Text of the PM’s address at the function organized by Rickshaw Sangh in Varanasi

Text of the PM’s address at the function organized by Rickshaw Sangh in Varanasi

विशाल संख्या में आए भाईयो और बहनों, 

यहां जो कार्यक्रम हो रहा है, ये कार्यक्रम सिर्फ कुछ गरीब परिवारों का जीवन बदलेगा, ऐसा नहीं है। ये कार्यक्रम एक ऐसी शुभ शुरूआत है, जो काशी के भाग्‍य को बदलेगा। यहां के गरीब के जीवन में अगर हम थोड़ा सा आवश्‍यक बदलाव ला ले, समय के आधारित जीवन में technology का प्रवेश करें, तो गरीब से गरीब व्‍यक्‍ति की पहले जितना परिश्रम करके कमाता था, उससे भी थोड़ा कम परिश्रम करके, वो ज्‍यादा कमा सकता है। आज यहां उस प्रकार की सुविधाएं दी जा रही हैं, जिसमें बैंक का सहयोग है, American Foundation का सहयोग है, भारत सरकार बहुत बड़ी मात्रा में इन चीजों को promote कर रही है और गरीब को सबसे पहला प्रयास है कि वो आत्‍मनिर्भर कैसे बने। 

हम करीब-करीब पिछले 40-50 साल से गरीबी हटाओ, इस बात को सुनते आए हैं। हमारे देश में चुनावों में भी गरीबों का कल्‍याण करने वाले भाषण लगातार सुनने को मिलते हैं। हमारे यहां राजनीति करते समय कुछ भी करते हो लेकिन सुबह-शाम गरीबों की माला जपते रहना, ये एक परंपरा बन गई है। इस परंपरा से जरा बाहर आने की जरूरत है और बाहर आने का मतलब है कि क्‍या हम प्रत्‍यक्ष रूप से गरीबों को साथ ले करके, गरीबी से मुक्‍ति का अभियान चला सकते हैं क्‍या? अब तक जितने प्रयोग हुए हैं, उन प्रयोगों से जितनी मात्रा में परिणाम चाहिए था, वो देश को मिला नहीं है। गरीब की जिन्‍दगी में भी जिस तेजी से बदलाव आना चाहिए, वो बदलाव हम ला नहीं पाए हैं। मैं किसी सरकार को दोष देना नहीं चाहता हूं, किसी दल को दोष देना नहीं चाहता हूं, लेकिन कुछ अच्‍छा करने की दिशा में एक नए सिरे से गरीबों के कल्‍याण के लिए मूलभूत बातों पर focus करना। वो कौन सी चीजें करें ताकि गरीब जो सचमुच में मेहनत करने को तैयार है, गरीबी की जिन्‍दगी से बाहर निकलने को तैयार है। आप किसी भी गरीब को पूछ लीजिए, उसे पूछिए कि भाई क्‍या आप अपने संतानों को ऐसी ही गरीबी वाली जिन्‍दगी जीएं, ऐसा चाहते हो कि अच्‍छी जिन्‍दगी जीएं चाहते हो। गरीब से गरीब व्‍यक्‍ति भी ये कहेगा कि मैं मेरे संतानों को विरासत मैं ऐसी गरीबी देना नहीं चाहता। मैं उसे एक ऐसी जिन्‍दगी देना चाहता हूं कि जिसके कारण वो अपने कदमों पर खड़ा रहे, सम्‍मान से जीना शुरू करें और अपनी जिन्‍दगी गौरवपूर्व बताएं, ऐसा हर गरीब मां-बाप की इच्‍छा होती हैं। उसको वो पूरा कैसे करें। आज कभी हालत ऐसी होती है कि वो मजदूरी करता है, लेकिन अगर थोड़ा-सा skill development कर दिया जाए, उसको थोड़ा हुनर सिखा दिया जाए तो पहले अगर वो सौ रुपया कमाता है, थोड़ा हुनर सिखा दिया तो वो 250-300 रुपए कमाना शुरू कर देता है और एक बार हुनर सीखता है तो खुद भी दिमाग लगाकर के उसमें अच्‍छाई करने का प्रयास करता है और इसलिए भारत सरकार ने एक बहुत बड़ा अभियान चलाया है skill development का, कौशल्‍यवर्धन का। गरीब से गरीब का बच्‍चा चाहे स्‍कूल के दरवाजे तक पहुंचा हो या न पहुंचा हो, या पांचवीं, सातवीं, दसवीं, बारहवीं पढ़कर के छोड़ दी हो, रोजी-रोटी तलाशता हो। अगर उसे कोई चीज सिखा ली जाए तो वो देश की अर्थनीति को भी बल देता है, आर्थिक गतिविधि को भी बल देता है और स्‍वयं अपने जीवन में कुछ कर-गुजरने की इच्‍छा रखता है और इसलिए छोटी-छोटी चीजें ये कैसे develop करे उस दिशा में हमारा प्रयास है। 

आज मैं यहां ये सब ई-रिक्‍शा वाले भाइयों से मिला। मैंने उनको पूछा क्‍या करोगे, चला पाओगे क्‍या? तो उन्‍होंने कहा साहब पहले से मेरा confidence level ज्‍यादा है। मैंने कहा क्‍यों? वो मेरा skill development हो गया। उसे skill शब्‍द भी आता था। बोले मेरा skill development हो गया। बोले मेरी training हुई और मेरा पहले से ज्‍यादा विश्‍वास है। पहले मैं pedal वाले रिक्‍शा चलाता था। मैंने कहा speed कितनी रखोगे? बोले साहब मैं कानून का पालन करूंगा और मैं कभी ऐसा न करूं ताकि मेरे परिवार को भी कोई संकट आए और मेरे passenger के परिवार को भी संकट आए, ऐसा मैं कभी होने नहीं दूंगा और काशी की गलियां तो छोटी है तो वैसे भी मुझे संभाल के चलना है। उसकी ये training हुई है। काशी में दुनिया भर के लोग आते हैं। काशी का tourism कैसा हो, काशी कैसा है, काशी के लोग कैसे है? उसका पहला परिचय यात्री को किसके साथ होता है, रिक्‍शा वाले के साथ होता है। वो उसके साथ किस प्रकार से व्‍यवहार करता है, वो उसके प्रति किस प्रकार का भाव रखता है, उसी से उसकी मन में छवि बनती है। अरे भाई, ये तो शहर बहुत अच्‍छा है। यहां के रिक्‍शा वाले भी इतने प्‍यार से हमारी चिन्‍ता करते हैं, वहीं से शुरू होता है और इसलिए यहां जो टूरिस्‍टों के लिए एक स्‍पेशल रिक्‍शा का जो सुशोभन किया गया है, कुछ व्‍यवस्‍थाएं विकसित की गई हैं। मैं उनसे पूछ रहा था, मैंने कहा आप Guide के नाते मुझे सब चीजें बता सकते हों, बोले हां बता सकता हूं। मैं हर चीज बता सकता हूं रिक्‍शा चलाते-चलाते और बोले मुझे विश्‍वास है कि मेरे रिक्‍शा में जो बैठेगा, उसको ये संतोष होगा कि काशी उसको देखने को सहज मिल जाएगा। चीजें छोटी-छोटी होती हैं, लेकिन वे बहुत बड़ा बदलाव लाती है। 

आज चाहे pedal रिक्‍शा को आधुनिक कैसे किया जाए, pedal रिक्‍शा से ई-रिक्‍शा की ओर shifting कैसे किया जाए, यात्रियों की सुविधाओं को कैसे स्‍थान दिया जाए, बदलते हुए युग में environment friendly technology का कैसे उपयोग किया जाए? इन सारी बातों का इसके अंदर जोड़ हैं और सबसे बड़ी बात है उनके परिवार की। आज इसमें जो लोग select किए गए हैं, वो वो लोग है, जिनकी खुद की कभी रिक्‍शा नहीं थी। वो बेचारे किराए पर रिक्‍शा लेकर के दिनभर मजदूरी करते थे। 50 रुपया, 60 रुपया उस रिक्‍शा मालिक को उनको देना पड़ता था। बचा-खुचा घर जाकर के ले जाता था। बच्‍चों के लिए डबलरोटी साथ ले जाता था, उसी से रात का गुजारा हो जाता था। इस प्रयोग का सबसे बड़ा लाभ उन गरीब रिक्‍शा वालों को है कि अब उनको वो जो ऊंचे ब्‍याज से पैसे देने पड़ते थे, उससे अब मुक्‍ति हो गई। अब वो जो पैसे होंगे वो बैंक के बहुत ही कम rate से पैसा जमा करेगा और कोई साल के अंदर और कोई दो साल में इस रिक्‍शा का मालिक हो जाएगा। जब उसे पता है, इसका मतलब ये हुआ कि उसकी ये बचत होने वाली है। ये पैसे उसके किसी ओर की जेब में नहीं जाने वाले, खुद की जेब में जाने वाले है ताकि वो एक साल-दो साल के बाद इसका मालिक बन जाने वाला है और मुझे विश्‍वास है कि इस प्रकार की व्‍यवस्‍था के कारण आने वाले दिनों में जितने परिवार है, उनको फिर गरीबी की हालत में रहने की नौबत नहीं आएगी, वो आगे बढ़ेंगे। 

मैंने उनसे पूछा कि बच्‍चों को पढ़ाओगे क्‍या? बोले साहब अब तक तो कभी-कभी मन में रहता था कि कितना पढ़ाऊं, कहां से पैसा लाऊं, लेकिन ये जो आपने व्‍यवस्‍था की है, अब मैं आपको विश्‍वास दिलाता हूं, मैं बच्‍चों को पढ़ाऊंगा। मेरी बात तो ये पांच-छह लोगों के साथ हुई है लेकिन यहां जिन लोगों को आज रिक्‍शा मिल रही है, उन सबसे मेरा आग्रह है कितनी ही तकलीफ क्‍यों न हो, मेरे प्रति नाराजगी व्‍यक्‍त करनी है, तो जरूर करना, आपको हक है। लेकिन बच्‍चों को पढ़ाई से कभी खारिज मत करना, बच्‍चों की पढ़ाई को प्राथमिकता देना। गरीबी के खिलाफ लड़ाई लड़ने का सबसे बड़ा औजार और सस्‍ते से सस्‍ता औजार कोई है, तो अपनी संतानों को शिक्षा देना। अगर हम अपने बच्‍चों को शिक्षा देंगे, तो दुनिया की कोई ताकत नहीं है जो हमें गरीब रहने के लिए मजबूर कर दे। देखते ही देखते स्थिति बदलना शुरू हो जाएगा। और इसलिए मैं आग्रह करूंगा कि ये जो नई सुविधाएं जिन-जिन परिवारों को मिल रही हैं, वे अपने बच्‍चों को पढ़ाने के विषय में कोई compromise न करें, अपने बच्‍चों को जरूर पढ़ाएं। 

आज मुझे एक परिवार से मिलना हुआ। वो बहन चौराहे पर दरी बिछाकर के सब्‍जी बगैरा बेचती रहती थी, आज उसको एक ठेला मिल गया है। मैंने उसको पूछा क्‍या फर्क पड़ेगा। बोले जी पहले तो मैं जहां बैठती थी कोई आया तो माल ले के जाता था, अब मैं अलग-अलग इलाकों में जाऊंगी, अपना समय पत्रक बना दूंगी कि इस इलाके में सुबह 9 बजे जाना है, इस इलाके में सुबह 10 बजे जाना है इस इलाके में 11 बजे जाना है, तो लोगों को भी पता रहेगा कि मैं कितने बजे वहां माल अपना लेकर जाऊंगी, तो वो जरूर उस समय पर मेरा माल ले लेंगे। अब देखिए अनपढ़ महिला! लेकिन उसे मालूम है कि मैं ऐसा टाईम-टेबल बनाऊंगी कि इस इलाके में 9 बजे जाती हूं तो रोज, हर रोज 9 बजे वहां पहुंच जाऊंगी, इस इलाके में दोपहर को 12 बजे पहुंचती हूं, मतलब 12 बजे पहुंच जाऊंगी। यानी उसको business का perfect management मालूम है। ठेला चलाते-चलाते भी अपनी जिंदगी बदली जा सकती है, इसका विश्‍वास उसके अंदर आया है। ये छोटी-छोटी चीजें हैं, जिसके द्वारा हम एक बहुत बड़ा बदलाव लाने की कोशिश कर रहे हैं। 

अभी प्रधानमंत्री जन-धन खाते खोलने का जो अभियान चलाया, हमारे देश में सालों से कहा जाता था कि गरीबों के लिए बैंकों का राष्ट्रीयकरण किया गया है, लेकिन बैंकों के राष्ट्रीयकरण के 40-50 साल के बाद भी, बैंक के दरवाजे पर कभी कोई गरीब दिखाई नहीं दिया था और इस देश में कभी उसकी चर्चा भी नहीं थी। इस देश में ऐसा क्‍यों ? ये सवाल इस देश के किसी बुद्धिमान व्‍यक्ति ने किसी राजनेता को नहीं पूछा, किसी सरकार को नहीं पूछा। 50 साल में नहीं पूछा। Taken for granted था। हमने आकर के बीड़ा उठाया कि बैंकों के दरवाजे पर मेरा गरीब होगा, बैंकों के अंदर मेरा गरीब होगा। ये बैंक गरीबों के लिए होगी, बड़ा अभियान उठाया। मैंने 15 अगस्‍त को घोषणा की थी, 26 जनवरी तक पूरा करने का संकल्‍प लिया था और सभी बैंकों ने जी-जान से मेरे साथ जुड़ गए, कंधे से कंधा जुड़ गए और आज देश में करीब 18 करोड़ से ज्‍यादा बैंकों के खाते गरीबों के खुल गए। 

हिन्‍दुस्‍तान में कुल परिवारों में जितने थे करीब-करीब सारे आ गए और हमने तो कहा था कि हम गरीबों का account कोई भी प्रकार का पैसा लेकर कर के नहीं खोलेंगे। बिना पैसे, बैंक खर्चा करेगी फॉर्म का खर्चा होगा, जो होगा करेंगे, गरीबों का एक बार मुफ्त में खाता खोल देंगे। आदत लगेगी उसको धीरे-धीरे और खाते खोल दिए लेकिन देखिए, गरीबों की अमीरी देखिए, सरकार ने तो कहा था एक रुपया नहीं दोगे लेकिन गरीबों ने करीब-करीब 30 हजार करोड़ रुपये से ज्‍यादा रकम जमा कर दी है। इसका मतलब ये हुआ कि गरीब को पैसे बचाने की अब इच्‍छा होने लगी है। अगर गरीब को पैसे बचाने की इच्‍छा होगी तो उसके आर्थिक जीवन में बदलाव आना स्‍वाभाविक शुरू हो जाएगा। धीरे-धीरे बैंक के खाते उपयोग करने की आदत भी अब धीरे-धीरे बन रही है। मैं हैरान हूं जिन्‍होंने खाते नहीं खोले कभी, वो आज मेरा हिसाब मांग रहे हैं कि खाते खोल तो दिए हैं, लेकिन उसका उपयोग करने वालों की संख्‍या बढ़ नहीं रही है। जिन्‍होंने खाते तक खोलने की परवाह नहीं की थी, उनको अभी खाते operate हो रहे कि नहीं हो रहे, इसकी चिन्‍ता होने लगी है। अच्‍छा होता, ये काम अगर आपने 40-50 साल पहले कर दिया होता तो आज operate करने का सवाल मुझे नहीं पूछना पड़ता देश के सभी गरीब के खाते हो जाते। लेकिन आपने जो काम 50 साल नहीं किया है वो 50 महीने में मैं पूरा करके रहूंगा, ये मैं बताने आया हूं। 

गरीब का भला कैसे हो, अभी काशी के अंदर रक्षाबंधन को सुरक्षाबंधन बनाने का बड़ा अभियान चलाया और मैं काशी की माताओं-बहनों का विशेष रूप से, सार्वजनिक रूप से आभार व्‍यक्‍त करता हूं कि इस रक्षाबंधन के पर्व पर मुझे इतनी राखियां मिली हैं बनारस से, इतने आशीर्वाद मिले हैं, माताओं-बहनों के, मैं सिर झुकाकर उन सभी माताओं-बहनों को नमन करता हूं। आपने जो मेरे प्रति सद्भाव व्‍यक्‍त किया है, मेरी रक्षा की चिन्‍ता की है और सुरक्षा का बंधन की जो बात कही है, मैं उसके लिए काशी की सभी माताओं-बहनों का ह्दय से बहुत आभार व्‍यक्‍त करता हूं। मैं इन सभी महानुभावों का भी आभार व्‍यक्‍त करता हूं कि योजना में हमारे साथ, ये partner बने हैं और एक Model के रूप में ये काम आने वाले दिनों में विकसित होगा। अब आप धीरे-धीरे देखिए काशी के अंदर एक नया....और इसके कारण गति आने वाली है, इन चीजों के कारण गति आने वाली है, इन चीजों के कारण शहर की एक नई पहचान बनने वाली है। इन चीजों के कारण सामान्‍य मानव के जीवन में सुविधा का अवसर शुरू होने वाला है। 

ऐसी इस योजना के निमित्‍त मैं आज उन सभी बधुंओं को जिन्‍हें आज ये साधन मिल रहे हैं, मेरी तरफ से बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं देता हूं और काशी की आर्थिक प्रगति में गरीब से गरीब व्‍यक्ति की ताकत काम में आए, उस दिशा के प्रयत्‍नों में हमें सफलता मिले, यही भोलेनाथ हम पर आशीर्वाद बरसाएं, इसी एक अपेक्षा के साथ आप सबका बहुत-बहुत धन्‍यवाद। 

Mann ki Baat

Text of Prime Minister’s ‘Mann ki Baat’ on All India Radio

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियो, नमस्कार! 

इस वर्ष बारिश की अच्छी शुरुआत हुई है। हमारे किसान भाईयों, बहनों को खरीफ की बुआई करने में अवश्य मदद मिलेगी। और एक ख़ुशी की बात मेरे ध्यान में आयी है और मुझे बड़ा आनंद हुआ। हमारे देश में दलहन की और तिलहन की - pulses की और oilseeds की - बहुत कमी रहती है। ग़रीब को दलहन चाहिये, खाने के लिये सब्ज़ी वगैरह में थोड़ा तेल भी चाहिये। मेरे लिये ख़ुशी की बात है कि इस बार जो उगाई हुई है, उसमें दलहन में क़रीब-क़रीब 50 प्रतिशत वृद्धि हुई है। और तिलहन में क़रीब-क़रीब 33 प्रतिशत वृद्धि हुई है। मेरे किसान भाई-बहनों को इसलिए सविशेष बधाई देता हूँ, उनका बहुत अभिनन्दन करता हूँ। 

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियो, 26 जुलाई, हमारे देश के इतिहास में कारगिल विजय दिवस के रूप में अंकित है। देश के किसान का नाता, ज़मीन से जितना है, उतना ही देश के जवान का भी है। कारगिल युद्ध में, हमारा एक-एक जवान, सौ-सौ दुश्मनों पर भारी पड़ा। अपने प्राणों की परवाह न करके, दुश्मनों की कोशिशों को नाकाम करने वाले उन वीर सैनिकों को शत-शत नमन करता हूँ। कारगिल का युद्ध केवल सीमाओं पर नहीं लड़ा गया, भारत के हर शहर, हर गाँव में, इस युद्ध में योगदान था। ये युद्ध, उन माताओं, उन बहनों ने लड़ा, जिनका जवान बेटा या भाई, कारगिल में दुश्मनों से लड़ रहा था। उन बेटियों ने लड़ा, जिनके हाथों से अभी, पीहर की मेहंदी नहीं उतरी थी। पिता ने लड़ा, जो अपने जवान बेटों को देखकर, ख़ुद को जवान महसूस करता था। और उस बेटे ने लड़ा, जिसने अभी अपने पिता की उंगली पकड़कर चलना भी नहीं सीखा था। इनके बलिदान के कारण ही आज भारत दुनिया में सर उठाकर बात कर पाता है। और इसलिए, आज कारगिल विजय दिवस पर इन सभी हमारे सेनानियों को मेरा शत-शत प्रणाम। 

26 जुलाई, एक और दृष्टि से भी मैं ज़रा महत्वपूर्ण मानता हूँ, क्योंकि, 2014 में हमारी सरकार बनने के बाद, कुछ ही महीनों में 26 जुलाई को हमनें MyGov को प्रारंभ किया था। लोकतंत्र में जन-भागीदारी बढ़ाने का हमारा संकल्प, जन-जन को विकास के कार्य में जोड़ना, और मुझे आज एक साल के बाद यह कहते हुए यह ख़ुशी है, क़रीब दो करोड़ लोगों ने MyGov को देखा। क़रीब-क़रीब साढ़े पांच लाख लोगों ने comments किये, और सबसे ज्यादा खुशी की बात तो ये है कि पचास हजार से ज़्यादा लोगों ने PMO applications पर सुझाव दिए, उन्होंने समय निकाला, mind apply किया, इस काम को महत्वपूर्ण माना। 

और कैसे महत्वपूर्ण सुझाव आये! कानपुर से अखिलेश वाजपेयी जी ने एक अच्छा सुझाव भेजा था कि विकलांग व्यक्तियों को रेलवे के अंदर ।RCTC Website के माध्यम से कोटा वाला टिकट क्यों नहीं दिया जाना चाहिये? अगर विकलांग को भी टिकट पाने के लिए वही कठिनाइयां झेलनी पड़े, कितना उचित है? अब यूं तो बात छोटी है, लेकिन न कभी सरकार में किसी को ये ध्यान आया, न कभी इस पर सोचा गया। लेकिन भाई अखिलेश वाजपेयी के सुझाव पर सरकार ने गंभीरता से विचार किया, और आज हमारे विकलांग भाइयों-बहनों के लिए, इस व्यवस्था को लागू कर दिया गया। आज जो लोगो बनते हैं, tag-line बनते हैं, कार्यक्रम की रचना होती है, policy बनती है, MyGov पर बहुत ही सकारात्मक सुझाव आते हैं। शासन व्यवस्था में एक नयी fresh air का अनुभव होता है। एक नई चेतना का अनुभव होता है। इन दिनों मुझे MyGov पर ये भी सुझाव आने लगे हैं, कि मुझे 15 अगस्त को क्या बोलना चाहिये। 

चेन्नई से सुचित्रा राघवाचारी, उन्होंने काफ़ी कुछ सुझाव भेजे हैं। बेटी-बचाओ, बेटी-पढ़ाओ पर बोलिये, क्लीन गंगा पर बोलिये, स्वच्छ भारत पर बोलिए। लेकिन इससे मुझे एक विचार आया, क्या इस बार 15 अगस्त को मुझे क्या बोलना चाहिये। क्या आप मुझे सुझाव भेज सकते हैं? MyGov पर भेज सकते हैं, आकाशवाणी पर चिठ्ठी लिख सकते हैं। प्रधानमंत्री कार्यालय में चिठ्ठी लिख सकते हैं। 

देखें! मैं मानता हूँ, शायद ये एक अच्छा विचार है कि 15 अगस्त के मेरे भाषण को, जनता जनार्दन से सुझाव लिए जायें। मुझे विश्वास है कि आप ज़रुर अच्छे सुझाव भेजेंगे। 

एक बात की ओर मैं अपनी चिंता जताना चाहता हूँ। मैं कोई उपदेश नहीं देना चाहता हूँ और न ही मैं राज्य सरकार, केंद्र सरकार या स्थानीय स्वराज की संस्थाओं की इकाइयों की ज़िम्मेवारियों से बचने का रास्ता खोज रहा हूँ। 

अभी दो दिन पहले, दिल्ली की एक दुर्घटना के दृश्य पर मेरी नज़र पड़ी। और दुर्घटना के बाद वो स्कूटर चालक 10 मिनट तक तड़पता रहा। उसे कोई मदद नहीं मिली। वैसे भी मैंने देखा है कि मुझे कई लोग लगातार इस बात पर लिखते रहते हैं कि भई आप road safety पर कुछ बोलिये। लोगों को सचेत कीजिये। बेंगलूरु के होशाकोटे अक्षय हों, पुणे के अमेय जोशी हों, कर्नाटक के मुरबिदरी के प्रसन्ना काकुंजे हों। इन सबने, यानि काफ़ी लोगों के हैं नाम, मैं सबके नाम तो नहीं बता रहा हूँ - इस विषय पर चिंता जताई है और कहा। है आप सबकी चिंता सही है। और जब आंकड़ों की तरफ़ देखते हैं तो हृदय हिल जाता है। हमारे देश में हर मिनट एक दुर्घटना होती है। दुर्घटना के कारण, road accident के कारण, हर 4 मिनट में एक मृत्यु होती है। और सबसे बड़ी चिंता का विषय ये भी है, क़रीब-क़रीब एक तिहाई मरने वालों में 15 से 25 साल की उम्र के नौजवान होते हैं और एक मृत्यु पूरे परिवार को हिला देती है। शासन को तो जो काम करने चाहिये वो करने ही चाहिए, लेकिन मैं माँ-बाप से गुज़ारिश करता हूँ, अपने बच्चों को - चाहे two-wheeler चलाते हों या four-wheeler चलाते हों - safety की जितनी बातें है, उस पर ज़रूर ध्यान देने का माहौल परिवार में भी बढाना चाहिए। कभी-कभी हम ऑटो-रिक्शा पर देखते हैं, पीछे लिखा होता है ‘पापा जल्दी घर आ जाना’, पढते हैं तो कितना touching लगता है, और इसलिए मैं कहता हूँ, ये बात सही है कि सरकार ने इस दिशा में काफ़ी नये initiatives लिये हैं... Road Safety के लिए चाहे education का मामला हो, रोड की रचना का engineering हो, क़ानून को enforce करने की बात हो - या accident के बाद घायल लोगों को emergency care की बात हो, इन सारी बातों को ध्यान में रखते हुए Road Transport and Safety Bill हम लाने जा रहे हैं। आने वाले दिनों में National Road Safety Policy और Road Safety Action Plan का implementation करने की दिशा में भी हम कई महत्वपूर्ण क़दम उठाने के लिए सोच रहे हैं। 

एक और project हम लिए है, आगे चलकर इसका विस्तार भी होने वाला है, Cashless Treatment... गुडगाँव, जयपुर और वड़ोदरा... वहाँ से लेकर के मुंबई, राँची, रणगाँव, मौंडिया राजमार्गों के लिए, हम एक Cashless Treatment... और उसका अर्थ है कि पहले पचास घंटे - पैसे हैं कि नहीं, पैसे कौन देगा, कौन नहीं देगा, इन सारी चिंता छोड़कर के - एक बार road accident में जो घायल है, उसको उत्तम से उत्तम सेवा कैसे मिले, सारवार कैसे मिले, उसको हम प्राथमिकता दे रहे हैं। देशभर में हादसों के संबंध में जानकारी देने के लिए टोल-फ्री 1033 नंबर, ambulance की व्यवस्था, ये सारी बातें... लेकिन ये सारी चीज़ें accident के बाद की हैं। Accident न हो इसके लिए तो हम सबने सचमुच में... एक-एक जान बहुत प्यारी होती है, एक-एक जीवन बहुत प्यारा होता है, उस रूप में उसको देखने की आवश्यकता है। 

कभी-कभी मैं कहता हूँ, कर्मचारी कर्मयोगी बनें। पिछले दिनों कुछ घटनाएं मेरे ध्यान में आई, मुझे अच्छा लगा कि मैं आपसे बात करूँ, कभी-कभार नौकरी करते-करते इंसान थक जाता है, और कुछ सालों की बात तो “ठीक है, तनख़्वाह मिल जाती है, काम कर लेंगे”, यही भाव होता है। लेकिन मुझे पिछले दिनों, रेलवे के कर्मचारी के विषय में एक जानकारी मिली, नागपुर डिवीज़न में विजय बिस्वाल करके एक TTE हैं, अब उनको painting का शौक़ है, अब वो कहीं पर भी जाके painting कर सकते थे, लेकिन उन्होंने रेलवे को ही अपना आराध्य माना और वे रेलवे में नौकरी करते हैं और रेलवे के ही संबंधित भिन्न-भिन्न दृश्यों का painting करते रहते हैं, उनको एक आनंद भी मिलता है और उस काम के अंदर इतनी रूचि बढ़ जाती है। मुझे बड़ा ये उदाहरण देख कर के अच्छा लगा कि अपने काम में भी कैसे प्राणतत्व लाया जा सकता है। अपनी रूचि, अपनी कला, अपनी क्षमता को अपने कार्य के साथ कैसे जोड़ा जा सकता है, ये विजय बिस्वाल ने बताया है। हो सकता है अब विजय बिस्वाल के painting की चर्चा आने वाले दिनों में ज़रुर होगी। 

और भी मेरे ध्यान में एक बात आई - मध्य प्रदेश के हरदा ज़िले के सरकारी अधिकारियों की पूरी टीम, पूरी टोली ने एक ऐसा काम शुरू किया जो मेरे मन को छू गया और मुझे बहुत पसंद है उनका ये कामI उन्होंने शुरू किया “ऑपरेशन मलयुद्ध” - अब ये कोई, इसका सुनते हुए लगेगा कुछ और ही बात होगीI लेकिन मूल बात ये है उन्होंने स्वच्छ भारत अभियान को नया मोड़ दिया है और उन्होंने पूरे ज़िले में एक अभियान चलाया है ‘Brother Number One’, यानि वो सबसे उत्तम भाई जो अपनी बहन को रक्षाबंधन पर एक toilet भेंट करे, और उन्होंने बीड़ा उठाया है कि ऐसे सभी भाइयों को प्रेरित करके उनकी बहनों को toilet देंगे और पूरे ज़िले में खुले में कहीं माताओं-बहनों को शौच ना जाना पड़े, ये काम रक्षाबंधन के पर्व पर वो कर रहे हैं। देखिये रक्षाबंधन का अर्थ कैसा बदल गया, मैं हरदा ज़िले के सरकारी अधिकारियों की पूरी टीम को बहुत-बहुत बधाई देता हूँ। 

अभी एक समाचार मेरे कान पे आये थे, कभी-कभी ये छोटी-छोटी चीज़ें बहुत मेरे मन को आनंद देती हैं। इसलिए मैं आपसे शेयर कर रहा हूँ। छत्तीसगढ़ के राजनंदगाँव में केश्ला करके एक छोटा सा गाँव है। उस गाँव के लोगों ने पिछले कुछ महीनों से कोशिश करके toilet बनाने का अभियान चलाया। और अब उस गाँव में किसी भी व्यक्ति को खुले में शौच नहीं जाना पड़ता है। ये तो उन्होंने किया, लेकिन, जब पूरा काम पूरा हुआ तो पूरे गाँव ने जैसे कोई बहुत बड़ा उत्सव मनाया जाता है वैसा उत्सव मनाया। गाँव ने ये सिद्धि प्राप्त की। केश्ला गाँव समस्त ने मिल कर के एक बहुत बड़ा आनंदोत्सव मनाया। समाज जीवन में मूल्य कैसे बदल रहे हैं, जन-मन कैसे बदल रहा है और देश का नागरिक देश को कैसे आगे ले जा रहा है इसके ये उत्तम उदाहरण मेरे सामने आ रहे हैं। 

मुझे भावेश डेका, गुवाहाटी से लिख रहे हैं, नॉर्थ-ईस्ट के सवालों के संबंध में। वैसे नॉर्थ-ईस्ट के लोग active भी बहुत हैं। वो काफ़ी कुछ लिखते रहते हैं, अच्छी बात है। लेकिन मैं आज ख़ुशी से उनको कहना चाहता हूँ कि नॉर्थ-ईस्ट के लिए एक अलग Ministry बनी हुई है। जब अटल बिहारी वाजपेयी जी प्रधानमंत्री थे तब एक DONER Ministry बनी थी ‘Development of North-East Region’. हमारी सरकार बनने के बाद, हमारे DONER Department में बड़ा महत्वपूर्ण निर्णय किया है कि नॉर्थ-ईस्ट का भला दिल्ली में बैठ कर के हो जाएगा क्या? और सबने मिल कर के तय किया कि भारत सरकार के अधिकारियों की टीम नॉर्थ-ईस्ट के उन राज्यों में जाएगी... नागालैंड हो, मणिपुर हो, अरुणाचल हो, त्रिपुरा हो, असम हो, सिक्किम हो और सात दिन वहाँ camp करेंगे। ज़िलों में जायेंगे, गांवों में जायेंगे, वहां के स्थानीय सरकार के अधिकारियों से मिलेंगे, जनप्रतिनिधियों से बातें करेंगे, नागरिकों से बातें करेंगे। समस्याओं को सुनेंगे, समस्याओं का समाधान करने की दिशा में भारत सरकार को जो करना है, उसको भी करेंगे। ये प्रयास आने वाले दिनों में बहुत अच्छे परिणाम लाएगा। और जो अधिकारी जा कर के आते हैं, उनको भी लगता है कितना सुंदर प्रदेश, कितने अच्छे लोग, अब इस इलाक़े को विकसित करके ही रहना है, उनकी समस्याओं का समाधान करके ही रहना है। इस संकल्प के साथ लौटते हैं तो दिल्ली आने के बाद भी अब उनको वहाँ की समस्याओं को समझना भी बहुत सरल हो गया है। तो एक अच्छा प्रयास, दिल्ली से दूर-दूर पूरब तक जाने का प्रयास, जो मैं ‘Act East Policy’ कह रहा हूँ ना, यही तो act है। 

मेरे प्यारे देशवासियो, हम सब इस बात के लिए गर्व करते हैं कि ‘Mars Mission’ की सफलता का हमें आनंद होता है। अभी पिछले दिनों भारत के PSLV C-28 ने UK के पाँच satellite launch किये। भारत ने अब तक लॉन्च किये हुए ये सबसे ज़्यादा Heavyweight satellite launch किये हैं। ये ख़बरें ऐसी होती है कि कुछ पल के लिए आती हैं, चली जाती हैं, इस पर हमारा ध्यान नहीं जाता। लेकिन ये बहुत बड़ा achievement है। लेकिन कभी-कभी ये भी विचार आता है, आज हम युवा पीढ़ी से अगर बात करते हैं और उनको पूछें कि आप आगे क्या बनना चाहते हो, तो 100 में से बड़ी मुश्किल से एक-आध कोई student मिल जाएगा जो ये कहेगा कि मुझे scientist बनना है। Science के प्रति रुझान कम होना ये बहुत चिंता का विषय है। 

Science and Technology एक प्रकार से विकास का DNA है। हमारी नई पीढ़ी scientist बनने के सपने देखे, Research, Innovation में रूचि ले, उनको प्रोत्साहन मिले, उनकी क्षमताओं को जाना जाये, एक बहुत बड़ी आवश्यकता है। अभी भारत सरकार के मानव संसाधन मंत्रालय ने एक राष्ट्रीय आविष्कार अभियान शुरू किया है। हमारे राष्ट्र के पूर्व राष्ट्रपति डॉ. कलाम जी ने इसका आरम्भ किया है। इस अभियान के तहत IIT, NIT, Central और State Universities एक mentor के तौर पर, जहां-जहां इस प्रकार की संभावनाएं हैं, वहां उन बालकों को प्रोत्साहित करना, उनको मार्गदर्शन करना, उनको मदद करना, उस पर ध्यान केन्द्रित करने वाले हैं। मैं तो सरकार के IAS अफसरों को भी कहता रहता हूँ कि आप इतना पढ़ लिखकर आगे बढ़े हो तो आप भी तो कभी सप्ताह में दो चार घंटे अपने नज़दीक के किसी स्कूल-कॉलेज में जा करके बच्चों से ज़रुर बात कीजिये। आपका जो अनुभव है, आपकी जो शक्ति है वो ज़रुर इस नई पीढ़ी के काम आयेगी। 

हमने एक बहुत बड़ा बीड़ा उठाया हुआ है, क्या हमारे देश के गाँवों को 24 घंटे बिजली मिलनी चाहिये कि नहीं मिलनी चाहिये? काम कठिन है, लेकिन करना है। हमने इसका शुभारम्भ कर दिया है। और आने वाले वर्षों में, हम गाँवों को 24 घंटे बिजली प्राप्त हो। गाँव के बच्चों को भी, परीक्षा के दिनों में पढ़ना हो तो बिजली की तकलीफ़ न हो। गाँव में भी छोटे-मोटे उद्योग लगाने हों तो बिजली प्राप्त हो। आज तो मोबाइल charge करना हो तो भी दूसरे गाँव जाना पड़ता है। जो लाभ शहरों को मिलता है वो गांवों को मिलना चाहिये। ग़रीब के घर तक जाना चाहिये। और इसीलिये हमने प्रारंभ किया है ‘दीनदयाल उपाध्याय ग्राम ज्योति कार्यक्रम’। मैं जानता हूँ इतना बड़ा देश, लाखों गाँव, दूर-दूर तक पहुँचना है, घर-घर पहुँचना है। लेकिन, ग़रीब के लिए ही तो दौड़ना है। हम इसको करेंगे, आरम्भ कर दिया है। ज़रुर करेंगे। आज मन की बात में भांति-भांति की बातें करने का मन कर गया। 

एक प्रकार से हमारे देश में अगस्त महीना, सितम्बर महीना, त्योहारों का ही अवसर रहता है। ढेर सारे त्यौहार रहते हैं। मेरी आप सबको बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। 15 अगस्त के लिए ज़रुर मुझे सुझाव भेजिये। आपके विचार मेरे बहुत काम आयेंगे। 

बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद। 

Promotion of E-governance by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in communicating with NSFs and IOA

Promotion of E-governance by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in communicating with NSFs and IOA

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has decided to discontinue with the practice of sending letters/ circulars / guidelines in hard copy form to National Sports Federations (NSFs) /IOA. The Ministry has decided that hence forth, communications required to be sent to all NSFs / a group of NSFs with copy to IOA (letter to a specific NSF not included) would be uploaded on MYAS website in a specific database for the purpose. An email will also be sent to one nodal email ID of each NSF. NSFs are required to visit the said database regularly and also check the said email account so as to download the communication and take necessary action on the same within the stipulated time frame. Letters will not be sent physically to NSFs for such communications in future.

The Ministry has said that failure to take necessary action by NSFs/IOA for want of downloading communications from the database on MYAS website would be construed as non compliance of Sports Code and action taken accordingly.

However, it may be noted that matter pertaining to any particular NSF will be sent as per the current practice and will be communicated to the respective NSF directly.

The Ministry has asked each of the NSFs and IOA to intimate their nodal email ID within a week to the MYAS for compliance of the instructions.

The decision has been taken in order to save time, efforts and promote E-governance. Further, it was also noticed that the communication sent in hard copy form was received back undelivered from some NSFs due to wrong addresses etc. it was also felt that under the new system, a database would be maintained which can serve as a repository of all such communications so as to easily retrieve the same as and when required.    

“Welfare of the Child” in Custody Matters

Law Commission of India Submits Report on Guardianship and Custody Laws
Proposes Amendments to Focus on “Welfare of the Child” in Custody Matters

The Law Commission of India has submitted its Report No. 257 on “Reforms in Guardianship and Custody Laws in India”  today  to the Union Minister of Law and Justice. The report suggests amendments to existing laws to emphasize the “welfare of the child” in custody and guardianship matters, and introduces the concept of joint custody as an option to be considered in certain cases.

Children are the worst affected in proceedings of divorce and family breakdowns. Often, parents use children as pawns to strike their own bargains, without considering the emotional, social and mental upheavals that the children may face. The Commission believes this imbalanced situation can be addressed in some measure through changes to the law that will place a duty upon the court to uphold the child’s welfare in each and every case. This will ensure that the child’s future is safe and protected, regardless of changing familial circumstances.

Courts in India have recognised the welfare principle, but many aspects of the legal and judicial framework remain wanting. Courts tend to grant custody of a child to either one parent or another, presuming that it is for the welfare of the child. Joint custody arrangements, where both parents have custody of the child, are rarely considered.

Problems in court decisions are compounded by inconsistencies in the law. For instance, the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956, regards the welfare of the child as being of paramount consideration, but the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, contains no such provision. Similarly, the 1956 law does not treat the mother on an equal footing with the father as the natural guardian of her child. Further, custody battles are among the most fiercely fought in courts, because there is no agreement or understanding about what constitutes the welfare of the child. As a result, it is impossible to ensure that the interests of the child are actually protected. The legal framework also contains no guidelines about the manner and process by which custody issues should be handled.

Accordingly, this report of the Law Commission reviews the current laws dealing with custody and guardianship, and recommends legislative amendments to the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 and the Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956. These amendments are necessary in order to bring these laws in tune with modern social considerations. Major amendments are recommended to the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, by introducing a new chapter on custody and visitation arrangements. The Commission believes that the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, being a secular law, will be relevant for all custody proceedings, besides any personal laws that may apply.

The new chapter opens with a set of objectives, to clarify that the welfare of the child is the primary guiding factor in all such matters. For the first time in India, the amendments also introduce several concepts relating to joint custody and child welfare, such as child support, mediation processes, parenting plans, and grand parenting time.

The key aspects of the legislative recommendations are as follows:

1.    Welfare principle: The draft law strengthens the welfare principle in the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, with a continuous emphasis on its relevance in each aspect of guardianship and custody related decision-making

2.    Abolition of preference: The draft law removes the preference for the father as the natural guardian under Hindu law, and both parents are granted equal legal status with respect to guardianship and custody.

3.    Joint custody: The draft law empowers courts to award joint custody to both parents in circumstances conducive to the welfare of the child, or award sole custody to one parent with visitation rights to the other.

4.    Mediation: Parties to a custody matter must ordinarily consider expert-led and time-bound mediation, which can not only promote better outcomes for parents and children, but also reduce the strain on the overburdened court system.

5.    Child support: The draft law empowers courts to fix an amount specifically for child support, to meet basic living expenses of the child. Financial resources of parents, and the standard of living of the child must be considered when fixing such amounts. Child support must continue till the child turns 18, but may be extended till 25; or longer, in case of a child with mental or physical disability.

6.    Guidelines: The draft law includes detailed guidelines to help courts, parents and other stakeholders arrive at the best arrangement to serve the welfare of the child. The guidelines introduce several new concepts in this regard, including parenting plans, grand parenting time, visitation rights, and relocation of parents. They also elaborate the position on related aspects such as determining the intelligent preference of a child, access to records of the child, and mediation.

2015 Common Preliminary Examination

Civil Services Examination and Indian Forest Service Examination – 2015 Common Preliminary Examination

The Union Public Service Commission will hold the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination, 2015 on August 23, 2015. This Preliminary Examination will be common for the candidates applying for Civil Services Examination and Indian Forest Service Examination, and will act as a screening mechanism for selection of candidates for the Civil Services (Main) Examination and Indian Forest Service (Main) Examination. The Examination will be held at 71 Centres across the country, in accordance with the rules of Civil Services Examination notified in the Official Gazette on May 23, 2015 by the Department of Personnel & Training, Government of India and the Rules of Indian Forest Service Examination notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the Official Gazette on May 23, 2015.

Candidates are required to apply through online mode on the Commission’s Website www.upsconline.nic.in. No other mode is allowed for submission of application. The commencement of filling online applications shall start from May 23, 2015 and conclude on June 19, 2015 [till 11.59 PM].

For details regarding the Syllabus and Scheme of the Examination, Centers of Examination, and Guidelines for filling up application form etc. aspirants must login to the Commission’s Website www.upsconline.nic.in or www.upsc.gov.in and refer to the notices of the above mentioned two examinations.

While submitting the online applications for the Civil Service (Preliminary) Examination, the candidates will have the option to choose either the Civil Services or the Indian Forest Service or both. Therefore, before exercising their options, applicants may carefully read and understand the eligibility and other criteria contained in the detailed notices of both the Civil Services Examination, 2015 and Indian Forest Service Examination, 2015 which are available on the aforementioned Website of the Commission.  

New ACC Appointments

ACC Appointments

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the following:

1. The Appointment of Shri G. Mohan Kumar, IAS (OR:79), Secretary, Department of Defence Production as Defence Secretary, Ministry of Defence for a period of two years from the date of taking over the charge of the post vice Shri Radha Krishna Mathur, IAS (MT:77), on his retirement.

2. The Appointment of Shri Ashok Kumar Gupta, IAS (TN:81), Special Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence as Secretary, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence vice Shri G. Mohan Kumar, IAS(OR:79), on his relinquishing the charge of the post.

3. The extension of tenure of Dr. T.C.A. Anant, Chief Statistician of India (CSI)-cum-Secretary, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation beyond 29.06.2015, subject to clearance of his parent organization, until he attains the age of 60 years, i.e. the age of normal superannuation in Government of India. 

PM calls for an end to caste-based politics, says Eastern India must progress fast

PM calls for an end to caste-based politics, says Eastern India must progress fast

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today invoked the great poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar to call for an end to caste-based politics. The Prime Minister said that for India to progress, it is essential for eastern India, including Bihar, to progress and catch up with the western part of India. He was speaking at a function in New Delhi, to mark the golden jubilee of two of Dinkar's great works: "Sanskriti ke chaar adhyaay," and "Parshuram ki pratiksha." The Prime Minister recalled a letter written by Shri Ramdhari Singh Dinkar in 1961, in which the poet emphasized that his native state of Bihar must forget caste-based divisions, and work towards a merit-based society. In the letter, Dinkar further said that if the people of Bihar do not rise above caste, public life in the state will decay.

The Prime Minister described "Rashtrakavi" Dinkar as a great visionary. He said Dinkar's poems, which were once memorized by thousands, assimilated India's heritage and culture, and were the best way to understand the essence of India.

Shri Narendra Modi also added that there are very few creations, which stand the scrutiny of time, the way Dinkar's writing has. He said Dinkar wanted to light a path, and show the way forward for society, through his writings.

The Prime Minister said Dinkar's works have continued to provide the inspiration to achieve and progress, to generations of Indians.   

Imbibing Scientific Reasoning, and Development of Scientific Outlook, is Intrinsic to Modernity in our Times – Vice President

Imbibing Scientific Reasoning, and Development of Scientific Outlook, is Intrinsic to Modernity in our Times – Vice President

Vice President Inaugurates 15th All India People’s Science Congress at Bengaluru

The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari has said that the use of science and scientific method is essential for socio-economic development, through research in industry and agriculture, and a search for truth through experiment. The dictum of a 20^thcentury statesman sums it up: ‘discover truth through practice, and through practice verify and develop truth.’Alongside, it is essential to wage a vigorous battle against all types of irrational beliefs and resultant bigotry. Delivering inaugural address at the “15^th All India People’s Science Congress at Central College, Bengaluru” today, he said that imbibing scientific reasoning, and development of scientific outlook, is intrinsic to modernity in our times.

He said that today, Science is indispensable for addressing major contemporary challenges of economic growth and social transformation in societies. The socio-economic health of a nation now depends, more and more on, among other factors, the health of the state of its science and technology.

The Vice President opined that Science presupposes, and emanates from, scientific method and its application to problems confronting humans. It accords absolute priority to empirical investigations and logical reasoning. It eschews a priori conclusions emanating from authority or tradition. In its quest for truth, it makes space available for dissenting voices and alternate lines of investigation. It thereby promotes a rational approach. In societal matters, it induces a secular approach towards individual belief systems and helps fight against social intolerance.

He further said that one set of thinkers opt for ‘science and technology determinism’ and suggest that one would follow another; a second group opine ‘social shaping’ and argue that it is never science and technology itself that cause change; instead, it is the people. A valid judgement would perhaps include elements of both and suggest that affirmative action of social shaping could help bring about social results desired by advancements of science and technology.

The Vice President said that the obvious instrumentality is education. At one level, it overcomes ignorance in a formal sense. Does it address itself to superstition and obscurantism? The answer is in the negative; the reason, regrettably, is to be found in ideologies and social belief and practices that prevail in various segments of our society. These induce a narrowing of the mind and cultivation of prejudices and intolerance. They impede, even suppress, the voice of rationalists.  

He emphasized that these disturbing trends need to be countered. This can be done if citizens discharge their constitutional duties. In a plural society, the sanctity of all sacred texts is to be observed.  The sacred text for the citizen quo citizen, it has been rightly observed, is the Constitution and the duties enjoined by it. Therefore, the promotion and embedding of science and scientific temper in our citizenry is a constitutional duty apart from being a moral one, if we are to emerge as a modern, progressive nation.

Following is the text of Vice President’s address :

“I am happy to be in Bengaluru today for the inauguration of the 15^th All India People’s Science Congress.

I congratulate the All India People’s Science Network and all the participants for their valuable contributions towards promotion of scientific temper among our citizens and for their devoted advocacy of science and technology for progress and welfare of our people.

‘How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens Our Future’ was the subtitle of a book published a few years back in the United States. Its authors argued that most of the urgent problems of the twenty first century require scientific solutions and yet the coverage of science in ordinary public discourse has dropped sharply. The book urged that that ‘this dangerous trend’ be reversed and citizens’ awareness of the importance of science to politics and society be enhanced.     

What was said of America could be said of our country too, and in greater measure if one were to go by the contents of TV programs! For this reason, the theme of this session of the Congress, ‘Science for Social change’ is topical and important. The interface between science and society has been a major influence in shaping the world and would continue to be the driving force behind the evolution of humanity in the future.

Given the multifaceted and symbiotic relationship between science and society and the critical role the former plays in the development of the latter, I would focus today on the importance of science for social change and its impact on society.

II

Since the time of Archimedes, and before, science has arguably been the primary motor for social change in human history. Big discoveries have influenced societies through new technologies and innovations which have created general material and intellectual benefits for humankind and led to its advancement over millennia.

Today, Science is indispensable for addressing major contemporary challenges of economic growth and social transformation in societies. The socio-economic health of a nation now depends, more and more on, among other factors, the health of the state of its science and technology.

Science presupposes, and emanates from, scientific method and its application to problems confronting humans. It accords absolute priority to empirical investigations and logical reasoning. It eschews a prioriconclusions emanating from authority or tradition. In its quest for truth, it makes space available for dissenting voices and alternate lines of investigation. It thereby promotes a rational approach. In societal matters, it induces a secular approach towards individual belief systems and helps fight against social intolerance.

The use of science and scientific method is essential for socio-economic development, through research in industry and agriculture, and a search for truth through experiment. The dictum of a 20^th century statesman sums it up: ‘discover truth through practice, and through practice verify and develop truth.’Alongside, it is essential to wage a vigorous battle against all types of irrational beliefs and resultant bigotry.

We can well say that imbibing scientific reasoning, and development of scientific outlook, is intrinsic to modernity in our times.

The wealth and prosperity of a nation today depend on the effective utilisation of its human and material resources through industrialisation based on scientific research and development. Science expands the frontiers of productivity by creating more efficient manufacturing processes, newer raw materials and better equipped manpower. New scientific techniques can also make up for a deficiency in natural resources.

It is a truism that inequality that exists between nations and within them, especially between the developed and developing world, has been exacerbated by the relative levels of scientific development amongst them. These gaps can be bridged only through greater focus on the development of science and technology. Science thus has a pivotal role in helping attain inclusive growth within nations and amongst them.

The founders of our Republic appreciated the criticality of this matter. In one of his early pronouncements, Jawaharlal Nehru observed:

“It is science alone that can solve the problems of hunger and poverty, of insanitation and illiteracy, of superstition and deadening custom and tradition, of vast resources running to waste, of a rich country inhabited by starving people.... the future belongs to science and those who make friends with science.”

We gave shape to this vision through the Scientific Policy Resolution of 1958, and in all subsequent policy pronouncements. The outcome of our efforts has been a mixed one. Nevertheless, notable progress has been achieved in most sectors and we now have an advanced and impressive physical and pedagogic infrastructure for scientific research and development to serve the nation’s needs in basic and applied sciences.

III

This brings me to the central theme of this session: How does science impact on social change? How should it impact? The debate on this is ongoing. One set of thinkers opt for ‘science and technology determinism’ and suggest that one would follow another; a second group opine ‘social shaping’ and argue that it is never science and technology itself that cause change; instead, it is the people. A valid judgement would perhaps include elements of both and suggest that affirmative action of social shaping could help bring about social results desired by advancements of science and technology.

The debate is not merely a theoretical one. The imperative in our own context is provided by the Constitution of India. I refer in particular to Article 51(A) and its sub-section (h) which stipulates that it shall be the duty of every citizen ‘to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of enquiry and reform.’

In other words, development of scientific temper present in a nascent form in every child’s propensity to touch, feel and explore, and humanism, would facilitate the discharge of constitutional obligation of promoting the fraternity of all citizens and rendering them justice, liberty and equality as enjoined in the Preamble of the Constitution.

What are the impediments? These are widespread prevalence in our society of poverty, hunger, disease, ignorance, superstition and obscurantism. In fact, the latter three impede the eradication of the first three. In other words, to fight poverty, hunger and disease we need to overcome ignorance, superstition and obscurantism.

The obvious instrumentality is education. At one level, it overcomes ignorance in a formal sense. Does it address itself to superstition and obscurantism? The answer is in the negative; the reason, regrettably, is to be found in ideologies and social belief and practices that prevail in various segments of our society. These induce a narrowing of the mind and cultivation of prejudices and intolerance. They impede, even suppress, the voice of rationalists.  

These disturbing trends need to be countered. This can be done if citizens discharge their constitutional duties. In a plural society, the sanctity of all sacred texts is to be observed.  The sacred text for the citizen quo citizen, it has been rightly observed, is the Constitution and the duties enjoined by it. Therefore, the promotion and embedding of science and scientific temper in our citizenry is a constitutional duty apart from being a moral one, if we are to emerge as a modern, progressive nation.

It is in this context, groups such as the All India People’s Science Network and all of you gathered here today must be commended for your role in spreading the scientific temper amongst our masses and promoting scientific efforts for inclusive, sustainable, socio-economic development of the country.

Let me conclude by sharing with you an observation made by Galileo over four and a half centuries ago; it has abiding relevance. He said “I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use”.

I thank you for having invited me. I wish you all success in your deliberations during the 15^thCongress.

Jai Hind.”

President of India congratulates David Arthur Granger

President of India congratulates David Arthur Granger on his assumption of office as the executive President of Guyana

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has congratulated H.E. Brig. (Retd) David Arthur Granger on his assumption of office as the Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

In his message to H.E. Brig. (Retd) David Arthur Granger, the President has said, “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you on your assumption of office as the Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. I take this opportunity to wish you all success in your endeavours.

Traditionally, India and Guyana enjoy warm and friendly relations. I am confident that the friendly ties between our two countries will further strengthen in the years to come”. 

India, with 244 million, ranks third after China and USA in terms of number of internet users

President of India calls upon authorities to make available infrastructure for internet and ICT-enabled services across country

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated 24 Hot Spots with 30 Wi-Fi access points in the President’s Estate today (May 22, 2015) by which the Estate became 100 % Wi-Fi.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said India is at the 89thposition in Network Readiness Index. Countries like Singapore, Finland and Sweden are leaders in this index. He called upon concerned authorities to ensure availability of infrastructure for Internet and ICT-enabled services across the country and use it in a systematic manner. He said Wi-Fi services could be rolled out in public places across the country, both in urban and rural India.

The President said India, with 244 million, ranks third after China and USA in terms of number of internet users. However, the penetration of internet use as a percentage of the population is only twenty, indicating not only a huge gap but significant potential for future growth as well. With 960 million mobile phones today, India stands second in the world behind China and soon it is expected to become one billion mobile phones. We have more than 77 mobile phone connections per 100 citizens, which is commendable in terms of the penetration achieved by us in mobile telephony.

The President said the government has launched many programmes for the benefit of the common man. Substantial investment in terms of money and effort go into making policies, schemes and programmes aimed at eradication of poverty and other socio-economic ills. Yet, in the absence or poor presence of an effective communication strategy, a large segment of the intended beneficiary population remains unaware of the various benefits they are entitled to. Many a times, it becomes difficult to ensure that the government policies and programmes reach the general population in various parts of the country. In this context, the idea of bringing information to the doorsteps of citizens through network is a revolutionary step to transform India to a Digital India.

Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Shri R S Sharma, Secretary, D/o Electronics & IT, Smt. Shefali Sushil Dash, DDG, NIC, officers, staff of Rashtrapati Bhavan and their family members were present on the occasion. 

President said Innovation and modernization will be the key to survival for Engineering organizations

Officer trainees of Central Engineering Service (Civil) and Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service call on the President

A group of 21 officer trainees of Central Engineering Service (Civil) and Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service of 2014 batch called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today (May 22, 2015) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Addressing the officer trainees, the President said that the Government has set a deadline for providing a roof to everyone in India by 2022. Thisambitious infrastructure development programme provides enormous growth opportunity for CPWD. The principle challenge they will face is how to deliver top quality built environment in the shortest possible time and at the lowest cost. This calls for both technical and managerial leadership.They, as young officers and Engineers must focus particularly on those areas where innovation and modernization are required. With increased competition, CPWD must gear itself to improve efficiency in the delivery of service. They must build infrastructure which is environmentally sensitive, technically sound, economical, energy efficient and sustainable. He urgedofficers and Engineers to deliver not only with efficiency but also due diligence.

The President said that in the present context of global warming and climate change, Green Construction and Energy Conservation are very crucial. The focus, therefore, should be on reuse, recycling and use of renewable resources. Officers and Engineers must be committed to work for sustainable development by creating energy-efficient and sustainable habitats that aim to meet human needs while preserving the environment. He expressed happiness that CPWD has decided to address the energy security challenge and accordingly, Solar Roof Top Panels are being installed on all Central Government Buildings being constructed and maintained by CPWD.

The President said that in any governance system, the quality of public service is of utmost importance. The officers and Engineers must not only have the required skills and knowledge but also values, which include integrity and commitment to public service. There should be emphasis on character and probity in public life. He was sure that as bright young officers they would rise to the occasion and conform to the high standards of faith and trust reposed in them. He called upon officers and Engineers tostrive for professional excellence, greater transparency and high ethical standards so that they are recognized as an efficient and helpful service organization manned by proficient functionaries.

The President said Innovation and modernization will be the key to survival for Engineering organizations in today’s continually changing environment. He advised officers and Engineers to be proactive and open to new technology and best practices. He said he was confident that their professional training, will impart them with the skill sets necessary for efficient and effective performance of their duties.

These officer trainees are presently undergoing 35 weeks foundation training at CPWD Training Institute, Ghaziabad. 

Union Home Minister administers pledge to mark Anti-Terrorism Day

Union Home Minister administers pledge to mark Anti-Terrorism Day

Anti-Terrorism Day is being observed today. Every year it is observed throughout the country on 21st May. The day is marked by a pledge taking ceremony among other activities. Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh administered the pledge to the Officers and Staff of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions at Jalebi Chowk, North Block. 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 and the Minister of State for Home, Shri Kiren Rijiju were present on the occasion.

The objective behind the observance of Anti-Terrorism Day is to wean away the people from terrorism and violence. On the occasion, debates, discussions, symposia, seminars, lectures, etc. are held in schools, colleges and universities on the dangers of terrorism and violence.

The Day is observed to generate awareness in the country among all sections of people about the danger of terrorism and violence and its effect on the people, society and the country as a whole.

Many NGOs, social and cultural organizations also organize their own programmes to highlight the ill effects of violence and terrorism. Anti-terrorism/anti-violence pledge is taken in all Government offices, public sector undertakings and other public institutions. 

PM pays tributes to former Prime Minister, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, on his death anniversary

PM pays tributes to former Prime Minister, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, on his death anniversary

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to former Prime Minister, Shri Rajiv Gandhi, on his death anniversary.

"Paying tributes to former Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi on his death anniversary", the Prime Minister said.

Technology is power, says President

Technology is power, says President

The second batch of 19 NIT scholars from across the country participating in an ‘In-Residence’ programme of Rashtrapati Bhavan  called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee today (May 21, 2015) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.    

Speaking on the occasion, the President quoted Swami Vivekananda and said that Expansion is life, Contraction is death.  He urged the young NIT scholars to never stop and constantly move forward. He said that the common thread he noticed among the NIT scholars was that they want to be agents of change in whatever capacity they were placed in to serve the country.  He said that Technology is power. He wished them a happy and prosperous career ahead. 

The President said that NITs are front-ranking institutions in our country for imparting quality scientific and technical education. The growth of NITs, as a class of institution, is diverse. There are old NITs with whose origins one can draw a parallel with the genesis of modern industrial India. The fact that the growth of NITs since their inception is primarily the result of indigenous efforts, without help from foreign institutions, is truly commendable.

The President said that talking of diversity, the NIT system is marked by a unique student mix. Each NIT portrays a national character by design, making its campus a ‘mini-India’. Inter-mingling of students from different parts of India in one institute has many positive spin-offs, including the development of a pan-India vision in each one of them.

The President said that they, the students of NIT are an asset to this nation. There will therefore be hopes and expectations from them. They must understand and appreciate their responsibilities. He said that because of their education, they not only had the capacity to dream big but also to implement that vision. He urged them to go ahead and make a difference to the society in which they lived in. In whatever they did, they should always perform with the singular motivation of doing good for the society.

The NIT scholars were unanimous in saying that they would always cherish the memories of the lifetime opportunity they had received to be participants of the ‘In Residence’ Programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan. They also said that this invaluable experience had given them great confidence and reinvigorated a deep sense of patriotism in them as well as a feeling of optimism in the system of governance in the country.   

The In-Residence programme for NITs was announced by the President of India at the annual Conference of Directors of NITs held in October 2014.First batch of seventeen NIT scholars took part in a similar ‘In Residence’ programme from April 11 to April 17, 2015. The second batch of NIT scholars are part of the ‘In-Residence’ programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan from May 16 to 22, 2015.   Similar programmes already exist for writers, artists and grass root innovators. The same will be extended to Inspired teachers from Central Universities in the next month. 

The President’s estate to become 100 % Wi-Fi

The President’s estate to become 100 % Wi-Fi from tomorrow

The President’s Estate will become 100 % Wi-Fi from tomorrow (May 22, 2015).

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate 24 Hot Spots with 30 Wi-Fi access points in the President’s Estate at a function tomorrow morning in the presence of Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Shri R S Sharma, Secretary, D/o Electronics & IT and Smt. Shefali Sushil Dash, DDG, NIC.

The facility has been set up in order to provide internet services free or at nominal charges to all residents of President’s 

Harsimrat Kaur Badal Emphasises on Consistent, Quicker and Efficient Supply Chains for Supply of Farm Produce for Food Processing

Harsimrat Kaur Badal Emphasises on Consistent, Quicker and Efficient Supply Chains for Supply of Farm Produce for Food Processing

India is the third largest food producer in the world yet barely 2.2% of fruits and vegetables are processed. Under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, Ministry of Food Processing Industries is focusing on boosting the Food Processing Sector so that agriculture sector grows exponentially. To make Food Processing the engine of growth is the motto of Ministry of Food Processing Industries. This was stated by Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister of Food Processing Industries here today in an interaction with the media.

Addressing a press conference to highlight the one year’s achievements of Ministry of Food Processing Industries , Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal stated that to address the challenges of insufficient infrastructure leading to huge wastage, undue advantage to middlemen at the cost of farmers remuneration, the government’s focus is on compressing supply chains and to make them consistent, quicker and efficient for supply of farm produce for food processing. The Government also focuses on creating a Cold Chain Infrastructure to link the farmer to the consumer seamlessly and creating a Cold Chain Grid in the entire country. The Ministry has identified creation of modern infrastructure for food processing as a focus area and encouraging private investment. Sanctioning of 17 new Mega Food Parks and 30 Cold Chain projects will attract total investment of about Rs. 3077 crore in the creation of infrastructure in food processing sector.

Smt. Badal further informed that the scheme of Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure provides financial assistance up to Rs. 10 crore for entrepreneurs. A total of 138 integrated Cold Chain projects were approved by the Government, out of which 108 projects are under the implementation by the Ministry. Of these, 52 projects have already achieved completion and commenced commercial operation. The capacity created by these 52 projects is 2.16 lakh MT of cold storage/CA/Deep Freezer, 80.3 lakh litres per day of milk processing, 38.5 MT/Hour of Individual Quick Freeze and 271 of Reefer Transport. It is expected that operationalization of 108 projects would create capacity of (a) 3.64 lakh MT of Cold Storage, Controlled Atmosphere (CA)/Modified Atmosphere (MA) Storage, Deep Freezer (b) 90 MT per hour of individual Quick Freezing (IQF) (c) 106.95 lakh litres per day of milk processing and storage and (d) 601 number of reefer carriers.

The Union Minister of Food Processing Industries informed that sanction has been accorded to 30 new Cold Chain proposals for implementation. Total expected grant-in-aid to be released to these 30 project is Rs. 274.9 crore which would attract an investment of Rs. 470 crore. Total Cold Chain infrastructure capacity to be created by these is (a) 1.12 Lakh MT of Cold Storage/CA/MA Store (b) 11.10 Lakh Litres per Day of Milk Processing (c) 28.5 MT/Hour of IQF (d) 1434 MT/Day of Ripening Chamber and (e) 209 Reefer Vehicles.

Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal also informed that to boost the creation of Infrastructure for Food Processing, the Ministry has, in the last one year, inaugurated two Mega Food Parks - one in Karnataka and another in Fazilka in Punjab. Three more Mega Food Parks are to be inaugurated shortly in West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh and Assam. Government has announced 17 new Mega Food Parks in last one year. It has also completed 14 Cold Chain projects and 30 new Cold Chain projects are being announced.

The Minister informed that the Government has also set up a Fund of Rs. 2000 crores under NABARD for extending affordable credit to entrepreneurs for designated food parks and for setting up of food processing units in the designated food parks. The Government has classified loans to food and agro based processing units and cold chains under agriculture activities for Priority Sector Lending (PSL). The Ministry is working with the industry for imparting industry relevant skill training including development of course content in identified sectors of food processing. The investor-friendly Investor’s Portal has all the required information available online.

Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal expressed confidence that these steps of the Government will create modern infrastructure for arresting post-harvest losses of horti and non-horti produces and provide impetus to the growth of this sector. The timely completion of these Integrated Cold Chain and Mega Food Park projects will not only provide a big boost to the growth of food processing infrastructure in the concerned states but also help in providing better price to famers, reduce wastage of perishables, add value to the agricultural produce and create huge employment opportunities especially in rural areas. These will lead to the stabilization of food products prices and contain inflation in the country.  

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha visits United States of America

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha visits United States of America

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) has proceeded on a four day visit to the United States of America, today. The IAF Chief is visiting USA on the invitation of General Mark A. Welsh III, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force (USAF).

During the visit, Air Chief Marshal Raha is scheduled to hold talks with senior military leadership and discuss a wide range of bilateral issues on the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries. While at Washington, the Air Chief will also call on the Indian Ambassador H.E. Shri Arun Singh.

The itinerary also includes a conducted tour of airbases under Special Ops Command and a visit to the Combined Air Operations Centre at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada where he would be briefed on IAF participation in multi-lateral Air Exercises.

In recent years, there have been close and frequent contacts at political and military levels between the two countries. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha’s visit to the US would further boost bilateral relations between the two Air Forces and is likely to provide greater convergence at the operational level. 

India assumes Presidency at the 68th World Health Assembly

India assumes Presidency at the 68th World Health Assembly
Address by Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda as President of the 68th World Health Assembly 2015

Following is the text of the address of Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister of Health & Family Welfare as President of the 68^th World Health Assembly at the Plenary Meeting of the Health Assembly, at Geneva.

Hon’ble Ministers,

Director General, WHO,

Regional Directors,

ADGs, 

Distinguished Delegates,

It is a great honour and privilege to address this august Assembly.  Please accept my humble and grateful acknowledgement to all the Member States for bestowing upon India the honour of Presidency of the World Health Assembly. On behalf of 1.25 billion people of India, I convey to you our best wishes and greetings.

Excellencies,

The year 2014 witnessed an unprecedented health challenge with the Ebola virus disease outbreak. Many lives including of brave and dedicated healthcare workers were lost. We salute the heroic efforts of our African brothers and sisters in fighting Ebola against all odds and congratulate Liberia for becoming Ebola free.

While the situation now appears to be under control, the threat of outbreaks of new, emerging and remerging pathogens stares at us. We also battle with natural disasters with grave health consequences, the most recent one being the devastating earthquake in our neighbouring nation, Nepal. I wish to express the solidarity of the Member States with the people of Nepal and offer our heart-felt condolences to the bereaved families.

Excellencies,

The World Health Assembly every year is an opportunity for the Member States to take stock of the health challenges faced by humanity, while at the same time, prioritizing and strategizing our combined efforts. Today, we are at an important threshold. The upcoming UN summit in Sept 2015 would pave the way for the likely adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals and the post 2015 Development Agenda, which includes health related goals.

While taking pride in a fair amount of success in meeting the health related MDGs, we need to redouble our efforts to surmount ever increasing public health challenges, which include, among others, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, anti-microbial resistance, impact of climate change on health, universal health coverage, reducing health inequities among countries and within each country, providing sufficient human resources for health, ensuring access to affordable medicines and diagnostics, and preventing disease by promoting healthy lifestyles.

Excellencies,

The Indian philosophy teaches us to treat the whole world as our family, which is captured in the Sanskrit phrase, “Vasudhaiv kutumbakam”.

Our Upanishads preach

“Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah……..

Sarve Santu Niraamayaah”,

which means “May all be happy and May all be healthy and free from illness”. This only shows that even in ancient times, we prayed for good health for all.  But, by our actions, we as humanity tend to create conditions which lead to illness and disease. 

We forget that health requires a holistic view of being one with nature, adopting healthy lifestyles and avoiding excesses. We forget that a tranquil mind and peaceful life reduces tensions.  Hon’ble Prime Minister of India His Excellency Narendra Modi ji, gave a call in the United Nations General Assembly in September last year to recognize Yoga as a provider of holistic approach to health and well-being. We are happy to note that the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, with co-sponsorship from 177 countries, to observe 21st June as the International day of Yoga.

Excellencies,

We need a multi-sectoral approach in a sustainable institutional framework to promote ‘health-in-all’ policies. The recognition of inter-dependence and the need for collaboration of different sectors is necessary nationally and internationally. Inter-sectoral cooperation will not be meaningful unless we are also able to leverage the strengths of the civil society and the non-government sectors. In fact, the inter-dependence internationally is somewhat captured in the International Health Regulations.

The Ebola crisis has highlighted the inextricable link between weak health systems and incidents of outbreaks and the interdependence of health and overall economic growth and development. It is our collective responsibility to act decisively on the lessons learnt.

The theme of general discussion during the Assembly this year, “Building resilient Health Systems” is therefore very timely and appropriate. I look forward to a constructive discussion on this very important prerequisite for public health.

Excellencies,

I need not highlight the critical importance of social determinants of health. Inequity of resources has a direct correlation with inequities of health. We must therefore, continue to work collectively to address these inequities.

Excellencies,

We all recognize the World Health Organisation as one of the best international organizations in the world today. The commitment shown by WHO under the leadership of Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan, in responding to ever increasing challenges to global health is commendable.

We need to reiterate our unequivocal support to WHO as the lead global health agency and strengthen its capacities to make it better and stronger. As a reflection of our own commitment to WHO and its mandate, I am happy to annouce the following voluntary contributions from India to WHO:

(i)  One million US Dollars for the proposed WHO contingency fund.

(ii) Another One million US Dollars for the implementation of the identified demonstration projects under the Consultative Expert Working Group (CEWG) framework, and

(iii) One hundred thousand US Dollars for the Member State Mechanism on SSFFC medical products.

Excellencies,

We have a packed agenda during this World Health Assembly.  I am sure the deliberations will be very effective and fruitful.  Each Member state will add immense value to the discussions and outcomes. I extend my best wishes for the deliberations.

Excellencies, I thank you for your kind attention. 

Shri J P Nadda assumes Presidency at the 68th World Health Assembly

Shri J P Nadda assumes Presidency at the 68th World Health Assembly

Stresses on importance of Yoga

Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare assumed as President of the 68th World Health Assembly, at Geneva today. Addressing the plenary session of the Health Assembly as President of the World Health Assembly, he said that the Assembly is an opportunity for the member states to take stock of the health challenges faced by humanity, while at the same time, prioritize and strategize our combined efforts.

The Health Minister said that health requires a holistic view of being one with nature, adopting healthy lifestyles and avoiding excesses. He further said the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, gave a call in the United Nations General Assembly in September last year to recognize Yoga as a provider of holistic approach to health and well-being. We are happy to note that the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, with co-sponsorship from 177 countries, to observe 21st June as the International day of Yoga, he said.

The Health Minister said, we need to redouble our efforts to surmount ever increasing public health challenges, which include, among others, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, anti-microbial resistance, impact of climate change on health, universal health coverage, reducing health inequities among countries and within each country, providing sufficient human resources for health, ensuring access to affordable medicines and diagnostics, and preventing disease by promoting healthy lifestyles, he said.

He said, we need a multi-sectoral approach in a sustainable institutional framework to promote ‘health-in-all’ policies. The recognition of inter-dependence and the need for collaboration of different sectors is necessary nationally and internationally. The Minister further said, inter-sectoral cooperation will not be meaningful unless we are also able to leverage the strengths of the civil society and the non-government sectors. In fact, the inter-dependence internationally is somewhat captured in the International Health Regulations, he added.