State PCS

• 12 Jul 2023

Important Decisions taken in UP Cabinet Meeting

Why in News?

On July 11, 2023, a cabinet meeting was held under the chairmanship of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in which many important proposals were approved.

Key Points:

• The major proposals that have been approved are:
  • Two plants of 800 MW each will be set up at Obra Sonbhadra in collaboration with NTPC. This is the state's first ultra-supercritical plant. Its total cost will be Rs 1800 crore. There is a coal mine near this plant, due to which consumers will get electricity cheaper by one rupee.
  • Ranipur Tiger Reserve will be the fourth tiger reserve in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
  • In the cabinet meeting, a comprehensive action plan was made to plant 35 crore saplings.
  • Children living in all types of homes run by voluntary organizations will now be given Rs 4000 per month.
  • The regular 267 class IV employees of Jal Nigam Urban will be accommodated in the vacant posts in the municipal bodies.

State Level Family Welfare Promotion Award

Why in News?

On July 11, 2023, on the occasion of World Population Day, the State Level Family Welfare Incentive Award Distribution Ceremony was organized at Rajasthan International Center located in Jhalana Institutional Area, Jaipur.

Key Points:

• On this occasion, Rajasthan Medical and Health Minister Parsadi Lal Meena also released poster-flip chart material related to family welfare.
• He honoured individual personnel and institutions including districts, Panchayat Samitis and Gram Panchayats for their outstanding work in the field of family planning by giving certificates and prescribed prize money.
• Jhalawar district stood first, Hanumangarh district second, Pratapgarh district third and Bundi district fourth in the category of institutional awards in this ceremony.
• Jhalawar district stood first in PPIUCD investment, Shahpura Panchayat Samiti of Bhilwara district stood first, Rajsamand Panchayat Samiti second, Pisangan Panchayat Samiti of Ajmer district stood third and Kotputli Panchayat Samiti stood fourth in the category of Panchayat Samitis giving best results.
• Saloda Gram Panchayat of Rajsamand district was awarded first, Moyna Gram Panchayat of Ajmer district was second, Gram Panchayat Chhapli of Rajsamand district was third and Taswariabsa Gram Panchayat of Bhilwara district was awarded fourth place.
• In the category of government hospitals, District Hospital Neemkathana, CHC Baoli of Sawai Madhopur district and Singhawal PHC of Ajmer district were the best.
• In the category of private hospitals, Shyama Devi Memorial Hospital of Dausa was awarded first place, and CT Hospital of Bhilwara was awarded second place.
• In the NGO category, FRHS India Jaipur and Kota District Family Service Institute were successful in getting the honour.
• The best achievement personnel in the individual category were also felicitated on the occasion.

High-level Committee for the Rules & Bye-laws related to the Right-to-Health Act

Why in News?

On July 11, 2023, as per the instructions of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, a high-level committee has been constituted for the rules and bye-laws being made regarding the Right to Health Act-2022 passed by the Assembly.

Key Points:

• Additional Chief Secretary Medical and Health Department Shubhra Singh said that the committee will send its recommendations to the state government after in-depth consultation with all the stakeholders related to the Right to Health Act, incorporating the useful suggestions given by them.
• He informed that Professor Dr S K Sarin, Director, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, will head the committee.
• Principal Secretary Medical Education T Ravikant, Chief Executive Officer of Rajasthan State Health Assurance Agency, Mission Director NHM, VC RUHS Dr Sudhir Bhandari, Principal of SMS Medical College Dr Rajiv Bagrahatta, one representative each from finance and law departments have been made members of the committee.

8th State Level Meeting for Standardization of Products & Monitoring of Quality Systems

Why in News?

On July 10, 2023, the 8th State Level Committee meeting for monitoring the standardization and quality systems of various products was held in Chandigarh under the chairmanship of Haryana Chief Secretary Sanjeev Kaushal.

Key Points:

• In the meeting, the Chief Secretary said that the state government will set up standardization cells for procurement in construction works in the departments, which will improve the quality of works along with monitoring.
• The cell will coordinate between the state government, industries and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) concerning standardization activities.
• Training camps will be organized at state and district level for standardization of various products and effective monitoring of quality systems in the state.
• The Consumer Affairs Department, Haryana has been made the nodal department for standardization systems in the state.
• The Chief Secretary emphasized on the procurement of BIS-certified products and services by the state government departments as per the instructions issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards and said that this is a commendable initiative of the Bureau. Therefore, people should buy quality products and materials from the ISI brand.
• License checks can be done on the BIS Care App of the Bureau for information about ISI mark and such activities are necessary to create a strong Quality Eco-System in the state.
• The meeting also discussed the capacity building of state government officials on promotion of standard manufacturing, conformity assessment and consumer outreach.
• The meeting discussed in detail about acting as a communication channel between the government, industry and BIS regarding the creation of standardization systems in the state.
• Apart from this, various schemes like implementation of standards for Piped Drinking Water Supply Management System of BIS, Ready Mix Concrete Process Certification, Management System Certification Scheme, Hall Marking, Conformity Assessment Scheme for Milk and Milk Products, Strategy for Implementation of Quality Control Orders issued by Central Government were apprised in detail.
• In the meeting, Deputy Director General, Bureau of Indian Standards, Rajiv P made a detailed presentation on the agenda explaining the objectives of the BIS.

Jharkhand Cabinet approved 35 Proposals

Why in News?

On July 11, 2023, the Jharkhand Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Hemant Soren passed a resolution to build 4 grid substations in the DVC command area, with a total of 35 proposals agreed upon.

Key Points:

• In the meeting, approval has been given to build a grid sub-station of 220/132/33 KV in the area of transmission under the DVC command area. Under this, administrative approval was given for the construction of Hazaribagh, Gomia and Balliapur and related transmission lines at a total project cost of Rs 579.35 crore.
• The Cabinet also approved the formation of The Jharkhand State Amin Cadre (Recruitment, Promotion and Other Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Rules, 2023, along with the formation of the Netarhat Tourism Development Authority and restructuring of the State Tourism Promotion Committee.
• Apart from these, other important proposals, which were agreed:
  • Jharkhand Cabinet approved the release of detailed guidelines for the implementation of 'Guruji Student Credit Card Scheme' in the state.
  • The Jharkhand State Board of Secondary Education (2nd Amendment) has approved the Assistant Acharya cadre (Appointment, Promotion and Conditions of Service) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2023 for elementary schools.
  • The Cabinet also approved the constitution of the Draft Service Cadre (Recruitment Promotion and Other Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Rules-2023 under the Jharkhand State Settlement Office under the Department of Revenue, Registration and Land Reforms (Directorate of Land Records and Measurements).
  • Approval was given to amend departmental resolution no. 4215 dated 10th July 2010 for grant of compensation to ordinary citizens in lieu of damage to movable and immovable property damaged in terrorist/militant/ethnic attack.
  • The Jharkhand Tourist Trade Registration Rules, 2023 were approved under the Jharkhand Tourism Development and Registration Act, 2015.

Road Safety Campaign of Chhattisgarh Police: Efforts for Awareness through Short Films

Why in News?

On July 11, 2023, according to the information given by the Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department, the Chhattisgarh Police is running a road safety campaign. Under this, efforts will be made for public awareness through short films as well.

Key Points:

• Inspiring the creative people of the state to make short films on road safety, entries have been invited under the National Road Safety Short Film Festival 2023.
• Online registration for participation in the competition has started from 5th July. The deadline is set for July 26, 2023. Detailed terms and conditions for short film entries can be seen on the website of Chhattisgarh Police.
• The main objective of the program is to increase awareness about road safety issues and promote increased road cooperation in the state of Chhattisgarh as well as in the entire country to reduce road accidents.
• The film is categorized into various genres. The film is categorized in Chhattisgarhi, Gondi, Halbi, Dhurwa, Bhatri, Dorli, Sambalpuri, Kudukh, Sadri Bagaani, Kamari, Oriya, Sarguja, Dantewada, Gondi, and Bhujia. The Hindi translation should be accompanied by pronunciation in any national Indian language and should have Hindi translation, pronunciation, and subtitles.
• The duration of the film is determined to be 2 minutes. The original film can be in full HD (1920*1080) format or higher. No consideration will be given to incomplete or unclear entry forms. The film submitted for selection will be considered final, and no changes will be entertained after submission.
• These short films will be awarded by the state government in different categories-
  • Best Film - Rs 80,000
  • Best Story - Rs 25,000
  • Best Cinematography - Rs 25,000
  • Best Actor/Actress - Rs 25,000

Order Regarding Health Facilities by Chhattisgarh Health & Family Welfare Department

Why in News?

On July 11, 2023, according to the information provided by the Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department, the state government prohibited all works related to the Chhattisgarh Health and Family Welfare Department and refusal to work in the essential services of health facilities. This order has come into force with immediate effect.

Key Points:

• The state government has taken this step in the exercise of the powers conferred in sub-sections 1 and 2 of section 4 of the Chhattisgarh Essential Services Maintenance and Disruption Prevention Act, 1979.
• According to the order issued by the Home Department of the State Government from the Ministry, all the works related to 'Public Health' (Chhattisgarh Health and Family Welfare Department) and doctors, nurses, health workers working in essential services of health facilities and officers and employees working in ambulance services Refusal to act is prohibited.

Green Technology Treatment for 23 Landslide Zones in Uttarakhand

Why in News?

On July 11, 2023, according to the information received from the media, the state government is going to take a big step towards the treatment of the chronic landslide zone which has become a canker for the roads in the mountainous areas of Uttarakhand. Now such landslide zones will be treated with green technology using bioengineering techniques.

Key Points:

• Rs 100 crore has been approved in the first phase for this work under the World Bank-funded U-Prepare project.
• In the first phase, 23 chronic landslide zones have been identified in different hill districts.
• It is known that the landslide zones, which become active every year during the monsoon season in the state, put a brake on the pace of development of the state. Due to the closure of the roads, where the movement is interrupted, the whole life is affected. The state government spends crores of rupees every year to open the roads closed by landslides, but every time the same situation is created again. That is why the state government has now decided on their permanent treatment.
• Under the first phase of the World Bank-funded U-Prepare project, a high-powered committee headed by Chief Secretary Dr. SS Sandhu has given permission for the treatment of 23 active landslide zones.
• Of these, chronic landslide zones will be treated at one place in Chamoli, one in Almora, six in Nainital, four in Pauri, four in Tehri, four in Uttarkashi and three in Rudraprayag.
• For this, green technology will be used under bioengineering techniques. In this, special species of plants are planted with concrete, cement and mesh, so that soil stones and rocks become stable forever.