doping scandal

The Anti Doping Rules of National Anti Doping Agency (NADA) became operational from 1st January 2009. NADA is responsible for sample collection work of athletes for dope analysis during the National Level competitions. Until 30.6.2011, NADA has collected 6607 samples of sportsperson out of which 242 have been returned positive for dope substances. Out of the 242 positive cases, sanctions have been imposed on 135 cases by the Anti Doping Disciplinary Panel since January 2009. In the recent doping incidents in Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports, Patiala, 8 athletes were found positive in dope testing. This was stated by Shri Ajay Maken, Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs & Sports, in the Rajya Sabha today, in a written reply to a question by Shri Tariq Anwar.

The Minister further stated that the Government has appointed Justice Mukul Mudgal, retired Chief Justice of the High Court of Punjab & Haryana, as a one member Committee on 07.07.2011 to enquire into all the aspects of the issues relating to prevalence of Doping. The terms of reference of the inquiry Committee are as under :-

I. To determine the facts and circumstances leading to large scale recent incidents of alleged doping in Athletics discipline.

II. To examine reasons for such large scale prevalence of doping and modus operandi involved, including availability of the prohibited substances in and around training camps/competitions.

III. To enquire into the role to agencies involved, if any.

IV. To suggest remedial measures to improve the protocols of dope testing and its integrity and promotion so that such lapses, if any, do not happen in future.

V. Any other issues.

In addition, the Sports Minister disclosed that the Government has taken the following corrective measures through NADA to curb doping in sports:-

I. Increased frequency of testing of Core probables undergoing training at various centres for London Olympics, 2012

II. Surprise checking of rooms of Athletes, coaches and Support Personnel at training institutes and surprise collection of samples.

III. Distribution of educational materials related to dope related issues amongst Sportspersons, Coaches & Support Personnel

IV. Increase in Seminar/Workshops/Teaching Sessions with Athletes and Coaches.

V. Closer surveillance and vigilance on Coaches and Support Personnel through their Employers.

domestic violence act implemetation

The Central Government feels the need to impart training to First Class Judicial Magistrates and Metropolitan Magistrates to deal with the cases under the Domestic Violence Act ,2005 through National/State Judicial Academies. Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha today the Minister of Women and Child development Smt. Krishna Tirath Stated that the Act is implemented by the State Governments/UT Administrations .The minister observed that the Government does not have definite information about the time taken by the magistrates in disposing off the cases but It is likely that judicial process may not be completed within the stipulated period of sixty days from the date of its first hearing in all the cases. But the increasing number of cases registered under the Act shows that more and more aggrieved persons are accessing reliefs and services under the provisions of the Act. Smt. Tirath revealed that as per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, total of 5788, 5643 and 7802 cases were registered under the PWDVA, 2005 during 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively. The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 (PWDVA, 2005) came into force w.e.f 26.10.2006. The Minister stated that Andhra Pradesh has witnessed highest no. of cases in the year 2009 under this Act in the nation which stands at 2710 .

According to the figures tabled in the house total 203804 cases of all types of crimes against women were reported in the year 2009.The crimes included dowry deaths, physical assault and harassment at workplaces. However majority of complaints received by NHRC relate to atrocities on women by the police.

She stated that the advisories issued to state governments emphasise on gender sensitization of the police personnel, minimizing delays in investigation, improving the quality of investigations and setting up ‘Crime against Women Cells’ in districts where these do not exist. States have also been advised to increase the overall representation of women in police forces.

irrigation potential under bharat nirman

Creation of irrigation potential of 10 million hectares was targeted under Bharat Nirman during the four years i.e., during the period from 2005-06 to 2008-09.  Further, creation of 3.5 million hectare of irrigation potential has been targeted under Bharat Nirman in the next two years i.e., 1.75 million hectare each during 2009-10 and 2010-11.

As per the information received from the State Governments, irrigation potential of 1.93 million hectare and 1.85 million hectare has been created during the years 2008-09 and 2009-10 respectively.  During the year 2010-11, creation of 0.81 million hectare of irrigation potential has so far been reported by the States, the information is still awaited from few States. 

Water being a State subject, Planning and implementation of water resources projects are undertaken by respective State Governments as per their own priorities.  However, central assistance is provided to the States for early completion of the projects.

river water disputes-puncchi comission

The proposal for setting up a standing tribunal for all Inter State River Water Disputes is at conceptual stage at present. The Punchi Commission on Centre State Relations has inter alia made following recommendation on water disputes:-

(i) The Tribunal should be a multidisciplinary body presided over by a Judge. 

(ii)  It should follow a more participatory and conciliatory approach. 

(iii) The statute should prescribe a time limit for clarificatory or supplementary orders. Appeals to the Supreme Court should be prescribed under the statute; and in the long run; and Reference to a Tribunal should be invariably linked with constitution of inter-State River Boards charged with an integrated watershed approach towards inter-State rivers.

(iv) The initiating party must indicate the efforts it has made in resolution of its grievances before a River Board. 

(v) The Government of India must indicate the stand it took before the Board and in case a Board has not been constituted the reasons for not having constituted one as well as the likely timeframe in case the process is underway.

These recommendations of Punchi Commission on Centre State Relations are under consideration of Inter State council.

The National Water Policy 2002 provides that the water sharing / distribution amongst the States should be guided by a national perspective with due regard to water resources availability and needs within the river basin.

The shares of the basin states in a river basin are normally decided either by agreement among the basin states or by decisions of a tribunal and are given effect to by themselves. In certain cases regulatory bodies with participation of representatives of the concerned basin states are also established to facilitate the implementation of terms of agreement /decision of Tribunal.

Tourism parks

Development and promotion of tourism including the identification of new tourism destinations and setting up of Mega Tourism Parks for holding the tourists for a longer period as well as adopting public – private partnership model for their development are primarily the responsibility of the State Governments/Union Territories (U.T) Administrations.

Assistance from Ministry of Tourism to State Governments/U.T. Administrations in these activities may include services of consultants and financial assistance under its Plan Schemes as per the scheme guidelines, inter-se priority and subject to availability of funds. The projects to be funded by the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) are decided in consultation with the States/UTs.

MOT has appointed a National Level Consultant (NLC) to develop action plans for setting up of Tourism Parks and integrated development of tourist destinations/circuits in consultation with States/UTs.

MPLADS accountability

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Statistics and Programme Implementation Shri Srikant Kumar Jena has said that complaints regarding non-implementation of MPLADS works by the district authorities have been received in the Ministry from time to time.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today he said, in a federal set up, State Government Authorities take disciplinary action against District Collectors of the State Government. The information on the number of District Collectors against whom action for dereliction of duty in implementation of MPLADS works is available only at the State Level, since the disciplinary authority is the State Government.

He said, the MPLADS guidelines stipulate that completion of the work should generally not exceed one year. However, some district authorities have not adhered to the time frame, for implementation of MPLADS works, as stipulated in the guidelines. Apart from a regular review of the physical & financial performance of the MPLAD Scheme held at the State/UT Government and the district levels, the Ministry conducts two review meetings every year with the nodal Secretaries of the State/UT Governments. As on 30.6.2011, cumulative percentage of utilization of funds is 90.69%

Per capita income

Per Capita Income at the national level, which was Rs. 24,143 in the year 2004-05, stands at Rs. 54,835 in the year 2010-11, showing an increase of more than 120%. The details of State/UT-wise per capita income (Net State Domestic Product at factor cost) at current prices, for the years 2004-05 to 2009-10, as compiled and provided by the Directorates of Economics & Statistics of the States, are given in the table at Annex.

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today he said, the per capita income of several States is more than the national average. However, the regional imbalance and disparity among various States and UTs in the country is largely due to historical difference in initial conditions, natural resource endowments, level of industrialization and differences in human capital indicators viz. education, health, etc. Per capita income is only an indicator of the disparity and not the cause.

The Minister said, the Government has been taking several measures to increase the per capita income of States in a balanced manner.  The Eleventh Five Year Plan (EFPY) takes cognizance of the disparities among States, regions within States. One of the basic objectives of the development planning in India is to reduce economic inequalities and raise the level of economic development in the country in a balanced manner. With a view to bring down disparities, the EFPY monitors 13 out of 27 monitorable national targets state-wise. The policy instruments in this regard include plan and non-plan transfer of resources from the Centre to the States favouring less developed states, establishment of public sector units, tax incentives for setting up of private industries in the backward regions, etc. A number of programmes have been initiated to reduce income disparity between States. These include Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF), Hill Area Development Programme/ Western Ghats Development Programme, etc.

Women in panchayat

following States have made legal provision for 50% reservation for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa, Rajasthan, Tripura and Uttarakhand.

Under Article 243D (4) of the Constitution of India, not less than 1/3rd of the seats of Chairpersons of District Panchayats shall be reserved for women. The State of Panchayats Report 2008-09 sponsored by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj shows that in 2010 the percentage of women members in District Panchayats was 35.80%. However, the figures of percentage of women Chairpersons of District Panchayats is not available separately.

A Nation wide study on Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) commissioned by Ministry of Panchayati Raj in 2007-08 had concluded that the earlier notions of women being mere proxies for male relatives have gradually ceded space to the recognition that given the opportunity to participate in the political system, women are as capable as their male counterparts. EWRs have used their office not only to mainstream gender issues but also to address the developmental needs of the community as a whole and also issues such as health, sanitation, early childhood care, drinking water etc., that have a special impact on the lives of women.

SFURTI

The Government introduced the Scheme of Fund for Re-generation of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) in 2005-06 for re-generation of traditional industry clusters in khadi, village industries and coir sector.  

            In a written reply in the Lok Sabha today the Union Minister of MSME Shri Virbhadra Singh said that the funds released under SFURTI during the last three years to the Nodal Agencies Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) as well as Coir Board are:

(Rs. in crore)

Year	KVIC	COIR BOARD	Total
2008-09	13.45	3.50	16.95
2009-10	12.00	--	12.00
2010-11	8.30	2.50	10.80

          

SFURTI is being implemented through experienced and reputed institutions including Government and Non-Governmental Organizations selected by the Nodal Agencies on the basis of criteria approved by the Scheme Steering Committee. For effective utilization of funds under SFURTI, cluster-wise Diagnostic Study Report containing Cluster Action Plan is prepared with the help of Cluster Development Executive engaged for the cluster and active involvement of designated Technical Agency of repute. The funds are released by the Nodal Agencies cluster-wise and the progress is closely monitored by them with the involvement of the concerned Cluster Development Coordination Group at cluster level. Funds released to the cluster are kept in an escrow­­­­ account and utilized as per plan. The progress of utilization is monitored at KVIC Headquarter level quarterly. Installments are released on the basis of utilization of earlier releases and after ascertaining satisfactory progress.

The main traditional industries that fall under the purview of the scheme include khadi and village industries such as cane and bamboo crafts, embroidery, leather, pottery, handmade paper, wooden handicrafts, bee-keeping, agarbatti, herbal products, brass metal products, carpentry, beads making, palm gur, Coir, etc.

RÔLE of panchyat in CSS

The role of Panchayats varies across different Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs), which are administered by different Union Ministries. Among the major CSSs, National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme, Indira Awas Yojana, Total Sanitation Campaign, Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme, National Programme of Nutritional Support to Primary Education (Mid-Day Meals), National Horticulture Mission, Macro Management of Agriculture, Micro Irrigation etc. are the schemes, which provide for roles and responsibilities for Panchayats. Ministry of Panchayati Raj has issued detailed advisory in this regard to Central Ministries for delineating roles and responsibilities to Panchayati Raj Institutions in implementing CSSs.

The Backward Regions Grant Funds (BRGF) Programme is the main scheme administered by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, which is an Additional Central Assistance (ACA) Scheme and not a CSS. The Panchayats, the Municipalities and other local bodies are the planning and implementing entities of this programme.

The role of the State Government in operationalizing CSS is determined by the respective scheme guidelines and the extent to which States have devolved funds, functions and functionaries (3Fs) to Panchayats, as Panchayat is a State subject and as per Article 243G States are to endow power and authority to Panchayats to enable them to function as institutions of self-government and plan and implement schemes for socio-economic development and social justice, including matters listed in the Eleventh Schedule.

Electoral reforms 4th aug

With a view to carrying out comprehensive electoral reforms, a Core-Committee has been constituted on 1st October, 2010 under the Chairmanship of an Additional Solicitor General. Giving this information in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, Shri Salman Khurshid, Minister of Law & Justice informed the House that the talking points of the Committee included (i) Criminalization of Politics; (ii) Funding of Elections; (iii) Conduct and Better Management of Elections; (iv) Regulation of Political Parties; (v) Audit and Finances of Political Parties; (vi) Review of Anti-Defection Law. The Committee under the aegis of Legislative Department and in co-sponsorship of the Election Commission of India conducted seven regional consultations at Bhopal, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bengaluru and Guwahati, wherein the stakeholders have been consulted, who inter-alia included leaders and workers of the political parties, legislators, legal luminaries, representatives of NGOs, eminent persons, civil servants (serving and retired), students etc. and views have been gathered. On the basis of the inputs received in all these consultations, legislative process as may be considered necessary will be initiated by the Government in due course, Shri Khurshid informed the House.

India srilanka relations 4th aug

The relationship between India and Sri Lanka is based upon shared historical, cultural, ethnic and civilizational ties and extensive people-to-people interaction. In recent years, the relationship has become multifaceted and diverse, encompassing all areas of contemporary relevance.

4. Sri Lanka has borne the brunt of terrorism for nearly three-decades. The end of the long period of armed conflict in Sri Lanka in May 2009, left around 3,00,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) living in camps in Northern Sri Lanka and general devastation of infrastructure in the affected areas.

5. The Government of India has accorded the highest priority to the welfare of IDPs in Sri Lanka. In June 2009, the Prime Minister announced a grant of Rs. 500 crores for relief, rehabilitation and resettlement work in Sri Lanka. Towards this humanitarian effort, India dispatched family relief packs, deployed an emergency field hospital, conducted an artificial limb fitment camp and deployed seven de-mining teams in Northern Sri Lanka. It also gifted more than 10,400 MT of shelter material, 4 lakh cement bags, 95,000 agricultural starter packs and 500 tractors to revive agricultural activities in Northern Sri Lanka.

6. India also announced the construction of 50,000 houses, mainly for IDPs in Sri Lanka. During my visit to Sri Lanka in November 2010, I inaugurated the pilot project for construction of 1000 houses at Ariyalai in Jaffna. I am happy to convey that work on ground has already started and houses are beginning to come up in what is being seen as a model project. I also carried out the ground breaking for railway line restoration projects in Northern Sri Lanka under a Government of India Line of Credit of about US $ 800 million. India is also assisting in the rehabilitation of the Kanakesanthurai (KKS) harbour, restoration of Duraiappa stadium, construction of a Cultural Centre at Jaffna and vocational training centres at Batticaloa and Nuwara Eliya.

7. Our primary objective in all that we are doing in Sri Lanka is to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of Sri Lankan Tamils, including IDPs, and to assist in the development of Northern Sri Lanka. In a Joint Press Statement issued on the occasion of the visit of the Sri Lankan External Affairs Minister to India on 17 May, 2011, I urged the expeditious implementation of measures by the Government of Sri Lanka to ensure resettlement and genuine reconciliation, including early return of IDPs to their respective homes. I am happy to convey to the House that according to information available to us around 2,90,000 IDPs have already been resettled and only around 10,000 IDPs remain in the camps.

8. Government has also articulated its position that the end of armed conflict in Sri Lanka created a historic opportunity to address all outstanding issues relating to minority communities in Sri Lanka, including Tamils. The Joint Press Release of May 17, 2011, states that all such outstanding issues had to be settled in a spirit of understanding and mutual accommodation imbued with political vision to work towards genuine national reconciliation. The External Affairs Minister of Sri Lanka affirmed his Government’s commitment to ensuring expeditious and concrete progress in the ongoing dialogue between the Government of Sri Lanka and representatives of Tamil parties and that a devolution package, building upon the 13th Amendment, would contribute towards creating the necessary conditions for such reconciliation.

9. The end of the long conflict in Sri Lanka has also raised questions relating to the conduct of the war. We have, in this context, noted a report issued by a Panel of Experts constituted by the UN Secretary General on Accountability in Sri Lanka. There have also been public reactions to the telecast of the ‘Channel 4’ documentary entitled “Sri Lanka’s Killing Fields”. Presently, our focus should be on the welfare and well being of Tamils in Sri Lanka. Their rehabilitation and rebuilding should be of the highest and most immediate priority. A just and fair settlement of the political problem is of utmost importance. I have, nonetheless, stressed to my Sri Lankan counterpart, the need for an early withdrawal of emergency regulations, investigations into allegations of human rights violations, restoration of normalcy in affected areas and redress of humanitarian concerns of affected families.

Madam Speaker,

10. On the concerns expressed by some Members on the issue of Indian fishermen in waters between India and Sri Lanka, allow me to reiterate, at the outset, that the welfare, safety and security of our fishermen have always received the highest priority by Government.

11. There have been reports of incidents of attacks on Indian fishermen, allegedly by the Sri Lankan Navy. Government, through Diplomatic Channels, has consistently and immediately taken up any reported incident involving arrest or violence against Indian fishermen to ensure their safety, security, early release and repatriation. The Government has conveyed to the Sri Lankan Government that the use of force could not be justified under any circumstance and that all fishermen should be treated in a humane manner. The Sri Lankan side, while denying that their Navy was involved, has promised to seriously investigate these incidents.

12. During the meetings with my Sri Lankan counterpart in February 2011 in Thimpu and in May 2011 in New Delhi, I not only conveyed our deep concern at the violence against our fishermen but also stressed the need to ensure that these incidents do not recur. In the Joint Press Release issued in May 2011, India and Sri Lanka agreed that the use of force could not be justified under any circumstances and that all fishermen should be treated in a humane manner.

Madam Speaker,

13. Through you I would like to inform this august House that we have emphasized that there is no justification for the use of force against our fishermen even though almost all instances of arrest and harassment of our fishermen seem to have occurred in Sri Lankan waters. We do need to be conscious of the sensitivities on the Sri Lanka and of the many Sri Lankan fishermen who have, after a long hiatus, started fishing in that area. We are also working with concerned state Government on our side keeping in mind that issues of fishermen affect both sides. In 2010, a total of 137 Indian fishermen were apprehended and released by Sri Lanka. Till 3rd August 2011, a total of 164 Indian fishermen were apprehended by Sri Lanka and all were subsequently released. At the same time, in 2010 a total of 352, and in 2011, a total of 131 Sri Lankan fishermen, have been apprehended by our authorities. A total of 104 Sri Lankan fishermen are still in Indian custody whereas all Indian fishermen apprehended on charges of fishing related violations in Sri Lanka have been released.

14. While the Government of India is of the view that the end of conflict in Sri Lanka provides an opportunity to pursue a lasting political settlement in Sri Lanka within the framework of a united Sri Lanka, acceptable to all the communities in Sri Lanka including the Tamils, it has to be kept in mind that this is a long standing issue and Sri Lanka is going through its internal processes, including structured dialogue between the Government and representatives of Tamil parties. The sooner Sri Lanka can come to a political arrangement within which all the communities feel comfortable, and which works for all of them, the better. In this context, the commencement of a structured dialogue on pursuing a political solution for national reconciliation as well as reconstruction and development is a laudable development. We will do whatever we can to support this process.

Bhopal waste disposal 4th aug

There is approximately 350 MT of toxic wastes kept safely in a secured go-down within the UCIL premises, Bhopal.

The Government of India has set up an Oversight Committee in the Ministry of Environment of Forests, Government of India under the Chairmanship of Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Environment of Forests with the representatives of the concerned Ministries/Departments and Government of Madhya Pradesh for providing oversight and support to the Government of Madhya Pradesh for carrying out the necessary remedial actions. The issue of disposal of 350 MT of toxic waste which was to be incinerated at Pithampur Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facility (TSDF) was considered by the Overisght Committee in its meetings held on 24th March, 2011 and 25th May, 2011 in view of Government of Madhya Pradesh expressing their inability to incinerate the said waste at Pithampur. The other options suggested included disposal by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in their incinerator at Nagpur, Maharashtra. The DRDO has agreed to undertake the safe disposal of toxic waste currently lying at the premises of the erstwhile UCIL in its incineration facility at Borkhedi near Nagpur. The sole responsibility of safe transportation of toxic waste from Bhopal to the DRDO facility will be that of the Government of Madhya Pradesh. The disposal of the toxic waste will be continuous over a period of 2 years from the start of delivery of the waste by the Government of Madhya Pradesh at the incineration facility of DRDO at Borkhedi near Nagpur.

FDI in pharma 4th aug

The recent takeovers of Indian companies by MNCs could increase the possibility of other takeovers of Indian companies which would have impact on the Indian health care scenario as well as on pricing and availability of medicines in India. As such an appropriate assessment requires to be made. The Department of Pharmaceuticals have requested the Department of Commerce to conduct a study on the recent takeovers of Indian Companies by the MNCs. Thereafter, the recommendation could be placed before the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister and/or the Competent Authority. Department of Commerce has informed that they have entrusted the task of this study to M/s Ernst & Young.

The policy of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in existing Indian Pharmaceutical Companies has come in for public comments especially on the issue of takeover of existing Indian Pharmaceutical companies by multi-national companies. With a view to examine the issues involved in a border perspectives, Planning Commission has with the approval of the Prime Minister constituted a High Level Committee (HLC) under the Chairpersonship of Shri Arun Maira, Member (Industry), Planning Commission to consider all the relevant aspects.