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MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ms Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Labour & Employment chairs a Roundtable on Enhancing Social Security Coverage and Care Support for Women in the Unorganized Sector, in New Delhi

Source: Government of India (2)

Ms Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Labour & Employment chairs a Roundtable on Enhancing Social Security Coverage and Care Support for Women in the Unorganized Sector, in New Delhi

Achieving the Goal of a Viksit Bharat through Women-led Economic Growth.

Increasing Access to High Quality Care and Social Welfare Support to Women – India Emerging as a Global Leader in Bringing Focus on these Priorities

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 8:55PM by PIB Delhi

In line with the vision for a Viksit Bharat@2047 – driven by women led development wherein 70% of women engaged in economic activities, laid out in the Union Budget 2025-26, a Roundtable Discussion on providing social security and care support to women was held today in New Delhi under the chairpersonship of Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment. Organised in collaboration with UNICEF, the meeting was attended by senior officials from Ministry of Labour & Employment, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and representatives from international organizations (UNICEF, UNDP, ILO, World Bank) and academia (VVGNLI, IEG).

Today’s roundtable aimed at fostering dialogue on reimagining social security coverage and care support for women in the unorganized sector, while leveraging the Social Security Code and eShram – One-Stop-Solution, facilitate knowledge exchange and develop a strategic action plan to promote female labour force participation in the country.

Global best practices on successful outcomes of family friendly policies to increase opportunities and decrease pressure on women, taking a systems approach and building synergies, flexible working arrangements, addressing gender gaps and biases in existing social protection schemes, policies and programmes, were showcased. Integration of benefits offered by different Central and State Government departments was also highlighted as an important way forward. The contribution of eShram in facilitating the integration of various social welfare schemes and programmes, along with various other portals like the National Career Service portal, which facilitates job demand and supply matching and SIDH for skill development programmes, are ensuring seamless delivery through a one-stop-solution, and supporting employment generation and skill development. Evidence from global best practices showcased during the meeting suggests that such integrated efforts yield high impact.

Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment during her special address highlighted that the Aadhar-seed Unique Account Number given to workers registered on eShram enables track and trace of the saturation of social welfare schemes among the beneficiaries. She urged international organizations working at State level to become partners in achieving comprehensive last mile delivery through eShram. Alluding to the Union Budget 2025-26, she emphasized that its thematic priorities focus on promoting employment led-growth across MSMEs, manufacturing sector and labour intensive sectors like footwear, leather and toy industry. She mentioned that today’s discussion will be focused on developing a strategy to promote employment generation and greater participation of women in labour force, in line with the big push given to sectoral growth in the Union Budget.

*****

Himanshu Pathak

(Release ID: 2099876) Visitor Counter : 48

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CFS urges public not to consume several kinds of prepackaged seasonings that may contain plastic foreign matter

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CFS urges public not to consume several kinds of prepackaged seasonings that may contain plastic foreign matter
CFS urges public not to consume several kinds of prepackaged seasonings that may contain plastic foreign matter
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The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (February 4) urged the public not to consume several kinds of Cape Herb & Spice’s prepackaged seasonings because the products might possibly contain plastic foreign matter. The trade should also stop using or selling the affected batches of the products immediately if they possess them. A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS, through its Food Incident Surveillance System, noted notifications from the relevant overseas food safety authorities that the following batches of products might contain plastic foreign matter and initiated recalls overseas. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately contacted local importers for follow-up. Preliminary investigation found that the importer, European Gourmet Limited, had imported into Hong Kong the first four of the following products concerned.”Brand: Cape Herb & SpicePlace of origin: South AfricaNames of affected products and batches:(1) Seasoned Salt (Net weight: 240g) (Best-before dates: from January 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027)(2) Extra Bold Peppercorns (Net weight: 185g) (Best-before dates: November 6, 2025, and from January 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027)(3) Himalayan Pink Salt (Net weight: 390g) (Best-before dates: November 8, 2025, and from January 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027)(4) Atlantic Sea Salt (Net weight: 360g) (Best-before dates: November 6, 2025, February 8, 2026, April 25, 2026 and May 21, 2026)(5) Atlantic Sea Salt (Net weight: 380g) (Best-before dates: from January 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027)(6) Salt & Pepper (Net weight: 310g) (Best-before dates: October 18, 2025, and from January 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027)(7) Sizzling Steak House Seasoning (Net weight: 230g) (Best-before dates: January 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027)(8) Chilli & Garlic (Net weight: 190g) (Best-before dates: from January 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027)(9) Rainbow Pepper (Net weight: 175g) (Best-before dates: from January 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027)(10) Sweet & Smoky BBQ (Net weight: 230g) (Best-before dates: December 12, 2025, December 14, 2025 and May 9, 2026) The importer concerned has stopped sales, removed from shelves the affected products and initiated a recall according to the CFS’s instructions. Members of the public may call the hotline of the importer at 2880 0588 during office hours for enquiries. The spokesman urged members of the public not to consume the affected batches of the products if they have bought them. The trade should also stop using or selling the products concerned immediately. The CFS has alerted the trade to the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.

Ends/Tuesday, February 4, 2025Issued at HKT 22:55

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NHRC, India organises the meeting of the Core Group on Children focused on ‘Human rights of children in conflict with law’

Source: Government of India (2)

NHRC, India organises the meeting of the Core Group on Children focused on ‘Human rights of children in conflict with law’

NHRC, India Chairperson, Justice Shri V Ramasubramanian says authenticated data on the children in conflict with the law necessary for understanding the problems and redressal

The meeting recommended to set up a working group of experts to check and authenticate the available data with various agencies related to the children in conflict with law

The Chairperson emphasises replication of diversion programmes for children in conflict with the law on the lines of the UNICEF working group report for their effective re-integration into society without a criminal record

Asks the experts in the field of Juvenile Justice Care to segregate their suggestions for improving statutory laws, change in rules or by SOPs

NHRC, India Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal stresses viewing the juveniles as victims of circumstances rather than mere offenders, for their rehabilitation

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 8:15PM by PIB Delhi

Justice Shri V Ramasubramanian, Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India today said that it is necessary to have authentic and verified data on the children in conflict with the law to have a clear understanding of their problems and make suggestions to address them. He was chairing the meeting of the Commission’s Core Group on Children focused on the theme ‘Human rights of children in conflict with law’ in the presence of Member, Smt Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal, senior officers and expert speakers at its premises in New Delhi today. The meeting was attended by a number of senior officers and experts working in the field.

Justice Ramasubramanian said that going by the discussion on the subject, two major concerns have emerged including how to collect data and how to authenticate the data already available on the children in conflict with law. Therefore, he concurred with the suggestion to constitute a working group of experts to check and authenticate the available data related to the children in conflict with the law, particularly their age and numbers and not necessarily their identities in coordination and consultation with the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D), National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) and different High Courts.

The NHRC, India Chairperson also asked the experts working in the field of Juvenile Justice Care to segregate their suggestions to bring improvements by amendments in statutes, changes in rules or by SOPs, as part of the long-term and short-term measures to bring improvements in the area of the Juvenile Justice System. He also concurred with the suggestion to organise State-wise meetings of the Juvenile Justice Boards, District Legal Services Authority, State Legal Services Authority and the NHRC to find a way forward in terms of their counseling, rehabilitation and reintegration into families.

Referring to the report of a working group called ‘the Commission for the Application of Alternative Measures’ under the auspices of UNICEF titled ‘Rights of Children in Conflict with the Law 2007’, the NHRC Chairperson expressed the hope that the NHRC core group could develop solutions for Juvenile Justice Care on those lines which included recommendations for developing diversion programmes;

i.) Juvenile offenders must admit to the crime;
ii.) Juvenile offenders should not be placed in custody to participate in diversion programmes;
iii.) Juvenile offenders are entitled to a court procedure if they or their guardians disagree with the diversion measures;
iv.) Juvenile offenders may withdraw from the diversion process at any time and opt for the formal court procedure.

The diversion programme includes seven components: victim-offender mediation, admonition, local community corrections councils, joint family meetings, circle trials, juvenile courts, and community service.

The report argues that while crimes are often seen as offences against the state, they should also be viewed from the victim’s perspective, seeking reconciliation. It suggests that allowing juveniles to make amends to society can help them reintegrate faster, without a criminal record, which would help them avoid future employment or social exclusion issues.

Before this, NHRC, India Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal said that the Commission is committed to ensuring the protection and promotion of child rights. In this context, it has been organizing various consultations on the different thematic issues of the human rights of children and issuing advisories also from time to time. The discussion on the human rights of children in conflict with the law has also been organized to identify the challenges, to suggest measures for improvement in the Juvenile Justice System with a specific focus on juveniles in adult prisons, juveniles in correctional homes and measures for rehabilitation of juveniles in conflict with the law. He stressed that juveniles must be viewed as victims of circumstances rather than mere offenders, calling for a focus on rehabilitation measures that would help reintegrate them into society, offering them opportunities for a better future.

NHRC, India Director, Lt. Col Virender Singh gave an overview of the meeting and the three critical areas of discussion significant to the children in conflict with law.

A number of experts and senior officers like Shri Rajeev Kumar Sharma, Director General, BPR&; Ms. Isha Pandey, DIG, BPR&D; Shri Balkrishan Goel, NHRC Special Monitor on Children; Shri Amod K. Kanth, Founder and Mentor Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre (JAC) Society; Prof. Vijay Raghavan, Tata Institute of Social Sciences; Shri Sourabh Ghosh, CRY; Ms Swagata Raha, Legal Researcher, & Head Restorative Practices Enfold India; Adv. Anant Kumar Asthana, Child Rights Lawyer; Ms Deepshikha, Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre (JAC) Society, among others, gave their suggestions and inputs. NHRC DG (I), Shri Ram Prasad Meena and Registrar (Law), Shri Joginder Singh also attended the meeting.

Some of the other suggestions emanated from the discussions are as follows;

• Make information on proceedings involving Children in Conflict with the Law available on a portal, without revealing their identity;
• Establish a cadre of child protection officials in all States;
• Identify and delineate responsibilities within the child protection workforce, and fill vacant positions to strengthen the child care mechanism;
• Conduct a social audit of Child Care Institutions, ensuring adequate manpower, including counselors;
• Encourage institutional contributions to engage children in useful activities;
• Strengthen the Legal Aid Mechanism for Children in Conflict with Law;
• Increase ‘Community Service’ as a correctional measure for child offenders;
• Revamp rehabilitation and social reintegration programs for Children in Conflict with Law;
• Introduce joint training for stakeholders involved in child welfare, focusing on the behavioural aspects of child offenders;
• Collate and publicise best practices for the welfare of child offenders across the country;
• Increase funding and staff recruitment for Child Care Institutions;
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline the process.

The Commission will further deliberate upon these suggestions and more inputs to finalize its recommendations to protect the human rights of children in conflict with law, in the country.

***

NSK

(Release ID: 2099833) Visitor Counter : 33

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: APEDA’s financial assistance schemes boosts 47.3% surge in India’s fruit and vegetable exports

Source: Government of India (2)

APEDA’s financial assistance schemes boosts 47.3% surge in India’s fruit and vegetable exports

APEDA strengthens exporter growth with new schemes for infrastructure, quality, and market development

India’s fruit and vegetable exports reach 123 countries, with 17 new market added in 3 years

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:58PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Commerce through Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) provides financial assistance to its member exporters of APEDA from across the country, for export promotion of its Scheduled products, including for Fruits & vegetables, under Agriculture and Processed Foods Export Promotion Scheme of APEDA for the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021-22 to 2025-26) in following three broad areas:

Scheme for infrastructure Development – Financial assistance for setting up of packhouse facilities with packing / grading lines, pre-cooling unit with cold storage and refrigerated transportation etc., cable system for handling of crops like banana, pre-shipment treatment facilities such as irradiation, vapor heat treatment, hot water dip treatment and common infrastructure facilities, reefer vans and missing gap in the existing infrastructure of individual exporters.

Scheme for Quality Development – Financial assistance for purchase of laboratory testing equipment, installation of quality management system, handheld devices for capturing farm level coordinates for traceability and testing of water, soil, residues and pesticides etc.

Scheme for Market Promotion – The assistance covers participation of exporters in international trade fairs, organizing buyer seller meets and developing packaging standards for new products and upgrading the existing packaging standards.

The details of financial assistance guidelines are available at APEDA Website www.apeda.gov.in under the “Scheme” tab.

As a result of these initiatives, there has been a growth of 47.3%, in the volume of exports of fruits and vegetables between the period 2019-20 to 2023-24.

Export data of fruits and vegetables in last five years

Country: All

Product: Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

Value In USD Million

Qty In Thousand MT

Products

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables

1,282.43

1,342.13

1,527.63

1,635.95

1,814.58

2,659.48

3,148.08

3,376.25

4,335.68

3,911.95

Source: DGCIS

Growth in terms of Volume in the last five years =47.30%

Growth in terms of Value in the last five years= 41.50 %

The Government maintains the record of total exports of fruits and vegetables from India. The export figures of States are compiled on the basis of the State-of-Origin code reported by the exporters in the shipping bills. Thus, the state wise data of exports of Fruits and vegetables is not available as the same is not validated by DGCI&S. However, the major states producing Fruits and vegetables are Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Karnataka.

India’s Export of Mango and Onion to World (By Variety)
Product	Variety	USD Million					Qty in MT
Product	Variety	2019-20	2020-21	2021-22	2022-23	2023-24	2019-20	2020-21	2021-22	2022-23	2023-24
Mango	Other Mangoes	0.00	25.42	23.48	33.26	36.18	0.00	15795.09	17448.90	17257.28	23786.16
	Kesar	0.00	2.92	6.91	4.97	11.25	0.00	983.73	2319.08	1749.97	3787.01
	Alphonso (Hapus)	0.00	6.08	10.09	7.84	8.68	0.00	3195.86	5994.86	2829.76	2673.39
	Banganapalli	0.00	1.46	3.01	2.00	3.20	0.00	830.55	1674.04	856.91	1081.68
	Chausa	0.00	0.05	0.05	0.03	0.24	0.00	40.98	25.64	19.72	488.26
	Langda	0.00	0.08	0.16	0.12	0.19	0.00	48.99	122.16	70.02	81.94
	Dasheri	0.00	0.09	0.11	0.06	0.17	0.00	49.50	75.92	34.70	75.54
	Totapuri	0.00	0.07	0.17	0.20	0.16	0.00	47.47	151.01	116.60	91.95
	Mallika	0.00	0.03	0.09	0.06	0.07	0.00	41.40	61.16	28.81	38.17
	Mangoes , Fresh/Dried,	56.11	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	49658.68	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
	Total Mangoes	56.11	36.20	44.07	48.54	60.14	49658.68	21033.57	27872.77	22963.77	32104.10
Onion	Other Onions Fresh of Chilled	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	434.78	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	1606683.97
	Rose Onions Fresh of Chilled	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	38.94	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	110755.38
	Onions, Fresh/Chilled	324.20	378.49	460.56	561.38	0.00	1149896.84	1578016.57	1537496.85	2525258.35	0.00
	Total Onions	324.20	378.49	460.56	561.38	473.72	1149896.84	1578016.57	1537496.85	2525258.35	1717439.35
	Source: DGCIS
	Note :- ITC HS Code with () mark of the Commodity is either dropped or re-allocated*

In FY 2023-24, India’s exports of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables reached 123 countries. In the last 3 years, Indian fresh produce entered 17 new markets, some of which are Brazil, Georgia, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Czech Republic, Uganda, Ghana etc. This has been achieved through a host of measures such as participation in international trade fairs, actively pursuing market access negotiations, organizing buyer seller meets etc.

Department of Commerce is working in close coordination with the MoA&FW in prioritizing agriculture products for market access negotiations to reach new markets. As a result, India has achieved new market access in following commodities in the last three years:

Indian Potatoes and Onions in Serbia
Baby corn and fresh banana in Canada
Pomegranate arils in Australia, USA, Serbia, and New Zealand
Whole pomegranates in Australia via Irradiation treatment

The barriers in accessing new markets differ from product to product and are dynamic in nature. Some of the major barriers in accessing new markets for fruits & vegetables are:

Long geographic distance from India raising the costs of logistics.
Delay in grant of market access by importing countries for certain products.
Stringent Phyto-sanitary requirements imposed by some importing countries.
Delay in registration of enterprises in certain countries.

To address the above issues, various steps are being taken by the Department of Commerce:

For expand market access to our products, MoA&FW & APEDA have identified key products and key countries for intensifying market access negotiations.
Development of Sea protocols for horticulture products to reduce logistic expenses and to enable larger volume of exports.
Regular follow up with the counterpart authorities of importing countries with support of our Missions abroad for registration of facilities and market access negotiations.
For meeting stringent Phyto-sanitary requirements, setting up of traceability system and a system of farmer and facility registration.

***

Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan/Asmitabha Manna

(Release ID: 2099814) Visitor Counter : 20

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces new food benefits available for people in Los Angeles impacted by recent fires
Source: US State of California 2
Feb 4, 2025
What you need to know: People impacted by the recent fires in Los Angeles may be eligible for new food benefits. A family of four with a monthly income up to $3,529 per month may be eligible to receive $975.

Los Angeles, California – As part of California’s ongoing wildfire response and recovery efforts, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that individuals and families directly impacted by the recent fires in Los Angeles County – living in the zip codes listed below – may be eligible to receive Disaster CalFresh food benefits.

A family of four with a monthly income up to $3,529 per month may be eligible to receive a one-time $975 food benefit through this program, which is available to those who lived or worked in a fire-impacted area within Los Angeles County on January 7, 2025.

“California’s response and recovery efforts will continue to be guided by the needs of people throughout the impacted region. My administration is focused on serving the individuals and families who need our help the most, which means creating new and expanded benefit programs. Starting February 10th, I encourage eligible people to apply for D-CalFresh benefits, which will allow more families to put more food on the table.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

“No family should have to worry about how they’re going to put food on the table, especially during a crisis. D-CalFresh food benefits will help ensure that those most in need have access to critical assistance. Angelenos, please apply and know that we will continue to stand with you—no family should have to navigate this hardship alone.”

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) Secretary Kim Johnson: “The California Health & Human Services Agency and its departments, in partnership with our federal, local, and other state partners, are committed to helping people impacted by these historic wildfires.”

Who can apply?

Individuals and families who lived or worked in a fire impacted area within Los Angeles County on January 7, 2025 may be eligible for Disaster CalFresh food benefits. Wildfire impacted areas include the following ZIP codes:

Eaton: 91104, 91206, 91103, 91016, 91010, 91001, 91214, 91101, 91107, 91006, 91208, 91020, 91105, 91011, 91024, 91008, 91007, 91042, and 91106 (total = 19)

Hughes: 91334, 91350, 91355, 91384, 91390, 93015, 93040, 93225, 93243, 93532, 93536, and 00018 (total = 12)

Hurst: 91342, 91344, 91321, 91326, 91381, and 91311 (total = 6)

Palisades: 90049, 91302, 91301, 90290, 90272, 90265, 90402, 90073, 90077, 90095, 90401, 90403, 90404, 91316, 91356, 91367, 91403, 91436, and 91340 (total = 19)

Other (qualifying power outages): 91750, 93510 (total = 2)

Additionally, at least one person in the household must not already be receiving regular CalFresh food benefits and must have experienced at least one of the following as a direct result of the severe wildfires:

Money was spent because of the wildfires or related power outage,

Money was lost from work because of the wildfires,

Money was spent because of damage to a home or business, or

Food loss alone.

Individuals already participating in CalFresh and living in these zip codes do not need to apply for Disaster CalFresh benefits, but may be eligible to receive supplemental benefits, which bring the household up to the maximum benefit amount based on their household size.

How to apply

Households may only apply for Disaster CalFresh between February 10-14, 2025 and February 18-19, 2025 by calling 866-488-8482 (M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or visiting a Los Angeles DPSS office to apply in person. In most cases, benefits will be available within three days of the date of a qualifying interview.

Benefits will be provided via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is like a debit card that can be used to purchase food items at grocery stores and other authorized retailers. If applicants are approved, the county will tell them when and where to pick up their EBT card.

Other food supports for survivors

California has also secured waivers to support people receiving CalFresh food benefits in the impacted region. People receiving CalFresh can use their benefits to purchase hot foods in Los Angeles and surrounding counties, as impacted individuals and families may not have access to food storage and/or cooking facilities. This waiver will be in effect through February 8, 2025.

Also, people receiving CalFresh who lost food due to the fires that was purchased with their benefits have an extended period of time to request replacement benefits. This waiver will be in effect through February 5, 2025. CalFresh recipients may contact the Los Angeles DPSS at (866) 613-3777 (M-F, 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) to request replacement benefits.

California also released $1 million in emergency reserve funding that is providing emergency food boxes and potable water to people in need, in partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. People can find a list of food distributions in their area here.
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MIL OSI USA News –
February 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: 2025-14 AG NEWS RELEASE – AG LOPEZ JOINS COALITION OF 20 ATTORNEYS GENERAL URGING SENATE TO DEMAND ANSWERS ON RETALIATION EFFORTS FROM FBI DIRECTOR NOMINEE KASH PATEL

Source: US State of Hawaii

2025-14 AG NEWS RELEASE – AG LOPEZ JOINS COALITION OF 20 ATTORNEYS GENERAL URGING SENATE TO DEMAND ANSWERS ON RETALIATION EFFORTS FROM FBI DIRECTOR NOMINEE KASH PATEL

Posted on Feb 4, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

ANNE LOPEZ

ATTORNEY GENERAL

LOIO KUHINA

ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ JOINS COALITION OF 20 ATTORNEYS GENERAL URGING SENATE TO DEMAND ANSWERS ON RETALIATION EFFORTS FROM FBI DIRECTOR NOMINEE KASH PATEL

News Release 2025-14

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 4, 2025

HONOLULU – Attorney General Anne Lopez joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general today sending a letter to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, urging the Senate to require Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, to return for further questioning before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The request follows alarming reports of politically motivated firings at the FBI and efforts to compile a list of agents involved in investigating the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots.

The attorneys general note how critical it is for Patel to address recent reports of politically motivated firings at the FBI. The joint letter states: “Shortly after his confirmation hearing, we learned from news reports that more than a dozen high-ranking FBI officials were fired and that the FBI is developing a list of all agents and staff who worked investigations and prosecutions related to the January 6th Capitol riots. It is critical for Mr. Patel to answer questions about this unprecedented attack on the FBI before Senators vote on his confirmation.”

The letter raises additional concerns over reports that “the Administration plans to fire at least six high-ranking career FBI officials if they do not retire” and that “acting deputy attorney general Emil Bove directed FBI staff to compile a list of all staff who were ‘assigned at any time to investigations and/or prosecutions’ relating to the January 6th riots.” The attorneys general state, “If true, this is a purge of FBI employees.”

The attorneys general stress in the letter that before any confirmation vote, “the United States Senate should know what Mr. Patel plans to do with the list of FBI agents and staff that is currently being compiled.”

The letter further provides, “Purging over 6,000 FBI agents and staff will have disastrous effects on public safety across the country and will make our communities more dangerous. FBI employees and staff protect America from the public safety harms that President Trump listed in his executive orders—fentanyl, the Mexican Cartels, foreign terrorist organizations, and harms to Americans’ pocketbooks.”

“This threat to FBI operations will substantially harm Hawai‘i’s law enforcement ecosystem,” said Attorney General Lopez. “The FBI plays a substantial role in keeping the people of Hawaiʻi safe. The tight-knit relationship between the FBI and our state and county law enforcement includes investigating and prosecuting individuals for public corruption, internet crimes against children, and conducting joint operations to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute drug trafficking organizations and money laundering operations across the state.”

Beyond the FBI purge, the letter condemns additional attacks on law enforcement by the Trump administration, stating, “The President’s efforts to undermine the FBI follow unprecedented attacks on our country’s public safety. In just two weeks, the President has fired United States Attorneys, pardoned rioters who killed and injured Capitol Police Officers, and attempted to cut off funding for law enforcement across the country.”

The letter continues, “Further, Congress must question Administration officials on the scope of pardoning Capitol rioters, and its attempts to dismiss pending cases against January 6th rioters. At least one judge has already found that the dismissals will harm public safety and are unjustified.”

Now is the time for Congress to act. Over the past two weeks, President Trump has taken actions that make our country less safe. Attorney General Lopez believes that Congress must act to protect Americans and hold the Administration accountable. The first step is requiring Mr. Patel to answer questions about the pending FBI purge before a confirmation vote.

Joining Hawai‘i in sending the letter are the attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington.

A copy of the letter is available here.

# # #

Media contacts:

Dave Day

Special Assistant to the Attorney General

Office: 808-586-1284

Email: [email protected]

Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

Toni Schwartz
Public Information Officer
Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General
Office: 808-586-1252
Cell: 808-379-9249
Email: [email protected]

Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

MIL OSI USA News –

February 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 2.4.25

Source: US State of California 2

Feb 4, 2025

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

Mark Tollefson, of Rancho Cordova, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the California High-Speed Rail Authority. Tollefson has been Undersecretary of the California State Transportation Agency since 2022. He was Senior Counselor on Infrastructure and Fiscal Affairs in the Office of Governor Newsom in 2022, where he was previously Deputy Cabinet Secretary from 2019 to 2022. Tollefson held several positions at the California Department of Finance from 2007 to 2019, including Assistant Program Budget Manager, Principal Program Budget Analyst, and Finance Budget Analyst. Tollefson earned a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from California State University, Sacramento and a Bachelor of Science degree in Managerial Economics from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $275,004. Tollefson is a Democrat.

Ken DaRosa, of Sacramento, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety. DaRosa has been the Chief Deputy Director of the State Council on Developmental Disabilities since 2021. He was the Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Resources, Recycling, and Recovery from 2012 to 2021. DaRosa held multiple positions at the California Department of Finance from 2004 to 2012, including Program Budget Manager from 2011 to 2012, Assistant Program Budget Manager from 2010 to 2011, Principal Program Budget Analyst from 2006 to 2010, and Staff Finance Analyst from 2004 to 2006. He earned a Master of the Arts degree in Literature, and a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Psychology from the California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and compensation is $185,004. DaRosa is registered without party preference.

Sloane Viola, of Sacramento, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the California Conservation Corps, where she has been the Deputy Director of Legislative and External Affairs since 2024. Viola was the Acting Assistant Secretary of Climate Change at the California Natural Resources Agency in 2024. She has had several positions at the Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation from 2019 to 2024, including Council Program Manager from 2021 to 2024, Acting Deputy Director of Climate Resilience in 2022, and Legislative Director from 2019 to 2021. Viola held two positions in the Office of Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom from 2017 to 2018, including Sea Grant Fellow in 2017 and Staff Scientist from 2018 to 2019. She held multiple positions at the University of California, Santa Barbara from 2010 to 2016, including Graduate Student Researcher from 2014 to 2016, Teaching Assistant from 2015 to 2016, and Laboratory Assistant I, Marine Science Institute from 2010 to 2014. Viola is a member of American MENSA. She earned a Master of the Arts degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Aquatic Biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and compensation is $170,004. Viola is a Democrat.

Mandi Bane, of Redondo Beach, has been appointed Deputy Director of Hazardous Waste Management at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Bane has been an Environmental Protection Specialist at the United States Environmental Protection Agency since 2024. She has held multiple positions at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health from 2011 to 2024, including CENS Unit Manager, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control from 2021 to 2024, Staff Analyst, Environmental Health Division from 2015 to 2021, and Research Analyst II; Assistant Staff Analyst, Family Services Unit from 2011 to 2015. Bane earned her Doctor of Philosophy and Master of the Arts degrees in Sociology from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of the Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and compensation is $199,128. Bane is registered without party preference.

Georgia “Pat” Urena, of Calexico, has been reappointed to the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission, where she has served since 2018. Urena was a Recreation Supervisor at the City of El Centro from 1982 to 2024. She is the Chair of the Calexico Wellness Center and the Juvenile Justice Commission, and a Board Member of Rite Track. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Urena is a Democrat.

Press Releases, Recent News

Recent news

Feb 4, 2025

News What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order removing bureaucratic barriers, extending deadlines, and providing critical regulatory relief to help LA fire survivors rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly. LOS…

Feb 3, 2025

News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring February 2025 as Black History Month.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONThis month, we pay homage to the rich history and contributions of…

Feb 2, 2025

News What you need to know: At Governor Gavin Newsom’s directive, crews have been working around the clock to install nearly 60 miles of emergency protective materials in the recent Los Angeles-area burn scars. Los Angeles, California – As another storm system is…

MIL OSI USA News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs new executive order to fast-track more relief for LA fire survivors

Source: US State of California 2

Feb 4, 2025

What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order removing bureaucratic barriers, extending deadlines, and providing critical regulatory relief to help LA fire survivors rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly.

LOS ANGELES — Governor Gavin Newsom today signed a new executive order to cut red tape by suspending regulations and extending deadlines to assist in helping survivors recover quickly from the Los Angeles area firestorms. The order removes bureaucratic barriers, extends deadlines, and provides critical regulatory relief to help families rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly by waiving regulations that could make it more difficult for survivors to access important services, such as child care, education, rental housing, health care, and obtaining tax relief.

“As Los Angeles rises, we will continue to remove the barriers that would stand in the way. This executive order provides targeted relief from regulations that impact victims and would otherwise slow this community’s quick recovery.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

The executive order issued by Governor Newsom today:

Suspends caps on administrative costs for state-funded preschool programs and Community Development Block Grants.
Extends deadlines for families to submit documentation for state-funded preschool and child care programs.
Extends deadlines for reporting requirements for state-funded preschool and child care programs.
Extends deadlines for health care providers to submit requests to the Department of Health Care Services for changes in scope of service.
Allows the Department of Developmental Services to suspend certain legal requirements to ensure individuals with developmental disabilities continue to receive services without interruption.
Extends deadlines for families to submit eligibility documentation for participation in CalWORKs program.
Extends deadlines for public officials in Los Angeles County to submit FPPC reports.
Terminates suspensions of regulatory requirements for private firefighters.
Extends the deadline for individuals claiming disaster-related tax relief to submit required documentation.
Adds three new ZIP codes to prior executive orders providing tax relief and prohibiting real estate speculation.
Exempts housing in zip codes with high fair market values, which has not previously been on the rental market, from statutory rent caps to help ensure that they are available for rental during recovery efforts.
Expands rental price gouging protections to leases of any length, rather than only leases of one year or less, in response to examples of leases being offered for 366 days to avoid the protections.

Recovery and rebuilding, faster than ever

Governor Newsom has launched historic recovery and rebuilding efforts, cutting red tape and suspending regulations to help make the recovery process faster than ever before:

Cutting red tape to help rebuild Los Angeles faster and stronger. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses destroyed — suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act. The Governor also issued an executive order further cutting red tape by reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with the Governor’s executive orders.
Providing tax and mortgage relief to those impacted by the fires. California postponed the individual tax filing deadline to October 15 for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Additionally, the state extended the January 31, 2025, sales and use tax filing deadline for Los Angeles County taxpayers until April 30 — providing critical tax relief for businesses. Governor Newsom suspended penalties and interest on late property tax payments for a year, effectively extending the state property tax deadline. The Governor also worked with state– and federally-chartered banks that have committed to providing mortgage relief for survivors in certain zip codes.
Fast-tracking temporary housing and protecting tenants. To help provide necessary shelter for those immediately impacted by the firestorms, the Governor issued an executive order to make it easier to streamline the construction of accessory dwelling units, allow for more temporary trailers and other housing, and suspend fees for mobile home parks. Governor Newsom also issued an executive order that prohibits landlords in Los Angeles County from evicting tenants for sharing their rental with survivors displaced by the Los Angeles-area firestorms.
Mobilizing debris removal and cleanup. With an eye toward recovery, the Governor directed fast action on debris removal work and mitigating the potential for mudslides and flooding in areas burned. He also signed an executive order to allow expert federal hazmat crews to start cleaning up properties as a key step in getting people back to their properties safely. The Governor also issued an executive order to help mitigate risk of mudslides and flooding and protect communities by hastening efforts to remove debris, bolster flood defenses, and stabilize hillsides in affected areas.
Safeguarding survivors from price gouging. Governor Newsom expanded restrictions to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on rent, hotel and motel costs, and building materials or construction. Report violations to the Office of the Attorney General here.
Directing immediate state relief. The Governor signed legislation providing over $2.5 billion to immediately support ongoing emergency response efforts and to jumpstart recovery efforts for Los Angeles. California quickly launched CA.gov/LAfires as a single hub of information and resources to support those impacted and bolsters in-person Disaster Recovery Centers. The Governor also launched LA Rises, a unified recovery initiative that brings together private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts.
Getting kids back in the classroom. Governor Newsom signed an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms.
Protecting victims from real estate speculators. The Governor issued an executive order to protect firestorm victims from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited cash offers to purchase their property.
Helping businesses and workers get back on their feet. The Governor issued an executive order to support small businesses and workers, by providing relief to help businesses recover quickly by deferring annual licensing fees and waiving other requirements that may impose barriers to recovery.

Get help today

For those Californians impacted by the firestorms in Los Angeles, there are resources available. Californians can go to CA.gov/LAfires – a hub for information and resources from state, local and federal government.

Individuals and business owners who sustained losses from wildfires in Los Angeles County can apply for disaster assistance:

Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
By calling 800-621-3362
By using the FEMA smart phone application
Assistance is available in over 40 languages
If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

Recent news

Feb 3, 2025

News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring February 2025 as Black History Month.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONThis month, we pay homage to the rich history and contributions of…

Feb 2, 2025

News What you need to know: At Governor Gavin Newsom’s directive, crews have been working around the clock to install nearly 60 miles of emergency protective materials in the recent Los Angeles-area burn scars. Los Angeles, California – As another storm system is…

Feb 1, 2025

News LOS ANGELES — As recovery efforts continue in the wake of the early January firestorm, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the deployment of additional state law enforcement resources to help Los Angeles maintain checkpoints and keep the Pacific Palisades…

MIL OSI USA News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Ashmore — Meteghan RCMP charges two people after search warrant execution
Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Meteghan RCMP has charged two people in relation to a drug trafficking investigation.

On January 29, Meteghan RCMP, with assistance from Digby RCMP, the Yarmouth General Investigative Section, and Police Dog Services, executed a search warrant on a residence in Ashmore.

At the home, officers safely arrested a man and a woman and seized a quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine, unstamped cigarettes, and cash. Two handguns, one pellet rifle, three pellet guns, a digital scale, and cellular phones were also seized.

Benjamin Julian Davis Carpenter, 36, and Kassidy Marie Carpenter, 27, both of Ashmore, have been charged with:
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (cocaine)
- Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (methamphetamine)
- Possession of Weapon for Dangerous Purpose
- Selling, etc., of Tobacco Products and Raw Leaf Tobacco
- Possession of Tobacco Product not Stamped (Excise Act)
Both Benjamin Carpenter and Kassidy Carpenter were released on conditions pending a first appearance in Digby Provincial Court on April 7.

Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime, including the illegal sale of drugs, in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

MIL Security OSI –
February 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation — Saskatchewan RCMP: increased police presence on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation

Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Saskatchewan RCMP and File Hills First Nation Police Service advise there is an increased police presence on Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation in relation to an ongoing investigation. People are asked to avoid the areas where police officers are present and follow any police direction provided.

We will provide an update on this investigation as soon as we are able.

If an imminent risk to public safety is identified, we will notify the public.

MIL Security OSI –

February 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, World’s Window

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Small Business Committee, today announced her Small Business of the Week: World’s Window of Black Hawk County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
“For 40 years, World’s Window operated as a community-led nonprofit,” said Chair Ernst. “Now this family-owned small business continues its founding mission through a year-round indoor market that allows local Iowa artisans a Main Street location without the typical costs associated – offering an array of high-quality, handcrafted goods for folks in Cedar Valley and beyond.”
In 1982, Vonna Yoder founded World’s Window to support artisans and educate the community about fair trade practices. From selling artisan products at church-sponsored gift fairs to establishing a permanent retail location, Vonna operated World’s Window as a community-led nonprofit for 40 years.
In 2022, longtime volunteer Betsy Roling purchased the store and kept the mission alive as a family-owned small business. World’s Window offers handcrafted goods from over 30 countries and 40 artisan groups. With the help of community employees and volunteers, Betsy introduced the Cob Mercantile, giving local Iowa artisans a Main Street location to sell their products without the costs associated with owning a storefront. Later this year, World’s Window will celebrate its 43rd year in Iowa.
Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Barrasso Votes to Confirm Doug Collins as VA Secretary

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Wyoming John Barrasso

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, spoke on the Senate Floor prior to voting to confirm former Congressman Doug Collins, President Donald J. Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Click HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s remarks.

Sen. Barrasso’s remarks as prepared:

“Today, the Senate will vote to confirm former Congressman Doug Collins. Congressman Collins is the nominee to be the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

“Caring for our veterans is a top priority for President Trump and Republicans.

“As Abraham Lincoln famously said, our nation has a duty to ‘care for him who shall have born the battle.’

“That is why I am glad President Trump nominated Congressman Collins.

“Congressman Collins knows what it means to be a veteran because he is a veteran.

“He deployed to Iraq as a military chaplain. He visited wounded servicemembers in the hospital. He prayed with them. He comforted them.

“In Congress, Congressman Collins continued to serve our veterans.

“Congressman Collins received bipartisan support from the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee. The vote was 18 in favor and only 1 against. Looking at his record, it is obvious why.

“Congressman Collins will improve veterans’ access to care, not impede it. He will also address the alarming rate of veteran suicide and homelessness.

“As he told the Committee, ‘We will not stop until we succeed on behalf of the men and women who have worn the uniform.’

“Congressman Doug Collins will pursue his mission with duty and devotion.

“He has my full support.”

MIL OSI USA News –

February 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, Colleagues Introduce Keep Our Pact Act To Fully Fund Title I, Special Education

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

February 04, 2025

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and 14 of their Senate colleagues in reintroducing the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act, legislation to put Congress on a fiscally responsible path to fully fund Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on a mandatory basis. These programs, which support public education for children in low-income areas and education for individuals with learning disabilities, respectively, have been chronically underfunded since their inception, leaving our public schools, students, and teachers at a disadvantage.

“For too long, poor students and kids with disabilities have gotten shortchanged because Congress has failed to fully fund the programs that help them succeed in our schools. The Keep Our PACT Act would finally fulfill the promises we made when we signed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act into law. These investments are common sense and give every student in this country access to the education and resources they deserve,” said Murphy.

“Our nation’s children deserve comprehensive, quality education and a stable environment to learn and grow. By bolstering Title I and IDEA and providing access for key resources, the Keep Our PACT Act ensures that America’s most vulnerable students are able to achieve their fullest potential. This critical legislation prioritizes students and helps create a meaningful classroom experience—setting students up on the path for success,” said Blumenthal.

Title I, which gives assistance to America’s highest-need schools, is a critical tool to ensure that every child, no matter their zip code, has access to a quality education. However, it has been deeply underfunded, disadvantaging the most vulnerable students. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the Title I funding gap for school year 2024-2025 was $35.9 billion. Similarly, IDEA calls on the federal government to fund 40 percent of the cost of special education, but Congress has never fully funded the law. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), IDEA state grants are funded at less than 12 percent. The Keep Our PACT Act would create a 10-year mandatory glide path to fully fund both Title I and IDEA, ensuring that education is a priority in the federal budget.

U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) also cosponsored the legislation.

Full text of the bill is available HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on lives lost to toxic drugs in 2024

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Josie Osborne, Minister of Health, has released the following statement about the BC Coroners Service report on illicit drug toxicity deaths in 2024:

“Today, we acknowledge the 2,253 people in British Columbia who lost their lives to poisoned drugs in 2024. Behind every number is a child, parent, sibling, friend or neighbour, and their loss is felt deeply by those who knew and loved them. The toxic-drug crisis also continues to take a heavy toll on the people working on the front lines who care for and support many of the people we’ve lost. We must continue to work together to prevent further heartbreak and save lives.

“This public health emergency touches every corner of our province. Addiction can be influenced by many factors, including housing challenges, the cost of living, mental and physical pain, and intergenerational trauma. By addressing these issues openly and expanding supports, we can help reduce the stigma around substance use and encourage individuals to seek help rather than struggle in addiction.

“Although there is a decrease in deaths, 152 in November 2024 and 147 in December 2024, this in no way diminishes grief that permeates our communities.

“Our government is continuing to expand mental-health and addictions care, including early intervention and prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery services, support and complex-care housing, and more. We are building up a seamless system of care so everyone, no matter where they live or what their circumstances, has access to the care they need.

“Most recently, we announced more substance-use treatment beds in communities throughout the province so more people can get the support they need. These beds are part of a record expansion of mental-health and substance-use care for those who need it most, including underserved groups and those in rural and remote communities.

“We know there is still more to do. By working together and continuing to expand life-saving services, more people can find their pathway to recovery.”

Learn More:

For more information about mental-health and substance-use supports in B.C., visit: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

To learn how B.C. is building better mental-health and addictions care, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/BetterCare

MIL OSI Canada News –

February 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mahakumbh 2025: A Confluence of Literature, Culture, and Knowledge, National Book Trust’s Reading Lounge Becomes the Center of Attraction for Devotees

Source: Government of India (2)

Mahakumbh 2025: A Confluence of Literature, Culture, and Knowledge, National Book Trust’s Reading Lounge Becomes the Center of Attraction for Devotees

Mobile Book Exhibition and National E-Library App provide greater access to a variety of book titles to Devotees

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:52PM by PIB Delhi

At the Mahakumbh 2025, millions of devotees are taking the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj. Meanwhile, various exhibition pavilions at the fair are witnessing a continuous stream of literature, culture, and knowledge. The Central government Ministries have made special arrangements at the Mahakumbh for the intellectual enrichment of the devotees, allowing the general public to not only learn about government schemes and achievements, but also to better understand these schemes through modern technologies. In this context, the National Book Trust (NBT), an autonomous body under Union Ministry of Education, has taken an innovative step by setting up a Reading Lounge at the Mela, where devotees can read books for free and experience the literary joy of this grand fair of knowledge.

The NBT Reading Lounge has been established inside the Namami Gange Pavilion in Sector 1, Parade Ground, Prayagraj, and is becoming extremely popular among the devotees. This lounge offers 619 book titles, including literature based on Indian philosophy, Indian culture, and the Kumbh Mela. Considering the interests of the devotees, books like ‘Kumbh Ke Mela Mein Mangalvasi’, ‘Bharat Mein Kumbh’, and ‘A Visit to Kumbh’ have been made available. In addition to Hindi and English, books in other languages are also available, so non-Hindi-speaking devotees can also take advantage of this facility. Specially, books written by young authors under the Pradhan Mantri Yuva Yojana have been displayed, encouraging new writers.

NBT’s marketing officer, Ashish Rai, mentioned that books based on India’s culture are in high demand at the Mahakumbh. As a result, cultural literature is given special prominence at this lounge. Non-Hindi-speaking devotees are particularly interested in books like ‘The Ganga’, ‘Veda Kalpataru’, and ‘Ancient Tamil Legend’ that are written about the Ganga River. Another feature of this lounge is that if any devotee likes a book, they can purchase it with a 25% discount.

NBT has also arranged for a ‘NBT Pustak Parikrama’ (Mobile Book Exhibition) at the Mahakumbh 2025, which is equipped with 1,150 book titles. A mobile book exhibition bus is being operated, where devotees can view and purchase books of their choice while walking around the Kumbh campus. Additionally, information is being provided about the Ministry of Education’s National E-Library, where devotees are being informed about how they can install the National E-Library app on their mobile phones and scan QR codes to access thousands of e-books.

The NBT Reading Lounge at the Mela is not only providing an enriching intellectual experience for devotees but is also creating a new stream of literature, culture, and digital knowledge. This initiative is bringing devotees closer to religious, spiritual, and contemporary literature, making the Mahakumbh not just a center of faith, but also an extraordinary confluence of knowledge, culture, and literature.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CCI approves the proposed acquisition of certain shareholding in POSCO – India Pune Processing Center Private Limited by POSCO India Processing Center Private Limited

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:48PM by PIB Delhi

The Competition Commission of India has approved the proposed acquisition of certain shareholding in POSCO – India Pune Processing Center Private Limited by POSCO India Processing Center Private Limited.

POSCO India Processing Center Private Limited (Acquirer), a subsidiary of POSCO Holdings, is present in the broader business of processing and distribution of steel, and specifically in the market for processing and/ or distribution of various value-added finished steel products such as (i) hot rolled coils, sheets and plates; (ii) cold rolled coils, sheets and plates; (iii) galvanised steel products, (iv) specialty and other steel products (including electrical steel and other steel products like steel wire rods, scrap, coil, etc.).

POSCO- India Pune Processing Center Private Limited (Target), through its affiliates and subsidiaries is also present in the broader business of processing of steel, specifically in the market for processing and/ or distribution of various value-added finished steel products such as, (i) hot rolled coils, sheets and plates; (ii) cold rolled coils, sheets and plates; (iii) galvanised steel products, and (iv) specialty and other steel products (including electrical steel and other steel products like steel wire rods, scrap, coil, etc.).

The proposed transaction comprises the Acquirer’s acquisition of the entire shareholding of LX International Corporation (Seller) in the Target. It is stated that both the Acquirer and Target are subsidiaries of POSCO Holdings Inc. (POSCO Holdings) and the exiting Seller is an unrelated entity (Proposed Combination).

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy Meets Saudi Minister to Strengthen Cooperation in Critical Minerals Sector

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:16PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Coal & Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, today held a high-level meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Mr. Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, in New Delhi. The meeting aimed at strengthening cooperation in the critical minerals sector and exploring new avenues for investment and technological collaboration.

A significant development during the discussion is related to the designation of Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI) as a Centre of Excellence under the Future Minerals Forum. This initiative will facilitate specialized training programs for geologists from Saudi Arabia, Africa and Central Asia, contributing to capacity building in the global mining sector.

Key points of the meeting included:

Resilient Mineral Supply Chains: Both leaders emphasized the need to establish reliable and secure mineral supply chains to reduce dependency on imports.

Investment in Value-Added Processing: Focus was laid on promoting joint ventures for processing critical minerals to support clean energy technologies.

Technological Collaboration: Discussions also explored cooperation in adopting advanced mining technologies and innovation for sustainable mineral exploration and extraction.

The dialogue builds on India’s engagement at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2025 in Riyadh, where Shri Reddy highlighted India’s commitment to securing critical minerals essential for the energy transition and clean energy systems. At the FMF 2025, Shri Reddy also held discussions with representatives from Brazil, Italy, and Morocco to foster global partnerships.

This meeting marks a significant step in India’s efforts to develop international partnerships for mineral security and sustainable development, aligned with the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM).

India and Saudi Arabia are deepening cooperation in the critical minerals sector. Union Minister Shri @kishanreddybjp and Saudi Minister Mr. Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef discussed fostering resilient supply chains, investments in mineral value addition, and technological… pic.twitter.com/FuvDy9NhbW

— Ministry of Mines (@MinesMinIndia) February 4, 2025

Union Minister Shri @kishanreddybjp had a fruitful meeting today with Saudi Minister Mr. Bandar bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef in New Delhi. Discussions focused on designating GSITI Hyderabad as a Centre of Excellence under the Future Minerals Forum to train geologists from Saudi Arabia,… pic.twitter.com/6ik1KKtls6

— Ministry of Mines (@MinesMinIndia) February 4, 2025

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Budgetary allocations for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:13PM by PIB Delhi

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS) is a demand driven wage employment Scheme and Government is committed to making sufficient fund available in order to meet the demand for work at ground. For the financial year 2024-25, budget allocation of Rs. 86,000 crores have been made at Budget Estimate (BE) stage, which is the highest ever allocation under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS at the Budget Estimate (BE) stage since inception. The details of funds allocation at the Budget Estimate stage, Revised Estimate stage and fund released under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS during the last five financial years and current financial year 2024-25 (as on 28.01.2025) are given below:

(Rs. in crore)
Financial Year	Budget Estimate	Revised Estimate	Release
2019-20	60,000.00	71,001.81	71,687.71
2020-21	61,500.00	1,11,500.00	1,11,170.86
2021-22	73,000.00	98,000.00	98,467.84
2022-23	73,000.00	89,400.00	90,810.99
2023-24	60,000.00	86,000.00	89,268.30
2024-25 (As on 28.01.2025)	86,000.00	—	82,421.05

State/UT-wise (including Bihar) details of pending liabilities for wage component under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS as on 27.01.2025 are given at Annexure.

As per the provision of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the beneficiaries are entitled to get wage payment within 15 days of closure of Muster Roll of the work. Government of India has also issued a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to the States to ensure timely wage payment. The Ministry along with the States/UTs has been making concerted efforts for improving the timely payment of wages. States/UTs have been advised to generate pay orders in time. The Ministry has taken various steps to ensure timely payment of wages to workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). These include:

(i) Upscaling of National Electronic Fund Management System (Ne-FMS)

(ii) Intensive consultation with State Governments and other stakeholders to strategise timely payment of wages, verification of pending compensation claims etc.

(iii) Formulation of Standard Operating Procedure for monitoring of timely payment and payment of compensation.

(iv) During Annual Action Plan finalization meeting, Mid-Term review meeting, Labour Budget revision meeting, Monthly review meeting, as well as State/UT visit by senior officers, the issue of the status of timely payment of wages and payment of delay compensation is also reviewed.

These initiatives have helped in timely generation of Fund Transfer Orders (FTOs) within 15 days from the closure of muster rolls. The details of FTOs generated within 15 days during last three financial year and current financial year (as on 29.01.2025) is given below:

Fund Transfer Orders (FTOs) generated within 15 days from the closure of muster rolls under Mahatma Gandhi NREG during the last three financial year and current financial year (as on 29.01.2025).
Financial Year	2024-25	2023-24	2022-23	2021-22
% Fund Transfer Orders (FTOs) generated within 15 days	98.47	97.91	92.5	96.54

(As per NREGASoft)

Annexure

State/UT-wise details of pending liabilities for wage component under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS as on 27.01.2025 (Rs. in crore)
Sl. No.	States/UTs	Pending liabilities for wage component
1	Andhra Pradesh	67.35
2	Arunachal Pradesh	28.65
3	Assam	140.34
4	Bihar	670.01
5	Chhattisgarh	175.86
6	Goa	0.33
7	Gujarat	62.67
8	Haryana	26.06
9	Himachal Pradesh	89.60
10	Jammu and Kashmir	72.13
11	Jharkhand	117.45
12	Karnataka	140.41
13	Kerala	485.99
14	Madhya Pradesh	261.50
15	Maharashtra	278.61
16	Manipur	48.00
17	Meghalaya	65.74
18	Mizoram	17.73
19	Nagaland	3.73
20	Odisha	118.22
21	Punjab	64.71
22	Rajasthan	472.54
23	Sikkim	3.24
24	Tamil Nadu	1652.45
25	Telangana	15.46
26	Tripura	114.59
27	Uttar Pradesh	1214.85
28	Uttarakhand	22.26
31	Puducherry	1.09
32	Ladakh	2.37
Total		6433.95

This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM to visit Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on 5th February

Source: Government of India (2)

PM to visit Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on 5th February

PM to take holy dip at Sangam and offer prayers to Maa Ganga

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:14PM by PIB Delhi

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj on 5th February. At around 11 AM, he will take a holy dip at the Sangam and offer prayers to Maa Ganga.

Mahakumbh 2025, which commenced on Paush Purnima (January 13, 2025), is the world’s largest spiritual and cultural gathering, attracting devotees from across the globe. The Mahakumbh will continue until Mahashivratri on 26th February.

In line with his commitment to promote and preserve India’s spiritual and cultural heritage, Prime Minister has consistently taken proactive steps to enhance infrastructure and facilities at pilgrimage sites. Earlier, during his visit to Prayagraj on 13th December, 2024, Prime Minister inaugurated 167 development projects worth Rs 5,500 crore, improving connectivity, amenities and services for the general public.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Women under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:12PM by PIB Delhi

The Government had set a target of mobilizing 10 crore rural households into SHGs under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY – NRLM) by 2023-24. The target of mobilization of 10 crore households was achieved in March 2024.

The State/UT-wise targets and the number of households mobilized under Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) is given at Annexure.

Nellore district has 37 rural blocks. All the 37 blocks are covered under the DAY-NRLM.

The Central allocation under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) for Andhra Pradesh for the last three financial years amounted to Rs. 756 crores. However, only Rs. 377 crores released, reason for non- release of entire amount is because of non-submission of proposals by the State due to delay in receipt of funds from Treasury.

For the current financial year, the approved central share under DAY-NRLM for Andhra Pradesh is Rs.307.69 crore out of which Rs.76.92 crore has been released so far.

The Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), a key sub-scheme under DAY-NRLM aimed at enhancing the livelihoods and income of Mahila Kisans. The Ministry had approved 13 projects under MKSP in 2011, including Nellore District in Andhra Pradesh. After grant of two extensions, these projects were closed in FY 2019.

For FY 2023-24, the Ministry approved an Annual Action Plan for an amount of Rs. 64 Cr. for MKSP, with the central share being Rs. 38.40 Cr. and the state share Rs. 25.60 Cr. The physical target for the year included the creation of 160 Integrated Farming Clusters (IFC) under MKSP. However, the Andhra Pradesh SRLM has not opened the budget head for MKSP in FY 2023-24. Moreover, the MKSP budget provision was not reflected in the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) TRSY-07 report for FY 2023-24, which are mandatory for the release of funds under Central Sponsored Schemes as per the Department of Expenditure norms. Due to which the Ministry has not released any fund to Andhra Pradesh SRLM for MKSP during FY 2023-24. Out of the total allocation of Rs. 15 crores (Rs. 9 Cr. Central Share + Rs. 6 Cr. State share) for FY 2024-25, amount of Rs. 2.25 Cr. has been released as a part of the Central Share.

Regarding the Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), which is a demand-driven scheme, funds are released based on the submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) from the state. However, the Andhra Pradesh SRLM has delayed the submission of the required DPRs and financial documents for SVEP components, which has also delayed the timely release of funds for the programme. Out of the total allocation of Rs. 13.33 crore (Rs. 8 Cr. Central Share + Rs.5.33 Cr. State share) for FY 2024-25, amount of Rs. 2 Cr. has been released as a part of the Central Share.

State	Target for HH Mobilisation	Mobilisation as on March 24
Andaman	15000	13194
Andhra Pradesh	8310437	9075289
Arunachal	84623	86937
Assam	3593756	4111020
Bihar	12332493	12713428
Chhattisgarh	3193288	3068427
Daman DIU and NH	12469	12695
Goa	45947	50298
Gujarat	3031245	2783006
Haryana	730806	629094
Himachal Pradesh	338103	378542
Jammu & Kashmir	950000	797805
Jharkhand	3446912	3589607
Karnataka	3239273	4207374
Kerala	3644669	4002478
Ladakh	13315	11710
Lakshadweep	3692	4363
Madhya Pradesh	6549384	5829972
Maharashtra	7109774	6525549
Manipur	207481	99810
Meghalaya	418254	444264
Mizoram	73765	85934
Nagaland	121260	135261
Odisha	6610605	5757107
Puducherry	45931	59714
Punjab	657609	543246
Rajasthan	4600000	3804161
Sikkim	58557	56675
Tamil Nadu	3675989	4023939
Telangana	4593482	4820573
Tripura	460061	494675
Uttar Pradesh	11807911	9507884
Uttarakhand	491114	497777
West Bengal	11593207	12251533
Total	102060412	100473341

This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Payment under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:11PM by PIB Delhi

State/Union Territory-wise details of pending liabilities for material components under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS) as on 29.01.2025 are given at Annexure-I.

State/Union Territory – wise details of pending liabilities for material components as on 29.01.2025. (Rs. in crore)
Sl. No.	States/UTs	Pending liabilities for material components
1	Andhra Pradesh	661.50
2	Arunachal Pradesh	60.34
3	Bihar	802.12
4	Gujarat	11.79
5	Haryana	38.27
6	Himachal Pradesh	24.07
7	Jammu & Kashmir	117.46
9	Jharkhand	204.59
10	Madhya Pradesh	290.93
11	Maharashtra	1321.58
12	Manipur	131.51
13	Meghalaya	71.66
14	Rajasthan	494.34
15	Sikkim	10.11
16	Tamil Nadu	496.70
17	Telangana	282.74
18	Uttar Pradesh	1010.49
19	Uttarakhand	100.42
	Total	6130.61

Ladakh PFMS data is not available.

District-wise details of employment provided to workers in Rajasthan State under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS during the financial years 2008-09 to 2009-10 and 2022-23 to 2023-24 are given at Annexure-II.

District-wise details of employment provided to workers in Rajasthan State under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS during the financial year 2008-09 to 2009-10 and 2022-23 to 2023-24. (Figure in lakh)
S.No	District	2008-09	2009-10	2022-23	2023-24
1	Ajmer	3.84	4.25	4.29	4.35
2	Alwar	3.26	2.78	1.59	1.39
3	Banswara	5.06	4.11	5.89	5.98
4	Baran	2.36	1.74	2.15	2.00
5	Barmer	6.00	5.69	7.00	7.52
6	Bharatpur	3.33	3.09	1.31	1.12
7	Bhilwara	5.00	6.40	5.18	5.46
8	Bikaner	4.03	4.31	3.29	3.67
9	Bundi	2.22	2.14	1.60	1.42
10	Chittorgarh	3.36	3.72	1.64	1.55
11	Churu	2.82	3.12	2.43	2.47
12	Dausa	3.32	2.42	1.02	0.78
13	Dholpur	2.24	1.65	1.14	1.10
14	Dungarpur	4.72	4.05	4.66	4.82
15	Hanumangarh	2.17	3.18	2.03	2.08
16	Jaipur	4.15	2.28	1.80	1.52
17	Jaisalmer	1.36	5.03	1.63	1.82
18	Jalore	2.41	1.41	2.12	1.77
19	Jhalawar	2.87	2.38	4.11	4.38
20	Jhunjhunu	0.92	2.81	0.67	0.51
21	Jodhpur	4.40	1.19	4.35	4.20
22	Karauli	2.64	4.64	2.00	1.69
23	Kota	1.44	2.56	1.40	1.25
24	Nagaur	4.65	1.25	5.29	5.39
25	Pali	3.24	5.27	2.55	2.17
26	Pratapgarh	0.00	4.56	2.95	2.94
27	Rajsamand	2.05	0.00	1.86	1.81
28	Sawai Madhopur	2.04	2.21	1.63	1.23
29	Sikar	1.94	2.99	0.91	0.88
30	Sirohi	1.51	2.15	1.38	1.28
31	Sri Ganganagar	3.89	1.44	2.51	2.79
32	Tonk	3.37	2.86	1.82	1.73
33	Udaipur	6.17	5.39	3.88	3.90
	Total	102.81	103.05	88.08	86.97

This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Families registered under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:09PM by PIB Delhi

Year-wise number of persons who availed employment under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS) in Udaipur, Dungarpur and Pratapgarh districts of Rajasthan from the financial year 2019-20 to the current financial year 2024-25 (as on 28.01.2025) is given below:

Year-wise number of persons who availed employment under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS in Udaipur, Dungarpur and Pratapgarh districts of Rajasthan from the financial year 2019-20 to the current financial year 2024-25 (as on 28.01.2025)
Financial Year	Persons availed employment (in Nos.)
	Udaipur	Dungarpur	Pratapgarh
2019-20	399349	432835	211408
2020-21	536916	568677	276025
2021-22	454316	537099	294875
2022-23	388084	466339	294671
2023-24	389603	482361	293809
2024-25	359589	435600	279711
Note: Salumber district was carved out of erstwhile Udaipur district on 7 August 2023. Separate Information in respect of this District is not available in NREGASoft.

Number of persons registered under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS in Udaipur, Dungarpur and Pratapgarh districts of Rajasthan as on 28.01.2025 are given below:

Number of persons registered under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS in Udaipur, Dungarpur and Pratapgarh districts of Rajasthan as on 28.01.2025.
Districts	Persons registered (in Nos.)
Udaipur	1207164
Dungarpur	806637
Pratapgarh	422884
Note: Salumber district was carved out of erstwhile Udaipur district on 7 August 2023. Separate Information in respect of this District is not available in NREGASoft.

Block-wise number of persons availed employment under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS in Udaipur, Dungarpur and Pratapgarh districts of Rajasthan, from the financial year 2023-24 to 2024-25 (as on 28.01.2025) are given at Annexure-I.

Block-wise cumulative number of households issued Job Cards under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Others in Udaipur, Dungarpur and Pratapgarh districts of Rajasthan as on 28.01.2025 is at Annexure-II.

Annexure-I

Block-wise number of persons availed employment under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS in Udaipur, Dungarpur and Pratapgarhthe district of Rajasthan from the financial year 2023-24 to 2024-25 (as on 28.01.2025)
Blocks of Dungarpur district
Sl. No.	Blocks			Persons availed employment (in Nos.)
				2023-24	2024-25 ( as on 28.01.25)
1	ASPUR			32421	29715
2	BICHHIWARA			46007	41742
3	CHIKHLI			44987	39552
4	DOVRA			44929	42200
5	DUNGARPUR			40848	37731
6	GALIYAKOT			49498	44815
7	JHONTHARI			39290	36310
8	SAABLA			42100	37841
9	SAGWARA			87069	75775
10	SEEMALWARA			55212	49919
	Total			482361	435600
Block of Pratapgarh district
1		ARNOD		29544	27579
2		CHOTI SADRI		25016	22183
3		DALOT		35590	34078
4		DHAMOTAR		35121	35765
5		DHARIYAWAD		50742	48220
6		PEEPALAKHUNT		44327	42029
7		PRATAPGARH		40245	39898
8		SUHAGPURA		33224	29959
		Total		293809	279711
Block of Udaipur district
1			BADGAON	5208	4870
2			BHINDAR	13938	14055
3			GIRWA	17628	15004
4			GOGUNDA	23995	21490
5			JAISAMAND	10547	9955
6			JHADOL	21871	21942
7			JHALLAARA	27446	26980
8			KHAIRWARA	21598	20053
9			KOTRA	52319	47605
10			KURABAD	13588	11441
11			LASADIA	25757	22864
12			MAVLI	9834	8557
13			NAYAGAON	22415	20373
14			PHALASIYA	26133	27273
15			RISHABHDEV	25176	23108
16			SALUMBAR	14845	14424
17			SARADA	13452	10510
18			SAYRA	20753	18448
19			SEMAARI	17629	16387
20			VALLABHNAGAR	5471	4250
			Total	389603	359589
Note: Salumber district was carved out of erstwhile Udaipur district on 7 August 2023. Separate Information in respect of this District is not available in NREGASoft..

Annexure-II

Block-wise cumulative number of households issued Job Cards under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Others in Udaipur, Dungarpur, and Pratapgarh districts of Rajasthan as on 28.01.2025,
Blocks of Dungarpur district
Sl. No.		Blocks	Cumulative number of households issued Jobcards (as on 28.01.25)
			SCs		STs		Others		Total
1		ASPUR	2134		14023		16306		32463
2		BICHHIWARA	672		38436		4511		43619
3		Chikhli	541		31521		3631		35693
4		Dovra	674		30547		9311		40532
5		DUNGARPUR	526		33829		7046		41401
6		Galiyakot	1358		25313		9820		36491
7		Jhonthari	382		30903		4011		35296
8		Saabla	1838		21063		12703		35604
9		SAGWARA	2804		35235		24389		62428
10		SEEMALWARA	909		31241		9346		41496
		Total	11838		292111		101074		405023
Block of Pratapgarh district
1	ARNOD			1581	12529	7047		21157
2	CHOTI SADRI			3035	12124	11222		26381
3	DALOT			759	21365	3479		25603
4	DHAMOTAR			1191	18570	6456		26217
5	DHARIYAWAD			1725	39744	5501		46970
6	PEEPALAKHUNT			371	29780	3490		33641
7	PRATAPGARH			3322	12618	14660		30600
8	SUHAGPURA			723	19664	1906		22293
	Total			12707	166394	53761		232862
Block of Udaipur district
1	BADGAON			2450	12787	11266		26503
2	BHINDAR			2521	6469	20935		29925
3	GIRWA			573	27819	5323		33715
4	GOGUNDA			2284	15274	12650		30208
5	JAISAMAND			675	15709	5950		22334
6	JHADOL			748	26418	8536		35702
7	JHALLAARA			1166	20458	8051		29675
8	KHAIRWARA			677	19510	5670		25857
9	KOTRA			231	61208	7220		68659
10	KURABAD			1167	9679	9735		20581
11	LASADIA			649	22286	3748		26683
12	MAVLI			3971	9194	17170		30335
13	NAYAGAON			502	19475	3700		23677
14	PHALASIYA			307	25630	5320		31257
15	RISHABHDEV			453	29261	4469		34183
16	SALUMBAR			1678	16408	12969		31055
17	SARADA			607	19952	5705		26264
18	SAYRA			2204	13312	12156		27672
19	SEMAARI			613	17350	6454		24417
20	VALLABHNAGAR			1436	2777	9467		13680
	TOTAL			24912	390976	176494		592382
Note: Salumber district was carved out of erstwhile Udaipur district on 7 August 2023. Separate Information in respect of this District is not available in NREGASoft.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Construction of roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna

Source: Government of India (2)

Ministry of Rural Development

Construction of roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:08PM by PIB Delhi

A total of 8,34,716 km road length has been sanctioned under various ongoing interventions/verticals of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY), out of which 7,71,641 km Road length has already been completed and upgraded as on date. The details of road length sanctioned and completed under PMGSY during the last three years, State-wise including Tamil Nadu and Gujarat is given at Annexure-I.

The details of the Central share of funds released by the Ministry and expenditure incurred by the States (including State share) during each of the last three years, State-wise are given in Annexure-II.

Further, the funds for implementation of the scheme are released by the Ministry to the State as a unit. Further release of funds to the Programme Implantation Units (PIUs) at the district level is done by the respective State Governments depending upon the absorption capacity of the PIU. The fund utilized in the district of Banaskantha, including State share, during each of the last three years is as follows:

Year	Expenditure including State share (₹ in crore)
2021-22	15.43
2022-23	19.87
2023-24	11.45

Under PMGSY, in order to promote cost-effectiveness and new construction technologies in the construction of rural roads, including new materials/waste materials/ locally available materials, MoRD/ National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) had issued ‘Guidelines on Technology Initiatives’, in May 2013. In order to promote innovations/latest technologies on large scale for wider adoption of new/ green technology in rural roads in a much systematic manner, MoRD/ NRIDA has revised the above guidelines and brought “Vision Document on New Technology Initiatives & Guidelines-2022. Under PMGSY, around 1,63,877 km of roads works has been sanctioned using new/ green technology out of which 1,14,789 km has been completed till date.

Under PMGSY, maintenance of rural roads is the responsibility of the State/ UT Governments. The Ministry had issued guidelines for maintenance of roads constructed under the programme. Under PMGSY, roads are covered under a 5-year maintenance contract to be entered into along with a construction contract with the same contractor as per the Standard Bidding Document (SBD). Since the design life of PMGSY roads is ten years, the States have to undertake further five years of maintenance. A MoU has been signed with States/UTs to emphasize on maintenance of roads constructed under PMGSY. The Ministry has also implemented e-MARG i.e. software module for maintenance payments to the contractor during the defect liability period. The post five-year construction module of eMARG incorporates initial rehabilitation, renewal, pre- renewal routine maintenance, post-renewal maintenance and emergency repair works, as required. Maintenance funds to service the contract are required to be budgeted by the State Governments and placed at the disposal of the State Rural Roads Development Agencies (SRRDAs) in a separate maintenance account. On expiry of this 5-year post construction maintenance, PMGSY roads are required to be placed under Zonal maintenance contracts consisting of 5-year maintenance including renewal as per cycle, from time to time.

The Union Cabinet on 11^th September, 2024 approved implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana – IV (PMGSY-IV) during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29. Under the programme, financial assistance is to be provided for the construction of 62,500 Kms road for providing new connectivity to eligible 25,000 unconnected habitations of population size 500+ in plains, 250+ in NE & Hill Sates/UTs, special category areas (Tribal Schedule V, Aspirational Districts/Blocks, Desert areas) and 100+ in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts as per Census 2011 and construction/ upgradation of bridges on the new connectivity roads. Total outlay of this scheme will be Rs. 70,125 crores. The PMGSY-IV Guidelines have been circulated to all States/ UTs.

Annexure-I

State wise details of road length sanctioned and completed under PMGSY during last three years:

(Road length in KM)

Sl.No.	State	2021-22		2022-23		2023-24
Sl.No.	State	Road Length Sanctioned	Road Length Completed	Road Length Sanctioned	Road Length Completed	Road Length Sanctioned	Road Length Completed
1	Andaman And Nicobar	0	14	0	31	0	43
2	Andhra Pradesh	25	1,282	0	1,051	1,158	369
3	Arunachal Pradesh	0	598	0	1,183	1,743	303
4	Assam	0	2,164	933	624	0	610
5	Bihar	189	1,862	4,670	1,961	268	2,251
6	Chhattisgarh	0	3,034	615	670	1,525	201
7	Goa	0	0	0	0	0	0
8	Gujarat	0	1,009	0	824	2	619
9	Haryana	590	1,384	0	414	0	344
10	Himachal Pradesh	0	1,624	440	1,126	2,683	317
11	Jammu And Kashmir	0	3,278	1,217	464	535	956
12	Jharkhand	2,115	995	3,182	1,053	171	1,431
13	Karnataka	0	2,560	230	1,629	0	457
14	Kerala	567	67	0	133	595	261
15	Madhya Pradesh	5,408	4,444	982	3,732	295	910
16	Maharashtra	344	199	2,552	1,144	277	1,570
17	Manipur	0	684	0	1,340	502	59
18	Meghalaya	0	826	443	481	0	399
19	Mizoram	0	346	0	192	488	149
20	Nagaland	0	198	0	69	507	132
21	Odisha	3,999	2,819	0	2,668	148	2,589
22	Puducherry	0	0	0	38	0	24
23	Punjab	28	289	0	453	1,254	956
24	Rajasthan	0	3,255	2,384	544	493	1,669
25	Sikkim	0	141	0	282	305	94
26	Tamil Nadu	1,254	2,063	0	847	2,869	985
27	Tripura	0	172	232	123	550	112
28	Uttar Pradesh	12,274	3,368	0	5,011	454	6,799
29	Uttarakhand	1,157	2,061	1,091	904	1,241	594
30	West Bengal	0	526	857	123	0	362
31	Telangana	59	631	326	496	27	493
32	Ladakh	0	109	418	139	0	41
	Total	28,009	42,004	20,573	29,749	18,088	26,100

Annexure-II

State-wise details of the funds released and expenditure incurred during last three years

(₹ in crore)

Sl. No.	State Name	Release of Central Fund			Expenditure incurred including State share
Sl. No.	State Name	2021-22	2022-23	2023-24	2021-22	2022-23	2023-24
1	Andaman And Nicobar	9.22	12.22	12.22	5.45	7.51	22.93
2	Andhra Pradesh	50.00	644.13	140.64	508.86	748.63	368.03
3	Arunachal Pradesh	1090.60	1018.74	339.90	1,279.07	1,246.99	320.09
4	Assam	1591.50	664.91	391.29	2,488.03	1,118.21	571.22
5	Bihar	375.00	1443.23	963.37	1,992.99	2,088.54	1,815.63
6	Chhattisgarh	394.41	995.87	401.77	1,902.34	1,057.35	388.09
7	Goa	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00
8	Gujarat	195.50	266.63	298.41	400.16	492.19	330.33
9	Haryana	353.23	168.25	74.01	583.12	213.81	150.86
10	Himachal Pradesh	517.45	624.76	617.56	933.22	626.84	371.54
11	Jammu And Kashmir	1328.34	717.00	1304.17	1,485.28	1,114.78	1,256.96
12	Jharkhand	0.00	332.63	752.80	598.44	745.63	1,323.90
13	Karnataka	704.25	720.47	72.25	1,499.18	864.71	404.03
14	Kerala	0.00	106.76	54.25	46.91	124.97	164.95
15	Ladakh	140.79	109.97	37.50	109.66	107.81	30.44
16	Madhya Pradesh	1392.25	1557.47	599.42	2,419.14	1,978.73	1,105.16
17	Maharashtra	0.00	743.00	1110.80	376.73	1,074.02	1,507.37
18	Manipur	742.00	744.98	161.29	710.58	539.11	296.83
19	Meghalaya	483.92	405.89	122.59	536.92	373.72	238.19
20	Mizoram	74.34	584.20	141.37	332.86	315.94	381.62
21	Nagaland	145.31	183.15	161.29	125.83	198.65	94.01
22	Odisha	404.12	1235.88	1262.55	1,795.5	2,088.9	1,589.8
23	Puducherry	11.66	24.72	0.27	0.00	27.08	11.89
24	Punjab	68.59	231.06	265.10	295.14	428.72	522.95
25	Rajasthan	917.51	199.90	404.79	1,452.64	372.38	633.09
26	Sikkim	107.28	263.33	94.37	177.89	230.34	130.13
27	Tamil Nadu	440.00	613.70	411.36	1,169.56	532.36	777.78
28	Telangana	86.38	321.43	296.9625	410.80	345.32	479.41
29	Tripura	73.88	267.59	185.03	202.93	152.90	112.64
30	Uttar Pradesh	1418.55	2068.57	2679.63	2,074.26	3,267.32	3,791.65
31	Uttarakhand	787.00	1297.16	551.05	1,218.45	1,350.02	800.68
32	West Bengal	49.94	381.03	99.275	701.28	394.75	309.11
	Total	13952.99	18948.61	14007.29	27,833.22	24,228.27	20,301.27

This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Removal of workers from Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:07PM by PIB Delhi

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS) is a demand-driven wage employment scheme and the responsibility of implementation of the scheme is vested with the Government of concerned States/UTs. Updation /deletion of Job Cards is a regular exercise conducted by the States/UTs. However, while deleting/ removing workers/Job cards, States/UTs have to ensure compliance with provisions of the Act and ensure that no job card of deserving or eligible household is deleted/cancelled. States/UTs-wise details of number of active workers deleted/cancelled from Mahatma Gandhi NREGS during the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24 is given below.

A total of 86,17,887 and 68,86,532 active workers have been deleted/cancelled during the Financial Year 2022-23 and 2023-24 respectively, for reasons such as fake/duplicate/incorrect job card, family shifted out of Gram Panchayat permanently, Village becomes classified as urban etc.

States/UTs-wise details of number of active workers deleted/cancelled from Mahatma Gandhi NREGS during the financial years 2022-23 and 2023-24
SI. No.	State/UTs	2022-2023	2023-2024
		Active Workers		Active Workers
1	Andaman And Nicobar	11		17
2	Andhra Pradesh	485757		360840
3	Arunachal Pradesh	8315		17008
4	Assam	166823		315937
5	Bihar	1403802		237655
6	Chhattisgarh	274534		595205
7	Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	0		2
8	Goa	4		6
9	Gujarat	201611		258451
10	Haryana	10016		7089
11	Himachal Pradesh	25399		41045
12	Jammu And Kashmir	44227		108263
13	Jharkhand	344051		242883
14	Karnataka	376577		225536
15	Kerala	14863		51335
16	Ladakh	3243		1488
17	Lakshadweep	0		0
18	Madhya Pradesh	790419		1627427
19	Maharashtra	195146		102843
20	Manipur	16740		33268
21	Meghalaya	9675		60233
22	Mizoram	5587		8802
23	Nagaland	8802		13507
24	Odisha	694696		436230
25	Puducherry	309		325
26	Punjab	107228		33404
27	Rajasthan	352408		727700
28	Sikkim	1067		2195
29	Tamil Nadu	233543		270860
30	Telangana	415200		121422
31	Tripura	15820		49765
32	Uttar Pradesh	1448978		806253
33	Uttarakhand	22951		43291
34	West Bengal	940085		86247
Total		8617887		6886532

This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR FARMING
Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:04PM by PIB Delhi

The Government has employed Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods to address various challenges in the agricultural sector to aid farmers. Some of the initiatives are given below:
1. ‘Kisan e-Mitra’, an AI-powered chatbot, has been developed to assist farmers with responses to the queries about the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. This solution supports multiple languages and is evolving to assist with other government programs.
2. National Pest Surveillance System, for tackling the loss of produce due to climate change, utilizes AI and Machine Learning to detect pest infestation in crop issues, enabling timely intervention for healthier crops.
3. AI based analytics using field photographs for crop health assessment and crop health monitoring using Satellite, weather & soil moisture datasets for rice and wheat crop.
This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
February 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING AND CLIMATE CHANGE ON FARMERS

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:04PM by PIB Delhi

Yes, the Government has taken several steps towards mitigation of adverse impact of global warming and climate change on agriculture in the country including Uttar Pradesh. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) provides an overarching policy framework to enable the country to adapt to climate change and enhance ecological sustainability. One of the National Missions under NAPCC is the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which implements strategies to make agriculture more resilient to the changing climate. Several schemes have also been initiated under NMSA to deal with the adverse climate situations. Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme increases water use efficiency at the farm level through micro irrigation technologies i.e. drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. Rainfed Area Development focuses on Integrated Farming System for enhancing productivity and minimizing risks associated with climatic variability. The Soil Health & Fertility scheme assists states in promoting integrated nutrient management through judicious use of chemical fertilizers including secondary and micronutrients in conjunction with organic manures & bio-fertilizers for improving soil health and its productivity. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, Agroforestry & National Bamboo Mission also promote climate resilience in agriculture. Further, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana along with weather index based Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme provide a comprehensive insurance cover against crop failure by providing financial support to farmers suffering crop loss/damage arising out of unforeseen natural calamities.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is implementing a flagship network project namely National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA). Through this project, various climate change mitigation activities have been under taken. In Uttar Pradesh, one cluster of 3 to 4 villages each from 17 districts viz., Baghpat, Bahraich, Banda, Basti, Chitrakoot, Gonda, Gorakhpur, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, Kanpur (Dehat), Kaushambi, Kushi Nagar, Maharajganj, Pratapgarh, Sant Ravidas Nagar and Sonbhadra were taken up for technology adoption. Climate resilient technologies such as system of rice intensification, aerobic rice, direct seeding of rice, zero till wheat sowing, cultivation of climate resilient varieties tolerant to extreme weather conditions such as drought and heat; in-situ incorporation of rice residues; etc. have been developed and demonstrated in these districts. Capacity building programs to farmers on climate resilient agriculture in these districts were also undertaken.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: RESTRUCTURED NATIONAL BAMBOO MISSION

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:03PM by PIB Delhi

The restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM) has been launched as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in 2018-19. NBM provides assistance to both the Government & private sectors for the propagation and cultivation of bamboo in non-forest land, bamboo treatment, establishment of markets, incubation centers, value added product development & processing and development of tools & equipments. The funding pattern is 60:40 between Centre and State Government for all States except NE & Hilly States, where it is 90:10 and 100% in case of Union Territories/Bamboo Technology Support Groups (BTSGs) and National Level Agencies.

Major objectives of the Mission are to increase the availability of quality planting materials, area expansion of bamboo cultivation, improve post-harvest management, primary treatment and seasoning, preservation technologies, market infrastructure, product development, promote skill development and re-align efforts to reduce dependency on import of bamboo and bamboo products.

The restructured NBM is being implemented in Uttar Pradesh since 2019-20. Bareilly Bamboo cluster under NBM is Operational in Shahjahanpur District. Under the NBM, activities i.e. Nursery establishment, Bamboo Plantation, Skill Development, Demonstration of Bamboo Products etc. have been undertaken in the areas surrounding Shahjahanpur Parliamentary Constituency of Uttar Pradesh State. The details of the activities undertaken in these areas is as provided below.

Name of District	Plantation Area (In ha)	Nursery Established (In Nos)	Activities for development of Bamboo Value Chain
Shahjahanpur	31.00	01
Bareilly	18.00	01	01 Common Facility Center (CFC),01 Bamboo Bazaar, 01 Bamboo Treatment Plant and 01 Carbonization Plant
Sitapur	24.00	01
Pilibhit	17.00	00
Lakhimpur Kheri	14.00	00

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LANDLESS FARMERS WELFARE

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:02PM by PIB Delhi

No specific census/survey of landless farmers has been conducted by this Ministry. Therefore, the exact number of landless farmers and farming on crop sharing basis with land-owners in the country is not available. However, number of wholly leased-in operational holdings/landless farmers in the country as per the latest Agriculture Census 2015-16 is 5,31,285.

Agriculture being a State subject, the State Governments undertake implementation of agricultural schemes/programmes for the welfare of farmers including landless farmers and the Government of India also supplements these efforts through implementation of various central sector/centrally sponsored schemes/programmes. Among these, the schemes which specifically cover landless, tenant farmers and sharecroppers are the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) & Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS) and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.

Under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, farmers receive KCC loans at a subsidized interest rate of 7%. To facilitate this, an up front interest subvention (IS) under Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) of 1.5% is provided to financial institutions. Additionally, farmers who repay their loans promptly receive a 3% Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI), effectively reducing the interest rate to 4% per annum. The benefits of IS and PRI are available for loan limits up to Rs.3 lakhs. However, if the short-term loan is taken for allied activities (other than crop husbandry), the loan amount is limited to Rs.2 lakhs only.

As per master circular of RBI dated 04^thJuly, 2018, under the KCC scheme, Oral lessees and Share croppers, Self Help Group or Joint Liability Groups of farmers including tenant farmers, share croppers are eligible for short term loans.

Further, to provide relief to the farmers on occurrence of natural calamities, the component of interest subvention is available on the restructured amount to banks for the first year and such restructured loans would attract normal rate of interest from the second year onwards as per the policy laid down by RBI.

IS and PRI on restructured crop loans is also given to farmers affected by severe natural calamities for a maximum period of 5 years based on the report of Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) for grant of NDRF assistance and Sub-Committee of National Executive Committee (SC-NEC).

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AGRICULTURE MARKETS

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:01PM by PIB Delhi

Agricultural Marketing is a State subject and Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) are regulated under respective State Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act of the State. The data in reference to accommodation facility for the farmers as well as parking of their carrier vehicles is not maintained centrally.

Student READY programme is an integral part of the undergraduate degree programme in the disciplines of Agriculture, and allied areas. The five components of the Student READY programme are:

Experiential Learning – Business Mode
Experiential Learning – Hands on Training (Skill Development)
Rural Awareness Work Experience (RAWE)
In Plant Training/ Industrial attachment/ Internship
Students Projects

Further, the details of the Scholarships/Fellowships awarded by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is at Annexure-I.

Annexure-I

Scholarships/Fellowships awarded by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

S. No.	Schemes/Fellowships	Number of Beneficiaries
S. No.	Schemes/Fellowships	2022-23	2023-24
1	National Talent Scholarship for Under Graduate (UG) Students	6734	10034
2	National Talent Scholarship for Post Graduate (PG) Students	3542	3428
3	PG Scholarship	1693	1613
4	Junior/Senior Research Fellowship for Ph. D Students	1130	1157
5	Internship for B.V.Sc. Students	4652	4996
6	Merit-cum-Means (MCM) Scholarship for Undergraduate studies	417	439
7	Netaji Subhas-ICAR International Fellowship for Ph. D	39	32
Total		18207	21699

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW SOIL HEALTH CARD SCHEME

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 04 FEB 2025 7:00PM by PIB Delhi

Soil Health and Fertility Scheme has been implemented by the Government since 2014-15. So far, 24.74 crore Soil Health Cards(SHC) have been generated across the country and funds amounting to ₹1706.18 crore have been released to various States/UTs. Till date, 8272 Soil Testing Labs (1068 Static Soil Testing Labs, 163 Mobile Soil Testing Labs, 6376 Mini Soil Testing Labs and 665 Village Level Soil Testing Labs) have been established across the country.

The Soil and Land Use Survey of India, a subordinate office under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, organizes short-term training courses (3 days) on topics such as the application of soil databases through Geographic Information System (GIS), Soil Health Management, Integrated Watershed Management (IWMP), Geo-Spatial Technology for Natural Resources Management, and Soil Survey & Mapping. These training programs are designed for officers and officials from various user agencies in different States and Union Territories. In 2024, training program was conducted for officers from the Agriculture, Forest, and Soil & Water Conservation departments of the Government of West Bengal and the North-Eastern States, and in 2025 for the officers of Agriculture Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

Till date, 665 Village-level Soil Testing Labs (VSTL) have been established in 17 States. These include those set up by the entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), but their data is not maintained centrally.

So far, the Soil and Land Use Survey of India has completed soil mapping at 1:10,000 scale for approximately 290 lakh hectares, covering 40 aspirational districts. To promote judicious use of fertilizer by farmers, the Soil and Land Use Survey of India has also generated 1,987 village-level soil fertility maps for 21 States and Union Territories.

This information was given by Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Ramnath Thakur in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 5, 2025

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