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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: FLUORIDE AND ARSENIC FREE DRINKING WATER UNDER JJM

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:06PM by PIB Delhi

    The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal, is being implemented since August, 2019, in partnership with States/ UTs including Rajasthan, 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 benchmark 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 & Maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, is vested with State/UT Governments. The Government of India support the State/ UTs by providing technical and financial assistance including the State of Rajasthan.

    • As reported by States on JJM-IMIS, since the inception of JJM, about 7,746 fluoride affected, and 13,706 Arsenic affected habitations which have been reported to be covered with piped water supply schemes as on date.
    • Out of these 7,746 fluoride affected habitations in the country, 4,177 fluoride affected habitations were from the State of Rajasthan.
       
    • Out of these 4,177 fluoride affected habitations in Rajasthan, 480 and 92 habitations were from Jalore and Sirohi district respectively which are now reported by the State Government to have been covered through JJM piped water supply schemes.

    Further, as on date, there are 250 Fluoride and 314 Arsenic affected rural habitations remaining in the country where the piped water supply schemes compliant to JJM standards are yet to be commissioned. However, all these habitations (250 for Fluoride and 314 for Arsenic) have been provided with safe drinking water through community based water purification plants purely as an interim measure to provide potable water to every household at the rate of 8–10 litre per capita per day (lpcd) for drinking and cooking requirements.

    • The State of Rajasthan has reported that its 80 remaining Fluoride affected habitations (out of 250 remaining fluoride affected habitations in the country) have been provided with safe drinking water through CWPPs/ IHPs as well.
    • As reported by Rajasthan in JJM-IMIS, as on date, there are no Arsenic affected habitation in the State of Rajasthan. Thus, all habitations in rural area of the country are provided safe drinking water free from Fluoride and Arsenic contamination.

    Under JJM, while planning water supply schemes to provide tap water supply to households, priority is given to habitations affected by chemical contaminants including Fluoride and Arsenic.  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. The Department has developed a web based integrated management information system (JJM-IMIS) to capture and monitor the data of water quality affected habitations, where States/UTs provide status of habitation that have contamination in their drinking water sources.

    As per the Operational Guidelines, States/ UTs can utilize up to 2% of their annual allocation of funds under JJM for Water Quality Monitoring & Surveillance (WQM&S) activities, inter-alia, which includes setting up and strengthening of water quality testing laboratories, procurement of equipment, instruments, chemicals, glassware, consumables, hiring of skilled manpower, surveillance by community using field test kits (FTKs), awareness generation, educational programmes on water quality, accreditation/recognition of laboratories, etc.

    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 on JJM Dashboard and can also be accessed at: https://ejalshakti.gov.in/WQMIS/Main/report

    A ‘Citizen Corner’ was also developed on the JJM Dashboard. The corner included display of water quality test results in the public domain to further create awareness and build confidence among people about the quality of water supplies through the PWS in rural areas.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q5306)

    (Release ID: 2118250) Visitor Counter : 40

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MD reminds high-speed craft passengers to fasten seat belts (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    MD reminds high-speed craft passengers to fasten seat belts  
         The MD has set up a large backdrop of a beautiful Hong Kong scene and installed genuine cabin seats at the waiting lounge of the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan for passengers to try out fastened seat belts as if they are on board a high-speed craft and take photos. MD officers will also distribute promotional leaflets and souvenirs to passengers in the waiting lounge, and remind them to fasten their seat belts duly to ensure a safe sea journey.
     
         A spokesperson for the MD said that the slogan of the campaign, “Have a Safe and Happy Journey with Your Seat Belt Fastened”, aims to remind passengers on high-speed craft plying between Hong Kong and Macau to pay attention to the master’s announcement during the voyage. When the master gives such an instruction, passengers should fasten their seat belts to ensure a safe journey.
     
         The MD will continue to distribute promotional leaflets at waiting lounges and display publicity materials such as posters at eye-catching spots in the two cross-boundary ferry terminals. Moreover, the MD will also disseminate relevant messages through different channels to enhance passenger awareness of fastening seat belts on high-speed craft plying between the two places.
    Issued at HKT 17:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 12,49,496 and 1,26,966 legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities during the year 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 (upto December 2024)

    Source: Government of India

    12,49,496 and 1,26,966 legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities during the year 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 (upto December 2024)

    Legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities attended by around 13.93 crore and 3.06 crore persons respectively

    Legal Aid System

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:05PM by PIB Delhi

    National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities (LSA) Act, 1987 to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society including beneficiaries covered under Section 12 of the LSA Act, 1987. This Act ensures that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities, and to organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes. In addition, NALSA has also formulated various schemes for the implementation of preventive and strategic legal service programmes, which are implemented by the Legal Services Authorities at various levels i.e. State, District and Taluka level. During last three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25 (upto December 2024), 39.44 lakhs persons have been provided with free legal services.

    Government is also implementing a Central Sector Scheme named “Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India” (DISHA) for a period of five years (2021-2026), at an outlay of Rs. 250 crores. The DISHA scheme aims to provide easy, accessible, affordable and citizen-centric delivery of legal services through the Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) and Legal Literacy and Legal awareness programme. Under the DISHA scheme, Tele- Law connects citizens with the lawyers through mobile app “Tele- Law” and Toll-Free number for rendering pre-litigation advice; Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono services) facilitates registered beneficiaries to avail pro bono legal representation in courts and under the Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme, citizens are empowered to know, understand and avail their legal rights, duties and entitlements. Till 28th February 2025, DISHA scheme through its various programmes has covered approximately 2.10 crore beneficiaries in the country.

    The Government of India is implementing another Central Sector Scheme namely; Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) Scheme through NALSA. LADCS Scheme aims to provide legal aid with regard to criminal cases only to the beneficiaries eligible for legal aid under Section 12 of the LSA Act, 1987. The approved financial outlay of LADCS scheme is Rs. 998.43 crore for 3 years (F.Y. 2023-24 to F.Y. 2025-26). As on 30th December 2024, LADC offices are functional in 654 districts across the country and has engaged 5251 staff including 3448 Defense Counsels. During the year 2024-25 (upto December, 2024), LADCS offices dealt more than 3.95 lakh criminal cases.

    Legal awareness programmes are held across the country by Legal Service Authorities on various laws and schemes relating to children, labourers, victims of disaster, SC and ST, persons suffering from disability, etc. Legal Services Authorities also prepare booklets and pamphlets in simple language on various laws and are distributed amongst the people. 12,49,496 and 1,26,966 legal awareness camps and programs organized by Legal Service Authorities during the year 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25 (upto December 2024) which were attended by around 13.93 crore and 3.06 crore persons respectively.

    This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram  Meghwal in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

    *****

    Samrat/Allen

    (Release ID: 2118245) Visitor Counter : 51

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPLEMENTATION OF JAL JEEVAN MISSION

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:05PM by PIB Delhi

    Government of India had launched Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a centrally sponsored scheme in August 2019, aiming at providing Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household by 2024.

    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 31.03.2025, under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) – Har Ghar Jal around 12.34 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections. Thus, as on 31.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.57 Crore (80.38%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes. State/ UT-wise details are below.

    To achieve 100 per cent coverage through continued implementation of mission with focus on quality of infrastructure and Operation & Maintenance of rural piped water supply schemes for long term sustainability and citizen centric water service delivery, Hon’ble Finance Minister during her budget speech 2025-26 has announced extension of Jal Jeevan Mission until 2028 with enhanced total outlay.

    Drinking Water is a State subject, as such planning, approval, implementation, operation and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, lies with State governments. Government of India supplements the efforts of the States by providing technical and financial assistance. Moreover, in respect of State/ UT-wise details of action initiated, specific complaints are sent to the concerned States/UTs and appropriate action are taken by them. Further, through operational guidelines of the Mission, States have been advised to incorporate requisite penalty clauses in the contract documents so as to disincentivize the agencies to avoid delay in implementation.

    JJM: State/ UT-wise status of tap water connections in rural households as on 31.03.2025

     (Number in lakhs)

    S. No.

    State/ UT

    Total rural HHs

    Rural HHs with tap water supply as on 15.8.2019

    Rural HHs given tap water connections since 15.8.2019

    Rural HHs with tap water connection as on date

    No.

    %

    No.

    %

    No.

    %

    1.

    A & N Islands

    0.62

    0.29

    46.02

     0.33

     53.98

     0.62

    100.00 100.00

    2.

    Arunachal Pr.

    2.29

    0.23

    9.97

     2.06

     90.03

     2.29

    100.00

    3.

    DNH & DD

    0.85

    0.00

    0.00

     0.85

     100.00

     0.85

    100.00

    4.

    Goa

    2.64

    1.99

    75.44

     0.65

     24.56

     2.64

    100.00

    5.

    Gujarat

    91.18

    65.16

    71.46

     26.02

     28.54

     91.18

    100.00

    6.

    Haryana

    30.41

    17.66

    58.08

     12.75

     41.92

     30.41

    100.00

    7.

    Himachal Pr.

    17.09

    7.63

    44.64

     9.46

     55.36

     17.09

    100.00

    8.

    Mizoram

    1.33

    0.09

    6.91

     1.24

     93.09

     1.33

    100.00

    9.

    Puducherry

    1.15

    0.94

    81.33

     0.21

     18.67

     1.15

    100.00

    10.

    Punjab

    34.27

    16.79

    48.98

     17.48

     51.02

     34.27

    100.00

    11.

    Telangana

    53.98

    15.68

    29.05

     38.30

     70.95

     53.98

    100.00

    12.

    Uttarakhand

    14.50

    1.30

    8.99

     12.83

     88.46

     14.13

     97.45

    13.

    Ladakh

    0.41

    0.01

    3.48

     0.38

     93.30

     0.39

     96.77

    14.

    Bihar

    167.55

    3.16

    1.89

     157.19

     93.82

     160.36

     95.71

    15.

    Nagaland

    3.64

    0.14

    3.82

     3.24

     88.95

     3.37

     92.76

    16.

    Lakshadweep

    0.13

    		  

    0.00

     0.12

     91.41

     0.12

     91.41

    17.

    Sikkim

    1.33

    0.70

    52.96

     0.51

     38.32

     1.21

     91.28

    18.

    Maharashtra

    146.79

    48.44

    33.00

     82.76

     56.38

     131.20

     89.38

    19.

    Uttar Pr.

    267.22

    5.16

    1.93

     232.72

     87.09

     237.89

     89.03

    20.

    Tamil Nadu

    125.27

    21.76

    17.37

     89.29

     71.27

     111.05

     88.64

    21.

    Tripura

    7.51

    0.25

    3.26

     6.18

     82.30

     6.42

     85.56

    22.

    Karnataka

    101.31

    24.51

    24.20

     60.73

     59.95

     85.25

     84.15

    23.

    Meghalaya

    6.51

    0.05

    0.70

     5.30

     81.41

     5.34

     82.11

    24.

    Assam

    72.25

    1.11

    1.54

     57.77

     79.95

     58.88

     81.49

    25.

    J & K

    19.21

    5.75

    29.95

     9.85

     51.27

     15.60

     81.22

    26.

    Chhattisgarh

    50.01

    3.20

    6.39

     37.20

     74.39

     40.40

     80.78

    27.

    Manipur

    4.52

    0.26

    5.74

     3.34

     73.85

     3.59

     79.59

    28.

    Odisha

    88.69

    3.11

    3.50

     64.85

     73.11

     67.96

     76.62

    29.

    Andhra Pr.

    95.53

    30.74

    32.18

     39.78

     41.64

     70.52

     73.82

    30.

    Madhya Pr.

    111.79

    13.53

    12.10

     63.38

     56.69

     76.91

     68.80

    31.

    Rajasthan

    107.74

    11.74

    10.90

     48.72

     45.22

     60.46

     56.12

    32.

    West Bengal

    175.56

    2.15

    1.22

     94.76

     53.97

     96.91

     55.20

    33.

    Jharkhand

    62.55

    3.45

    5.52

     30.86

     49.33

     34.31

     54.85

    34.

    Kerala

    70.77

    16.64

    23.51

     21.91

     30.96

     38.56

     54.48

    Total

    19,36.61

     3,23.63

    16.71

     12,33.02

     63.67

     15,56.65

     80.38

    Source: JJM – IMIS                              HH: Households

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q5327)

    (Release ID: 2118247) Visitor Counter : 38

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Supreme Court is collaborating with the High Courts in translation of e-SCR Judgements in 18 vernacular languages

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi

    The Supreme Court is collaborating with the High Courts in translation of e-SCR Judgements in 18 vernacular languages. The Chief Justice of India has constituted the Artificial Intelligence Assisted Legal Translation Advisory Committee, headed by a Judge of the Supreme Court of India to monitor the translation of Supreme Court Reportable Judgements (e-SCR) into vernacular languages by using Artificial Intelligence Tools. A similar Committee has been constituted in all the High Courts, headed by a Judge of the respective High Courts.

    The Artificial Intelligence Committee of the Supreme Court has been convening frequent meetings with the Artificial Intelligence Committee of the High Courts and giving directions/ suggestions for translation of Supreme Court and High Court Judgements in vernacular language by using Artificial Intelligence Tools. The Artificial Intelligence Committee of the High Courts, Law Secretary, Advocate General, the Secretary in-charge of translation department in the State have been requested to take steps for appointment of translators in every High Court for translation of Supreme Court Reportable Judgements (e-SCR) as well as the High Court judgements into vernacular/ local language of that state.

    As on 28.03.2025, 36344 Supreme Court Judgments have been translated

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SAFE AND PURE WATER IN RURAL AREAS

    Source: Government of India

    Ministry of Jal Shakti

    PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SAFE AND PURE WATER IN RURAL AREAS

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi

    Drinking water is a State subject. The power to plan, design, approve and implement drinking water supply schemes/projects lies with State Government. Government of India supplements the efforts of the States by providing technical and financial assistance.

    Towards this end, Government of India in partnership with States/UTs including Maharashtra, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) since August, 2019, to make provision of tap water supply in adequate quantity (minimum 55 lpcd), of prescribed quality (BIS:10500) and on regular and long-term basis, to every rural household in the country.

    Significant progress has been made in the country since the launch of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), towards enhancing access to tap water to rural households. At the start of Jal Jeevan Mission in August 2019, only 3.23 Crore (~17%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections. So far, as reported by States/ UTs as on 31.03.2025, around 12.33 Crore additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM. Thus, as on 31.03.2025, out of 19.36 Crore rural households in the country, more than 15.56 Crore (80.38%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes.

    Hon’ble Finance Minister during her budget speech 2025-26 has announced extension of Jal Jeevan Mission till 2028 with an enhanced total outlay focusing on the quality of infrastructure and O&M of rural piped water supply schemes through “Jan Bhagidhari”. Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) will be signed with States/UTs, to ensure sustainability and citizen-centric water service delivery.

    JJM is focused on ‘service delivery’ rather than mere water supply ‘infrastructure development’ which makes it distinct from earlier programmes. This Mission is a demand-driven, decentralized, community-managed programme. To expedite the planning and implementation, as well as monitoring and handhold States/ UTs, including Maharashtra, Government of India has taken number of steps 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. To bring transparency and effective monitoring, an online ‘JJM dashboard’ has been created, which provides State/ UT, district and village-wise progress as well as status of provision of tap water supply to rural homes.

    At the start of Jal Jeevan Mission in August 2019, 48.44 lakh (33%) rural households were reported to have tap water connections in Maharashtra. So far, as reported by the State as on 31.03.2025, around 82.76 lakh additional rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM during more than last five years. Thus, as on 31.03.2025, out of 146.79 lakh rural households in the Maharashtra, approximately 131.20 lakh (~89.38%) households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes.

    The district-wise number of households including those in Akola and Washim district, getting tap water supply in their homes under JJM since its inception in Maharashtra is at below.

    S.No.

    District

    Total Rural household

    Rural HHs with tap water supply as on 15.8.2019

    Rural HHs with tap water connection as on 31.03.2025

     

     

     

    No.

    %

    No.

    %

    1

    Ahmednagar

    7,99,754

    97,417

    12.18

    7,18,167

    89.80

    2

    Akola

    2,48,458

    62,828

    25.29

    2,18,710

    88.03

    3

    Amravati

    4,32,311

    2,14,499

    49.48

    4,27,516

    98.89

    4

    Beed

    4,72,732

    82,249

    17.4

    3,64,679

    77.14

    5

    Bhandara

    2,56,684

    82,426

    32.11

    2,23,421

    87.04

    7

    Buldhana

    4,48,293

    1,93,121

    43.08

    4,25,184

    94.85

    8

    Chandrapur

    3,95,251

    94,069

    23.8

    3,57,691

    90.50

    9

    Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

    4,88,084

    2,06,238

    42.25

    4,21,516

    86.36

    10

    Dharashiv

    2,88,559

    1,17,555

    40.74

    2,52,534

    87.52

    11

    Dhule

    3,04,035

    1,93,790

    63.74

    3,02,827

    99.60

    12

    Gadchiroli

    2,42,119

    21,384

    8.83

    2,22,716

    91.99

    13

    Gondia

    3,07,730

    62,859

    20.43

    2,50,994

    81.56

    14

    Hingoli

    2,14,938

    37,291

    17.35

    1,77,927

    82.78

    15

    Jalgaon

    6,90,913

    3,97,945

    57.6

    6,90,783

    99.98

    16

    Jalna

    3,00,063

    1,68,567

    56.18

    2,99,846

    99.93

    17

    Kolhapur

    6,84,162

    3,07,469

    44.94

    6,81,440

    99.60

    19

    Latur

    3,74,582

    1,65,992

    44.31

    3,66,081

    97.73

    20

    Nagpur

    3,76,864

    1,36,511

    36.22

    3,67,229

    97.44

    21

    Nanded

    5,36,765

    92,718

    17.27

    4,83,062

    90.00

    22

    Nandurbar

    3,62,721

    52,665

    14.52

    2,29,690

    63.32

    23

    Nashik

    7,18,369

    1,71,350

    23.85

    6,69,085

    93.14

    24

    Palghar

    4,52,043

    41,349

    9.15

    3,15,797

    69.86

    25

    Parbhani

    2,99,744

    80,635

    26.9

    2,56,145

    85.45

    26

    Pune

    8,95,107

    3,42,698

    38.29

    7,64,668

    85.43

    27

    Raigad

    5,48,620

    2,70,053

    49.22

    4,91,903

    89.66

    28

    Ratnagiri

    4,48,354

    1,46,474

    32.67

    3,86,286

    86.16

    29

    Sangli

    4,59,048

    1,41,401

    30.8

    4,03,749

    87.95

    30

    Satara

    6,18,518

    2,87,355

    46.46

    5,70,642

    92.26

    31

    Sindhudurg

    1,93,373

    69,991

    36.19

    1,60,700

    83.10

    32

    Solapur

    5,77,245

    2,15,657

    37.36

    5,76,668

    99.90

    33

    Thane

    2,61,275

    66,075

    25.29

    1,93,897

    74.21

    34

    Wardha

    2,38,877

    1,08,263

    45.32

    2,34,906

    98.34

    35

    Washim

    2,20,115

    50,012

    22.72

    1,97,723

    89.83

    36

    Yavatmal

    5,22,884

    64,926

    12.42

    4,15,792

    79.52

     

    Total

    1,46,78,590

    48,43,832

    33

    1,31,19,974

    89.38

    Source: JJM – IMIS

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    DHANYA SANAL K

    (Lok Sabha US Q5390)

    (Release ID: 2118242)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Role of Cultural Heritage in Making a Viksit Bharat by 2047

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:10PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Culture aims to make India’s cultural sector a key pillar of the Viksit Bharat vision-an India that is economically advanced, socially cohesive, and globally respected for its cultural leadership, by leveraging its rich heritage, promoting inclusive participation, and driving innovation.

    The vision is built on a 5-pillar strategy to ensure that arts are integrated into India’s larger developmental agenda. This comprehensive approach will contribute significantly to the creation of a prosperous, inclusive, and culturally empowered society, thus making India a proud and globally influential nation by 2047. The strategic five pillars are as under:

    1. Preservation of Bharat’s 10,000+ Years of Cultural Heritage: This pillar is dedicated to safeguarding and conserving India’s vast and diverse cultural legacy. By preserving historical sites, indigenous arts, and traditional practices, the Ministry aims to ensure that future generations can engage with and learn from the country’s past. This focus on preservation will serve as the foundation for the development of India’s cultural industries.
    2. Democratize Access and Participation: One of the primary goals is to overcome barriers to access and participation in the cultural sector. The Ministry is committed to making arts and cultural activities more inclusive, ensuring that all citizens, irrespective of their social and economic backgrounds, can engage with and contribute to cultural development. This will encourage “Jan Bhagidhari” or people’s participation, which is crucial for the vibrant cultural landscape envisioned in the Viksit Bharat 2047 framework.
    3. Leverage Technology in Arts and Culture: Innovation and technology will play a significant role in both the preservation and promotion of India’s cultural heritage. Through digital platforms, virtual exhibitions, and interactive technologies, the Ministry aims to enhance access to Bharat’s cultural content globally, driving innovation in the ways heritage is experienced and shared. The integration of technology will also streamline the preservation process and offer new tools for creative expression in the arts.
    4. Promote Culture & Creative Economy: The vision emphasizes the need to establish India as a global leader in the cultural and creative economy. By leveraging India’s diverse & rich cultural wealth, Ministry of Culture seeks to expand the creative economy around built heritage and the cultural and creative industries—such as performing arts, visual arts, architecture and design, fairs and festivals, crafts, fashion and culinary heritage, into major drivers of economic growth. This will not only create jobs and boost local economies but also establish arts and culture as significant contributors to India’s soft power on the global stage.
    5. Position Bharat as a Global Cultural Power (Vishwabandhu): India’s arts and culture will be pivotal in strengthening its position as a “Vishwabandhu,” or global friend. The Ministry aims to use culture as a diplomatic tool for building global partnerships and enhancing India’s soft power. Focused efforts will be made to project India’s cultural narrative worldwide, fostering greater international recognition and influence. By doing so, India will maximize its impact on global cultural discourse and emerge as a leading cultural force.

    The vision is supported by an activity roadmap, a responsibility matrix and an action plan. These frameworks provide detailed timelines, specific targets, and clear divisions of responsibility for each action point. By aligning the efforts of the Ministry of Culture’s various organizations with this unified vision, India’s cultural sector will be better positioned to contribute to the economic and social development goals set for 2047.

    As part of the Viksit Bharat Vision 2047, the strategy adopted by Ministry of Culture to integrate technology and digital platforms to enhance global outreach of India’s cultural and heritage sites, includes, leveraging technology in preservation and restoration of cultural assets, developing a digital repository for Bharat’s tangible and intangible heritage, transforming visitor engagement at cultural institutions, integrating technology to enhance operational efficiency across Ministry of Culture organizations and addressing regulatory challenges to make Bharat a pioneer in tech-laws.

    The Ministry of Culture is consistently taking innovative steps and aligning the existing schemes towards the achievement of Viksit Bharat 2047 Vision. The latest such initiative is the establishment of 20 Kalagrams across the country to replicate the success of Kalagram established by the Ministry of Culture at Prayagraj during the Mahakumbh Mela- 2025. These Kalagrams will serve as vibrant cultural spaces, creating opportunities for artists, craftsmen, performing artists, fostering cultural exchange and promoting age old traditions of Kala, Sanskriti and Parampara while acting as hubs of Creative Economy.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2118258) Visitor Counter : 24

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: During last three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25 (upto December 2024), 39.44 lakhs persons have been provided with free legal services

    Source: Government of India

    During last three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25 (upto December 2024), 39.44 lakhs persons have been provided with free legal services

    Government implementing a Central Sector Scheme named “Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India” (DISHA) for a period of five years (2021-2026) for Rs. 250 crores

    Government of India is implementing Central Sector Scheme Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) Scheme through National Legal Services Authority

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:02PM by PIB Delhi

    The Legislative Department is mandated with drafting of laws on the basis of the policy decision taken by the concerned administrative Ministries/Department of the Government of India and as per the procedure prescribed by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs in the Manual of Parliamentary Procedure in the Government of India. The Legislative Department has been taking necessary steps to ensure that legislative drafting is simple, plain, precise and unambiguous. The Institute of Legislative Drafting and Research offers training in legislative drafting with the focus on drafting the legislations in simple/plain language to make it accessible for the general public.

    As part of the resolve of the Government of India to reduce such compliance burden, bring reforms in the legal system and make it more accessible to the common man, so far, a total number of 1562 obsolete and redundant laws have been repealed through various Repealing and Amending Acts.                        

    The Law Commission of India has also been mandated to review and suggest reforms in the laws of the country. As per notification dated 02.09.2024 the   Twenty-third Law Commission of India was constituted with the mandate, inter-alia to identify laws which are no longer needed or relevant and can be immediately repealed, examine the existing laws for promoting gender equality and suggesting amendments thereto and revise the Central Acts of general importance so as to simplify them and to remove anomalies, ambiguities and inequities.

    The National Legal Services Authority was constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of the society including beneficiaries covered under section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. This Act ensures that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reason of economic or other disabilities, and to organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes. In addition, National Legal Services Authority has also formulated various schemes for the implementation of preventive and strategic legal service programmes, which are implemented by the Legal Services Authorities at various levels i.e. State, District and Taluka level.  During last three years from 2022-23 to 2024-25 (upto December 2024), 39.44 lakhs persons have been provided with free legal services.

    Government is also implementing a Central Sector Scheme named “Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice in India” (DISHA) for a period of five years (2021-2026), at an outlay of Rs. 250 crores.

    The DISHA scheme aims to provide easy, accessible, affordable and citizen-centric delivery of legal services through the Tele-Law, Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono Legal Services) and Legal Literacy and Legal awareness programme. Under the DISHA scheme, Tele-Law connects citizens with the lawyers through mobile app “Tele-Law” and Toll-Free number for rendering pre-litigation advice; Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono services) facilitates registered beneficiaries to avail pro bono legal representation in courts and under the Legal Literacy and Legal Awareness Programme, citizens are empowered to know, understand and avail their legal rights, duties and entitlements. Till 28th February 2025, DISHA scheme through its various programmes has covered approximately 2.10 crore beneficiaries in the country.

    The Government of India is implementing another Central Sector Scheme that is the Legal Aid Defense Counsel System (LADCS) Scheme through National Legal Services Authority. LADCS Scheme aims to provide legal aid with regard to criminal cases only to the beneficiaries eligible for legal aid under section 12 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. The approved financial outlay of LADCS scheme is Rs. 998.43 crore for 3 years (F.Y. 2023-24 to F.Y. 2025-26). As on 30th December 2024, LADC offices are functional in 654 districts across the country and has engaged 5251 staff including 3448 Defense Counsels. During the year 2024-25 (upto December, 2024), LADCS offices dealt more than 3.95 lakh criminal cases.

    Lok Adalats are organised by Legal Services Institutions at such intervals as it deems fit, in order to reduce the pendency of cases in courts and also to settle the disputes at pre-litigation stage. Lok Adalats are one of the effective modes of Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism in reducing the burden on the courts, which have received positive response from the public.

    There are three types of Lok Adalats namely State Lok Adalats, National Lok Adalats and Permanent Lok Adalats.

    1.  State Lok Adalats are organized by the Legal Services Authorities/Committees as per the local conditions and needs, for settlement of both pre-litigation and post-litigation cases.
    2.  National Lok Adalats are conducted quarterly for settlement of cases (both pre-litigation and post-litigation) in all the courts from the Supreme Court of India to the Taluk Courts on a single day.  Every year, National Legal Services Authority issues calendar for organising National Lok Adalats. During the year 2025, National Lok Adalats are scheduled to be held on 8th March, 10th May, 13th September and 13th December.
    3.  Permanent Lok Adalats are permanent establishments set up in most of the districts to provide compulsory pre-litigative mechanism for settlement of disputes related to Public Utility Services.

    This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Law and Justice and Minister of State in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

    *********

    Samrat/Allen

    (Release ID: 2118238) Visitor Counter : 55

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cultural Diplomacy for Global Branding as Part of Vikshit Bharat

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:09PM by PIB Delhi

    Ministry of Culture implements “Global Engagement Scheme” to promote India’s rich cultural heritage internationally and enhance India’s global image. The key Scheme objective include strengthening cultural ties with foreign nations, promoting bilateral cultural contacts, projecting India’s cultural identity on the world stage and encouraging inbound tourism.

    The Global Engagement Scheme is administered through Indian Missions abroad to achieve its objective through following components:

    1. Festival of India-The artists practicing Indian art forms, are given opportunity to perform abroad under the banner of ‘Festival of India’. The artists from diverse cultural fields such as Folk Art including Folk Music, Folk Dance, Folk Theatre & Puppetry, Classical and Traditional Dance, Experimental/Contemporary Dance, Classical/Semi Classical Music, Theatre etc. perform in the ‘Festivals of India’ abroad.
    2. Grant in aid to Indo Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies: Grant in aid is released to Indo Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies actively functioning in foreign counties through our Indian Missions with the object of fostering closer friendship and cultural contacts between India and foreign country concerned.

    The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), an autonomous organization under Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), promotes Indian culture worldwide through Missions / Posts and its Cultural Centres abroad. Activities conducted by them include inter-alia, teaching of Yoga, Dance, Music (vocal and instrumental), Sanskrit and Hindi; organising/supporting Conferences/ Seminars/ Workshops in different fields of Indian culture; supporting Chairs of Indian Studies in foreign universities; gifting of busts/statues of Mahatma Gandhi and other national icons, exchanging visual arts exhibitions, celebrating International Day of Yoga and Indian festivals, hosting visitors under various Visitors Programmes (Academic/ Distinguished / Important/ Gen.Next Democracy Network); and sponsoring scholarships to foreign students under different scholarship schemes. ICCR has also concluded MoUs with various State Governments to promote their culture abroad and to facilitate cultural exchanges with foreign countries. ICCR also hosts incoming foreign cultural troupes to enable Indians to discover various foreign cultures.

    In addition to this, India actively engages in multilateral platforms all over the world to collaborate with other nations on a range of global issues and strengthen its position on the world stage. Since 2020 India engaged in following activities to showcase and promote Indian culture.

    • During India’s BRICS Presidency Ministry of Culture hosted BRICS Culture Senior Officers’ Meeting and VI BRICS Culture Ministers’ Meeting virtually in July 2021;
    • During India’s Presidency of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Ministry of Culture hosted the Conference on Shared Buddhist Heritage of SCO Member States under India’s presidency in March, 2023.
    • Ministry of Culture hosted the 20th SCO Culture Ministers’ Meeting under India’s presidency in April, 2023.
    • Ministry of Culture hosted the 1st India-Central Asia Culture Ministers Meeting (CMM) in April 2023 to enhance bilateral cultural relations;
    • During India’s G20 Presidency, Ministry of Culture hosted G20 Culture Working Group Meeting (CWG) & Culture Minister’s Meeting (CMM) in 2023 in Khajuraho, Bhubaneswar, Hampi and Varanasi;

    The G20 Culture Working Group came out with an Outcome Document titled the ‘Kashi Culture Pathway’ which advocated for advancing “culture as a standalone goal” in the post-2030 development agenda. This was further unanimously endorsed in the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration marked a historic milestone.

    Various collaborative international cultural projects were undertaken by Ministry of Culture to showcase Indian culture to the participants from G20 countries- Four Global Thematic Webinars; Exhibitions – Re(ad)dress: Return of Treasures in Khajuraho; Sustain: The Craft Idiom, in Bhubaneswar; Woven Narratives, in Hampi; G20 Art Project – Together We Art; G20 Anthology of Poetry – Under the Same Sky and Culture Unites All Campaign; G20 Orchestra- Sur Vasudha. The Exhibitions G20 Digital Museum (Culture Corridor) and Exhibition- Routes and Roots were organized on the sidelines of G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi.

    India is member state of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and is a part of several important cultural conventions of UNESCO such as 1972 Convention on World Heritage, 2003 Convention for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), Memory of the World (MOW) Programme.  India is also a member of Inter-Governmental Organizations like International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) among others.

    The Ministry of Culture interacts with the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of External Affairs to leverage the power of India’s Culture and Heritage as a driver of tourism, economic development and soft power.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2118256) Visitor Counter : 20

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PIPED WATER SUPPLY IN WATER-STRESSED CITIES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Drinking water is a State subject. The power to plan, design, approve and implement drinking water supply schemes/projects lies with State Government. Government of India supplements the efforts of the States by providing technical and financial assistance.

    Towards this end, Government of India in partnership with States/UTs including Maharashtra, is implementing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) since August, 2019, to make provision of tap water supply in adequate quantity (minimum 55 lpcd), of prescribed quality (BIS:10500) and on regular and long-term basis, to every rural household in the country.

    As informed by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), several steps have been taken towards sustainable management of water in urban areas through issuance of various guidelines and implementation of National Missions such as Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) & AMRUT 2.0.

    Under AMRUT Mission in Maharashtra, 43 water supply projects worth ₹4,446.06 crore have been grounded. Under AMRUT Mission and in convergence with the State 11.73 lakh water tap connections (new/ serviced) have been provided and 445.7 MLD Water treatment capacity has been created in the State.

    Under AMRUT and in convergence one desalination plant worth 985 crore (including Operation & Maintenance) has been commissioned/ completed in Tamil Nadu. For waste water treatment and recycling, 890 sewerage/septage management projects worth ₹34,505 crore have been taken up under AMRUT. 4,447 MLD sewage treatment plant capacity has been created and 1,437 MLD sewage treatment plant capacity has been developed for recycle/reuse.

    Under AMRUT 2.0. State Water Action Plans submitted by States/UTs have been approved for 592 sewerage/septage management projects worth ₹67,607.67 crore covering total Sewage treatment capacity of 6,739 MLD & 2089 MLD sewage treatment capacity for recycle/reuse.

    MoHUA has issued Urban and Regional Development Plan Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines, 2014

    (https://mohua.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/URDPFI%20Guidelines% 20Vol%20I(2).pdf).

    The Chapter – 6 “Sustainability Guidelines” of URDPFI guidelines 2014 deals with various aspects of rain water harvesting.

    Ministry has also issued Model Building Bye-laws (MBBL) – 2016 (https://mohua.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/MBBL.pdf), in which Chapter-9 deals with provisions of rainwater harvesting for adoption by the States.

    This information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI V. SOMANNA in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

    ***

    DHANYA SANAL K

     (Lok Sabha US Q5348)

    (Release ID: 2118239) Visitor Counter : 39

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Wellness Tourism in the Country

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:09PM by PIB Delhi

    Development and promotion of tourist destinations and products, including wellness tourism is undertaken by the respective State Government/Union Territory (UT) Administration. The Ministry of Tourism complements the efforts of States/UTs by promoting various tourism products of the country through various initiatives.

    The Ministry of Tourism through its central sector schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan’, ‘Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ and ‘Assistance to Central Agencies for Tourism Infrastructure Development’ extends financial assistance to the State Governments/UT Administrations for tourism infrastructure development in the country.

    The details of projects sanctioned under Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes are given at Annexure.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    ANNEXURE

    List of Projects Under Swadesh Darshan Scheme Till 31.12.2024

                                                                                                                                       (₹ in crore)

    S. No.

    State/UTs

    No. of Projects

    Amount Sanctioned

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    3

    152.62

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh 

    2

    146.49

    3

    Assam

    2

    185.66

    4

    Bihar

    5

    262.72

    5

    Chhattisgarh

    1

    96.10

    6

    Goa

    2

    197.00

    7

    Gujarat

    3

    176.97

    8

    Haryana

    1

    77.39

    9

    Himachal Pradesh

    1

    68.34

    10

    Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh

    6

    519.58

    11

    Jharkhand

    1

    30.44

    12

    Kerala

    5

    312.47

    13

    Madhya Pradesh

    4

    349.70

    14

    Maharashtra

    2

    64.53

    15

    Manipur

    2

    117.57

    16

    Meghalaya

    2

    184.10

    17

    Mizoram

    2

    158.63

    18

    Nagaland

    2

    195.50

    19

    Odisha

    1

    70.82

    20

    Punjab

    1

    85.32

    21

    Rajasthan

    4

    283.47

    22

    Sikkim

    2

    193.37

    23

    Tamil Nadu

    1

    73.13

    24

    Telangana

    3

    268.39

    25

    Tripura

    2

    127.68

    26

    Uttar Pradesh

    8

    490.95

    27

    Uttarakhand

    2

    145.49

    28

    West Bengal

    1

    67.99

    29

    Andaman & Nicobar Islands

    1

    27.57

    30

    Puducherry

    3

    142.84

    31

    Wayside Amenities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar

    1

    15.07

     

    Total

    76

    5287.90

     

    List of Sanctioned Projects Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 as on 31.12.2024

     

    S. No.

    State

    Destination

    Name of the Experience

    Sanctioned Cost

    (₹ Crore)

    Date of Sanction

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    Araku-Lambasingi

     Borra Cave Experience at Araku

    29.87

    05-03-2024

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Nacho

    Unlock Nacho Expedition

    14.02

    05-03-2024

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Mechuka

    Mechuka Cultural Haat

    18.48

    05-03-2024

    4

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Mechuka

    Mechuka Adventure Park

    12.75

    05-03-2024

    5

    Assam

    Kokrajhar

    Kokrajhar Wetland Experience

    26.67

    05-03-2024

    6

    Assam

    Jorhat

    Reimagining Cinnamara Tea Estate

    23.91

    05-03-2024

    7

    Goa

    Porvorim

    Porvorim Creek Experience

    23.56

    20-08-2024

    8

    Goa

    Colva

    Colva Beach Experience

    15.65

    20-08-2024

    9

    Karnataka

    Hampi

    Setting up of ‘Traveller nooks’

    25.64

    29-02-2024

    10

    Karnataka

    Mysuru

    Tonga ride Heritage experience zone

    2.72

    29-02-2024

    11

    Karnataka

    Mysuru

    Ecological Experience Zone

    18.47

    05-03-2024

    12

    Kerala

    Kumarakom

    Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Experience

    13.92

    05-03-2024

    13

    Ladakh

    Leh

    Julley Leh Biodiversity Park

    24.89

    05-03-2024

    14

    Ladakh

    Kargil

    Exploring LOC and Hundarman village Experience

    12.01

    05-03-2024

    15

    Madhya Pradesh

    Gwalior

    Phoolbagh Experience Zone

    16.73

    29-02-2024

    16

    Madhya Pradesh

    Chitrakoot

    Spiritual experience at Chitrakoot

    27.21

    05-03-2024

    17

    Maharashtra

    Pune

    Shivsrushti Historical Theme Park- Phase 3

    76.22

    21-09-2024

    18

    Meghalaya

    Sohra

    Waterfall Trails Experience

    27.84

    05-03-2024

    19

    Meghalaya

    Sohra

    Meghalayan Age Cave Experience

    32.45

    04-03-2024

    20

    Nagaland

    Chumoukedima

    Eco-Tourism Exp at Chumoukedima viewpoint

    7.87

    20-08-2024

    21

    Nagaland

    Chumuoukedima

    Tribal Cultural Experience at Midway Retreat

    21.56

    05-03-2024

    22

    Puducherry

    Karaikal

    Karaikal beach and waterfront experience

    20.29

    05-03-2024

    23

    Punjab

    Kapurthala

    Eco Tourism experience at Kanjli wetland

    20.06

    05-03-2024

    24

    Punjab

    Amritsar

    Border Tourism Experience at Attari

    25.90

    20-08-2024

    25

    Rajasthan

    Bundi

    Spiritual Experience, Keshavraipatan

    17.37

    29-02-2024

    26

    Sikkim

    Gyalshing

    Eco-Wellness Experience at Yuksom Cluster

    15.40

    05-03-2024

    27

    Sikkim

    Gangtok

    Gangtok Cultural Village

    22.59

    29-02-2024

    28

    Tamil Nadu

    Mamallapuram

    Immersive experience at Shore Temple

    30.02

    29-02-2024

    29

    Telangana

    Bhongir

    Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone

    56.81

    29-02-2024

    30

    Telangana

    Ananathagiri

    Eco tourism zone at Ananathgiri forest

    38.00

    05-03-2024

    31

    Uttar Pradesh

    Prayagraj

    Azad Park and Dekho Prayagraj Trail Exp

    13.02

    05-03-2024

    32

    Uttar Pradesh

    Naimisaranya

    Vedic- wellness Experience

    15.94

    05-03-2024

    33

    Uttarakhand

    Pithoragarh

    Rural Tourism Cluster Experience at Gunji

    32.20

    05-03-2024

    34

    Uttarakhand

    Champawat

    Tea Garden Experience

    11.21

    05-03-2024

    TOTAL AMOUNT 

    791.25

     

    State Wise List of Projects Sanctioned Under PRASHAD Scheme.

    (₹ in crore)

    S. No.

    Name of the State/UT

    No. of Projects

    Sanctioned Amount

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    4

    150.22

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    1

    37.88

    3

    Assam

    1

    29.8

    4

    Bihar

    2

    33.25

    5

    Chhattisgarh

    1

    48.44

    6

    Gujarat

    4

    152.94

    7

    Goa

    1

    16.46

    8

    Haryana

    1

    48.53

    9

    Jammu & Kashmir

    1

    40.46

    10

    Jharkhand

    1

    36.79

    11

    Karnataka

    1

    45.71

    12

    Kerala

    1

    45.19

    13

    Madhya Pradesh

    2

    93.92

    14

    Maharashtra

    1

    42.18

    15

    Meghalaya

    1

    29.29

    16

    Mizoram

    1

    44.89

    17

    Nagaland

    2

    43.38

    18

    Odisha

    1

    50

    19

    Punjab

    2

    37.97

    20

    Rajasthan

    1

    32.64

    21

    Sikkim

    1

    33.32

    22

    Tamil Nadu

    2

    18.85

    23

    Telangana

    3

    142.28

    23

    Tripura

    1

    34.43

    25

    Uttar Pradesh

    6

    130.27

    26

    Uttarakhand

    3

    145.28

    27

    West Bengal

    1

    30.03

     

    Grand Total

    47

    1594.4

    *****

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2118257) Visitor Counter : 30

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic arrangements for triathlon on Hong Kong Island

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

        Police will implement special traffic arrangements in Central and Wan Chai from this Friday to Sunday (April 4 to 6) to facilitate the holding of a triathlon event.

    A.    Road closure

        The following roads will be closed:

    (1) From 10am on April 4 to 6pm on April 6:

        Expo Drive between Legislative Council Road and Expo Drive Central.

    (2) From 1am to 2pm on April 5 and from 1am to 6pm on April 6:

    – Yiu Sing Street;
    – Eastbound Lung Wo Road between Man Yiu Street and Fleming Road, including the slip road of eastbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass tunnel from Wan Chai to North Point;
    – Westbound Lung Wo Road between southbound Lung Tat Path and southbound Tim Wa Avenue;
    – Northbound Lung Tat Path;
    – Lung Hop Street;
    – Legislative Council Road between Legislative Council Complex Car Park exit and Lung Wo Road;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of the slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to Central District;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of eastbound Man Po Street near Man Yiu Street;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of eastbound Man Po Street near Finance Street;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of southbound Man Yiu Street between Man Kwong Street and westbound Yiu Sing Street;
    – Part of the traffic lane of southbound Man Yiu Street near Lung Wo Road;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Lung Wo Road between Tim Wa Avenue and Man Yiu Street;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of northbound Fleming Road between westbound Convention Avenue and eastbound Lung Wo Road;
    – Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Hung Hing Road near Fleming Road;
    – The slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel leading to the exit of Lung Wo Road; and
    – Part of the traffic lanes of westbound Convention Avenue near northbound Fleming Road.

    B.    Traffic diversions

        In connection with the road closure as mentioned above, the following traffic diversions will be implemented:

    (1) From 10am on April 4 to 0.59am on April 5 and 2.01pm on April 5 to 0.59am on April 6:

        Traffic along eastbound Expo Drive heading to Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre will be diverted via eastbound Lung Wo Road and northbound Expo Drive East.

    (2) From 1am to 2pm on April 5 and from 1am to 6pm on April 6:

    – Traffic along westbound Man Kwong Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road via southbound Man Yiu Street will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to Admiralty or Mid-levels via eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via the slip road of eastbound Man Po Street heading to westbound Finance Street, westbound Finance Street, temporary exit connecting Finance Street and Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel, the slip road of westbound Central – Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel heading to eastbound Man Kat Street, eastbound Man Kat Street, eastbound Connaught Road Central and eastbound Harcourt Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road via eastbound Yiu Sing Street will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Man Po Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along southbound Man Yiu Street cannot turn left to eastbound Lung Wo Road and eastbound Yiu Sing Street. Vehicles will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along eastbound Man Cheung Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road cannot turn right to northbound Yiu Sing Street. Vehicles will be diverted via westbound Lung Wo Road and northbound Man Yiu Street;
    – Traffic along eastbound Yiu Sing Street and southbound Yiu Sing Street heading to eastbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Man Yiu Street, eastbound Connaught Place, southbound Connaught Place, eastbound Connaught Road Central, eastbound Harcourt Road, eastbound Gloucester Road and northbound Fleming Road;
    – Traffic along northbound Legislative Council Road cannot turn left to westbound Lung Wo Road, vehicles will be diverted via southbound Legislative Council Road, eastbound Lung Wui Road, eastbound Fenwick Pier Street, roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
    – Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road heading to Chief Executive’s Office via southbound Tim Wa Avenue will be diverted via southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central, u-turn, eastbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Tim Wa Avenue;
    – Traffic along eastbound Lung Wui Road cannot turn left to northbound Lung Hop Street;
    – Traffic along westbound Fenwick Pier Street cannot turn right to northbound Lung Hop Street. Vehicles will be diverted
    via Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
    – Traffic along westbound Convention Avenue heading to westbound Lung Wo Road via northbound Lung Tat Path will be diverted via Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
    – Traffic along southbound Expo Drive East heading to westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place;
    – Traffic along westbound Hung Hing Road heading to westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted to southbound Lung Tat Path, Convention Avenue, Fenwick Pier Street roundabout, westbound Fenwick Pier Street, flyover, westbound Harcourt Road, westbound Connaught Road Central and northbound Connaught Place; and
    – Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road heading to Central Pier or Finance Street via Yiu Sing Street will be diverted via westbound Lung Wo Road and northbound Man Yiu Street.

    C.    Suspension of parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas

        All parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on the following roads will be suspended:

    (1) From 10am on April 4 to 6pm on April 6:

        All metered parking spaces and pick-up/drop-off areas on Expo Drive.

    (2) From 10pm on April 4 to 2pm on April 5 and from 10pm on April 5 to 6pm on April 6:

    – All metered parking spaces on Yiu Sing Street and Lung Hop Street;
    – Lay-bys on westbound Lung Wo Road near City Hall and near Central Barracks; and
    – Lay-by on Edinburgh Place near City Hall.

         All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.  

         The Police will implement the special arrangements depending on the prevailing traffic and crowd conditions. Motorists should exercise patience, and take heed of instructions of the Police on site.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Progress Made Under the National Mission for Manuscripts

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Mission for Manuscripts has digitized Three Lakh Fifty Thousand manuscripts so far in different repositories. The Mission is preserving all types of manuscripts across the nation scribed on different materials with the help of its Manuscripts Conservation Centers.

    The Mission has uploaded 1,36,490 manuscripts, out of which 77,152 manuscripts are available for public access. These manuscripts can be accessed at our website https://www.namami.gov.in/

    The Ministry of Culture under the aegis of Gyan Bharatam Mission is committed to expand NMM outreach through public exhibitions or digital platform extensively.

    This information was given by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2118253) Visitor Counter : 21

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: New Commandant of HKAPF appointed (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    New Commandant of HKAPF appointed (with photo) 
    The appointment was made by the Chief Executive to succeed the retiring Commandant, Mr Yang Joe-tsi, PDSM.
     
    Mr Leung, aged 57, is the Chief Operating Officer of a multinational engineering corporation. He joined the HKAPF as a Constable in August 1989 and was promoted to Superintendent (Auxiliary) in February 2014, Senior Superintendent (Auxiliary) in November 2016 and Chief Superintendent (Auxiliary) in October 2017. Mr Leung was appointed as the Deputy Commandant of HKAPF by the Chief Executive on October 11, 2021.
     
    Mr Leung has a wide range of operational and management experience. He was awarded the Long Service Medal for Auxiliary Police in 2004, the First Clasp in 2014 and a TIDERIDER medal in 2021.
    Issued at HKT 18:08

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Status of the CBSP Scheme

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Tourism conducts hospitality and tourism related short-term training courses under its “Capacity Building for Service Providers (CBSP)” scheme through Government and empanelled private institutes.  These programmes include Hunar Se Rozgar Tak, Entrepreneurship Programme, Skill Testing & Certification, Tourism Awareness Programme, etc. The various programmes and initiatives under CBSP scheme enhance employability of the candidates majorly in tourism and hospitality sectors.

    The details of expenditure, stipend paid, candidates trained and certified under the CBSP scheme during the last three years is as under:

                                                                                                         (Amount in Rs. crore)

    Year

    No of candidates

    Stipend paid

    Total expenditure

    2021-22

    22034

    –

    21.22

    2022-23

    21641

    0.85

    15.71

    2023-24

    24153

    2.61

    21.68

     

    This information was given by Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

     

    (Release ID: 2118255) Visitor Counter : 36

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: NHAI to Develop Guwahati Ring Road on BOT (Toll) Mode at a total Cost of Rs 5,729 Crore

    Source: Government of India

    NHAI to Develop Guwahati Ring Road on BOT (Toll) Mode at a total Cost of Rs 5,729 Crore

    Signs Concession Agreement with M/s Dinesh Chandra R Agrawal Infracon Pvt. Ltd. for Implementation

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 3:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Contributing towards the development of the North-East region of the country, NHAI has signed concession agreement with M/s Dineshchandra R Agrawal Infracon Pvt. Ltd in presence of NHAI Chairman, Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav and senior officials of NHAI. The 121 km long Guwahati Ring Road shall be developed at a total cost of Rs. 5,729 Crore on Build Operate Toll (BOT) Mode with zero grant. The concession period of the contract is 30 years, including construction period of four years.  Providing impetus to the project, the State Government of Assam will bear 50% of land cost, provide exemption from royalty on aggregates and state portion of GST contributing about Rs. 1,270 crore.  Thus, the gross project cost is about Rs. 7,000 crore.

    The Guwahati Ring Road project will have three sections which include 56 km long 4-lane Access-Controlled Northern Guwahati Bypass, widening of the existing 8 km bypass on NH 27 from four lanes to six lanes, and improvement of existing 58 km long bypass on NH 27. Notably, a 3 km long major bridge over river Brahmaputra will be also constructed as a part of the project.

    The Guwahati Ring Road will provide seamless connectivity to long-distance traffic plying on the East-West Corridor of NH-27, which is the gateway to North-East Region of the country. The development of the Ring Road will help to decongest Guwahati City and neighboring North- Eastern states by bypassing major traffic coming from West Bengal/Bihar to Silchar, Nagaland and Tripura. The project will also provide seamless connectivity to major towns in the region including Siliguri, Silchar, Shillong, Jorhat, Tezpur, Jogigopha, and Barpeta.

    Upgradation of Existing NH   

    Proposed Greenfiedl Bypass  

     

    The Government of India has been encouraging Public Private Partnership for Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) projects. To encourage adoption of projects on BOT mode, various modifications in the Modal Concession Agreement (MCA) of BOT(Toll) and provisional BOT(Toll) have been affected in recent past.  This is the first contract signed on the basis of modified Modal Concession Agreement which will pave way for more such contracts.

    As a part of Government of India’s ‘Vision 2047’, a large number of high-speed corridors are envisaged to be developed. Robust Public Private Partnership in development of road sector will play a pivotal role in realizing this vision and will greatly contribute towards the development as well as Operations and Maintenance of the world class National Highway Network in the country.

    ***

    GDH/HR

    (Release ID: 2118226) Visitor Counter : 117

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025: Benefits of the Bill

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:16PM by PIB Delhi

    Introduction

    What is Waqf

    The concept of ‘Waqf’ is rooted in Islamic laws and traditions. It refers to an endowment made by a Muslim for charitable or religious purposes, such as building mosques, schools, hospitals, or other public institutions. Another defining feature of a Waqf is that it’s inalienable- which means it cannot be sold, gifted, inherited or encumbered. Therefore, once a property is divested from the waqif, i.e., the creator of a waqf, it vests in God and as per Islamic belief since God is ever lasting, so is the ‘waqf property’.

    Addressing Longstanding Issues

    The Waqf (Amendment) Bill aims to address issues such as –

     

    1. Lack of transparency in Waqf property management
    2. Incomplete surveys and mutation of Waqf land records
    3. Insufficient provisions for women’s inheritance rights
    4. Large number of prolonged litigations including encroachment. In 2013, there were 10,381 pending cases which have now increased to 21,618 cases.
    5. Irrational power of the Waqf Boards in declaring any property as waqf land based on their own inquiry.
    6. Large number of disputes related to government land declared as aqf.
    7. Lack of proper accounting and auditing of Waqf properties.
    8. Administrative inefficiencies in waqf management. ‘
    9. Improper treatment to Trust properties.
    10. Inadequate representation of stakeholders in Central Waqf Council and State Waqf Boards.        

     

    Modernizing the Waqf Bill

    The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to streamline the management of Waqf properties, with provisions to safeguard heritage sites and promote social welfare.

    1. Non-Muslim properties declared as Waqf– The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to streamline Waqf property management while safeguarding heritage sites and individual property rights. Various states have seen disputes over Waqf property claims, leading to legal battles and community concerns. As of data from September 2024, across 25 States/ UTs Waqf Boards, a total of 5973 government properties have been declared as Waqf properties. Some examples of the same:

     

    • Tamil Nadu: A farmer in Thiruchenthurai village was unable to sell his land due to the Waqf Board’s claim over the entire village. This unexpected requirement prevented him from selling his land to repay a loan for his daughter’s wedding.
    • Govindpur Village, Bihar: In August 2024, The Bihar Sunni Waqf Board’s claim over an entire village in August 2024 affected seven families, leading to a case in the Patna High Court. The case is sub-judice.
    • Kerala: In September 2024, around 600 Christian families in Ernakulam district are contesting the Waqf Board’s claim over their ancestral land. They have appealed to the Joint Parliamentary Committee.
    • Karnataka: In 2024, Farmers protested after the Waqf Board designated 15,000 acres in Vijayapura as Waqf land. Disputes also arose in Ballari, Chitradurga, Yadgir, and Dharwad. The government, however, assured that no evictions would take place.
    • Uttar Pradesh: Complaints have been raised against alleged corruption and mismanagement by the State Waqf Board.

    Further, the Joint Committee on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill (JCWAB) had also received some communications regarding unlawful claim of properties by Waqf Boards, some of which are as under:

    • Karnataka (1975 & 2020): 40 Waqf properties were notified, including farmlands, public spaces, government lands, graveyards, lakes, and temples.
    • The Punjab Waqf Board has claimed land belonging to the Education Department in Patiala.

    Additionally, MoHUA (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) informed the JPC during their presentation in September 2024, that 108 properties under control of Land and Development Office, 130 properties under control of Delhi Development Authority and 123 properties in the public domain were declared as Waqf properties and brought into litigation.

    1. Rights of Muslim Women and Legal Heirs– The Bill also seeks to improve the economic and social status of Muslim women, particularly widows and divorced women, by promoting self-help groups (SHGs) and financial independence programs.

    Additionally, the Bill aims at achieving the following for the benefit for Muslim women-

    • Transparency in Waqf Management – Digitizing waqf records to curb corruption.
    • Legal Aid & Social Welfare – Establishing legal support centers for family disputes and inheritance rights.
    • Cultural & Religious Identity – Strengthening cultural preservation and interfaith dialogue.

    Women’s involvement ensures transparency and directs Waqf resources towards:

    • Scholarships for Muslim girls
    • Healthcare and maternity welfare
    • Skill development and microfinance support for women entrepreneurs
    • Vocational training in fields like fashion design, healthcare, and entrepreneurship
    • Establishing legal aid centers for inheritance disputes and domestic violence cases
    • Pension schemes for widows

     

    1. Upliftment of the Poor

    Waqf plays a crucial role in serving religious, charitable, and social welfare needs, especially for the underprivileged. However, its impact has often been reduced due to mismanagement, encroachment, and lack of transparency. Some key benefits of Waqf for the Poor:

     

    1. Digitization for Transparency and Accountability
    • A centralized digital portal will track Waqf properties, ensuring better identification, monitoring, and management.
    • Auditing and accounting measures will prevent financial mismanagement and ensure funds are used only for welfare purposes.
    1. Increased Revenue for Welfare and Development
    • Preventing misuse and illegal occupation of Waqf lands will boost revenue for Waqf Boards, allowing them to expand welfare programs.
    • Funds will be allocated to healthcare, education, housing, and livelihood support, directly benefiting the economically weaker sections.
    • Regular audits and inspections will promote financial discipline and strengthen public confidence in Waqf management.

     

    1. Addressing Administrative Challenges–

    The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 aims to improve governance by:

    • Enhancing transparency in property management.
    • Streamlining coordination between Waqf Boards and local authorities.
    • Ensuring stakeholder rights are protected.

     

    1. Empowerment of Backward classes & other sects of Muslim communities: The Bill aims at making the Waqf Board more inclusive having representation from different Muslim sects for better Waqf governance and decision-making-
    • The Bill mandates inclusion of one member each from Bohra and Aghakhani communities in State/UT Waqf Boards, if they have functional Auqaf.
    • Also, the Board will have representation from Muslims belonging to backward classes apart from Shia and Sunni members.
    • Includes two or more elected members from municipalities or Panchayats, strengthening local governance in waqf affairs.
    • The Board/CWC will have two non-Muslim members excluding the ex-officio members.

    Conclusion:

    The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2025 establishes a secular, transparent, and accountable system for Waqf administration. While Waqf properties serve religious and charitable purposes, their management involves legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities that require structured governance. The role of Waqf Boards and the Central Waqf Council (CWC) is not religious but regulatory, ensuring legal compliance and safeguarding public interest. By introducing checks and balances, empowering stakeholders, and improving governance, the Bill sets a progressive and fair framework for Waqf administration in India.

    Kindly find the pdf file 

    ****

    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Kritika Rane

     

    (Release ID: 2118261) Visitor Counter : 22

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: From Margins to Mainstream

    Source: Government of India

    From Margins to Mainstream

    Empowering Lives, Enabling Growth

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:15PM by PIB Delhi

    Waqf has always been meant to help the community by providing education, healthcare, housing, and support for the poor. However, problems like mismanagement, corruption, and inefficiency have often prevented Waqf properties from benefiting those who need them most. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to fix this by making the system more transparent, efficient, and focused on reducing poverty.

    One big problem in Waqf management has been a lack of transparency, leading to corruption and misuse of funds. The new bill introduces a digital portal to record all Waqf properties, making it easier to track and audit them. This ensures that funds are not misused and are spent on helping the poor. With mandatory financial audits and digital records, this change will reduce corruption and make Waqf management more accountable to the people.

    The bill ensures that Waqf properties and funds are used to improve healthcare services for the poor. This includes:

    • Setting up clinics and hospitals on Waqf lands to provide free or low-cost healthcare.
    • Partnering with charities to fund medical aid programs.
    • Making medicines and essential treatments more available in poor areas.

    With better management, more people will get access to healthcare, reducing medical costs and improving public health.

    Education is a key way to fight poverty. The bill ensures that Waqf funds are used for:

    • Building and maintaining schools and madrassas.
    • Providing scholarships and financial aid to poor students.
    • Supporting vocational training centers to teach job skills.

    By focusing on education, the bill helps people from poor backgrounds get better jobs and improve their lives.

    Many poor people struggle with housing. The bill allows Waqf Boards to use properties for affordable housing. Section 32(4) permits:

    • Building low-cost housing for the poor.
    • Providing shelters for homeless people.
    • Creating subsidized rental programs for low-income families.

    This ensures that Waqf properties are used to help people instead of being left unused or taken over illegally.

    Helping people become financially independent is important for reducing poverty. The bill supports:

    • Setting up training centers for skills like carpentry, tailoring, and digital literacy.
    • Providing small loans to help people start businesses.
    • Connecting trained workers with jobs.

    This approach helps people earn a living rather than relying only on charity.

    A major issue with Waqf properties is illegal occupation. According to the WAMSI portal, nearly 58,898 Waqf properties have been taken over unlawfully. The bill introduces stronger legal measures to:

    • Reclaim illegally occupied Waqf lands for social welfare projects.
    • Give district collectors more power to protect Waqf properties.
    • Prevent unauthorized claims that take away resources meant for the poor.

    These steps will ensure that Waqf properties are used properly to help those in need.

    The bill also ensures fairness and inclusivity, making sure aid reaches all communities in need. It prioritizes poor people and uses data to make better decisions about Waqf resources. Additionally, the bill includes measures to prevent disputes over land belonging to non-Muslims, so that welfare efforts are not disrupted.

    The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, is not just about managing properties—it is about making Waqf a strong tool for helping the poor. By increasing transparency, stopping corruption, improving healthcare and education, providing affordable housing, and supporting employment, the bill ensures that Waqf serves its true purpose. These reforms will help Waqf fulfill its original mission—supporting the underprivileged and creating a fairer and more just society.

    Download in PDF

    ***

    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Rishita Aggarwal

    (Release ID: 2118262) Visitor Counter : 19

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Modernization and impact of Post Office Rules, 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Modernization and impact of Post Office Rules, 2024

    Post Office Rules, 2024 are framed to be an enabler for enhancing quality of service delivery

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 2:57PM by PIB Delhi

    The Post Office Rules, 2024 are framed to be an enabler for enhancing quality of service delivery including in rural areas through rationalization of postal products and services, creating scope for introducing new mail and parcel products and citizen centric services like financial and insurance services etc.

    The Dak Sewa Jan Sewa principle plays a key role in improving the accessibility and efficiency of postal services, especially in rural and underserved areas through technology enabled and digitized postal services. The Department provides products and services under “Universal Postal Services”, which are affordable and available to all citizens. Facilities such as track and trace facility, electronic intimation through short messaging service for status of delivery of item, m-banking, e-banking, etc. are available to enhance last- mile connectivity for delivery of various citizen centric services and furthering the national agenda of financial and digital inclusion.

    The Department of Posts has undertaken various measures for facilitating ease of doing business such as rationalization of mail and parcels products, introduction of “Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras” which provide rural entrepreneurs with access to export markets. Under the PM- Vishwakarma Scheme, the Department has also delivered 1.38 lakh tool kits to rural artisans.

    This information was given by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

    *****

    Samrat/Allen:

    (Release ID: 2118198) Visitor Counter : 50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIA’S 6G VISION

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 2:57PM by PIB Delhi

    Government has released Bharat 6G Vision Document in March 2023 with the objectives to design, develop and deploy 6G network technologies that provide ubiquitous intelligent and secure connectivity for high quality living experience for the world to position India as a global leader in 6G technology by 2030. The Government has taken following initiative to facilitate the development of 6G technology in the country:

    1. Funding two testbeds namely 6G THz Testbed & Advance Optical Communication Test Bed to promote R&D and innovation in the country.
    2. Sanctioned 100 5G labs at academic institutions in FY 2023- 24, across India for capacity building & for building a 6G ready academic and start-up ecosystem in the country.
    3. To accelerate Research for 6G ecosystem, 111 research proposals have been approved on 6G network ecosystems to promote research and innovation in line with global roadmap for 6G technology.
    4. Government has facilitated setting up of ‘Bharat 6G Alliance’ which is an alliance of domestic industry, academia, national research institutions and standards organisations to develop action plan according to the Bharat 6G Vision. It has signed MoU with leading global 6G alliances to enhance global collaborations for the development of 6G wireless technologies. It has also hosted the inaugural International 6G Symposium coinciding with WTSA 2024 and the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024. The symposium aimed to explore local and global advancements in 6G technology, bringing together industry leaders, academics, and government officials.

     India has contributed in International Telecommunications Union International Mobile Technology (IMT) 2030 framework, also called 6G by industry for inclusion of ‘Ubiquitous Connectivity’ as one of the six usage scenarios of 6G and coverage, interoperability and sustainability as capabilities of 6G technology.

    This information was given by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

    *****

    Samrat/Allen:

    (Release ID: 2118200) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Telecommunication’s initiative to prevent misuse of telecom resources for Cybercrimes and Financial Frauds

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 2:55PM by PIB Delhi

    Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has undertaken following steps to prevent misuse of telecom resources for cybercrimes and financial frauds:

    1. Development of citizen centric Sanchar Saathi portal and mobile App with various facilities including reporting of suspected fraud communications.
    2. Development of online secure Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) for sharing of information related to misuse of telecom resources among the stakeholders.
    3. Development of a system in collaboration with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers that appear to be originating within India.

    DoT has undertaken following measures to act against the issue of misuse of mobile connections:

    1. Development of AI based tool to identify the suspected mobile connections taken on fake documents. 78 lakh such mobile connections have been disconnected after reverification.
    2. Policy instructions for re-verification of existing mobile connections identified by DoT/ TSPs/ Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs).
    3. Mandated telecom licensees to register their Point of Sale (PoS) {Franchisee, Distributors & Agents}, who enroll customers and issue SIMs on their behalf.
    4. Biometric verification, physical verification of address of place of business & local residence of PoS. Further, police verification of PoS in J&K, Assam & North East License Service Areas (LSAs).
    5. Blacklisting of PoS across all the TSPs if documents/ information given by PoS is false/ forged & on the directions of Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs)/ Licensed Service Areas (LSAs).
    6. Robust Know Your Customer (KYC) process for SIM Swap/ replacement.
    7. Discontinuation of paper based KYC process.
    8. Monthly audit on sample basis for the SIM cards issued by TSPs for compliance of guidelines.

    This information was given by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

    *****

    Samrat/Allen:

    (Release ID: 2118197) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen related to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen related to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited 
    The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
     
    Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or login screen concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
    Issued at HKT 17:01

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 16 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Fastrack”, “Greenlane”, “Lightshadow” and “Twilight”, for three consecutive days from March 31 to yesterday (April 2). A total of 14 suspected illegal workers and two suspected employers were arrested.
     
         During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD Task Force officers raided 55 target locations, including commercial buildings, massage parlours, residential buildings and restaurants. Fourteen suspected illegal workers and two suspected employers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised four men and 10 women, aged 34 to 59. Among them, three women were suspected of using and being in possession of a forged Hong Kong identity card. Two men, aged 35 and 67, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested.

         An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”
     
         The spokesman warned, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. As stipulated in section 20(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance, the Chief Executive may make a deportation order against an immigrant, prohibiting the immigrant from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter if the immigrant has been found guilty in Hong Kong of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years. Under the prevailing laws, it is an offence to use or possess a forged Hong Kong identity card or a Hong Kong identity card related to another person. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to 10 years’ imprisonment.”
     
         The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
     
         According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman reminded all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
     
         Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PRESS COMMUNIQUE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 2:13PM by PIB Delhi

    The US President issued an Executive Order on Reciprocal Tariffs imposing additional ad-valorem duties ranging from 10% to 50% on imports from all trading partners. The baseline duty of 10% will be effective from April 05, 2025 and the remaining country specific additional ad-valorem duty will be effective from April 09, 2025. The additional duty on India as per the Annex I of the Executive Order is 27%.  

    The Department of Commerce is carefully examining the implications of the various measures / announcements made by the President of the USA. Keeping in view the vision of Viksit Bharat, the Department is engaged with all stakeholders, including Indian industry and exporters, taking feedback of their assessment of the tariffs and assessing the situation. The Department is also studying the opportunities that may arise due to this new development in the US trade policy.

    The Hon Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the Hon President of USA, Mr. Donald Trump have announced on 13 February 2025 ‘Mission 500’ – aiming to more than double the bilateral trade to US $500 Billion by 2030. Accordingly, discussions are ongoing between Indian and US trade teams for the expeditious conclusion of a mutually beneficial, multi-sectoral Bilateral Trade Agreement. These cover a wide range of issues of mutual interest including deepening supply chain integration. The ongoing talks are focused on enabling both nations to grow trade, investments and technology transfers. We remain in touch with the Trump Administration on these issues and expect to take them forward in the coming days.

    India values its Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership with the United States and is committed to working closely with the US to implement the India-US ‘Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology’ (COMPACT) for the 21st century to ensure that our trade ties remain a pillar of mutual prosperity and drive transformative change for the benefit of the people of India and the US.

     

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    Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2118182) Visitor Counter : 128

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH announces latest situation of dengue fever and reminds grave sweepers to take precautionary measures against mosquito-borne diseases

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH announces latest situation of dengue fever and reminds grave sweepers to take precautionary measures against mosquito-borne diseases ​DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
    Issued at HKT 16:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen related to Dah Sing Bank, Limited

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen related to Dah Sing Bank, Limited 
    The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
     
    Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the website or login screen concerned, should contact the bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
    Issued at HKT 16:28

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025 gazetted today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Government gazetted today (April 3) the Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025 to regulate the safe use of hydrogen used or intended to be used as fuel.
     
    The Bill aims to amend the Gas Safety Ordinance (Cap. 51) to establish a regulatory framework governing the importation, manufacture, storage, transport, supply and use of hydrogen that is used or intended to be used as fuel.
     
    A Government spokesperson said, “The Government has been actively promoting the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong. Establishing a comprehensive and holistic regulatory framework to regulate the use of hydrogen as fuel can enhance public confidence in hydrogen safety and create an environment conducive to the local development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong. The framework covers a range of safety aspects, including gas quality, safety of installations and facilities, personnel and emergency handling, etc.
     
    “The Government promulgated the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong in June 2024, setting out the four major strategies of improving legislation, establishing standards, aligning with the market, and advancing with prudence to create an environment conducive to the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong, so that Hong Kong would be able to capitalise on the environmental and economic opportunities brought about by the recent development of hydrogen energy in different parts of the world, and in our country in particular. The Bill will provide a clear legal framework and stable regulatory environment for the local hydrogen energy industry, enabling both local and international investors to develop hydrogen-related businesses in Hong Kong with greater confidence,” the spokesperson supplemented.
     
    The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading on April 16.  

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: RAKSHA MANTRI ADDRESSES THE SENIOR LEADERSHIP OF INDIAN ARMY DURING ARMY COMMANDERS’ CONFERENCE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 1:59PM by PIB Delhi

    The Army Commanders’ Conference, an apex level biannual event, is being held in New Delhi from 01st Apr to 04th April 2025.  During the event, Indian Army’s apex leadership comprehensively deliberated upon all aspects of existing security scenarios, situation along the borders, in the hinterland and challenges for the present security apparatus. In addition, the conference also focused on issues pertaining to organisational restructuring, logistics, administration, human resource management, modernisation through indigenisation, induction of Niche technologies and assessment of impact of the various existing global situations. The main highlight of the third day of the conference was the address by the Raksha Mantri, Shri Rajnath Singh, to the senior leadership of the Indian Army, which was preceded by a brief on the “Year of Reforms”.

    The Raksha Mantri reaffirmed the faith of the billion-plus citizens in the Indian Army as one of the most trusted and inspiring organisations in the country. He highlighted the commendable role played by the Army in guarding our borders and fighting terrorism apart from providing assistance to the civil administration in every need of hour.  The Raksha Mantri also remarked “The Army is present in every domain from Security, HADR, Medical Assistance, to maintaining the stable internal situation in the country. The role of Indian Army is incomparable in Nation building as also in the overall national development”.  He reiterated his happiness to be present in the Army Commander’s conference and complimented the Army leadership for successfully taking ahead the ‘Defence and Security’ vision of the Nation to new heights.  He also complimented the Indian Army’s approach on the infusion and absorption of cutting edge technology. 

    The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri stressed upon the present Geo Strategic uncertainties and the complex world situation which effects everyone  globally.  He stressed upon that the present world is an inter connected world and such incidents whether happening in our neighbourhood or far off countries will effect everyone. He stated that “Unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid war will be part of the future conventional wars. Cyber, information, communication, trade and finance have all become an inseparable part of future conflicts. This necessitates that Armed Forces will have to keep all these facets in consideration while planning and formulating strategies”.  Raksha Mantri stated that keeping in mind the present dynamic geo-strategic changes and the ongoing  global security scenarios with the uncertainities the armed forces should prepare a dynamic perspective planning addressing both the long term and short term challenges.  In the present global context the importance of Military Intelligence incoporating the modern technology cannot be stressed upon more.

    On the current situation along the Northern borders, the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri expressed full confidence in the troops and complemented the Armed Forces for standing firm and vigil and the same should continue. The Raksha Mantri complimented the efforts of BRO, which has led to the quantum improvement of road communication in the borders both Western and Northern, while working under difficult conditions.

    Referring to the situation along the Western borders, he complimented the Indian Army’s response to cross border terrorism, however the proxy war by the adversary continues. The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri said “I compliment the excellent synergy between the CAPF/ Police forces and the Army in tackling the menace of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The synergised operations in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are contributing to increased stability in the region and the same should remain”.

    The Raksha Mantri complimented the forces for the high standard of operational preparedness and capabilities which he has always been experiencing first hand during his visits to forward areas. He also paid tributes to all the brave hearts for making the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of the motherland. He complimented the significant contributions made by the Army in military diplomacy to further our national security interests by creating sustainable cooperative relationships with foreign Armies and also emphasised upon the important role of Defence Attaches in achieving the same.  We must delibrate on the re-orintentation of role of the Defence Attaches in line with the organisational aim.

    The Hon’ble Raksha Mantri stressed upon the technological advancement taking place in every sphere of our life and applauded the Armed Forces for aptly incorporating them.  He appreciated the Army’s efforts to develop niche technologies in collaboration with civil industries, including premier educational institutions and thereby progressing towards the aim of ‘ Modernisation through Indigenisation’ or ‘Atamnirbharta’.  He emphasised that a regular interface of Armed Forces with the emerging technologies is a must. Raksha Mantri commended on the initiative of discussions being done with Niti Ayog on achieving the aim of ‘Viksit Bharat’ during this Army Commander Conference.  He also remarked that the government is committed in every manner towards the welfare of the Veterans and the Next of Kin of all categories of Battle Casualties and the nation remains indebted to the sacrifices made by vallant soldiers and their family.

    He concluded by saying that issues related to “Defence diplomacy, indigenisation, information warfare, defence infrastructure and force modernisation should always be deliberated upon in such a forum. Doctrinal changes whenever required should be made to make the Armed Forces future ready.  The recommendation and suggestions made by the senior leadership in such like forum as Commanders Conference should be deliberated upon and be taken to a logical conclusion with midcourse review and modification if required.  The Nation is proud of its Army and the Government is committed to facilitate the Army in their forward movement, on the road to reforms and capability modernisation”.

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    SC   

    (Release ID: 2118177) Visitor Counter : 29

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bureau of Indian Standards Conducts Annual Convention on Sustainability and Environmental Standards

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 1:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) convened its Annual Convention for Deans and Heads of Departments (HoDs) from partner institutions focused on Environment and Ecology in Goa. During the two days’ convention; 45 delegates from 32 partner institutions, alongside senior BIS officials, delved into the theme “Sustainability through Standards.”

    In his welcome address, Shri Praveen Khanna, Deputy Director General (Southern Region), underscored the pivotal role of academic institutions in developing national and international standards.

    Shri Sanjay Pant, Deputy Director General (Standardization-II), highlighted the significance of standardization in addressing sustainability challenges. “Standardization is the foundation of sustainability. By collaborating with academia, we can develop research-driven standards that address environmental challenges and create a lasting impact for future generations,” said Shri Sanjay Pant.

    He introduced the newly established Environment and Ecology Department (EED), consolidating various BIS standardization activities into a dedicated division. Since its inception, the EED has released nearly 100 standards through its nine specialized committees.

    The convention included comprehensive technical sessions on ongoing initiatives within the Environment and Ecology Division Council (EEDC) where 8 expert panels are engaged in standardization across crucial areas, including Air Quality Management, Water Quality Management, Waste Management, Environmental Monitoring, Sustainable Habitat, Sustainable Agriculture, Circular Economy, and Biodiversity & Ecosystem

    Featured speakers included Dr. Alok Sinha (IIT Dhanbad), Dr. Anju Singh (IIM Mumbai), and Ms. Shabnam Bassi (GRIHA Council), who emphasized the necessity of addressing gaps in existing standards to bolster national climate initiatives such as the National Action Plan for Climate Change (NAPCC).

    Utilizing the ‘Know Your Standards’ feature on the BIS Care App, participants evaluated existing standards and pinpointed new areas for development. Key discussions included: Waste Management & Recycling; Water Quality & Management; Sustainable Construction & Materials; Environmental Monitoring & Pollution Control; Green Energy & Climate Change Mitigation; Health & Safety Standards and Campus & Industrial Sustainability

    On the second day, delegates observed a live demonstration of BIS’s digital solutions, which included the Academic Dashboard, a platform enabling partner institutions to access standards, submit research projects, and contribute to technical committees. BIS also presented tools for downloading and commenting on draft standards, facilitating involvement in international standardization efforts.

    A special session led by Shri Ritesh Baranwal (Director, Finance, BIS) concentrated on the role of standards in sustainability and sustainable finance. His presentation illustrated how financial frameworks can underpin sustainability initiatives through standardization.

    The BIS Annual Convention reinforced the organization’s dedication to collaborating with academia to formulate standards that address vital environmental and ecological issues. BIS aims to establish robust, research-driven standards that contribute to a more sustainable future by fostering partnerships among experts, researchers, and policymakers.

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    Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

    (Release ID: 2118173) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EPFO Simplifies Claim Settlement Process; Two Major Reforms Undertaken to Enhance Ease of Living for EPF Members and Ease of Doing Business for Employers

    Source: Government of India

    EPFO Simplifies Claim Settlement Process; Two Major Reforms Undertaken to Enhance Ease of Living for EPF Members and Ease of Doing Business for Employers

    Removal of Requirement to Upload Image of Cheque Leaf / Attested Bank Passbook to Benefit Over 7.7 Crore Members of EPFO

    Removal of Employer Approval Requirement for Seeding Bank Account Details with UAN to Immediately Benefit Nearly 15 Lakh Members with Pending Approvals

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 1:41PM by PIB Delhi

    In yet another step towards enhancing the Ease of Living for EPF members and Ease of Doing Business for employers, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced two key simplifications in its claim settlement process. These measures will significantly streamline the process of claim settlement and reduce grievances related to claim rejections.

    1. Removal of Requirement to Upload Image of Cheque Leaf / Attested Bank Passbook

    EPFO has completely dispensed with the requirement of uploading an image of a cheque leaf or attested bank passbook while filing online claims. This requirement was initially relaxed on a pilot basis for certain KYC-updated members. Since its launch on 28th May, 2024, the move has already benefited 1.7 crore EPF members.

    Following the successful pilot, EPFO has now extended this relaxation to all members. As the bank account holder’s name is already verified with the EPF member’s details at the time of bank account seeding with the Universal Account Number (UAN), this additional documentation is no longer necessary.

    By removing this requirement, EPFO is set to immediately benefit around 6 crore members, eliminating claim rejections due to poor-quality/unreadable uploads and reducing associated grievances.

    2. Removal of Requirement of Employer Approval for Seeding Bank Account Details with Universal Account Number (UAN)

    To streamline the process of seeding bank accounts with UAN, EPFO has now removed the requirement of employer approval after bank verification.

    Currently, every member is required to seed his/her Bank Account with UAN in order to get their PF withdrawals seamlessly credited to such account. During the F.Y. 2024-25, 1.3 crore members have submitted their requests for seeding their Bank Accounts and the requests after due matching with the respective Bank/NPCI are to be approved by the Employer through DSC/E-Sign.

    It is seen that around 36,000 requests for seeding of bank account are being raised by the members on a daily basis and the banks take an average of 3 days to complete the verification. However, after the bank verification, the average time taken by the Employer to approve the process is about 13 days resulting in piling up of workload at the level of the Employer and consequent delay in the seeding of Bank Account for the Member. Further, this approval step is not adding any value to the verification process.

    Out of 7.74 crore members who are presently contributing each month, already 4.83 crore members have seeded their Bank Accounts in UAN with 14.95 Lakh approvals are pending at the level of the Employers.

    Accordingly, with a view to facilitate ‘Ease of Doing Business’ to the Employers and ‘Ease of Living’ to the Members, the role of Employer to approve the verification of bank account has now been dispensed with in the seeding process of the member’s Bank Account. This will immediately benefit over 14.95 lakh members whose approvals are pending with the Employers.

    The above simplified process will also facilitate those members who want to change their already seeded Bank Account by entering their new Bank Account no. along with the IFSC code duly authenticated through Aadhaar OTP.

    The members who are yet to seed their Bank Account or change their seeded Bank Account can take advantage of the above simplified process to get their Bank Account seeded at the earliest.

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    Himanshu Pathak

    (Release ID: 2118168) Visitor Counter : 71

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –