Northeast key to ‘Act East’: Dr Jitendra Singh

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The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale at the review meeting with the senior officials of the Government of Meghalaya on the schemes of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and its implementation in the State of Meghalaya, at Shillong, Meghalaya on October 07, 2017.

 

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The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale at the review meeting with the State Government official, in Guwahati on October 08, 2017.

The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale at the review meeting with the State Government official, in Guwahati on October 08, 2017.

The Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale addressing a press conference after reviewing the meeting with the State Government official, in Guwahati on October 08, 2017.

 

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Ministry for Development of North-East Region
16-October, 2017 10:10 IST
Northeast emerging as new 'StartUp' destination: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh has said that the Northeast is fast emerging as the new "StartUp" destination for youngsters from all over India.

Addressing the two-day National Convention on "Transforming Northeast India" here yesterday, Dr Jitendra Singh said, with the improvement in connectivity and transport facility in the last two years, coupled with concentrated administrative focus, more and more youngsters are now heading towards the North-Eastern States to venture into entrepreneurship and take advantage of its unexplored potential. Citing an example, he said, for instance, whereas in certain areas of Northeast, including States like Arunachal Pradesh, while almost 40% of the fruit goes waste on account of lack of adequate storage and transport facilities, the same can be used to produce and manufacture fresh and pure fruit juice at a much more cost-effective price.

In an hour long interactive session with the youngsters, Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out to another area for future StartUps and said during the peak season of tourism when there is no accommodation available, even mediocre hotels charge exorbitant fares which are sometimes equal to 5-star hotel fares in a metropolitan city. However, he said, as the ‘home tourism’ trend has picked up in the recent two to three years, several youngsters are now making a fortune out of this hitherto unexplored avenue. Dr Jitendra Singh referred to the new airports coming up at Pakyong in Sikkim, Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh and Shillong in Meghalaya, which along with a time-bound plan to lay broad-gauge rail track, would bring in further ease of business. Another sector of entrepreneurship which is fast emerging in Northeast, Dr Jitendra Singh said, is the medical and healthcare sector. For years, he said, there has been a trend for patients to shift outside the region, mostly to Kolkata or Vellore, but the encouragement given to the private corporate sector has now resulted in the opening of new hospitals within the region itself and young entrepreneurs are taking the lead. In this regard, he also referred to the initiative taken by DoNER Ministry to promote public-private partnership with some of the leading corporate players.

While the women in Northeast are already empowered and professionally more active as part of their tradition, Dr Jitendra Singh pointed to the recent initiatives of encouraging Self Help Groups to promote household entrepreneurships, in which young StartUps have also come forward and opted to work in the sector of handloom and textile. To further reinforce this effect, the Union Textile Ministry has also initiated some exclusive schemes and initiatives for North-Eastern States. Dr Jitendra Singh called upon the youngsters to make the best use of Government of India’s “North East Industrial Promotion Policy” as well as the special budgetary support offered to the industry. Member of Parliament, Shri Vinay Sahasrabuddhe also addressed the convention.



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Ministry of Agriculture
16-October, 2017 17:14 IST
Shri Radha Mohan Singh reviews Pioneer Project CHAMAN

Project CHAMAN, likely to be completed by March 2018: Shri Singh

Interim report of site suitability study for North East to be handed over to the states by January 2018 for immediate consideration for implementation: Agriculture Minister

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that in order to provide strategic development to the horticulture sector, so as to increase farmers income, a pioneer project called CHAMAN, has been launched three years back by the Government. This project is being implemented by Mahalanob is National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC) using remote sensing technology and is likely to be completed in March 2018. This was told by the Shri Singh in New Delhi today during a presentation on CHAMAN.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the Horticulture sector is one of the major drivers of growth in Agriculture sector. This sector provides nutrient rich crops to the people and better remunerative prices to the farmers thereby augmenting their income. It also provides higher employment opportunities in the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. Thus it has gained significant prominence in the recent years. It is a matter of pride that India is the Second largest producer of Vegetables and Fruits in the world and is First in the production of Banana, Mango, Lime and Lemon, Papaya and Okra.

Shri Singh informed that CHAMAN is a pioneer project in which remote sensing technique is being used for strategic development of horticulture sector as also to increase the farmers’ income. It gives methodology for preparing reliable estimates of horticulture crops. Union Agriculture Minister said that this methodology will help the farmers to generate better income.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the income of farmers will increase by growing selected crops in the high suitable areas identified under CHAMAN in the current Jhum /waste lands. Besides this, the Post-Harvest damages of farmers would be significantly reduced by creation of desired Post Harvest Infrastructures like cold storages etc. thereby increasing their income. In addition the Geo-Spatial Studies like crop intensification, orchard rejuvenation and aqua-horticulture would further help the farmers’ to grow their horticultural crops in a profitable manner which will help doubling their income.

Union Agriculture Minister informed that it is proposed to hand over the interim reports of North Eastern States Site Suitability Studies to the respective State Governments by January 2018 for immediate consideration. The waste land/ jhum land areas identified for one crop in one district each of North Eastern States, under site suitability studies would be utilised by the State Governments to take up the projects of development of these areas on priority. On completion of this Project, the Geo-Spatial Studies would be conducted in all major states of the country.

Shri Singh told that on completion of this project, the methodology developed for seven important horticulture crops would be made operational in all the States. The remote sensing technology would be extended to other horticulture crops in future.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh also told that apart from these, various flagship programmes of the Ministry such as PMFBY, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), Soil Health Card, Rashtriya KrishiVikasYojana (RKVY) etc. are using remote sensing, GIS and GPS tools for their effective implementation.



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Ministry of Women and Child Development
16-October, 2017 17:17 IST
Women of India Organic Festival 2017 comes to a successful close with record sales of Rs.1.84 Crores




The Women of India Orgnaic Festival organized by the Ministry of Women & Child Development came to a successful close on 15th October, 2017. The festival was organized at Dilli Haaat, INA, New Delhi as the largest festival of organic products by women farmers and producers. The Women of India Organic Festival has now become an annual event and exhibits/offers for sale most varied range of organic products including food, kitchen products, spiceies, pure fabric to wellness, personal care among others.


The total sales by the women farmers and entrepreneurs who came from 25 States was Rs.1.84 Crores in this year’s women of India Organic Festival. Women participated from as far as Ladakh, Manipur, Sikkim and Pudduchery alongwith other states of the country. The festival saw footfall of around 2.35 lakhs visitors.


The Women of India Organic Festival 2017 was inaugurated at Dilli Haat, INA by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi and Minister of State, Dr. Virender Kumar on 1st October, 2017.



While emphasizing on the importance of going the organic way, Smt. Maneka Gandhi said, “Organic food has been proven to contain far more vitamins, minerals and nutrients than similar foods produced with chemical fertilizers, pesticides and preservatives. Economically too, organic farming is preferable since it ultimately reduces cost of cultivation by 20-40% and increases the incomes of farmers by improving quality of production as well as the quality of soil. Above all, children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of pesticide exposure. Now with the affordability factor coming into organic produce, we should make a concerted effort to promote this sustainable alternative, thereby boosting the financial well-being of farmers as well as the health and longevity of consumers especially children.”



The main aim of the Festival was to support and encourage women and women-led groups that promote organic farming, thus supporting their local community’s economy, creating jobs and keeping farmers thriving, in addition to spreading proper awareness about the benefits of organic products.


According to Ms. Damyanti Devi, a farmer from Uttarakhand, “We are so happy that the Ministry has given us the opportunity to sell our merchandise in Delhi. We had to procure merchandise twice over as we sold our initial goods in less than a week. This monetary benefit would certainly help in my daughter’s further education.” According to Ms. Thokcham Sonalika Devi, a farmer from Manipur, “We would like to thank the Ministry of Women and Child Development for organizing the Women of India Organic Festival and also giving us the chance to display our Chakhao black rice of Manipur, which was a total novelty for the people of Delhi. We also got many bulk orders for our products and hope to participate in many such festivals organized by the Ministry in the future too.”


The participants of Women of India Organic Festival 2017 also enrolled themselves in Mahila E-Haat, another initiative of the Ministry of Women & Child Development to meet the aspirations and needs of women entrepreneurs. This unique e-platform exponentially strengthens the socio-economic empowerment of women beyond the Festival.

The Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh addressing the two-day National Convention on “Transforming Northeast India”, in New Delhi on October 15, 2017.

 

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Ministry for Development of North-East Region
17-October, 2017 19:42 IST
North Eastern Council to be reoriented: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh has said that the North Eastern Council (NEC) will be reoriented and developed as a state-of-the-art resource centre for the North Eastern States with necessary resources, knowledge and skill to execute innovative and strategic vision for the region. Addressing a combined meeting of the senior officers of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and NEC here today, Dr Jitendra Singh said this will be in keeping with the changing times and the vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi as laid down by him during his visit to Shillong to attend the NEC Plenary meeting in May 2016.

Dr Jitendra Singh said the NEC was set up way back in early 1970s with the intention to give special focus to the development of this region. However, he said, much has changed since then and with the setting up of an exclusive and separate Ministry of DoNER in 2004 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, there has also been sometimes overlapping of functioning of the two institutions. Therefore, he said, the NEC requires to be reshaped after the identification of thrust areas and critical gaps in order to take up as many development initiatives as possible within the annual budgetary allocations.

During the last three years of the Central Government, Dr Jitendra Singh said the budgetary allocations for both Ministry of DoNER and NEC has been increased. Moreover, the execution of the various development works has been expedited and in the about last two years, the spending of funds has been increased by 65% to 70%. This has happened partly because of bringing in the ease in procedures as well as by using the modern technology for submission of DPRs and UCs through space satellites and other means, he added.

Dr Jitendra Singh said the NEC will have the role of a visionary as well as a strategic leader for all the eight states of the region, wherein it could lay down the roadmap for each of the separate States and areas based on specific requirements, specific attributes and specific needs. In this context, he said, NEC could also take up the leading role of promoting the bamboo industry as well as food processing entrepreneurship.

Dr Jitendra Singh issued instructions for initial written draft underlining the new format of NEC to be prepared within a timeline of one month, which could be discussed and redrafted within short time.

Secretary, DoNER, Shri Naveen Verma, Secretary, NEC, Shri Ram Muivah and other senior officers of Ministry of DoNER as well as NEC were present during the meeting.

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Ministry of Power
23-October, 2017 13:46 IST
Shri Ngangom Sarat Singh appointed as member of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for Manipur and Mizoram

Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R.K. Singh administered oath of office and secrecy to Shri Ngangom Sarat Singh, here today, on his appointment as member of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for Manipur and Mizoram. The JERC is a two-member Commission, each member representing the respective participating State.

Shri Ngangom Sarat Singh has been appointed as the member from the Manipur side for a period of 5 years, with effect from the date of his taking charge of the post or till he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is the earliest.

Shri Ngangom Sarat Singh holds B.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering and has retired from the post of Superintending Engineer (Electrical) in the Electricity Department of Government of Manipur.



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The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh administering the oath of office and secrecy to Shri Ngangom Sarat Singh as the Member, Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) for Manipur & Mizoram, in New Delhi on October 23, 2017.

 

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http://indianexpress.com/article/in...r-arunachal-progress-says-niti-aayog-4903296/

Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar today cited connectivity as the critical constraint for development of Arunachal Pradesh and urged the state to work on it with a proper vision and plan. Kumar, who is on a visit to the state, held a meeting with the Chief Minister, Council of Ministers and top state government officials headed by the Chief Secretary.

Kumar is accompanied by Jitendra Kumar, Niti Aayog adviser for North East region, an official release said.

“I believe robust connectivity will solve all issues of the state and therefore, the state government with all its machinery, has to singularly focus on this issue together with Niti Aayog for a road forward,” Kumar said.

He asked the state government to constitute a Task Force and evolve a white paper on how to go about dealing with this ‘constraint’ in a time bound manner.

“You need to have a clear-cut vision document and a time bound action plan. We at Niti Aayog will bring all relevant ministries on the table and make a roadmap for Arunachal Pradesh in this direction. Everything will follow once the issue of connectivity is resolved,” he said.

Appreciating Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s proposal to host a regional conference of the Niti Aayog to be attended by all the North Eastern states, Kumar said it would be a perfect platform for the states to put their respective white papers on their needs, priorities and the action plans to achieve these. He advised that the white paper or action plan be based on the Prime Minister’s New India Mission 2022 program.

“You can call it as New Arunachal Mission 2022 that will give a concrete road map and its implementation in a time bound manner. This will sync with the Prime Minister’s vision for a new India by 2022 when development will take the shape of a mass movement and not remain confined to elites or governments,” Kumar said. Earlier, Development and Finance Commissioner Ashish Kundra made a power-point presentation detailing the potentials and challenges before the state.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, Power Minister Tamiyo Taga, Education Minister Honchun Ngandam, Civil Supplies Minister Kamlung Mossang, Urban Development Minister Nabam Rebia, PHE&WS Minister Bamang Felix and Advisor to CM Tai Tagak, the release added.

 

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Ministry of Finance
24-October, 2017 18:16 IST
Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Sign $300 Million Loan to Promote Further Fiscal Reforms in West Bengal

The Asian Development Bank and the Government of India signed a $300 million loan today to continue a series of fiscal reforms in the State of West Bengal to improve the quality of public service delivery.

The Second West Bengal Development Finance Program targets a further increase in public investment through reduction of unproductive expenditure, and savings from efficiencies in revenue collections. The Program will build on earlier intervention under Phase I of the project through the $400 million Program that targeted a comprehensive fiscal consolidation program in the state.

“The Program aims to further deepen the reforms with focus on expenditure rationalization, improvement in revenue administration, and facilitation of more private investment in the state” said Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance who signed the loan on behalf of the Government of India.

“The new Program will create the fiscal space necessary to sustain higher public investment in the State which could put the state’s finances on a balanced and sustainable path,” said Mr. Kenichi Yokoyama, ADB Country Director for India, who signed for ADB. The program agreement was signed by Mr. Parwez Ahmad Siddiqui, Secretary, Finance Department, Government of West Bengal.

ADB’s first Program focused on augmenting public investments that reached almost 1.3%, as a percentage of gross state domestic product, in FY2016 from 0.5% in FY2012 while the fiscal deficit reduced to 2.2% from 3.4% in the same period. The new Program will not only target public investment but would also support private investments more directly by creating an infrastructure facility to support project preparation, development, and appraisal, with emphasis on public-private partnerships in health and education. It also seeks to simplify the registration and licensing procedure for micro, small and medium enterprises.

Spread over two years, the Program will also carry forward reforms such as linking medium term expenditure plans to actual budgets, supported by strengthening internal audit system, and enhancements in the integrated financial management system (IFMS). Other activities under the program include improved tax monitoring and continued support for information technology systems in strengthening tax and land administration.

Capital outlay as a percentage of gross state domestic product is expected to rise to 2.2% by FY2022 under the second program, with improved budget allocations geared toward development expenditure.

Accompanying the loan is a technical assistance grant of $500,000 to strengthen key institutions responsible for carrying out fiscal management reforms in the state.



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The Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on October 24, 2017.

The Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal calling on the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, in New Delhi on October 24, 2017.

 

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Ministry of Finance
30-October, 2017 17:43 IST
The Government of India and World Bank sign $200 Million Loan Agreement for the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project.

The Government of India and the World Bank today signed a $200 million Loan Agreement for the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project.

The Project will support the Government of Assam to facilitate agri-business investments, increase agriculture productivity and market access, and enable small farm holders produce crops that are resilient to recurrent floods or droughts in the state.

The Agreement for the Project was signed by Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Government of India; Mr. Ravi Kota, Principal Secretary, Finance, Government of Assam, on behalf of the Government of Assam; and Mr. Hisham Abdo, Operations Manager, World Bank India, on behalf of the World Bank.

After the Agreement, Mr Khare, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance said that Assam is simplifying several regulatory procedures related to doing business, agricultural marketing, and fisheries amongst others. He said that the project will help the State increase agricultural productivity by strengthening the farming systems, raise private sector investments to promote agri-enterprises which will create better job opportunities for the youth in the State.

The Project will be implemented in over 16 Districts of Assam. Over 500,000 farming households will directly benefit from the Project. At least 30 percent women are expected to participate in project activities. Specific focus will be given to women-led enterprises and their participation in the decision-making process of farmer producer organizations.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hisham Abdo, Operations Manager, World Bank said that the Government of Assam aims to double farm incomes in the State and transform the agricultural sector into a stable source of growth and economic development. He said that this project will serve as the nucleus to fulfill the State’s much larger vision of an agriculture-based rural transformation.

The focus on geographic clustering of the production base for certain commodities will help agri-enterprises take advantage of existing and future market opportunities that they may not necessarily achieve alone. The cluster approach will allow for combining efforts, making use of synergies, and pooling resources to increase the competitive advantage of these products, while at the same time share the risks involved in introducing improved products or entering previously untapped markets. Successful clusters will also continuously innovate and adapt ‘best practices’ across agricultural value chains.

Mr. Manivannan Pathy, Senior Agricultural Specialist and World Bank’s Team Leader for the Project said that the value addition and market led production systems supported through the project are expected to play a vital role in enhancing the competitiveness of the agriculture sector. He said that this will be done by facilitating policy reforms, fostering private-public dialogue and catalyzing a wider private sector development in the agribusiness ecosystem of Assam.

Another key component of the project will be to promote market-led production that can deal with the vagaries of climate change. Assam’s agriculture sector is highly vulnerable to climate variability and the state experiences recurrent floods and droughts. Currently, more than 50 percent of the paddy growing areas are prone to flooding, submergence and drought. A market-led production system will take advantage of the rapidly changing market, introduce crops that are resilient to climate change, increase production and manage risks for farmers.

The $200 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a 7-year grace period, and a maturity of 16.5 years.

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The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh at a review meeting on Power Sector of Assam, in Guwahati on October 30, 2017. The Power Minister of Assam, Shri Pallab Lochan Das and the Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla are also seen.

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh addressing a review meeting on Power Sector of Assam, in Guwahati on October 30, 2017. The Power Minister of Assam, Shri Pallab Lochan Das and the Secretary, Ministry of Power, Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla are also seen.

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh calling on the Governor of Assam, Shri Jagdish Mukhi, in Guwahati on October 30, 2017.

The Minister of State (I/C) for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri Raj Kumar Singh calling on the Governor of Assam, Shri Jagdish Mukhi, in Guwahati on October 30, 2017. The The Power Minister of Assam, Shri Pallab Lochan Das is also seen.

 

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Ministry for Development of North-East Region
31-October, 2017 18:54 IST
DoNER Ministry sanctions Rs 200 cr for flood affected reconstruction works in Northeast

The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has sanctioned Rs 200 crore for flood affected reconstruction works in the four North Eastern States of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.

This was disclosed here today by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh.

Pertinent to mention that during his visit to Northeast in August this year to review the flood situation in the four States, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had announced a flood relief package of Rs 2,000 crore.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, this year had witnessed unprecedented floods and the rainfall was more than 100% higher than that in the preceding months during the same period of time. As a result, he said, the damage was colossal and the relief and rehabilitation operations also got disrupted.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, a high-level committee has also been constituted to monitor the flood related operations and plan for future roadmap to avoid such situations.

Referring to the keen interest and priority shown by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Dr Jitendra Singh recalled that not only the Prime Minister began monitoring the flood situation right from day one, but he was also personally calling up the Chief Ministers of the concerned States for the latest feedback and also offered important tips and advice.

Earlier today, Senior Sikkim leader and Member of Parliament, Shri P.D. Rai called on Dr Jitendra Singh and updated him about preparations for the upcoming "Start up Conference" to be held in Gangtok on the 24th of November. He also thanked Dr Jitendra Singh for the financial and other logistic support offered by the Ministry of DoNER for successful conduct of this conference.

The first-ever airport at Sikkim coming up at Pakyong is ready to become functional soon, informed Dr Jitendra Singh.

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The Member of Parliament from Sikkim, Shri P.D. Rai calling on the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in New Delhi on October 31, 2017.

 

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Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
03-November, 2017 16:41 IST
Regional Workshop on SDG Monitoring Framework

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), in collaboration with UNICEF, organised a two-day Regional Workshop on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on 2-3 November, 2017 in Guwahati. This Workshop is the fourth in the series of five Regional Workshops being organised for sensitisation of States on SDG Monitoring Framework.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Chief Statistician of India and Secretary, MoSPI, Dr. T.C.A Anant, sharing the salient features of the SDGs and enhanced need for continuous and holistic monitoring, stressed that the SDGs have brought in a new set of responsibilities and challenges for the country’s Statisticians. SDGs require monitoring at National and State level in additional to the Global Monitoring by United Nations. The Workshop helped in identifying good practices from States’ implementation and monitoring of SDGs, so that other States can adopt/replicate these practices. He mentioned that MoSPI would be working in close collaboration with the State Governments to strengthen systems in measuring and monitoring SDG progress.

While informing the States on the work in progress, Dr. Anant said, “The National SDG Indicators are being finalised following an elaborate consultation process with Ministries in Central Government, State Governments and other stake holders. It is a dynamic framework and a system to refine the framework also will be in place”. He also stressed the need for more investment in Data infrastructure in view of the new demand for data to monitor SDGs.

Addressing the Workshop, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Assam, Shri V B Pyarelal stated that the State of Assam is one of the first states to adopt SDGs as a policy for States development plans. He said detailed plans are in place to implement SDGs upto the grassroots level. They have established a Centre for SDGs to coordinate the SDG activities in the State Government and also foster research in collaboration with reputed institutions.

Additional Director General, MoSPI, Shri Pravin Srivastava highlighted the salient features of the National Monitoring framework. He said the national SDG indicators will help the States to align their developmental schemes with the SDG goals and to build capacity to improve monitoring on progress of the national indicators. He also emphasised the need for strengthening the statistical system in the states using open standards so that there is regular data flow from States to monitor the SDGs using technological solutions to harness the data revolution in view of the SDGs.

Policy, Planning and Evaluation (PPE) Specialist, UNICEF Delhi, Shri K D Maiti, informed that the Regional Workshop at Guwahati is the fourth such Regional Workshops. “These workshops would be helpful in developing a shared system of monitoring SDG progress at the national and state level” he added.

The two days Workshop was attended by senior officers from the States of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. The outcome of the Workshop is to come up with documentation on the various initiatives being taken by the States towards SDG implementation and to share best practices.

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[Hindustani78]

A delegation led by the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri T.R. Zeliang meeting the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh to discuss the issues related to ongoing Naga talks, in New Delhi on November 03, 2017. The MP & Ministers from Nagaland and senior officers of MHA are also seen.