First Session of Parliament After General Elections - productivity of Lok Sabha shoots to 137% and Rajya Sabha rises to 103%; abrogation of Article 370 and Triple Talaq Bills among 30 Bills passed by the Parliament

Winter Session of Parliament - 15 Bills passed in both the Houses; Lok Sabha productivity 116% Rajya Sabha 100% 126th Constitutional Amendment Bill, providing for continuation of reservation of seats for SC/STs for another decade and 124th Constitutional Amendment Bill which will provide reservation for economically weaker sections in general category among major legislations enacted by the Parliament

Special function to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of adoption of the Constitution of India, - “Samvidhan Diwas”; President of India launched web-portal of “National Youth Parliament Scheme” Posted On: 01 JAN 2020 1:02PM by PIB Delhi Winter Session, 2018 of Parliament concluded on January 8-9, 2019; highlight –

124th Constitutional Amendment Bill passed: The Winter Session, 2018 of Parliament commenced on Tuesday, 11th December, 2018. Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on Tuesday, 8th January, 2019 which provided 17 sittings spread over a period of 29 days. Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on Wednesday, 9th January, 2019 which provided 18 sittings spread over a period of 30 days. Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Mines, said the productivity of Lok Sabha was approx. 47% and that of Rajya Sabha was approx. 27%.

Shri Tomar said that the special achievement of this session of Parliament was that both Houses passed the 124th Constitutional Amendment Bill which will provide reservation in services and educational institutions for economically weaker sections in general category. The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2019 were passed by both Houses of Parliament.

During the Session, 17 Bills (12 in the Lok Sabha and 05 in Rajya Sabha) were introduced. The Lok Sabha passed 14 Bills and while the Rajya Sabha passed 04 Bills during the session. 05 Bills were passed by both the Houses of Parliament.

Proclamation issued by the President on the 19th December, 2018 under Article 356 of the Constitution of India in relation to the State of Jammu and Kashmir was discussed and adopted in the Lok Sabha on 28.12.2018 and in the Rajya Sabha on 2nd and 3rd January, 2019 respectively. Interim Budget Session of Parliament 2019 - Productivity of Lok Sabha - 89% and Rajya Sabha - around 8%; 4 Bills passed by both Houses:

Interim Budget Session, 2019 of Parliament which commenced on Thursday, 31st January, 2019 was adjourned sine die on Wednesday, 13th February, 2019. The Session provided 10 sittings spread over a period of 14 days. The productivity of Lok Sabha was 89% and that of Rajya Sabha was 8% approximately.

This being the first Session of the year, the President addressed both Houses of Parliament on 31st January, 2019. Interim Budget for 2019-20 was presented on Friday, the 1st February. General Discussion on the Interim Budget was held in Lok Sabha. Due to constant interruptions in the House, the Rajya Sabha could not take up the Interim Budget for discussion.

During this Session, a total of 9 Bills (3 in Lok Sabha and 6 in Rajya Sabha) were introduced. 5 Bills were passed by Lok Sabha, 5 Bills were passed by Rajya Sabha and 4 Bills were passed by both Houses of Parliament.

All Political Parties condemn Pulwama Terror Attack and pledge support to Government: A meeting of floor leaders of various political parties in Parliament, chaired by the Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Rajnath Singh on 16th February, condemned the cowardly terrorist attack on our security forces in Pulwama. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said all political parties, in one voice, condemned the terror attack and observed a two minute silence for the martyred soldiers. A resolution condemning this act of terrorism was also adopted during the meeting, the Minister informed.

Cabinet approved dissolution of the Sixteenth Lok Sabha: The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, on 24th May gave its approval to the Resolution advising the President to dissolve the Sixteenth Lok Sabha, which was constituted on 18.05.2014. The first meeting of the Sixteenth Lok Sabha was held on June 4, 2014, when members were administered oath and affirmation. The life of the present Lok Sabha is, therefore, to expire on June 3, 2019, unless the President dissolves it earlier.

Shri Narendra Modi chaired Meeting of Presidents of Political Parties; PM announces a Committee to study the issue of ‘One Country, One Election’ threadbare: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, chaired a Meeting of Party Presidents of all political parties having representation in Parliament, on 19th June. Issues that came up for discussion included:

Ways to Improve productivity of Parliament; One Country, One Election; Building a New India in the 75th year of Independence; Programme and commitments to Celebrate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary; & Development of aspirational Districts.

Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh conducted the meeting. Various Party Presidents emphasized that an atmosphere of discussion and dialogue must prevail in Parliament. Participants in the meeting also expressed the hope that approximately half of the members of the 17th Lok Sabha, are first time MPs, who would take this opportunity to carry forward the spirit of constructive dialogue in the House.

Government held All Party Leaders Meeting to discuss important issues to come up during Budget Session of Parliament 2019; Addressing floor leaders of various parties in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in New Delhi on 16th June, on the eve of the Budget Session of Parliament 2019, Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi called on leaders of all political parties in Parliament to work cohesively with the government in running the House smoothly and to collectively address issues related to the welfare of people.

The Prime Minister exhorted all leaders to cooperate with the Government and strive in the direction of making a New India by 2022 and achieve the true meaning of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas'. Shri Modi said that Government is always receptive to the issues raised by all Political Parties and is ready to discuss all issues of national importance on the floor of both Houses of Parliament.

First Session of Parliament After General Elections - productivity of Lok Sabha shoots to 137% and Rajya Sabha rises to 103%; abrogation of Article 370 and Triple Talaq Bills among 30 Bills passed by the Parliament: The First Session of Seventeenth Lok Sabha commenced on 17th of June, 2019 and 249th Session of Rajya Sabha commenced from 20th June, 2019. Lok Sabha was adjourned sine die on 6th August. Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die on 7th August. The Session had a total of 37 sittings of Lok Sabha and 35 sittings of the Rajya Sabha.

Being the first Session of the 17th Lok Sabha, new Members took Oath/Affirmation during the first two days i.e. 17th and 18th June. Election of Speaker, Lok Sabha was held on 19th June.

This being the first Session after General Elections, the President addressed both Houses of Parliament assembled together on 20th June. The Union Budget for 2019- 20 was presented on 5th July. General Discussion on the Union Budget was held in both Houses. This engaged the Lok Sabha for 17 Hours 23 minutes against allotted 12 Hours and Rajya Sabha for 12 Hours 30 minutes against allotted 12 Hours.

This Session has been historic in many ways as legislations relating to almost all walks of socioeconomic activities have been passed. A total of 40 Bills (33 in Lok Sabha and 07 in Rajya Sabha) were introduced. 35 Bills were passed by Lok Sabha and 32 Bills were passed by Rajya Sabha. 30 Bills have been passed by both the Houses of Parliament, which is a record in single first/effective Session after constitution of new Lok Sabha.

The most important business transacted during this Session is the abrogation of certain provisions from Article 370 and Presidential Orders thereunder. The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019, which declares the triple talaq/talaq-e-biddat void is a major step towards grant of gender justice to the Muslim women. Other important legislations include the Protection of Children form Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019, the National Medical Commission Bill, 2019, Consumer Protection Bill, 2019, National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2019, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 and Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Bill, 2019, the Code on Wages Bill, 2019 and the Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Bill, 2019.

Departing from the earlier practice of adjourning the Houses for the day in the event of death of a sitting Member of the particular House, a new practice has been developed of adjourning the House for an Hour or Two and then meeting again for transacting essential business of the day.

The productivity of Lok Sabha was approx. 137% and that of Rajya Sabha was approx. 103%. Winter Session of Parliament - 15 Bills passed in both the Houses; Lok Sabha productivity 116% Rajya Sabha 100%:

The Winter Session, 2019 of Parliament which commenced on Monday, the 18th November, 2019 concluded today. The Session provided 20 sittings spread over a period of 26 days. During the Session, 18 Bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha. The Lok Sabha passed 14 Bills while the Rajya Sabha passed 15 Bills during the session. 15 Bills were passed by both the Houses of Parliament and would become Acts of Parliament.

Among the Bills passed by both Houses of the Parliament, the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Bill, 2019 aims to retain the inclusive character as envisioned by the founding fathers of the Constitution by continuing the reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes for another ten years ie. upto 25th January, 2030. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019, Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2019, Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Bill 2019, National Capital Territory of Delhi (Recognition of Property Rights of Residents in Unauthorised Colonies) Bill, 2019, Special Protection Group (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and Arms Act (Amendment) Bill, 2019, were among other major Bills enacted by the Parliament.

The productivity of Lok Sabha was approx. 116% and that of Rajya Sabha was approx. 100%. The President of India launched web-portal of “National Youth Parliament Scheme”: A special function on the occasion to commemorate 70th Anniversary of adoption of the Constitution of India, - “Samvidhan Diwas” was organized in the Central Hall of Parliament on 26th November. The President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister, Speaker and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs graced the occasion and addressed the gathering of the Members of both Houses of Parliament.

On this occasion, the President Shri Ram Nath Kovind launched the Web-Portal of “National Youth Parliament Scheme”. Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has been implementing Youth Parliament programme since 1966 in Schools under the Directorate of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi and NDMC, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas and Universities/ Colleges. So far, around 8,000 educational institutions and more than 4,00,000 students have been covered under the Youth Parliament programme of the Ministry.

The web-portal of the National Youth Parliament Scheme is available at www.nyps.mpa.gov.in. The main objective of the portal is to increase the outreach of the youth parliament programme of the Ministry to hitherto untouched sections and corners of the country.

Orientation Course on Parliamentary Practices and Procedures for - IAS officers of 2017 Batch: Inaugurating the Orientation Course in New Delhi on 17th July, the Lok Sabha Speaker, Shri Om Birla said that the Legislative, Executive and Judiciary wings should all fulfil their responsibility to bring a change and give direction to build a New India. He advised the officers to move ahead with an open mind to do justice to the people in an impartial manner.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi called upon the officers to think of the last person of the society, as they perform their duties. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal said that as part of the Executive wing of democratic system they should be responsible to the people. MoS (Parliamentary Affairs) Shri V. Muraleedharan said the officers should make every effort to build a New India.

International Yoga Day 2019 celebrated in Parliament: Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Coal and Mines, Shri Pralhad Joshi participated in the yoga event on 21st June organised by Lok Sabha Secretariat, along with Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla, other Ministers and MPs.

This was a year for consolidating the gains that accrued from major policy decisions taken in the previous five years, a time for monitoring of ongoing projects, tackling road blocks and adding to the already impressive pace of work achieved during the past years. During 2018-19, projects in about 5,494 km length were awarded and completion was achieved in about 10,855 km length of roads. The rate of development of roads has increased significantly from about 11.7 km during 2013-14 to about 30 km now. During the current year, projects for 3211 km length have been awarded and 5958 km length has been constructed till November 2019.

During the year the Ministry and its associated organizations have carried forward the good work of the previous years, expanding the national highways network in the country, taking various steps to make these highways safe for the commuters and making best efforts to minimize adverse impact on the environment. As a result, National Highways (NHs) length has increased from 91,287 km in April, 2014 to about 1,32,500 km. as on 31.12.2019.

Under ToT mode, a bundle of 9 projects with total length of 566 km has been awarded this Financial Year for a concession fee of Rs. 5,011 crores against the reserve price of Rs. 4,998.71 crore. Further initiatives are being taken up to bid out more projects under TOT mode during this Financial Year.

Accelerated Development of Highways The Ministry proposes to develop additional 60,000 kms of National Highways in the next five years, of which 2500 km are Express Ways/Access Controlled Highways, 9000 kms Economic Corridors, 2000 kms for Coastal and Port Connectivity Highways and 2000 kms Border Road/ Strategic Highways. The Ministry also intends to improve connectivity for 100 tourist destinations and construct Bypasses for 45 towns/cities during this period.

Expenditure of Ministry increased from 33,745 crore in 2013-14 to Rs. 1,37,354 crore in 2018-19. During the current year an expenditure of Rs. 85,275 crore has already been incurred till November 2019 including IEBR of NHAI.

Augmenting Finances through Innovative Instruments With a view to augmenting sources of funding for NH projects, the NHAI intends to raise Rupees one lakh crore through Toll-Operate-Transfer (TOT) Model of asset monetization in the next five years. Finances are also likely to accrue from Securitization of Toll Revenues as well as the setting up of Infra Investment Trust (InvIT). Other steps being taken by NHAI include financing new projects through National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) supported SPVs.

Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) and Securitization of user fee receipts of NHs With a view to expanding the project base available with NHAI for monetization under TOT mode and for raising finance against toll receipts from identified Public Funded/Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM) projects through securitization, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has accorded the following approval (vide communication no. CCEA/20/2019 (i) dated 25.11.2019 ):

NHAI is authorized to monetize public funded NH projects which are operational and are collecting toll for at least one year after the COD through the Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) on a case to case basis. NHAI is authorized to vary the Concession Period between 15 to 30 years depending on project features.

The detailed proposal for every TOT bundle, including the proposed project stretches; estimated concession value & proposed concession period shall be approved by NHAI Board (Authority). NHAI is allowed to raise long term finance from banks by securitizing the user fee receipts from fee plazas as alternate mode of asset monetization.

Securitization would offer an alternative mode for raising finance against toll receipts from identified Public Funded/HAM projects. Securitization as a model entails the generation of upfront funds against the future cash flows generated by select assets.

Infrastructure Investment Trusts In order to enhance NHAI’s resource mobilization, the Cabinet has accorded the following approval (vide communication 39/CM/2019(i) dated 13.12.2019): NHAI is authorized to set up Infrastructure Investment Trust(s), as per InvIT Guidelines issued by SEBI, to monetize completed National Highways that have a toll collection track record of at least one year and NHAI reserves the right to levy toll on the identified highway.

NHAI is authorized to incorporate SPV(s) which are essential and integral part of the entire InvIT structure. NHAI is authorized to set up its first InvIT as per the structure approved by NHAI Board and to incorporate two SPVs which are essential and integral part of the InvIT structure: An SPV to hold all identified public funded projects to be placed in an InvIT An SPV to act as an Investment Manager in the proposed InvIT NHAI is authorized to create a reserve fund from the sums received from InvIT, which shall be kept in a separate account for repayment of debt.

Progress of Major Programmes/ Landmark Projects The work of major bridge across Sharavathi backwaters, approaches between Ambargodu and Kalasvali in Karnataka and 16 packages of Trans Rajasthan Highways project have been awarded. A three-lane underpass inaugurated at Parade Road junction near Manekshaw Centre on NH 8 in New Delhi on 12.07.2019. With opening of this underpass, movement of traffic from Airport to Dhaula Kuan has become signal free.

Dasna-Hapur section of Delhi-Meerut Expressway (package-3) in Uttar Pradesh’s Pilakhuwa has been inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister, Shri Nitin Gadkari on 30th September, 2019. The completion of this section is expected to further help in decongesting the National Capital Region, bring down pollution levels and reduce travel time significantly. The integrated bus ports in Cuttack (Odisha) and in Baddi (Himachal Pradesh) have been approved and the DPRs thereon are under progress.

National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) program which provides for collection of user fee through FASTags based on RFID technology. In order to save fuel, time and pollution and to ensure seamless movement of traffic, it has been decided to enable all lanes in Fee Plazas for electronic toll collection program through FASTags. The Tolling systems would be spruced up to create a digital experience of seamless tolling for all the Highway users.

The Ministry vide letter dated 29th November, 2019 initiated the process of declaring “FASTag lane of Fee Plaza” for all the lane to be complied w.e.f. 15th December, 2019. However, considering the request of NHAI and that the Citizens inconvenience this condition has been eased for the next 30 days. It has been accordingly decided that depending on the traffic pile up at high traffic volume fee plazas, not more than 25% “FASTag lane of Fee Plaza” may be converted temporarily to hybrid lane by the RO concerned. It should also be ensured that least possible number be converted into hybrid lane and that at least 75% lanes of every fee plaza remain declared and operational as “FASTag lane of Fee Plaza” in order to incentivize the vehicles carrying FASTag. A total of 1,11,70,811 FASTag have been issued till 26.12.2019.

Ministry is trying to bring inter-operability of the FASTags with the State Governments so that a single FASTag can be used both at State Highways Toll Plaza and National Highways Toll Plaza. An NHAI Prepaid Wallet was also launched giving customers the choice of not linking their FASTag to their bank accounts and includes the feature of UPI recharge.

Discouraging the use of ‘Single-Use Plastic’ This Ministry has directed all offices/officers/staff to stop use of ‘Single-Use Plastic’ in office premises, and also to use locally produced environment-friendly products such as Kulhads, clay glasses/plates etc. in place of harmful plastic products.

Swachhata hi Seva Campaign (SHS) The Government decided that in 2019-20, the ‘Swachhata hi Seva Campaign (SHS)’ 2019 between 11th September, 2019 to 27th October, 2019 will focus on Plastic Waste Management as the main theme. For the campaign, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways prepared a detailed Action Plan and the personnel undertook Shramdaan and ensured the collection of all plastic waste on and around National Highways. Efforts for awareness generation were also successful; roughly 69,000 people were mobilized, and shramdaan of around 2,22,226 lac-man hours was done during the campaign. Waste plastic has been used in 56.96 km of road length by Nov, 2019. More roads are being constructed using plastic waste.

Road Safety State Support Programme A State Support Programme aimed at incentivising the States to improve their road safety performance is proposed to launched to reduce the overall fatalities by road accidents by 25% by 2024. With a view to accurately recording the accident details so that timely corrective action is undertaken a Geo-Tagged accident data collection programme would be launched under the project “Integrated Road Accident Database (IRAD)”. IT based road safety infrastructure would be erected on all the four lane and above Highways. Incidence management systems shall also be provided on all such Highways.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 is the principal instrument through which road transport is regulated in the country. The same has been amended first time in a comprehensive way after thirty years by The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, passed by the Parliament and published in the Gazette of India on 9th August 2019.

The Act will bring reforms in the area of Road Safety, bring citizen facilitation, transparency, and reduce corruption with the help of information technology and removing intermediaries. The Act will strengthen public transport, safeguard and protect Good Samaritan and reform the insurance and compensation regime. It will allow innovation and new technologies such as driverless vehicles, to be tested in live environment and increase efficiency in research. The Act will facilitate Divyang by allowing motor vehicles to be converted to adapted vehicles with post-facto approval and facilitating licence to drive adapted vehicles. The provisions of compensation and post – accident treatment have been amended and measures will be taken provide cashless treatment for accident victims.

Road Safety Provisions and Penalties It facilitates electronic monitoring of vehicles for enforcing traffic rules. Provision of a refresher training course to obtain the DL after its suspension or revocation for certain offences like over speeding, drunken driving etc. Penalties have been introduced for new offences and enhanced for existing offences.

For offences committed by juveniles- penalty of Rs. 25000 and imprisonment up to 3 years for the owner/guardian. Digital intermediaries and aggregators (Ola and Uber) will follow guidelines prescribed by the Centre. Constitution of National Road Safety Board to render advice on Road Safety and Traffic Management.

Citizen facilitation, Transparency and Reduction in Corruption All forms, fees and documents under the Act can be submitted online to avoid human intervention. Dealer point registration - for registration of new motor vehicles, the onus to apply for registration has been shifted to dealers and the requirement to produce vehicles before authority has been removed. Formulation of National Registers for DLs and registrations to bring transparency.

Automated testing. The validity periods for DLs have been extended. DLs can be renewed anytime between 1 year before its expiry till 1 year after its expiry to facilitate citizen away from home, visiting abroad, chronic patients etc.

Employment facilitation The requirement of minimum educational qualification for license to drive transport vehicles has been removed. Scheme for setting up driving schools with the Central assistance.

Increased accountability of manufacturers of Motor Vehicles Centre can order recall of motor vehicles for any defect.

Insurance and Compensation Constitution of Motor Vehicle Accident Fund. compensation for hit and run cases. Cashless treatment of road accident victims during golden hour. Drivers and Co-driver/helper have been included as third parties, for the purpose of insurance.

Implementation Status of MVA, 2019 The Central Government has made operational around 60 provisions of the new Motor Vehicles Amendment Act starting from 1st of September 2019 in whole of India.

For operations of these provisions there is no requirement of amendment of the rules. The provisions implemented from 1st of September include provisions relating to- Enhanced penalties for the offences under the Motor Vehicles Act Facilitation of the licencing process so that the citizen can apply anywhere in the State for obtaining the Learner Licence, Driving Licence or Renewal Allowing driving licence holders to apply for renewal any time between one year between one year before its expiry upto one year after its expiry. This will greatly help our citizens working and staying abroad. Facilitation of the process of registration of vehicles process so that the citizen can apply anywhere in the State for registering the vehicles or recording any other changes

Provisions which provide for powers to the Central and the State Governments for formulation of rules The States are in the process of issuing notifications in regard to the amount to be charged for the offences which are ‘compoundable’. The rest of the provisions would be made operational as soon as the Rules for them have been drafted. The process of formulation of rules is underway and we expect that in the next 2 to 4 months the rules would be in place as it involves detailed consultation.

Transport Sector The Ministry has notified GSR886 (E) dated 29th November, 2019 to bring amendment in the forms in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 in regard to capture of the Mobile Numbers of the owners when availing any service relating to the Registration of the Vehicles. While examining the subject “Management of worsening traffic in Delhi”, Department related Parliamentary Standing Committee MHA has also observed that a large number of vehicles of VAHAN data base do not have the mobile numbers. In view of the above, considering the urgency of the issue the relevant Forms in the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 which pertains to the service relating to the Motor Vehicle i.e. the registration, transfer, Register of Motor Vehicle, Renewal, duplicate copy, grant of NOC, change of address, entry or termination entry for Hire/ Purchase/ Hypothecation are proposed to be amended to include for capturing the mobile number of the owner as and when they apply for availing services.

To ensure ease of doing business at RTOs, it is proposed that from 2020 learning licenses would be issued online, registration of vehicle would be done the same day and App based transfer of license and registration would be made possible.

The Ministry issued Notification bearing No. GSR 784 (E) dated 12th November, 2008, vide which it had been mandated that all commercial vehicles manufactured after April 2009 need to have retro-reflective tape applied. This is as per Rule 104 of CMVR. It has come to the notice of the Government that most of the older vehicles, taking advantage of this notification, are taking exemption during their annual fitment test. In this regard, this Ministry vide GSR 80 (E) dated 23rd October, 2019 has mandated fixation of retro-reflective tape on all the vehicles irrespective of date of manufacturing and also notified their specifications. This is expected to enhance road safety.

Keeping with the demand of economically backward and unemployed persons, this Ministry issued a notification GSR 681 (E) dated 23rd September, 2019 for omission of Rule 8 of the CMVR 1989, wherein educational qualifications have been prescribed for obtaining driving licenses.

In order to ensure compliance of the provisions of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, an advisory to all States/ UTs has been issued on 23rd September, 2019 to facilitate citizens so that they can use Digilocker or mParivahan app to show Driving Licence, Registration Certificate, etc., in electronic format. The States were also requested that provision for handheld devices for mParivahan or e-challan with requisite ‘PoS’ machine may be made available to the Enforcement officers.

This Ministry made an amendment in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 vide GSR 527 (E) dated 6.6.2018, which provides for online IT based linkage of PUC certificate with VAHAN database. The States through an advisory dated 23rd September, 2019 have been requested that the information relating to the PUC check should be made using the online system being provided by the Ministry and the data should be made available to citizens in ‘electronic form’ also on the m-Parivahan platform.

With a view to enhancing the security features in a vehicle, the Ministry has issued a draft notification GSR 521 (E) on 24th July, 2019, allowing the motor vehicles and their parts, components, assemblies, sub-assemblies to be affixed with permanent and nearly invisible microdots that can be read physically with a microscope and identified with ultra violet light sources.

In order to combat the issue of pollution by encouraging usage of less polluting fuel, the Ministry issued a draft notification GSR 522 (E) dated 24th July, 2019 regarding emission standards for additional alternate fuels.

The Ministry, in keeping with the demand of economically backward and unemployed persons, has issued a notification GSR 681 (E) dated 23rd September, 2019 for omission of Rule 8 of the CMVR, 1989, i.e., the minimum educational qualification for driving transport vehicles.

Draft notification has been issued on 19.06.2019 to exempt Battery-Operated Vehicles/electric vehicles from paying registration fees. This Ministry has authorized and provided for one more Vehicle Testing Agency for Testing of Vehicles. As per the notification dated 18th July, 2019, GSR 511 (E) the Ministry through amendment in Rule 126 of the Motor Vehicles Amendment Rules, 1989 has added ‘National automotive Test Tracks (NATRAX) Indore’. This will ease the workload and pressure on the existing vehicle testing agencies such as ARAI, ICAT, ARAI, GARC, etc.

Data on “Road Accidents in India 2018” Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has released its annual publication on ‘Road Accidents in India, 2018’. It provides data on accident related deaths and injuries, calendar yea- wise, based on information supplied by the Police Department of States and UTs. As per the Report, Road accidents in the country have increased marginally by 0.46 % during 2018 with the year seeing 4,67,044 road accidents as against 4,64,910 in 2017. The fatalities during the same period have also risen by about 2.37% and 1,51,471 persons were killed in 2018 as against 1,47,913 in 2017. Road accident injuries have however showed a decrease of 0.33% in 2018 as compared to 2017.

Registration Mark for newly formed UT, Ladakh Ministry vide SO 4262(E) dated 25th November, 2019 has assigned a new Registration Mark for newly formed UT, Ladakh as “LA” for registration of vehicles u/s 41(6) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This is applicable from the date of publication of Notification.

The index evaluates progress of States and Union Territories on social, economic and environmental parameters.

Key facts: The SDG India Index, launched last year by Niti Aayog with the help of United Nations, took into account 16 out of 17 goals specified by the United Nations as SDGs . The Index this year ranked states based on 54 targets spread over 100 indicators out of 306 outlined by the UN.

The first report, which was launched in 2018 had 13 goals and 39 indicators. The year 2020 will be the fifth anniversary of the adoption of SDGs by 193 countries at the UN General Assembly. The SDGs, constituted through an unprecedented consultative process, have 17 goals and 169 related targets to be achieved by 2030.

Performance of various states: Kerala retained the top rank with a score of 70. Himachal Pradesh took the second spot while Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana shared the third spot. Chandigarh maintained its top spot among the UTs with a score of 70.

Relative performance: Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim have shown maximum improvement, but states like Gujarat have not shown any progress vis-a-vis 2018 rankings. Bihar, Jharkhand and Arunachal Pradesh are the worst performing states. Only three states were placed in the category of Front Runners (with a score in the range 65-99, including both) in 2018 – Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.

In 2019, five more states joined this league – Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Sikkim and Goa, taking the total tally to eight. With regard to poverty reduction, states which have done well include Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Sikkim. On ‘zero hunger’ parameters, Goa, Mizoram, Kerala, Nagaland and Manipur were the front runners.

Overall India’s performance: India’s composite score improved from 57 in 2018 to 60 in 2019 with major success in water and sanitation, industry and innovation. However, nutrition and gender continue to be problem areas for India, requiring more focussed approach from the government.

While three out of five states in the top spots perform equal to or better than the country average on 12 goals, the other two states do the same on 11 goals.

Implications: Since its inception about one and a half year ago as a fintech non-banking finance company, the TIHCL has been managing with just one-tenth of the originally envisaged ₹100 crore corpus fund. This decision makes it eligible for Central government funding.

The proposed foray, however, would be subject to the State government giving an assurance of no intrusion either in the model of funding, offered to the micro and small enterprises, or governance. Another condition is that the Centre or the State government concerned ought to take care of the administrative, legal and consulting expenses.

About the Telangana Industrial Health Clinic Ltd (TIHCL): TIHCL is a co-financing non-banking finance company (NBFC). Objective: To provide financial support to micro and small manufacturing units.

Funding: TIHCL is promoted by the Telangana Government with 10 per cent of the capital of Rs 100 crore. About 5 per cent of the capital comes from micro and small enterprises which seek its facilitation and services. Banks, financial institutions and high networth tndividuals are expected to contribute the rest of the capital.

Theme: “Science, Technology and Innovation for a Clean, Green and Healthy Nation”.

National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC): It is a nationwide Science Communication programme started in the year 1993. It is a programme of National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi.

It is a forum children of the age-group of 10-17 years, both from formal school system as well as from out of school, to exhibit their creativity and innovativeness and more particularly their ability to solve a societal problem experienced locally using by method of science.

About National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC): It is mandated to communicate science & technology to masses.

It is a registered body guided by a Board of Governors with headquarters at Delhi. It has about eighty members spread in all states and union territories. Volunteers in districts lend it great strength and capability for implementing projects that reach the common man and woman.

What does the AFSPA mean? In simple terms, AFSPA gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”.

Powers given to armed forces: They have the authority to prohibit a gathering of five or more persons in an area, can use force or even open fire after giving due warning if they feel a person is in contravention of the law. If reasonable suspicion exists, the army can also arrest a person without a warrant; enter or search premises without a warrant; and ban the possession of firearms.

Any person arrested or taken into custody may be handed over to the officer in charge of the nearest police station along with a report detailing the circumstances that led to the arrest.

What is a “disturbed area” and who has the power to declare it? A disturbed area is one which is declared by notification under Section 3 of the AFSPA. An area can be disturbed due to differences or disputes between members of different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities.

The Central Government, or the Governor of the State or administrator of the Union Territory can declare the whole or part of the State or Union Territory as a disturbed area. A suitable notification would have to be made in the Official Gazette. As per Section 3, it can be invoked in places where “the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary”.

What’s the origin of AFSPA? The Act came into force in the context of increasing violence in the Northeastern States decades ago, which the State governments found difficult to control. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Bill was passed by both the Houses of Parliament and it was approved by the President on September 11, 1958. It became known as the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.

Has there been any review of the Act? On November 19, 2004, the Central government appointed a five-member committee headed by Justice B P Jeevan Reddy to review the provisions of the act in the north eastern states.

The committee submitted its report in 2005, which included the following recommendations: (a) AFSPA should be repealed and appropriate provisions should be inserted in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967; (b) The Unlawful Activities Act should be modified to clearly specify the powers of the armed forces and paramilitary forces and (c) grievance cells should be set up in each district where the armed forces are deployed.

The 5th report of the Second Administrative Reforms Commission on public order has also recommended the repeal of the AFSPA.

About CDS: He will be the single-point military adviser to the government as suggested by the Kargil Review Committee in 1999. CDS oversees and coordinates the working of the three Services.

Conditions: He will be a Four-star General. Not eligible to hold any Government office after demitting the office of CDS. No private employment without prior approval for a period of five years after demitting the office of CDS.

Roles and functions: CDS will provide “single-point military advice”to the government, inject synergy in planning, procurements and logistics in the armed forces. It will ensure integration of land-air-sea operations through the eventual setting up of theatre commands.

The CDS will also function as the military advisor to the PM-led Nuclear Command Authority,as also have direct command of tri-Service organizations to handle the new warfare domains of space and cyberspace.

He will function as the Principal Military Adviser to the Defence Minister and also as the Permanent Chairman, Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC). The CDS will be member of Defence Acquisition Council and Defence Planning Committee.

Significance: The charter of the CDS, if implemented properly, will prepare the 15-lakh strong armed forces for the wars of the future. The CDS is mandated to ensure the Army, Navy and IAF, which often pull in different directions, truly integrate to slash wasteful expenditure amidst the ongoing severe fund crunch for military modernization because of the ballooning pay and pension bills.

The government has launched a web portal, ‘Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR)’, to facilitate blocking and tracing of stolen/lost mobile phones in Delhi.

The web portal was first launched in Mumbai. Services provided: The launch of the project in Delhi will facilitate – request for blocking of stolen or lost mobile phone by customers; blocking of such mobile phones across mobile networks; sharing of traceability data with the Police; and unblocking of recovered/ found stolen or lost mobile phones.