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Category: India

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM witnesses a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 1:02PM by PIB Delhi

    Expressing admiration for the deep cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi witnessed an enriching performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien today in Bangkok, Thailand.

    In separate posts on X, he wrote:

    “A cultural connect like no other!

    Witnessed a captivating performance of the Thai Ramayana, Ramakien. It was a truly enriching experience that beautifully showcased the shared cultural and civilisational ties between India and Thailand.

    The Ramayana truly continues to connect hearts and traditions across so many parts of Asia.”

     

     

    “ความสัมพันธ์ทางวัฒนธรรมที่ไม่เหมือนใคร! ได้ชมการแสดง รามเกียรติ์ ที่น่าหลงใหลซึ่งเป็นประสบการณ์ที่เต็มไปด้วยคุณค่า แสดงให้เห็นถึงความสัมพันธ์ทางวัฒนธรรมและอารยธรรมที่มีร่วมกันระหว่างอินเดียและไทยได้อย่างงดงาม รรามเกียรติ์ยังคงสานสัมพันธ์แห่งจิตวิญญาณและประเพณีในหลายพื้นที่ของเอเชียอย่างต่อเนื่อง”

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2118156) Visitor Counter : 16

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Text of the Chairman’s Remarks on the Occasion of Rajya Sabha Day, 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 11:37AM by PIB Delhi

    Hon’ble Members, I extend my most profound salutations on this auspicious occasion of Rajya Sabha Day.

    The Council of States, our esteemed Rajya Sabha, stands dignified as the House of Elders—the distinguished upper chamber of our parliamentary democracy.

    As the quintessential edifice of India’s federal architecture, this venerable institution ensures comprehensive representation, equilibrium in governance, and the cultivation of contemplative sagacity.

    Rajya Sabha endures as a distinguished forum where provincial perspectives and specialized expertise converge to enrich our national trajectory.

    As the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi astutely remarked during the 250th Session, while the Rajya Sabha may be designated as the Second House, it remains unequivocally paramount in its significance.

    The Parliament stands as our polaris—our unwavering North Star—illuminating the path forward during the nation’s most formidable challenges, serving as a beacon of guidance through turbulent times.

    This commemorative occasion beckons us to consecrate ourselves anew to preserving the illustrious traditions that ought to characterize this magnificent institution which, unlike the Lok Sabha, maintains its perennial continuity.

    The gravitas of this institution and the erudition of its distinguished members remain of transcendent importance.

    I implore the Hon’ble members to exemplify consummate conduct through excellence, unwavering devotion, steadfast commitment, profound scholarship, and discourse that stimulates intellectual contemplation and enlightenment.

    This exemplary standard must manifest with immediacy for the citizenry at large, as the Rajya Sabha must serve as the paradigmatic archetype for legislative bodies throughout our republic on the planet.

    On this momentous occasion, I exhort all Members to reaffirm their solemn covenant to constructive deliberation, erudite discourse, and collaborative statecraft.

    Let us remain resolute in safeguarding the sanctity of this august assembly and fortifying the democratic foundations of our great nation Bharat.

    ****

    JK/RC/SM

    (Release ID: 2118142) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare in association with Department of Legal Affairsorganizesa Training session on LIMBS portal

    Source: Government of India

    Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare in association with Department of Legal Affairsorganizesa Training session on LIMBS portal

    The training session represents a step towards capacity building of officials and to sensitize them for effective monitoring and timely action for safeguarding interest of Government in legal matters

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 11:16AM by PIB Delhi

    Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare in association with Department of Legal Affairs organized a hands-on training session on Legal Information Management & Briefing System (LIMBS) on 02nd April 2025 under the chairmanship of Secretary (Pension). The training was attended by senior officials in the Department.

    Secretary (Pension) underlined the importance of LIMBS as a knowledge management tool for identifying high priority court cases and effective monitoring of all the court cases of the Department. He urged officers handling legal matters for regular updation of the details of the cases on the portal.

    The training was imparted by the trainers of the LIMBS Team of Department of Legal Affairs explaining all the aspects of the software including updation of cases and users in the Department. A presentation was given on LIMBS and the various functions and utilities were explained by the LIMBS team.It was an interactive session where the queries of the officers were patiently dealt by the Team and hand holding was provided.Suggestions were also given to the team by the Department for further improvement of the software.  

    The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare is handling a large number of pension related court cases at in Central Administrative Tribunals, High Courts and Hon’ble Supreme Court. In order to have file timely replies, appoint nodal officers, appoint advocates, prepare/ file affidavits, an effective monitoring tool is essential.  DoPPW has vide O.M dated 15.07.2024 already apprised all the Ministries/Departments to refer cases to DoPPW at 1st appellate stage in cases of judgments against extant Government policy to improve presenting of Policies/Rules before Appellate courts. The training session held on 2nd April 2025 represents a step towards capacity building of the officers of the DoPPW and to sensitize them for effective monitoring and timely action for safeguarding interest of Government in legal matters.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118131) Visitor Counter : 16

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister’s departure statement ahead of his visit to Thailand and Sri Lanka

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:47AM by PIB Delhi

    At the invitation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, I am departing today for Thailand on an Official visit and to attend the 6th BIMSTEC Summit.

    Over the past decade, BIMSTEC has emerged as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region. With its geographical location, India’s North Eastern region lies at the heart of BIMSTEC. I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with interest of our people in mind.

    During my official visit, I will have the opportunity to engage with Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, with a common desire to elevate our age-old historical ties, which are based on the strong foundations of shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought.

    From Thailand, I will pay a two day visit to Sri Lanka from 04-06 April. This follows the highly successful visit of President Disanayaka to India last December. We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision of “Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future” and provide further guidance to realise our shared objectives.

    I am confident that these visits will build on the foundations of the past and contribute to strengthening our close relationships for the benefit of our people and the wider region.

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2118089) Visitor Counter : 26

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: SEVOTTAM AND EFFECTIVE REDRESSAL OF PUBLIC GRIEVANCES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:31PM by PIB Delhi

    The National Workshop on Sevottam and Grievance Redressal plays a key role in improving public service delivery across the country. Sevottam is a comprehensive framework focused on Citizen’s Charter, Grievance Redressal Mechanism, and Capability Building for Service Delivery. Under this initiative, Government provides financial support to State ATIs/CTIs for setting up Sevottam Training Cells. Over the past three financial years (2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25), as part of Sevottam, 756 training courses have been conducted, training 24,942 officers from various State Governments. In the current financial year 2 National Workshops on “Effective Redressal of Public Grievances” on November 18, 2024, in New Delhi and February 20, 2025, in Bhopal, with participation from Central Ministries, State Governments, and State Administrative Training Institutes (ATIs) were conducted. Government has been actively leveraging technology to modernize CPGRAMS for a better citizen interface.

    In December 2021, DARPG signed an MoU with IIT Kanpur to develop the Intelligent Grievance Management System (IGMS), an AI/ML-driven platform that introduces semantic search, exploratory data analysis, and predictive analytics for enhanced grievance management. Government publishes the Grievance Redressal Index (GRAI) as part of CPGRAMS’ 10-Step Reforms, ranking Ministries and Departments based on efficiency, feedback, domain expertise, and organizational commitment. The objective of the GRAI Index is to provide Ministries and Departments with a comparative performance assessment, enabling them to identify areas for improvement and implement policy reforms to minimize grievances. The Right to Service (RTS) Act has been enacted by 22 States and Union Territories as of date, with RTS Commissions established in 8 of them (Assam, Chandigarh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Haryana, Meghalaya, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal). DARPG conducts regular meetings/ webinars with State and UT governments, collaborates with RTS Commissions to exchange best practices and improve service delivery by promoting e-services, bringing citizens and the government closer through technology, and engages with commissioners, and appellate officials to boost egovernance and enhance e-service delivery in the nation.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118276) Visitor Counter : 23

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PERFORMANCE OF CPENGRAMS

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:30PM by PIB Delhi

    Centralized Pension Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPENGRAMS) has reduced the backlog and 1,94,611 grievances have been resolved during the last two years (from 01.03.2023 to 28.02.2025). For the redressal of grievances of family pensioners and super-senior pensioners, specific categorization of such grievances, including the delay in starting of family pension and additional pension, has been done for better monitoring. Further, regular reminders are issued and monthly Inter-Ministerial Review Meetings (IMRMs) are conducted for such cases. Also, under 100 days Action plan, a month long Special Campaign, for redressal of family pension grievances, was launched in July, 2024, which achieved 94% redressal. The Department has issued instructions including detailed instructions dated 16.10.2024 from time to time with emphasis on ultimate and conclusive redressal of the grievances within 21 days from earlier 30 days. Quality of redressal is monitored through feedback centre and Appeals are filed in the cases graded as ‘Poor’.

    These initiatives have helped in improving the redressal time and quality of redressal.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.   

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118274) Visitor Counter : 21

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2005

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:29PM by PIB Delhi

    In terms of Section 2(h)(d) of the RTI Act, 2005, any authority or body or institution of selfgovernment established or constituted by notification issued or order made by the appropriate Government including any (i) body owned, controlled or substantially financed; (ii) non – Government organisation substantially financed, directly or indirectly by funds provided by the appropriate Government is considered as public authority.

    It is the obligation and responsibility of each and every Public Authority established under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, 2005 to implement the provisions of the RTI Act. They are also under obligation to undertake the suo motu/proactive disclosure as mandated under Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act and comply with the guidelines issued by the Government from time to

    time.

    In this regard, the Government issued exhaustive guidelines on implementation of suo motu disclosure under section 4 of RTI Act, 2005 vide OM No.1/6/2011-IR dated 15.04.2013 which were reiterated on 07.11.2019.

    Para 4.5 of the aforesaid guidelines provide that the Central Information Commission should examine the third-party audit reports for each Ministry/Public Authority and offer advice/recommendations to the concerned Ministries/ Public Authorities.

    Further, as per Section 25(5) of the RTI Act, if it appears to the Central Information Commission (CIC) that the practice of a public authority in relation to the exercise of its functions under this Act does not conform with the provisions or spirit of this Act, it may give to the authority a recommendation specifying the steps which ought in its opinion to be taken for promoting such conformity. The CIC being the apex adjudicatory body set up under Section 12(1) of the RTI Act, functions autonomously without being subjected to directions by any other Authority under the RTI Act.

    Furthermore, the CIC in terms of Sections 18-20 of the RTI Act, have sufficient powers to enquire into complaints and to adjudicate appeals, including complaints regarding any public authority claiming itself to not be a public authority.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118271) Visitor Counter : 22

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PARLIAMENT QUESTION: GRANT OF NOTIONAL INCREMENT TO THE EMPLOYEES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:29PM by PIB Delhi

    Instructions in this regard were issued vide D/o Personnel & Training’s O.M. No. 19/116/2024-Pers.Pol. (Pay)(pt) dated 14.10.2024 in pursuance of the Interim Order dated06.09.2024 passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in M.A. Dy. No. 2400/2024, and after dueconsultation with D/o Legal Affairs and D/o Expenditure.

     It has been provided in para 6 of D/o Personnel & Training’s O.M. No.19/116/2024-Pers. Pol. (Pay)(pt) dated 14.10.2024 that the judgment dated 11.04.2023 will be given effect to incase of third parties from the date of the judgment, that is, the pension by taking into account one increment will be payable on and after 01.05.2023. Enhanced pension for the period prior to 30.04.2023 will not be paid. In case any retired employee has filed any application or writ petition and a beneficial order has been passed, the enhanced pension by including one increment will be payable from the month in which the application for intervention/ impleadment was filed.

    This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.  

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2118273) Visitor Counter : 20

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, moves the statutory resolution in the Lok Sabha seeking approval of imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, moves the statutory resolution in the Lok Sabha seeking approval of imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur

    The House expresses its respect, sympathy, and deep sorrow for those who lost their lives in the violence in Manipur

    Ethnic violence in Manipur started due to a reservation-related dispute between two communities, triggered by a decision of the Manipur High Court

    No violence since past four months in Manipur

    The government is providing all necessary facilities, including food, medicines, and medical services, in the relief camps

    Online arrangements for technical education and medical education have been made

    Classes have been set up inside the camps for primary education, where arrangements for their learning have been made

    Home Minister says there should not be any violence and ethnic violence should not be linked to any political party

    Manipur has long experienced unrest, but the opposition is portraying it as if this is the first instance of violence in Manipur

    During the previous government’s tenure, three major ethnic violences in Manipur after 1993 lasted for 10 years, 3 years and six months, but no one, including the Home Minister, from the government visited the region

    Between 2012 and 2017, despite no ethnic violence, Manipur was shut down for an average of 212 days per year

    Before the High Court order, there was not a single day of shutdown and blockade in Manipur during our rule and there was no violence

    On the very day the High Court’s order was issued, security forces’ companies  were dispatched to the region via Air Force planes

    Home Minister appeals to all members, urging them not to politicize the issue, as the government is making every possible effort to restore peace in Manipur

    After the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, discussions were held with both communities, and separate meetings with all organizations from both communities took place

    Ministry of Home Affairs will soon convene a joint meeting

    Government is working to restore peace in Manipur as soon as possible, rehabilitate those affected, and heal the wounds

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Minister, Shri Amit Shah, moved a statutory resolution in the Lok Sabha for the approval of the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur. The resolution was thereafter adopted by the lower house. The House also expressed its respect, sympathy, and deep sorrow for those who lost their lives in the violence in Manipur.

    Introducing the resolution, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, said that ethnic violence between two communities in Manipur had started due to a decision by the Manipur High Court regarding a reservation-related dispute. He mentioned that these are neither riots nor terrorism, but ethnic violence between two communities as a result of the interpretation of the High Court’s decision. Shri Shah further said that there has been no violence in Manipur for nearly four months, from December to March, and provisions for food, medicines, and medical facilities have been ensured in the camps. He said that online arrangements for technical and medical education have been made and for primary education, classes have been set up inside the camps, where arrangements for their studies have been made.

    Shri Amit Shah said that there should not be any violence and ethnic violence should not be linked to any political party. He mentioned that the opposition tried to portray a picture that ethnic violence occurred during our governance. He informed the House that between 1993 and 1998, there was a Naga-Kuki conflict in Manipur for five years, which resulted in 750 deaths, and sporadic incidents continued for a decade. Shri Shah emphasized that while we believe such incidents should never happen under our rule, an unfortunate decision led to the violence, which was immediately brought under control. He said that of the 260 deaths in the violence, 80 per cent occurred in the first month, while the remaining deaths occurred in the following months. He also mentioned that in the 1997-98 Kuki-Paite conflict, more than 50 villages were destroyed, 40,000 people were displaced, 352 people were killed, hundreds were injured, and 5,000 homes were burned. He further added that during the six-month-long Meitei-Pangal conflict took place in 1993 in which over 100 deaths occurred.

    Union Home Minister said that the opposition is trying to portray a picture as if this is the first violence in Manipur and our governance has failed. He mentioned that three major instances of violence—spanning 10 years, 3 years, and 6 months—had occurred during the rule of the previous government. He added that after these incidents of violence, no one from the then government, including the Home Minister, visited the region.

    Shri Amit Shah noted that BJP came to power in 2017, and in the previous five years, Manipur was shut down for an average of 212 days per year, despite the fact that no ethnic violence occurred during that time. He mentioned that there were over 1,000 encounters, which had to be taken cognizance of by the Supreme Court. Shri Shah said that before the High Court order, there was not a single day of shutdown and blockade in Manipur and there was no violence, in the six years of BJP rule since 2017. He said that in a specific situation, when both communities interpreted a High Court decision as being against them, violence erupted within just two days.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation stated that the opposition has also accused the government of ignoring the violence in Manipur. He informed the House that on the very day the High Court’s order was issued, security forces’ companies were dispatched to the region via Air Force planes. He emphasized that everyone shares the same concern on this matter. The Home Minister appealed to all members, urging them not to politicize the issue, as the government is making every possible effort to restore peace in Manipur. He added that for every life lost in this violence, the House should hold respect, empathy, and sorrow in its heart.

    Shri Amit Shah stated that after the imposition of President’s Rule in Manipur, discussions were held with both communities, and separate meetings with all organizations from both communities have taken place. He mentioned that the Ministry of Home Affairs will soon convene a joint meeting. He emphasized that while the government is working to find a path to end the violence, the top priority is to establish peace. Shri Shah also noted that there have been no deaths in Manipur for the past four months, with only two people injured, and the situation is largely under control. However, he said that the situation would not be considered satisfactory until the displaced people are no longer living in camps. He further mentioned that discussions are ongoing regarding a rehabilitation package for the displaced people.

    Union Home Minister stated that our Chief Minister resigned, and then the Governor held discussions with 37 BJP members, 6 from NPP, 5 from NPF, 1 from JD(U), and 5 from Congress. He mentioned that when most of the members stated that they were not in a position to form the government, the Cabinet recommended the imposition of President’s Rule, which was accepted by the President. Shri Shah further stated that the government wants peace to be restored in Manipur as soon as possible, along with rehabilitation efforts and healing the wounds of the affected people.

    *****

    RK/VV/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2118264) Visitor Counter : 94

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: PM highlights the new energy and resolve in the lives of devotees with worship of Maa Durga in Navratri

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 6:57AM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today highlighted the new energy and resolve in the lives of devotees with worship of Maa Durga in Navratri. He also shared a bhajan by Smt. Anuradha Paudwal.

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2118090) Visitor Counter : 55

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Dr. Poonam Gupta appointed as Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Government of India in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-section (1) read with sub-section (4) of section 8 of The Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, has appointed Dr. Poonam Gupta, Director General, National Council of Applied Economic Research, New Delhi as Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India for a period of three years from the date of joining the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/26

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rating of Hotels Under the Ministry of Tourism

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:12PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Tourism under its voluntary scheme of Classification classifies hotels under the star rating system as per the extant Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Tourism. Under this system, hotels are given a rating, from One Star to Three Star, Four and Five Star with or without alcohol and Five Star Deluxe through NIDHI+ portal (https://nidhi.tourism.gov.in). The Classification exercise is undertaken by a committee, namely the HRACC (Hotel & Restaurant Approval & Classification Committee), having members from the Ministry, industry associations, hotel management institutes and State Government/UT Administration.

    The number of Five Star hotels state-wise classified by the Ministry of Tourism 2019 onwards is placed at ANNEXURE-I

    The number of Three Star hotels state-wise classified by the Ministry of Tourism 2019 onwards and the number of Four-Star hotels state-wise classified by the Ministry of Tourism 2019 onwards are placed at ANNEXURE-II and ANNEXURE-III respectively.

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

    ***

    ANNEXURE-I

    State-Wise Details of 5 Star Hotels Classified 2019 Onwards

     

    S. No.

    STATE/UT

    COUNT

    1.

    Andaman and Nicobar Islands

    2

    2.

    Andhra Pradesh

    22

    3.

    Arunachal Pradesh

    0

    4.

    Assam

    5

    5.

    Bihar

    5

    6.

    Chandigarh

    2

    7.

    Chhattisgarh

    6

    8.

    Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

    2

    9.

    Delhi

    54

    10.

    Goa

    70

    11.

    Gujarat

    76

    12.

    Haryana

    28

    13.

    Himachal Pradesh

    6

    14.

    Jammu and Kashmir

    1

    15.

    Jharkhand

    2

    16.

    Karnataka

    66

    17.

    Kerala

    94

    18.

    Ladakh

    3

    19.

    Lakshadweep

    0

    20.

    Madhya Pradesh

    24

    21.

    Maharashtra

    86

    22.

    Manipur

    0

    23.

    Meghalaya

    1

    24.

    Mizoram

    0

    25.

    Nagaland

    0

    26.

    Odisha

    8

    27.

    Puducherry (Pondicherry)

    2

    28.

    Punjab

    15

    29.

    Rajasthan

    37

    30.

    Sikkim

    2

    31.

    Tamil Nadu

    43

    32.

    Telangana

    23

    33.

    Tripura

    2

    34.

    Uttar Pradesh

    32

    35.

    Uttarakhand

    10

    36.

    West Bengal

    32

    Note: Data is provisional as some hotels are under the process of reclassification.

     

    ANNEXURE-II

    State-Wise Details of 3 Star Hotels Classified 2019 Onwards

     

    S. No.

    STATE/UT

    COUNT

    1.

    Andaman and Nicobar Islands

    0

    2.

    Andhra Pradesh

    36

    3.

    Arunachal Pradesh

    2

    4.

    Assam

    18

    5.

    Bihar

    4

    6.

    Chandigarh

    0

    7.

    Chhattisgarh

    31

    8.

    Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

    0

    9.

    Delhi

    5

    10.

    Goa

    4

    11.

    Gujarat

    120

    12.

    Haryana

    11

    13.

    Himachal Pradesh

    1

    14.

    Jammu and Kashmir

    0

    15.

    Jharkhand

    0

    16.

    Karnataka

    11

    17.

    Kerala

    607

    18.

    Ladakh

    0

    19.

    Lakshadweep

    0

    20.

    Madhya Pradesh

    6

    21.

    Maharashtra

    69

    22.

    Manipur

    0

    23.

    Meghalaya

    0

    24.

    Mizoram

    1

    25.

    Nagaland

    0

    26.

    Odisha

    11

    27.

    Puducherry (Pondicherry)

    0

    28.

    Punjab

    4

    29.

    Rajasthan

    9

    30.

    Sikkim

    0

    31.

    Tamil Nadu

    7

    32.

    Telangana

    9

    33.

    Tripura

    0

    34.

    Uttar Pradesh

    2

    35.

    Uttarakhand

    2

    36.

    West Bengal

    36

    Note: Data is provisional as some hotels are under the process of reclassification.

     

    ANNEXURE-III

    State-Wise Details of 4 Star Hotels Classified 2019 Onwards

     

    S. No.

    STATE/UT

    COUNT

    1.

    Andaman and Nicobar Islands

    0

    2.

    Andhra Pradesh

    14

    3.

    Arunachal Pradesh

    0

    4.

    Assam

    2

    5.

    Bihar

    1

    6.

    Chandigarh

    0

    7.

    Chhattisgarh

    22

    8.

    Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

    1

    9.

    Delhi

    23

    10.

    Goa

    10

    11.

    Gujarat

    61

    12.

    Haryana

    9

    13.

    Himachal Pradesh

    0

    14.

    Jammu and Kashmir

    0

    15.

    Jharkhand

    2

    16.

    Karnataka

    23

    17.

    Kerala

    420

    18.

    Ladakh

    0

    19.

    Lakshadweep

    0

    20.

    Madhya Pradesh

    2

    21.

    Maharashtra

    36

    22.

    Manipur

    1

    23.

    Meghalaya

    2

    24.

    Mizoram

    0

    25.

    Nagaland

    0

    26.

    Odisha

    5

    27.

    Puducherry (Pondicherry)

    0

    28.

    Punjab

    5

    29.

    Rajasthan

    2

    30.

    Sikkim

    0

    31.

    Tamil Nadu

    19

    32.

    Telangana

    11

    33.

    Tripura

    0

    34.

    Uttar Pradesh

    7

    35.

    Uttarakhand

    2

    36.

    West Bengal

    25

    Note: Data is provisional as some hotels are under the process of reclassification.

    ***

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

     

    (Release ID: 2118260) Visitor Counter : 19

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tribal Entrepreneurs in Tourism Sector

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Government of India has approved the initiative to develop tribal homestays under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism as part of ‘Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan”. The said intervention includes development of 1000 homestays with support of upto Rs.5.00 Lakh per unit for new construction, up to Rs.3.00 Lakh for renovation and Rs.5.00 Lakh for village community requirements.

    Ministry of Tourism has no specific scheme for Tribal Entrepreneurs. However, Ministry extends financial support to State Governments and Union Territories for development of tourism under its schemes of ‘Swadesh Darshan’ and ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)’ for Tourism Infrastructure Development. Tribal-circuit was identified as one of the themes for development under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and the details of the projects sanctioned under Tribal Circuit of Swadesh Darshan is at Annexure-I.

    Ministry has revamped Swadesh Darshan Scheme as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0) with the objective to develop sustainable and responsible destinations following a destination centric approach and has sanctioned 34 projects for Rs.791.25 Crore, including tribal experience. The details of projects sanctioned under SD2.0 scheme is at Annexure-II.

    The responsibility of obtaining land for undertaking projects in Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes is that of the concerned State Governments/UT Administrations.

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

    ***

    ANNEXURE-I

    List of Projects Sanctioned Under the Tribal Circuit Theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme

    S.

    No.

    State/ UT

    Circuit / Sanction Year

    Name of the Project

    Amount Sanctioned

    (in ₹ Crore)

    1.

    Chhattisgarh

    Tribal Circuit

    2015-16

    Development  of Jashpur-       Kunkuri- Mainpat-         Kamleshpur                 -Maheshpur                  -Kurdar                       – Sarodhadadar- Gangrel- Kondagaon– Nathiyanawagaon- Jagdalpur- Chitrakoot- Tirthgarh

    96.10

    2.

    Nagaland

    Tribal Circuit

    2015-16

    Development of Tribal Circuit Peren- Kohima- Wokha

    97.36

    3.

    Nagaland

    Tribal Circuit 2016-17

    Development  of Mokokchung-Tuensang- Mon

    98.14

    4.

    Telangana

    Tribal Circuit

     

    2016-17

    Development of Mulugu- Laknavaram- Medavaram-   Tadvai- Damaravi- Mallur- Bogatha Waterfalls

    79.87

     

    ANNEXURE-II

     

    List of Projects Sanctioned Under Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme

     

    S. No.

    State

    Destination

    Name of the Experience

    Sanctioned Cost (₹ Crore)

    Year of Sanction

    1

    Andhra Pradesh

    Araku-Lambasingi

    Borra Cave Experience at Araku

    29.87

    2023-24

    2

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Nacho

    Unlock Nacho Expedition

    14.02

    2023-24

    3

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Mechuka

    Mechuka Cultural Haat

    18.48

    2023-24

    4

    Arunachal Pradesh

    Mechuka

    Mechuka Adventure Park

    12.75

    2023-24

    5

    Assam

    Kokrajhar

    Kokrajhar Wetland Experience

    26.67

    2023-24

    6

    Assam

    Jorhat

    Reimagining Cinnamara Tea Estate

    23.91

    2023-24

    7

    Goa

    Porvorim

    Porvorim Creek Experience

    23.56

    2024-25

    8

    Goa

    Colva

    Colva Beach Experience

    15.65

    2024-25

    9

    Karnataka

    Hampi

    Setting up of ‘Traveller nooks’

    25.64

    2023-24

    10

    Karnataka

    Mysuru

    Tonga ride Heritage experience zone

    2.72

    2023-24

    11

    Karnataka

    Mysuru

    Ecological Experience Zone

    18.47

    2023-24

    12

    Kerala

    Kumarakom

    Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary Experience

    13.92

    2023-24

    13

    Ladakh

    Leh

    JulleyLeh Biodiversity Park

    24.89

    2023-24

    14

    Ladakh

    Kargil

    Exploring LOC and Hundarman village Experience

    12.01

    2023-24

    15

    Madhya Pradesh

    Gwalior

    Phoolbagh Experience Zone

    16.73

    2023-24

    16

    Madhya Pradesh

    Chitrakoot

    Spiritual experience at Chitrakoot

    27.21

    2023-24

    17

    Maharashtra

    Pune

    Shivsrushti Historical Theme Park- Phase 3

    76.22

    2024-25

    18

    Meghalaya

    Sohra

    Waterfall Trails Experience

    27.84

    2023-24

    19

    Meghalaya

    Sohra

    Meghalayan Age Cave Experience

    32.45

    2023-24

    20

    Nagaland

    Chumoukedima

    Eco-Tourism Exp at Chumoukedima viewpoint

    7.87

    2024-25

    21

    Nagaland

    Chumuoukedima

    Tribal Cultural Experience at Midway Retreat

    21.56

    2023-24

    22

    Puducherry

    Karaikal

    Karaikal beach and waterfront experience

    20.29

    2023-24

    23

    Punjab

    Kapurthala

    Eco Tourism experience at Kanjli wetland

    20.06

    2023-24

    24

    Punjab

    Amritsar

    Border Tourism Experience at Attari

    25.90

    2024-25

    25

    Rajasthan

    Bundi

    Spiritual Experience, Keshavraipatan

    17.37

    2023-24

    26

    Sikkim

    Gyalshing

    Eco-Wellness Experience at Yuksom Cluster

    15.40

    2023-24

    27

    Sikkim

    Gangtok

    Gangtok Cultural Village

    22.59

    2023-24

    28

    Tamil Nadu

    Mamallapuram

    Immersive experience at Shore Temple

    30.02

    2023-24

    29

    Telangana

    Bhongir

    Bhongir Fort Experiential Zone

    56.81

    2023-24

    30

    Telangana

    Ananathagiri

    Eco tourism zone at Ananathgiri forest

    38.00

    2023-24

    31

    Uttar Pradesh

    Prayagraj

    Azad Park and DekhoPrayagraj Trail Exp

    13.02

    2023-24

    32

    Uttar Pradesh

    Naimisaranya

    Vedic- wellness Experience

    15.94

    2023-24

    33

    Uttarakhand

    Pithoragarh

    Rural Tourism Cluster Experience at Gunji

    32.20

    2023-24

    34

    Uttarakhand

    Champawat

    Tea Garden Experience

    11.21

    2023-24

    TOTAL AMOUNT

         791.25

     

     

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2118259) Visitor Counter : 21

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Use of e-governance and e-courts in Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

    Source: Government of India

    Use of e-governance and e-courts in Income Tax Appellate Tribunal

    Over 26,000 appeals and applications were filed electronically through e-filing portal up to 28.02.2025

    Court rooms at new office premises of ITAT, Delhi and Lucknow benches have also been equipped with the state-of-the-art video conferencing infrastructure

    State-of-the-art video conferencing infrastructure facilitating uninterrupted virtual/hybrid hearings

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

    The e-filing portal has been launched in the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) for facilitating electronic filing of appeals, applications, petitions and documents, by the stakeholders. The e-filing portal continues to gain the acceptance of the stakeholders. Over 26,000 appeals and applications were filed electronically through e-filing portal before various benches of ITAT during the year, up to 28.02.2025. The provision of free and high-speed internet at various benches has been provided through Optical Fiber Cable (OFC), for access by all stakeholders. The Court rooms at new office premises of ITAT, Delhi and Lucknow benches have also been equipped with the state-of-the-art video conferencing infrastructure to provide better hybrid/virtual hearing experience to the stakeholders. The upgradation of infrastructure including installation of latest equipment is also being enabled continuously for facilitating uninterrupted virtual/hybrid hearings.

    In compliance with the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, ITAT has implemented hybrid / virtual hearings at all Benches, in letter and spirit, which facilitates litigants to attend hearing of their cases virtually. The benches of ITAT are not declining the requests of the parties for virtual hearings. For the period from July 2023 to December 2024, a total 1,22,302 hearings of appeals have been conducted through video conferencing before various Benches of ITAT.

    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: 2118248) Visitor Counter : 54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government Steps to ensure affordable LPG

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 03 APR 2025 3:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched in May, 2016 with an objective to provide deposit free LPG connection to adult women from poor households across the country. The target to release 8 crore connections under PMUY was achieved in September 2019. To cover the remaining poor households, Ujjwala 2.0 was launched in August 2021 with a target to release 1 crore additional PMUY connections, which was achieved in January 2022. Subsequently, the Government decided to release 60 lakh more LPG connections under Ujjwala 2.0 and the target of 1.60 crore Ujjwala 2.0 connections was also achieved during December 2022. Further, Government approved release of additional 75 lakh connections under PMUY Scheme for the period FY 2023-24 to 2025-26 which has already been achieved during July 2024.

    As on 01.03.2025, the total number of active domestic LPG consumers in India stands at 32.94 crore, including 10.33 crore beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY).

     Details of increase in domestic LPG consumers during the last three financial years are as below:

    Particulars (As on 1st of April)

    UNIT

    2022

    2023

    2024

       01.01.25

    LPG Active Domestic Customers

    (Lakh)

    3053

    3140

    3242

    3289

    Growth

    5.5%

    2.9%

    3.2%

    2.8%

    PMUY Beneficiaries 

    (Lakh)

    899.0

    958.6

    1032.7

    1033.4

    Growth

    12.3%

    6.6%

    7.7%

    3.2%

     Note: Growth rates as on 1st April of any year are w.r.t. figures as on 1st April of previous year.

     Source: PPAC

    In order to improve access to LPG across the country, various steps have been taken inter alia, including organizing campaigns for improving awareness about PMUY, organizing melas/camps to enroll and distribute connections, promotion through Out of Home (OOH) hoardings, radio jingles, Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Vans etc., spreading awareness about advantages of using LPG over other conventional fuels and safe usage of LPG through LPG Panchayats, enrolment/awareness camps under Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, facilitation of consumers and their families for Aadhar enrolment and opening of bank accounts for getting PMUY connections, simplification of process of getting LPG connection, online application for PMUY connection at www.pmuy.gov.in, nearest LPG distributors, Common Service Centres (CSC) etc., option of 5 Kg Double Bottle Connection (DBC), swap option from 14.2 Kg to 5 Kg, provision for Migrant Families to avail new connection on Self-Declaration instead of Proof of Address and Ration Card.

    Further, OMCs are continuously commissioning new LPG Distributorships, especially in rural areas. Since the launch of PMUY scheme, OMCs have commissioned 7959 Distributorships (commissioned during 01.04.2016 to 31.12.2024) across the country, out of which 93% i.e. 7373 [Rurban- 1024, Gramin- 4974, Durgam Kshetriya Vitraks and Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitrak (DKV+RGGLV) – 1375] are catering to rural areas. As a result of these efforts, LPG coverage in the country has improved from 62% in April 2016 to near saturation now.

    India imports about 60% of the domestic LPG consumed. Price of LPG in the country is linked to its price in the international market. While the average Saudi CP (international benchmark for LPG pricing) rose by 63% (from US$ 385/MT in July 2023 to US$ 629/MT in February 2025), the effective price for Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) consumers for domestic LPG was reduced by 44% (from Rs. 903 in August 2023 to Rs. 503 in February 2025).

    The retail selling price of a 14.2 Kg domestic LPG cylinder is currently Rs. 803 in Delhi. After a targeted subsidy of Rs. 300/cylinder to PMUY consumers, Government of India is providing 14.2 Kg LPG cylinders at an effective price of Rs.503 per cylinder (in Delhi). This is available to more than 10.33 crore Ujjwala beneficiaries, across the country including Rajasthan.   Details of effective cost of domestic LPG cylinder to non-PMUY consumers and PMUY beneficiaries in Delhi, as on 01st March for last three years is as below :

     (Rs./14.2 kg. domestic LPG refill.)

     

    01.03.2023

    01.03.2024

    01.03.2025

    Non-PMUY consumers

    1103

    903

    803

    PMUY beneficiaries

    903

    603

    503

                    Source: Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC)

     

    Globally, PMUY is the biggest program of its kind that provides Domestic LPG to more than 10.33 crore poor households at an effective price of just about Rs. 35/Kg. Further, the effective price of domestic LPG cylinder in neighbouring countries as on 01.01.2025 is as below:

    Country

    Domestic LPG (Rs./14.2 kg.cyl.)#

    India

    503.00*

    Pakistan

    1094.83

    Sri Lanka

    1231.53

    Nepal

    1206.65

          Source: Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC)

          *Effective cost to PMUY beneficiaries in Delhi, effective price is Rs. 803 for non-PMUY consumers

    As a result of various steps taken by Government to improve access and affordability of domestic LPG for PMUY consumers, per capita consumption of PMUY beneficiaries (in terms of no. of 14.2 kg LPG cylinders taken per year) has increased from 3.01 (FY 2019-20) to 3.68 (FY 2021-22), 3.95 in FY 2023-24, and 4.43 in FY 2024-25.

    Various independent studies and reports have shown that PMUY scheme has had a significant positive impact on the lives of rural households, especially women and families in rural and remote areas. Some key benefits are briefly explained below:

    (i) PMUY had resulted in a shift from traditional cooking methods that involve burning solid fuels like wood, dung and crop residues. The use of cleaner fuel lowers indoor air pollution, leading to improved respiratory health, particularly among women and children who are traditionally more exposed to household smoke.

    (ii) Households in rural areas, especially those in remote locations, often spend a significant portion of their time and energy in collecting traditional cooking fuels. LPG has reduced drudgery and the time spent on cooking by women of poor households. The free time, thus, available with them can be utilized in multiple spheres for enhanced economic productivity.

    (iii) Transition from biomass and traditional fuels to LPG reduces the dependency on wood and other biomass for cooking purposes, leading to a decrease in deforestation and environmental degradation. This benefits not only the households but also contributes to broader environmental conservation efforts.

    (iv) With improved cooking facilities, there is a potential positive impact on nutrition. Families may find it easier to cook a variety of nutritious meals, contributing to better overall health.

    This information was given by THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS SHRI SURESH GOPI, in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

    ****

    MONIKA

    (Release ID: 2118208) Visitor Counter : 59

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • 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: 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: 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: 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.

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    Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Rishita Aggarwal

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