Tuesday, April 30, 2013

NATIONAL WATER POLICY 2012


Water is a natural resource, fundamental to life, livelihood, food security and sustainable development. It is also a scarce resource. India has more than 17 percent of the world’s population, but has only 4% of world’s renewable water resources with 2.6% of world’s land area. There are further limits on utilizable quantities of water owing to uneven distribution over time and space. Precipitation is confined to only about three or four months in a year and varies from 100 mm in the western parts of Rajasthan to over 10000 mm at Cherrapunji in Meghalaya. Rivers and underground aquifers often cut across state boundaries.  Water, as a resource is one and indivisible: rainfall, river waters, surface ponds and lakes and ground water are all part of one system.

In addition, there are challenges of frequent floods and droughts in one or the other part of the country. With a growing population and rising needs of a fast developing nation as well as the given indications of the impact of climate change, availability of  utilizable  water will be under  further strains in future with the possibility of deepening water conflicts among different user groups. Low public consciousness about the overall scarcity and economic value of water results in its wastage and inefficient use. In addition, there are inequitious distribution and lack of a unified perspective in planning, management and use of water resources. 
The objective of the National Water Policy is to take cognizance of the existing situation and to propose a framework for creation of an overarching system of laws and institutions and for a plan of action with a unified national perspective.

National Water Policy was adopted in September, 1987. Since then, a number of issues and challenges have emerged in the development and management of the water resources. Therefore, the National Water Policy (1987) has been reviewed and updated in 2012.

The salient features of new National Water Policy (2012) are:
  1. Constitutionally the States have the right to frame suitable policies, laws and regulations on water, the draft NWP, 2012 lays emphasis on the need for a national water framework law, comprehensive legislation for optimum development of inter-State rivers and river valleys, public trust doctrine, amendment of the Indian Easements Act, 1882, etc.
  2. The draft NWP, 2012 presents a holistic picture of ecological need of the river rather than restricting it to only minimum flow requirement. It states that the ecological needs of the river should be determined recognizing that river flows are characterized by low or no flows, small floods (freshets), large floods and flow variability and should accommodate development needs. A portion of river flows should be kept aside to meet ecological needs ensuring that the proportional low and high flow releases correspond in time closely to the natural flow regime.
  3. It recognizes the need to adapt to climate change scenario in planning and implementation of water resources projects. Coping strategies for designing and management of water resources structures and review of acceptability criteria has been emphasized.
  4. Need and approaches towards enhancing water availability have been stipulated. Direct use of rainfall and avoidance of inadvertent evapo-transpiration have been proposed as the new additional strategies for augmenting utilizable water resources.
  5. Draft proposes the mapping of the aquifers to know the quantum and quality of ground water resources in the country has been proposed with provision of periodic updation.
  6. A system to evolve benchmarks for water uses for different purposes, i.e., water footprints, and water auditing should be developed to ensure efficient use of water. 
  7. Water Users Associations should be given statutory powers to collect and retain a portion of water charges, manage the volumetric quantum of water allotted to them and maintain the distribution system in their jurisdiction.
  8. All water resources projects, including hydro power projects, should be planned to the extent feasible as multi-purpose projects with provision of storage to derive maximum benefit from available topology and water resources.
  9. The draft NWP, 2012 lays emphasis on preparedness for flood / drought with coping up mechanisms as an option. Frequency based flood inundation maps should be prepared to evolve coping strategies.
  10. Appropriate institutional arrangements for each river basin should be developed to collect and collate all data on regular basis with regard to rainfall, river flows, area irrigated by crops and by source, utilizations for various uses by both surface and ground water and to publish water accounts on ten daily basis every year for each river basin with appropriate water budgets and water accounts based on the hydrologic balances.
Planning and implementation of water resources projects involve a number of socio-economic aspects and issues such as environmental sustainability, appropriate resettlement and rehabilitation of project-affected people and livestock, public health concerns of water impoundment, dam safety etc.

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Punchhi Commission

The Punchhi Commission on Centre – State relation was constituted on April 28, 2007 by the UPA government, under the chairmanship of former Chief Justice of India Justice Madan Mohan Punchhi, which submitted its report on April 20, 2010. The Punchhi commission made very pertinent observations regarding the qualifications, appointment and removal of governors. As for qualifications pertaining to governor, the Punchhi Commission was forthright in suggesting that the nominee should not have participated in active politics at even local level for at least a couple of years prior to his appointment.

Originally, it had four members: Justice Punchhi (Chairman), former Home Secretaries Dhirendra Singh and V K Duggal, and former Bangalore-based Law School Director Prof. N R Madhava Menon. Later, Dr. Amaresh Bagchi, Professor Emeritus and former Director of the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) was also made a member of the Commission. 

The Commission for Centre-State Relations headed by Justice Madan Mohan Punchhi has submitted its report to the Central government without much fanfare. This is a contradiction to the Liberhan Commission Report which was "full of sound and fury, signifying nothing" and which wasted 15 years. 

A comprehensive review of Centre-State Relations was undertaken by the Sarkaria Commission in the mid-eighties. In the two decades that have gone by both the polity and economy have undergone profound changes, posing new challenges for government at all levels and calling for a fresh look at the relative roles and responsibilities of each level and their inter-relations. The present Commission has been entrusted with this task and asked to make recommendations that would help to address the emerging challenges.

The major recommendations may be enumerated as follows

1. There should be an amendment in Articles 355 and 356 to enable the Centre to bring specific trouble-torn areas under its rule for a limited period.

2. The commission has proposed “localising emergency provisions” under Articles 355 and 356, contending that localised areas — either a district or parts of a district — be brought under Governor’s rule instead of the whole state.Such an emergency provision should however not be of duration of more than three months.

3. The commission however supports their right to give sanction for the prosecution of ministers against the advice of the state government.

4. To make an amendment in the communal violence Bill to allow deployment of Central forces without the state’s consent for a short period. It has proposed that state consent should not become a hurdle in deployment of central forces in a communal conflagration. However, such deployment should only be for a week and post-facto consent should be taken from the state.

5. Among the significant suggestions made by the Commission is, laying down of clear guidelines for the appointment of chief ministers. Upholding the view that a pre-poll alliance should be treated as one political party, it lays down the order of precedence that ought to be followed by the governor in case of a hung house:

a) Call the group with the largest prepoll alliance commanding the largest number;
b) the single largest party with support of others;
c) the post-electoral coalition with all parties joining the government; and last
d) the postelectoral alliance with some parties joining the government and remaining including Independents supporting from outside.

6. The panel also feels that governors should have the right to sanction prosecution of a minister against the advice of the council of ministers. However, it wants the convention of making them chancellors of universities done away with.

7. As for qualifications for a governor, the Punchhi commission suggests that the nominee not have participated in active politics at even local level for at least a couple of years before his appointment. It also agrees with the Sarkaria recommendation that a governor be an eminent person and not belongs to the state where he is to be posted.

8. The commission also criticises arbitrary dismissal of governors, saying, “the practice of treating governors as political football must stop”. There should be critical changes in the role of the governor — including fixed five year tenure as well as their removal only through impeachment by the state Assembly. It has also recommended that the state chief minister have a say in the appointment of governor.

9. Underlining that removal of a governor be for a reason related to his discharge of functions, it has proposed provisions for impeachment by the state legislature along the same lines as that of President by Parliament.This, significantly, goes against the doctrine of pleasure upheld by the recent Supreme Court judgment.

10. Endorsing an NCRWC recommendation, it says appointment of governor should be entrusted to a committee comprising the Prime Minister, Home Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha and chief minister of the concerned state. The Vice- President can also be involved in the process.

11. Unlike the Sarkaria report, the Punchhi report is categorical that a governor be given fixed five-year tenure. The Punchhi Commission report also recommends that a constitutional amendment be brought about to limit the scope of discretionary powers of the governor under Article 163 (2). Governors should not sit on decisions and must decide matters within a four-month period.

12. The creation of an overriding structure to maintain internal security along the lines of the US Home­land Security department, giving more teeth to the National Integration Council.

13. For the National Integration Council (NIC), the commission has proposed that it should meet at least once a year. In case of any communal incident, it has said that a delegation of five members of the Council, who would be eminent persons, should visit the affected area within two days National debate and submit a fact-finding report.

14. The commission, however, rejects a suggestion from some stakeholders as well as the Liberhan Commission that the NIC be accorded constitutional status.

15. The commission has also studied new set-ups like the National Investigation Agency, and recommended procedures to ensure smooth co-operation of the states in terror investigations entrusted to NIA. One can say that the extreme politicization of the post of Governor must be decried and certain specific norms for the appointment and removal have to be evolved.

16. The recent ruling of the Supreme Court has indicated that the sanctity of this constitutional post should be preserved.

In democracy, nobody can have absolute power in the name of smooth administration and good governance. The administrative apparatus has to be in the line of the constitution, which was prepared by the people of the country and amended by the elected representative of the people of India. The 'doctrine of pleasure' has to be understood in this light.

Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill, 2010

In recent years, a number of allegations of corruption against members of the higher judiciary have been made. Thus the Minister of Law and Justice has introduced the Bill. It seeks to: (a) create enforceable standards for the conduct of judges of High Courts and the Supreme Court, (b) change the existing mechanism for investigation into allegations of misbehaviour or incapacity of judges of High Courts and the Supreme Court, (c) change the process of removal of judges, (d) enable minor disciplinary measures to be taken against judges, and (e) require the declaration of assets of judges.

Salient features of the Bill are:

a) 
The Bill requires judges to follow certain standards of conduct. Complaints against judges can be made on grounds of non-compliance with these standards or certain activities such as corruption, wilful abuse of power or persistent failure to perform duties.  Some activities prohibited under the Bill are: (a) close association with individual members of the Bar who practise in the same court, (b) allowing family members who are members of the Bar to use the judge’s residence for professional work, (c) hearing or deciding matters in which a member of the judge’s family or relative or friend is concerned, (d) entering into public debate on political matters or matters which the judge is likely to decide, and (e) engaging in trade or business and speculation in securities.
b) The Bill establishes three bodies to investigate complaints against judges: the National Judicial Oversight Committee, the Complaints Scrutiny Panel and allows for the constitution of an investigation committee. 

• 
National Judicial Oversight Committee: will consist of a retired Chief Justice of India as the Chairperson, a judge of the Supreme Court, a Chief Justice of the High Court, the Attorney General for India, and an eminent person appointed by the President. The Oversight Committee shall have supervisory powers regarding investigation into complaints against judges, and also the power to impose minor measures. 
• 
Scrutiny Panel: will be constituted in the Supreme Court and every High Court. It shall consist of a former Chief Justice and two sitting judges of that court. The Panel shall conduct an initial investigation into the merits of a complaint made against a judge. It shall also have the power to report frivolous or vexatious complaints. Persons making frivolous or vexatious complaints can be penalised by rigorous imprisonment of up to five years and fine of up to five lakh rupees. 
• 
Investigation Committee: will be set up by Oversight Committee to enquire into complaints. The investigation committee will be set up if the Scrutiny Panel recommends that an inquiry should be carried out to investigate a complaint. The Bill does not specify the qualifications of members of the investigation committee, but leaves this to the discretion of the Oversight Committee.

c) A motion for removal of a judge on grounds of misbehaviour can also be moved in Parliament. Such a motion will be referred for further inquiry to the Oversight Committee. Complaints and inquiries against judges will be confidential and frivolous complaints will be penalised.  The Oversight Committee may issue advisories or warnings to judges, and also recommend their removal to the President.
d) 
Judges will be required to declare their assets and liabilities, and also that of their spouse and dependent children. Such declaration has to take place within 30 days of the judge taking his oath to enter his office. In addition, every judge will have to file an annual report of his assets and liabilities. The assets and liabilities of the judge will be displayed on the website of the court to which he belongs.
e) The Bill exempts documents and records of proceedings related to a complaint from the purview of the Right to Information Act, 2005. The reports of the investigation committee and the order of the Oversight Committee shall be made public. 
f) 
Proceedings of the investigation committee will not be open to the public.

Magnetohydrodynamics Generator


The Magnetohydrodynamic power generation technology (MHD ) is the production of electrical power utilising a high temperature conducting plasma moving through an intense magnetic field.

Principle of MHD Power Generation

When an electrical conductor is moved so as to cut lines of magnetic induction, the charged particles in the conductor experience a force in a direction mutually perpendicular to the B field and to the velocity of the conductor. The negative charges tend to move in one direction, and the positive charges in the opposite direction. This induced electric field, or motional emf, provides the basis for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The production of electrical power through the use of a conducting fluid moving through a magnetic field is referred to as magnetohydrodynamic, or MHO, power generation. The principle was discovered by Michael Faraday.



The Lorentz Force Law describes the effects of a charged particle moving in a constant magnetic field. The simplest form of this law is given by the vector equation.
F= Q.(v×B)

where

 F is the force acting on the particle.
• Q is the charge of the particle,
• v is the velocity of the particle, and
• B is the magnetic field.

The vector F is perpendicular to both v and according to the right hand rule.

Systems using an MHD generator may operate in open or closed cycles. In the first case, products of combustion are the working fluid, and the exhaust gases are discharged into the atmosphere after removal of the alkali metal additives introduced into the working fluid to increase electric conductivity. In closed-cycle MHD generators the thermal energy produced by combustion of fuel is imparted to the working fluid in a heat exchanger. The working fluid then passes through the MHD generator and is returned through a compressor or pump, completing the cycle. Jet engines, nuclear reactors, or heat-exchange devices may be used as heat sources. The working fluids for MHD generators may be products of combustion of fossil fuels, inert gases with additives of alkali metals or their salts, vapors of alkali metals, and two-phase mixtures of liquid alkali metals and their vapors or liquid metals and electrolytes.

Advantages

 The conversion efficiency of a MHD system can be 50% as compared to less than 40 percent for the most efficient steam plants.
 Large amount of power is generated.
 It has no moving parts, so more reliable.
 It has ability to reach the full power level as soon as started.
 Because of higher efficiency, the overall generation cost of an MHD plant will be less.
 The more efficient heat utilization would efficient heat utilization would decreases the amount of heat discharged to environment and the cooling water requirements would also be lower.
 The higher efficiency means better fuel utilization. The reduce fuel consumption would offer additional economic and social benefits.
 The Closed cycle system produces power free of pollution

Disadvantages

 Simultaneous presence of high temperature and a highly corrosive and abrasive environment.
 MHD channel operates under extreme conditions of electric and magnetic field
Initial installments are expensive.

Departmentally Related Standing Committees

There are 24 Departmentally Related Standing Committees covering under their jurisdiction all the Ministries/ Departments of the Government of India. Each of these Committees consists of 31 Members - 21 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha to be nominated by the Speaker, Lok Sabha and the Chairman, Rajya Sabha, respectively. Provided that a member appointed as a Minister, shall not be nominated as, or continue as, a member of any Committee. The term of Office of these Committees does not exceed one year.

A full-fledged system of 17 Departmentally Related Standing Committees came into being in April, 1993. Some examples: Committee on Commerce; Committee on Home Affairs; Committee on Human Resource Development, etc.

Till 13th Lok Sabha, each Standing Committee consisted of not more than 45 members 30 to be nominated by the Speaker from amongst the members of Lok Sabha and 15 to be nominated by the Chairman, Rajya Sabha from amongst the members of Rajya Sabha. However, with re-structuring of DRSCs in July, 2004 each DRSC consists of 31 Members - 21 from Lok Sabha and 10 from Rajya Sabha.

With reference to the Ministries/ Departments under their purview, the functions of these Standing Committees are:-


a) to consider the Demands for Grants of the related Ministries/Departments and report thereon. The report shall not suggest anything of the nature of cut motions; 

b) to examine Bills, pertaining to the related Ministries/Departments, referred to the Committee by the Chairman or the Speaker, as the case may be, and report thereon;
c) to consider the annual reports of the Ministries/Departments and report thereon; and
d) to consider national basic long term policy documents presented to the Houses , if referred to the Committee by the Chairman or the Speaker, as the case may be, and report thereon :

The Standing Committees does not consider matters of day-to-day administration of the related Ministries/Departments and the recommendations of these committees are advisory in nature and hence, not binding on Parliament.

The following procedure shall be followed by each of the Standing Committees in its consideration of the Demands for Grants and making a report thereon to the Houses, after the general discussion on the Budget in the Houses is over, and the Houses are adjourned for a fixed period :-

a) the Committee shall consider the Demands for Grants of the related Ministries during the aforesaid period;
b) the Committee shall make its report within the specified period;
c) There shall be a separate report on the Demands for Grants of each Ministry;
d) The demand for grants shall be considered by the House with respect to the reports of the Standing Committee.

The following procedure shall be followed by each of the Standing Committees in examining a Bill and making a report thereon:-

a. the Committee shall examine only such Bills introduced in either of the Houses as are referred to it by the Chairman or the Speaker, as the case may be ; and
b. the Committee shall consider the general principles and clauses of such Bills and shall make report thereon within such time as may be specified by the Chairman or the Speaker, as the case may be.

The Departmentally Related Standing Committee System is a path-breaking endeavour of the Parliamentary surveillance over administration. With the emphasis of their functioning to concentrate on long-term plans, policies guiding the working of the Executive, these Committees provide necessary direction, guidance and inputs for broad policy formulations and in achievement of the long-term national perspective by the Executive.

Monday, April 29, 2013

Discretionary Powers of the Governor

The entire administration of the State is carried out in the name of the Governor but practically the real authority is exercised by the Council of Ministers. During the normal circumstances, Governor acts according to the advice of his Council of Ministers. However, Constitution has also vested the Governor with certain discretionary powers, which he can use without the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers or in other words, in the discharge of these functions the Governor concerned is not bound to seek or accept the advice of his Council of Ministers.

Discretionary powers of the Governor are:

a) Article 239:

Article 239 provides that a Union Territory shall be administered by the President through an Administrator or a Governor of a State, adjoining Union Territory, may be appointed as the Administrator of that Union Territory. Where the Governor of a State is appointed as the Administrator of an adjoining Union Territory, he shall exercise his functions as the Administrator without the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers.

b) Sixth Schedule:

Para nine of 6th schedule is related to the licences or leases for the purpose of prospecting for or extraction of minerals. It  provides that “such share of the royalties accruing each year from licences or leases for the purpose of prospecting for or extraction of minerals guaranteed by the government of the State in respect of any area within an autonomous District as may be agreed upon between the government of the State and the District Council of such District shall be made over to that District Council. It further provides that if any dispute arises as to the share of such royalties to be made over to a District Council, it shall be referred to the Governor for determination and the amount determined by the Governor in his discretion shall be deemed to  be final.

c) Article 371:

Article 371 of the Constitution provides that the President may confer special responsibilities upon the Governor with respect to the State of Maharashtra and Gujarat for the establishment of separate Development Boards for Vidarbha, Marathwada, Saurashtra, Kutch and the rest of Gujarat with the provision that a report on the working of each of these Boards will be placed each year before the State Legislative Assembly.

Article 371 A of the Constitution has conferred special responsibilities on the Governor of Nagaland for certain purposes. The Governor after consulting his Council of Ministers, shall exercise his individual judgement as to the action to be taken. These responsibilities are: with respect to law and order so long as internal disturbances occur in some areas of that State; to establish a Regional Council for Tuensang District; to arrange for equitable allocation of money between Tuensang District and the rest of Nagaland.

Article 371 C of the Constitution confers special responsibilities upon the Governor of Manipur to secure the proper functioning of a Committee of the Members of the Legislative Assembly consisting of the members representing the Hill Area. 

Article 371 F (g) of the Constitution confers special responsibilities upon the Governor of Sikkim for peace and for an equitable arrangement for ensuring the social and economic advancement of different sections of the population of Sikkim.

Article 371H (a) of the Constitution confers special responsibilities upon the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh with respect to law and order in the State of Arunachal Pradesh.
However, the Sarkaria Commission recommended that “before taking a final decision in the exercise of his discretion, it is advisable that the Governor should, if feasible consult his Ministers even in such matters, which relate essentially to the administration of a State”. Such a practice will be conducive to the maintenance of healthy relations between the Governor and his Council of Ministers.

d) Appointment the Chief Minister

Governor uses his discretion in the appointment of the Chief Minister, where after the General Assembly elections, no single party or group commands absolute majority.  He may call such person to form the government to whom he thinks fit to form the government. Similarly, if after the death or resignation of the Chief Minister on any political ground or after the defeat of the Chief Minister in the House, any party or group is not in majority, the Governor may appoint such person as the Chief Minister to whom he thinks fit. 

e) Article 200

When a Bill has been passed by the Legislative Assembly of a State or, in the case of a State having a Legislative Council, has been passed by both Houses of the Legislature of the State, it shall be presented to the Governor and the Governor shall declare either that he assents to the Bill or that he withholds assent therefrom or that he reserves the Bill for the consideration of the President.

When a Bill is reserved by a Governor for the consideration of the President, the President shall declare either that he assents to the Bill or that he withholds assent therefrom: Provided that, where the Bill is not a Money Bill, the President may direct the Governor to return the Bill to the House or, as the case may be, the Houses of the Legislature of the State together with such a message as it mentioned in the first proviso to Article 200 and, when a Bill is so returned, the House or Houses shall reconsider it accordingly within a period of six months from the date of receipt of such message and, if it is again passed by the House or Houses with or without amendment, it shall be presented again to the President for his consideration Procedure in Financial Matters

f) Dissolution of State Assembly:

The Governor has the power to dissolve the Legislative Assembly.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Non-cooperation- Khilafat Movement


Background and Causes:
Mahatma Gandhi led his non-violent nationalist movement “satyagraha”, as a protest against government repression such as theRowlatt Act of 1919, and the Jalian Wallah Bagh Massacre of April 1919. To enlist Muslim support in his movement, Gandhi supported the Khilafat cause and became a member of the Central Khilafat Committee.
At the Nagpur Session (1920) of the Indian national congress (INC) Gandhi linked the issue of Swaraj (Self-Government) with the Khilafat demands and adopted the non-cooperation plan to attain the twin objectives. So the non-cooperation movement – Khilafat movement began in January 1921 and various social groups became part of this movement with different and varying aspirations of Mahatma Gandhi and Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
It Began in January 1921 and ended in February 1922 with the chauri chaura incident.
What was the aim of Non-cooperation movement?
It aimed to resist British occupation of India through non-violent means.
Who all were the participants?
Various social groups participated in the movement with its own aspiration and views.  Students, teachers, lawyers, headmasters, traders, merchants etc. in towns and Peasants and tribals in the villages came together with their own views of swaraj.
What were the activities involved in Non-cooperation Movement?
Foreign goods were boycotted, liquor shops picketed, and foreign cloth bunt. Merchants and traders refused to trade in foreign goods.
Students left government schools and colleges, teachers and head masters resigned, and lawyers gave up their legal practices. Council elections were boycotted in provinces.
 In the countryside the struggles of peasants and tribals came under the label of non co-operation movement.
In Awadh, peasants led by Baba Ramachandra were struggling for reduction of revenue, abolition of begar, social boycott of oppressive landlords.
By October 1920, the Oudh Kisan Sabha was set up headed by Jawaharlal Nehru, Baba Ramachandra and few others.
When the non cooperation movement began, the peasant movement developed under its label but the movement was somewhat violent – houses of merchants and landlords were attacked, bazaars were looted, and grain hoards were taken over.
Tribal peasants had somewhat other views on the idea of swaraj. Tribal peasants were prohibited from entering forest areas which affected their livelihood.
When the government began forcing them to do begar for road building, the tribal peasants in Gudem Hills of Andhra Pradhesh revolted under the leadership of Alluri Sitaram Raju who claimed to have a variety of supernatural powers. Raju talked of the greatness of Gandhi and persuaded people to wear khadhi and give up drinking.  But he believed India could be liberated only through violence. They attacked police stations and attempted to kill British officials. He Carried on guerilla warfare. Raju was captured and executed in 1924.
Why was Non-cooperation movement ended?
 Chauri Chaura is a town near Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, known most for an event in February 1922 during the British Raj when a police station) was set on fire by a mob of angry citizens, killing 23 policemen inside. Due to this incident mahatma Gandhi called a halt to the non-cooperation movement.

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Education Initiatives by Indian government


A National Higher Education Qualification Framework (NHEQF)-Considering the exigency and need for a national framework for higher education, it is proposed to set up a CABE Committee to consider the proposal and make recommendations for evolving the National Higher Education Qualification Framework(NHEQF). The CABE Committee may constitute Sub-Committees comprising the experts drawn from academics and representatives of the national level regulatory bodies and state government. It may study and examine the global initiatives taken during the last two decades for evolving national higher education qualification framework in other countries of the world and the specific issues faced by the country in thisregard. The report of the Sub-Committee may provide valuable input to the CABE Committee in formulatingits views and recommendations for prescribing the NHEQF.

Proposal to initiate action for evolving All India Survey on Higher Education - The uploading of data for AISHE 2010-11 has been closed and uploading of data by the institutions for AISHE 2011-12 has commenced from 21st March, 2013.

National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-
The Mission has two major components:
(a) providing connectivity, along with provision for access devices, to institutions and learners;
(b) Content generation.
It seeks to bridge the digital divide, i.e. the gap in the skills to use computing devices for the purpose of teaching and learning among urban and rural teachers/learners in Higher Education domain and empower those, who have hitherto remained untouched by the digital revolution and have not been able to join the mainstream of the knowledge economy. SAKSHAT is one stop education portal (www.sakshat.ac.in) to facilitate lifelong learning of the students, teachers and those in employments or in pursuit of knowledge free of cost to them. The portal would be main delivery portal for the contents developed under the National Mission on Education through ICT.

The focus under this agenda point to be taken up is the development of Ultra Low Cost Computing Devices to enable students, wherever they may be, access to education content. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay is doing a project pertaining to (a) Acquisition and Testing of Low Cost Access-cum-Computing Device and (b) Hardware and software optimization LCAD-Low Cost Access-cum-Computing Devices. In the first phase 1, 00,000 tablets being procured are for the purpose of testing by users all over India in different climatic and usage conditions. The advanced version of low cost tablet called Aakash-2 was launched by the President of India on the occasion of National Education Day i.e. 11thNovember, 2012. As compared with Aakash-1 launched in October 2011, this advanced version has a processor which is about 3 times faster, memory which is twice as large, and capacitive touch screen as compared to resistive touch screen. It is being procured by IIT Bombay under a project from MHRD, at a price of Rs 2263/-.Inclusion of NCC as an elective subject in schools and colleges -The XII Five Year Plan too, has documented that a National Initiative to foster Social Responsibility in Higher Education would be launched. 

Several ongoing activities, such as, the National Social Service, National Cadet Corps, Voluntary Service, promotion of culture, arts, music, youth development initiatives will be captured in the proposed new National Initiative aimed at deepening and enhancing community engagement in our colleges and universities. Proposed Education Commission -The new Education Commission will be tasked with providing the framework of a national policy that would address the needs and challenges of the education system in the 21st century. It is expected to re-orient the education system, as well as set out goals and parameters for an education system that addresses the changed socio-economic and technological realities. Some other issues on the agenda are Best practices in implementation of school sanitation and hygiene education;Elimination of gender and social gaps in school enrolment and retention,Review of implementation of RTE, etc.

Polity Quiz-III

Sr. No.

Questions

Answers

1.
India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the Planning Commission as a mega science project under the 11th Five Year Plan. In this context, consider the following statements:
1. Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.
2. Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.
3. Neutrinos have a negligible, but non zero mass.
4. Trillions of Neutrinos pass through human body every second.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d)
2.
India is home to lakhs of persons with disabilities. What are the benefits available to them under the law?
1. Free schooling till the age of 18 years in government-run schools.
2. Preferential allotment of land for setting up business.
3. Ramps in public buildings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
3.
The Constitution (Seventy-Third Amendment) Act. 1992, which aims at promoting the Panchayati Raj
Institutions in the country, provides for which of the following?
1. Constitution of District Planning Committees.
2. State Election Commissions to conduct all panchayat elections.
3. Establishment of state Finance Commissions.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
4.
The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) Universal Law
(b) Universal Truth
(c) Universal Faith
(d) Universal Soul
Answer: (a)
5.
The United Nations Framework Conventions on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty drawn at : [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm, 1972.
(b) UN conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 1992.
(c) World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, 2002.
(d) UN Climate Change Conference Copenhagen, 2009.
Answer: (b)
6.
Two of the schemes launched by the Government of India for Women’s development are Swadhar and Swayam Siddha. As regards the difference between them, consider the following statements:
1. Swayam Siddha is meant for those in difficult circumstances such as women survivors of natural disasters or terrorism, women prisoners released from jails, mentally challenged women etc. whereas Swadhar is meant for holistic empowerment of women through Self Help Groups.
2. Swayam Siddha is implemented through Local Self Government bodies or reputed Voluntary Organizations whereas Swadhar is implemented through the ICDS units set up in the states.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
7.
Under the constitution of India, which one of the following is not a fundamental duty? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) To vote in public elections
(b) To develop the scientific temper
(c) To safeguard public property
(d) To abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals
Answer: (a)
8.
What is the difference between “vote-on account” and “interim budget”?
1. The provision of a “vote-on-account” is used by a regular Government, while an “interim budget” is a provision used by a caretaker Government.
2. A “vote-on- account” only deals with the expenditure in Government’s budget, while an “interim budget” includes both expenditure and receipts
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?  [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
9.
What was the purpose with which Sir William Wedderburn and W.S. Caine had set up the Indian Parliamentary Committee in 1893?  [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) To agitate for Indian Political reforms in the House of Commons
(b) To campaign for the entry of Indians into the Imperial Judiciary
(c) To facilitate a discussion on India’s Independence in the British Parliament
(d) To agitate for the entry of eminent Indians into the British Parliament
Answer: (a)
10.
When the annual Union Budget is not passed by the Lok Sabha, [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) The Budget is modified and presented again
(b) The Budget is referred to the Rajya Sabha for suggestions
(c) The Union Finance Minister is asked to resign
(d) The Prime Minister submits the resignation of Council of Ministers
Answer: (d)

JAN AUSHADHI


Over the years India, has developed a strong capability in producing quality branded and generic medicines in most of the therapeutic categories, evolving from an mere Rs 1500 crores industry in 1980 to a more than Rs 68,000 crores industry in 2008. However,although these medicines are reasonably priced, as compared to the prices of their equivalent medicines in most other countries, yet a large population of poor people in the country, find it difficult to afford the more expensive branded category of medicines. Accordingly, ‘ensuring availability of quality medicines at affordable prices to all’, has been a key objective of the Government. some of the important steps taken to enable this are:
Price control of Scheduled Drugs through the National Pharmaceutical pricing authority (NPPA): Under the
  1. Drug Price Control Order, 1995, NPPA): Under the Drug Price Control Order, 1995, NPPA has been given the mandate to control and fix the maximum retail prices of a number of scheduled/listed bulk drugs and their formulations, in accordance with well defined criteria and methods of accounting, relating to costs of production and marketing Notably therefore, the prices of these medicines have remained quite stable and affordable.
  2. Price regulation of Non-Scheduled Drugs: Apart from the scheduled medicines under DPCO,1995, the NPPA monitors the prices of other medicines not listed in the DPCO schedule, such that they do not have a price variation of more than 10% per annum. This has further helped in keeping the prices of most of the non-scheduled medicines stable and affordable.
  3. Uniform VAT of 4% on medicines: Government has fixed a uniform and low rate of 4% VAT on medicines in the country. This policy has been adopted, in almost all the States in the country, and has reduced the incidence of sales tax on medicines and thereby assisted in keeping their prices low.
  4. Reduction in Excise duty from 16% to 4% Further and in addition to above low, VAT rates, the [present government had, as part of the Budget for the year 2008-09 reduced the excise duty on medicines from 16% to 8%. This has been further reduced to 4 percent as from 8th December, 2008. This has again, played a crucial role in keeping the prices of most of the medicines at reasonable levels.

Not satisfied with the above regulatory and financial steps for ensuring greater availability of medicines at affordable prices to all, specially the poorer masses, the government has decided to launch a country wide Jan Aushadhi Campaign. It is well known that due to market led consumer awareness and availability, branded medicines are sold by drug manufacturers at higher prices than their unbranded generic equivalents, which are as good in therapeutic value. Therefore, if generic medicines are made more accessible and available in the market, everyone would benefit. Seizing this opportunity, the Pharma Advisory Forum in its meeting held on 23rd April, 2008 under the Chairmanship of Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers and Steel, Decided to launch a Jan Aushadhi Campaign. A key initiative under the campaign would involve opening of jan aushadhi stores where, unbranded quality generic medicines would be sold which are available at lower prices, but are equivalent in potency to branded expensive drugs.

Jan Aushadhi Campaign: Key Objectives
The Jan Aushadhi Campaign would:
  1. Make quality the hallmark of medicine availability in the country, by ensuring, access to quality medicines through the CPSU supplies and through GMP Compliant manufacturers in the private sector.
  2. Despite constraints of budget in the Central and State governments, extend coverage of quality generic medicines which would reduce and thereby redefine the unit cost of treatment per person. For example branded Diclofenac tablets are available at the average market rate of Rs 36.70* for a pack of 10 tablets.
  3. Jan Aushadhi Stores would be sell this at Rs 3.10* which is less than 10% of the market price of the branded category. Thus with the same cost 10 times more persons could be treated with same efficacy and cure.
  4. Develop a model which can be replicated not only in India but also in other less developed countries in their common goal of improving quality affordable health care by improving access to quality medicines at affordable prices for all.
  5. Not be just restricted to the Public Health System but be adopted with zeal and conviction by the Private Sector and thereby spread its coverage to every village of this country. The jan aushadhi campaign is open for all. Since generic equivalents are available for all branded drugs, the campaign will provide access to any prescription drug or Over The Counter (OTC) drug for anybody. It will be as much available to the disadvantaged sections of the society as much to the advantaged richer population segment of the country.
  6. Create awareness through education and publicity so that quality is not synonymous with high price but less is more that is to say that, with a lesser price, more medicines would be available, more patients would be treated and more people will lead a healthier life.
  7. Be a public program involving State governments, the Central government, Public Sector enterprises, private Sector, NGOs, Cooperative bodies and other institutions.
  8. Create a demand for generic medicines By All for All by improving access to better healthcare through low treatment costs and easy availability wherever needed in All therapeutic categories.

The Jan Aushadhi Campaign will accordingly:
  1. Promote greater awareness about cost effective drugs and their prescription.
  2. Make available unbranded quality generic medicines at affordable prices through public-private partnership.
  3. Encourage doctors, more specifically in government hospital to prescribe generic medicines.
  4. Enable substantial savings in health care more particularly in the case of poor patients and those suffering from chronic ailments requiring long periods of drug use.

Important Next Steps
  1. A list of Unbranded Generic medicines, commonly used by patients for chronic and other diseases, has been prepared. The National List of Essential Medicines, 2003 (NLEM, 2003) has also been used for this purpose.
  2. This will be considered as Common List (CL). Each State would be able to have an add-on list called the State List (SL) based on the use of any specific medicine in the area.
  3. The State Governments/NGOs/Charitable/cooperative/Government bodies will be encouraged to establish jan aushadhi stores in Government hospital premises or at other suitable location in all the Districts of all the States and union Territories.
  4. Under the jan aushadhi campaign jan aushadhi stores will be opened in al the districts in the country in phases. Accordingly, States have been identified for opening of the jan aushadhi stores in the first phase along with the proposed nodal organizations responsible for coordinating the activities. After successful operationalisation of the program in these districts, other districts in other States would be considered in subsequent phases.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Polity Quiz-II

Sr. No.

Questions

Answers

1.
With reference to India, consider the following Central Acts:
1. Import and Export (Control) Act, 1947
2. Mining and Mineral development (Regulation) Act, 1957
3. Customs Act, 1962
4. Indian Forest Act, 1927
Which of the above Acts have relevance to/bearing on the biodiversity conservation in the country? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
(d) None of the above Acts.
Answer: (c)
2.
The authorization for the withdrawal of funds from the Consolidated Fund of India must come from [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) The President of India
(b) The Parliament of India
(c) The Prime Minister of India
(d) The Union Finance Minister
Answer: (b)
3.
All revenues received by the Union Government by way of taxes and other receipts for the conduct of Government business are credited to the [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) Contingency Fund of India
(b) Public Account
(c) Consolidated Fund of India
(d) Deposits and Advances Fund
Answer: (c)
4.
Consider the following statements:
In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee
1. Is constituted under the provisions of the constitution of India
2. Prepares the draft development plans for metropolitan area
3. Has the sole responsibility for implementing Government sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a)
5.
Consider the following statements:
The Supreme Court of India tenders advice to the President of India on matters of law or fact.
1. on its own initiative (on any matter of larger public interest).
2. if he seeks such an advice.
3. only if the matters relate to the Fundamental Rights of the citizens.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3
(d) 1 and 2
Answer: (b)
6.
Consider the following:
1. Right to education.
2. Right to equal access to public service.
3. Right to food.
Which of the above is/are Human Right/Human Rights under “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)
7.
If a Panchayat is dissolved, elections are to be held within [UPSC 2009(CS-P)]
(a) 1 month
(b) 3 months
(c) 6 months
(d) 1 year
Answer: (c)
8.
In India, if a religious sect/community is given the status of a national minority, what special advantages it is entitled to? [UPSC 2011 (CS-P)]
1. It can establish and administer exclusive educational institutions.
2. The President of India automatically nominates a representative of the community to Lok Sabha.
3. It can derive benefits from the Prime Minister’s 15-Point Programme.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
9.
In the context of Indian defence, consider the following statements:
1. The Shourya missile files with a speed of more than 8 Mach.
2. The range of Shourya missile is more than 1660 km.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? [UPSC 2009(CS-P)]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d)
10.
In the middle of the year 2008 the Parliament of which one of the following countries became the first in the world to enact a Climate Act by passing "The Climate Change Accountability Bill"? [UPSC 2009(CS-P)]
(a) Australia
(b) Canada
(c) Germany
(d) Japan
Answer: (b)

Polity Quiz-I

Sr. No.

Questions

Answers

1.
Consider the following statements in regard to Speaker of the Lok Sabha:
1. Presides over the joint sitting of both the Houses.
2. Doesn't have the right to vote.
3. Has the power to adjourn the House.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
2.
Consider the following statements:
1. The allocation of seats in Rajya Sabha to the States is based on population of that particular state.
2. A Member of Rajya Sabha should be a domicile of the State from which he/she is elected.
3. Members of Rajya Sabha are elected by the elected members of the Assemblies of States and Union territories.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
3.
Inclusive growth as enunciated in the Eleventh Five Year Plan does not include one of the following: [UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) Reduction of poverty
(b) Extension of employment opportunities
(c) Strengthening of capital market
(d) Reduction of gender inequality
Answer: (c)
4
The disputes regarding the election of the President and Vice-President of India are decided by the [UPSC 2008]
(a) High Court
(b) Election Commission
(c) Supreme Court
(d) Parliament
Answer: (c)
5
The tenure of the Rajya Sabha is [UPSC 2008]
(a) 5 years
(b) 6 years
(c) Permanent
(d) 2 years
Answer: (c)
7.
Which one of the these is not a keyword of Gandhian economy?[UPSC 2008]
(a) Self-sufficiency
(b) Decentralized production
(c) Equitable distribution
(d) Centralized production
Answer: (d)
8.
Which part of the Indian Constitution provides for establishing Indian as a Welfare State? [UPSC 2008]
(a) The preamble of the Constitution
(b) Fundamental Rights (Part III of the Constitution)
(c) Directive Principles of State Policy (Part IV of the Constitution)
(d) Schedule IV of the Indian Constitution
Answer: (c)
9.
Who is considered as the father of Idealism? [UPSC 2008]
(a) Plato
(b) Hegel
(c) Berkeley
(d) Green
Answer: (b)
10.
Who of the following shall cause every recommendations made by the Finance Commission to be laid before each House of Parliament?[UPSC 2010 (CS-P)]
(a) The President of India
(b) The Speaker of Lok Sabha
(c) The Prime Minister of India
(d) The Union Finance Minister
Answer: (a)

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