ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Change in Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme
From the year 2021-22, it has been decided to provide scholarship to students only from class 9 and 10 under Pre-Matric Scholarship scheme for OBCs. Under the scheme of Pre-Matric scholarships to Scheduled Castes  and others, Pre-Matric scholarship is being provided only to class 9 and 10 students since the launch of the scheme in 2012-13.
For the Pre-Matric Scholarship to SC, with effect from 2022-23, the Central Share is directly released to the Bank Account of beneficiaries through DBT mode after the States release their share of the amount to the students. Central share for 2022-23 under pre- matric scholarship for SC will be released only after receiving the verified data from the respective State Govt./UTs. Pre-Matric OBC Scheme is being implemented through the respective State Governments/ UTs. Every financial year, funds are allocated to all States/UTs from the overall annual outlay of the Scheme.
The enrolment of class I to VIII in Government schools has increased in the last 3  years by about 1  crore. Further, to incentivize children from these communities to attend school, the Government is providing free education, free uniform, free meal etc. under different programmes/ schemes like Samagrha Shiksha Abhiyan, PM Poshan, etc.
Earlier the students from Economically Weaker sections were not provided Pre-Matric scholarship but in the revised scheme they are also being considered for Pre-Matric scholarship for classes IX and X.
Under the Right to Education  Act, 2009, the Government is committed to provide free and compulsory elementary education  to each and every child. Under the centrally sponsored scheme- Samagra Shiksha, financial assistance is provided to States and UTs for undertaking various activities for universalization of education, including opening/strengthening of new schools upto senior secondary level, construction of school buildings & additional classrooms, setting up and running of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Avasiya Vidyalayas, provision of free uniforms, free text books to the eligible students at elementary level, transport allowance and undertaking enrolment & retention drives. Further, special training for age appropriate admission of out of school children and residential as well as non-residential training for older children, seasonal hostels / residential camps, special training centers at worksites, are also supported to bring out of school children to the formal schooling system. There is also increase in the enrolment of students in class I to VIII in the last 3  years by about 1  crore.
From the year 2022-23, pre-matric scholarship scheme is available for students only in Class 9 and 10.
This information was given by Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
PACKAGED ANIMAL FODDER
Central Government is implementing National Livestock Mission with a Sub Mission on Feed and Fodder Development since 2014-15 which was realigned during 2021-22. There is provision of 50% capital subsidy  to the beneficiary for setting up of a fodder value addition unit for Hay/Silage/Total Mixed Ration  preparation, Fodder Block making units etc. Training on all aspects of Animal Husbandry practices including that of Packaged Animal Fodder has been included. In addition, State Animal Husbandry and Dairy Departments, National Dairy Development Board, Veterinary Universities and Institutes under Indian Council of Agricultural Research also provide guidance and training to the farmers, entrepreneurs on regular basis for packaged animal fodder.
Besides, Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund  is also operational since 2020-21 wherein the eligible entities are eligible for loan up to 90% of the project cost for Packaged Animal Fodder. A 3.0% interest subvention has been provisioned under the scheme.
In general, to check the quality testing of packaged feed/fodder, a compliance with Bureau of Indian Standards  is practiced. Indian Standard, IS 2052:2009 'Compounded Feeds for Cattle - Specification ', prescribes the requirements and the methods of sampling and test for compounded cattle feeds for buffaloes, cattle and working bullocks. This standard has been brought under mandatory BIS certification through directions under 16 of Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 issued by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India  vide orders dated 27 January 2020.As per this order, manufacturers of this product shall comply with the BIS specifications and it shall carry a BIS certification mark on the label of the products.
Different States have introduced their own schemes to make available the packaged fodder to the dairy producers at affordable rates. Also, the schemes implemented by Central Government also enables increased availability of quality fodder at reasonable rates.
This information was given by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Cooperation
National Database for Cooperative Societies
The Ministry of Cooperation has initiated process for creating a National Cooperative Database with National Cooperative Union of India  to provide a single point access to information on cooperatives of different sectors. After several rounds of consultations with State Governments, National Cooperative Federations, related institutions and other stakeholders, sector specific data fields have been mapped. Provision has also been made for validation, maintenance, expansion and regular updation of the database. National Cooperative Database will be completed in a phased manner. Under Phase-I, mapping of about 2.63 lakh primary cooperative societies operating in three sectors i.e. Primary Agriculture Credit Societies , Dairy and Fisheries has been completed. The database is expected to be extended to cooperative societies of all other sectors by July, 2023. The database would facilitate stakeholders in planning, formulation & implementation of appropriate policies for cooperative sector.
This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
Election Commission
Shri O.P. Rawat takes over as new Chief Election Commissioner
Shri Om Prakash Rawat today assumed charge as 22nd Chief Election Commissioner  of India succeeding Shri A.K. Joti. Shri Joti demitted the office yesterday after completing his tenure.
Born on 2nd December, 1953, Sh. Rawat a former Indian Administrative Service  officer of 1977 batch retired from active service in December, 2013. He served in various capacities in his cadre Madhya Pradesh as also the Centre including the post of Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Department of Public Enterprises from 3rd April 2012 to 31st December 2013.
Shri Rawat has served as Election Commissioner since 14th August 2015. During his tenure as Election Commissioner, State Assembly elections in the States of Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakand, Manipur, Goa, Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat were conducted successfully. Besides this, Presidential as well as Vice-Presidential elections were also conducted during his tenure as EC. Under his tenure at Election Commission, there will be General Elections to State Legislative Assemblies of Karnataka, Mizoram, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, including the ongoing General Election to Legislative Assemblies of three states i.e. Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura.
After assumption of charge, Sh. Rawat spoke about the priorities of the Commission and said that the Commission shall pursue vigorously its commitment and maintain its standard to hold free, fair, inclusive and credible elections throughout the country.
SBS
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Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Publications Division showcases its treasure of books and journals at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2023
Government of India’s premier publishing house Publications Division is exhibiting its wide collection of books and journals at the 31st New Delhi World Book Fair being held at Pragati Maidan New Delhi from 25th February to 5th March, 2023
Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is participating in the 31st New Delhi World Book Fair, the most awaited and highly acclaimed book fair of the city, being held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 25th February to 5th March, 2023. The 9-day mega fair is being organised by National Book Trust, an autonomous organization of the Government of India under the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with India Trade Promotion Organisation.
Celebrating the spirit of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav with full vigor, Publications Division brings its rich collection of books on history of Indian freedom struggle and freedom fighters. The books in the offering are bound to captivate the minds of the visitors and book lovers. The display also includes books on a wide array of topics such as art and culture, history, cinema, personalities and biographies, land and people, Gandhian literature and children's literature, among others. The Division is also offering its premium books on Rashtrapati Bhavan and speeches of Presidents, Vice Presidents and Prime Minister, published exclusively by the Publications Division, at the fair.
Besides books, Division’s popular and widely circulated journals such as Yojana, Kurukshetra, Aajkal and Bal Bharti are also available at the stall. Visitors can also purchase annual subscriptions of journals and Employment News/Rozgar Samachar published by the Division. The special complimentary Mann ki Baat booklets can also be collected from Publications Division stall.
The New Delhi World Book Fair is one of the most awaited events of the publishing world, which attracts participation from major publishing houses across the globe. Besides grabbing their favorite reads, the visitors can also witness various other activities taking place on the sidelines the fair such as Author’s Connect, Yuva Corner, Child Authors’ Corner and other cultural events.
The Publications Division is showcasing its books and journals at Stall No 171-186, Hall No. 5, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Ministry of Railways
Meghalaya gets Electric trains for the first time
Indian Railways completes Electrification of important sections between Abhayapuri – Pancharatna; Dudhnai – Mendipathar
Electrification will significantly improve the mobility of trains in Northeast India
Indian Railway is progressing at full throttle for becoming Net Zero Carbon Emitter by 2030. In an endeavour for complete electrification, Northeast Frontier Railway has achieved another milestone by commissioning Dudhnai – Mendipathar  single line section and Abhayapuri – Pancharatna  double line section on 15th March, 2023. The Central Organization for Railway Electrification  has carried out the electrification works in these sections.
Mendipathar is the only railway station in the north-eastern state of Meghalaya which is in operation since 2014 after being inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. After commissioning of electric traction, trains hauled by electric locomotive will now be able to operate directly from Mendipathar in Meghalaya which will increase the average speed. More passenger & freight carrying trains will be able to operate through these sections with full sectional speeds. Punctuality will also increase in this section. Parcel & freight carrying trains hauled by electric locomotives from other states will be able to reach Meghalaya directly.
Electrification will significantly improve the mobility of trains in Northeast India. In addition to the reduction in pollution due to the shift from fossil fuel to electricity, the efficiency of the Railway system in the region will also improve. This would facilitate seamless traffic and also save time of the trains moving to and from northeastern states apart from savings in precious foreign exchange.
Ministry of Defence
Manufacturing & marketing of a critical drug, developed under Technology Development Fund, for radiological & nuclear emergencies gets DCGI approval
Prussian blue insoluble formulations developed by the industry on a DRDO technology
Manufacturing and marketing licenses for the commercial use of Prussian blue insoluble formulations, developed under the Technology Development Fund  scheme, have been granted to Scott-Edil Pharmacia Ltd, Baddi, Himachal Pradesh and Skanttr Lifescience LLP, Ahmedabad, Gujarat by Drugs Controller General of India . The drug has been developed by the industry based on the technology of Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences , Delhi, a laboratory of Defence Research & Development Organisation .
The drug will be available under the trade name of Pru-DecorpTM and PruDecorp-MG. The formulations are used for decontamination of Cesium & Thallium. It is one of the critical medicines listed by the World Health Organisation  for radiological and nuclear emergencies.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat has congratulated the Organisation as well as the industry on this achievement. He stated that the development of these drug formulations under the TDF project and the approval of DCGI is a successful endeavour of the DRDO for promoting the industry to achieve Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Nearly 46 lakh unorganized workers have been registered under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan pension scheme
In order to provide old age protection in the form of a monthly pension, Government of India launched Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan  pension scheme in the year 2019. Under this scheme, minimum assured monthly pension of Rs. 3000/- will be provided to the unorganized workers after attaining the age of 60 years.
As on 25.11.2021, total 45, 77,295 unorganized workers have been registered under this scheme, whereas in Uttar Pradesh 6, 36,275 workers of unorganized sector have been enrolled under the PM-SYM pension scheme.
All the States/UT Governments have been requested to popularize the scheme and mobilize the target groups/eligible workers for enrolment under the PM-SYM scheme. Most of the States/UT Governments have extended the support in implementation of PM-SYM Scheme and taken effective steps to mobilize the unorganized workers.
The Central Government has also taken several initiatives to increase the enrolment under PM-SYM Scheme such as periodic review of the progress of the scheme with States/UTs, publicity of the scheme through IEC activities, constitution of State Level Monitoring Committees  and District Level Implementation Committees  to ensure mobilization of beneficiaries through State Governments.
This information was given by Shri Rameswar Teli, Union Minister of State for LabourandEmployment, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
PM receives a copy of book titled " Braving A Viral Storm: India’s Covid-19 Vaccine Story" from Aashish Chandorkar
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has received a book titled " Braving A Viral Storm: India’s Covid-19 Vaccine Story" from Aashish Chandorkar in which he has chronicled India’s strides in vaccination.
In response to a tweet by Aashish Chandorkar, the Prime Minister said;
"Delighted to receive a copy of your book in which you have chronicled India’s strides in vaccination."
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 203.29 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 3.64 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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2,03,29,46,125
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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3,64,25,100
More than 203.29 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 3.64 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses $are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Ministry of Finance
Centre to provide all necessary assistance to flood ravaged Kerala; Insurance Companies instructed to expedite claim settlements of flood victims; Demand for enhancing Kerala’s borrowing limit to be looked into says MoS Finance P. Radhakrishnan
Union Minister of State for Finance and Shipping, Shri. P. Radhakrishnan has said that the Centre would provide all necessary assistance to flood ravaged Kerala. Inaugurating the State Level Bankers’ Committee meeting in Thiruvananthapuram yesterday , he said all public and private Insurance Companies have been instructed to quickly process and expedite settlement of all claims arising out of floods.
Shri. P. Radhakrishnan pointed out that with the allocation of Rs.214 crore during 2018-19 to Kerala, the state government has a total amount of Rs.562.45 crore in the State Disaster Response Fund  under its disposal. The Minister said further fund requirement will be decided after the submission of memorandum by the state.
Shri. P. Radhakrishnan said that as the banking services were severely hit by the floods immediate measures were taken by the Finance Ministry and nearly 191 bank branches and 179 ATMs were made functional. Measures are being taken to make the remaining functional as early as possible. The Minister said to give relief to the people in this hour of crisis the government has waived off the charges for issuing duplicate passbook, deposit receipt and charges for not maintaining minimum balance and issuing fresh debit etc. Soiled and defective notes will be exchanged at all bank branches. He pointed out that the government has also extended fresh consumption loan up to Rs. 10,000 on need basis and moratorium on agricultural and MSME loans for one year.
Later replying to queries from media, Shri. P. Radhakrishnan said the demand of Kerala for enhancing 3% to 4.5 % of GSDP will be looked into by the Central government. He pointed out that under Prime Minister’s direction, the Centre has given all possible given all possible assistance to Kerala. It has provided the necessary food grains and medicines. The Minister said the Centre is totally sympathetic to Kerala and the Prime Minister has asked, Ministries to consider various demands of the state. Shri. Radhakrishnan said the Centre would provide more assistance after a fresh memorandum is submitted on the loss and damage caused by the deluge. The Kerala government has already informed that they are preparing a new report. Based on that the Centre will send a team to study the situation before taking a decision, the Minister said.
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Special Service and Features
All PF members, pensioners & subscribers requested to use online services due to Covid-19
In view of the recent spike in the number of Covid-19 cases, all Subscribers/Pensioners/PF members are requested to make use of online services to enquire about their Provident Fund claim related matters. PF Members and Employers coming under the jurisdiction of Regional Office, Chennai  can send e-mails to ro.chennai1@epfindia.gov.in while those within the jurisdiction of Regional Office, Chennai  are requested to send emails to ro.chennai2@epfindia.gov.in. The landline numbers 044-28139200, 201, 202 and 044-28139310 are also available on working days for raising grievances. Moreover queries can also be communicated to whatsapp number 09345750916 for matter relating to Regional Office, Chennai . Subscribers working in establishments under jurisdiction of Regional Office, Chennai  can send queries to the whatsapp number 06380366729.
It is appealed to the PF members to make use of the on line facilities keeping in view the prevailing pandemic situation.
This is stated in a press release issued by Shri. Rituraj Medhi, Regional Provident Fund Commission-I, Regional Office, Chennai North & Chennai South.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
Employment Opportunities in Agriculture and Tourism Sectors
The Government supports and facilitates development and progress of Agriculture sector through various Centrally Sponsored and Central Sector Schemes. All the schemes are targeted for benefiting farmers and increasing their livelihood opportunities by promoting agro based employment.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries  is implementing the PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN SAMPADA YOJANA  with component schemes as –  Mega Food Park;  Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure;  Creation /Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities;  Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters;  Creation of Backward & Forward linkages;  Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure;  Human Resource and Institutions;  Operation Greens.
As part of Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, MoFPI has launched an all India centrally sponsored "PM Formalization of Micro food processing Enterprises  Scheme" for providing financial, technical and business support for upgradation of micro food processing enterprises. The scheme with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 crores targets to directly assist two lakh micro food processing units with credit linked subsidy.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has introduced a new component called Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship component under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana- Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation  with the objective to generate employment by promoting start-ups in agriculture and allied sector.
Government is also promoting agro-based business through Venture Capital Assistance  Scheme through Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium . Under the scheme assistance in the form of interest free loan is extended up to 26% of the promoter’s equity or Rs. 50.00 lakh to agripreneurs whichever is lower for projects upto Rs. 500.00 lakh.
Ministry of Tourism has taken several steps over the years to give boost to the tourism sector in the country and in turn generate employment opportunities like Swadesh Darshan Scheme with a vision to develop theme based tourist circuits, National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive  Scheme for holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations, Heritage Project for development and maintenance of tourist amenities at heritage sites/ monuments and other tourist sites and Incredible India Tourist Facilitator Programme, etc.
Details of employment provided to unemployed youth in the industries based on agriculture and tourism is not maintained centrally. However, as per the results of the Regional Tourism Satellite Account  of all States/UTs for the reference year 2015-16 and its subsequent estimates, the contribution of tourism employment to total employment of the country during 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19 was 12.20%, 12.13%, 12.75% respectively.
This information was given by Minister of State  for Labour & Employment Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.