best practices in order to implement the measures that will realize the objectives set out in this MoU.
PM speaks to Prime Minister of Israel

Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu called Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today to convey his “deepest appreciation and gratitude” Prime Minister for India’s “exemplary” support and assistance in the evacuation of Israeli citizens from Nepal. Prime Minister Modi assured him of full support in the evacuation of other Israeli citizens from Nepal, if required. The two leaders also briefly discussed bilateral relations. Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed Israel’s interest in participating in Prime Minister’s “Make in India” mission.