PIB Press Releases - 01-03-2021 - English News - காலச்சக்கரம் நாளிதழ்

Ministry of Finance

GST Revenue collection for February 2021

₹ 1,13,143 crore gross GST revenue collected in the month

Revenues for the month of February 2021 , 7% higher than the GST revenues in the same month last year

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

The gross GST revenue collected in the month of February 2021 is ₹ 1,13,143 crore of which CGST is ₹ 21,092 crore, SGST is ₹ 27,273 crore, IGST is ₹ 55,253 crore (including ₹ 24,382 crore collected on import of goods) and Cess is ₹ 9,525 crore (including ₹ 660 crore collected on import of goods).

The government has settled ₹ 22,398 crore to CGST and ₹ 17,534 crore to SGST from IGST as regular settlement. In addition, Centre has also settled ₹ 48,000 crore as IGST ad-hoc settlement in the ratio of 50:50 between Centre and States/UTs. The total revenue of Centre and the States after regular settlement and ad-hoc settlement in the month of February 2021 is ₹ 67,490 crore for CGST and ₹ 68,807 crore for the SGST.

In line with the trend of recovery in the GST revenues over past five months, the revenues for the month of February 2021 are 7% higher than the GST revenues in the same month last year. During the month, revenues from import of goods was 15% higher and the revenues from domestic transaction (including import of services) are 5% higher than the revenues from these sources during the same month last year.

The GST revenues crossed ₹ 1 lakh fifth time in a row and crossed ₹ 1.1 lakh crore third time in a row post pandemic despite this being revenue collection of the month of February. This is a clear indication of the economic recovery and the impact of various measures taken by tax administration to improve compliance.

The chart below shows trends in monthly gross GST revenues during the current year. The table shows the state-wise figures of GST collected in each State during the month of February 2021 as compared to February 2020.

State-wise growth of GST Revenues during February 2021[1]

	State	Feb-20	Feb-21	Growth
1	Jammu and Kashmir	316.17	329.89	4%
2	Himachal Pradesh	620.69	663.12	7%
3	Punjab	1,228.94	1,299.37	6%
4	Chandigarh	172.37	148.5	-14%
5	Uttarakhand	1,280.93	1,181.13	-8%
6	Haryana	5,266.43	5,589.81	6%
7	Delhi	3,834.75	3,727.46	-3%
8	Rajasthan	2,932.09	3,223.70	10%
9	Uttar Pradesh	5,775.91	5,996.62	4%
10	Bihar	1,120.50	1,127.99	1%
11	Sikkim	182.65	222.35	22%
12	Arunachal Pradesh	48.36	61.36	27%
13	Nagaland	24.93	34.83	40%
14	Manipur	37.36	32.34	-13%
15	Mizoram	24.84	21.06	-15%
16	Tripura	63.26	63.25	0%
17	Meghalaya	156.57	146.5	-6%
18	Assam	923.87	945.84	2%
19	West Bengal	3,941.54	4,334.98	10%
20	Jharkhand	2,070.87	2,321.03	12%
21	Odisha	2,790.16	3,340.57	20%
22	Chhattisgarh	2,274.41	2,453.10	8%
23	Madhya Pradesh	2,621.03	2,791.57	7%
24	Gujarat	7,215.54	8,221.23	14%
25	Daman and Diu	94.47	2.61	-97%
26	Dadra and Nagar Haveli	145.41	235.09	62%
27	Maharashtra	15,734.66	16,103.50	2%
29	Karnataka	7,413.83	7,581.45	2%
30	Goa	410.61	343.8	-16%
31	Lakshadweep	2.14	0.46	-79%
32	Kerala	1,754.12	1,806.10	3%
33	Tamil Nadu	6,426.49	7,008.21	9%
34	Puducherry	158.86	158.05	-1%
35	Andaman and Nicobar Islands	36.01	23.26	-35%
36	Telangana	3,667.13	3,636.44	-1%
37	Andhra Pradesh	2,563.33	2,652.57	3%
38	Ladakh	0	9.06
97	Other Territory	145.11	134.33	-7%
99	Centre Jurisdiction	100.14	129.03	29%
	Grand Total	83,581.02	88,101.59	5%

[1] Does not include GST on import of goods

RM/KMN

(Release ID: 1701723) Visitor Counter : 487

Ministry of Finance

GST compensation shortfall released to States reaches Rs. 1.04 Lakh crore

18th Instalment of Rs. 4,000 crore released to the States on Monday, 1st March, 2021

94 percent of the estimated shortfall released

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 5:19PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure has on Friday, released the 18th weekly instalment of Rs. 4,000 crore to the States to meet the GST compensation shortfall. Out of this, an amount of Rs. 3,677.74 crore has been released to 23 States and an amount of Rs. 322.26 crore has been released to the 3 Union Territories (UT) with Legislative Assembly (Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir & Puducherry) who are members of the GST Council. The remaining 5 States, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim do not have a gap in revenue on account of GST implementation.

Till now, 94 percent of the total estimated GST compensation shortfall has been released to the States & UTs with Legislative Assembly. Out of this, an amount of Rs. 95,138.08 crore has been released to the States and an amount of Rs. 8,861.92 crore has been released to the 3 UTs with Legislative Assembly.

The Government of India had set up a special borrowing window in October, 2020 to meet the estimated shortfall of Rs. 1.10 Lakh crore in revenue arising on account of implementation of GST. The borrowings are being done through this window by the Government of India on behalf of the States and UTs. 18 rounds of borrowings have been completed so far starting from 23rd October, 2020.

Under the special window, the Government of India has been borrowing in Government Stock with tenor of 3 years and 5 years. The borrowing made under each tenor is equally divided among all the States as per their GST compensation shortfall.

The amount released this week was the 18th instalment of such funds provided to the States. The amount has been borrowed this week at an interest rate of 4.7924%. So far, an amount of Rs. 1,04,000 crore has been borrowed by the Central Government through the special borrowing window at an weighted average interest rate of 4.8236%.

In addition to providing funds through the special borrowing window to meet the shortfall in revenue on account of GST implementation, the Government of India has also granted additional borrowing permission equivalent to 0.50 % of Gross States Domestic Product (GSDP) to the states choosing Option-I to meet GST compensation shortfall to help them in mobilising additional financial resources. All the States have given their preference for Option-I. Permission for borrowing the entire additional amount of Rs.1,06,830 crore (0.50 % of GSDP) has been granted to 28 States under this provision.

The amount of additional borrowing permission granted to 28 States and the amount of funds raised through special window and released to the States and Union Territories so far is annexed.

State wise additional borrowing of 0.50 percent of GSDP allowed and amount of funds raised through special window passed on to the States/UTs till 01.03.2021

(Rs. in Crore)

S. No.	Name of State / UT	Additional borrowing of 0.50 percent allowed to States	Amount of fund raised through special window passed on to the States/ UTs
1	Andhra Pradesh	5051	2306.59
2	Arunachal Pradesh*	143	0.00
3	Assam	1869	992.12
4	Bihar	3231	3897.50
5	Chhattisgarh	1792	2256.59
6	Goa	446	838.38
7	Gujarat	8704	9204.31
8	Haryana	4293	4343.62
9	Himachal Pradesh	877	1713.71
10	Jharkhand	1765	1225.90
11	Karnataka	9018	12383.13
12	Kerala	4,522	4513.40
13	Madhya Pradesh	4746	4533.28
14	Maharashtra	15394	11954.02
15	Manipur*	151	0.00
16	Meghalaya	194	111.80
17	Mizoram*	132	0.00
18	Nagaland*	157	0.00
19	Odisha	2858	3814.67
20	Punjab	3033	6542.97
21	Rajasthan	5462	4248.81
22	Sikkim*	156	0.00
23	Tamil Nadu	9627	6229.05
24	Telangana	5017	2027.33
25	Tripura	297	225.54
26	Uttar Pradesh	9703	5995.48
27	Uttarakhand	1405	2311.55
28	West Bengal	6787	3468.33
	Total (A):	106830	95138.08
1	Delhi	Not applicable	5853.76
2	Jammu & Kashmir	Not applicable	2267.62
3	Puducherry	Not applicable	740.54
	Total (B):	Not applicable	8861.92
	Grand Total (A+B)	106830	104000.00

* These States have ‘NIL’ GST compensation gap

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RM/KMN

(Release ID: 1701719) Visitor Counter : 176

Read this release in: Urdu , Marathi , Hindi , Manipuri , Punjabi

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Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh discusses collaboration in Space Sector with his Brazilian counterpart Marcos Pontes after successful launch of Amazonia-1 Satellite by ISRO

India’s ascent to the World Comity of Nations will happen via Space Technology: Dr Jitendra Singh

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 5:00PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh said today that India’s ascent to the World Comity of Nations will happen via Space Technology. In a virtual interaction with the visiting Brazilian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Marcos Pontes, and the heads of the Brazilian Space Agency after the successful launch of Amazonia-1 satellite of Brazil by ISRO yesterday, Dr Jitendra Singh said that collaboration between the two countries mark a beginning of robust bonding and is a role model for other countries to follow. He said, the launch also marked the first dedicated mission of ISRO’s commercial arm NewSpace India Ltd. (NSIL).

Dr Jitendra Singh said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi provided a special impetus in the last 5-6 years to all the scientific pursuits including Space Technology and added that the extension of applications of Space Technology to different sectors and areas brought ‘ease of living’ for common man. He said, whether it is railways or smart cities, agriculture or disaster management, highways or defence, Space technology is contributing in a big way.

Referring to Prime Minister’s revolutionary decision to "unlock" India’s Space Technology to private players for the first time after independence, Dr Jitendra Singh said that this will bring ‘ease of living’, ‘ease of environment’ and ‘ease of humanity’. The Minister said, while India began its Space journey much after several other countries, but today we are in a position to provide inputs from Mangalyaan and Chandrayaan to the premier institutions of the world like the NASA of the USA.

In his address, Brazilian Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Marcos Pontes said that India- Brazil joint venture in Space Technology will offer new opportunities for companies and will help create new jobs. He said that Amazonia-1 is an optical earth observation satellite and is intended to provide remote sensing images to observe and monitor deforestation, to improve the real-time detection system of deforestation in Brazil, especially in the Amazonia region, and to monitor the diversified agriculture throughout the country. The Minister said that new satellite would open the door for multiple business, trade and governmental opportunities. Brazil has also requested for India’s support in procurement of material and systems for its launch vehicle programme.

MoUs and Joint Working Group (JWG): Since early 2000s, India and Brazil have signed cooperative instruments for exploration and peaceful uses of outer space, both at the government level (2004) and space agency level (between ISRO and Brazilian Space Agency AEB in 2002). In line with the provisions of the agency level MoU, JWG was formed in 2007. The JWG (reconstituted with new members) had a meeting in January 2020. Cooperation possibilities in future space science missions, utilizing ISRO’s PS4 orbital platform, space weather studies etc. were discussed

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SNC

(Release ID: 1701712) Visitor Counter : 111

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare celebrates the first anniversary of the Central Sector Scheme on "Formation & Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)"

Union Minister of State Shri Parshottam Rupala and Shri Kailash Choudhary inaugurate professional training programmes of FPOs and CBBOs

FPOs will make farming more viable: Shri Rupala

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 7:24PM by PIB Delhi

Union Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Parshottam Rupala and Shri Kailash Choudhary inaugurated professional training programmes designed and developed for CEOs, Board of Directors, Accountants of FPOs on the occasion of the anniversary of the Central Sector Scheme titled 'Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Produce Organizations (FPOs)'. The scheme was launched by Prime Minister on 29.02.2020 at Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh) with a budgetary provision of Rs 6865 crore. Shri Rupala also distributed certificates of registration issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to new FPOs.

There are well-defined training structures in the scheme and the institutions like Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Lucknow and Laxmanrao Inamdar National Academy for Co-operative Research & Development (LINAC), Gurugram have been chosen as the lead training institutes for capacity development & training of FPOs. Training & skill development modules have been developed to further strengthen FPOs.

Addressing the gathering Shri Rupala said FPOS will make farming more viable by aggregating land. He said that the formation of FPOs is not just a scheme but it is a plan to give a new dimension to Indian Agriculture in a new India.

Shri Choudhary described the scheme as revolutionary and said that it will bring transformation in farmers' life. He advised the officials to bring out a pocketbook on guidelines for the formation of FPOs in regional language so that more and more farmers know about it.

Shri Sanjay Agrawal, Secretary, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said that in each block there should be an FPO which acts as catalyst for institutional infrastructure.

More than 2200 FPOs produce clusters have been allocated for the formation of FPOs in the current year, of which 100 FPOs for specialized Organic produce, 100 FPOs from Oilseeds & 50 commodity-specific FPOs with value chain development will be formed. In addition to SFAC, NABARD & NCDC, 06 more implementing agencies have been approved for the formation and promotion of FPOs.

Implementing Agencies (IAs) are engaging Cluster-Based Business Organizations (CBBOs) to aggregate, register & provide professional handholding support to each FPO for a period of 5 years. CBBOs will be the platform for an end to end knowledge for all issues related to FPO promotion. FPOs are already being registered in the UT of Kashmir, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and also in North Eastern State of Arunachal Pradesh. In other states, it is in progress. Registered FPOs are dealing with Apple, almond, honey, tea, groundnut, cotton, soybean, Linseed, sugarcane, vegetables etc.

FPOs will be provided financial assistance up to Rs 18.00 lakh per FPO for a period of 03 years. In addition to this, provision has been made for matching equity grant up to Rs. 2,000 per farmer member of FPO with a limit of Rs. 15.00 lakh per FPO and a credit guarantee facility up to Rs. 2 crores of project loan per FPO from the eligible lending institution to ensure institutional credit accessibility to FPOs.

At the National level, National Project Management Agency (NPMA) as a professional organization has been engaged for providing overall project guidance, coordination, compilation of information relating to FPOs, maintenance of MIS and monitoring purpose.

FPOs are to be developed in produce clusters, wherein agricultural and horticultural produces are grown/cultivated for leveraging economies of scale and improving market access for members. “One District One Product” cluster will promote specialization and better processing, marketing, branding & export. Further Agriculture value chain organizations are forming FPOs and are facilitating 60% of market linkages for members produce.

This formation of 10,000 FPOs scheme will promote the selling of farmers produce from the farm gate of farmers thereby enhanced farmers’ income. This will shorten the supply chain and accordingly marketing cost will get reduced resulting in better income for farmers. It will accelerate more investment in marketing and value addition infrastructure near to farm gate creating more employment opportunities for rural youth.

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APS/JK

(Release ID: 1701767) Visitor Counter : 92

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Celebrations of the 3rd Janaushadhi Diwas 2021 kicks off

Janaushadhi Diwas week to be observed from 1st March to 7th March 2021

Theme of 3rd Janaushadhi Diwas: “Seva bhi – Rozgar bhi”

Over 1000 health checkup camps organized today

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 5:44PM by PIB Delhi

The 3rd Janaushadhi Diwas 2021 celebrations commenced today. It will be a weeklong celebrations starting today ie from 1st March to 7th March 2021. Jan Aushadhi kendras today conducted Health Checkup Camps across the country. These health check-up camps included Blood Pressure checkup, Sugar level checkup, free doctor consultation, free medicine distribution, etc. at various Jan Aushadhi kendras. More than 1000 health check-up camps at different places were organized today across the country. General public who visited these health camps were also informed and educated about the price benefits and quality of the medicines being sold at Jan Aushadhi kendras.

Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI), the implementing agency of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) is celebrating 3rd Janaushadhi Diwas on 7th March, 2021 with the theme of “Seva bhi – Rozgar bhi”.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced celebrating 07th March every year as “Janaushadhi Diwas” across India. Last year, on 2nd Janaushadhi Diwas, 5695 Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras participated in the celebration with the active participation of over 15 lakh citizens of India. Jan Aushadhi Diwas week celebrations are held from 1st March to 7th March by conducting various activities like Health Checkup Camps, Jan Aushadhi Paricharcha, Teach Them Young, Jan Aushadhi ka sath, etc. across the country.

“Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana” is a noble initiative by Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India which is now making an impact on masses in its endeavour to provide quality medicines at an affordable price. The number of stores has grown to more than 7400 and all 734 districts of the country are covered. Further, during the financial year 2019-20, PMBJP has achieved sales of Rs. 433.61 crores (at MRP). This has led to savings of approximately Rs. 2500 crores of the common citizens of the country as these medicines are cheaper by 50% to 90% of average market price. In the current financial year 2020-21, sale of Rs. 586.50 Crore is made till 28.02.2021, which has led to savings of about Rs. 3500 Crore to the citizens as compared to the branded medicines. This scheme is also providing a good source of self-employment with sustainable and regular earnings.

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MC/KP/AK

(Release ID: 1701726) Visitor Counter : 167

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Ministry of Civil Aviation

3,13,668 Domestic Passengers fly on 28th February 2021

Highest number since resumption of Domestic Flights on 25th May 2020

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 12:33PM by PIB Delhi

Number of domestic passengers on 28th February 2021 rose to 3,13,668 on 2,353 flights, Shri Hardeep S Puri, MoS, I/C, Civil Aviation said. He added that this is the highest since resumption of domestic flights on 25th May 2020.

Total flight movements on 28th February 2021 were 4699. The total number of footfalls on airports was 6,17,824.

In the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, domestic flight operations were ceased with effect from midnight (11:59 pm) of 24th March 2020. The operation resumed after two months on 25th May 2020.

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RJ/NG

(Release ID: 1701648) Visitor Counter : 136

உள்நாட்டு விமானப் போக்குவரத்து அமைச்சகம்

உள்நாட்டு விமானப் பயணிகளின் எண்ணிக்கை அதிகரிப்பு

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 12:33PM by PIB Chennai

உள்நாட்டு விமானப் பயணிகளின் எண்ணிக்கை கடந்த பிப்ரவரி 28ம் தேதி 3,13,668-ஆக அதிகரித்ததாகவும், இவர்கள் 2,353 விமான சேவைகளில் பயணம் செய்தவர்கள் என்று விமானப் போக்குவரத்து துறை இணையமைச்சர் திரு ஹர்தீப் சிங் பூரி கூறினார். கடந்த 2020ம் ஆண்டு மே 25ம் தேதி உள்நாட்டு விமானப் போக்குவரத்து மீண்டும் தொடங்கியது முதல், இது மிக அதிகளவிலான எண்ணிக்கை என அவர் கூறினார்.

2021 பிப்ரவரி 28ம் தேதி, விமான இயக்கங்களின் மொத்த எண்ணிக்கை 4699. விமான நிலையத்துக்கு வந்தவர்களின் எண்ணிக்கை 6,17,824.

கொவிட்-19 தொற்றை முன்னிட்டு உள்நாட்டு விமான சேவைகள் கடந்தாண்டு மார்ச் 24ம் தேதி நள்ளிரவு முதல் நிறுத்தப்பட்டன. இரண்டு மாதங்களுக்கு பின்பு விமானப் போக்குவரத்து கடந்தாண்டு மே 25ம் தேதி தொடங்கியது.

மேலும் விவரங்களுக்கு இந்த ஆங்கில செய்திக் குறிப்பைக் காணவும்:

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1701648

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(Release ID: 1701648)

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Ministry of Communications

Spectrum Auction: 2021- Bid amount exceeds Rs 77,000 crore on Day 1

Expectations exceeded

Substantial Industry interest in 800 MHz, 900 MHz, and 2300 MHz bands

No bids for spectrum in 700 MHz and 2500 MHz bands

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 7:17PM by PIB Delhi

Pursuant to the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA), auction of spectrum in 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz and 2500 MHz bands commenced at 10 AM today. Four rounds of bidding took place till 6 PM. Another one or two rounds are expected tomorrow.

Three bidders – Bharti Airtel Ltd, Vodafone Idea Ltd, and Reliance Jio Infocomm – are participating in the auction.

The value of the spectrum for which there are provisional winning bids is Rs. 77,146 crore. This has already substantially exceeded pre-bid estimates of Rs. 45,000 crore.

Bidder-wise details of quantity won and amounts payable will be available only after conclusion of the auction.

The e-auction is based on Simultaneous Multiple Round Ascending Auction (SMRA) methodology. Available spectrum in all bands is simultaneously put to auction in all the Licensed Service Areas (LSAs).

Bidding has taken place for spectrum in 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz bands. The participants did not bid in 700 MHz and 2500 MHz bands.

A total of 2308.80 MHz spectrum is being put to auction, out of which there have been bids for 849.20 MHz so far. Excluding spectrum in 700 MHz and 2500 MHz bands, this is almost 60% of the spectrum put to auction. In the 2016 spectrum auction, where there were 7 bidders, the spectrum sold was 41% by quantity and 12% by value of the total spectrum put to auction. The corresponding figures in the 2021 spectrum auction so far are 37% and 19% respectively, with 3 participants.

Spectrum which will be assigned to the successful bidders is valid for 20 years.

In 700 MHz, 800 MHz, and 900 MHz bands, bidders are required to pay 25% of the final bid amount as upfront payment. In the rest of the bands, bidders are required to make payment of 50% of final bid amount upfront. The balance amount (after upfront payment) will be payable in 16 equated annual instalments after a moratorium of 2 years.

The auction will resume tomorrow morning, and is expected to conclude tomorrow.

RKJ/M

(Release ID: 1701759) Visitor Counter : 91

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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution

The Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal directs BIS( Bureau of Indian Standards) to reduce testing fees for "MSME, Start Ups and Women Entrepreneurs" to encourage ease of doing business

"SPEED, SKILL, SCALE & STANDARD", should be the new National Mantra of progress: Shri Piyush Goyal

Producing the products of best quality and standards and accepting nothing less than that, is the need of hour: Shri Goyal

BIS directed to map the industrial zones of the country and create lab testing infrastructure of world class accordingly

BIS directed to undertake GAP analysis and also go in for modernization of testing labs.

BIS needs to set up its testing labs all across the country in a manner so that entrepreneurs don't have to travel far to get the testing and certification of standards

Minister directs BIS to create a Customer Charter to usher in highest transparency in its certification process and inspections.

Shri Piyush Goyal presides over the 3rd Governing Council Meeting of the Bureau of Indian Standard

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 3:29PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Railways and Commerce & Industry Shri Piyush Goyal today virtually presided the 3rd Governing Council meeting of the Bureau of Indian Standards. It was attended by the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Shri RaoSaheb Patil Danve, Shri Mahesh Poddar, Member of Parliament Rajya Sabha, Secretary Department of Consumer Affairs, DG, BIS Shri P.K. Tiwari, Chairman QCI Shri Adil Zainulbhai and other senior officials of the Ministry and Bureau of Indian Standards.

Shri Goyal reviewed the process of making Indian Standards and their implementation with BIS officials, senior officials from different Ministries/ Regulators etc. Wide ranging discussions were held on how standards are set and what can be done to make their implementation/ enforcement better. It was emphasized that there should be `One Nation One Standard’ and Indian Standard should be set as per global benchmarks.

While addressing the governing council meeting Shri Piyush Goyal said that there is a need to change the approach of the country towards standardization, he said the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given the three mantra for faster economic development i.e. SPEED, SKILL and SCALE. Now it is time to add fourth dimension of "STANDARD" in to this.

The Minister said that the standard testing fees should also be reduced in the initial years for the MSMEs, Start-Ups and for Women Entrepreneurs. This will encourage them to get their products certified and also encourage ease of doing business.

The Minister directed BIS to go in for massive expansion and modernization of testing labs so that entrepreneurs don't have to travel far to get the testing and certification of standards. He said that we have to ensure that no one has to travel far for quality check for want of testing labs.

Shri Goyal instructed BIS to create a Customer Charter to usher in highest transparency in its certification process and inspections.

He said that products manufactured in India should be of international standards whether it is manufactured for local market or for international market. It should not be diluted to give advantage to any person or institution, whether private or government.

He said that it is a challenge for BIS to fast track the standard setting processes, especially for these programs of national priority. BIS must therefore ensure that its Technical Committees develop required new standards in the quickest possible time for products where presently none exists, or review and revise existing standards whenever required.

The Bureau of Indian Standard has already formulated various Indian Standards comparable with the International Standards such as the Electric vehicles, Fuel blends, Smart City Digital Infrastructure, Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Manufacturing, Technical Textiles, Aerial Ropeways, etc.

BIS is operating more than 37,000 product certification licences all over the country. 55 new products have been covered for the first time under the Product Certification Scheme, since 1st April 2020. A Consumer Engagement Portal has been launched to facilitate interaction with Consumer Organizations/Groups for conducting various consumer oriented programs and activities of BIS. An upgraded version of android mobile app - BIS CARE is in place to facilitate stakeholders to verify authenticity of ISI mark, Registered Jewellers and marked electronic goods under Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS). The app also facilitates users in submitting complaints.

The Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Shri Rao Saheb Patil Danve also addressed the governing council meeting. Secretary Department of Consumer Affairs, Smt. Leena Nandan also shared her views in the governing council meeting.

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DJN/MS

(Release ID: 1701683) Visitor Counter : 140

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Ministry of Culture

The third edition of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav-2021 at Murshidabad concludes with colourful programs

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 1:25PM by PIB Delhi

The third and final edition of the Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav-2021 concluded with colourful cultural programmes. The two day Mahotsav was organised by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India from 27th – 28th February 2021 at Murshidabad, West Bengal.

A large number of people attended the closing ceremony and enjoyed the Mahotsav. All the seven Zonal cultural Centres presented the dance performances and made the evening memorable for the audience.

The colourful programs began with captivating performances by local artists, who first sang Baul Gaan, Jaari Gaan, followed by lathi Khela and performances of folk dances Ghoda Naach and Ranapa dances.

After that famous artists performed Rudrakshya Odissi dance, then audience enjoyed the Ghazals of Aditya Saraswat. As soon as Somlata and Da Essence band came on stage, the youth got excited and everyone enjoyed the performance.

Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav, the flagship festival of Culture Ministry has been organized since 2015 with the active participation of Seven Zonal Culture Centres and has been playing a pivotal role to take the vibrant culture of India out to the masses instead of confining to auditoria and galleries. It has been instrumental in showcasing, folk and tribal art, dance, music, cuisines & culture of one state in other states reinforcing the cherished goal of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” and at the same time providing an effective platform to the artists and artisans to support their livelihood. Earlier RashtriyaSanskritikMahotsavshave been held till date since November, 2015 in various states and cities such as Delhi, Varanasi, Bengaluru, Tawang, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tehri and Madhya Pradesh.

NB/SK

(Release ID: 1701657) Visitor Counter : 106

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Press Release

Assumption of the Office of CISC

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 9:34PM by PIB Delhi

Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, PVSM, AVSM, VSM took over as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC) on 02 Mar 2021. On assumption of the coveted appointment, Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain paid homage to the Bravehearts of the nation by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial. Vice Admiral Jain got commissioned in July 1982 into the Indian Navy. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Defence Services Staff College (Wellington), the College of Naval Warfare (Mumbai) and the National Defence College (Pretoria, South Africa). The Flag Officer is also a graduate of Jawaharlal Nehru University (Delhi) and has received his Masters in Defence and Strategic Studies from Madras University.

Prior to his appointment as CISC, Vice Admiral Jain has held various Operational, Staff and Command Appointments in the course of his distinguished career spanning over 38 years. He has commanded four ships including the indigenously built Destroyer, INS Mysore. His appointments ashore include Director, Naval Intelligence (Protocol), Director, Foreign Liaison and Principal Director Staff Requirement at Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Navy), New Delhi. On promotion to Flag rank, he commanded Karnataka Naval Area and the Eastern Fleet and was the Dy Chief of Integrated Staff at HQ IDS at New Delhi before taking over as the Commander-in-Chief of Eastern Naval Command. For his distinguished service, he was awarded Vishisht Seva Medal in 2009, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2015 and Param Vishist Sewa Medal in 2020.

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AA/ BSC/ VBY

(Release ID: 1701804) Visitor Counter : 42

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Ministry of Finance

Income Tax Department conducts searches in Hyderabad

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 4:49PM by PIB Delhi

The Income Tax Department carried out search & seizure operations on 24.02.2021 on a major Pharmaceutical group based out of Hyderabad. This Pharmaceutical group is engaged in the business of manufacturing of intermediates, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and formulations. Majority of the total manufactured products are exported to various countries i.e. USA / Europe. The search operation was carried out at about 20 locations in 5 States.

Searches have resulted in seizure of cash amounting to Rs. 1.66 crore. During the search action incriminating evidence in the form of digital media, pen drives, documents, etc. have been found and seized. Incriminating digital evidences were gathered from SAP @ ERP software maintained by the assessee group.

During these searches, issues relating to purchases made from bogus and non-existent entities, artificial inflation of certain heads of expenditure, alongwith suppression of receipts relating to by-product sale were detected. Further, evidence of on-money payment for purchase of lands was also found. Multiple other legal issues were also identified such as personal expenses being booked in the company’s books and land purchased by related concerns / individuals below govt. SRO value.

The search has led to unearthing of evidence relating to unaccounted income of around Rs. 400 crore out of which the assessee group has admitted an additional income of Rs. 350 crore.

Further investigations are in progress.

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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Day 45- next Phase of COVID19 Vaccination commences

25 Lakh beneficiaries register on Co-Win portal today; 24.5 Lakh are citizen beneficiaries

More than 1.47 Cr COVID19 vaccine doses administered

4.27 lakh vaccine doses given till 7pm today

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 9:45PM by PIB Delhi

The cumulative number of COVID19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 1.47 Crore today.

The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on 16th Jan 2021 and vaccination of the Frontline Workers (FLWs) started from 2nd Feb 2021. The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination has commenced from today for those who are over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.

25 Lakh potential beneficiaries registered on the Co-Win portal today. Out of this, 24.5 Lakh are citizens and the rest are Healthcare Workers and Frontline Workers. About 6.44 Lakh appointments were booked today by the citizen beneficiaries.

A total of 1,47,28,569 vaccine doses have been given, as per the provisional report till 7 pm today.

These include 66,95,665 HCWs who have taken the 1st dose and 25,57,837 HCWs who have taken the 2nd dose, 53,27,587 FLWs (1st dose), 1,28,630 beneficiaries more than 60 years old and 18,850 beneficiaries aged 45 and above with specific co-morbidities.

Total 4,27,072 vaccine doses were given till 7 pm today, the forty fifth day of nationwide COVID19 vaccination. Out of which 3,25,485 beneficiaries were vaccinated for 1st dose and 1,01,587 HCWs received 2nd dose of vaccine as per the provisional report. Final reports would be completed for the day by late tonight.

Date: 1st March, 2021
HCWs		FLWs	45 to <60 years with Co-morbidities	Over 60 years	Total Achievement
1st Dose	2nd Dose	1st Dose	1st Dose	1st Dose	1st Dose	2nd Dose
25,656	1,01,587	1,52,349	18,850	1,28,630	3,25,485	1,01,587

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MV/SJ
HFW/COVID Vaccination/1st March2021/2

(Release ID: 1701807) Visitor Counter : 101

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat continue to report an upsurge in COVID Daily New Cases

Next Phase of COVID-19 Vaccination for Age Appropriate Population Groups Commences from Today

No new COVID fatality reported in 20 States/UTs in the last 24 hours

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 12:16PM by PIB Delhi

Several States in the country continue to report an increased number of daily new cases. 6 States, Maharashtra, Kerala, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, have shown a surge in new cases in the last 24 hours.

15,510 new cases were registered in the last 24 hours. Maharashtra continues to report the highest daily new cases at 8,293. It is followed by Kerala with 3,254 while Punjab has reported 579 new cases.

87.25% of the new cases are from these six States.

The Centre is continuously engaging with the States and UTs manifesting higher caseload of active cases and those reporting a rise in the daily new COVID cases. States/UTs have been advised to maintain a continued rigorous vigil for containing the spread of COVID-19. Need for effective testing, comprehensive tracking, prompt isolation of positive cases and quick quarantine of close contacts are strongly emphasized.

Eight states are displaying an upward trajectory in the daily new cases.

India’s total Active Caseload is 1,68,627 today. India’s present active caseload now stands at 1.52% of India’s total Positive Cases.

Five States account for 84% of total active cases in the country.

Maharashtra alone accounts for 46.39% of India’s total active cases, followed by Kerala with 29.49%.

21 States/UTs have reported less than 1,000 active cases. Arunachal Pradesh has reported no active cases in the last 24 hours.

15 States/UTs have registered more than 1,000 active cases.

Kerala and Maharashtra are the two states with more than 10,000 active cases, while the rest of the 13 States/UTs have between 1,000-10,000 active cases.

So far, a total of 1,43,01,266 vaccine doses have been administered to beneficiaries through 2,92,312 sessions. These include 1st dose of 66,69,985 HCWs, 2nd dose of 24,56,191 HCWs and 51,75,090 FLWs who have taken the 1st dose.

The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination has commenced from today for those who are over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions. A simplified process of registration has been set up, whereby potential beneficiaries can have the option of advance self-registration, on-site registration or facilitated cohort registration.

Beneficiaries are advised to refer to this user guide for any information on registration and appointment for vaccination:

https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/UserManualCitizenRegistration&AppointmentforVaccination.pdf

A list of all these private hospitals has been uploaded on the website of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and National Health Authority. These can be accessed at:

a) https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/CGHSEmphospitals.xlsx

b) https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/PMJAYPRIVATEHOSPITALSCONSOLIDATED.xlsx

More than 1.07 Cr (1,07,86,457) people has recovered so far. 11,288 patients have recovered and got discharged in the last 24 hours.

85.07% of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in 6 States.

Kerala has reported the maximum number of single day recoveries with 4,333 newly recovered cases. 3,753 people recovered in Maharashtra in the past 24 hours followed by 490 in Tamil Nadu.

106 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

Five States account for 86.79% of the new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (62). Kerala follows with 15 daily deaths and Punjab has reported 7 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Twenty States/UTs have not reported any COVID19 deaths in the last 24 hours. These are Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Puducherry, Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, Ladakh (UT), A&N Islands, Uttarakhand and D&D & D&N.

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MV/SJ
HFW/COVID States data/1stMarch2021/1

(Release ID: 1701645) Visitor Counter : 891

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Ministry of Home Affairs

Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) Celebrates its 9th Foundation Day

Posted On: 01 MAR 2021 7:30PM by PIB Delhi

The Land Ports Authority of India (LPAI) celebrated its 9th Foundation Day today at its Headquarter in New Delhi. Secretary, Border Management in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Shri Sanjeeva Kumar was the Chief Guest on the occasion. In his welcome address, the Chairman LPAI, Shri Aditya Mishra narrated the journey of the organisation since its formation in 2012. He also highlighted the various new initiatives and projects being undertaken by LPAI currently.

Secretary, Border Management Shri Sanjeeva Kumar complimented LPAI for the excellent work done by the organisation in building infrastructure for facilitation of India’s land borders. He also praised the LPAI for the crucial role taken in facilitating safe and seamless cross-border movement of trade and passengers through land ports during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. He also expressed his expectations that LPAI would successfully complete all new projects approved by the Government of India within the given timelines.

The event also included special addresses through virtual conference by the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, Shri Vikram Kumar Doraiswami and other senior officers from the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank. The LPAI website, Newsletter and News Journal were also launched during the Foundation Day event. The event concluded with a virtual panel discussion on the subject “Facilitating Regional Trade and Connectivity through Land Route”, which was attended by various eminent scholars and persons from India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. Seniors officers from the Government of India also attended the event.

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NW/RK/PK/AY/DDD

(Release ID: 1701771) Visitor Counter : 70

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