Ministry of Commerce & Industry

DPIIT launches second edition of States’ ranking on Startup initiatives

Posted On: 20 FEB 2019 12:42PM by PIB Delhi

After the successful first edition of States’ Startup Ranking in 2018, where 27 States and 3 Union Territories participated, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) today released second edition of Startup Ranking for 2019.

The Startup Ranking framework aims to rank the States/UTs for establishing a robust ecosystem for supporting Startups. The framework also encourages States and UTs to identify, learn and replicate good practices from each other.

The Ranking Framework 2019 comprises of 7 pillars and 30 action points. The pillars will assess States’/UTs efforts across institutional support, simplifying regulations, easing public procurement, incubation support, seed funding support, venture funding support and awareness and outreach related activities. The ranking exercise aims to evaluate measures taken by States/UTs during the assessment period from May 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019.

DPIIT has prepared the framework after several rounds of consultation with State and UT Governments. The framework has evolved distinctly as compared to last year with major emphasis on collecting feedback from Startups and other important stakeholders from the Startup ecosystem. The States/UTs are to submit their reforms on the State Startup Ranking dashboard hosted on www.startupindia.gov.in.

DPIIT also proposes to recognize States and UTs for their exemplary performance in seven pillars of the ranking framework. As part of the Ranking 2019 exercise, DPIIT will recognize innovative Startup programs and initiatives from State/UT Governments.

The launch of the ranking framework in 2018 galvanized the States/UTs into action, thereby giving impetus to the Startup movement across the country. Till date, 25 States and UTs have launched their dedicated Startup policies to incentivize Startups in their jurisdiction. The Startup Ranking 2019 is expected to take forward the Startup ecosystem in the country and give impetus to the vision of India becoming a Startup Nation.

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Source : PIB

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

Dr Jitendra Singh addresses at the launch of ‘Shisht Bharat Campaign’

Posted On: 21 FEB 2019 4:44PM by PIB Delhi

The  Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the elders should set example in their conduct before the younger generation,  so that the youth can inherit these values naturally by emulating their elder generations. He was speaking at the launch of ‘Shisht Bharat Abhiyan’ organised by an NGO here today. The theme of the event was to discuss the importance of moral science education in schools and colleges and to include Moral Science as a subject in the educational curriculum.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that the elders need to educate themselves first. He added that out ancient scriptures describe that it takes three generations for values to change, so consistent efforts are needed to inculcate good values in our coming generations. The Minister said that the younger generation gets lot of exposure to the world. They have the advantage of being more informed and aware due to the communication channels available today. We are learning to adapt to the global culture, he added. He said that India is an evolving democracy and evolution is happening at all levels and we need to learn to adapt to these changes to our best advantage.

The Minister said that such kind of campaigns help in channelizing the masses in a positive direction. He said that ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ (cleanliness campaign) launched by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has become a people's movement now. The campaign has led to the consciousness among the masses and has an inspiring influence on the citizens of the country. Lakhs of toilets were built within a year of the launch of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, he added. The leadership of Prime Minister has led to these behavioural changes in the masses, he added.

On the occasion, the Minister also interacted with the participants. He said that we need to be courteous in all aspects including our attitude towards people across various regions and religions. He said that the new generation has gained self-confidence as compared to previous generations due to the opportunities available to them. During the interaction, Dr Jitendra Singh spoke about India's achievements in the field on space and other areas.

During the event, prizes of the essay competition organised on the above topic were also distributed and Panel discussion was also held on the importance of civic sense and moral values.

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Source : PIB

Vice President's Secretariat

Vice President inaugurates/dedicates host of Railway Projects

Krishnapatnam port – Obulavaripalle rail line is a boon

Inaugurates the building of Composite Regional Centre for imparting skills to persons with disabilities

Emotional Vice President recollects memorable events in his life in the service of people

Posted On: 21 FEB 2019 6:54PM by PIB Delhi

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today initiated a series of railway projects including the inauguration of the much-awaited new railway line between Venkatachalem -Vellikallu and Obulavaripalle - Cherlopalli (part of Krishnapatnam - Obulavaraipalle rail line project) and laid the foundation stones for redevelopment of Nellore railway station and passenger amenities at all railway stations from Krishnapatnam to Rapuru station.

The other passenger oriented initiatives include, flagging off Nellore-Chennai Central MEMU service which would facilitate travel between Nellore town and Chennai during the day time, dedication of high speed Wi-Fi at Nellore, Guntur and Renigunta railway stations.

Shri Naidu also dedicated new booking office at Akkampet railway station, new foot over bridge, new booking office at Tiruvottiyur railway station and a new subway at Gummidipundi in lieu of level crossing.

The Vice President also inaugurated upgraded passenger amenities at Tirupati Railway Station (via video link) and new foot over bridge at Nellore South Railway Station. 

Addressing the gathering the Vice President expressed happiness that his long-cherished dream for rail passenger services between Rapur and Venkatachalam will become a reality by December 2019. Shri Naidu said that redevelopment of Nellore Station and the launch of   MEMU service from Nellore to Chennai gave him immense satisfaction.

Describing the new railway line between Obulavaripalli and Krishnapatnam port as a boon, he said that the pending tunnel works were expected to be completed soon. The new line would reduce the distance by 72 km and provide seamless connectivity for goods transportation as it connects the port to Vijayawada-Gudur main line at Venkatachalam station.

In view of the importance of Krishnapatnam port-Obulavaripalle line for the development of the region, Shri Naidu said that he had first taken up the proposal when Nitish Kumar was Railways Minister in Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s cabinet and had been pursuing it since then.

The launch of passenger services between Venkatachalam and Rapur would fulfill the long-pending demand of passengers of seven stations. He thanked the Railway Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal and the Railway Board for accepting his suggestion to start the passenger services between Venkatachalam and Rapuru.

Shri Naidu said that that the host of railway projects  would improve connectivity tremendously and establish higher benchmarks for passenger safety and comfort, thus improving the ‘ease of travelling’ considerably. He said the redeveloped Nellore station would be iconic structure with state-of-the art facilities, including food courts and shopping kiosks. The redevelopment will help in building brand image of Nellore station.

The Vice President wanted the Centre and State government to leave politics aside and work together for the welfare of people. He also appealed to politicians not to politicize issues relating to Security, Unity and integrity of India. There should not be any scope to cause damage to nation’s security and integrity.  

Turning emotional, the Vice President said that initiation of citizen centric, passenger oriented projects gave him immense satisfaction. He said that apart from today, there have been many memorable events in the past two decades in his life.

Recalling his efforts for the launch of various development oriented projects, he said the setting up of Swarna Bharat Trust in 2001 was one such memorable milestone.

The Vice President said that the other such landmark events in his life included the launch of Smart Cities program, Swachh Bharat, Housing for All, AMRUT for development of urban infrastructure, operation of Metro rail services in various cities, implementation of RERA, promulgation of an Ordinance and passage of the Bill for inclusion of seven mandals from Khammam district of Telangana in the successor state of Andhra Pradesh. He also mentioned about his fight for ensuring justice to Andhra Pradesh during the passage of AP Re-organization Bill in 2014.

Similarly, the Vice President also mentioned about the sanctioning of more than 11 lakh houses for Andhra Pradesh under ‘Housing for All’ and sanctioning of Rs 10,000 crore loan for housing projects in the state.

Shri Naidu also recollected his experience of addressing the Serbian Parliament during his visit to Serbia, Malta and Romania.

Later, inaugurating the new building of the Composite Regional Centre for skill development, rehabilitation & empowerment of persons with disabilities, the vice President stressed the need to create disable-friendly public infrastructure for barrier-free travel.

Shri Naidu said that Centres such as the CRC would empower the disabled by providing skills and training. He expressed happiness that a total of 1731 appliances including wheel chairs, smart cane, Digital hearing aids, motorized tri- cycles, limbs, calipers and others were distributed to beneficiaries today through CRC.

The Vice President also complimented the government for initiating several steps including increasing reservations for disabled in jobs.  He also wanted the private sector to join the noble mission and take up a special drive in providing employment to persons with disabilities and train them accordingly.

The CRC which earlier functioned from the premises of Jubilee Hospital had met the needs of more than 30,000 beneficiaries.  

The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri Thaawar Chand Gehlot, the Union Minister for Railways and Coal, Shri Piyush Goyal, the Minister for Municipal Administration, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Ponguru Narayana, the Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture and Agri-Processing, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy and several other dignitaries were present.

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Source : PIB

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)

Cabinet approves Methodology for allowing the allocate of coal mines for specified end use or own consumption to sell 25% of actual production on ROM basis in open market under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957

Flexibility to the prospective bidders/allottees of coal mines for specified end use or own consumption 

To increase competitiveness and to make the future tranches of auction/allotment attractive and commercially viable leading to higher revenues for the Government 

To address the issue of lack of response from bidders during earlier traches of auction/allotments 

Higher investment will create direct and indirect employment

Posted On: 19 FEB 2019 8:37PM by PIB Delhi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the methodology for allowing the allocatee of coal mines for specified end use or own consumption to sell 25% of actual production on ROM basis in open market with payment of additional premium on such sale under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

This new methodology provides that, in case of coal mines earmarked for specified end uses or own consumption, the allocatees are mandated to utilize a minimum of 75% of its actual production (ROM basis) in specified end use plants and are allowed to sell upto 25% in open market. In case of auctions, the successful bidder shall be required to pay an additional premium of 15% of its final bid price on per tonne basis, for the actual quantity of coal sold in open market. The additional premium will be over and above the final bid price. In case of allotments, the successful allotee shall be required to pay an additional reserve price of 15% of the Reserve Price, for the actual quantity of coal sold in open market. The additional reserve price will be over and above the Reserve Price.

This methodology attempts to address the issue of lack of response from the bidders during the earlier tranches of auction/allotment under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015.

The methodology will give certain flexibility to allocattee in cases of change in economic situation, business cycle, End Use Plant requirement etc.

It is expected to make the on-going and future tranches of auction and allotment attractive and commercially viable and may increase the competition in the auction process.

It is also expected to increase competitiveness and tine higher investment should create direct and indirect employment in coal bearing areas especially in mining sector and will have an impact on economic development of these regions.

Background:

Presently, the allocatee of coal mines for specified end use or own consumption are not permitted to sell coal in open market. As per existing conditions, any coal which is extracted in excess of the requirement of the Bidder in terms of conditions of Tender Document is required to be supplied to CIL at the CIL Notified Price less 15 percent of such CIL Notified Price (to take care of CIL handling expenses with respect to such coal). Also such sale should not exceed 50% of the annual coal production from the mine. 

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Source : PIB

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)

Cabinet approves launch Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan 

Posted On: 19 FEB 2019 8:40PM by PIB Delhi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved launch of Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan with the objective of providing financial and water security to farmers.

The proposed scheme consists of three components:

Component-A: 10,000 MW of Decentralized Ground Mounted Grid Connected Renewable Power Plants.

Component-B: Installation of 17.50 lakh standalone Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps.

Component-C: Solarisation of 10 Lakh Grid-connected Solar Powered Agriculture Pumps.

All three components combined, the scheme aims to add a solar capacity of 25,750 MW by 2022. The total central financial support provided under the scheme would be Rs. 34,422 crore.

The Component-A and Component-C will be implemented on pilot mode for 1000 MW capacity and one lakh grid connected agriculture pumps respectively and thereafter, will be scale-up on success of pilot run. Component-B will be implemented in full-fledged manner. 

Under Component A, Renewable power plants of capacity 500 KW to 2 MW will be setup by individual farmers/ cooperatives/panchayats /farmer producer organisations (FPO) on their barren or cultivable lands. The power generated will be purchased by the DISCOMs at Feed in tariffs determined by respective SERC. The scheme will open a stable and continuous source of income to the rural land owners. Performance Based Incentives @ Rs. 0.40 per unit for five years to be provided to DISCOMs.

Under Component B, individual farmers will be supported to install standalone solar pumps of capacity up to 7.5 HP. Solar PV capacity in kW equal to the pump capacity in HP is allowed under the scheme.

Under Component C of the scheme, individual farmers will be supported to solarise pumps of capacity up to 7.5 HP. Solar PV capacity up to two times of pump capacity in kW is allowed under the scheme. The farmer will be able to use the generated energy to meet the irrigation needs and the excess available energy will be sold to DISCOM. This will help to create an avenue for extra income to the farmers, and for the States to meet their RPO targets.

For both Component-B and Component-C, central financial assistance (CFA) of 30% of the benchmark cost or the tender cost, whichever is lower, will be provided. The State Government will give a subsidy of 30%; and the remaining 40% will be provided by the farmer. Bank finance may be made available for meeting 30% of the cost. The remaining 10% will be provided by the farmer. Higher CFA of 50% will be provided for North Eastern States, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Lakshadweep and A&N Islands.

The Scheme will have substantial environmental impact in terms of savings of CO2 emissions. All three components of the Scheme combined together are likely to result in saving of about 27 million tonnes of CO2 emission per annum. Further, Component-B of the Scheme on standalone solar pumps may result in saving of 1.2 billion liters of diesel per annum and associated savings in the foreign exchange due to reduction of import of crude oil.

The scheme has direct employment potential. Besides increasing self-employment the proposal is likely to generate employment opportunity equivalent to 6.31 lakh job years for skilled and unskilled workers.  

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Source : PIB

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for the Phase-II of Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Programme for achieving cumulative capacity of 40,000 MW from Rooftop Solar (RTS) Projects by the year 2022.  The programme will be implemented with total central financial support of Rs.11,814 crore.

In the Phase-II Programme Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for the residential sector has been restructured with availability of 40% CFA for RTS systems up to 3 kW capacity and 20% for RTS system capacity beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW.

For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations (GHS/RAW), CFA will be limited to 20% for RTS plants for supply of power to common facilities, however, the capacity eligible for CFA for GHS/RAW will be limited to 10 kW per house with maximum total capacity upto 500 kWp, inclusive of RTS put in individual houses in the GHS/RWA.

CFA under residential category will be provided for 4000 MW capacity and the same will be provided on the basis of benchmark cost or tender cost, which is lower.

Central financial support will not be available for other category i.e., institutional, educational, social, government, commercial, industrial, etc.

Under Phase-II Programme, focus will be on increased involvement of DISCOMs.  Performance based incentives will be provided to DISCOMs based on RTS capacity achieved in a financial year (i.e. 1st April to 31st March every year till the duration of the scheme) over and above the base capacity i.e. cumulative capacity achieved at the end of previous financial year.  The incentive to DISCOMs will be as follows:

S.No.	Parameter	Incentive
1	For installed capacity achieved upto 10% over and above of installed base capacity* within a financial year.	No incentive
2	For installed capacity achieved above 10% and up to 15% over and above of installed based capacity* within a financial year	5% of the applicable cost** for capacity achieved above 10% of the installed base capacity
3	For installed capacity achieved beyond 15% over and above of installed based capacity* within one financial year.	5% of the applicable cost** for capacity achieved above 10% and up to 15% of the installed base capacity PLUS 10% of the applicable cost**  for capacity achieved beyond 15% of the installed base capacity.

*Installed base capacity shall mean the cumulative RTS capacity installed within the jurisdiction of DISCOMs at the end of previous financial year.  This will include total RTS capacity installed under Residential, Institutional, Social Government, PSU, Statutory/Autonomous bodies, Private Commercial, Industrial Sectors etc.

** applicable cost is the applicable benchmark cost of MNRE for the state/UT for mid-range RTS capacity of above 10 kW and upto 100 kW or lowest of the costs discovered in the tenders for that State/UT in that year, whichever is lower.

DISCOMs and its local offices shall be the nodal points for implementation of the programme.  Since, DISCOMs are required to incur additional expenditure for implementation of scheme in terms of additional man-power, creating infrastructure, capacity building, awareness, etc.  It is approved to compensate them by providing performance linked incentives.  These incentives will be provided to enable DISCOMs to create an enabling ecosystem for expeditious implementation of RTS programme in their area.

The incentives to the DISCOMs will be available only for initial capacity addition of 18,000 MW under the scheme.

The Programmes will have substantial environmental impact in terms of savings of CO2 emission.  Considering average energy generation of 1.5 million units per MW, it is expected that addition of 38 GW solar rooftop plants under Phase-II by year 2022 will result in CO2 emission  reduction of about 45.6 tonnes per year.

The programme has directed employment potential.  Besides increasing self-employment the approval is likely to generate employment opportunity equivalent to 9.39 lakh job years for skilled and unskilled workers for addition of 38GW capacity under Phase-II of the scheme by the year 2022.

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)

Cabinet approves revisions/modifications in National Programme for Mid-Day Meal in Schools

Posted On: 19 FEB 2019 8:49PM by PIB Delhi

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the revision of norms under Mid Day Meal Scheme with an outlay of Rs.12,054 Crore for 2019-20 in addition to the subsidy of about Rs. 8,000 crore borne by Department of Food & Public Distribution. The following revised norms and inclusion of new components would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the scheme:

Background:

Mid-Day Meal Scheme (MDMS), is a Centrally-Sponsored Scheme which covers all school children studying in Classes I-VIII of Government, Government-Aided Schools. The scheme covers more than 12 crore children studying in 11.4 lakh schools across the country.

Government of India incurs more than Rs 17,600 crore in the scheme including the subsidy of about Rs.7,600 crore on food grains.

The average per meal cost borne by Central Government is Rs 6.64 and Rs. 9.59 for students of primary and upper primary classes, respectively.

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Source : PIB