The developer of a SEZ can transfer the surplus of the power generated in their power generating stand alone or captive plants, in excess of the requirement of the SEZ, to Domestic Tariff Areas (DTA). However, such a developer shall have to make an application for sale of surplus power to DTA to the Development Commissioner and will have to pay duty as applicable on import of such power. The Development Commissioner concerned may examine the request for sale of surplus power to DTA in consultation with the appropriate agencies as may be required under the Electricity Act, 2003 and rules made there under wherever considered necessary.
In terms of S.O. 528(E) dated 3rd March 2010, the Developer of a Special Economic Zone notified under Sec 4(1) of the SEZ Act, 2005 shall be deemed to be a licensee for the purpose of clause (b) of Sec 14 of the Electricity Act, 2003 i.e. to distribute electricity as a distribution licensee.
In respect of power supplied from processing area to constituents in non-processing area or from processing area / non processing area to DTA, it should be at such a price as agreed to between the relevant regulator and the developer. For such clearance, duty shall be leviable at such rate as may be notified as customs tariff by the Department of Revenue in consultation with the Ministry of Power /prescribed power sector regulatory agencies and the Ministry of Commerce, as prescribed in Section 30 of SEZ Act, 2005.
. These guidelines, inter-alia, include the following provisions:- Constituents to whom power can be supplied, Licensing for distribution of power, Determination of tariff, Levy of duty on power supplied to DTA and applicability of other Acts, Rules and Resolutions issued by the Ministry of Power from time to time.
Monday, March 26, 2012
FTA with Asean Countries
India has signed bilateral Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) with Singapore in 2005 and with Malaysia in 2011. India has also signed an Agreement on Trade in Goods with ASEAN on 13th August, 2009.
During the year 2009-10 and 2010-11, export to ASEAN countries was US$ 18.11 billion and US$27.28 billion respectively. During the year 2009- 10 and 2010-11, import from ASEAN countries was US$ 25.80 billion and US$ 30.61 billion respectively.
India and ASEAN are currently negotiating Agreement on Trade in Services.
Negotiations on Agreement on Trade in Services are at the stage of exchange of offers and both India and ASEAN have last exchanged revised offers on 18th November, 2011.
The Agreements would lead to growth in bilateral trade. Indian exporters would gain additional market access in these countries and Indian manufacturers would be able to source products at competitive prices from these markets. Investments would increase and Indian Professionals would gain access in the Services Sectors. This will result in increased business opportunities and closer economic co-operation with these countries. Negotiations for services sectors on which commitments would be taken are under way.
During the year 2009-10 and 2010-11, export to ASEAN countries was US$ 18.11 billion and US$27.28 billion respectively. During the year 2009- 10 and 2010-11, import from ASEAN countries was US$ 25.80 billion and US$ 30.61 billion respectively.
India and ASEAN are currently negotiating Agreement on Trade in Services.
Negotiations on Agreement on Trade in Services are at the stage of exchange of offers and both India and ASEAN have last exchanged revised offers on 18th November, 2011.
The Agreements would lead to growth in bilateral trade. Indian exporters would gain additional market access in these countries and Indian manufacturers would be able to source products at competitive prices from these markets. Investments would increase and Indian Professionals would gain access in the Services Sectors. This will result in increased business opportunities and closer economic co-operation with these countries. Negotiations for services sectors on which commitments would be taken are under way.
AEZs in Rajasthan
A peer evaluation of the existing AEZs was carried out in 2005 to assess the performance of AEZs. Some of the important findings of the peer evaluation include i) Lack of ownership by Government Authority and their Agencies, ii) Lack of awareness about the scheme and its conceptual framework among stakeholders including State Government field establishments, iii) Lack of project orientation in the conceptual design of AEZ, iv) Lack of coordination/ monitoring system in AEZs, v) Non materialization of adequate public investment from Central and State Governments, vi) indiscreet proliferation of AEZs etc. On the basis of the recommendations of the Peer Group in 2005, it was decided not to consider notification of new AEZs unless there were strong compelling reasons.
97th Constitution Amendment to Encourage Economic Activities of Cooperatives
Constitution (Ninety Seventh Amendment) Act 2011 relating to the co-operatives will encourage economic activities of cooperatives which in turn help progress of rural India. It is expected to not only ensure autonomous and democratic functioning of cooperatives, but also the accountability of the management to the members and other stakeholders.
The inter alia provides for:
(i) incorporation, regulation and winding up of cooperative societies based on the principles of voluntary formation, democratic member control, member economic participation and autonomous functioning;
(ii) specifying the maximum number of directors of a co-operative society to be not exceeding twenty-one members;
(iii) a fixed term of five years from the date of election in respect of the elected members of the board and its office bearers; and an authority or body for the conduct of elections to a cooperative society;
(iv) a maximum time limit of six months during which board of directors of a co-operative society could be kept under supersession or suspension;
(v) independent professional audit;
(vi) right of information to the members of the co-operative societies;
(vii) empowering the State Governments to obtain periodic reports of activities and accounts of co-operative societies;
(viii) reservation of one seat for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes and two seats for women on the board of every cooperative society, which have individuals as members from such categories; and
(ix) penalties in respect of offences relating to co-operative societies.
The inter alia provides for:
(i) incorporation, regulation and winding up of cooperative societies based on the principles of voluntary formation, democratic member control, member economic participation and autonomous functioning;
(ii) specifying the maximum number of directors of a co-operative society to be not exceeding twenty-one members;
(iii) a fixed term of five years from the date of election in respect of the elected members of the board and its office bearers; and an authority or body for the conduct of elections to a cooperative society;
(iv) a maximum time limit of six months during which board of directors of a co-operative society could be kept under supersession or suspension;
(v) independent professional audit;
(vi) right of information to the members of the co-operative societies;
(vii) empowering the State Governments to obtain periodic reports of activities and accounts of co-operative societies;
(viii) reservation of one seat for the Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes and two seats for women on the board of every cooperative society, which have individuals as members from such categories; and
(ix) penalties in respect of offences relating to co-operative societies.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Cheques, drafts to be valid for 3 months from April
Come April 1 and cheques and bank drafts will be valid only for 3 months, a development that RBI thinks will help mitigate frauds related to such instruments.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed that with effect from April 1, 2012, banks should not make payments against cheques, drafts, pay orders or banker's cheques if they are presented after the period of three months from date of issue.
It has been brought to its notice by the government that some persons were taking undue advantage of the six month validity of cheques, drafts, pay orders, banker's cheques by circulating them like cash for this period, RBI had said in a notification earlier.
According to a senior banker, the three-month validity period is a good enough time period for instrument conciliation.
It was reported to Central Economic Intelligence Bureau that some persons are taking undue advantage of the practice of banks of making payment of cheques or draft presented within a period of six months from the date of the instrument as these instruments are being circulated in the market like cash for six months.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed that with effect from April 1, 2012, banks should not make payments against cheques, drafts, pay orders or banker's cheques if they are presented after the period of three months from date of issue.
It has been brought to its notice by the government that some persons were taking undue advantage of the six month validity of cheques, drafts, pay orders, banker's cheques by circulating them like cash for this period, RBI had said in a notification earlier.
According to a senior banker, the three-month validity period is a good enough time period for instrument conciliation.
It was reported to Central Economic Intelligence Bureau that some persons are taking undue advantage of the practice of banks of making payment of cheques or draft presented within a period of six months from the date of the instrument as these instruments are being circulated in the market like cash for six months.
Employment increases by 2.26 lakh: Government
Continuing its upward trend, employment in the country during the October-December quarter last year increased by 2.26 lakh, the government.
During this quarter, the increase was visible across all the sectors except leather and automobile.
The results were based on the thirteenth quarterly survey report carried out by the Labour Bureau of the Labour and Employment Ministry to assess the effect of economic slowdown on employment in India'.
The survey was first carried out in 2008 following the slowdown in global economy, and since then the survey said overall estimated employment in all selected sectors has experienced a net addition of 25.84 till the latest survey.
The sectors taken to conduct the survey were textiles, leather, metals, automobiles, gems and jewellery, transport, IT/BPO and handloom/powerloom.
Referring to the October-December quarterly survey, the report said at the sectoral level, the maximum increase of 1.09 lakh in employment was witnessed in IT/BPO sector during this period as compared to the same period a year before.
This was followed by followed by increase of 0.78 lakh in textiles including apparels, 0.34 lakh in transport, 0.13 lakh in handloom/powerloom and 0.10 lakh in gems and jewellery.
The report further said the maximum increase in overall employment by 1.94 lakh was seen in the direct category of workers as compared to 0.32 lakh in the contract category of workers.
In the export-oriented units, the employment at the overall level increased by 2.67 lakh while in the non-exporting units, it decreased by 0.41 lakh.
Nuclear Security Summit
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived for the March 26-27 Nuclear Security Summit, prior to which he will be on a two-day official visit to South Korea March 24-25.
At the Nuclear Security Summit, Manmohan Singh will join 57 world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, to discuss the global threat posed by nuclear terrorism and the measures required to prevent terrorists from gaining access to sensitive nuclear material and technologies.
In his departure statement in New Delhi Friday, Manmohan Singh called for maintaining the highest levels of nuclear security and safety to retain public support for harnessing the benefits of atomic energy.
"India is expanding its nuclear power programme to diversify its energy mix and enhance energy security. In order to retain public support for harnessing the benefits of nuclear energy, we must be able to assure them of the highest levels of nuclear security and safety," he said.
The need for nuclear security and safety was "even more important after the Fukushima accident in Japan last year", he added. Manmohan Singh pointed out in this context that India had prepared a national report on enhancing the global nuclear security architecture which will be shared during the summit.
The summit would also provide the opportunity to exchange views with a number of world leaders who will be attending the conclave, he said. Manmohan Singh said he looked forward to his bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, at whose invitation he is making the May 24-25 official visit "to undertake a comprehensive review" of relations between the two countries "and identify new steps for the future".
With South Korea being a strategic partner and an important pillar of India's "Look East" policy, "we have a vibrant trade and investment relationship. Our partnership in science & technology, education and energy holds enormous promise", the Prime Minister said. An interaction with leading CEOs of South Korean corporations is scheduled for March 26 morning.
At the Nuclear Security Summit, Manmohan Singh will join 57 world leaders, including US President Barack Obama, to discuss the global threat posed by nuclear terrorism and the measures required to prevent terrorists from gaining access to sensitive nuclear material and technologies.
In his departure statement in New Delhi Friday, Manmohan Singh called for maintaining the highest levels of nuclear security and safety to retain public support for harnessing the benefits of atomic energy.
"India is expanding its nuclear power programme to diversify its energy mix and enhance energy security. In order to retain public support for harnessing the benefits of nuclear energy, we must be able to assure them of the highest levels of nuclear security and safety," he said.
The need for nuclear security and safety was "even more important after the Fukushima accident in Japan last year", he added. Manmohan Singh pointed out in this context that India had prepared a national report on enhancing the global nuclear security architecture which will be shared during the summit.
The summit would also provide the opportunity to exchange views with a number of world leaders who will be attending the conclave, he said. Manmohan Singh said he looked forward to his bilateral meeting with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, at whose invitation he is making the May 24-25 official visit "to undertake a comprehensive review" of relations between the two countries "and identify new steps for the future".
With South Korea being a strategic partner and an important pillar of India's "Look East" policy, "we have a vibrant trade and investment relationship. Our partnership in science & technology, education and energy holds enormous promise", the Prime Minister said. An interaction with leading CEOs of South Korean corporations is scheduled for March 26 morning.
UNHRC resolution against Sri Lanka’s Human rights was adopted in Geneva
UN human rights council in Geneva adopted a resolution against Sri Lanka's Human rights record. 24 countries including India voted for the resolution and 15 against. 9 countries abstained from voting. The resolution is about Human Rights violations committed by the Sri Lankan Army in its war with LTTE, which ended in May, 2009.
However, India also emphasised that resolutions of this nature should fully respect the sovereign rights of states and contribute to Sri Lanka’s own efforts in this regard.
India's voting in favour of US Resolution on Sri Lanka in Geneva was in line with its stand. India has no intention to infringe on Sri Lanka's sovereignty but India is concerned about Tamils getting justice and dignity.
However, India also emphasised that resolutions of this nature should fully respect the sovereign rights of states and contribute to Sri Lanka’s own efforts in this regard.
India's voting in favour of US Resolution on Sri Lanka in Geneva was in line with its stand. India has no intention to infringe on Sri Lanka's sovereignty but India is concerned about Tamils getting justice and dignity.
Tamilnadu Literacy Rate reached an All New High, touched 80 Per Cent Mark
Tamilnadu over the lat one decade witnessed a hike of 7 per cent in its overall literacy rate. The state touched an all new high literacy rate of 80.33 per cent.
The nationwide literacy rate, after the census of 2011 emerged to be 74.04 per cent - with 82.14 for males and 65.46 for females.
Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu witnessed the highest literacy rate of 92.14 per cent while Dharmapuri district reported the lowest at 64.71 per cent.
The male literacy rate in the state stood at 86.81 per cent while the female literacy rate was 73.86 per cent. The literacy rates for men in 2001 were 82.42 per cent while for the female it was 64.43 per cent.
The Census reported 16 districts with literacy rates above than the State average. 16 districts reported literacy rate below the State average.
Among the major States only Kerala with literacy rate of 93.91 per cent and Maharashtra with literacy rate of 82.91 per cent are ahead of Tamilnadu.
The nationwide literacy rate, after the census of 2011 emerged to be 74.04 per cent - with 82.14 for males and 65.46 for females.
Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu witnessed the highest literacy rate of 92.14 per cent while Dharmapuri district reported the lowest at 64.71 per cent.
The male literacy rate in the state stood at 86.81 per cent while the female literacy rate was 73.86 per cent. The literacy rates for men in 2001 were 82.42 per cent while for the female it was 64.43 per cent.
The Census reported 16 districts with literacy rates above than the State average. 16 districts reported literacy rate below the State average.
Among the major States only Kerala with literacy rate of 93.91 per cent and Maharashtra with literacy rate of 82.91 per cent are ahead of Tamilnadu.
IRCON and RLDA inked Memorandum of Understanding to develop Railway Stations
Heads of the two Public Sector Undertakings, IRCON International Limited and Rail Land Development Authority on 1 February 2012 inked the Memorandum of Understanding to set up the Railway Stations Development Corporation Limited. The MoU was signed in the presence of Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi and Minister of State for Railway K.H. Muniyappa.
The corporation was set up to develop the more functional and customer oriented stations in the country at par global standard. The objective was underlined was to have modern stations which would be very functional, customer oriented and well equipped with proper circulation area and railway operation facilities.
In Rail budget 2011-12 the rail minister had made announcement for developing 50 railways stations In India as per international standards through public-private partnership venture. The Vision 2020 document had stated that Indian rail stations lagged behind those in the advanced countries and the stations located in major metropolitan cities were found to be ill-equipped to handle growing passenger traffic.
The corporation in its first phase would carry out the works like solving congestion problem and improving the ambience. After the successful completion of first phase the corporation would be assigned with the second phase of work which will consist of development of modern amenities.
The Corporation will help develop railway stations as vibrant centres of the life of cities for commerce, entertainment and social space.
Provision of well designed concourses, high quality waiting spaces, easy access to the platforms, congestion free platforms, modern ‘State of the art’ catering facilities, Hotels and other facilities for the unidentified station were also proposed under the new SPV. The redeveloped stations would be disabled passenger friendly and would have provision for convenient entry, inter platform transfer and easy access to all the facilities for the physically disabled persons and senior citizens. The stations would also be provided with waste disposal facilities to improve hygiene and cleanliness.
Association of State Governments and City Administrations was proposed by the rail authorities for the development of the stations and areas around in an integrated and holistic manner.
The proposed SPV will work on the provision of the amenities in a cost neutral manner by utilizing the real estate potential of the land and air space in the stations.
The corporation was set up to develop the more functional and customer oriented stations in the country at par global standard. The objective was underlined was to have modern stations which would be very functional, customer oriented and well equipped with proper circulation area and railway operation facilities.
In Rail budget 2011-12 the rail minister had made announcement for developing 50 railways stations In India as per international standards through public-private partnership venture. The Vision 2020 document had stated that Indian rail stations lagged behind those in the advanced countries and the stations located in major metropolitan cities were found to be ill-equipped to handle growing passenger traffic.
The corporation in its first phase would carry out the works like solving congestion problem and improving the ambience. After the successful completion of first phase the corporation would be assigned with the second phase of work which will consist of development of modern amenities.
The Corporation will help develop railway stations as vibrant centres of the life of cities for commerce, entertainment and social space.
Provision of well designed concourses, high quality waiting spaces, easy access to the platforms, congestion free platforms, modern ‘State of the art’ catering facilities, Hotels and other facilities for the unidentified station were also proposed under the new SPV. The redeveloped stations would be disabled passenger friendly and would have provision for convenient entry, inter platform transfer and easy access to all the facilities for the physically disabled persons and senior citizens. The stations would also be provided with waste disposal facilities to improve hygiene and cleanliness.
Association of State Governments and City Administrations was proposed by the rail authorities for the development of the stations and areas around in an integrated and holistic manner.
The proposed SPV will work on the provision of the amenities in a cost neutral manner by utilizing the real estate potential of the land and air space in the stations.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
World Water Day observed Worldwide, Main Event Held in Rome
22 March 2012: World Water Day
International World Water Day is observed annually on 22 March with an objective to focus attention on the importance of freshwater as well as to advocate sustainable management of freshwater resources.
In 2012, the International World Water Day was observed with the theme The World is Thirsty because we are Hungry.
The main World Water Day (WWD) 2012 event was hosted in Rome on 22 March by the Government of Italy, in association with UN-Water, United Nations Secretary General's Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT).
Poverty Estimates-Technical Group being Set up
The issue of poverty estimates has been the subject matter of public debate in and outside Parliament. Government respects and is fully conscious of the sensitivities of the people on this issue.
The methodology for arriving at poverty estimates has been in place for the last several years and various committees in the past have arrived at estimates based upon certain indices of poverty from time to time. These Committees include the Alagh Committee (1977), the Lakdawala Committee (1989) followed by the Tendulkar Committee (2005) which submitted its recommendations in 2009.
The country has made rapid economic progress in the last several years and the sharp edges of poverty have been substantially blunted as a result of various policies and schemes of the Government for empowerment of the poor. At the same time poverty estimates need to be reviewed from time to time with reference to the basic needs of the people. Government fully recognizes that any realistic estimate of poverty must be predicated on earnings that can satisfy the basic human needs to ensure a life of dignity to all.Government had accordingly decided to undertake the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC), 2011 based on the recommendations of Saxena and Hashim Committees mandated to capture various kinds of deprivations, which is now on going. The results are expected shortly.
Talking to media, Minister of State for Planning Mr Ashwini Kumar said that the Government had also taken a decision to set up a Technical Group to revise/revisit the methodology for estimating poverty in a manner which is consistent with the current realities. The Technical Group to be constituted will also have the benefit of SECC, 2011 data, based upon a comprehensive census which will enable the Government to purposively revisit poverty estimates and identify the poor.
The methodology for arriving at poverty estimates has been in place for the last several years and various committees in the past have arrived at estimates based upon certain indices of poverty from time to time. These Committees include the Alagh Committee (1977), the Lakdawala Committee (1989) followed by the Tendulkar Committee (2005) which submitted its recommendations in 2009.
The country has made rapid economic progress in the last several years and the sharp edges of poverty have been substantially blunted as a result of various policies and schemes of the Government for empowerment of the poor. At the same time poverty estimates need to be reviewed from time to time with reference to the basic needs of the people. Government fully recognizes that any realistic estimate of poverty must be predicated on earnings that can satisfy the basic human needs to ensure a life of dignity to all.Government had accordingly decided to undertake the Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC), 2011 based on the recommendations of Saxena and Hashim Committees mandated to capture various kinds of deprivations, which is now on going. The results are expected shortly.
Talking to media, Minister of State for Planning Mr Ashwini Kumar said that the Government had also taken a decision to set up a Technical Group to revise/revisit the methodology for estimating poverty in a manner which is consistent with the current realities. The Technical Group to be constituted will also have the benefit of SECC, 2011 data, based upon a comprehensive census which will enable the Government to purposively revisit poverty estimates and identify the poor.
Panchayat Ghar for each Village
Panchayats’ being a State subject, it is the mandate of State Governments to provide the required manpower and infrastructure, including buildings to them. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj provides financial assistance to the States for construction of Panchayat Ghars under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana (RGSY). The Ministry also provides funds to States under the Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) which are in the nature of untied grants for the PRIs to undertake works based on felt local needs. Funds are also available to States under Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme of Ministry of Rural Development. Many States have taken up construction of Panchayat Ghars under these schemes.
As per information available, out of 9177 Gram Panchayats in the State of Rajasthan, 422 Gram Panchayats do not have Panchayat Ghars. The decision to construct Panchayat Ghars is taken by the State Government and in case of BRGF by the Panchayats.
As per information available, out of 9177 Gram Panchayats in the State of Rajasthan, 422 Gram Panchayats do not have Panchayat Ghars. The decision to construct Panchayat Ghars is taken by the State Government and in case of BRGF by the Panchayats.
Benefits of Indian Community Welfare Fund
As per records available, about 18,056 Indians have received benefits from Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) in the last two years. The ICWF is aimed at providing the following services on a means tested basis:
(i) Boarding and lodging for distressed Overseas Indian workers in Household / domestic sectors and unskilled labourers;
(ii) Extending emergency medical care to Overseas Indians in need;
(iii) Providing air passage to stranded Overseas Indians in need;
(iv) Providing initial legal assistance to Overseas Indians in deserving cases;
(v) Expenditure on incidentals and for airlifting the mortal remains to India or local cremation/burial of the deceased Overseas Indians in such cases where the sponsor is unable or unwilling to do so as per the contract and the family is unable to meet the cost.
An amount of Rs.17,76,59,202/- (Rupees seventeen crore, seventy six lakh, fifty nine thousand, two hundred and two only) has been spent on the scheme during the period.
World Forestry Day Observed with Pledge to Conserve Bio-Diversity
The World Forestry Day is celebrated worldwide every year on 21st March to recognize the importance of forests in human well being as well as their critical role as life sustaining system. It is an occasion reminding all of us the importance of forests and trees in the human welfare. This day coincides with spring equinox in the northern hemisphere. The World Forestry Day originated at 23rd General Assembly of European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971.
The Government of India has accorded highest priority for conservation of forests and biodiversity of the country. In India the people living in and around forests are poor because of various reasons. They are totally dependent on forests for day to day needs. The national forest policy and strategies are mandated to enhance the livelihood of forest dependent communities particularly tribal on sustained basis securing the ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation.
India forests are primarily social and environmental resources, only secondarily as commercial resource. Indian forests contribute directly towards achieving the poverty alleviation, food security and environmental safety goals of Millennium Developmental Goals (MDGs) and indirectly contribute other five goals of MDGs.
Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister of State for Environment & Forests emphasized for enhancing the income of forest depending community through afforestation, value addition of Minor Forest Produce (MFPs) including bamboo and medicinal plants. She also emphasized to document the traditional knowledge for the sustainable harvest and regeneration of the minor forest produce including medicinal plants by the tribal community. This will require capacity building and skill upgradation of local communities, creating modern infrastructure for storage, value addition and marketing linkages. The afforestation activities under various greening programmes alongwith biodiversity conservation and value addition of minor forest produce will go a long way in enhancing income generation of forest dependent communities as well as ensuring food and water security.
Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Director General, TERI delivered the keynote address on the occasion highlighting the role of forests in achieving Millennium Development Goals. He suggested new strategies and innovative ideas for integrating forestry sector into the mainstream of developmental programmes of other sectors which is necessary for improving the livelihood of tribals and forest dependent communities.
The Government of India has accorded highest priority for conservation of forests and biodiversity of the country. In India the people living in and around forests are poor because of various reasons. They are totally dependent on forests for day to day needs. The national forest policy and strategies are mandated to enhance the livelihood of forest dependent communities particularly tribal on sustained basis securing the ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation.
India forests are primarily social and environmental resources, only secondarily as commercial resource. Indian forests contribute directly towards achieving the poverty alleviation, food security and environmental safety goals of Millennium Developmental Goals (MDGs) and indirectly contribute other five goals of MDGs.
Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan, Minister of State for Environment & Forests emphasized for enhancing the income of forest depending community through afforestation, value addition of Minor Forest Produce (MFPs) including bamboo and medicinal plants. She also emphasized to document the traditional knowledge for the sustainable harvest and regeneration of the minor forest produce including medicinal plants by the tribal community. This will require capacity building and skill upgradation of local communities, creating modern infrastructure for storage, value addition and marketing linkages. The afforestation activities under various greening programmes alongwith biodiversity conservation and value addition of minor forest produce will go a long way in enhancing income generation of forest dependent communities as well as ensuring food and water security.
Dr. R.K. Pachauri, Director General, TERI delivered the keynote address on the occasion highlighting the role of forests in achieving Millennium Development Goals. He suggested new strategies and innovative ideas for integrating forestry sector into the mainstream of developmental programmes of other sectors which is necessary for improving the livelihood of tribals and forest dependent communities.
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