National Steel Policy

In view of changed economic environment, both globally as well as domestically, Ministry of Steel has initiated the process of drafting the New National Steel Policy in place of existing National Steel Policy 2005. An Apex Committee, headed by Secretary, Ministry of Steel and consisting of representatives of Planning Commission, Ministries/ Departments of Central Government and concerned State Governments has been constituted for monitoring the process of formulation of the New National Steel Policy. Four Task Forces have been constituted under the Chairmanship of eminent experts to study, analyze, consult and formulate draft policy documents in different aspects of the subject. These task forces are currently in various stages of discussion and consultation with the stakeholders and experts in the industry to identify all the relevant issues and come up with the policy prescriptions. A final view on the New National Steel Policy will be taken on receipt of reports of these Task Forces and after discussions with the various stakeholders in the matter.

The production of finished steel for sale in the country has been consistently higher than the real consumption of steel in the country.  However, a small quantity of import as well as export of various products of steel takes place depending upon the specific requirements of the individual companies. The quantity of import has significantly reduced by about 35.8% during April-September 2011 in comparison to the corresponding period of the previous year.

The figures of real consumption, total production for sale, import and export of finished steel during last three years and the current year are given below:-

Year	Total Finished Steel       (million tonnes)
	Production for sale	Import	Export	Real Consumption
2008-09	57.16	5.84	4.44	52.35
2009-10	60.62	7.38	3.25	59.33
2010-11*	66.01	6.80	3.46	65.61
2011-12 (April-September)*	34.86	2.88	2.26	34.03
% change**	9.5	(-) 35.8	53.3	2.8
Source: Joint Plant Committee (JPC ); *  provisional; ** over same period of last year

Shri Azad Releases NRHM’s Review Mission Reports

The Union Minster of Health and Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, today released reports of 5thCommon Review Mission (CRM) and 8th Joint Review Mission (JRM) of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) at the National Dissemination workshop held in New Delhi.   As per the latest SRS, country’s IMR has reduced to 47 (SRS 2010) from 58 in 2005 and MMR declined from 254 during 2004-06 to 212 in 2007-09. Noteworthy achievements have been recorded in the High Focus States like Orissa, Rajasthan and Bihar where the IMR has dropped by 13 or more points since 2005. Fall in rural IMR has been consistently more than urban IMR for last three years. Assam Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan have recorded the largest fall in Maternal Mortality Ratio of 90, 81, 81 and 70 points respectively. Further, TFR has reduced to 2.6 in 2009 from 2.9 in 2005.

National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

The Union Cabinet today approved the National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) drafted by the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue in consultation with the concerned Ministries/Agencies of Government of India and the State Governments. The salient features of the policy are as follows: (i) The policy recommends production of Concentrate of Poppy Straw (CPS) in India by a company or body corporate. This would enable India to retain its status of a traditional supplier of Opiate Raw Material (ORM) to the rest of world, while remaining competitive. (ii) The consumption of poppy straw by addicts will be gradually reduced and finally stopped in a time frame decided by the States. (iii) On the illicit cultivation of poppy and cannabis, the policy emphasizes use of satellite imageries for detection of illicit crop and its subsequent eradication and development of alternate means of livelihood in respect of cultivators in pockets of traditional illicit cultivation. (iv) The private sector may be allowed production of alkaloids from opium. At present alkaloids from opium are produced only in Government Opium and Alkaloid Factories (GOAFs). (v) Non-intrusive methods of regulating the manufacture, trade and use of such psychotropic substances will be introduced, (vi) Emphasis will be laid on adequate access to morphine and other opioids necessary for palliative care, a strategy to address street peddlers of drugs, periodic surveys of drug abuse to gauge the extent, pattern and nature of drug abuse in the country, recognition of de-addiction centers, (vii) There will be a time bound plan of action, detailing the steps to be taken by different Ministries/ Departments/ agencies, in response to the recommendations of the International Narcotics Control Board. The policy attempts to curb the menace of drug abuse and contains provisions for treatment, rehabilitation and social re-integration of victims of drug abuse. Implementation of the provisions of the policy will lead to reduction of crime, improvement in public health and uplifting of the social milieu. The NDPS Policy will serve as a guide to various Ministries and organizations and re-assert India`s commitment to combat the drug menace in a holistic manner. Background: There are four broad aspects of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances – (i) Administration of the NDPS Act and Rules framed there under, (ii) Legal production, manufacturing, trade and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific uses, (iii) Drug (Illicit) supply reduction, and (iv) Drug (Illicit) demand reduction.

Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)

Status of implementation of Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY)

The Cabinet today reviewed the implementation of the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana. The Scheme was launched on 1st October, 2007 as the health insurance scheme for families living below the poverty line. It was operationalised on April, 2008. The basic features of the scheme are as follows: (i) Government of India contributes 75% of the annual premium. State Governments contribute 25%. In case of North-East region and Jammu & Kashmir, the premium is shared in the ratio of 90:10. (ii) The beneficiary family pays Rs. 30 per annum per family as registration/renewal fee. Administrative cost is borne by the State Governments. (iii) Beneficiaries are entitled to smart card based cashless health insurance cover of Rs.30,000 per family per annum on a family floater basis. (iv) Coverage of all pre-existing diseases. (v) Coverage of hospitalisation expenses, including maternity benefit. (vi) Payment of transportation cost of Rs. 100/- per visit. As on 31st December, 2011, about 2.57 crore smart cards are active and more than 29.25 lakh persons have availed hospitalisation facilities in 24 States/UTs. The RSBY has also been extended to following occupational groups: (i) Building and other Construction Workers (ii) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) beneficiaries (iii) Street Vendors (iv) Beedi Workers (v) Domestic Workers As is evident from the above, the scheme has been extended to a few segments of unorganised workers. In future, it is likely to be expanded to other segments of such workers.

Highlights of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas-2012

Highlights of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas-2012

• The 10th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) held from 7-9 January, 2012 at Birla Auditorium, Jaipur. • The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the event and the President Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil delivered the valedictory address and conferred the Pravasi Bhartiya Samman Awards to 15 eminent NRIs. • The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Kamla Persad Bissessar was the Chief Guest of the event. • Over 1900 delegates from about 60 countries were participated this year’s PBD. • “The Global Indian: Inclusive Growth” was the theme of the event and the focus was on India’s Social Development and the Overseas Indian community. • Prime Minister announced a new Pension and Life Insurance Fund for overseas Indian workers. The scheme will encourage, enable and assist overseas workers to voluntarily save for their return and resettlement and old age. It will also provide a low-cost life insurance cover against natural death. • Prime Minister also announced that pursuant to the law that was enacted to enable non-resident Indians to vote in national elections, the Government has issued notifications for registration of overseas Indians under the Representation of People Act, 1950. This constitutes the first major step to enable Indians resident abroad to participate in election processes. • Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs announced that next Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Divas-2012 will be held in Dubai for the Gulf region. • A Protector of Emigrants (POE) office was inaugurated in Jaipur during the event to facilitate overseas Indians and emigrating workers of this region. • The Chief Minister of Rajasthan announced a new scheme, “Know Rajasthan “for NRI’s. Under this scheme 50 NRIs from 18-28 years of age annually would come on tour to the state. 90% expenditure of their Air Fare will be borne by the state Government. The expenditure on internal transport and residence will also be borne by the State Government.