Highlights of Major Decisions/Initiatives of MHA (Separate Press Releases issued on each topic listed below)

Important Bills Passed by Parliament Jammu and Kashmir - Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A ; The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act, 2019; The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2019 National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019

Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019 – aims to increase operational efficiency of SPG in ensuring the security of the Prime Minister of India.

Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019 – focus on granting Indian Citizenship to persons belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities on ground of religious persecution in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh. Marathon deliberations held by Union Home Minister with various stakeholders from North East and their concerns against the CAB 2019 addressed in the final Amendment Act.

Arms (Amendment) Bill, 2019 – enhances the punishment for existing offences like illegal manufacture, sale, transfer and illegal acquiring, possessing or carrying prohibited arms or prohibited ammunition; illicit trafficking of firearms; celebratory gunfire endangering human life. Arms licenses to be issued for 5 years in electronic form, which would prevent forgery. The Amendment would reduce possession of illegal firearms and commission of criminal offences by limiting 2 licenses per person. Ownership of arms by retired and serving personnel of armed forces and sportspersons remains unaffected by the Amendment. Further, Ancestral guns may be retained in a Deactivated State.

Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019 - to make the constitution of NHRC and SHRCs broader and more inclusive. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (Merger of Union Territories) Bill, 2019 - Administrative efficiency, better service delivery and effective implementation of Central and State Government Schemes to be the focus.

Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Abrogation of Article 370 and 35A Historic step to remove Article 370 and 35A of Constitution of India Brought JK & Ladakh at par with other States and UTs All provisions of Constitution of India, without any modifications or exceptions, to now apply to JK & Ladakh

Laws of Union Government wrt education, empowerment of SC, ST, Minorities etc to be applicable to JK & Ladakh Boost to local economy and employment opportunities by increasing investment; Reservation to EWS of society in jobs & educational institutions to apply in JK & Ladakh

Betterment of socio-economic infrastructure in JK & Ladakh

The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganisation) Act, 2019 Jammu and Kashmir reorganised into Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir with legislature, and Union Territory of Ladakh without Legislature Formally came into force on 31st October, 2019 Maps of newly formed UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh released 1st Winter-grade Diesel outlet for Ladakh inaugurated by Union Home Minister; move to boost tourism in extreme weather conditions

The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Act, 2019 3% reservation in services and educational institutions extended to people living near the International Border (IB) in J&K, in line with reservation given to people living near the Line of Control (LoC)

Amarnath Yatra 3,42,883 yatris had safe and secure Darshan Higher by nearly 20%, as compared to 2018

Cabinet approved Inclusion of 5,300 Displaced Persons families of J&K in the Rehabilitation Package for Displaced Families of PoJK and Chhamb, under the PM’s Development Package 2015 for Jammu & Kashmir

Government Employees of UTs of J&K and Ladakh to get all 7th Central Pay Commission Allowances from 31st October 2019 - allowances worth around Rs. 4800 crores approved for Government employees.

Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Union Cabinet passed a resolution on 22nd November 2018 to celebrate the historic occasion of 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Devji in a grand and befitting manner, throughout the country and across the globe India signed the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement with Pakistan on 24th October, 2019

Indian pilgrims of all faiths to undertake year-round Visa-free travel to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib through Kartarpur Sahib Corridor – a long standing demand of followers of Guru Nanak Dev ji

State of art Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) developed (estd. project cost – Rs. 400 crore), having modern public amenities and security features; architecture reflecting cultural heritage of Punjab 54 Immigrations counters at PTB for facilitating travel of over 5000 pilgrims per day

4.19 km long, 4-lane highway worth Rs. 120.05 crores built, in record time of 6 months, on Indian side for giving accessibility for pilgrims to the PTB Special Trains run from across the country to facilitate pilgrims to visit Sultanpur Lodhi, the place where Guru Nanak Devji attained enlightenment and developed as Heritage Town 300ft. Monumental National Flag at PTB Online portal (prakashpurb550.mha.gov.in) created to facilitate registration of pilgrims and provide other important information including Do’s & Dont’s and FAQs

Strict Action on Terror and Insurgency National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Act, 2019 NIA empowered with extra territorial jurisdiction for investigation of terrorism related offences taking place outside India, in which Indian property/citizens are victims The mandate of NIA is expanded by inclusion of new offences viz. explosive substances, human trafficking, manufacturing/sale of prohibited arms and cyber terrorism, to its Schedule

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019 Central Government empowered to designate individual as terrorist NIA empowered to seize/forfeit property representing proceeds of terrorism in cases investigated by NIA After recent amendment, 4 Individuals viz., Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed, Zaki ur Rehman Lakhvi and Dawood Ibrahim proscribed as Terrorists Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) banned for another five years under sub-sections of UAPA, 1967

Cyber Crime Control National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) launched as a citizen centric initiative to facilitate public for reporting of all types of Cyber Crimes without visiting Police Station The complaints reported on this portal are accessible online to the law enforcement agencies of respective States/UTs for taking appropriate action as per law 12th India Security Summit on ‘Towards New National Cyber Security Strategy’ held in New Delhi

Review Meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) Incidents of LWE violence down from 2258 in 2009 to 833 in 2018 Number of deaths dropped from 1005 in 2009 to 240 in 2018 Districts affected by naxal violence reduced from 96 in 2010 to 60 in 2018

Smart Fencing - Union Home Minister launched BOLD-QIT (Border Electronically Dominated QRT Interception Technique) under Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) on Indo-Bangladesh border in Dhubri district of Assam, as an effective deterrence against illegal infiltration. Two pilot projects covering about 71 Kms on Indo-Pakistan Border (10 Kms) and Indo-Bangladesh Border (61 Kms) of Comprehensive Integrated Border Management System (CIBMS) have been completed.

International Drug Syndicate busted - largest seizure of contraband drugs by NCB in India - 20 Kgs of Cocaine, worth Rs. 100 crores, seized.

Focus North East National Register of Citizens (NRC), Assam published on 31.08.2019 A machinery created for detection and deportation of illegal immigrants ‘In-principle’ approval given for setting up of 1000 additional Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) ‘In-principle’ approval given to Assam Government for creation of e-FT platform (estd. cost – Rs. 99 crores)

Government of India, Government of Tripura & National Liberation Front of Twipra led by Sabir Kumar Debbarma (NLFT-SD) sign Memorandum of Settlement

NLFT (SD) to abjure path of violence, join mainstream and abide by Constitution of India Agreed to surrender 88 cadres with their weapons Cadres to get surrender benefits as per the Surrender-cum-Rehabilitation Scheme, 2018

Government of Tripura to help surrendered cadres in housing, recruitment, education etc. Government of India to consider proposals of State Government for economic development of tribal areas of Tripura.

North East Handloom and Handicraft Exhibition inaugurated by Union Home Minister in Aizawl – focus on tapping huge employment opportunities in the North East, due to availability of natural resources and presence of traditional culture and skill, by giving boost to traditional handloom and handicrafts

Disaster Management International Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) launched by Prime Minister during the UN Climate Action Summit in New York on 23rd September, 2019 Knowledge exchange platform on different aspects of disaster and calamity resilience of infrastructure Assist countries for Infrastructure Development based on risk context and economic needs Pooling of Technological Expertise of stakeholders

Cyclones Fani, Vayu, Maha and Bulbul Successful coordination of Assistance to States and execution of Rescue & Rehabilitation and dissemination of timely information to National & Regional Media by MHA Sensitization Workshop for Nodal Officers dealing with Disaster Management in all Departments/ Ministries of Central Government held by MHA

Immediate Visits of Inter Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) and Rescue-Relief Ops Preliminary visits by IMCT for on-the-spot assessment of the flood affected States without waiting for Memorandum from them IMCT to visit again for detailed damage assessment, after Memorandum submitted byStates

High Level Committee chaired by Union Home Minister approved Rs 4432.10 crore of additional Central assistance to Odisha, Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh Additional financial assistance of Rs. 1813.75 crore given from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to flood affected States of Karnataka and Bihar

· 5375 persons rescued and more than 42,000 evacuated by NDRF from various districts of flood affected states viz. Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat · Central Forces successfully evacuated 900 persons from Mahalaxmi Express stranded in flood in Maharashtra · NDRF evacuated more than 11,000 people from flood affected areas of Assam & Bihar

India hosted SCOJtEx-2019 for the 1st time Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Joint Exercise (SCOJtEx)-2019 on Urban Earthquake Search & Rescue organized in New Delhi Home Minister chaired 10th Meeting of Heads of Departments of SCO Member States, dealing with the prevention and Elimination of Emergency Situations

SCOJtEx to facilitate collective preparedness & building a common understanding of internationally recognized procedures to co-ordinate post-earthquake responses This joint exercise with SCO member states to be helpful in developing personal understanding amongst counterpart teams to tackle any disaster situation

India hosted 1st International Conference on ‘Landslides Risk Reduction and Resilience’ in New Delhi Heat Wave 2020: Two-Day Workshop on Preparedness, Mitigation and Management of Heat Wave held in Bengaluru Experts from 33 countries participated in International Workshop on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure-2019, held in New Delhi.

Pride of the Nation - Security Forces Increasing Age of Retirement of CAPFs Personnel to 60 years Ensuring Uniformity in Age of Retirement for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel More than 7 Lakh personnel to be benefitted

Organized Group ‘A’ Services Status to Officers of CAPFs Grant of Consequential Benefits of Non Functional Financial Upgradation (NFFU) and Non Functional Selection Grade (NFSG)

National Police University (NPU) ‘In-Principle’ approval given for establishing NPU 100 acres land made available for it

4. Two day National Conference on ‘Criminal Activities and Radicalization in Jails: Vulnerability of Inmates and Jail Staff and their Protection’ organized by Bureau of Police Research & development (BPR&D) State-of-art building of Delhi Police Headquarters inaugurated in New Delhi

Census of India - 2021 Foundation Stone of ‘Janganana Bhawan’ laid; Census 2021 to be conducted in 16 languages All India Conference of State Coordinators, Directors of Census Operations for Census of India 2021 and updation of National Population Register in the country held Launch of a Census App and Census Portal The Mobile App for Pre—Test Data Collection started from 12.08.2019 released on Google Play Store Census Management and Monitoring Portal (CMMP) operationalized ‘Pen-Paper Census' to be transformed to a 'Digital Census' in Census 2021

National Unity ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ Celebrated across the country with fanfare ‘Run For Unity’ organised throughout India – over 25,000 participated in New Delhi alone

‘Sardar Patel National Unity Award’ Government of India instituted Highest Civilian Award for contribution to Unity and Integrity of India Notification issued by Ministry of Home Affairs on 20th September, 2019 President of India to confer the Award by a Sanad under his hand and seal Presentation ceremony to be held along with the Padma Award presentation ceremony in Rashtrapati Bhawan Award to consist of a medal and a citation

Inter-State Council Meetings North, West and East Zonal Councils Meetings organised by MHA To foster Inter-State co-operation and co-ordination in the field of economic and social planning, border disputes, linguistic minorities or inter-State transport etc. Issues having Centre-State and inter-State ramifications resolved with consensus, after due deliberations

Emergency Response Support System (ERSS- Dial 112) launched; operational in 28 States/UTs Single emergency number (112) Step towards building a SMART Police force - Citizen Centric Service to strengthen proactive community policing Computer aided dispatch of field resources to the location of distress Citizens can send their emergency information through call, sms, email and through the 112 India mobile app. MHA has sanctioned Rs. 100 crores from Nirbhaya Fund for setting up/strengthening of Women Help Desks in Police Stations, with a view of making police stations more women friendly and approachable.

National Launch of Private Security Agency Licensing Portal Online portal to ensure transparency in licensing in Private Security sector and give a boost to its credibility Initiative to give a pan-India profile to the online licensing process – boost employment opportunities in the sector Easy online access of criminal records from across the country – facilitate easy online police verification of security guards

Unified Portal for Licensing of Eating Houses/ Lodging Houses in NCT of Delhi launched · Single window online system, under Digital India programme, to improve Ease of Doing Business and encourage entrepreneurs to start up new businesses in Food and Beverages sector. A people-friendly system to prevent corruption by infusion of transparency and increase compliance with rules and regulations by all stakeholders through simplifying and rationalizing the regulatory processes (registration & inspection).

Bilateral Agreements/MoUs India and Uzbekistan signed Security Cooperation Agreement MoU between India and Indonesia on combating illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and its precursors MoUs signed between India and Saudi Arabia in the field of combating illicit trafficking and smuggling of Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Chemical Precursors MoU signed between India and Myanmar on bilateral cooperation for Prevention of Trafficking in Persons

5. MoU between India and USA to access tip line reports on Missing and Exploited Children

Foreigners 1. Liberalization of Medical Visa Regime · Facilitation by non-requirement of conversion of primary visa into medical visa, when a foreigner seeks admission into a hospital owing to an illness

Enactment of Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019 to Provide for Protection of Rights of Transgender Persons & their Welfare 498247 Persons Benefitted under Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism & Substance (DRUG) Abuse Scheme DEPwD Develops MIS Portal for Stakeholders for Efficient Monitoring of Accessible India Campaign Centre for Disability Sports Being Set up in Gwalior to Provide Training to Divyangjan Sportspersons

The vision of the D/o Social Justice & Empowerment is to build an inclusive society wherein members of the target groups can lead productive, safe and dignified lives with adequate support for their growth and development. It aims to support and empower its target groups through programmes of educational, economic and social development and rehabilitation wherever necessary. The mandate of the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment is empowerment of the socially, educationally and economically marginalised sections of the society including (i) Scheduled Castes (ii) other Backward Class (iii) Senior Citizens (iv) Victims of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (v) Transgender Persons (vi) Beggars (vii) Denotified and Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) (viii) Economically Backward Classes (EBCs) and (xi) Economically Weaker Section (EWS)

1. TRANSGENDER PERSONS (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS) ACT 2019 TO PROVIDE FOR PROTECTION OF RIGHTS OF TRANSGENDER PERSONS & THEIR WELFARE The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill 2019 was passed by the Parliament and received the assent of President of India on 5th December, 2019. It was passed by the Rajya Sabha on 26th November, 2019 and already passed by the 17thLok Sabha on 5th August, 2019. The Act will make all the stakeholders responsive and accountable for upholding the principles underlying the Act. It will bring greater accountability on the part of the Central Government and State Governments/Union Territories Administrations for issues concerning Transgender persons. The Act will benefit a large number of transgender persons, mitigate the stigma, discrimination and abuse against this marginalized section and bring them into the mainstream of society. It will lead to greater inclusiveness and will make the transgender persons productive members of the society.

VAYOSHRESHTHA SAMMAN TO EMINENT SENIOR CITIZENS AND INSTITUTION The President of India Shri Ram NathKovind presented the “VayoshreshthaSamman” to the eminent senior citizens and institutions in recognition of their services towards the cause of the elderly persons, to mark the “International Day of Older Persons”, at a function in New Delhi on October 03, 2019.

The experience of Senior Citizens are the Plethora of wisdom. The coveted VayoshreshthaSamman was instituted in the year 2005 and was upgraded to the status of National Awards in the year 2013. The National Awards were presented in 13 different categories. Since 2014-15, the Ministry has disbursed Rs. 190.62crores to 1595 NGOs towards the maintenance of old age homes across the country.

NATIONAL SURVEY ON EXTENT AND PATTERN OF SUBSTANCE (DRUG) ABUSE IN INDIA The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment has assigned the National Survey on Extent and Pattern of substance (Drugs) Abuse in India to National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS, New Delhi, which is completed. National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) for 2018-25 has also been prepared and implemented, which aims at reduction of adverse consequences of drug abuse through a multipronged strategy involving education, de-addiction and rehabilitation of affected individuals and their families. Since 2014-15, under the scheme the total number of beneficiaries are 4,98,247.

MOU SIGNED BETWEEN DAIC AND DICCI TO EMPOWER SC AND ST COMMUNITIES THROUGH RESEARCH ON DALIT ENTREPRENEURSHIP A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) in New Delhi on 20th June, 2019 in the presence of Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment. The overall motives of this MoU is the empowerment of SC and ST communities through research on Dalit entrepreneurship, empowerment, skill development capacity building among SC/ST women and youth, impact of different schemes of the Government on socio-economic conditions of SC and ST and other similar subjects.

EMPOWERING SCs& STs Scheme of Dr. Ambedkar Chairs aims to provide well-funded Centres of learning to intellectuals, academicians and students to undertake studies and research with an intention to understand assess and disseminate ideas and thoughts of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Dr. Ambedkar Scheme for Social Integration through Inter-Caste Marriages is to appreciate the socially bold step of an Inter-Caste marriage, taken by the newly married couple and to extend financial incentive to the couple to enable them to settle down in the initial phase of their married life.

Dr. Ambedkar Foundation National Essay Competition Scheme is to encourage writing on social issues, among the Students of Schools / Colleges / Universities / Institutions and arouse their interest in Dr. Ambedkar’s thoughts on fundamental social issues like social justice, removal of untouchability, caste based prejudices, removal of inequality and discrimination, social democracy, national integration, communal harmony etc.

17TH RUN AGAINST DRUG ABUSE The Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri ThaawarchandGehlot took part in the 17th Run Against Drug Abuse”, on the occasion of ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking’, in New Delhi on June 26, 2019. Since 2014-15, Department of Social Justice & Empowerment has released Rs. 210.68 Crores towards the Central Sector Scheme of Assistance for Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drugs) Abuse. Under the scheme the total number of beneficiaries are 4,98,247 and Since 2014-15, Ministry has assisted 1777 projects of the 1082 NGOs throughout India.

DEPARTMENT OF EMPOWERMENT OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (DEPWD) DEPwD was created in order to give focused attention to Policy issues and meaningful thrust to the activities aimed at welfare and empowerment of the Persons with Disabilities.It acts as a Nodal Agency for matters pertaining to disability and Persons with Disabilities including effecting closer coordination among different stakeholders: related Central Ministries, State/UT Governments, NGOs etc. in matters pertaining to disability.

Its vision is to build an inclusive society in which equal opportunities are provided for the growth and development of Persons with Disabilities so that they can lead productive, safe and dignified lives.Its mission is toempower Persons with Disabilities, through its various Acts/Institutions/Organizations and Schemes for rehabilitation and to create an enabling environment that provides such persons with equal opportunities, protection of their rights and enables them to participate as independent and productive members of society.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF DEPwD Cabinet has approved the proposal of establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) at Sehore, Madhya Pradesh which has been registered as a society under Madhya Pradesh Society Registration Act, 1973 on 28th May 2019, with the objective to promote mental health rehabilitation using an integrated multidisciplinary approach and developing trained professionals in the area of mental health rehabilitation. It is being set up on a piece of 25 acre of land allotted by the Government of Madhya Pradesh along Bhopal-Sehore highway in Madhya Pradesh. Pending construction of permanent site, NIMHR has been made functional from a temporary accommodation provided by the Govt. of Madhya Pradesh at Old Zila Panchayat Bhawan, Sehorew.e.f 30.09.2019. It is providing rehabilitation and clinical services and also runs Certificate Course on Care Giving (CCCG). CPWD has invited tender for construction of building on turnkey/EPC mode and the bids are under evaluation.

India’s First Country Report on Status of Disability and Implementation of United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)was submitted in November,2015 was considered and successfully adopted by United Nations on 03rd September this year along with certain recommendations.

The Government has approved setting up of a Centre for Disability Sports at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh with a view to provide contemporary training facilities for Divyang Sportspersons at par with leading countries in the world. The work order for setting up of the Centre has been issued to CPWD. A Project Monitoring Committee and a Governing Body has been constituted by the Department on 28.08.2019 to monitor the project implementation and overall supervision.

A Cultural Event “Divya Kala Shakti: Witnessing Ability in Disability” was organised on 23rd July, 2019. The event showcased the talents of children and youth with disabilities from different parts of the country. It was held in the august presence of Hon’ble President of India, Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha, Hon’ble Council of Ministers and Hon’ble Members of both the Houses of Parliament.

The Extension Centre of National Institute of Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) at Andaman & Nicobar Islands has been upgraded to Composite Regional Centre on 19th June, 2019.

DEPwD has developed a Management Information System (MIS) Portal for stakeholders of Accessible India Campaign (AIC). Shri ThaawarchandGehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment launched the MIS portal on 18.09.2019.MIS portal will bring all the nodal Ministries, and States/UTs on a single platform for monitoring the progress being made against each target of AIC. The portal will be useful in maintaining all the function on digital platform and capture data on a real-time basis.

Secretary, DEPwD Participated In 22nd Session of UN Committee on CRPD at Geneva (09 SEP 2019). India is a signatory of the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). It ratified this Convention on 01-10-2007 in pursuance of Article 35 of the Convention. India submitted its First Country Report on Status of Disability in India in November 2015. The UN Committee on CRPD in its 22nd Session took up India’s First Country Report for consideration during 2nd & 3rd September 2019 at UNHRC, Geneva.

Observation of World Mental Health Day by DEPwD on 10th October, 2019. DEPwD observed the “World Mental Health Day” on 10th October, 2019.

The Department undertook a series of activities during the week by its various National Institutes to raise awareness about Mental Health issues including identification of early signs to prevent aggravation and rehabilitation/mainstreaming of successfully cured mentally ill persons.

The Vice President of India Shri M. Venkiah Naidu Conferred National Awards for Outstanding Work Done Towards Empowerment of PwDs on International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3rd December, 2019. He conferred the National Awards on Individuals, Institutions, Organizations and State/District etc. for their outstanding achievements and work done towards empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri ThaawarchandGehlot presided over the function. Ministers of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Shri Krishan Pal Gurjar, Shri RamdasAthawale and Shri Rattan Lal Kataria also graced the occasion.

The Standing Committee on Human Resource Development (Chair: Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya) submitted its report on the Khelo India scheme on December 10, 2019. The scheme aims to revive the sports culture in India and promote excellence in sports. Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:

Administration: The Khelo India scheme is implemented by a General Council chaired by the minister-in-charge. The Council functions as the policy making body for the scheme. The Committee recommended that an eminent sportsperson or sports administrator should be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the General Council to oversee the implementation of the scheme. It noted that such a person would be sensitive to problems faced by athletes and could act as an interface between athletes and the administration.

Utilisation of funds: The Committee observed that during 2018-19 and 2019-20, the actual expenditure on the Khelo India scheme was Rs 324 crore and Rs 318 crore, respectively. However, the estimated allocation was Rs 520 crore and Rs 500 crore, respectively. The Department of Sports specified several constraints in the implementation of the scheme such as inadequate funds, human resources and sports infrastructure. It noted the need for an increased budget to remedy these constraints.

The Committee recommended that the Department should first utilise funds allocated to it, and then mobilise other resources. Other resources could include: (i) funds from private and corporate sectors, (ii) public private partnerships to create sports infrastructure, and (iii) converging the scheme with the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme. This scheme enables MPs to implement developmental work in their constituencies.

Talent identification: The Committee observed that the process of talent identification was complex and lengthy. Talent identification begins with pan-India trials of children by talent scouts (eminent coaches and players). Once players are shortlisted from these competitions, they are called for an assessment camp, where a final list of players is composed. These players are then sent to sports academies for training. The Committee noted that repeated tests for sportspersons can lead to favouritism and regionalism in the selection process. It recommended that a single window selection procedure should be followed.

Shortage of coaches: The Committee observed that there are 1,524 posts for coaches in various cadres. At present, 980 of these posts are filled, creating a shortfall of 544 coaches. It recommended that the vacant posts for coaches should be filled expediently. Further, the Department should collaborate with coaches running private sports academies to help train athletes.

Sports infrastructure: The Committee noted that schools, colleges, and universities lack sports infrastructure. Currently, to fill these gaps in sports infrastructure, the Department uses two mechanisms: (i) setting up sports centres in select universities, and (ii) providing grants to states to build infrastructure. The Committee observed that only 13 states have been given these grants. It noted that certain states including Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha did not receive any grants. The Committee recommended that the Ministry should develop sports infrastructure in these states and tribal areas where unassessed sporting talent may exist to ensure uniformity in sports infrastructure across states.

To increase sports infrastructure, the Committee recommended that private residential schools with sports facilities of international standards in at least four disciplines should be identified. Such schools should be developed as centres for sports excellence in every district of the country.

Education: The Khelo India scheme identifies and trains players for international sports events such as the Olympics. The Committee noted that in 2018-19, of the 1,518 players selected for training, only 625 joined the accredited academies, and 893 dropped out. It identified the main reason for drop-outs as a lack of integrated education at the academies. The Committee recommended that the academies should have educational and hostel facilities so that trainees can complete their basic education. Further, training spaces in existing private schools, colleges and academies with hostels, should be identified. These may be affiliated under the Khelo India scheme and provided with certified coaches for the purpose of training sportspersons.

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The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is regarded as one of the key Ministries that is entrusted with the task of disseminating information about government policies, schemes and programmes through the different mediums of communication.

The Ministry took a series of initiatives in the year 2019 to inform the public in a seamless, transparent and accurate manner of all important activities undertaken by the Government.

Information Sector · World Book Fair at New Delhi from 5th to 13th January, 2019. Discussion on ‘Children’s Literature and Young Readers Trapped in Electronic Gadgets’ organized by Publications Division at World Book Fair. Publications Division also released ten books during the event – Saral Panchatantra Part I; Children’s Vivekananda; Children’s Mahabharat in English; Shekhawati ki Lok Sanskriti; Hamare Samay me Upanishad; Haar Ki Khushi; Maa Ka Janamdin; Bapu ki Vani; Ved Gatha; and Bal Mahabharat in Hindi.

· India Pavilion at London Book Fair, 12th to 14th March. 2019. The India Pavilion laid special focus on 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and displayed the digital version of the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi, apart from various other titles on Culture, History and Folklore of India.

· Reference Annuals ‘Bharat 2019’ and ‘India 2019’ released- the flagship publications brought out by Publications Division. · Photo Exhibition to commemorate Centenary of Jallianwala Bagh incident in Amritsar by Regional Outreach Bureau organized in April 2019, titled Photo Exhibition on Freedom Struggle.

· Several e-projects of Publications Division launched, including its redesigned dynamic website, mobile app “Digital DPD”, e-version of Rozgaar Samachar and e-book “Satyagrah Geeta”. · E-version of Rozgar Samachar launched with a view to make aspirants aware of job opportunities in government sector including public sector enterprises.

· ‘Jaldoot’ a travelling exhibition on Jalshakti Abhiyan arranged by Regional Outreach Bureau, Pune. The exhibition consisted of various information display panels and Audio-Visual components to create awareness about bold initiatives and decisive actions taken by the government. · Second Volume of ‘Loktantra Ke Swar’ and ‘The Republican Ethic’ released- Compilation of selected speeches of President of India, brought out by Directorate of Publications Division.

· Travelogue program “Rag Rag Mein Ganga” and quiz show “Meri Ganga” on Doordarshan launched. The travelogue series “Rag Rag Mein Ganga” has been made by Doordarshan in collaboration with National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). The show relays the message of the need of rejuvenating River Ganga while also informing about the efforts of the Government to clean Ganga – presented in a unique and interesting format. The quiz show ‘Meri Ganga’ has also been made by DD in collaboration with NMCG in an attempt to cover school children from all zones of the country and trigger curiosity in them to feel closer to the cause of cleaning Ganga.

· Private FM Radio broadcasters permitted to broadcast All India Radio (AIR) News bulletins, in English/Hindi as per list of bulletins given in News Schedule, subject to certain terms and conditions.

· Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched DD Arunprabha, a dedicated 24x7 Doordarshan satellite channel for Arunachal Pradesh on 9th February, 2019. · 11 more State DD Channels brought on the Satellite footprint of India through DD Free Dish. It is for the first time that the States of Chhattisgarh, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Uttarakhand have got their own DD Channel on a Satellite Network through DD Free Dish.

· Doordarshan’s Free Dish Set Top Boxes in Jammu and Kashmir distributed, besides launching half an hour Dogri programme and News Bulletin from DD Kashir and the signature tune of the channel, in an effort to reach out to the public in border areas to disseminate the message of Information, Education and Entertainment.

· Ministry aims to establish Community Radio Stations in every district of the Country, as announced at the 7th National Community Radio Sammelan in August 2019, as development of a vibrant culture of Community Radio will help in greater information dissemination at the grassroot level, which will result in further empowerment of people.

· Accessibility Standards for Persons with Disabilities in TV programmes implemented. In a significant beginning from this year’s Independence Day, Private Satellite News TV channels telecast programme on Independence Day Celebrations with sign language interpretation.

· Patriotic song “Watan” produced by Doordarshan to mark the occasion of Independence Day released. The song pays tribute to New India. It highlights several path breaking initiatives of the government including the determination and vision behind the successful launch of "Chandrayaan 2". The song also pays tribute to the bravery and valour of our armed forces and the martyrs of the country.

· Facilitate in organization of 2nd Jharkhand International Film Festival in Ranchi, Jharkhand from 1st to 3rd February, 2019. The objective of promoting the Festival is to encourage states that have showcased potential of promoting cinema.

· Indian Panorama Film Festival organized by Directorate of Film Festivals at New Delhi. Festivals like this helps viewer’s rise above the barrier of language and understand each other’s culture better while also facilitating people to people contact from different cities.

· India Pavilion at the 69th Berlin International Film Festival acted as a platform to popularize Indian Cinema in overseas market and facilitate new business opportunities. · India Pavilion at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2019, wherein India was designated as the Guest of Honour for the Book Fair, which was held from 24th – 30th April, 2019.

· India Pavilion organized at Cannes Film Festival 2019, to showcase Indian cinema across linguistic, cultural and regional diversity, with the aim of forging international partnerships in distribution, production, filming in India, script development, technology, promoting film sales and syndication. India Pavilion was also set at ‘Toronto International Film Festival’ (Sept. 2019).

· 50th International Film Festival of India organized in Goa. Russia was the focus country during the festival. The great doyen of Indian cinema Shri Amitabh Bachchan and the ‘Thalaiva’ of Indian film industry Shri Rajinikanth flagged off the extravaganza and announced the festival open. Shri Rajinikanth was conferred the 'Icon Of Golden Jubilee Award' for his outstanding contribution to Indian cinema, a first time award beginning with the 50th edition. One of French cinema's defining faces actress Ms. Isabelle Anne Madeleine Huppert was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The festival opened with the Italian film ‘Despite the Fog’ directed by Goran Paskaljevic. ‘Particles’ directed by Blaise Harrison and produced by Estelle Fialon won the coveted Golden Peacock Award. Lijo Jose Pellissery conferred Best Director Award for ‘Jallikattu’; Seu Jorge was declared Best Actor (Male) Award and Usha Jadhav got Best Actor (Female) Award.

· 66th National Film Awards. The Vice President of India, Shri M Venkaiah Naidu conferred National Film Awards for the year 2018in various categories at its 66th edition, held at New Delhi. Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting (I&B), Shri Prakash Javadekar; Secretary, Ministry of I&B, Shri Ravi Mittal were amongst other dignitaries present on the occasion. Some of the prominent winners in various categories for this year National Film Awards includes Gujarati film Hellaroin Best Feature Film category. BadhaaiHo bagged the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, Hindi movie Padmanwas awarded Best Film on Social Issues, Aditya Dhar won Best Director Award for Uri: The Surgical Strike, AyushmanKhurana and Vicky Kaushal jointly won Best Actor Award for their performances in Andhadhun and Uri: The Surgical Strike, whileKeerthy Suresh bagged Best Actress trophy for her performance in Telugu movie Mahanati. Marathi movie Naal got the Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director while another Marathi movie Paani won the award for Best Film on Environment Conservation/ Preservation. NargisDutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration was given to Kannada film OndallaEradallaand Uttarakhand was awarded the Most Film Friendly State.

In addition, it is pertinent to mention that the First Annual Conference of Media Units working under I&B Ministry was organized at New Delhi. During the Conference, performance of the Media Units was reviewed. The focus of the Conference was on ensuring synergy between the Media Units in their day to day functioning. Discussions on using modern technological tools for communication was also done during the course of Conference.

Ministry of Textiles participated in World Cotton Day celebration in Geneva Promotion of Pashmina Shawls under SITP BIS develops standards for 348 technical textiles products NIFT in Jharkhand and Haryana 59 Textiles parks sanctioned 21 new block level clusters for Handicrafts

The Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, participated in World Cotton Day celebrations observed from 7th October to 11th October 2019 at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva. The WTO organized the World Cotton Day event in collaboration with the Secretariats of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC). Union Minister of Textiles, Smriti Zubin Irani, participated in the plenary session of the event which was attended by heads of states and heads of international organisations.

WTO hosted the event at the request of the Cotton – 4 countries, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali to celebrate their official application for the recognition of 7th October as World Cotton Day by the United Nations. World Cotton Day celebrated the many advantages of cotton, from its qualities as a natural fibre, to the benefits people obtain from its production, transformation, trade and consumption. World Cotton Day also served to shed light on the challenges faced by cotton economies around the world because cotton is important to least developed, developing and developed economies worldwide.

Between 2011 and 2018, India implemented a Cotton Technical Assistance Programme (Cotton TAP-I) of about USD 2.85 million for seven African countries namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Mali and Chad and also Uganda, Malawi and Nigeria. The technical assistance focused on improving the competitiveness of the cotton and cotton-based textiles and apparel industry in these countries through a series of interventions which had significant outcomes leading to a demand for a follow on project.

At the Partners Conference in Geneva, Textiles Minister announced that India will launch the second phase of the Cotton Technical Assistance Programme (TAP) for Africa. In the five year long second phase, the programme will be scaled up in size and coverage and will be introduced in five additional countries, namely Mali, Ghana, Togo, Zambia and Tanzania. The Cotton TAP programme will now cover 11 African countries including the C4 (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali).

Cotton is a global commodity that is produced all over the world and a single tonne of cotton provides year-round employment for five people on average. Cotton is a drought – resistant crop ideal for arid climates, it occupies just 2.1 % of the world’s arable land, yet it meets 27% of the world’s textiles need. In addition to its fibre used in textiles and apparel, food products are also derived from cotton like edible oil and animal feed from the seed.

Union Minister of Textiles tries her hand at the charkha at a demo during the World Cotton Day in Geneva on October 7, 2019

PROMOTION OF PASHMINA SHAWLS Government of India has been providing marketing facilities for all handloom products including Pashmina Shawls all across the country under Handloom Marketing Assistance (HMA), a component of National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP). Since 2016-17, a total of 678 Handloom Marketing events/expos have been organized in different states to help weavers from all across the country to sell their products. The above product is also registered as Kashmir Pashmina vide application No.46 under Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.

Government of India has sanctioned 2 Textile Parks in Jammu and Kashmir under Scheme for Integrated Textile Park (SITP). Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has published an Indian Standard for identification, marking and labelling of Pashmina products to certify its purity in August this year.

The certification will help curb the adulteration of Pashmina and also protect the interests of local artisans and nomads of Ladakh who are the producers of Pashmina raw material. It will also assure the purity of Pashmina for customers. The BIS certification of Pashmina will go a long way in discouraging counterfeit or substandard products presently mislabelled and sold as genuine Pashmina in the market.

TECHNICAL TEXTILES INDUSTRY IN INDIA Technical textiles are material and products manufactured primarily for their technical properties and functional requirements rather than for aesthetic characteristics. The scope of use of technical textiles encompasses a wide range of applications such as; agro-textiles, medical textiles, geo-textiles, protection-textiles, industrial-textiles, sports-textiles and many other usages. Use of technical textiles have benefits of increased productivity in agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture fields; better protection of military, para-military, police and security forces, stronger and sturdier transportation infrastructure for highways, railways, ports and airports and in improving hygiene and healthcare of general public. In India, technical textiles hold immense growth opportunities both for the industry as well as across various applications.

Technical textiles is the harbinger of many new age applications covering almost all walks of life, and having immense potential for bringing in higher level of productivity, efficiency, cost economics; and offering innovative solutions to many engineering and general applications. In addition to their commercial use, technical textiles have been identified for mandatory use across various important missions, programmes and schemes of the Government of India. Some of these are National Health Mission, Jal Jivan Mission, National Horticulture Mission and infrastructure development of highways, railways and ports.

In order to boost a rapid growth of the technical textile segment in the country, the government has taken following major initiatives: 207 technical textiles items have been brought under separate head in the Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN) code under the Foreign Trade Policy.

With a view to derive the benefits of technical textiles in various fields of applications, currently 92 application areas have been identified for mandatory use across 10 Central Ministries/Departments. Technical textiles has seen an increase in exports by 11% in April – June quarter of 2019. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has developed standards for 348 technical textiles products. On request from the Industry, Ministry of Textiles has included 6 additional courses for technical textiles in its Skill Development Programme called Samarth.

The work of conducting fresh baseline survey on technical textiles sector has been given to IIT Delhi. The Ministry has issued Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India) Order dated 23.10.2019, prescribing minimum local purchase content for technical textiles items in 10 segments for government procurement.

In terms of the projections of the last baseline survey on technical textiles submitted in 2015, the market size in India for the year 2017-18 is projected as Rs 1,16,217 crore. Although, there is no projection in the last baseline study with regard to the projections for the 2020-21, taking into account the current trend of growth and various initiatives of the Government, domestic market size of the technical textiles is expected to cross Rs 2 lakh crores by the year 2020-21.

Scheme for Promoting Usage of Agro textiles in North East Region: The usage of Agro textiles in the North East Region has led to average increase in farmers’ income by 67% to 75%. Increase in intensity of crop cycles by 3 to 4 crops in a year is seen as there is cultivation throughout the year. It has led to reduced water consumption by 30%-45% and has prevented damages to crops due to birds and hailstone.

Scheme for Promoting Usage of Geotechnical Textiles in North East Region: Use of Geotextiles in infrastructure projects has led to improvement of serviceability of the infrastructure and increased maintenance intervals for infrastructure such as roads and hill slopes.

National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Two new NIFT campuses will be set up at Panchkula (Haryana) and Ranchi (Jharkhand). At present, NIFT has 16 Campuses all over India In view of the recent trends of apparels and costumes, and based on the feasibility study conducted by NIFT, the following Under Graduate Programmes will be introduced by NIFT at its existing two NIFT campuses from academic session 2020-21.

NIFT Shillong 1) Bachelor of Design (Textile Design) 2) Bachelor of Design (Fashion Communication)

NIFT Bhopal 1) Bachelor of Design (Fashion Communication) 2) Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) 3) Bachelor of Fashion Technology (Apparel Production) The above programmes will be in addition to the existing programmes already running at these campuses.

INTEGRATED TEXTILE PARKS The Government is implementing the Scheme for Integrated Textile Park (SITP) which provides support for creation of world-class infrastructure facilities for setting up of textile units, with a Government of India grant up to 40% of the project cost subject to a ceiling of Rs. 40 crore. However, Government of India grant is up to 90% of the project cost for first two projects (each) in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir with ceiling of Rs. 40 crore for each textile park.

The Scheme is demand driven. A total of 59 textile parks have been sanctioned under SITP by the Ministry of Textiles out of which 22 textile parks have been completed and rest are under various stages of construction.

CAPACITY BUILDING IN TEXTILE SECTOR The Government has approved a skill development scheme titled SAMARTH, a Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector, covering the entire value chain of the textile sector, excluding Spinning and Weaving in the organized sector, on pan India basis, including the state of Tripura, for a period of three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20, with an outlay of Rs.1300 crore to train 10 lakh persons. The salient features of the scheme are:

Training programmes are aligned with the provisions of Common Norms and courses offered under the scheme are National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant.

Web based MIS for ease of implementation and monitoring. (iii) Physical verification of Training Centres before allocation of training target. (iv) 70% mandatory placement within 3 months of completion of training for organized sector. Training by certified Trainers having cleared Training of Trainers (ToT) course.

(vi) Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS). CCTV recording of entire training programme and assessment process.

Post Placement tracking. (ix) Mobile App for different stakeholders for ease of monitoring and implementation.

Preference to be given to marginalized social group and aspirational districts. (xi) Public grievance redressal mechanism. Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibitions & Redressal) Act, 2013.

The Ministry has allocated over 4 lakh skilling targets in organised and traditional sectors to Government agencies in 18 States and skilling targets in traditional sector to Sectoral Organisations of Ministry of Textiles (Central Silk Board, Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, Development Commissioner of Handloom and National Jute Board) for commencing the training programme under the scheme. Process of empanelment and training target allocation to textile industry/industry association has also commenced as per the scheme guidelines.

A web based centralised Management Information System (MIS) has been operationalized for monitoring of all aspects of the implementation of the training programme under the scheme. All aspects of the training programme viz. proposal for empanelling of implementing partners, training centre verification, trainee enrolment, Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System, Assessment & Certification, placement & tracking of trainees and payment to implementing partners are interfaced with the web based MIS of Samarth.

Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) On 6th March 2019, Cabinet approved a Scheme for Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) to enhance competitiveness of apparel and made-ups exports. Rebate of Taxes/levies was approved through an IT driven script system at notified rates up to 31.03.2020.

POWERTEX INDIA Under Powertex India 4797 looms have been upgraded under the in-situ Upgradation Scheme for Plain Powerloom and Rs.44.98 crores have been released. In the Group Workshed Scheme 141 projects have been approved and Rs. 7.64 crores have been released. In the Yarn Bank Scheme 8 projects have been approved and Rs.5.27 crores have been released. 12 Buyers Seller Meet organized at a cost of Rs.1.35 crores. Nineteen Powerloom Service Centres have been set up at a cost of Rs.4.58 crores.

GROWTH OF SILK PRODUCTION Integrated Scheme for Development of the Silk Industry For the development of the Indian silk industry patents have been obtained for 5 technology packages, 50 research projects have been concluded and 55 technology packages disseminated. 13885 persons have been trained under various programmes organized by the Research & Training institutes of Central Silk Board (CSB).

The total raw silk production has increased by 11% (35,468 MT) during 2018-19 over the previous year 2017-18 (31,906 MT). The bivoltine raw silk production achieved a record production of 6,987 MT during 2018-19 by registering 18.95% growth over previous year. Raw silk yield per hectare has increased to 105 kg during 2018-19 compared to 96 kg during 2014-15

The Textiles Ministry has taken various steps through the Central Silk Board (CSB) to protect the interest of the silk producers.

CSB through a restructured Central Sector Scheme Silk Samagra and 38 projects under North East Region Textile Promotion Scheme (NERTPS) protects the interests of the farmers by supporting them through beneficiary oriented components like raising of kisan nursery, plantation with improved mulberry varieties, irrigation, chawki rearing centres with incubation facility, construction of rearing houses, rearing equipment and door to door service agents for disinfection. 42,026 beneficiaries have been covered. Mulberry plantation in 32,552 acres have been developed. Raw silk production in the North East region has increased from 4,602 MT in 2013-14 to 7,482 MT 2018-19 with total increase from 17% to 22% of India’s total production. It has generated employment for the tribal communities and also created sustainable livelihood for them. The positive impact of this is reflected in significant increase in Disease Free Layings (dfls) consumption, cocoon production, raw silk production besides increase in income from sericulture and its share in the total annual family income.

Strengthened Research & Development system to improve the levels of cocoon production and productivity to develop improved mulberry/host plant varieties, silkworm hybrids and technology packages to minimize drudgery. For production of 3A-4A grade raw silk from the bivoltine cocoons, Automatic Reeling Machines (ARM) have been established in the country.

Central Silk Board and State Governments mobilize additional funds for sericulture development through convergence by availing the schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) being implemented by various other Ministries of Government of India. The basic customs duty of 10% & 20% is levied on raw silk and silk fabric import respectively. This makes the domestic silk weaving market segment stronger and also makes Indian silk export sector highly competitive.

The Jute and Jute textile industry: The jute industry occupies an important place in the economy of India and is one of the major industries in the eastern region, particularly in West Bengal. Jute, the golden fibre, meets all the standards for safe packaging in view of being a natural, renewable, biodegradable and eco-friendly product. It is estimated that the jute industry provides direct employment to 0.37 million workers in organized mill and in diversified units and supports the livelihood of around 4.0 million farm families.

Development of Jute Sector For the welfare of jute farmers the JUTE – ICARE (Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise) has been launched to promote scientific practices related to Jute Cultivation for Quality & Quantity improvements. In order to facilitate modernization and up-gradation of technology in existing/ new jute mills and JDP units an incentive Scheme for Acquisition of Select Machinery (ISAPM) has been launched.

In order to facilitate registered jute exporters for participating in foreign fairs/BSMs and Trade delegations to enhance exports of jute products an Export Market Development Assistance Scheme (EMDA) has been launched. To support jute entrepreneurs to display and promote jute diversified products through retail outlets in Metro cities, State Capitals and tourist places Retail Outlet of Jute Diversified Products and Bulk Supply Scheme has been put in place.

In order to provide assistance to the jute mills by supporting construction cost for toilet blocks for the jute mill workers a Workers’ Welfare Scheme (Sulabh Sauchalaya) has been implemented. Incentives are being given to successful 10th & 12th class girl children of workers of Jute Mills / MSMEs in order to provide education support.

To create new/ skilled work force for production of value added JDPs, to provide self-employment opportunity and facilitate backward and forward linkage to the existing and new entrepreneurs the Jute Integrated Development Scheme (JIDS) has been launched. To supply jute raw materials to MSMEs Units and artisans at mill gate price plus actual transportation cost the Jute Raw Material Bank (JRMB) scheme has been put in place.

In order to promote the Indian Jute Industry, the Government has set up the Indian Jute Industries’ Research Association (IJIRA). A variety of research activities has been undertaken by IJIRA for enabling faster retting of jute plant, softening of hard root cuttings of jute and eco- friendly oil-free processing of jute.

In the field of product development IJIRA has developed light-weight jute bag, Jute Geotextiles for construction of rural roads, Jute-thermoplastic composites and Bio-degradable laminates for jute cloth. IJIRA has also developed high-end products like jute-based air filter media, valuable chemicals from jute stick and process waste and jute-based sanitary napkins. In the field of machinery development, IJIRA has developed high-speed roller drafting machine and Continuous damping-calendaring-cutting machine.

COMPREHENSIVE HANDLOOM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME The Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) is targeted at development of Mega Handloom Clusters in clearly identifiable geographical locations covering at least 15000 handlooms with the Government of India contributing up to Rs.40 crore per cluster over a period of 5 years. Components such as conducting diagnostic study and corpus for raw material are fully funded by the Government of India whereas components like lighting units, technological up-gradation of looms and accessories are 90% funded by the Government of India. Other components such as creation of infrastructure for design studio/ marketing complex/garmenting unit, marketing development, assistance for exports and publicity are 80% funded by the Government of India.

Eight Mega Handloom Clusters viz. Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Sivasagar (Assam), Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu), Murshidabad (West Bengal), Prakasam and Guntur districts (Andhra Pradesh), Godda & neighbouring districts (Jharkhand), Bhagalpur (Bihar) and Trichy (Tamil Nadu) have been taken up for development. Under the CHCDS, around 1.75 lakh handloom weavers have been covered for which Rs. 131.91 crore has been released for various interventions during the last four financial years and the current financial year.

Furthermore, under National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP), based on the viable proposals received from the State Governments, 294 Block Level Clusters (BLCs) have been sanctioned in the country covering around 1.6 lakh handloom weavers for which Rs. 165.99 crore has been released for various interventions during the last four financial years and the current financial year.

Under the MUDRA scheme loans were sanctioned to 35952 weavers with a total disbursement of Rs 181.68 crore. 8611 handloom workers have been provided skill upgradation training. 7417 Hathkargha Samvardhan Sahayata (HSS) items have been distributed to 7285 beneficiaries.

Financial Assistance of Rs 38.77 crores has been provided to 34 aspirational districts for handloom development. Hastkala Sahyog Shivirs are being organized throughout the country to spread awareness about various schemes and benefits available to the Artisans and Weavers. In order to enhance the weavers’ income, direct interface of textile companies are being developed with handloom clusters. Producer companies of handloom weavers, societies and SHGs are being formed under the Companies Act.

MODERNIZATION OF HANDLOOMS In 2018-19, 29.93 lakh bales have been imported and 42.83 lakh bales exported up to 31.01.2019 as per Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCIS), Kolkata.

Taking into account demand and supply situation in the country, as per above statement, there is sufficient availability of cotton in the country. Ministry of Textiles has been implementing – (i) Yarn Supply Scheme throughout the country to make available all types of yarn at mill gate price to handloom weavers. The scheme is being implemented through National Handloom Development Corporation. Under the Scheme freight is reimbursed and depot operating charges at 2% is given to depot operating agencies. For Handlooms, a component of 10% price subsidy also exists on hank yarn, which is applicable on cotton, domestic silk, wool and linen yarn with quantity caps.

(ii) In Power loom sector, Yarn Bank Scheme provides interest free corpus fund of up to Rs.2.00 crores to Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)/ Consortium of Power loom weavers to enable them to purchase yarn at wholesale rate and give the yarn at reasonable price to the small weavers. 89 Yarn banks are in operation on pan India basis involving interest free corpus fund of Rs.26.17 crores of Government of India. There is no scarcity of supply of yarn to the Power loom weavers.

The Government of India, Ministry of Textiles has been implementing Block Level Cluster under National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handloom Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS) for providing skill upgradation training in Weaving, Dyeing, Designing. disciplines and also provide upgraded looms/ accessories to handloom weavers to improve quality of fabric and enhance productivity. Total 436 Block Level Clusters have been sanctioned from 2015-16 to 2019-20 (till 18.11.2019) under NHDP/CHCDS covering 303366 beneficiaries across the country out of this, 52 BLCs have been sanctioned to Tamil Nadu covering 58268 beneficiaries.

For welfare of the handloom weavers, life & accident insurance coverage is provided to handloom weavers/ workers enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and converged Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana (MGBBY) across the country.

Ministry of Textiles has signed Memorandums of Understanding with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) to secure educational facilities for the weavers and their families. NIOS offers Secondary and Senior Secondary level education with specialized subjects on design, marketing, business development, etc. through distance learning mode for handloom weavers, whereas IGNOU offers continuing education programs through accessible and flexible learning opportunities relevant to the aspirations of handloom weavers and their children for career progression. Ministry of Textiles is providing reimbursement of 75% of the fee towards admission to NIOS/IGNOU courses in case of SC, ST, BPL, and Women learners belonging to handloom weavers’ families.

UPLIFTMENT OF HANDICRAFTS For the upliftment of the handicrafts sector financial assistance is provided to handicrafts artisans under Direct Benefit to Artisans under following schemes of Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles:

(i) Mudra Loan with Interest Subvention & Margin Money for Handicrafts Artisans: Under Mudra Loan assistance is provided to artisans/weavers with Interest subvention of 6 % for a period of 3 years to a maximum limit of Rs.100000 to meet their credit requirements. Further to encourage the artisans to avail the facility of MUDRA loan, 20% of loan amount is also being provided as margin money in their loan amount not exceeding Rs. 10,000. Handicrafts Service Centers are facilitating artisans in availing the credit facility by mobilizing them, creating awareness and submitting applications to the Banks.

(ii) Support to Artisans in Indigent Circumstances (Pension Scheme): This scheme provides financial assistance to artisans who are the recipient of Shilp Guru Award/ National Award/ Nation Merit Certificate holders/ State Award in handicrafts and are not less than 60 years of age having annual income less then Rs. 50,000. Financial assistance of Rs. 3,500 per month is given to Master Craftsperson in indigent circumstances.

(iii) Insurance Scheme for Handicrafts Artisans: Handicrafts artisans /workers in the age group of 18-50 years are being provided life, accident and disability cover under the PMJJBY and PMSBY. Handicrafts artisans /workers in the age group of 5l-59 years already enrolled under the Aam Admi Bima Yojana (AABY) are covered under the Converged Modified Aam Admi Bima Yojana (Converged AABY).

(iv) MoU with NIOS and IGNOU: MoUs have been signed between Ministry of Textiles and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS). Another MoU has been signed between Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) for collaboration in the area of education for handicrafts artisans and their children wherein reimbursement of 75% of the fee for SC/ST/BPL and the women artisans is being made. In the MoU there is provision for designing courses exclusively for the handicrafts artisans and their children. Accordingly, NIOS has been sanctioned 15 training programme in Zari Zardozi craft in the Varanasi region under the component of Training through Established Institutions of Human Resource Development Scheme. So far, 99 Scheduled Caste artisans have completed training and are practicing the craft at present with enhanced earning.

The Ministry of Textiles implements various schemes for promotion and development of handicrafts sector under National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS).

The NHDP has following components: Base Line Survey & Mobilization of Artisans under Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana, Design & Technology Up gradation, Human Resource Development, Direct Benefit to Artisans, Infrastructure and Technology Support, Research and Development, Marketing Support & Services.

The CHCDS has following components: Mega Cluster Special projects under Integrated Development and Promotion of Handicrafts (IDPH).

The Government has taken initiative to implement cluster development project under Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojna (AHVY) for the overall development of artisans in Uttar Pradesh. 62 clusters have been sanctioned during last three years in Uttar Pradesh where 31000 artisans have benefitted. The Government has taken initiative under CHCDS, whereas 4 handicrafts mega cluster at Mirzapur -Bhadhoi, Moradabad, Bareilly & Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh have been sanctioned. Twenty-one New Block Level Clusters have been sanctioned.

Under PAHCHAN initiative, 23.68 lakh artisans have been provided Identity Cards up to March 31st 2019. 50000 new artisans will be enrolled under PAHCHAN initiative. 309 Handicrafts training programmes have been proposed under HRD scheme to benefit 7600 artisans directly.

In order to promote India’s handicrafts 5754 Improved tool kits have been distributed and 2000 Toolkits will be distributed under Design and Technical Upgradation scheme. 327 Handicrafts Training programmes have been organised to benefit 6720 artisans directly.

63 Domestic and 54 International Marketing events have been organized to benefit 12075 artisans directly. 190 Domestic and 80 International Marketing events have been proposed in the year 2019-20.