• 12 Apr 2023

Uttar Pradesh Government Approves Wheat Procurement Policy

Why in News?

On 11 April 2023, the Uttar Pradesh state government gave the green signal to the wheat procurement policy. This approval has been given through the cabinet-by-circulation. Under this, wheat will be procured at the rate of Rs 2125 per quintal.

Key Point

• This purchase will be done through 6000 centers of the Food Department, Mandi Parishad, PCF, UP Cooperative Union, Consumer Cooperative Union, State Food & Essential Commodities Corporation and Food Corporation of India.
• A total procurement target of 60 lakh metric tonnes has been set. It will be mandatory for the farmers to register on the portal of the Food Department for the sale of wheat.
• It is known that the procurement of wheat has been started in the state from the 1st of April. However, the arrival of wheat at government procurement centers is still very less.
• Rice Research Center Varanasi, which is working on rice, will now be given additional land. For this, a cabinet-by-circulation proposal was approved.
• Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi said that Rice Research Center Varanasi is doing good work on rice. The research done on Kala Namak Rice and its work was commendable. In such a situation, a proposal has been brought to develop it further. Now 0.97-hectare of land will be given to this institute.

Bihar will get approx 9000 MW Electricity from Central Quota

Why in News?

According to information received from media sources on 11 April 2023, Bihar will start getting about 9000 MW of power from the central quota by 2024.

Key Points

• It is to be known that at present the state of Bihar is getting an allocation of 6560 MW power from various units of NTPC.
• State power companies have estimated an additional power allocation of about 1998 MW from two units of NTPC Barh, one unit of North Karanpura in Jharkhand and two thermal power units of Buxar in the next one to one and a half years.
• Apart from this, about 760 MW of electricity is also estimated to be available from the renewable energy projects of the Solar Energy Corporation of India and BREDA (Bihar Renewable Energy Development Agency). In such a situation, the availability of electricity to Bihar can cross 9000 MW.
• Now two units of Phase-1 are yet to be commissioned in the Barh Thermal Power Plant of NTPC. There is a possibility that from May 2023, Bihar will start getting an additional 405 MW of power from the second unit of Phase-1 of 660 MW. Also, by April 2024, a quota of 342 MW of power will be available from the third and last unit of Phase One.
• According to the information, the second unit of North Karanpura located in Jharkhand will also be completed by July 2023. Bihar's quota is 229 MW.
• Power production companies have expressed hope of commissioning both the units of the Buxar Thermal Power Plant by 2024. However, given the problem of land acquisition at present, its hope seems less.
• Regarding renewable energy, the power company has signed a 300 MW agreement with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) for wind energy. This power will be available till December 2023. Also, SECI's 230 MW hybrid project is expected to get electricity by December 2023 while BREDA's solar power project is expected to get 250 MW by March 2024.
• Presently Bihar is getting 1603 MW power from only three units of Barh Thermal Power of NTPC. These include 1,198 MW from two units of Stage II and 405 MW from one unit of Stage-I. When commercial production starts from the second, third and last unit of Stage One, it will provide an additional 810 MW of electricity. Due to this, the power received from the Barh plant will increase from 1603 MW to a little more than 2000 MW.

2000 Tax Mitras will be Appointed in the State

Why in News?

On 10 April 2023, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved the proposal related to planning qualifications and fee fixation. To facilitate the applicants in the application process, the state government will appoint 2000 tax friends in the state.

Key Points

• Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has also approved the development of an Artificial Intelligence-based 'e-tax officer software platform' to provide the first-level facility of self-tax scrutiny to businessmen.
• After the Chief Minister's approval, it will now be easier to deposit Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Value Added Tax (VAT).
• The minimum educational qualification for Tax Mitra is graduation in commerce. Preference will be given to experienced applicants including CA, CS, and ICWA. The age limit has been fixed from 21 to 40 years.
• Tax Mitra will charge a fee for various tax-related application processes. This fee has also been fixed. In this, a fee of Rs 50 to Rs 400 has been kept for other works including GST, VAT application, amendment, ITC, e-way bill, subsidy application, and MSME application.
• It is noteworthy that the announcement in this regard was made by the Chief Minister in the budget for the year 2023-24 for ease of GST and VAT application procedures.

Approval for opening 203 new Sub-Health Centers in the state

Why in News?

On 10 April 2023, approval was issued by the Rajasthan Finance Department for opening 203 new sub-health centres in the state. With the opening of new sub-health centres, nearby citizens will be able to get the benefit of medical facilities close to their homes.

Key Points

• It is known that in the implementation of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot's budget announcement for 2022-23, approval has been issued to open 203 new sub-health centres including posts.
• 203 new sub-health centres are being opened in the state to expand medical facilities in remote rural areas of the state to provide medical facilities to the common man in the village itself.
• Apart from sanctioning Rs.30 lakh each for the construction work of each sub-health centre, 203 new posts of one female health worker have also been approved in each sub-health centre.

Grant of 1000 Crore rupees will be given for Protected Cultivation in the state

Why in News?

On 11 April 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot approved a proposal to give a grant of Rs 1,000 crore to 60,000 farmers in two years to promote protected cultivation in the state.

Key Points

• This amount will be given for greenhouse, shade net house, low tunnel, and plastic mulching and this will give strength to the farmers.
• In the financial year 2023-24, a grant of Rs 501 crore will be given to 30 thousand farmers. In this Rs 444.43 crore will be borne from the Farmers Welfare Fund. In addition, Rs 56 crore (state share 22.75 crores) will be borne from the National Horticulture Mission/National Agricultural Development Scheme.
• In the financial year 2024-25 also, 30 thousand farmers will get a grant of Rs 500 crore. In this, a 25 percent additional subsidy will also be given to the farmers of notified tribal areas and all small/marginal farmers.

Rajasthan ranks 1st in State Energy Efficiency Index 2021-22

Why in News?

On 10 April 2023, the Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh released the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) 2021-22 report during the RPM (Review, Planning and Monitoring) meeting of States and State Utility Companies in New Delhi, in which Rajasthan topped the category along with four other states (> 60 marks).

Key Points

• Developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), in association with the Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE), the index assesses the annual progress of states and union territories in energy efficiency implementation for the financial years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
• SEEI 2021-22 has an updated framework of 50 indicators aligned with national priorities. Program-specific indicators have been included this year to monitor the outcomes and impacts of state-level energy efficiency initiatives.
• In the SEEI 2021-22, 5 states - Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan and Telangana are in the frontrunner category (>60 points), while 4 states - Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra and Punjab are in the achievers' category (50-60 marks).
• Besides Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Assam and Chandigarh are the top-performing states in their respective state groups.
• Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have registered the most improvements since the last index.
• State Energy Efficiency Index (SEI):
  • The State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) monitors the progress of states of India in managing their energy footprint including operating energy efficiency policies & programs at the state and local levels.
  • SEEI improves data collection, enables cross-state collaboration and develops energy efficiency program ideas.
  • It helps states identify areas for improvement, learn from best practices and adopt an economy-friendly approach to energy efficiency implementation.
  • By prioritizing energy efficiency, it aims to drive carbon reduction efforts and achieve a more sustainable future.
  • The index is designed to help monitor progress toward state goals related to energy savings and emissions reductions.
• Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE):
  • It is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power established by the Government of India on 1 March 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
  • The mission of BEE is to assist in developing policies and strategies with an emphasis on self-regulation and market principles under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. Its primary objective is to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian economy.
  • To carry out the functions assigned under the Energy Conservation Act, BEE coordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies and other organizations, where it identifies, accredits and utilizes existing resources & infrastructure.
  • The Energy Conservation Act provides the mandate for regulatory and promotional functions.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination Campaign in Raisen

Why in News?

On 10 April 2023, Madhya Pradesh's Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Prabhuram Chaudhary inaugurated the state-level Japanese Encephalitis vaccination campaign at Raisen District Hospital.

Key Points

• In the first phase of this vaccination campaign, a 100 percent encephalitis vaccine will be given to children aged 1 to 15 years from April 10 to 30 in Raisen and Vidisha districts.
• Japanese encephalitis is caused by the bite of the Culex mosquito. Its vaccination gives protection from this deadly disease.
• The vaccination team will ensure 100 percent vaccination of children in the Japanese Encephalitis vaccination campaign.

Madhya Pradesh State Millet Mission Scheme implemented

Why in News?

On 11 April 2023, the Council of Ministers under the chairmanship of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan decided to implement Madhya Pradesh State Millet Mission Scheme in the state.

Key Points

• The implementation of this scheme will be done in all the districts through the Director, Farmers' Welfare and Agriculture Development, as well as a state-level committee will be constituted under the chairmanship of the Agriculture Production Commissioner to monitor this scheme.
• The duration of this scheme will be 2 years (2023-24 and 2024-25). In these two years, 23 crores 25 lakh rupees will be spent on the scheme.
• Under this scheme, advanced certified seeds of coarse cereals will be provided to farmers with an 80 percent subsidy from cooperative/government institutions.
• To promote the production, processing and marketing of millet crops under the Millet Mission scheme, there will be training programs for farmers and study tours outside the state. Fairs, workshops, seminars, food festivals, and road shows will be organized at the district and state levels to promote millet.
• It is notable that millet grain crops were once at the centre of the state's food and drink culture. At present, keeping in view the nutritional importance of these crops, it is necessary to promote them. These crops are often cultivated in less fertile areas.
• At present, the demand for millet crops is increasing due to increasing health awareness among consumers. Crops like Kodo, Kutki, Ragi, and Sava are very beneficial from the point of view of health. Because of the importance of these millet crops, they have been given the status of nutritious grains.
• The grains of these crops are rich in iron, calcium, fiber etc. as well as the percentage of fat in them is also less, due to which their use by heart patients and diabetes patients has been found safe. That's why it is necessary to encourage the cultivation of millet crops among the farmers and to propagate the dishes prepared from millet crops.
• There are ample possibilities for area expansion, productivity and production increase of Kodo-Kutki, Jowar & Ragi in Madhya Pradesh. Along with this, because of the increasing market of millet crops, the possibility of value addition is also very high.

5-Day Sang Mahotsav

Why in News?

On 10 April 2023, Dr. Amit Agarwal Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Haryana and Director General of Information, Public Relations, Language & Culture inaugurated the 5-day Sang Festival organized by the department in memory of Dhanpat Singh Sangi, dedicated to the Amrit Mahotsav of Independence, at the auditorium of Haryana Kala Parishad in Kurukshetra.

Key Points

• Dr. Amit Agarwal said that Sang is the most ancient and traditional art in the state. Sang learning is an integral part of the state's culture and heritage. The state government is working to preserve and promote this ancient culture and programs will be organized in all areas of the state in the coming times.
• He said that the work of giving a big shape to the International Gita Mahotsav in Kurukshetra was done by the state government. With the efforts of Chief Minister Manohar Lal, the Kurukshetra Development Board has organized the International Gita Mahotsav in Mauritius, London, Canada and now International Gita Mahotsav is also being organized in Australia from 28 to 30 April.
• He said that the State Government has constituted the Culture Development Board to promote culture. According to the announcement of Chief Minister Manohar Lal, a 5-day sang festival will be organized in the memory of famous Sangi Dhanpat Singh Sangi to promote art, culture and artists, as well as award money.
• Additional Principal Secretary said that Chief Minister Manohar Lal has made several announcements for folk artists. In these announcements, there is also a plan to give lifelong pensions to elderly artists above 60 years of age.
• Those artists who have become elderly and who are facing a crisis of livelihood, those artists will get a big contribution financially by getting lifelong pensions.

Increase in Monthly Pension amount given to Journalists

Why in News?

On 11 April 2023, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, taking an important decision in the interest of journalists, proposed to increase the pension amount to the recognized media personnel above 60 years of age under the 'Journalist Pension Scheme'.

Key Points

• The amount of pension received by journalists will now be increased in proportion to the increase in DA as per the norms fixed by the Central Government.
• It is known that on 26 October 2017, Chief Minister Manohar Lal started the 'Journalist Pension Scheme'. Under this scheme, a monthly pension is being given to recognized media personnel above 60 years of age.
• According to the eligibility criteria for this scheme, journalists must have 20 years of experience and must be recognized by the Haryana Government for a period of 5 years.
• Apart from this, along with insurance schemes for journalists, free travel facilities in Haryana transport buses, and media centres have also been set up in every district so that media persons can discharge their duties without any inconvenience.

Particulate Matter (PM) Emissions are highest in Ramgarh

Why in News?

On 10 April 2023, Jharkhand Pollution Board scientist Sanjay Srivastava told that Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB), Center for Environment and Energy Development (CEED) & Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (C-STEP) have Released the Emission Inventory Report (Pollution Emission List) related to the air pollution status of six cities of the state, in which the emission of Particulate Matter (PM) was found to be the highest in Ramgarh city of the state.

Key Points

• It is noteworthy that the emission inventory report has given information about sources and factors causing pollution in Ramgarh, Hazaribagh, Sahibganj, Dumka, Pakur & Chaibasa cities of the state.
• According to this report, Hazaribagh, Pakur, Sahibganj, Chaibasa and Dumka are the priority areas for reducing air pollution after Ramgarh. Although the population of Ramgarh is less than that of Sahibganj and Hazaribagh, PM was found to be higher due to the large number of heavy industries in & around the city.
• Transport is mainly responsible for PM 2.5 emissions in Dumka, Chaibasa and Hazaribagh. The domestic sector was responsible for PM 2.5 emissions in Sahibganj and Pakur.
• In the report, various factors and sectors have been studied for air pollution such as domestic, commercial, industrial, construction activities, open burning and road dust etc.
• It is known that according to the National Clean Air Program, Clean Air Action Plans have been prepared for three cities (Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Dhanbad) by the State Pollution Control Board and are being implemented.

Investment Promotion Policy for Sick and Closed Industries and State Logistics Policy Implemented for Industrial and Commercial Development

Why in News?

According to the information given by Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department on 10 April 2023, the state government has implemented an investment promotion policy for sick & closed industries and a state logistics policy for industrial & commercial development.

Key Points

• Taking important steps for the development of industries, the state government has implemented a new policy for closed & sick industries in Chhattisgarh. This will encourage closed & sick industries and they will be able to operate in a better way.
• Along with this, with the help of the logistics policy implemented by the Government of Chhattisgarh, along with the increase in exports, processing & storage of agricultural and other products will be encouraged.
• Chhattisgarh State Logistics Policy-2022
  • Chhattisgarh State Logistics Policy-2022 (01 November 2019 to 31 October 2024) has been implemented to promote industrial development as well as commercial development in the state, encourage agriculture in remote areas, increase the contribution of the state in the total exports of the country, proper exploitation of mineral wealth available in the state, encouraging agriculture in remote areas including processing, storage of grains and other products.
  • Under this policy, the establishment of logistics, warehouse, cold storage, sole proprietorship, partnership, company, limited liability partnership, cooperative society, Hindu undivided family, self-help group and farmer producer organization are eligible for industrial investment incentives.
  • Under this policy, up to 35-55 percent of the fixed capital investment made in the enterprises, fixed capital investment grant up to Rs.35-350 lakh, interest subsidy up to 50-60 percent, up to Rs.10-55 lakh for starting commercial production. There is a provision for full exemption from electricity duty, exemption from stamp duty and grant of transport vehicle for 5-8 years from date.
• Chhattisgarh special investment promotion policy for closed & sick industries
  • At present, industries have been established in the state in industrial areas and outside industrial areas as well. Due to various types of problems associated with the speedy pace with which industries are being established in the state, some of these established industries have become sick and even closed.
  • Chhattisgarh Special Investment Promotion Policy 2019 has been implemented for closed & sick industries with the aim of re-operating these sick & closed industries and creating employment opportunities again.
  • Under this, there is a provision to provide an exemption from stamp duty, complete exemption from registration fee, interest subsidy, permanent capital investment grant, project report grant, quality certification grant, technical patent grant, under rehabilitation and re-operation package of sick & closed industries, technology purchase grant, disabled grant, exemption from electricity duty, exemption from payment of entry tax and exemption from the market fee.