Northeast key to ‘Act East’: Dr Jitendra Singh

[Hindustani78]

The Governor of Mizoram, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma calling on the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, in New Delhi on March 29, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry for Development of North-East Region
02-April, 2018 19:04 IST
Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma calls on DoNER Minister Dr Jitendra Singh

The New Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad Sangma called on 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 & Space, Dr Jitendra Singh here today and discussed with him a wide range of development projects and schemes in the State.

In the meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh told Shri Sangma that the immediate priority should be the upgradation of the Airport at Shillong. He said that it is an irony that Shillong, though being the original capital of erstwhile Assam, still does not have a full-fledged upgraded airport. He disclosed that the work of extending the length of the air-strip has already been funded by the Ministry of DoNER, but the overall upgradation of airport would require an active involvement of the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation. This, he said, is also essential for promoting other avenues including tourism.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that the tourism potential of Meghalaya, in spite of its rich scenic beauty, has remained under-explored, but given the high priority accorded by the Government led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to the upliftment of the region, this sector is also being keenly attended. He stressed on the importance of encouraging ‘home tourism’, which has already picked up in Shillong and other destinations in the last two years. He also suggested to the Chief Minister whether a corporate five-star hotel chain could be persuaded to set up hotels in the State.

Shri Conrad Sangma told Dr Jitendra Singh that very soon he will revert back to him and hold a detailed meeting along with the Chief Secretary and other senior officers of the State Government, to put forward some of the other proposals for development projects. He said, as Chief Minister, his priority will be to concentrate and promote the three sectors of tourism, education and healthcare in a big way.

Shri Conrad Sangma was also informed by Dr Jitendra Singh that the Ministry of DoNER had set up "APJ Abdul Kalam Study Centre" at IIM Shillong, where the late President Kalam had breathed his last during a lecture visit.


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The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad Sangma 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 April 02, 2018.

 

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The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad Sangma calling on the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, in New Delhi on April 03, 2018.

The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad Sangma calling on the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, in New Delhi on April 03, 2018.

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 holding a meeting with a delegation of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, in New Delhi on April 03, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Power
03-April, 2018 20:34 IST
Shri R K Singh meets Chief Minister of Meghalaya; assures all possible support for 24*7 power supply in the State

Meghalaya to launch Saubhagya scheme on 20 April, 2018

Shri Conrad Kongkal Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya called on Shri R K Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) Power and New & Renewable Energy in his office here, today. The meeting discussed various issues pertaining to power sector in the State, and to ensure round the clock supply for each household in Meghalaya.
Shri Singh assured all possible support to Meghalaya. He said that apart from the projects sanctioned for the State, if they required any additional projects for strengthening their distribution system, the proposal may be sent and thus will be sanctioned by the Government of India.

Shri Singh referred to the target date for electrifying all the remaining villages. The Chief Minister and the Minister for Power, Meghalaya assured to electrify all the villages by the deadline.

The Chief Minister stated that he intended to launch the Saubhagya scheme in Meghalaya on the 20th April, 2018, and invited Shri Singh to be present. Shri Singh accepted the invitation and agreed to be present.

Chief Minister also mentioned that if freight subsidy was provided for the coal meant for power plants, it might help in reducing the electricity rates in the State.

Both Minsters discussed the ways for expediting the projects stuck-up due to various reasons. On the issue of shifting of a transmission line in Meghalaya (for laying a new railway line), Shri Singh emphasised that this shifting should be done without any disruption of supply to the consumers.

Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad Kongkal Sangma thanked Shri RK Singh for all the support and cooperation provided for the State.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry for Development of North-East Region
04-April, 2018 13:58 IST
Funds Allocation and Expenditure for NER

Data regarding allocation of funds to Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region and expenditure incurred during the period 2014-2015 to 2017-2018 is given below:-

(₹ in crore)



2014-2015

2015-2016

2016-2017

2017-2018

Budget Estimates

2332.78

2362.74

2430.01

2682.45

Revised Estimates

1825.45

2000.14

2524.42

2682.45

Actual Expenditure

1719.13

1986.79

2495.84

2568.17

(Provisional)



Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region provides assistance for projects prioritized by State Governments of North Eastern States for filling gaps in physical infrastructure. North Eastern Council provides funds mostly to the State Governments for projects in sectors like agriculture, education, tourism, health, air connectivity, power, water development, tourism, transport & communication, medical & health, etc.

This was stated 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, in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Finance
04-April, 2018 17:01 IST
15th Finance Commission visits Arunachal Pradesh from 5th to 8th April 2018

15th Finance Commission will visit the state of Arunachal Pradesh from 5th to 8th April 2018. The Commission will have meetings with Chief Minister, Dy. Chief Minister, Ministers and other officials of the state. Detailed presentations will be made on the finances of the State Government. The Commission will also meet leaders of various political parties, Presidents of Tribal Associations, Women Representatives, Chambers of Commerce, Captains of Businesses, Progressive farmers and other stakeholders to understand the opportunities and the challenges in the state.

There will also be interactive session with Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj Institutions. The Commission will meet the Governor Brigadier (Dr.) B. D. Mishra.


Arunachal Pradesh, first state in the Commission's itinerary


As part of its consultation process with state govt.s, the 15th Finance Commission will start with the eastern most state of the country.



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[Hindustani78]

Ministry for Development of North-East Region
05-April, 2018 18:26 IST
Development of road network in NER

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had approved a Special Accelerated Road Development programme for North East (SARDP-NE) in September, 2005 for development and improvement of roads in North Eastern Region.

In addition, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways have recently approved Bharatmala Pariyojana Phase-I, spanning over a period of five years (2017-18 to 2021-22), wherein roads of NER, aggregating to 3528 kms. have been included for improvement.

This information was provided by 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 in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Ministry for Development of North-East Region
05-April, 2018 18:23 IST
Special forum for inclusive growth in NER

NITI Forum for North East has been constituted under the chairmanship of Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog and co-chairmanship of Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. The members of the Forum include CEO, NITI Aayog, Chief Secretaries of North Eastern States, Secretaries of key Ministries/ Departments, retired bureaucrats, economists and academicians. The terms of reference of the Forum, inter alia, include identification of various constraints on the way for accelerated, inclusive but sustainable economic growth in the North East Region of the country and to recommend suitable interventions for addressing identified constraints.

Government has taken concerted efforts for up-gradation of infrastructure in the North Eastern Region. All Central Ministries, unless specifically exempted, are required to spend 10% of their Gross Budgetary Support in the North Eastern Region not only through their ongoing schemes, but also through dedicated schemes/projects for the North Eastern Region. Several initiatives have been taken by the Government of India for basic infrastructure development and providing road, rail, water, telecom and air connectivity in the North Eastern Region which, inter alia, include the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for North East, Broad Gauging & Capital Connectivity Rail Projects, Comprehensive Telecom Development Programme, Schemes for Strengthening of Transmission and Distribution system etc.

This information was provided by 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 in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Finance
06-April, 2018 18:16 IST
15th Finance Commission holds wide ranging consultations with different stakeholders in Arunachal Pradesh

15th Finance Commission began its 4 day visit to the State of Arunachal Pradesh yesterday (5th April 2018). The Commission had meetings with the State Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Council of Ministers and other officials of the State. The Commission also held wide ranging interactions with the leaders of various political parties, Tribal Leaders, Local bodies and Leaders of Businesses and received detailed insights into the opportunities and challenges lying
ahead for the State. The Commission also met the State Governor Brigadier (Dr.) B.D.Mishra.

Innovative Measures required for Vertical Devolution to NE States: State Govt.

The Chief Minister welcomed the 15th Finance Commission and thanked for choosing Arunachal Pradesh as the First State for the Commission’s visit. Detailed presentations were made by the Team Arunachal led by the Chief Minister, Shri Pema Khandu on the finances of the State Government, giving in depth understanding of the efforts made by the State for the development of them State and its projection for the award period of the 15th Finance Commission.

The Chief Minister urged the commission to consider innovative measures for vertical devolutions, specially for the North Eastern States, looking at their special requirements.


The Land of Rising Sun – Opportunities and Challenges

The State Government team led by the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary Shri Satya Gopal in their 4 hours long presentation outlined the opportunities and challenges for the state and outlined broad contours of their demands. Some of the points highlighted by the State Govt. are as follows:

1. Arunachal Pradesh must be seen from the viewpoint of its peculiar geographical location, hilly terrain, hostile topography, limited working season, lack of infrastructure which creates cost disabilities. This aspect
needs attention.

2. In North Eastern Region, Arunachal Pradesh stands second after Tripura in respect of total capital expenditure incurred as percentage of GSDP. state needs more funds for infrastructure development.

3. On account of the lack of investment from private sector and low resource base, Government is the major provider of employment and also funding to create infrastructure.

4. Physical as well digital connectivity is the biggest bottleneck for various developmental programmes.

5. Credit Deposit Ratio in the State is less than 30 against a norm of 60, which shows that the outreach of the banking sector and financial inclusion in the State is very poor.

6. In a disaster prone State like Arunachal Prasdesh, Corpus of NDRF grant needs to be enhanced and Adhoc releases should be available at the beginning of the year.

7. Environment Conservation, Biodiversity of the State and the challenges related to the Climate Change should be taken into account in the context of developmental efforts made.

8. Special compensation should be made under CAMPA to strike a balance between economic activities and environmental benefits accrued by the forest cover which is 80% of the State.

9. Compensatory development plan is required for development of Tirap, Changlang and Longding Districts.

The Chief Minister on behalf of the State Government submitted a detailed Memorandum to the Commission.

Much has been achieved, Yet much remains

The Commission appreciated the constructive and useful suggestions made by theState Government towards empowerment of the States and their development.

The Commission also placed on record its appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by the State Govt. and stated that the issues raised would receive due attention during deliberation in the Commission. The Commission also looked forward to continuing interaction with the State Government. The Commission will finalise its recommendations by October 2019 after completing its discussions with all the State Governments, the Government of India and relevant stakeholders.

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[Hindustani78]

The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, the Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Chowna Mein and the Member of the 15th Finance Commission, Shri Shaktikanta Das at a meeting, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on April 06, 2018.

The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Pema Khandu, the Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Chowna Mein and the Member of the 15th Finance Commission, Shri Shaktikanta Das at a meeting, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on April 06, 2018.

The Member of the 15th Finance Commission, Shri Shaktikanta Das addressing a press conference, in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh on April 06, 2018.

 

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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 and the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Dr. Rajiv Kumar briefing the media on the first Meeting of the NITI Forum for North East to be held in Agartala (10.04.18), in New Delhi on April 09, 2018.

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 and the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Dr. Rajiv Kumar briefing the media on the first Meeting of the NITI Forum for North East to be held in Agartala (10.04.18), in New Delhi on April 09, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

NITI Aayog
09-April, 2018 11:34 IST
Boost to Development Projects in North East; First Meeting of the NITI Forum for North East in Agartala on April 10.

The first meeting of Newly constituted NITI Forum for North East will be held in Agartala, Tripura tomorrow,10 April 2018.



The meeting will be chaired by the Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog, Rajeev Kumar and the co-Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Development of

North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jitendra Singh. Chief Ministers of NE States and leading lights from the region will attend the deliberations.



Shri Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog and Shri Jitendra Singh, MoS (IC), Ministry of DoNER addressed a press conference at NITI Aayog in the capital today ahead of departure to Agartala.



Emphasizing the need to identify constraints, streamline resources and add renewed focus on the NER, the Vice-Chairman and the Minister spoke about Moving towards a prosperous North East Region, the theme for the first meeting.



The broad agendas for the First Meeting include among others,



• Strategies for improving Road, Rail and Air Connectivity in the North East Region

• Realizing the Hydel Dream – Way Forward for utilizing existing potential for hydro-power in the NER

• Agriculture and allied sectors

− NE States to encourage Organic Farming

− Cultivation of Vegetables, fruits, Spices, medicinal plants

− Soil Health Card for farmers

− Minimizing post-harvest losses

− Increased coverage under Crop Insurance

− Milk production to be boosted

• Water Management

− Early completion of on-going irrigation projects

• Promotion of Tourism

− Promotion of Eco-Tourism, Rural Tourism and Adventure Tourism

− Strengthening of North East Tourism Development Council (NETDC)

− Organically-themed Home-Stay Tourism (as in Sikkim) may be encouraged in other NE States

− The NETDC to work closely with NE States for tourism promotion

• Identifying and targeting early bird projects in areas of connectivity, agricultural productivity and industrial development to give fillip to growth in the NER.



Background:



The ‘NITI Forum for North East’ was constituted in February 2018 with an aim to ensure sustainable economic growth of the North Eastern Region (NER) of the country and periodically review the development status in NER.



The secretariat for the Forum has been established in the DoNER Ministry. The Forum includes representation from all NE States, their Chief Secretaries and Secretaries of relevant Central Ministries/Departments, Directors of reputed institutions (IIT, IIM etc), experts and journalists have been included as members.



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[Hindustani78]

Ministry for Development of North-East Region
10-April, 2018 16:19 IST
First Meeting of the ‘NITI Forum for North East’ held in Agartala today

The first meeting of the newly constituted ‘NITI Forum for North East’ was held in Agartala, Tripura today. The meeting, organized by the NITI Aayog, Ministry of DoNER and the North Eastern Council (NEC), was co-chaired by the Vice-Chairman, NITI Aayog, Shri Rajeev Kumar and the Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr. Jitendra Singh. Chief Minister of Tripura, Shri Biplab Kumar Deb, Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio and the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad Sangma, besides Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Shri Chowna Mein also participated in the day-long deliberations. Senior Ministers, Chief Secretaries and senior officers of the Central Ministries and State Governments were also present.

In his inaugural address, Shri Rajiv Kumar said the focus of development projects in the NER will be based on the concept of “HIRA” (Highways, Inland Waterways, Railways and Airways) as spelled out by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He said emphasis will also be made on Education, Health and Skill Development in the region. He further said that Horticulture, Tourism, Food Processing, use of Bamboo and Made in North-East will be developed through five Mission Mode projects in a time-bound manner.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jitendra Singh, said the Government has focused on development in a region which more or less remained out of the mainstream for the last seven decades since Independence. He said there has been a significant 21% rise in fund utilization in the North-East during the last three years. Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Central Government has now committed full 100% funding for development projects in the NER, as against 90-10 ratio earlier with the State Governments funding 10% of the total cost.

Nagaland Chief Minister Shri Neiphiu Rio pointed out that Kohima is the only state capital in the North-East which does not have an airport. He said the State Government has acquired land for this purpose and at least one small airstrip at Kohima should be constructed for providing air connectivity to Nagaland under the UDAN scheme.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad Sangma said that development is the solution for all socio-economic problems in the region and through Infrastructure and Connectivity, many development problems can be solved. He said that the National Games-2022 will be held in Meghalaya, which will coincide with the 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence. He further said that economic challenges of the NER can be met by removing the physical and economic barriers. Chief Minister of Tripura, Shri Biplab Kumar Deb thanked the Prime Minister for giving Tripura an opportunity to host this prestigious event. He said that the State bordering with Bangladesh from three sides imports more than Rs.300 crores annually from Bangladesh but exports a meager Rs.4.6 crores. He said certain provisions prohibit export of rubber from Tripura, but the same is routed through West Bengal. Shri Deb said Tripura has immense potential in fisheries as the state has the world’s best climate suitable for aquaculture but this has not been exploited.

Representatives of all eight member States of the NER gave their valuable suggestions on Moving towards a prosperous North East Region, the theme for today’s meeting. Secretary, DoNER Shri Naveen Verma and Secretary, NEC, Shri Ram Muivah explained the status of different development projects in the region.

The ‘NITI Forum for North East’ was constituted in February 2018 with an aim to ensure sustainable economic growth of the North Eastern Region (NER) of the country and periodically review the development status in NER.


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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 along with the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Dr. Rajiv Kumar and the Chief Minister of Tripura, Shri Biplab Kumar Deb, the Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio and the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad Sangma lighting the lamp to inaugurate the first meeting of newly constituted NITI Forum for North East, in Agartala on April 10, 2018.

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 along with the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Dr. Rajiv Kumar being welcomed at the first meeting of newly constituted NITI Forum for North East, in Agartala on April 10, 2018. The Secretary, DoNER, Shri Naveen Verma is also seen.

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 along with the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog, Dr. Rajiv Kumar at the first meeting of newly constituted NITI Forum for North East, in Agartala on April 10, 2018. The Secretary, DoNER, Shri Naveen Verma is also seen.

 

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The Army Engineer-in-Chief, Lt. Gen. S.K. Shrivastava 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 April 13, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

Vice President's Secretariat
16-April, 2018 14:56 IST
Possess strong character, uncompromising honesty and integrity: Vice President

Develop an attitude of caring and sharing; Addresses 9th Convocation of IIM, Shillong

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu advised the Management Students to possess strong character, uncompromising honesty and integrity. He was addressing the 9th Convocation of Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Shillong, Meghalaya today. The Governor of Meghalaya, Shri Ganga Prasad, the Home Minister of Meghalaya, Shri James K. Sangma and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that complete degeneration of values and the absence of fear of law are obviously leading to deviant and crooked behavior among the people. He further said that it is important to adhere to values of honesty, integrity, truthfulness and adopt the best practices. Corporate ethics should not be violated, he added.

The Vice President advised the students to remember the seven sins mentioned by Mahatma Gandhi - wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, religion without sacrifice and politics without principle. He further advised the students to possess strong character, uncompromising honesty and integrity, ethical values, patience and a sense of gratitude as they further their career prospects. Never forget that you will not only impact the lives of people in your organizations but also the lives of many others, who depend on the livelihood of your direct employees, he added.

The Vice President said that the qualities like gratitude, empathy and concern for fellow human beings seem to be missing in the modern world of materialism and consumerism and one must develop an attitude of caring and sharing. The quality of product, efficient service and ethical business practices are the hallmark of a positive global brand. Every decision taken by you as a thought leader should bear testimony to these qualities, he added.

The Vice President said that education is not only for employment, but also for enlightenment and empowerment. He has also asked management institutions like IIMs to give priority to research publications. Step up focus on research, he added.

Following is the text of Vice President's address:

"It is a pleasure and privilege for me to be with you today at IIM, Shillong. Thank you Shri Shishir Kumar Bajoria, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM, Shillong and Professor Amitabha De, Director, IIM, Shillong for this opportunity to be in the North East and at IIM, Shillong on this convocation day of the Institute.

My congratulations to the graduates, fellows, medal winners and their families! Earning a Post Graduate Diploma in Management and Fellow in Management from a premier institution like IIM, Shillong is an important milestone in your life. You will be treading a different path from now on. You will be applying the knowledge and skills you had acquired in this hallowed institution in real life situations to face new challenges and solve business problems that the corporate world expects of you.

The education imparted to you over the years, the tough competitions you had faced, your hard work, the long hours of study you had put in and the knowledge acquired –all these had helped you to be what you are today. Apart from your knowledge, analytical abilities and skills, you will need to possess strong character, uncompromising honesty and integrity, compassion, ethical values, patience and a sense of gratitude as you chart new and unexplored frontiers to further your career prospects. These qualities will not only help the Corporate India to flourish but contribute to building Brand India in global forums.

I want to touch upon your future role as a leader for Brand India--as a leader in a fast developing economic power with social and demographic challenges, your behavior must be exemplary through the display of highest moral and ethical standards. People always look up to leaders in different fields and when you assume the role of a leader of Brand India, you should become the trendsetter and a role model for others to emulate. You should make India proud.

This is all the more important in the wake of the recent bank scams in the country. Such scams will tarnish the image of the country. Why have such scams increased over the years? Complete degeneration of values and the absence of fear of law are obviously leading to deviant and crooked behavior among the people. Therefore, it is important to adhere to values of honesty, integrity, truthfulness and adopt the best practices. Corporate ethics should not be violated. Here, I would like you to always remember the seven sins mentioned by Mahatma Gandhi—wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, religion without sacrifice and politics without principle.

Dear students, there is no finishing line to learning—it is a continuous process, in fact it’s a life-long process. Try to be erudite, but polite; creative but responsive; innovative but evocative. Be humane, inclusive and environmentally-conscious. You should also be socially conscious with a national outlook. Since most of you will be working for various businesses or commercial enterprises, the need to view every important decision or project from ecological and humanitarian angles is as important as it is from an economic angle.

This is all the more important when lands are acquired for new projects displacing people. Development and people’s welfare must go hand-in-hand.

These days, all of us are experiencing the adverse impact of global warming and the resultant climate change. Frequency of extreme weather events is increasing—the message is loud and clear—we should never tinker with nature. We should protect nature and promote culture for a better future. That is my advice to all of you. We have to go back to our roots—traditions, culture and customs so that we can pass on to our future generations a planet of peace, plenty and prosperity.

So what does it mean to each of you as you graduate from IIM, Shillong? I have been told that Late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, belovedly known to you as “Kalam Sir”, while giving lectures here, used to ignite your minds to dream for an India that would not only occupy a prime place in the world but would also to take care of the people living at the bottom of the pyramid.

I believe, this is what is needed. We all should develop an attitude of caring and sharing. Somehow, qualities like gratitude, empathy and concern for fellow human beings seem to be missing in the modern world of materialism and consumerism. In the olden days, we used to have joint family system and as result of living with members of a larger family—grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and siblings, the children used to automatically develop caring and sharing attitude.

Dear students, India is on the rise and there will be opportunities galore for youngsters like you. Just a few days ago, the Asian Development Bank stated that India’s economy will grow at 7.3 per cent this fiscal and expected to grow at 7.6 per cent next year, making India the fastest growing Asian economy. The Chief Economist of ADB was quoted as saying that despite short-term costs, the benefits of reforms such as the recently implemented GST will propel India’s future growth. Robust FDI flows attracted by liberalized regulations and the government steps to improve the ease of doing business will further bolster growth, he had said.

I would also like to remind all of you that about 200 years ago India’s contribution to world GDP was 27 per cent. From 10th to 14th century, India was leading the world economy. Following repeated foreign invasions and the British rule, our economy lost its dominant position and remained in a state of decline for many years. In the field of education too, India was known as ‘Vishwaguru” and people from all over the world used to come and study at ancient centres of learning like Nalanda and Takshashila. Today, India is predominantly young as 65 per cent of people are below the age of 35 years. We need to convert this rich human capital into a ‘demographic dividend’ and make India the knowledge and economic hubs of the world.

I am sure, prestigious institutions like IIMs will give priority to research publications. There is a need for management institutions to step up focus on this aspect, According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for the year 2018, India’s overall share in world publications is only about 4 per cent. Of the total 83,09,449 research publications in 2016-17, only 3,36,978 are from India. In the management discipline, the share is just two per cent.

I am told that during your study at IIM, Shillong you have not only learned the various development models and the policy related issues, which are key for the economic growth of a nation in particular and world in general, but that you have also been taught that the development should be sustainable in the long run. There is no “one size fits all” formula and India needs to have an economic model that specifically suits its requirements.

I am sure that you must have also learned the nuances of managing business in a globalised world. Your career will bring you in contact with businesses and peers from across the globe. Your products and services will find global customers. As you interact with the world, show your leadership that represents modern India. You need to take on the challenges and shoulder responsibilities to transform India into a global economic power. Please keep in mind that the quality of product, efficient service and ethical business practices are the hallmark of a positive global brand. Every decision taken by you as a thought leader should bear testimony to these qualities.

India has progressed on multiple fronts in the last few decades. But we are still saddled with many challenges like poverty, illiteracy, social discrimination, atrocities against the weaker sections and women, lack of sanitation, imbalanced development with rural areas lagging far behind their urban counterparts. We need to overcome these challenges and build a prosperous, inclusive new India. We need to progress faster.

I am sure IIM, Shillong must have instilled in you the zeal to work diligently and with passion to create wealth. Change cannot be effected by the government alone. Organizations in both the public and private sectors have to play a key role in making India a strong economic power.

All of you must understand that you are among the privileged few, who got an opportunity to study in one of the premier management Institutes of the country. Equipped with new management skills, knowledge and ideas, you can become entrepreneurs and create jobs instead of seeking jobs.

Never forget that you will not only impact the lives of people in your organizations but also the lives of many others, who depend on the livelihood of your direct employees. Livelihood opportunities, especially for the bottom of the pyramid, are going to be more and more competitive, if not scarce. You have to be courageous to take actions that not only create jobs but also help in preserving jobs.

Let me remind you of the invaluable contributions made by your parents, near and dear ones, teachers and your alma mater IIM, Shillong for what you are today. Let me also stress upon the importance of managing work-life balance and equanimity of mind. This can be achieved by doing yoga on a regular basis. Yoga has nothing to do with religion.

Finally remember that education is not only for employment, but also for enlightenment and empowerment.

Congratulations once again and best of luck in all your future endeavors!



Jai Hind!"

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Ministry for Development of North-East Region
16-April, 2018 19:53 IST
FICCI President Shri Rashesh Shah calls on MoS Dr Jitendra Singh

The President of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Shri Rashesh Shah called on 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 & Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, here today and discussed business and investment plans for Northeast.

Shri Rashesh Shah referred to renewed focus on Northeast in the last three or four years ever since the Government took over and said that the entire business community and business trade organizations across the country are now looking forward to the Northeast for unexplored avenues. He said, the business community is particularly interested in tourism and agriculture sector, which has immense potential in the region.

Dr Jitendra Singh suggested that FICCI should organize series of awareness programmes in the peripheral States of Jammu & Kashmir and Northeast to spread awareness both among the business community as well as consumers about the kind of investments and business ventures, most optimally suitable for each of the given regions. He particularly emphasized the need to promote young Start-ups and young entrepreneurs from across the country to come forward and invest in these areas.

Shri Shah told Dr Jitendra Singh that very soon, FICCI will come out with a comprehensive proposal and plan in the form of a written document which would be the road- map for the best possible investments and industry initiatives in the times to come. He said that the FICCI will always look forward to Dr Jitendra Singh for continued support, as in the past.



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Ministry of Finance
16-April, 2018 16:53 IST
India Signs Loan agreement with World Bank for usd 48 million for Meghalaya Community - Led Landscapes Management Project

A Loan Agreement for IBRD loan of USD 48 million for the “Meghalaya Community - Led Landscapes Management Project (MCLLMP)” was signed here today with the World Bank. The Loan Agreement was signed by Mr. Sameer Kumar Khare, Joint Secretary (MI), Department of Economic Affairs on behalf of the Government of India and Mr. Hisham A Abdo Kahin, Acting Country Director, World Bank (India) on behalf of the World Bank. A Project Agreement was also signed by Mr. P. Sampath Kumar, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya & CEO, Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) and Mr. Hisham A Abdo Kahin, Acting Country Director, World Bank (India).

The Objective of the Project is to strengthen community-led landscapes management in selected landscapes in the State of Meghalaya. The Project consists of three components: (i) Strengthening Knowledge and Capacity for Natural Resource Management; (ii) Community-led landscape planning and implementation and (iii) Project Management and Governance.

The closing date of the Project is 30th June, 2023.

Meghalaya’s natural resource such as land, water sources and forests is a source of livelihood for a majority of the population in the State. The Project will help manage these depleting resources, by strengthening the communities and traditional institutions. Restoration of degraded and highly degraded landscapes under the Project will increase water for local communities and improve the soil productivity which will in turn increase incomes and reduce poverty.


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[Hindustani78]

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu being received by the Governor of Meghalaya, Shri Ganga Prasad, the Home Minister of Meghalaya, Shri James K. Sangma, on his arrival, in Shillong, Meghalaya on April 16, 2018.