Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
New Director-General of Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London, assumes office (with photo) Miss Chau said, “I am honoured to take up this position and look forward to working with our partners from different sectors to promote the core strengths, the international competitiveness, the vast business potential and the cultural diversity of Hong Kong, with a view to strengthening the economic, commercial and cultural ties between Hong Kong and the nine countries under the purview of the office.”
Miss Chau joined the Government in 1989. She served in the Trade Officer Grade before joining the Administrative Service in 2014. She has served in various bureaux and departments, including the Trade and Industry Department, the HKETO in Washington DC, the Office of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Beijing, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the former Food and Health Bureau and the HKETO in Brussels. Before assuming the post of the Director-General of the HKETO in London, Miss Chau was the Principal Assistant Secretary in the Development Bureau, overseeing the urban renewal policies. Issued at HKT 10:30
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with Lex Fridman in a podcast about various topics today. In a candid conversation, when asked about why he fasts and how he manages, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to Lex Fridman for his gesture of fasting as a mark of respect for the PM. “In India, religious traditions are deeply intertwined with daily life”, said Shri Modi, adding that Hinduism is not merely about rituals but a philosophy guiding life, as interpreted by the Honorable Supreme Court of India. He emphasized that fasting is a tool for cultivating discipline and balancing the inner and outer self. The Prime Minister noted that fasting heightens the senses, making them more sensitive and aware. He observed that during fasting, one can perceive even subtle aromas and details more vividly. He also highlighted that fasting accelerates the thinking process, providing fresh perspectives and encouraging out-of-the-box thinking. Shri Modi clarified that fasting is not just about abstaining from food; it involves a scientific process of preparation and detoxification. He emphasized that he prepares his body for fasting by following Ayurvedic and yoga practices for several days beforehand and stressed the importance of hydration during this period. Once fasting begins, he views it as an act of devotion and self-discipline, allowing for deep introspection and focus. The Prime Minister shared that his practice of fasting originated from personal experience, starting with a movement inspired by Mahatma Gandhi during his school days. He felt a surge of energy and awareness during his first fast, which convinced him of its transformative power. He highlighted that fasting does not slow him down; instead, it often increases his productivity. He noted that during fasting, his thoughts flow more freely and creatively, making it an incredible experience for expressing himself.
On being asked how he carried out his role as a leader on the world stage, all fasted, and sometimes nine days, Shri Modi highlighted the ancient Indian tradition of Chaturmas, observed during the monsoon season when digestion naturally slows. He remarked that during this period, many Indians follow the practice of consuming only one meal a day. For him, this tradition begins around mid-June and continues until after Diwali in November, spanning four to four and a half months. He added that during the Navratri Festival in September or October, which celebrates strength, devotion, and spiritual discipline, he completely abstains from food and consumes only hot water for nine days. He further shared that during the Chaitra Navratri in March or April, he follows a unique fasting practice by consuming only one specific fruit once a day for nine days. For instance, if he chooses papaya, he eats only papaya throughout the fasting period. He emphasized that these fasting practices are deeply ingrained in his life and have been followed consistently for 50 to 55 years.
The Prime Minister remarked that his fasting practices were initially personal and not publicly known. However, they became more widely recognized after he became Chief Minister and Prime Minister, he added noting that he does not mind sharing his experiences now, as they might be beneficial to others, aligning with his life’s dedication to the well-being of others. He also shared an instance during a bilateral meeting at the White House with former President of USA, Mr. Barack Obama when he was fasting.
On being asked about his early life, the Prime Minister reflected on his birthplace, Vadnagar, Mehsana district in North Gujarat, highlighting its rich historical significance. He noted that Vadnagar was a major center for Buddhist learning, attracting figures like the Chinese philosopher Hiuen Tsang. He mentioned that the town was also a prominent Buddhist educational hub around the 1400s, highlighting that his village had a unique environment where Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu traditions co-existed harmoniously. He emphasized that history was not confined to books, as every stone and wall in Vadnagar told a story. During his tenure as Chief Minister, he initiated large-scale excavation projects that uncovered evidence dating back 2,800 years, proving the city’s continuous existence. Shri Modi remarked that these findings have led to the establishment of an international-level museum in Vadnagar, which is now a major area of study, especially for archaeology students. He expressed gratitude for being born in such a historically significant place, seeing it as his good fortune. The Prime Minister also shared aspects of his childhood, describing his family’s life in a small house without windows, where he grew up in extreme poverty. However, he added that they never felt the burden of poverty, as they had no basis for comparison. His father was disciplined and hardworking, known for his punctuality, he said. Shri Modi highlighted his mother’s hard work and her spirit of caring for others, which instilled in him a sense of empathy and service. He recalled how his mother would treat children with traditional remedies early in the morning, gathering them at their home, and emphasized that these experiences shaped his life and values. The Prime Minister noted that his journey into politics brought his humble beginnings to light, as media coverage during his oath-taking as Chief Minister revealed his background to the public. He expressed that his life’s experiences, whether seen as fortune or misfortune, have unfolded in a way that now informs his public life.
Shri Modi encouraged young people to remain patient and self-confident, emphasizing that challenges are part of life but should not define one’s purpose, when asked for his advice to the young people. He highlighted that difficulties are tests of endurance, meant to strengthen individuals rather than defeat them, adding that every crisis presents an opportunity for growth and improvement. The Prime Minister remarked that there are no shortcuts in life, using the analogy of railway station signs that warn against crossing tracks, stating, “Shortcut will cut you short.” He emphasized the importance of patience and perseverance in achieving success. He also stressed the need to pour one’s heart into every responsibility and live life with passion, finding fulfillment in the journey. Highlighting that abundance alone does not guarantee success, as even those with resources must continue to grow and contribute to society, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of never stopping learning, as personal growth is essential throughout life. He shared his own experience of learning from interactions at his father’s tea shop, which taught him the value of continuous learning and self-improvement. He noted that many people set big targets and feel disappointed if they fall short. He advised focusing on doing something rather than just becoming something, as this mindset allows for continued determination and progress toward goals. He emphasized that true contentment comes from what one gives, rather than what one gets, and encouraged young people to cultivate a mindset centered on contribution and service.
On being asked about his journey in the Himalayas, Shri Modi reflected on his upbringing in a small town, where community life was central. He often visited the local library, finding inspiration in books about figures like Swami Vivekananda and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This sparked a desire to shape his life similarly, leading him to experiment with his physical limits, such as sleeping outside in cold weather to test his endurance, he added. Highlighting the influence of Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, particularly a story where Vivekananda, despite needing help for his ill mother, could not bring himself to ask Goddess Kali for anything during meditation, an experience which instilled in Vivekananda a spirit of giving, Shri Modi said that this left an impression on him, stressing that true contentment comes from giving and serving others. He recalled an incident where he chose to stay behind and care for a saint during a family wedding, demonstrating his early inclination towards spiritual pursuits. He noted that seeing soldiers in his village inspired him to serve the nation, though he didn’t have a clear path at the time. The Prime Minister mentioned his deep longing to understand life’s meaning and his journey in exploring it. He highlighted his connection with saints like Swami Atmasthanandji, who guided him on the importance of serving society. He shared that during his time in the mission, he met remarkable saints who showered him with love and blessings. Shri Modi also spoke about his experiences in the Himalayas, where solitude and encounters with ascetics helped shape him and discover his inner strength. He emphasized the role of meditation, service, and devotion in his personal growth.
Sharing his experience with Swami Atmasthanandaji in Ramakrishna Mission which led him to a decision to live a life of service at every scale, Shri Modi said that while others may view him as the Prime Minister or Chief Minister, he remains deeply committed to spiritual principles, highlighting that his inner consistency is rooted in serving others, whether through helping his mother care for children, wandering in the Himalayas, or working from his current position of responsibility. The Prime Minister remarked that to him, there is no real difference between a saint and a leader, as both roles are guided by the same core values. He emphasized that while external aspects like attire and work may change, his dedication to service remains constant. He underlined that he carries out every responsibility with the same sense of calm, focus, and dedication.
Discussing about the impact that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has had on his early life, Prime Minister mentioned his childhood fascination with patriotic songs, particularly those sung by a man named Makoshi, who would visit his village with a tambourine. He said that these songs deeply touched him and played a role in his eventual involvement with RSS. He highlighted that the RSS instilled in him core values such as doing everything with a purpose, whether studying or exercising, to contribute to the nation. Shri Modi remarked that the RSS provides a clear direction toward a purpose in life, emphasizing that serving people is akin to serving God. He noted that the RSS is nearing its 100th anniversary and is a massive volunteer organization with millions of members worldwide. Highlighting various initiatives inspired by the RSS, such as Seva Bharati, which runs over 1,25,000 service projects in slums and settlements without government assistance, Shri Modi also mentioned Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram, which has established over 70,000 one-teacher schools in tribal regions, and Vidya Bharati, which operates nearly 25,000 schools educating around 30 lakh students. He emphasized that the RSS prioritizes education and values, ensuring students remain grounded and learn skills to avoid becoming a burden on society. He highlighted the Indian Labor Union, which has millions of members across the country, adopting a unique approach by focusing on “workers unite the world,” contrasting with traditional labor movements. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the life values and purpose he gained from the RSS and the spiritual guidance he received from saints like Swami Atmasthananda.
On the topic of India, Shri Modi said that India is a cultural identity and a civilization that dates back thousands of years. Highlighting the vastness of India, with over 100 languages and thousands of dialects, emphasizing the saying that every 20 miles, the language, customs, cuisine, and clothing styles change, he said that despite this immense diversity, there is a common thread that unites the country. The Prime Minister highlighted the stories of Lord Ram, which resonate across India, and pointed out how names inspired by Lord Ram are found in every region, from Rambhai in Gujarat to Ramachandran in Tamil Nadu and Ram Bhau in Maharashtra. He remarked that this unique cultural bond unites India as one civilization. Shri Modi emphasized the ritual of remembering all the rivers of India during bathing, where people chant the names of rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu, and Kaveri. He noted that this sentiment of unity is deeply ingrained in Indian traditions and is reflected in the resolutions made during important events and rituals, which also serve as historical records. Underlining the meticulous guidance of Indian scriptures in practices such as invoking the universe during ceremonies, starting from Jambudweep and narrowing down to the family deity, the Prime Minister remarked that these practices are still alive and observed daily across India. He observed that while Western and global models view nations as administrative systems, India’s unity lies in its cultural bonds. He noted that India has had varied administrative systems throughout history, but its unity has been preserved through cultural traditions. Shri Modi also underscored the role of pilgrimage traditions in maintaining India’s unity, mentioning Shankaracharya’s establishment of four pilgrimage sites. He remarked that even today, millions of people travel for pilgrimage, such as bringing water from Rameshwaram to Kashi and vice versa. He also pointed out the richness of India’s Hindu calendar, which reflects the country’s diverse traditions.
Discussing Mahatma Gandhi’s Legacy and India’s Struggle for Independence, the Prime Minister reiterated that he was born in Gujarat, with Gujarati as his mother tongue, just like Mahatma Gandhi. He highlighted that Gandhi, despite having opportunities abroad as an attorney, chose to devote his life to serving the people of India, guided by a deep sense of duty and family values. He emphasized that Gandhi’s principles and actions continue to influence every Indian to this day. Underlining Gandhi’s advocacy for cleanliness, noting that he practiced it himself and made it a central topic in his discussions, Shri Modi remarked on India’s long struggle for independence, during which the flame of freedom burned brightly across the nation despite centuries of colonial rule. Millions sacrificed their lives, enduring imprisonment and martyrdom, to ensure India’s freedom, he added. Shri Modi observed that while many freedom fighters made lasting impacts, it was Mahatma Gandhi who awakened the nation by leading a mass movement rooted in truth. He highlighted Gandhi’s ability to involve every individual in the freedom struggle, from sweepers to teachers, spinners, and caregivers. He remarked that Gandhi transformed ordinary citizens into soldiers for freedom, creating a movement so immense that the British could not fully comprehend it. He noted the significance of the Dandi March, where a pinch of salt sparked a revolution. The Prime Minister shared an anecdote from a Roundtable Conference, where Gandhi, dressed in his breechcloth, met King George at Buckingham Palace. He highlighted Gandhi’s witty remark, “Your king is wearing enough clothes for the both of us,” showcasing his whimsical charm. Shri Modi reflected on Gandhi’s call for unity and recognition of people’s strength, which continues to resonate. He emphasized his own commitment to including the common man in every initiative and fostering social change, rather than relying solely on the government.
Shri Modi further mentioned that Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy transcends centuries, emphasizing that his relevance endures to this day. He highlighted his own sense of responsibility, stating that his strength lies not in his name but in the backing of 140 crore Indians and thousands of years of timeless culture and heritage. “When I shake hands with a world leader, it’s not Modi, but 140 crore Indians doing so”, he added humbly. Recalling the widespread criticism he faced in 2013 when he was declared his party’s prime ministerial candidate, Shri Modi said that critics questioned his understanding of foreign policy and global geopolitics. He responded at the time, “India will neither allow itself to be looked down upon, nor will it ever look up to anyone. India will now see eye-to-eye with her counterparts.” He reaffirmed that this belief remains central to his foreign policy, emphasizing that the country always comes first. Prime Minister highlighted India’s long-standing advocacy for global peace and brotherhood, rooted in the vision of the world as one family. He remarked on India’s contributions to global initiatives, such as the concept of “One Sun, One World, One Grid” for renewable energy and “One Earth, One Health” for global healthcare, which extends to all flora and fauna. He emphasized the importance of fostering global well-being and called for collective efforts from the international community. Touching upon India’s hosting of the G20 Summit with the motto, “One Earth, One Family, One Future,” Shri Modi underscored the duty to share India’s timeless wisdom with the world. He remarked on the interconnected nature of today’s world, stating, “No country can thrive in isolation. We all depend upon one another.” He emphasized the need for synchronization and collaboration to propel global initiatives forward. He also addressed the relevance of global organizations like the United Nations, noting that their inability to evolve with the times has sparked a global debate on their effectiveness.
On the topic of the path to peace in Ukraine, Shri Modi said that he represents the land of Lord Buddha and Mahatma Gandhi, great souls whose teachings and actions were entirely dedicated to peace. He emphasized that India’s strong cultural and historical background ensures that when India speaks of peace, the world listens. He highlighted that Indians are not hardwired for conflict but instead espouse harmony, standing for peace and embracing the responsibility of peacemaking wherever possible. The Prime Minister reflected on his close relationships with both Russia and Ukraine, stating that he can engage with President Putin to emphasize that this is not the time for war and can also convey to President Zelensky that resolutions will not be achieved on the battlefield but through negotiations. He added that discussions must include both parties to be fruitful and noted that the current situation presents an opportunity for meaningful talks between Ukraine and Russia. Highlighting the suffering caused by the conflict, including its impact on the global south, which has faced crises in food, fuel, and fertilizer, the Prime Minister called for the global community to unite in the pursuit of peace. He reaffirmed his stance, stating, “I am not neutral. I have a stance, and that is peace, and peace is what I strive for.”
Discussing the topic of India and Pakistan relations, the Prime Minister touched upon the painful reality of India’s partition in 1947, highlighting the grief and bloodshed that followed. He described the harrowing sight of trains arriving from Pakistan filled with wounded people and corpses. He noted that despite expectations of harmonious coexistence, Pakistan chose a path of hostility, waging a proxy war against India. The Prime Minister questioned the ideology that thrives on bloodshed and terror, emphasizing that terrorism is a menace not just for India but for the world. He pointed out that the trail of terror often leads to Pakistan, citing the example of Osama bin Laden, who was found taking refuge there. He remarked that Pakistan has become an epicenter of turmoil and urged them to abandon state-sponsored terrorism. “What do you hope to gain by surrendering your nation to lawless forces?”, he questioned. Shri Modi shared his personal efforts to foster peace, including his visit to Lahore and the invitation extended to Pakistan for his swearing-in ceremony as Prime Minister. He highlighted this diplomatic gesture as a testament to India’s commitment to peace and harmony, as captured in the memoir of former President Shri Pranab Mukherjee. However, he noted that these efforts were met with hostility and betrayal.
Stressing on the unifying power of sports, Shri Modi said that they connect people on a deeper level and energize the world. He stated, “Sports play a major role in human evolution. They’re not just games; they bring people together across nations.” He noted that while he is not an expert in sports techniques, results often speak for themselves, as seen in a recent cricket match between India and Pakistan. The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s strong football culture, noting the impressive performance of the women’s football team and the progress of the men’s team. Reflecting on the past, he remarked that for the 1980s generation, Maradona was a true hero, while today’s generation immediately mentions Messi. Shri Modi shared a memorable visit to Shahdol, a tribal district in Madhya Pradesh, where he encountered a community deeply dedicated to football. He recounted meeting young players who proudly referred to their village as “mini Brazil,” a name earned through four generations of football tradition and nearly 80 national-level players. He noted that their annual football matches attract 20,000 to 25,000 spectators from nearby villages. He expressed optimism about the growing passion for football in India, stating that it not only fuels enthusiasm but also builds true team spirit.
On being asked about the President of the USA, H.E. Mr. Donald Trump, the Prime Minister reminisced about a memorable event, the “Howdy Modi” rally in Houston, where he and President Trump addressed a packed stadium. He remarked on President Trump’s humility, noting how he sat in the audience during Modi’s speech and later agreed to walk around the stadium with him, showcasing mutual trust and a strong bond. He highlighted President Trump’s courage and decision-making, recalling his resilience even after being shot during a campaign. Shri Modi reflected on his first visit to the White House, where President Trump broke formal protocols to personally give him a tour. He mentioned Trump’s deep respect for American history, as he shared details about past Presidents and significant moments without notes or assistance. He emphasized the strong trust and communication between them, which remained unshaken even during Trump’s absence from office. Remarking on President Trump’s graciousness in calling him a great negotiator, attributing it to Trump’s humility, the Prime Minister stated that his negotiation approach always prioritizes India’s interests, advocating positively without causing offense. He emphasized that his nation is his high command, and he honors the responsibility entrusted to him by the people of India. Highlighting his productive meetings with individuals like Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, and JD Vance during his recent visit to the United States, Shri Modi spoke of the warm, family-like atmosphere and shared his long-standing acquaintance with Elon Musk. He expressed happiness over Musk’s excitement about the DOGE mission and drew parallels to his own efforts to eliminate inefficiencies and harmful practices in governance since taking office in 2014. Prime Minister shared examples of governance reforms, including the removal of 10 crore fake or duplicate names from welfare schemes, saving massive amounts of money. He introduced direct benefit transfers to ensure transparency and eliminate middlemen, saving nearly three lakh crore rupees. He also launched the GeM portal for government purchases, reducing costs and improving quality. Additionally, he eliminated 40,000 unnecessary compliances and removed 1,500 outdated laws to streamline governance. He added that these bold changes have made India a topic of global discussion, just as innovative missions like DOGE capture worldwide attention.
On being asked about the bilateral relations with India and China, the Prime Minister emphasised their shared history of learning from each other and contributing to global good, highlighting that at one point, India and China together accounted for over 50% of the world’s GDP, showcasing their massive contributions. He noted the deep cultural connections, including the profound influence of Buddhism in China, which originated in India. Shri Modi stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening the relationship between the two nations. He acknowledged that differences are natural between neighbors but stressed the need to prevent these differences from escalating into disputes. “Dialogue is the key to building a stable and cooperative relationship that benefits both nations”, he added. Addressing the ongoing border disputes, Prime Minister acknowledged the tensions that arose in 2020 but noted that his recent meeting with President Xi has led to a return to normalcy at the border. He highlighted efforts to restore conditions to pre-2020 levels and expressed optimism that trust, enthusiasm, and energy would gradually return. He emphasized that cooperation between India and China is essential for global stability and prosperity, advocating for healthy competition rather than conflict.
On global tensions, the Prime Minister reflected on the lessons from COVID-19, which exposed the limitations of every nation and underscored the need for unity. He remarked that instead of moving toward peace, the world has become more fragmented, leading to uncertainty and worsening conflicts. He highlighted the irrelevance of international organizations like the UN due to a lack of reforms and the disregard for international laws. Shri Modi called for a shift from conflict to cooperation, advocating for a development-driven approach as the way forward. He reiterated that expansionism will not work in an interconnected and interdependent world, emphasizing the need for nations to support one another. He expressed hope for the restoration of peace, noting the deep concern shared by global forums over ongoing conflicts.
On the topic of 2002 Gujarat riots, Shri Modi provided a detailed account of the volatile atmosphere leading up to it, highlighting a series of global and national crises, including the Kandahar hijacking, the Red Fort attack, and the 9/11 terror attacks. He remarked on the tense environment and the challenges he faced as a newly appointed Chief Minister, including overseeing rehabilitation after a devastating earthquake and managing the aftermath of the tragic Godhra incident. The Prime Minister addressed misconceptions about the 2002 riots, noting that Gujarat had a long history of communal violence before his tenure. He emphasized that the judiciary thoroughly investigated the matter and found him completely innocent. He highlighted that Gujarat has remained peaceful for 22 years since 2002, attributing this to a governance approach focused on development for all and trust from all. Talking about criticism, Shri Modi stated, “Criticism is the soul of democracy”, emphasising the importance of genuine, well-informed criticism, which he believes leads to better policy making. However, he expressed concern over the prevalence of baseless allegations, which he distinguished from constructive criticism. He remarked, “Allegations benefit no one; they just cause unnecessary conflicts.” The Prime Minister shared his perspective on journalism, advocating for a balanced approach. He recounted an analogy he once shared, comparing journalism to a bee that collects nectar and spreads sweetness but can also sting powerfully when necessary. He expressed disappointment over selective interpretations of his analogy, emphasizing the need for journalism to focus on truth and constructive impact rather than sensationalism.
Discussing his extensive experience in politics, highlighting his early focus on organizational work, managing elections, and strategizing campaigns, Shri Modi stated that for 24 years, the people of Gujarat and India have placed their trust in him, and he remains committed to honoring this sacred duty with unwavering dedication. He emphasized his government’s commitment to ensuring welfare schemes reach every citizen without discrimination based on caste, creed, faith, wealth, or ideology. He remarked that fostering trust is the cornerstone of his governance model, ensuring that even those not directly benefiting from schemes feel included and assured of future opportunities. “Our governance is rooted in the people, not the polls, and is dedicated to the well-being of citizens and the nation”, said the Prime Minister, sharing his perspective of revering the nation and its people as manifestations of the Divine, likening his role to that of a devoted priest serving the people. He emphasized his lack of conflicts of interest, noting that he has no friends or relatives who stand to gain from his position, which resonates with the common man and builds trust. The Prime Minister expressed pride in belonging to the world’s largest political party, which he credited to the tireless efforts of millions of dedicated volunteers. He remarked that these volunteers, devoted to the welfare of India and its citizens, have no personal stakes in politics and are widely recognized for their selfless service. He highlighted that this trust in his party is reflected in election results, which he attributes to the blessings of the people.
Further talking about the incredible logistics of conducting elections in India, citing the 2024 general elections as an example, Shri Modi highlighted that there were 98 crore registered voters, surpassing the population of North America and the European Union combined. Out of these, 64.6 crore voters braved intense heat to cast their votes, he added. He noted that India had over one million polling booths and more than 2,500 registered political parties, showcasing the scale of its democracy. He emphasized that even the remotest villages had polling stations, with helicopters used to transport voting machines to inaccessible areas. He shared anecdotes, such as a polling booth set up in Gujarat’s Gir Forest for a single voter, underscoring India’s commitment to democracy. The Prime Minister praised the Election Commission of India for setting a global benchmark in conducting free and fair elections. He remarked that the management of Indian elections should be studied as a case study by top universities worldwide, given the immense depth of political awareness and logistical excellence involved.
Reflecting on his leadership, Shri Modi stated that he identifies himself as a “prime servant” rather than a Prime Minister, with service as the guiding principle of his work ethic. He emphasized that his focus is on productivity and bringing positive change to people’s lives, rather than seeking power. He remarked, “I entered politics not to play power games, but to serve.”
Addressing the notion of loneliness, the Prime Minister shared that he never experiences it, as he believes in the philosophy of “one plus one,” representing himself and the Almighty. He remarked that serving the nation and its people is akin to serving the divine. During the pandemic, he stayed engaged by designing a governance model through videoconferencing and personally connecting with party volunteers aged 70 and above, inquiring about their well-being and reliving old memories, he added.
On being asked the secret about hard work, Shri Modi remarked that his motivation comes from observing the hard work of people around him, including farmers, soldiers, laborers, and mothers who tirelessly dedicate themselves to their families and communities. He stated, “How can I sleep? How can I relax? The motivation is right in front of my eyes.” He emphasized that the responsibilities entrusted to him by his fellow citizens push him to give his absolute best. He recalled the promises he made during his 2014 campaign: to never fall behind in hard work for the country, to never act with bad intentions, and to never do anything for personal gain. He affirmed that he has upheld these standards throughout his 24 years as head of government. Prime Minister highlighted that his inspiration comes from serving 140 crore people, understanding their aspirations, and addressing their needs. He remarked, “I am always determined to do as much as I can, work as hard as possible. Even today, my energy remains just as strong.”
Expressing his deep respect for Srinivasa Ramanujan, widely regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians of all time, Shri Modi remarked that Ramanujan’s life and work exemplify the profound connection between science and spirituality. He highlighted Ramanujan’s belief that his mathematical ideas were inspired by the goddess he worshiped, emphasizing that such ideas emerge from spiritual discipline. He stated, “Discipline is more than just hard work; it means fully devoting yourself to a task and completely immersing yourself into it so much that you become one with your work.” The Prime Minister underscored the importance of being open to diverse sources of knowledge, noting that this openness fosters the emergence of new ideas. He emphasized the distinction between information and knowledge, stating, “Some people mistakenly confuse information with knowledge. Knowledge is something deeper; it gradually evolves through processing, reflection, and understanding.” He highlighted the need to recognize this difference in order to handle both effectively.
Discussing the factors influencing his decision-making, Shri Modi highlighted his extensive travel across 85-90% of India’s districts before his current role. He emphasized that these experiences provided him with firsthand knowledge of grassroots realities. He stated, “I carry no baggage that weighs me down or forces me to act a certain way.” He shared that his guiding principle is “My country first,” and he draws inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s wisdom of considering the poorest person’s face when making decisions. The Prime Minister highlighted his well-connected administration, noting that his numerous and active information channels provide him with diverse perspectives. He remarked, “When someone comes to brief me, that’s not my only source of information.” He also emphasized maintaining a learner’s mindset, asking questions like a student and playing devil’s advocate to analyze issues from multiple angles. Shri Modi shared his decision-making process during the COVID-19 crisis, where he resisted pressure to follow global economic theories blindly. He stated, “I wouldn’t let the poor sleep hungry. I wouldn’t allow social tensions to arise over basic daily needs.” He emphasized that his approach, rooted in patience and discipline, helped India avoid severe inflation and emerge as one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world. The Prime Minister highlighted his risk-taking capacity, stating, “If something is right for my country, for the people, I’m always prepared to take the risk.” He emphasized taking ownership of his decisions, remarking, “If something goes wrong, I don’t shift blame to others. I stand up, take responsibility, and own the outcome.” He noted that this approach fosters deep commitment within his team and builds trust among citizens. “I can make mistakes, but I won’t act with bad intentions”, he added, emphasising that society accepts him for his honest intentions, even if outcomes do not always go as planned.
“Artificial Intelligence (AI) development is fundamentally a collaborative effort, no nation can develop AI entirely on its own”, emphasised Shri Modi when asked about the role of India in promoting AI. He stated, “No matter what the world does with AI, it will remain incomplete without India.” He highlighted India’s active work on AI-driven applications for specific use cases and its unique marketplace-based model to ensure broad accessibility. He noted that India’s vast talent pool is its greatest strength, remarking, “Artificial intelligence is fundamentally powered, shaped, and guided by human intelligence, and that real intelligence exists abundantly in India’s youth.” The Prime Minister shared an example of India’s rapid progress in 5G rollout, which surpassed global expectations. He highlighted the cost-effectiveness of India’s space missions, such as Chandrayaan, which cost less than a Hollywood blockbuster, showcasing India’s efficiency and innovation. He emphasized that these achievements generate global respect for Indian talent and reflect India’s civilizational ethos. Shri Modi also reflected on the success of Indian-origin leaders in global tech, attributing it to India’s cultural values of dedication, ethics, and collaboration. He remarked, “People raised in India, especially those from joint families and open societies, find it easier to lead complex tasks and large teams effectively.” He highlighted the problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking of Indian professionals, which make them globally competitive. Addressing concerns about AI replacing humans, the Prime Minister remarked that technology has always advanced alongside humanity, with humans adapting and staying a step ahead. He stated, “Human imagination is the fuel. AI can create many things based on that, but no technology can ever replace the boundless creativity and imagination of the human mind.” He emphasized that AI challenges humans to reflect on what it truly means to be human, highlighting the innate human ability to care for one another, which AI cannot replicate.
Touching upon the topic of Education, Exams, and Student Success, Shri Modi said that the societal mindset places undue pressure on students, with schools and families often measuring success by rankings. He emphasized that this mentality has led children to believe their entire lives depend on 10th and 12th-grade exams. He highlighted the significant changes introduced in India’s new education policy to address these issues and shared his commitment to easing students’ burdens through initiatives like Pariksha Pe Charcha. The Prime Minister emphasized that exams should not be the sole measure of a person’s potential, stating, “Many people may not score high academically, yet can hit a century in cricket because that’s where their true strength lies.” He shared anecdotes from his school days, highlighting innovative teaching methods that made learning enjoyable and effective. He noted that such techniques have been incorporated into the new education policy. Shri Modi advised students to perform every task with dedication and sincerity, emphasizing that enhanced skills and capabilities open doors to success. He encouraged young people not to feel discouraged, stating, “There’s certainly some task out there destined just for you. Focus on enhancing your skills, and opportunities will come.” He highlighted the importance of connecting one’s life to a greater purpose, which brings inspiration and meaning. Addressing stress and difficulties, the Prime Minister urged parents to stop using their children as status symbols and to understand that life is not just about exams. He advised students to prepare well, trust their abilities, and approach exams with confidence. He emphasized the importance of systematic time management and regular practice to overcome challenges during exams. He reaffirmed his belief in every individual’s unique capabilities, encouraging students to maintain trust in themselves and their abilities to succeed.
Prime Minister also shared his approach to learning, emphasizing the importance of being fully present in the moment. He remarked, “Whenever I meet someone, I am fully present in the moment. This complete focus allows me to grasp new concepts quickly.” He encouraged others to embrace this habit, stating that it sharpens the mind and improves learning ability. He highlighted the value of practice, remarking, “You cannot master driving merely by reading the life stories of great drivers. You must get behind the wheel and take the road yourself.” Shri Modi reflected on the certainty of death, emphasizing the importance of embracing life, enriching it with purpose, and letting go of the fear of death, as it is inevitable. He remarked, “Commit to enriching, refining, and elevating your life so you can live fully and with a purpose before death comes knocking.”
Prime Minister expressed his optimism about the future, stating that pessimism and negativity are not part of his mindset. He highlighted humanity’s resilience in overcoming crises and embracing change throughout history. He remarked, “In every era, it is in human nature to adapt to the ever-flowing current of change.” He emphasized the potential for extraordinary breakthroughs when people break free from outdated thinking patterns and embrace transformation.
Speaking on the topics of Spirituality, Meditation, and Universal Well-Being, Shri Modi highlighted the significance of the Gayatri Mantra, describing it as a powerful tool for spiritual enlightenment dedicated to the radiant power of the sun. He remarked that many Hindu mantras are deeply intertwined with science and nature, bringing profound and lasting benefits when chanted daily. The Prime Minister emphasised that meditation was about freeing oneself from distractions and being present in the moment. He recounted an experience from his time in the Himalayas, where a sage taught him to focus on the rhythmic sound of water droplets falling onto a bowl. He described this practice as “divine resonance,” which helped him develop concentration and evolve into meditation. Reflecting on Hindu philosophy, Shri Modi quoted mantras emphasizing the interconnectedness of life and the importance of universal well-being. He remarked, “Hindus never focus solely on individual well-being. We wish for the well-being and prosperity of all.” He highlighted that every Hindu mantra concludes with the invocation of peace, symbolizing the essence of life and the spiritual practices of sages. The Prime Minister concluded by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his thoughts, noting that the conversation allowed him to explore and articulate ideas he had long kept within himself.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Inaugurates Star-Packed First-Ever Fit India Carnival Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana joined the celebrations alongside wrestling champion Sangram Singh, renowned wellness expert Mickey Mehta, former WWE wrestler Shanky Singh and Guinness World Record holder Rohtash Chaudhary
Posted On: 16 MAR 2025 9:45PM by PIB Delhi
The much-anticipated Fit India Carnival kicked off with a grand inauguration at the JLN Stadium in New Delhi today, setting the stage for three days of high-energy fitness and wellness activities. The event was graced by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and adding a touch of star power, Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana joined the celebrations alongside wrestling champion Sangram Singh, renowned wellness expert Mickey Mehta, former WWE wrestler Shanky Singh and Guinness World Record holder Rohtash Chaudhary.
Inaugurating the first-of-its-kind three-day event today, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of fitness in nation-building. “This is a start to make sports a culture and amplify the message of fitness among all. We want to start this as a movement like the Sundays on Cycle. We want to have the Fit India Carnival organised in other towns and cities across India. This is not just a fitness but a wellness carnival with focus on mental health, emotional wealth, nutrition and more.”
Ayushmann Khurrana, honoured as a ‘Fit India Icon’ at the event, shared his thoughts on the significance of health and wellness. “Health is Wealth – everyone knows this and I feel a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. The Fit India Movement, launched by the Government of India, is aimed at promoting physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle among its citizens. I thank the PM of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji for his sharp vision to making India fitter and the Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya for his relentless work towards this key national goal,” he said.
The evening began with electrifying performances of Kalaripayattu, Gatka and Mallakhamb, showcasing India’s rich martial arts heritage. Set to continue over the next two days, the carnival features an exciting lineup of sports and fitness challenges, including rope skipping, arm wrestling, cricket bowling, push-up and squat competitions. Additionally, experts from the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Sports Sciences and Research (NCSSR) are offering free health assessments, including nutrition and psychological consultations for attendees.
A special highlight of the evening was the launch of the book, “Benefits of Cycling”, curated by the NCSSR team to underscore the importance of incorporating cycling into daily routines for a healthier lifestyle. Union Minister also led a thought-provoking Q&A session with the fitness icons, further reinforcing the importance of an active lifestyle.
The fitness-packed evening also saw a thrilling cultural segment, ‘Fitness through Dance,’ captivating the audience with energetic performances. The event’s interactive session also witnessed Ayushmann Khurrana, Sangram Singh, and Mickey Mehta engaging in a fun fitness challenge, inspiring attendees to push their limits.
The event concluded with Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya visiting various stalls showcasing the health and wellness initiatives.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, chairs review meeting on the status of implementation of three New Criminal Laws in North-Eastern states in Guwahati The Modi Government is committed to providing speedy justice and transparent justice system to the people of the North-East
All the states of the North-East should ensure training of 100% police personnel on the New Criminal Laws
Home Minister says the police in the North-Eastern states should focus more on ensuring the rights of the people
Assam has set a commendable example by filing charge sheets in 66% of cases within the prescribed time frame of 60-90 days, other states should also adopt this approach
The provision of ‘Trial in Absentia’ should be used, which will help in bringing back fugitive criminals to the country
There should be no political interference of any kind in registering cases of terrorism, mob lynching and organized crime
Home Minister also released the book ‘New Criminal Laws: Standard Operating Procedures and Rules’ prepared by CID, Assam
Posted On: 16 MAR 2025 9:36PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, chaired a review meeting on the status of implementation of three New Criminal Laws in North-Eastern states in Guwahati today. The Home Minister also unveiled a book titled ‘New Criminal Laws: Standard Operating Procedures and Rules’ prepared by CID, Assam.
The meeting reviewed the implementation and present status of various new provisions related to police, prisons, courts, prosecution, and forensics in the North-Eastern states. The meeting was attended by the Chief Ministers of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim, alongwith the Governor of Manipur. Union Home Secretary, Chief Secretaries and Director Generals of Police of North-Eastern states, the Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), the Director of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), and other senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the state governments also attended the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Central Government is committed to providing the citizens with a speedy and transparent justice system. He emphasized that to strengthen law and order, it is essential to register crimes without any delay.
Shri Amit Shah said that the North-Eastern states need to put in more efforts towards the implementation of the new criminal laws. He stated that once these laws are fully enforced, there will be a significant transformation in the region’s law and order situation, ensuring that justice is delivered by the Supreme Court within three years of an FIR being registered in any case.
Union Home Minister said that there should be no political interference in registering cases related to terrorism, mob lynching, and organized crime. He said that all North-Eastern states should ensure training of 100% police personnel on the new criminal laws.
Shri Amit Shah requested the Chief Ministers of the North-Eastern states to hold a review meeting every month on the implementation of the laws. He also directed the Director Generals of Police and Chief Secretaries of the states to conduct a review meeting every 15 days.
Union Home Minister said that the administration must reach the grassroots level, and police stations should become places where people receive justice. He emphasized that this would only be possible with 100% implementation of three new laws. He congratulated the Assam government for ensuring filing of charge sheet within the stipulated time frame of 60-90 days in 66% cases and urged other states to follow this approach. He stressed the need for continuous monitoring of progress in this regard. The Home Minister also emphasized the urgent need for the implementation of e-Sakshya. He stated that until there are sufficient scientific officers, it will not be possible to file fully satisfactory charge sheets from a forensic science perspective. He further urged use of “Trial in Absentia” provision, which will help bring fugitive criminals back to the country.
Shri Amit Shah said that the stronger the Director of Prosecution is made, the easier it will be to ensure justice for the people. He noted that, for a long time, the police in the North-East were primarily focused on fighting insurgency. However, with insurgency now nearly eradicated in the region, the police should shift their focus toward protecting people’s lives, property, and dignity. Shri Shah further stated that the Modi government introduced three new laws after an extensive and detailed deliberation process spanning nearly 45 months.
Women-Led Reforms: Dr. Jitendra Singh’s Push for Gender-Inclusive Governance Gains Momentum “Breaking Barriers, Ensuring Justice”: Transformative Policies Reshape Women’s Rights in Public Service
From Child Care Leave to Pension Security, Dr. Jitendra Singh Advances a More Equitable Workplace for Women
A divorced or separated daughter can now straightaway claim her deceased father’s pension
A woman pensioner can nominate her children for family pension over her husband if she has filed for divorce
Keeping in view the changing norms of the contemporary society , the Department of Personnel & Training has from time to time taken pathbreaking decisions to facilitate ease of living in the lives of the government employees and has been particularly sensitive about the concerns of women employees.
Posted On: 16 MAR 2025 6:54PM by PIB Delhi
Keeping in view the changing norms of the contemporary society , the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) has from time to time taken pathbreaking decisions to facilitate ease of living in the lives of the government employees and has been particularly sensitive about the concerns of women employees.
Stating this in an exclusive interview to a news agency, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh, who is also the Minister Incharge DoPT in addition to his other portfolios, cited an example that a divorced or separated daughter can now claim her deceased father’s pension. Unlike as per the earlier rule, she has no longer to wait indefinitely for the outcome of a legal battle to claim family pension from her deceased parents. If divorce proceedings were initiated during the lifetime of a pensioner, the daughter can now claim her pension benefits without awaiting the final court verdict, he said.
The Modi Government has introduced a series of transformative reforms aimed at empowering women, breaking bureaucratic barriers, and ensuring gender inclusivity in governance, said the Minister.
Dr Jitendra Singh further elaborated that as a major breakthrough, the government has amended pension rules to provide greater security for women in challenging circumstances. A childless widow can now remarry and still continue to receive her deceased husband’s pension or family pension, provided her income from other sources remains below the minimum pension threshold. This move is being seen as a significant step towards financial independence for widows, acknowledging their right to rebuild their lives without losing financial security.
Additionally, recognizing the challenges faced by women in marital discord, the government has allowed a woman pensioner to nominate her children for family pension over her husband if she has filed for divorce or initiated proceedings under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act or Dowry Prohibition Act. This measure offers greater financial security to women facing domestic hardship.
Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the importance of these reforms, stating, “We have been able to introduce several reforms that align with the changing social landscape. With the vision and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have been able to take bold and decisive steps”.
Beyond pension reforms, the DoPT has played a crucial role in introducing workplace benefits that make government service more inclusive for women. Child Care Leave (CCL) policies have been made more flexible, now allowing single mothers to avail themselves of the leave for up to two years in a phased manner, while also permitting women employees to travel abroad with their children during the leave period. Additionally, maternity benefits have been extended to include provisions for women who suffer a miscarriage or stillbirth, ensuring they receive necessary paid leave and support during recovery.
Dr. Jitendra Singh has also emphasized the broader role of women in nation-building, particularly in the context of Viksit Bharat at 2047. He stressed the need for greater participation of women in governance and economic activities. “Women are equal stakeholders in India’s growth story.
To further encourage women’s participation in governance and administration, the government has promoted initiatives such as working women hostels, crèches in government offices, and increased market access for women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs). These measures aim to provide a strong support system, allowing more women to take up leadership roles in governance and administration.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of creating pathways for women to participate in India’s digital economy, scientific research, and leadership roles in administration. With initiatives like the modernization of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and targeted skill training programs, the government aims to equip women with the necessary tools to lead in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
Dr. Jitendra Singh’s push for gender-sensitive governance reflects a broader shift towards inclusivity and empowerment. As India moves towards its ambitious Viksit Bharat at 2047 vision, such reforms are expected to play a crucial role in shaping a society that offers equal opportunities for all.
With pension security, legal recognition, and economic empowerment at the forefront, the government’s approach underscores a commitment to ensuring that no woman is left behind in the country’s development journey. The coming years will likely see more such policy interventions, reinforcing the role of women as central to India’s transformation.
Government e Marketplace Surpasses ₹5 Lakh Crore GMV Before FY 2024-25 Year-End GeM enhances market accessibility with key policy reforms, benefiting MSEs, startups, and women-led enterprises
Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 4:55PM by PIB Delhi
The Government e Marketplace (GeM) has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing ₹5 lakh crore in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) on its portal, more than 18 days before the close of the financial year 2024-25. This achievement highlights GeM’s rapid expansion as a primary tool for public procurement, serving a buyer base of over 1.6 lakh government entities. Notably, the leap from ₹4 lakh crore to ₹5 lakh crore was accomplished in less than 50 days since crossing the previous benchmark on 23rd January 2025.
GeM has undertaken major policy reforms in recent months to enhance market accessibility and streamline participation for sellers. Key initiatives such as the reduction in Transaction Charges, Vendor Assessment fees, and Caution Money requirements have made the platform more accessible, particularly benefiting Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), startups, and women-led enterprises. As of 13th February 2025, over 22 lakh sellers and service providers are registered on GeM, contributing to a diverse and competitive procurement ecosystem.
This year also marks the sixth anniversary of SWAYATT (Startups, Women, and Youth Advantage Through eTransactions), an initiative that underscores GeM’s commitment to integrating priority seller groups into the government procurement framework. As of 13th February 2025, GeM has successfully onboarded over 29,000 startups and 1.8 lakh Udyam-verified women-led businesses, fostering greater inclusivity and economic empowerment.
In addition to policy enhancements, technological advancements have played a crucial role in boosting procurement efficiency. In FY 2024-25, GeM executed one of the largest cloud migrations by a government organization in India. This migration is expected to enhance the platform’s scalability, ensuring a secure, reliable, and seamless experience for both buyers and sellers.
Further improving user accessibility, the integration of AI-powered search capabilities through GeM AI has enabled stakeholders to make faster and more informed procurement decisions. GeM AI continuously analyzes platform data to provide real-time, accurate, and credible responses, ensuring users have access to critical procurement insights anytime, anywhere.
With a steadfast commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility, GeM has facilitated cumulative public savings exceeding ₹1,15,000 crore. The platform has over 1.6 lakh registered government buyers, spanning central and state ministries, departments, public sector enterprises, panchayats, and cooperatives, further driving the adoption of digital procurement across all levels of governance.
As GeM continues its trajectory of growth, it remains dedicated to fostering innovation, expanding inclusivity, and delivering unparalleled value to buyers while strengthening market linkages for sellers. Through technological advancements and a transparent marketplace, GeM is reinforcing India’s public procurement ecosystem and contributing to the nation’s economic progress.
Since August 2019, Government of India is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal, in partnership with States/ UTs including Tamil Nadu, to make provision of safe and adequate tap water supply to every rural household of the country.
As reported by the state of Tamil Nadu, as on 15.08.2019, only 21.76 lakh (17.37%) rural households had tap water connections. Since then, around 89.08 lakh additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections. Thus, as on 13.03.2025, out of 1.25 crore rural households in state, the provision of tap water supply is available to approximately 1.10 crore (88.48%) rural households. The details of fund allocation, fund drawn and reported fund utilization during the last five years (2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24) and current financial year 2024-25 (as on 13.03.2025) in respect of Tamil Nadu are as under:
(Amount in Rs. Crore)
Year
Central
Expenditure under State share
Opening Balance
Allocation
Fund Drawn
Available Fund
Reported utilization
2019-20
1.49
373.87
373.10
378.67
114.58
99.14
2020-21
264.09
921.99
690.36
954.45
576.87
399.57
2021-22
377.58
3,691.21
614.35
991.93
457.63
496.16
2022-23
534.30
4,015.00
872.96
1,407.26
593.71
664.36
2023-24
813.55
3,615.56
2,617.10
3,430.65
2,617.49
2,612.30
2024-25*
813.15
2,438.89
731.67
1,544.82
1,297.67
1,452.63
Source: JJM-IMIS *as on 13.03.2025
As reported by Tamil Nadu, the state has faced several challenges in implementation of JJM which includes absence of perennial rivers, presence of extensive hard rock strata with less ground water sources and 57% of the blocks falling under over-exploited, critical and semi-critical categories. To address these challenges and for sustainable water supply, the state government plans to connect every village in the state through a Combined Water Supply Scheme (CWSS) / Multi Village Schemes (MVS) with river and dam-based sources. In addition, regular review meetings are being conducted by state officials with the field engineers and contractors to speed up the progress of works under JJM.
As informed by the state government of Tamil Nadu, following measures are being taken to ensure long-term sustainability of rural water supply systems, especially in terms of maintenance and quality monitoring:
Performance based operations and maintenance (O&M) contract is implemented to ensure proper maintenance and supply of earmarked quantity of water upto tail end habitations. As per the performance-based contract, maintenance of CWSS including chemicals, attending the leaks, bursts and ensuring the supply of earmarked quantity to be beneficiaries will be responsibility of the contractor.
To ensure quality monitoring, TWAD PMS software is used for O&M schemes in which details such as daily pumping quantity, beneficiary wise supply, leaks and bursts, etc., are being reported and monitored at the highest level.
The O&M monitoring cell has been established at the Head Office of TWAD Board to collect feedback from five randomly selected village panchayats each day, in order to ascertain the field reality in maintenance of water supply schemes.
An Emergency Information Response Centre (EIRC) is constituted at the TWAD Board, Head office to receive any complaints related to Bulk Water supply.
Single village schemes and in-village components of Multi Village Schemes are maintained by the village panchayats / VWSC concerned with the technical guidance from RD&PR Department.
One candidate per village panchayat are being trained under Nal Jal Mitra Multi skilling programme so as to maintain the SVS / in-village components by the VPs.
Further, as reported by state of Tamil Nadu on JJM-IMIS, there are 113 drinking water quality testing laboratories in the state to encourage water quality testing to ensure potable drinking water supply. Also, to empower the communities to monitor the water quality, States/ UTs have also been advised to identify and train 5 persons, preferably women, in every village to conduct water quality.So far, the state of Tamil Nadu has trained 62,898 women for FTK testing.
This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Government of India is committed to make provision for safe & potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on a regular & long-term basis to all rural households in the country. Towards this end, the Government of India launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), to be implemented in partnership with State/ UTs, in August 2019. Government of India supplements the efforts of State/UTs by providing technical and financial assistance under JJM. For urban areas, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), launched on 25.06.2015, focuses on ensuring universal household access to water and improving sewage treatment infrastructure. The Jal Jeevan Mission (Urban) was later introduced as AMRUT 2.0 on 01.10.2021, for the period 2021-26, aiming to make cities self-reliant and water-secure.
Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) [SBM(G)] was launched on 2nd October, 2014 with the aim to eliminate open defecation in rural areas by 2nd October, 2019. SBM(G) has been implemented as Jan Andolan. Over 10 crore Individual household Latrines (IHHLs) constructed under Phase-I of SBM(G) and all the villages of the country declared themselves Open Defecation Free (ODF) by 2nd October, 2019. Having achieved the ODF status, SBM(G) Phase-II is being implemented during the period from 2020-21 to 2025-26 with the aim to sustain ODF status and Solid and Liquid Waste Management (SLWM). Ensuring the success of water supply and sanitation initiatives requires the adoption of innovative strategies and advanced technologies. Several measures have been implemented, including the use of Hydro Geo-Morphological (HGM) maps for identifying groundwater sources, Geographical Information System (GIS) technology to locate existing water sources, and IoT-based monitoring systems for optimizing water distribution. These technological advancements allow for real-time monitoring, leak detection, and efficient water supply management. In regions experiencing severe water scarcity, the government has actively promoted rainwater harvesting and artificial groundwater recharge through programs like Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain Campaign and Atal Bhujal Yojana. Additionally, efforts have been made to encourage water-saving technologies in agriculture, such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, to ensure sustainable water usage. A key component of AMRUT 2.0 is the Technology Sub-Mission, which encourages start-ups and private entrepreneurs to develop and implement innovative, environmentally friendly solutions for water treatment, distribution, and water body rejuvenation.
The Operational Guidelines of Jal Jeevan Mission mandates the Department of Drinking Water & Sanitation (DDWS), Govt. of India to carry out regular functionality assessment, evaluation and impact assessment. For the purpose, DDWS shortlists a third party through open tendering process. In such assessment(s), State/UTs are given a functionality score on the basis of functionality of samples on quantity, quality and regularity of water supply to rural households. The reports are shared with State/UTs to undertake measures for mid-course corrections to enhance the functionality of tap connections. For assessment and monitoring of work done under AMRUT in the States, there is a provision for setting up Independent Review and Monitoring Agencies (IRMAs) in all the State/UTs. For sanitation, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS) conducts Swachh Survekshan Grameen (SSG) through a third-party survey agency to carry out the assessment of household sanitation parameters, including Faecal Sludge Management (FSM), biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste management, and Grey Water Management (GWM). As part of the SSG, States/UTs are ranked on the basis of their performance attained on key quantitative and qualitative Swachhata parameters.
In addition to this, Operational Guidelines of SBM(G) Phase-II prescribe that the States/UTs may conduct periodical evaluation studies on the implementation of Phase II of SBM(G) and these evaluations could be used for course correction and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme. Further, the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of SBM(G) captures progress of the States/UTs against SBM(G) activities viz. construction of Individual and Community/Household Toilets, SLWM infrastructure, IEC, Capacity Building and administration related activities, including financial progress.
The mechanism of online monitoring is also in place for these programmes, such as JJM–Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) and JJM–Dashboard for JJM for monitoring of progress under the programme across the country.
As on 13.03.2025, as reported by the State, out of total 62.55 lakh rural households in Jharkhand, 34.25 lakh (54.76%) rural households have been provided functional household tap connections (FHTCs) under Jal Jeevan Mission.
Out of 29,322 villages in Jharkhand, 26,577 villages have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus (Aspiring -18,964, Rising-514, Model-7,099) so far. Also, 8,878 villages have been covered with Solid Waste Management (SWM) and 26,487 villages have been covered with Grey Water Management (GWM) in Jharkhand so far.
This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
PARLIAMENT QUESTION: TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STATES FOR DRINKING WATER
Posted On: 17 MAR 2025 4:52PM by PIB Delhi
Since August 2019, Government of India in partnership with States is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal to make provision of potable water to every rural household of the country, through functional tap water connection i.e. at a service level of 55 litre per capita per day (lpcd), of prescribed quality (BIS:10500), on regular and long-term basis.
At the start of the Mission, only 3.23 Crore (16.7%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 12.03.2025, under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal around 12.29 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections. Thus, as on 12.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.52 Crore (80.15%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes. State/ UT-wise details are as at below.
State/ UT-wise and year-wise details of fund allocation, drawn and utilization reported under JJM are at below.
In addition, a number of steps have been taken to plan and implement JJM in the whole country, with speed, inter alia, including joint discussions and finalization of saturation plans and annual action plans (AAP) of States/ UTs, regular review of implementation, workshops/ conferences/ webinars for capacity building, training, knowledge sharing, field visits by multi-disciplinary team to provide technical support, etc. A detailed Operational Guideline for the implementation of JJM; Margdarshika for Gram Panchayats & VWSCs to provide safe drinking water in rural households and Guidelines on a special campaign to provide piped water supply in anganwadi centres, ashramshalas and schools have been shared with States/ UTs to facilitate planning and implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission. For online monitoring, JJM–Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) and JJM–Dashboard has been put in place. Provision has also been made for transparent online financial management through Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
Further, as informed by Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Water being a state subject, management of water is the responsibility of the State Government. However, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has taken several steps towards sustainable management and conservation of water in urban areas through issuance of various guidelines and implementation of National Missions i.e. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) & AMRUT 2.0. Funds under AMRUT & AMRUT 2.0 are allocated/ released State/UTs wise and not component wise.
Under AMRUT, 1,405 water supply projects worth Rs.43,430 crore grounded of which works worth Rs.41,714 crore have been physically completed andin convergence with the States 189 lakh water tap connections (new/ serviced) have been provided under the Mission. Against the committed Central Assistance (CA) of Rs.35,990 crore for project Rs.34,901 crore has been released.
Moreover, under AMRUT 2.0 so far, 3,568 water supply projects worth Rs.1,14,220.62 Crore have been approved to cover 407 lakh new/service tap connections. Against the committed Central Assistance (CA) of Rs. 66,750 Crore for project, Rs.12,511.94 crore has been released/sanctioned.
In addition, as informed by Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), National Water Policy (2012) has been formulated which, inter-alia, advocates rainwater harvesting and conservation of water and highlights the need for augmenting the availability of water through direct use of rainfall. It also inter-alia, includes conservation of rivers, river bodies and creation of infrastructure be undertaken in a scientifically planned manner through community participation. Further, encroachment and diversion of water bodies and drainage channels be not allowed and wherever, it has taken place, be restored to the extent feasible and maintained properly. DoWR, RD & GR has also advised States/ UTs to draft/ revise their water policies in accordance with the National Water Policy (2012).
Apart from this, the important steps taken by the Central Government for sustainable ground water management in the country can be seen at:
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) generates ground water quality data on a regional scale including State of Punjab as part of its ground water quality monitoring program and various scientific studies. The Annual Ground Water Quality Report – 2024 has been released by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) recently which can be viewed at https://cgwb.gov.in/cgwbpnm/public/uploads/documents/17363272771910393216file.pdf. Trace elements such as As (Arsenic), U (Uranium) and Selenium (Se) were analyzed at 908 locations. The groundwater quality assessment in Punjab revealed 32.6% of samples surpassing permissible limits for Uranium (U) followed by Arsenic (As) which has been reported in 4.85% samples, while 0.44% samples had Selenium levels above permissible limit.
Government of India is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal, since August, 2019, in partnership with States, to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to rural households. Under the Jal Jeevan Mission, as per existing guidelines, Bureau of Indian Standards’ BIS:10500 standards are adopted as benchmarks for quality of water being supplied through the piped water supply schemes. Drinking Water being a State subject, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the States by providing technical and financial assistance.
Under JJM, while planning water supply schemes to provide tap water supply to households, priority is given to habitations affected by chemical contaminants including Arsenic and Heavy Metals such as Uranium and Selenium. Under JJM, while allocating the funds to States/ UTs, 10% weightage is given to the population residing in habitations affected by chemical contaminants. States/ UTs have been advised to plan and implement piped water supply schemes based on alternative safe water sources for the villages with water quality issues.
In the union budget for 2025-26, the extension of Jal Jeevan Mission till 2028 has been announced. Ministry of Finance has communicated a tentative Budget Estimate of Rs. 67,000 Crore for the Financial Year 2025-26. Once approved by the competent authority, the Central share under JJM may be considered for release. The year-wise details of Central fund allocated, drawn and utilization reported by the State of Punjab under JJM since 2019-20 to 2024-25 (as on 12.03.2025) for making provision of safe drinking water through household tap water connection is as under:
(Amount in Rs. Crore)
S. No.
Year
Central share
State Expenditure
Opening Balance
Fund allocated
Fund Drawn
Available fund
Expenditure
1.
2019-20
102.91
227.46
227.46
330.37
73.27
78.20
2.
2020-21
257.10
362.79
–
257.10
146.74
152.77
3.
2021-22
110.36
1,656.39
402.24
512.60
247.83
265.70
4.
2022-23
264.78
2,403.46
–
264.78
264.80
210.69
5.
2023-24
–
479.02
119.76
119.76
103.79
166.43
6.
2024-25
15.97
644.54
50.00
65.97
3.46
45.80
Total
5,773.66
799.46
902.37
839.89
919.59
Source: JJM-IMIS
The Department has developed a web based integrated management information system (JJM-IMIS) to capture the data of water quality affected habitations, where States/UTs provide status of habitation that have contamination in their drinking water sources. States/UTs have also been advised to carry out testing of water quality on a regular basis and take remedial action wherever necessary, to ensure that the water supplied to households is of prescribed quality. To enable States/ UTs to test water samples for water quality, and for sample collection, reporting, monitoring and surveillance of drinking water sources, an online JJM – Water Quality Management Information System (WQMIS) portal has been developed. The State–wise details of water quality test reported through WQMIS are available in public domain and can be accessed at:
Since August, 2019, Government of India is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in partnership with State/UTs, to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to every rural household in the country.
At the time of announcement of Jal Jeevan Mission, in Andhra Pradesh, 30.74 Lakhs (32.18%) rural households (HHs) were reported to have tap water connections. Since then, additional 39.77 Lakhs rural HHs have been provided tap water connections. Thus, as on 11.03.2025, provision of tap water supply has been made to 70.51 Lakhs (73.81%) rural HHs in the State.
As reported by State Government, the reason behind not covering 100% HHs tap water connections by 2024 aimed under Jal Jeevan Mission, is due to delays in the release of the matching state share during the period from 2019 to 2024. This led to a shortage of funds, leaving the executing agencies unable to complete the program within the planned timeframe.
Water, being a state subject, the primary responsibility for planning and implementing piped water supply schemes to provide tap water to their households, lies with the respective State/UT. However, Government of India has taken number of steps to plan and implement JJM in the whole country which inter alia includes discussion and finalization of annual action plan
(AAP) in consultation with States/ UTs, regular review of planning and implementation, workshops/ conferences/ webinars for capacity building and knowledge sharing, field visits by multi-disciplinary team to provide technical support, etc. A detailed Operational Guideline for the implementation of JJM; Margdarshika for Gram Panchayats & VWSCs to provide safe drinking water in rural households and Guidelines on a special campaign to provide piped water supply in anganwadi centers, ashramshalas and schools have been shared with States/ UTs, to facilitate planning and implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission. State Government has planned to cover remaining HHs by March, 2028.
Yes. As reported by State Government, out of total 4.34 Lakhs HHs in the Palnadu district, 1.53 Lakhs HHs have been provided tap connections and 2.81 Lakhs HHs are remaining. The Multi Village Scheme (MVS) ‘Providing Drinking Water supply in Palnadu area of Guntur district’ has been taken up in the Palnadu area. The MVS is designed with Nagarjuna Sagar reservoir as source, to provide tap connections. The work is under progress.
The balance households are proposed to be covered with tap connections through Single Village Scheme (SVS) works under ongoing JJM programme. 100% rural households in Palnadu district are planned to be covered with tap connections, by March 2028.
This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Government of India is committed to make provision for safe & potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on a regular & long-term basis to all rural households in the country. Towards this end, the Government of India launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), to be implemented in partnership with states, in August 2019. Drinking Water is a state subject, and hence, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the States by providing technical and financial assistance.
Significant progress has been made in the country since the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission, towards enhancing access to tap water to rural households. At the start of Jal Jeevan Mission in August 2019, only 3.23 Crore (16.71%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 12.03.2025, around 12.28 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM. Thus, as on 12.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.52 Crore (80.15%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes. The number and percentage of rural households which have been provided tapped potable water connections in the country under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) are available on JJM-IMIS Dashboard. The link of JJM-IMIS Dashboard is as follows:- https://ejalshakti.gov.in/jjmreport/JJMIndia.aspx
Under the Jal Jeevan Mission’s “Har Ghar Jal” initiative, after a village achieves 100% functional tap water connections, the Gram Panchayat formally certifies the village as “Har Ghar Jal” through a Gram Sabha resolution after verifying the completion of work, and a certificate is issued by the implementing department. State/UTs including Uttar Pradesh have been advised, through numerous review meetings, field visits, etc., to ensure functionality of tap water connections provided and infrastructure created under the Mission.
During the functionality assessment 2021-22 in all rural households in India including State of Uttar Pradesh, it was found that 86% of households had working tap connections. Out of these, 85% were getting water in adequate quantity, 80% were getting water regularly as per the schedule of water supply for their piped water supply scheme, and 87% of households were receiving water as per the prescribed water quality standards. The functionality assessment was carried out in the year 2022. The details may be seen at https://jaljeevanmission.gov.in/functionality-reports.
Further, to ensure long term sustainability of infrastructure created, quality material and quality construction are being ensured through third party inspection before making payment. For the purpose, States have been empowered to empanel third party inspection agencies (TPIA) to check the quality of work executed by the agencies, quality of materials used for construction and quality of machinery installed in each of the scheme. Moreover, measurement and monitoring of water supply in villages through sensor-based IoT solution, linking AADHAR of the head of household for targeted delivery subject to statutory provisions, geo-tagging of assets created, etc. are also provisioned under JJM.
Also, to bring transparency and effective monitoring, an online ‘JJM dashboard & mobile App has been created, which provides State/ UT, district, and village-wise progress as well as status of provision of tap water supply to rural houses.
This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
CPI inflation moderated to a 7-month low of 3.6% in February 2025, aided by a sharp decline in vegetable prices.
Core inflation crossed 4% for the first time in 14 months, reaching 4.08%.
Industrial growth strengthened, with IIP expanding by 5.0% in January 2025, led by manufacturing and mining.
Rural inflation remains higher than urban inflation, influenced by food price trends.
Imported inflation surged, rising from 1.3% in June 2024 to 31.1% in February 2025, driven by rising prices of precious metals, oils, and fats.
RBI expected to implement at least 75 basis points of rate cuts in 2025, with successive reductions anticipated in April and August.
Corporate performance remains strong, with revenue, EBITDA, and PAT growth of 6.2%, 11%, and 12%, respectively, in Q3FY25.
The above are the major findings of the SBI Ecowrap report, published by the State Bank of India’s Economic Research Department. SBI Ecowrap is a research report that analyzes the Indian economy, including GDP growth, agricultural reforms, and formal and informal economies. The latest edition of SBI’s Ecowrap, released on March 12, 2025, provides a detailed analysis of India’s economic landscape in February 2025. It focuses on Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation, industrial growth, imported inflation, and corporate performance. The report highlights a significant moderation in inflation, particularly in food and beverages, while also projecting future trends in monetary policy and industrial output.
CPI Inflation Moderation
India’s CPI inflation fell to a 7-month low of 3.6% in February 2025 due to a substantial decline in food and beverage prices.
Food & Beverages inflationeased by 185 basis points (m-o-m) to 3.84%, mainly due to a sharp decline in vegetable prices.
Vegetable CPI declined sharply, entering negative territory (1.07%) for the first time in 20 months.
Approximately 80% of this decline was attributed to garlic, potatoes, and tomatoes.
A notable drop in garlic prices is potentially linked to dietary changes during the Maha Kumbh, which may have led to reduced consumption of non-vegetarian food.
Fruit inflation surged to a 10-year high of 14.8%, potentially due to increased demand during fasting periods associated with the Maha Kumbh.
Fuel and light deflation is still continued for 18 months.
Non-vegetarian food inflation (Egg/Meat/Fish) decelerated, possibly due to the Maha Kumbh period.
While overall inflation moderated, the core inflation crossed the 4.0% mark after 14 months to 4.08%. Core Inflation corresponds to the component of inflation that is likely to continue for a long period. Thus, core inflation captures the underlying trend of inflation and is, therefore, more stable.
Future CPI Inflation Trends
CPI inflation is expected to decline to 3.9% in Q4 FY25 and average 4.7% for FY25.
FY26 inflation is projected in the range of 4.0-4.2%, while core inflation may range between 4.2-4.4%.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may implement successive rate cuts in April and August 2025, with an overall expected cumulative rate cut of at least 75 basis points.
The cycle of rate cuts may continue from October 2025, following an intervening gap in August 2025.
State-wise Inflation Analysis
12 states recorded rural inflationabove the national rural average.
10 states reported urban inflation higher than the national urban average.
Rural inflation continued to outpace urban inflation due to higher food prices and a larger food basket share (54.2% for rural areas vs. 36.3% for urban areas).
The highest inflation rates were recorded in Kerala (7.3%) and Chhattisgarh (4.9%).
State
Rural Inflation (%)
Urban Inflation (%)
Overall Inflation (%)
Kerala
8.0
4.5
7.3
Chhattisgarh
5.6
3.3
4.9
Goa
6.2
1.5
4.8
Bihar
4.3
4.7
4.5
Karnataka
4.6
3.0
4.5
The lowest inflation rates were recorded in Telangana (1.3%) and Delhi (1.5%).
State
Rural Inflation (%)
Urban Inflation (%)
Overall Inflation (%)
Telangana
0.5
1.3
1.3
Delhi
2.6
3.5
1.5
Goa
6.2
1.5
1.8
Maharashtra
2.2
2.4
3.1
Himachal Pradesh
3.3
4.0
3.3
Rising Share of Imported Inflation
Despite the overall decline in CPI inflation, the share of imported inflation rose from 1.3% in June 2024 to 31.1% in February 2025.
Key drivers include rising prices of precious metals, oils, fats, and chemical products.
The contribution of energy prices to imported inflation remains negative and in declining in absolute amount.
Industrial Growth and IIP Expansion
India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) expanded by 5.0% in January 2025, the highest in eight months, compared to 3.2% in December 2024.
Consumer Non-Durables (immediate consumption goods) contracted by 0.2%, indicating weak demand in that segment.
Sectoral Growth Trends
Capital Goods, Consumer Durables, FMCG, Healthcare, and Pharmaceuticals showed strong year-on-year growth in Q3FY25.
The Interest Coverage Ratio of listed entities improved by 20 basis points in Q3FY25, reflecting improved margins and financial stability.
More than 4000 corporates in the listed space reported revenue growth of 6.2%, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and profit after tax (PAT) growing by 11% and 12%, respectively, in Q3FY25 compared to Q3FY24.
Corporate ex-BFSI (more than 3400 listed entities) reported revenue and PAT growth of 5% (recovering from negative growth in previous quarters) and 9% in Q3FY25, respectively.
Monetary Policy Outlook & Corporate Capex Cycle
The combination of a strong balance sheet, comfortable interest coverage, and a downward interest rate cycle is expected to support the next capex cycle for Indian industries.
Improved corporate margins and liquidity conditions make Indian Inc. well-positioned for capital expenditure growth.
The aggregate EBITDA margin improved by 44 basis points in Q3FY25, reaching 14.84% from 14.4% in Q2FY25.
Conclusion
India’s economic indicators for February 2025 reflect a moderation in inflation, improved industrial output, and strong corporate earnings. While inflation trends remain favorable in the short term, imported inflation risks and rupee depreciation pose challenges going forward. The RBI’s expected rate cuts could further bolster growth, providing a positive environment for capex expansion and industrial performance. The evolving economic landscape suggests a cautious but optimistic outlook for the coming months.
CCI Organises 10th Edition of National Conference on Economics of Competition Law Minister of State, Shri Harsh Malhotra compliments CCI for its impactful role in curbing abusive conduct of dominant enterprises
Posted On: 16 MAR 2025 5:43PM by PIB Delhi
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) organised the 10thNational Conference on Economics of Competition Law in New Delhi today. Shri Harsh Malhotra, Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs; and Minister of State in the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways was the Keynote Speaker at the Conference. Smt Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson, Competition Commission of India delivered the Special Address at the Inaugural Session of the Conference. The Conference, which brings together scholars, practitioners, and experts working in the area of economics of competition law, is being organised by the CCI every year since 2016.
In his Keynote Address, highlighting the high-growth trajectory of the Indian economy, Minister of State Shri Harsh Malhotra underscored the importance of competition law in ensuring fair competition and a level playing field in markets.
He emphasized the crucial role of the MSME sector, which contributes 80% of manufacturing output, 45% of exports, and 30% of India’s GDP. It is important to watch the interest of stakeholders, including MSMEs, to provide them with fair opportunities to compete and innovate, he said. In this context, he complimented CCI for its impactful role in curbing abusive conduct of dominant enterprises.
Commending the Commission for its well-considered decisions, he highlighted the need for real-time market monitoring and a collaborative approach to regulation. It is essential to enforce law beyond strict intervention by promoting self-regulation and compliance, he added. He encouraged the Commission to actively engage with stakeholders, including industry associations, and consider their viewpoints. He stressed on the importance of including the younger generation in deliberations to bring fresh and new perspectives. The Government has kept in mind the views of the stakeholders, be it policies, government schemes or regulations, he mentioned. Acknowledging the significance of the Conference, he said that such deliberations and brainstorming sessions would immensely contribute to India’s economic growth in the future.
The Minister stated that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) aims to foster an ecosystem where fair competition benefits both businesses and consumers, leading to dynamic and vibrant marketplaces. He concluded by stating that India’s economic future depends on market strength, which, in turn, relies on fair competition—making it not just a legal or economic necessity but a national responsibility.
Smt. Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson, CCI, in her Special Address, stated that regulators are adopting a dynamic approach to address the issues emerging in increasingly complex markets and rapid innovation in technology. She said that the goal is to balance innovation with competition, ensuring fair and open markets, where competition and technological progress can coexist. Alluding to Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a driving force in modern markets, Smt. Kaur stressed on the need for regulators to stay abreast and ahead in the AI era to deal with algorithmic collusion, uncover hidden anti-competitive behaviour, and protect consumers in markets increasingly shaped by AI. In this context, she also discussed the role played by Market Studies as a critical tool in proactive regulation. These studies provide a comprehensive analysis of market structures, business models, arrangements amongst players and potential competition issues, she said.
Referring to the competition law enforcement regime in India, Smt. Kaur said that the regulatory landscape has evolved significantly with the introduction of the Competition Amendment Act, 2023, to address the emerging challenges and strike a balance between enforcement and market-friendly resolution. She talked about the various regulations introduced in the last one year to operationalise the Competition Amendment Act 2023, with extensive consultations involving all key stakeholders. She further apprised the developments in antitrust enforcement and merger enforcement in 2024. The Competition Commission of India remains committed to fostering fair competition, ensuring market integrity, and enhancing enforcement efficiency, she said.
The Conference, in addition to the Inaugural Session, featured two technical sessions on ‘Digital Dynamics: Markets, Competition & Innovation’; and ‘Exploring Mergers: Structure, Competition and Synergy’ where researchers presented papers on economics of competition law. The first session was chaired by Dr. Nishant Chadha, Director, Policy and Research, Indian School of Business. Dr. Uday Bhanu Sinha, Professor, Delhi School of Economics chaired the second session.
The National Conference concluded with a Plenary Session on ‘Settlement and Commitment: A New Era of Trust-Based Fast-Track Market Correction’ which was moderated by Shri Prasanto Kumar Roy, Senior Adviser, FTI Consulting.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses 57th annual conference of All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) as the Chief Guest in Kokrajhar, Assam Without ABSU, the Bodo Accord would not have been possible, ABSU has played a crucial role in establishing peace and development in Bodoland
A prominent road in Delhi will be named after Bodopa Upendra Nath Brahma Ji
Modi government will complete 100 per cent implement of the BTR peace agreement in the next two years
The Modi government and the Assam government will fulfill the dreams of Bodopa Upendra Nath Brahma Ji
In the past, there were discussions about unrest, chaos, and separatism in Bodoland, now, the focus is on education, development, and industry
In the past, where bullets once flew in the Bodoland region, today, Bodo youths are waving the tricolor
Now, “Mushroom from Bodoland” is also available in Delhi, more than a dozen products from Bodoland have received the GI Tag
A new beginning has been made by recruiting 400 Bodo youths into the Assam Commando Battalion
Posted On: 16 MAR 2025 5:24PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today addressed the 57th annual conference of All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) as the Chief Guest in Kokrajhar, Assam. On this occasion, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Shri Biswajit Daimary, the Union Home Secretary, and the Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), along with several other dignitaries were present.
In his address, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that All Bodo Students’ Union (ABSU) has played a significant role in establishing peace, development, and enthusiasm in the region. Without the role of ABSU, the Bodo Accord would not have been possible, and peace would not have been established in Bodoland. On this occasion, Shri Shah also paid tribute to the five thousand martyrs who fought for the peace of Bodoland.
Shri Amit Shah said that today, when entire Bodoland is following the path shown by its leader, Upendra Nath Brahma Ji, the government has decided to name a prominent road in Delhi as Bodopa Upendra Nath Brahma Marg. He also mentioned that in the first week of April, a program will be held in Delhi where a bust of Upendra Nath Brahma Ji will be unveiled. He said, the Modi government and the Assam government will bring every dream of Bodopa Upendra Nath Brahma Ji to fruition.
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that ABSU is advancing education, empowerment, and development. It is due to the efforts of ABSU that today, students are able to take their exams up to the 12th grade in the Bodo language. As a result, our Bodo language has been recognized and will remain alive for many years to come. He further stated that today’s event sends a strong message of the peace established in Bodoland.
Shri Amit Shah said that when the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) peace agreement was signed on January 27, 2020, the opposition was mocking it. However, today, the central government and the Assam government have fulfilled 82 per cent of the conditions of this agreement. He further stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India will implement 100 per cent of this agreement in the next two years. After that, there will be lasting peace in the BTR.
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that under the BTR peace agreement, the government removed the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) from the entire BTR area on April 1, 2022. He also mentioned that under the Government of India’s ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) program, today, the mushroom from Kokrajhar, known as “Mushroom From Bodoland,” is being included in the menus of hotels in Delhi. This has become possible due to the peace established in Bodoland. He further stated that because of the peace, Bodoland was able to host the ‘Durand Cup’ tournament. He appealed to the athletes of Bodoland to start preparing for the potential Olympics in India in 2036.
Shri Amit Shah said that more than a dozen products from Bodoland have received the GI (Geographical Indication) Tag. As a result, an industrial environment is gradually being created across the entire BTR area. He mentioned that there was a time when there were discussions about unrest, chaos, and separatism, but now the focus has shifted to education, development, and industry.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the Government of India and the Assam Government have allocated ₹1,500 crore for the development of Bodoland, even though the population of the region is only 3.5 million. He also mentioned that during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Bodo language was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Additionally, the BTR region was expanded by including the Sonitpur and Biswanath districts.
Shri Amit Shah said that hundreds of youths have been brought into the mainstream of society. Many weapons were surrendered, and in the last three years, ₹287 crore have been spent on the rehabilitation of 4,881 members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) in Assam, with 90 per cent of this amount provided by the Modi government. Shri Shah further mentioned that a lot of work has been done for employment and skill development. NGOs have been involved in all sectors, including SIP&RD, KVK, KVIC, animal husbandry, fisheries, and horticulture, to work with the local people and help them progress.
Union Home Minister said that Assam Chief Minister Dr. Sarma has made a new beginning by recruiting 400 Bodo youths into the Assam Commando Battalion. He further mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the Government of India has signed agreements with a total of nine insurgent groups in Assam, bringing over 10,000 youths into the mainstream of society.
Shri Amit Shah said that where once bullets were fired, today Bodo youth are waving the tricolor in their hands. This sight sends a message to the entire country. He added that when the Bodo Accord was signed, not only Bodoland and Assam but the entire country was happy. Just as the people of Bodoland love the country, the entire country loves Bodoland and its people and is committed to the development of its youth.
Union Home Minister said that the Bathou religion, followed by the people of Bodoland, holds great significance. He explained that Bathou is made up of two elements, and its meaning is “the deep mystery of the creator of the five elements.” The five elements, or panchatatva, include fire, air, earth, sky, and water, which form the foundation of your great religion. He also mentioned that he strives to spread the message of the Bathou religion.
Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the entire Northeast has been freed from issues such as insurgency, movements, blockades, strikes, and violence, and has been ushered onto the path of development. He mentioned that recently, an Investment Summit took place under the leadership of PM Modi and Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, which is bringing an investment of ₹5 lakh crore to Assam. He appealed to the Bodo youths to focus on their education and contribute to the peace process. He further stated that the goal is to build such infrastructure in Bodoland that Bodo youths can compete with youth from all around the world. He assured that the Government of India and the Assam Government will leave no stone unturned in the development of Bodoland.
Union Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya Leads Fit India Sundays on Cycle Event in Ahmedabad; Guinness World Record Holder Rohtash Chaudhary Joins from Delhi “A Healthy Citizen Builds a Prosperous Nation”, Dr. Mandaviya Highlights Importance of Cycling at Fit India Sundays on Cycle Event
Posted On: 16 MAR 2025 4:10PM by PIB Delhi
The Fit India Sundays on Cycle event witnessed massive participation across the country, with Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya leading the charge at the iconic Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad today. Organized by SAI Gandhinagar, the event saw around 650 cyclists, including members of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Gujarat, Ahmedabad Medical Association, and MPs Hasmukhbhai Patel and Dineshbhai Makwana. The event was flagged off by Paralympian athlete Bhavana Choudhary.
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in his address expressed his enthusiasm about the growing movement of “Sunday on Cycle” event. Dr. Mandaviya mentioned that the Fit India movement is progressing across the country, with “Sunday on Cycle” gradually becoming a cultural phenomenon. He highlighted that today’s event happened at over 5,000 locations, with doctors actively joining in to promote the message of a fit and obesity-free India.
Dr. Mandaviya mentioned that cycling should be encouraged as a part of daily life, whether for commuting to work or for simple tasks like grocery shopping. He also emphasized the importance of cycling for physical fitness, environmental protection, and reducing pollution.
He highlighted how cycling is a key tool in the fight against obesity, a movement initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and mentioned that cycling could potentially be linked to carbon credit schemes in the future.
He encouraged doctors to prescribe cycling as a means of maintaining health, urging the medical community to motivate patients to adopt cycling as part of their lifestyle. Dr. Mandaviya reiterated that “A healthy citizen builds a healthy society, and a healthy society can build a prosperous nation.”, and achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047 requires the nation to stay fit, with cycling playing a crucial role in this transformation.
Meanwhile, in the national capital, the Fit India movement received a boost with Guinness World Record holder Rohtash Chaudhary, famously known as the “Push-up Man of India,” inspiring participants at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium. Rohtash, who holds the record for the most push-ups (one leg raised carrying a 27.2 kg pack) in one hour, joined 500 cycling enthusiasts including doctors of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), school and college students, members of Yogasana Bharat and corporate professionals in the cycling event.
“Sundays on Cycle is a great initiative by Fit India. The enthusiasm among participants was remarkable, but I urge everyone, especially the youth, to cycle not just on Sundays but every day,” Rohtash said. Highlighting the need for fitness, he added, “India has the third-highest number of obesity cases in the world after China and the USA. We need to be at the top in development, not obesity. Staying fit is crucial for the growth of our country.
The IMA has organized Sundays on Cycle in 25 locations across the country. Dr. Piyush Jain, Finance Secretary of the Indian Medical Association, emphasized the importance of fitness in preventing lifestyle diseases. “IMA is fully committed to the Fit India movement because prevention is better than cure. It’s crucial for everyone to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Cycling is a great full-body workout and also benefits mental well-being, making it an ideal exercise,” he said.
The event not only promoted cycling but also showcased the importance of overall physical fitness, with push-ups being highlighted as a simple yet effective exercise. The combination of cycling and strength training aimed to encourage participants to push their limits and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Since its launch in December 2024 by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Fit India Sundays on Cycle initiative has reached over 4,500 locations across the country. The event is simultaneously held nationwide at SAI Regional Centres, National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), and Khelo India Centres (KICs), reinforcing the government’s commitment to promoting fitness and an active lifestyle among citizens.
India and New Zealand share a longstanding partnership founded on shared democratic values, strong people-to-people ties, and economic complementarities. Both countries have continuously worked towards building their bilateral relationship encompassing trade and investment.
On the occasion of the visit of Prime Minister of New Zealand, The Right Honourable Christopher Luxon to India from 16th to 20th March, 2025, and in the spirit of deepening our economic co-operation, the two nations are pleased to announce the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. This significant step was marked by a meeting between Hon’ble Shri Piyush Goyal, India’s Minister for Commerce and Industry, and Hon’ble Mr. Todd McClay, New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment, on March 16th, 2025, laying the foundation of a momentous partnership towards strengthening the economic and trade ties between the two countries.
The India-New Zealand FTA negotiations aim to achieve balanced outcomes that enhance supply chain integration and improve market access. This milestone reflects a shared vision for a stronger economic partnership, fostering resilience and prosperity.
Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) announced that their bipartisan resolution recognizing the importance and contributions of National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs) passed the Senate.
Students taught by National Board Certified Teachers gain 1-2 months of additional instruction per year and are 11% more likely to score proficient on literacy exams.
Nationally, there are over 141,000 teachers who have earned National Board Certification. In New Mexico, there are over 1,600 National Board Certified Teachers, including 112 teachers who became certified last year.
“New Mexico’s robust National Board Certification program for teachers is one of the best in the country and helps all of our students accelerate their learning,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud the Senate has passed our bipartisan resolution to recognize the major difference that National Board Certified Teachers make in preparing our kids for success in the classroom and beyond.”
“Alabama is home to so many excellent educators and National Board Certified Teachers. I’m honored to join my colleagues in introducing this resolution and celebrating the many ways our teachers empower students to reach their full potential. Education is the key to unlocking the American Dream for every child, and I couldn’t be more grateful for our educators’ continued commitment to invest in the next generation,” said Britt.
“Our teachers are critical to the development and success of our students and National Board Certified Teachers across the country go even further to ensure they can set students up for lifetimes of success,” said Hirono. “I am glad my colleagues in the Senate voted to pass this resolution celebrating these caring and effective educators and I remain committed to ensuring that teachers have the support they need to ensure our youth receive the quality education they deserve.”
“The National Board Certification program sets the highest standards of excellence and commitment to provide our students with top-notch educators who can play an invaluable role in strengthening our education system in Mississippi and across the nation. I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing and honoring the dedicated educators who hold this esteemed certification,” said Hyde-Smith.
“National Board Certification transformed me as an educator by teaching me to center my instructional decisions around my students’ abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. By constantly reflecting on my practice, through the lens of student outcomes, my students get the absolute best version of me and my lessons, leading to individual student growth. Every student deserves an accomplished teacher,” said Katie Lake, Math teacher at Los Alamos High School and President of the New Mexico National Board of Certified Teacher Network.
The resolution was led by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.). The resolution was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and John Fetterman (D-Pa.).
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: Enhancing Ammunition Safety: OSCE Fosters Regional Co-operation in Central Asia
Participants of the regional seminar on methods for testing ammunition propellants, Bishkek, 12 March 2025. (OSCE) Photo details
On 12 March 2025, a regional seminar on methods for testing ammunition propellants, aimed at enhancing ammunition safety and strengthening regional co-operation, took place in Bishkek. Organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek in partnership with the Ministry of Defence of the Kyrgyz Republic and with support from the Ministry of Defence of Austria, the event brought together officers from the Ministries of Defence of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Participants discussed best practices for conducting stability testing of ammunition using the Qualitative Propellant Analysis Kit (QPAK), a Level 1 mobile laboratory. Experts from the Ministry of Defence of Austria shared their expertise on assessing propellant stability and mitigating the risks of accidental explosions at ammunition storage sites.
Konstantin Bedarev, Head of the Politico-Military Department of the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, highlighted the importance of regional co-operation: “Strengthening co-operation between our countries will help develop effective solutions that contribute to increased security and sustainable ammunition management in the region.”
This initiative is part of an ongoing series of activities within the extra-budgetary project “Improvement of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Conventional Ammunition (CA) Life-Cycle Management Capacity of the Ministry of Defence of the Kyrgyz Republic,” supported by Austria, France, Germany, Norway, and Switzerland.
Since August, 2019, Government of India is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in partnership with States to make provision of potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on regular & long-term basis to every rural household in the country including those in Assam.
For monitoring of coverage of tap connections in States/ UTs, this department has developed a robust online JJM dashboard which provides State/ UT, district and village-wise progress as well as status of provision of tap water supply to rural homes. The dashboard is available in public domain and can be accessed at:
Water, being a state subject, the primary responsibility for planning and implementing piped water supply schemes to provide tap water to their households, lies with the respective State/UT.
Government of India has taken number of steps to plan and implement JJM in the whole country which inter alia includes discussion and finalization of annual action plan (AAP) in consultation with States/ UTs, regular review of planning and implementation, workshops/ conferences/ webinars for capacity building and knowledge sharing, field visits by multi-disciplinary team to provide technical support, etc. A detailed Operational Guideline for the implementation of JJM; Margdarshika for Gram Panchayats & VWSCs to provide safe drinking water in rural households and Guidelines on a special campaign to provide piped water supply in anganwadi centers, ashramshalas and schools have been shared with States/ UTs, to facilitate planning and implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission.
As reported by State Government of Assam, there is a grievance redressal mechanism in the State of Assam to address the grievances.
This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Government of India is committed to make provision for safe & potable tap water supply in adequate quantity, of prescribed quality and on a regular & long-term basis to all rural households in the country. Towards this end, the Government of India launched the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), to be implemented in partnership with states, in August 2019. Drinking Water is a state subject, and hence, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, lies with State/UT Governments. The Government of India supports the States by providing technical and financial assistance.
Under JJM, the minimum service delivery has been fixed as 55 lpcd and State/UTs including the states of the North East may enhance the same to higher level depending on availability of drinking water sources. Significant progress has been made in the country since the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission, towards enhancing access to tap water to rural households. At the start of Jal Jeevan Mission in August 2019, only 3.23 Crore (16.71%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 12.03.2025, around 12.28 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM. Thus, as on 12.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.52 Crore (80.15%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes. The details including States of the North East (State of Sikkim also) are available on JJM-IMIS Dashboard. The link of JJM-IMIS Dashboard is as follows:- https://ejalshakti.gov.in/jjmreport/JJMIndia.aspx
As informed by the State of Sikkim, all the habitations, excluding few habitations in the dry belt area of Namchi and Pakyong District, are getting adequate drinking water in the state even during the lean season.
The reason for the shortage of drinking water in the dry belt areas during the lean season is drying up of local sources. The State of Sikkim has plan to take up source sustainability measures such as dhara Vikash in these areas. Further, rain water harvesting is also being encouraged in these areas.
Water being a State subject, steps for augmentation, conservation and efficient management of water resources, including rural drinking water supply, are primarily undertaken by the respective State Governments. To supplement the efforts of the States for rural water supply, Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a centrally sponsored scheme, is being implemented in partnership with States, since August, 2019 for provisioning of potable tap water supply to every rural household in the country.
Water Resources Projects are planned, funded, executed, and maintained by the State Governments themselves as per their own resources and priority. However, to supplement their efforts, Government of India provides technical and financial assistance to State Governments to encourage sustainable development and efficient management of water resources through various schemes and programmes.
Apart from continuous efforts for rejuvenation of natural sources of water through campaigns such as the Jal Shakti Abhiyaan (JSA) was launched in the year 2019 and carried out subsequently in 2021-2024 too and the Atal Bhujal Yojana etc., storage capacities for water are augmented through construction of reservoirs. Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain 2023, 4th in the series of JSA’s theme was ” Source Sustainability for Drinking Water”. The theme of Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain – 2024 was “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti” emphasising the pivotal role played by women in the field of water conservation.
This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
A course titled “Operation & Management of Rural Water Supply Schemes” was organized in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, aimed to enhance the operational and managerial capacities of Junior Engineers (JEs) and Assistant Engineers (AEs) of the Andaman & Nicobar administration in managing water supply schemes effectively. Recognizing the challenges faced due to poor Operation and Maintenance (O&M) practices, key objectives of the training courses included developing technical skills essential for managing water supply system efficiently, strengthening managerial capacities, promote community engagement, improving sustainable water management, improved water quality standards and testing, improved service delivery for consumers, etc.
The capacity building of stakeholders including Engineers in States/ UTs, plays an important role to implement the vision of Jal Jeevan Mission. It helps in leadership development and equipping the stakeholders with required technical and interpersonal skills including knowledge about latest technologies and innovations. This Department provides financial assistance to States/ UTs out of which States/ UTs may use up to 5% of resources, for support activities including capacity building and IEC activities. The States/ UTs can customize and organize the training courses as per their requirements.
Water being a State subject, the responsibility of planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, lies with State/ UT Governments. States have been advised for source recharging, viz. dedicated bore well recharge structures, rainwater recharge, rejuvenation of existing water bodies, reuse of greywater, etc., to ensure adequate water availability for rural water supply schemes. In addition, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) campaign is being implemented aiming to encourage water conservation at grass-root levels with people’s participation.
This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
To make provision of tap water supply to every rural household across the country, Government of India in partnership with States, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal since August, 2019.
At the start the Mission, only 3.23 Crore (16.7%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 12.03.2025, under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal around 12.29 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections. Thus, as on 12.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.52 Crore (80.15%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes and works for the remaining 3.84 Crore households are at various stages of completion as per saturation plan of the respective State/ UT. State/ UT-wise details are as at below. Further, Hon’ble Finance Minister during her budget speech 2025- 26 has announced extension of Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028 with an enhanced total outlay.
States have informed that lack of dependable drinking water sources in water-stressed, drought prone and desert areas, presence of geo-genic contaminants in ground water, uneven geographical terrain, scattered rural habitations, delay in release of the matching State share in some States, lack of technical capacity with implementing agencies, Gram Panchayats and local communities to plan, manage, operate & maintain the water supply schemes, rising price of raw materials, delay in obtaining statutory/ other clearances, etc. are few of problems being faced in the implementation of the Mission.
To address the challenges holistically and overcome these, Government of India has taken a number of steps, inter alia including implementation of Special Assistance to States for Capital Expenditure through M/o Finance for financial assistance as 50-year interest free loan for capital investment projects; nomination of a nodal officer in the Department for coordinating with Central nodal Ministries/ Departments/ agencies to facilitate the States in obtaining Statutory/ other clearances; setting up of State Programme Management Units (SPMUs) and District Programme Management Units (DPMUs) and implementation of “Nal Jal Mitra Programme” for ensuring availability of skilled local persons at village level to bridge the gap in availability of technical skill sets and of HR for programme management;
Under the Mission, States have been advised for source recharging, viz. dedicated bore well recharge structures, rainwater recharge, rejuvenation of existing water bodies, reuse of greywater, etc., in convergence with other schemes such as MGNREGS, Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), 15th Finance Commission tied grants to RLBs/ PRIs, State schemes, CSR funds, etc.
Further, Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain (JSA: CTR) campaign aiming to encourage water conservation at grass-root levels with people’s participation was launched in 2019 in 256 water stressed districts of the country. Morever, recognizing the importance of sustainable water management especially for drinking water availability, JSA-CTR was implemented with the theme “Source Sustainability for Drinking Water” in 2023. Similarly, in 2024, JSA is being implemented with the theme “Nari Shakti se Jal Shakti” from 09.03.2024 to 30.11.2024 emphasizing the pivotal role played by women in the field of water conservation.
Water being a State subject, States have been empowered to plan, design, approve, implement and operate & maintain drinking water supply schemes. Complaints/ Grievances received at Centre level through Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS –https://pgportal.gov.in/) and Department’s website (https://jalshakti-ddws.gov.in/) and other physical mediums are transferred to water supply department of respective State Governments for their timely redressal.
This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI, SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Annex referred to inpart (a) & (b) reply to Rajya Sabha unstarred Question No. 1831 answered on 17.03.2025
JJM: State/ UT-wise status of tap water connections in rural households as on 12.03.2025
(Number in lakhs)
S. No.
State/ UT
Total rural HHs
Rural HHs with tap water supply as on 15.8.2019
Rural HHs with tap water connection as on date
Rural HHs yet to be provided with tap water connection
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of former Union Minister, Dr. Debendra Pradhan. Shri Modi said that Dr. Debendra Pradhan Ji’s contribution as MP and Minister is noteworthy for the emphasis on poverty alleviation and social empowerment.
Shri Modi wrote on X;
“Dr. Debendra Pradhan Ji made a mark as a hardworking and humble leader. He made numerous efforts to strengthen the BJP in Odisha. His contribution as MP and Minister is also noteworthy for the emphasis on poverty alleviation and social empowerment. Pained by his passing away. Went to pay my last respects and expressed condolences to his family. Om Shanti.
@dpradhanbjp”
Dr. Debendra Pradhan Ji made a mark as a hardworking and humble leader. He made numerous efforts to strengthen the BJP in Odisha. His contribution as MP and Minister is also noteworthy for the emphasis on poverty alleviation and social empowerment. Pained by his passing away.… pic.twitter.com/5z1kvX8vls
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Government of India has taken several initiatives in the field of official statistical system, towards ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. As part of the initiative towards strengthening the National Statistical System, the Ministry has taken various reforms to ensure timely availability of quality data on various facets of economy for data driven decision making, which inter-alia include, improving data collection, data processing, data dissemination and data infrastructure. Some of the initiatives are as under:
(i) To assess the development and to support evidence based interventions on socio-economic fronts, MoSPI has conducted sample surveys on various socio-economic subjects such as health, education, labour & employment etc., on all-India basis, both at the national and State/UT level.
(ii) To reduce time lag, MoSPI is using Digital platforms, with in-built validation mechanism in sample surveys for data collection.
(iii) Estimates of key macroeconomic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Index of Industrial Production (IIP) are released as per Advance Release Calendar (ARC) with minimum time lag.
(iv) In order to facilitate ease of Data management for Official Statistics, eSankhyiki portal was launched. This portal provides time series data of important macro indicators and a catalogue of major data assets of the Ministry.
(v) Grant in Aid were provided to States/UTs under the ongoing central sector sub-scheme Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS) to strengthen the statistical capacity and operations of state statistical system.
This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Planning, andMinister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Under the Data Innovation lab Component of Capacity Development Scheme of the ministry, it is envisaged to partner with academic institutions to create an innovation ecosystem, by forging a link between academia and practitioners. This partnership is expected to leverage academic expertise to tackle real-world challenges in official statistics.
MoUs have been signed with IIM Nagpur, IIT Madras, IIIT Vadodara, IIT Gandhinagar and Maharaja Agrasen University, in addition to Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi. This is an ongoing process and MoUs are signed as and when the partnership with academic institutions is finalized.
This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Planning and Minister of State in the Ministry of Culture, Rao Inderjit Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
As per the data available, there are 49.82 lakh registered Beedi workers in the country. The Labour Welfare Scheme under Ministry of Labour and Employment is implemented across the country through Labour Welfare Organizations, situated in 18 Regions across the country, including for welfare of the Beedi Workers and their family members.
Labour Welfare Scheme has three components, namely, Health, Scholarship & Housing and the details are as under:-
Health care facilities through 10 Hospitals and 279 dispensaries. Reimbursement of expenditure for specialized treatments i.e. Cancer, Tuberculosis, Heart Diseases, Kidney Transplantation.
Financial Assistance for education of the children of beedi workers from class-I to college/University ranging from Rs. 1000/- to Rs. 25,000/- per student per annum, depending upon class/course.
Subsidy of Rs.1,50,000/- (per beneficiary) for construction of pucca houses, under Revised Integrated Housing Scheme (RIHS) 2016. RIHS has been converged with Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.
The Government also runs other various welfare schemes for the welfare of Unorganized workers including for the Beedi workers, such as (i) Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (ABPMJAY), (ii) Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), (iii) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), (iv) Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan- Dhan (PMSYM), (v) Public Distribution System through One-Nation-OneRation-Card Scheme under National Food Security Act, (vi) Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gramin Kaushal Yojana, (vii) Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, (viii) Mahatma Gandhi Bunkar Bima Yojana, (ix) Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana, (x) Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atmanirbhar Nidhi PMSVANidhi, (xi) Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana among others.
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
EPFO has taken several steps to streamline the process of claim settlement. Some of these are as following:
For Auto mode processing of advance claims, the amount limit has been enhanced to Rupees One lakh. Further, in addition to illness / hospitalization advances, the advances for housing, education and marriage are also enabled for auto mode processing. Now, 60% of advance claims are processed are in auto mode.
The auto-mode claims are processed within three days.EPFO achieved a historic high of 2.16 crore auto-claims settlementas on 06.03.2025 during the current financial year, up from 89.52 lakh in FY 2023-24.
Member details correction process has been simplified, and members having Aadhaar-verified UANs can make corrections in their IDs themselves, without any EPFO interventions. At present, about 96% corrections are being done without any EPF office intervention.
Over 99.31% claims are now received in online mode, without any requirement to visit the field office. In FY 2024-25 as on 06.03.2025, 7.14 Crore claims have been filed in online mode.
In Transfer claim submission requests, the need for employer’s attestation of Aadhaar-verified UANs has been done away with. Now only 10% transfer claims require member and employer’s attestation.
The requirement for submitting a cheque-leaf with the claim form has also been relaxed for KYC-compliant UANs meeting prescribed criteria.
EPFO has also provided de-linking facilities to the members, whose EPF accounts have been erroneously/fraudulently linked by the establishments. Since its launch on 18.01.2025, more than 55,000 members have de-linked their accounts till the end of February, 2025.
Certain upfront validations have been developed to guide members about eligibility /admissibility of claims so as to ensure that members do not file ineligible claims
The claim settlement process is being further simplified with Centralization of member databases under Centralized IT Enabled System (CITES 2.01).
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, is on an Official Visit to India on 16-20 March 2025. Prime Minister Luxon, who is on his first visit to India in his current capacity, is visiting New Delhi and Mumbai, and is accompanied by Hon. Louise Upston, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Hon. Mark Mitchell, Minister for Ethnic Communities, and Sport and Recreation, and Hon. Todd McClay, Minister for Trade and Investment, Agriculture, and Forestry, and a high-level delegation comprising of officials, and representatives of businesses, community diaspora, media and cultural groups.
Prime Minister Luxon was accorded a warm and traditional welcome in New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Luxon. Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue on 17 March 2025 in New Delhi with Prime Minister Luxon as the Chief Guest delivering the Inaugural Keynote Address. The Prime Minister laid a wreath at Raj Ghat Mahatma Gandhi Memorial and also called on President Droupadi Murmu.
The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their shared desire to further strengthen the growing bilateral relationship between India and New Zealand which is anchored in shared democratic values and robust people-to-people ties. Both leaders recognized that there remains significant potential for further growth in the bilateral relationship and agreed to cooperate closely in diverse areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, education and research, science and technology, agri-tech, space, mobility of people and sports.
The Prime Ministers exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest and agreed to strengthen multilateral cooperation. The Prime Ministers recognised that we face an increasingly uncertain and dangerous world. They noted that, as maritime nations, India and New Zealand have a strong and common interest in an open, inclusive, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific, where the rules-based international order is upheld.
The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the right of freedom of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the seas in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the need to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS.
The Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the strong connections between the people of the two countries, with Indian-origin people making up almost six percent of New Zealand’s population. They appreciated the significant contribution of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand and their positive role in facilitating people-to-people ties between the two countries. Both leaders agreed on the significance of ensuring the safety and security of the Indian community, including students, in New Zealand, and of New Zealanders in India and visitors to India.
Cooperation in trade, investment and financial matters:
The Prime Ministers welcomed sustained trade and investment flows between India and New Zealand and called for further exploring the potential to expand bilateral trade. They encouraged businesses on both sides to cultivate links; explore emerging economic and investment opportunities to build upon the complementarities of the two economies.
The Leaders called for greater two-way investment, reflective of the ongoing strong momentum in bilateral cooperation.
The Prime Ministers agreed to enhance the trade and investment relationship between India and New Zealand to realise its untapped potential and to contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The Prime Ministers welcomed the launch of FTA negotiations for a balanced, ambitious, comprehensive, and mutually beneficial trade agreement to achieve deeper economic integration. The Leaders agreed that a comprehensive trade agreement offers a significant opportunity to enhance trade and economic cooperation. By leveraging each country’s strengths, addressing their respective concerns, and tackling challenges, a bilateral trade agreement can foster mutually beneficial trade and investment growth, ensuring equitable gains and complementarities for both sides. The Leaders committed to designate senior representatives to steer these negotiations to resolution as soon as reasonably possible.
Within the context of FTA negotiations, the Leaders agreed to discussions between respective authorities on both sides to explore early implementation of cooperation in the digital payments sector.
The Prime Ministers welcomed the signing of the Authorized Economic Operators Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA) under the aegis of the Customs Cooperation Arrangement (CCA) signed in 2024, which would facilitate easier movement of goods between the two countries by our respective trusted traders through close cooperation between customs authorities, thereby boosting bilateral trade.
The Leaders welcomed new cooperation on horticulture and forestry, including: the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Horticulture which would enhance bilateral cooperation by promoting knowledge and research exchanges, development of post-harvest and marketing infrastructure; and the signing of a Letter of Intent on Forestry Cooperation that encourages policy dialogues and technical exchanges.
The Leaders recognized the positive role played by tourism in generating economic growth, increasing business engagements and generating greater understanding between people of the two countries. They welcomed the growing flows of tourists between India and New Zealand. They appreciated the update to the India-New Zealand Air Services Agreement and agreed to encourage their carriers for commencement of direct (non-stop) flight operations between the two countries.
Political, defence and security cooperation:
The Prime Ministers recognised the significance of parliamentary exchanges and encouraged regular visits of parliamentary delegations between the two countries.
The Prime Ministers acknowledged the shared history of sacrifice of Indian and New Zealand service personnel who fought and served alongside one another around the world over the past century.
The Prime Ministers welcomed sustained progress in defence engagements, including through participation in military exercises, staff college exchanges, regular port calls by naval ships, and exchange of high-level defence delegations. They recalled that the Indian Naval sailing vessel Tarini made a port call at Lyttelton, Christchurch, New Zealand in December 2024. They also referred to the upcoming port call in Mumbai by the Royal New Zealand Navy Ship HMNZS Te Kaha.
Both Leaders welcomed the signing of the India-New Zealand Memorandum of Understanding for Defence Cooperation. This will further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation and establish regular bilateral defence engagement. Both sides noted the need for ensuring the safety and security of sea lanes of communication and agreed there needs to be regular dialogue to discuss enhancement of maritime safety.
New Zealand welcomed India joining the Combined Maritimes Forces. Both Leaders welcomed advancement in defence ties during New Zealand command of Command Task Force 150.
Both Leaders appreciated the regular training exchanges of officers, including at Defence Colleges on reciprocal basis. Both sides agreed for enhanced capacity building cooperation.
Prime Minister Luxon expressed New Zealand’s interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI). Prime Minister Modi welcomed New Zealand into this partnership with like-minded countries which seek to manage, conserve and sustain the maritime domain. Further cooperation as maritime nations is also being explored between India and New Zealand with discussions taking place between experts on the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) which is being established at Lothal, Gujarat.
Cooperation in science & technology and disaster management:
The two Leaders noted the significance of research, scientific connections, technology partnerships and innovation as an important pillar of the bilateral partnership and called for exploring such opportunities in mutual interest. Both sides stressed the need for stronger collaboration to develop and commercialize technologies in identified areas through closer collaboration between businesses, and industries.
The two sides recognized the challenges for their economies presented by climate change and the transition to low emissions climate resilient economies. Prime Minister Luxon welcomed India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and reiterated New Zealand’s strong support as a member since 2024. Prime Minister Modi welcomed New Zealand joining the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which aims at making systems and infrastructure resilient in order to achieve the objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Climate Agreement and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The two Leaders welcomed work towards a Memorandum of Cooperation on earthquake mitigation cooperation between relevant authorities of India and New Zealand, which would facilitate inter alia exchange of experiences in earthquake preparedness, emergency response mechanism, and capacity building.
Education, mobility, sports and people to people ties:
Both Prime Ministers agreed that there exists great potential to further strengthen the growing education and community links between India and New Zealand. They encouraged academic institutions of both countries to build future-oriented partnerships focused on areas of mutual interest including in areas of science, innovation, new and emerging technologies.
The Leaders encouraged the creation of further opportunities for Indian students seeking quality education programmes in New Zealand. They noted the significance of skill development and mobility of skilled personnel to support expanded engagement in sectors, including science, innovation, and new and emerging technologies. The two Leaders agreed, within the context of the trade agreement negotiations, which the Leaders have agreed to launch, to also launch negotiations on an arrangement facilitating the mobility of professionals and skilled workers between the two countries, while also addressing the issue of irregular migration.
The Leaders welcomed the signature of the refreshed Education Cooperation Arrangement between the Indian Ministry of Education and the New Zealand Ministry of Education. This Arrangement will facilitate the continued exchange of information on India’s and New Zealand’s respective education systems as the basis for strengthening the bilateral education relationship.
The Leaders noted that India and New Zealand enjoy close sporting links, particularly in cricket, hockey and other Olympic sports. They welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation on Sports to foster greater sporting engagement and collaboration between countries. They also welcomed the “Sporting Unity” events planned in 2026, to recognise and celebrate 100 years of sporting contact between India and New Zealand.
The Prime Ministers acknowledged the importance of robust systems of traditional medicine in India and New Zealand, and welcomed discussions between experts, including science and research experts, on both sides to understand and explore possible areas of cooperation, including through sharing of information and best practices and visits of experts.
Both Prime Ministers noted the growing interest among New Zealanders in Yoga and Indian music and dance, as well as the free observance of Indian festivals. They encouraged further promotion of bilateral ties including through music, dance, theatre, films, and festivals.
Cooperation in regional and multilateral fora:
Both Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to supporting an open, inclusive, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific where sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected.
The Leaders noted cooperation between India and New Zealand in various regional fora, including ASEAN-led fora such as the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus and the ASEAN Regional Forum. The Leaders reaffirmed the importance of these regional bodies and ASEAN centrality for furthering security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and emphasised the importance of all parties maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Both Leaders emphasized on the importance of an effective multilateral system, centered on a United Nations that is reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global challenges. The two sides stressed the need for UN reforms, including of the Security Council through expansion in its membership, to make it more representative, credible and effective. New Zealand endorsed India’s candidature for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council. The two sides agreed to explore the possibility of extending mutual support to each other’s candidatures at the multilateral fora.
Both Leaders emphasized the importance of upholding the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, and acknowledged the value of India joining the Nuclear Suppliers Group in context of predictability for India’s clean energy goals and its non-proliferation credentials.
Both Leaders reaffirmed their firm support for peace and stability in the Middle East and welcomed the agreement for the release of hostages and ceasefire of January 2025. They reiterated their call for continued negotiations to secure a permanent peace, which includes the release of all hostages and the rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza. Both Leaders stressed the importance of a negotiated two-State solution, leading to the establishment of a sovereign, viable and independent state of Palestine, and living within secure and mutually recognized borders, side by side in peace and security with Israel.
The Leaders exchanged views on the war in Ukraine and expressed support for a just and lasting peace based on respect for international law, principles of the UN charter, and territorial integrity and sovereignty.
The two Leaders reiterated their absolute condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and the use of terrorist proxies in cross-border terrorism. Both stressed the urgent need for all countries to take immediate, sustained, measurable, and concrete action against UN-proscribed terrorist organizations and individuals. They called for disrupting of terrorism financing networks and safe havens, dismantling of terror infrastructure, including online, and bringing perpetrators of terrorism to justice swiftly. The two leaders agreed to cooperate in combating terrorism and violent extremism through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the progress in ongoing bilateral cooperation and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen and deepen the bilateral partnership for mutual benefit as well as for the benefit of the Indo-Pacific Region. They called for exploring the potential to deepen bilateral engagement and explore new avenues of cooperation, including in the fields of green and agriculture technologies.
Prime Minister Luxon thanked Prime Minister Modi and the Government and the people of India for the warmth and hospitality extended to him and to the members of his delegation during his Official Visit to India. Prime Minister Luxon invited Prime Minister Modi to undertake a reciprocal visit to New Zealand.