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Union Cabinet approves revival plan of BSNL and MTNL and in-principle merger of the two

The Union Cabinet today approved the proposal for revival of BSNL and MTNL by administrative allotment of spectrum for 4G services, debt restructuring by raising of bonds with sovereign guarantee, reducing employee costs, monetisation of assets and in-principle approval of merger of BSNL & MTNL. The following was approved by the cabinet:- 1. Administrative allotment of spectrum for 4G services to BSNL and MTNL so as to enable these PSUs to provide broadband and other data services. The said Spectrum will be funded by the Government of India by capital infusion in these PSUs at a value of Rs 20,140 Cr in addition; the GST amount of Rs 3,674 Cr to this spectrum value will also be borne by the Government of India through Budgetary resources. By using this spectrum allotment, BSNL and MTNL will be able to deliver 4G services, compete in the market and provide high speed data using their vast network including in rural areas. 2. BSNL and MTNL will also raise long-term bonds of Rs 15,000 Cr for which sovereign guarantee will be provided by the Government of India (GoI). With the said resources, BSNL and MTNL will restructure their existing debt and also partly meet CAPEX, OPEX and other requirements. 3. BSNL and MTNL will also offer Voluntary Retirement to their employees, aged 50 years and above through attractive Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS), the cost of which will be borne by the Government of India through budgetary support. The ex-gratia component of VRS will require Rs. 17,169 Cr in addition, GoI will be meeting the cost towards Pension, Gratuity and Commutation. Details of the scheme will be finalised by BSNL/MTNL. 4. BSNL and MTNL will monetise their assets so as to raise resources for retiring debt, servicing of bonds, network upgradation, expansion and meeting the operational fund requirements. 5. In-principle merger of BSNL and MTNL It is expected that with the implementation of said revival plan, BSNL and MTNL will be able to provide reliable and quality services through its robust telecommunication network throughout the country including rural and remote areas.
PM receives the President-Designate of the AIIB

Mr. Jin Liqun, President Designate of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Prime Minister congratulated Mr. Liqun on his selection at the first President of the AIIB by consensus. Prime Minister expressed confidence that AIIB along with the BRICS New Development Bank would play an instrumental role in development of infrastructure in the Asia region. In this context, he highlighted the need for focus on roads, rail and ports for enhancing regional connectivity; creating climate-resilient infrastructure and clean energy initiatives for sustainable development, that would also enhance the economic development and lift millions of people out of the life of impoverishment. Prime Minister assured that as the Founding Member of the AIIB and the second largest shareholder in the Bank, India would extend full support for the success of the Bank.
PM expresses sadness over the demise of Sister Nirmala

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed sadness over the demise of Sister Nirmala. “Sister Nirmala’s life was devoted to service, caring for the poor and underprivileged. Saddened by her demise. May her soul rest in peace. My deepest condolences to the Missionaries of Charity family on the passing away of Sister Nirmala”, the Prime Minister said.
Cabinet approves Cadre Review of Indian Defence Accounts Service, IDAS

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Cadre Review of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) under the Ministry of Defence. The decision provides for an increase of 23 (twenty three) posts which includes 1 post at Apex Scale, 6 posts at HAG level, 6 posts at SAG level and 10 posts at JAG level and reduction of 1 post at HAG+, 12 posts at STS level and 10 posts at JTS level. The Cadre review of IDAS has come in the wake of the functional requirements, cadre structure and career progression of the officials belonging to the service.
PM congratulates Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on assuming office as the President of Brazil

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has congratulated Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on assuming office as the President of Brazil. The Prime Minister tweeted; “Hearty congratulations to Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on assuming office as the President of Brazil. I wish him a successful third term and look forward to working with him to strengthen India – Brazil Strategic Partnership.
PM addresses public meeting in Chotila, lays foundation stone for greenfield airport for Rajkot

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed a public meeting at Chotila, in Surendranagar district. He laid the Foundation Stones for a greenfield airport for Rajkot; six-laning of Ahmedabad-Rajkot National Highway; and four-laning of Rajkot-Morbi State Highway. He also dedicated to the nation, a fully automatic milk processing and packaging plant; and a drinking water distribution pipeline for Joravarnagar and Ratanpur area of Surendranagar. The Prime Minister said that it was hard to imagine an airport in Surendranagar district. He said such development works empower citizens. He said aviation cannot be about rich people. We have made aviation affordable and within reach of the lesser privileged, he added. The Prime Minister said that the definition of development has changed. From the days when handpumps were seen to be a sign of development, today the waters of the Narmada River have been brought for the benefit of citizens. He said Surendranagar district tends to benefit a lot from the waters of the Narmada. He urged people to use water responsibly, and conserve every drop. The Prime Minister said that the Sursagar Dairy would bring enormous benefit to the people. He also recalled how former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel had worked towards making better and safer roads.
PM lauds farmers of India

In his Mann ki Baat address, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that during the COVID crisis, the farmers of the country have shown tremendous resilience. Prime Minister said that if the agriculture sector is strong, then the foundation of Atmanirbhar Bharat will remain strong. He noted that in the recent past, the sector has liberated from many restrictions and has tried to break free from many myths. He shared the example of Shri Kanwar Chauhan, a farmer from Haryana, who used to face great difficulties in marketing his fruits and vegetables outside the mandi, but in 2014, fruits and vegetables were excluded from the APMC Act, which greatly benefited him. He formed a Farmer Producer’s Organization and farmers in his village now cultivate sweet corn and baby corn and supply produce directly to Azadpur Mandi in Delhi, to big retail chains and Five Star Hotels, which has substantially boosted their income. Prime Minister underlined that these farmers have the power to sell their fruits and vegetables, anywhere and to anyone, which is the foundation of their progress, and now the same has been imparted to farmers all over the country, for the entire spectrum of their produce. Prime Minister also cited the benefits accruing to farmers due to exclusion of fruits and vegetables from APMC purview by sharing the example of Sri Swami Samarth Farm Producer Company Limited – a Farmer Producer’s Organization in Maharashtra. He noted that farmers in Pune and Mumbai are running weekly markets themselves and selling directly without middlemen. He also talked about Tamil Nadu Banana farmer produce company, a collective of farmers, which purchased hundreds of metric tons of vegetables, fruits and bananas from nearby villages during the lockdown, and supplied a vegetable combo kit to Chennai. He mentioned the ‘Irada Farmer Producer’ group from Lucknow who, during the lockdown, procured fruits and vegetables directly from the cultivators’ fields, and sold directly in the markets of Lucknow, free from the middlemen. Prime Minister noted that through innovations and application of new techniques, agriculture will progress further. He cited the example of Ismail Bhai, a farmer from Gujarat, who took up farming despite being discouraged by his family. He cultivated potatoes using drip irrigation technology – the high quality potatoes are now his hallmark, which he sells directly to large companies without middlemen, and earns huge profits. Prime Minister also shared the story of Ms. Bijay Shanti from Manipur who launched a start-up to develop thread from the Lotus stem, and noted that her efforts and innovations have opened new avenues in the fields of lotus farming and textile.
PM’s message on the demise of Shri Keshubhai Patel

Today, a great son of the country and of the Gujarat has left us. I am saddened and shocked by the passing away of our beloved Keshubhai Patel. The passing away of Keshubhai is like the departure of a father figure to me. His death is such a great loss to me; and this void can never be filled. In about 6 decades of his public life, he had a single goal: nationalism – welfare of the country. Keshubhai was rich in terms of his personality. On the one hand, he was very soft and humble in his behaviour and on the other hand, his determination to take decisions was pretty strong. He had dedicated his life to the society and to serve every section of the society. His every task was for the development of Gujarat and his decision was to empower every Gujarati. Our Keshubhai, who belonged to a very simple farmer family, understood the sufferings of the farmers and the poor. The welfare of the farmers was paramount for him. Keshubhai, as an MLA, as an MP, as a Minister or as the Chief Minister, had always given the topmost priority to the interests of farmers in his decisions and policies. The work he had done to make the lives of the villagers, the poor and the farmers better and the ideals of nationalism and public devotion that he carried throughout his life would continue to inspire several generations. Keshubhai was familiar with every part of Gujarat. He had taken the Jana Sangh and the BJP to every corner of Gujarat, strengthening it in every region. I still remember how during the Emergency, Keshubhai had fought with all his efforts to save democracy. Keshubhai had taught and always guided several ordinary workers like me a lot. I had remained in constant contact with him even after becoming the Prime Minister. Whenever I had the opportunity to visit Gujarat, I used to go and seek his blessings. Just a few weeks ago, I had a very long conversation with him during the virtual meeting of Somnath Trust and he looked very happy. During this period of Corona, I also had several conversations with him over the phone; I used to keep asking about his health. Nearly 45 years of knowing him closely, be it the organization, struggle, or about the system; today various incidents and events are flashing through my memory. Today every BJP worker is in grief just like me. My condolences are with Keshubhai’s family and his well-wishers. At this moment of grief, I am in constant touch with his family. I pray to God to give Keshubhai a place at his feet and may the departed soul rest in peace. Om Shanti!!!
Foreign Minister of Uganda calls on PM

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, received Dr. Sam Kutesa, the Foreign Minister of Uganda, this afternoon. Dr. Kutesa conveyed a message of felicitation to the Prime Minister from Mr. Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda, on his electoral victory, and an invitation to him visit Uganda. He expressed Uganda’s desire to build on excellent relations between the two countries, whether bilaterally or in multilateral platforms, by working with the new Government of India. He underlined the potential for developmental cooperation between India and Uganda in the fields of investment, ICT, hydropower and capacity-building. The Prime Minister thanked Dr. Kutesa for the message from President Museveni. He accepted the latter’s invitation to visit Uganda with pleasure. Shri Narendra Modi also requested the Ugandan Foreign Minister to convey his invitation to President Museveni to the 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit to be held in India later this year. The Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s desire to join hands with Uganda for development partnership in all fields. The Prime Minister also congratulated Dr. Kutesa on his election as the President of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly, and expressed confidence that issues of interest to the developing world would receive his special attention during his tenure as President of the UN General Assembly.
PM receives congratulatory telephone calls from world leaders

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received congratulatory telephone calls from leaders across the world including from Ms. Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh; Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk, King of Bhutan; Dr. Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Bhutan; Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal; Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of Maldives; Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka; Mr. Vladimir Putin, President of Russia; Mr Emmanuel Macron, President of France; Mr. Abe Shinzo, Prime Minister of Japan; Mr. Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Australia; Mr. Pravind Jugnauth; Prime Minister of Mauritius; Mr. Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of UAE; and Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel on the victory in the General Elections 2019. Warmly felicitating the Prime Minister, the leaders expressed the view that the historic mandate reflected the abiding faith of the people of India in the leadership of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Expressing his gratitude for their compliments and good wishes, the Prime Minister said that the general elections embodied the strength of Indian democracy, which is the world’s largest. He thanked the global leaders for their cooperation in developing mutually beneficial bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation, and expressed his desire to continue to work further with them in fostering even stronger ties. The Prime Minister has also expressed his gratitude to several other leaders who have extended their felicitations to him over social media and other means.
Nepal Prime Minister speaks to PM on telephone

Prime Minister of Nepal Rt. Hon’ble Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ made a telephone call to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today. The two Prime Ministers discussed recent developments in India-Nepal relations, including the recently concluded highly successful State visit of President of Nepal Rt. Hon’ble Bidya Devi Bhandari to India. Prime Minister Prachanda spoke about the ongoing efforts of his government to take all stakeholders on board in the constitution implementation process. PM Prachanda also spoke about Nepal holding the first local elections in nearly twenty years and requested for India’s assistance in this connection. PM Modi conveyed the good wishes of the people and government of India to the friendly people of Nepal in their national efforts to achieve peace, stability and socio-economic transformation, and assured PM Prachanda that India would extend all possible assistance for local elections. The two Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to advance multi-faceted India-Nepal cooperative ties for the benefit of the two peoples.
PM condoles passing away of former Odisha CM Shri Hemananda Biswal

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the passing away of former Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Hemananda Biswal. In a tweet, the Prime Minister said; “Anguished by the passing away of former Odisha CM Shri Hemananda Biswal Ji. He was active in public life for many years and worked extensively among people. In this sad hour, my thoughts are with his family and supporters. Om Shanti.”
PM’s address at the concluding Sesquicentennial function of the Advocates’ Association of Western India

Government to work towards repeal of approximately 1700 obsolete laws. PM inaugurates Bombay High Court Museum; suggests a digital version of the Museum be also prepared. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today said the Government had identified about 1700 obsolete laws, and is working towards their repeal. In his address at the concluding Sesquicentennial Function of the Advocates Association of Western India (AAWI) in Mumbai today, the Prime Minister said the world is looking towards India with great hope. He said one of the reasons for this is that the investor community across the world trusts the independence of India’s judicial system. He said this is a great contribution of all those associated with the legal profession. The Prime Minister appreciated the role played by the AAWI over 150 years – the bar to which both Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel belonged. He said that the founders of this association would have created this bar, in order to pursue excellence in the profession. He said the country’s freedom struggle was led by people from the fields of law and education. The Prime Minister asked the AAWI to think about how the bar will go forward after 150 years. He said that along with quick justice, “quality justice” was also the need of the hour. And this depended a lot on advocates arguing the cases. He stressed the need for advocates to specialize, particularly in emerging areas of litigation such as international law and cyber crime. He said acquaintance with forensic science is now a must for those associated with the legal profession. He said the bar has the strength to raise the capabilities of the advocates to deal with these emerging areas. He said well-argued cases provide satisfaction to advocates, besides raising institutional credibility. The Prime Minister said laws are sometimes not drafted well, and therefore lead to multiple interpretations. He said the bar associations can play a significant role in drafting good laws with minimum grey areas. He said training in drafting of laws is essential. The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Bombay High Court Museum. He said visitors to the museum will learn a lot about India’s judicial history. In his remarks in the visitors’ book at the Museum, the Prime Minister said that “the High Court Museum is a commendable effort to preserve and perpetuate the rich heritage of this great institution.” He suggested that a digital version of this museum be also prepared. He said in many parts of the world, museums are a part of everyday life. He gave the example of China, which is building many museums currently. He said India too has a glorious heritage to preserve and showcase. The Governor of Maharashtra Shri Vidyasagar Rao, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister Shri D. V. Sadananda Gowda were present on the occasion.
Cabinet approves extension of contract between India and the International Seabed Authority for exploration of Polymetallic Nodules

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the extension of contract between Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India and the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for exploration of Polymetallic Nodules for a further period of 5 years (2017-22). The earlier contract is expiring on 24th March 2017. By extending the contract, India’s exclusive rights for exploration of Polymetallic Nodules in the allotted Area in the Central Indian Ocean Basin will continue and would open up new opportunities for resources of commercial and strategic value in area beyond national jurisdiction. Further, it would provide strategic importance for India in terms of enhanced presence in Indian Ocean where other international: players are also active. Background: Polymetallic nodules (also known as manganese nodules) are potato-shaped, largely porous nodules found in abundance carpeting the sea floor of world oceans in deep sea. Besides manganese and iron, they contain nickel, copper, cobalt, lead, molybdenum, cadmium, vanadium, titanium, of which nickel, cobalt and copper are considered to be of economic and strategic importance. India signed a 15 year contract for exploration of Polymetallic Nodules (PMN) in Central Indian Ocean Basin with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) (an Institution set up under the Convention on Law of the Sea to which India is a Party) on 25th March, 2002 with the approval of Cabinet. India is presently having an area of 75,000 sq.km., located about 2000 km away from her southern tip for exploration of PMN. Ministry of Earth Sciences is carrying out Survey & Exploration, Environmental Impact Assessment, Technology Development (Mining and Extractive Metallurgy) under polymetallic nodules program through various national institutes viz. National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), National Metallurgical Laboratory (NML), National Centre for Antarctica and Ocean Research (NCAOR), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) etc., in accordance with the Contract provisions. India is fulfilling all the obligations of the contract.
PM’s meeting with President of the Republic of Türkiye H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the sidelines of the SCO Summit

1. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met President of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on 16 September 2022 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. 2. Both leaders reviewed India – Türkiye relations. While noting the increase in recent years in economic relations, particularly bilateral trade, they acknowledged the potential for further enhancement of economic and commercial linkages. 3. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments. Both leaders agreed to maintain regular contacts not just on bilateral issues, but also for the benefit of the region. Samarkand September 16, 2022
Virtual Bilateral Summit between India and Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka will hold a Virtual Bilateral Summit on 26 September 2020. The Virtual Bilateral Summit will give an opportunity to the two leaders to comprehensively review the broad framework of the bilateral relationship soon after the Parliamentary elections in Sri Lanka and in the context of the time-tested friendly ties between the two countries. Responding to a tweet by Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Mahinda Rajapaksa, Shri Narendra Modi said that he is looking “forward to jointly review the bilateral relationship comprehensively”. He said, “We must explore ways to further enhance our cooperation in the post-COVID era.”
PM to address World Sufi Forum later today

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will address at the World Sufi Forum in New Delhi this evening. The Forum has been convened by the All India Ulama and Mashaikh Board, to discuss the role of Sufism in countering rising global terror. The Forum, will debate long-term alternatives to counter rising issues of radicalization and use of terror in the name of religion. It is expected to emphasize and reassert India’s position as one of the global centres for moderate ideology in Islam. The four-day event, beginning today is likely to be attended by several delegates, including foreign delegates from 20 countries. Spiritual leaders, scholars, academicians and theologists from Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, UK, USA, Canada and Pakistan, among other countries, are expected to be present.