• 20 Feb 2023

Chief Minister Road Improvement Scheme

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on February 19, 2023, the Uttar Pradesh government about to launch 'Chief Minister Road Improvement Scheme' to provide better road facilities to the people in cities.

Key Points

• A provision of Rs 1000 crore is being made for the 'Chief Minister Road Improvement Scheme' in the financial year 2023-24. Apart from this, additional money will also be given to the bodies collecting more house tax.
• At present, there are 17 municipal corporations, 200 municipal councils and 545 Nagar Panchayats in the state, out of which 239 are new and border-expanding bodies.
• The responsibility of creating colonies as well as some routes in cities lies with the bodies. The bodies receive money from road improvement plans and central and state finance commissions, but do not have additional funds. That is why the Urban Development Department wants to create a separate item called 'Chief Minister Road Improvement Scheme', so that road facilities can be provided to the people in the cities on the basis of need.
• After getting consent from the higher level, the Urban Development Department has sent a proposal to make provisions for this in the new budget. It has been argued in the proposal that urban roads present the development scenario of the state.
• Pothole-free roads are also among the priorities of the state government and providing road facilities along drains for overall development in better performing bodies with a population of more than one lakh on the basis of delivery of civic amenities etc. Therefore, 'Chief Minister Road Improvement Scheme' will be started in cities with population of more than one lakh.
• Apart from this, additional money will be given in this scheme to promote house tax collection in the bodies. For example, 50 per cent of the house tax charged by the civic body will be paid. The Urban Development Department believes that this will increase the competition for house tax collection in the bodies and increase income.

Patna's Marine Drive to be developed

Why in News?

On February 19, 2023, Bihar Deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav told in a review meeting held in Patna that the State Government will develop the Marine Drive built on the banks of the Ganges in Patna at the international level.

Key Points

• In the meeting, Deputy CM Tejaswi Yadav said that the Marine Drive built on the banks of the Ganges will have many facilities of national and international level, which people who reach here will be able to enjoy with great joy.
• He said that the government will construct stadiums, malls, cultural and recreational centers, museums, parking, parks, water sports activities and cycling tracks on the Ganga River front. After the development of these facilities, the people of the state will not have to go to Goa and Andaman to enjoy water sports.
• The development plan for Marine Drive can be done by the Road Construction Urban Development and Housing and Tourism Department. Two big stadiums can also be built in it, one of them can be of cricket and one of football.
• Tejaswi Yadav said that on holidays, there is so much crowd here that there is a fair view. In view of this increasing crowd of people, there is a plan to develop tourist facilities here in the coming days.
• Initially, parking places and selfie points will be made at many places. Along with this, there was also a plan to construct 20 ghats in the city under the Rajdhani River Front Development Project. Of these, 16 have been completed.
• He said that the total length of the Ganga path being built from Digha to Didarganj is 20.5 km. Its first phase has been completed from Digha to PMCH. This part is 7.4 km long of which 6.5 km road has been developed by constructing a dam.
• It is known that in 2011, the government had passed the proposal to build the Ganga Path, after which Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laid its foundation stone in 2013.

Rajiv Gandhi Lift Canal Phase-3

Why in News?

On February 19, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot laid the foundation stone of the Rs 1799 crore 'Rajiv Gandhi Lift Canal Phase III Project' at Umaid Stadium in Jodhpur district of the state.

Key Points

• On this occasion, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that there will be no financial shortage in the completion of the third phase of Rajiv Gandhi Lift Canal. The project has been designed keeping in mind the drinking water requirements for the year 2054.
• Minister of Public Health Engineering Joshi said that the third phase of the Rs 1799 crore Rajiv Gandhi Lift Canal Project has been targeted to be completed by the year 2025. With this, there will be no shortage of water in Jodhpur, Pali, Barmer for the next 30 years.
• Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said that in the third phase, the proposed plan of pipeline and four pump houses in the entire length parallel to the main canal is to be completed. On completion of the work, a total of 1030 MLD of water van be supplied by the existing Rajiv Gandhi Lift Canal and the proposed pipeline.
• With this, a total of 2,167 villages including 1,830 villages of Jodhpur city, Phalodi, Pipad, Bilara, Bhopalgarh and Samaddi towns and Jodhpur district, 211 villages of Barmer and 126 villages of Pali with a population of 80 lakh will be benifitted by 2054. This will meet the net drinking water demand of more than 69.79 crore litres per day.
• On completion of phase-III, the water withdrawal capacity from Indira Gandhi Canal will increase to 420 cusecs. The project will provide drinking water demand of 4.93 crore litres per day for institutional and commercial sector under Jodhpur district, 3.72 crore litres per day for Department of Defence, 4.30 crore litres per day for industrial (REICO) sector and 6 crore litres for Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor being developed in Rohat.
• The Chief Minister said that the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) is very important for the availability of drinking water and irrigation in 13 districts of Eastern Rajasthan. The state government has provided a budget of Rs 13,500 crore for this.

25th National Lokanuranjan Mela

Why in News?

On February 18, 2023, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot inaugurated the 25th Lokanuranjan Mela organized by Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi at Ashok Udyan in Jodhpur district of the state on the birth anniversary of Sher-e-Rajasthan Jainarayan Vyas.

Key Points

• Referring to the famous artists, folk artists, literary personalities of the state, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot appreciated their incomparable role in preserving cultural traditions.
• He said that the state government is working for the welfare of folk artists. In this direction, a provision of Rs 100 crore has been made for the artists and these artists are being given honorarium by providing 100 days of work.
• Remembering the famous artists and personalities dedicated to the upliftment of the art world, the Chief Minister said that literature awards will be given by organizing a festival in Jodhpur for the awards announced in their name by the government.
• He described the artists as the people of Marwar and Rajasthan, through which the coming generations get opportunities to learn about folk culture and traditions.
• The Chief Minister also released the 29th issue of the Academy's quarterly magazine 'Rangayoga' at the event.

Madhya Pradesh Selected as an Excellent State for Better Work in the Field of Irrigation

Why in News?

On February 19, 2023, in the meeting of the Council of Ministers chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, it was informed that Madhya Pradesh has been selected as the best State for doing better work in the field of irrigation.

Key Points

• It was informed in the meeting that Madhya Pradesh has been awarded the CBIP Award by the Central Bureau of Irrigation and Energy.
• Under the leadership of Chief Minister Chouhan, irrigation potential has been increased from 7 lakh hectares to 45 lakh hectares in the last 15 years.
• In the last 3 years, Madhya Pradesh has become the first State in the country to irrigate maximum area through pipe system.

Important Decisions Taken in the Cabinet Meeting Chaired by the Chief Minister

Why in News?

In the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on February 19, 2023, the decision to discourage liquor along with many other important decisions were taken.

Key Points

• The Council of Ministers has taken several important decisions to discourage liquor in the state.
• All liquor vends and shop bars will be closed in the state.
• Drinking alcohol will not be allowed in liquor shops.
• The radius of 50 meters around educational and religious institutions for liquor shops will be increased to 100 meters.
• The provisions of suspension of driving licenses and punishment of drunken driving will be tightened.
• The Cabinet has decided to increase the relief amount by amending the Revenue Book Circular 6-4 Appendix-1.
• According to the decision, Rs 74,000 per person will be given in place of Rs 59,100 for loss of any part of the body or eyes or for 60% disability and Rs 2 lakh 50 thousand instead of Rs 2 lakh in case of more than 60% disability.
• Similarly, a seriously injured person will be given Rs 16,000 per person instead of Rs 12,700 for hospitalization for more than a week and Rs 5,400 per person instead of Rs 4,300 for less than a week.

Assistance for land and other damage in the event of floods-

• In case of sand or stone (more than 3 inches) in agricultural land, relief of Rs 12,200 per hectare will be given instead for removing debris on arable land in hilly areas, relief for desalting or restoration or repair cleaning in fish farm will be Rs 18,000 per hectare.
• Similarly, relief will be given in case of destruction of land owned by marginal or small farmer due to landslides, avalanches, change of course of rivers, relief of Rs 47,000 will be given instead of Rs 37,500 per hectare.
• Financial assistance for loss of animals and birds (poultry)
• The relief amount for milch animals like cow/ buffalo/ camel etc. is Rs 37,500 instead of Rs 30,000 per animal and Rs 4,000 per sheep/ goat/pigs will be given instead of 3 thousand rupees.
• For non-milch animal camels/ horses/ bulls / buffaloes etc., the relief amount will be increased from Rs 25 thousand per animal to Rs 32 thousand per animal and calves (cow, buffalo)/ass/donkey/mules will be given will be given Rs 20,000 instead of Rs 16,000 per animal.
• For large animals kept in temporary cattle camp, Rs 80 will be given instead of Rs 70 per day and Rs 45 per animal instead of Rs 35 per animal per day.
• Similarly Rs 100 per bird will be given for loss of birds (chickens/birds) in place of Rs 60 (above 10 weeks of age).

Assistance given to fishermen affected by floods and storms

• In case of partial damage to the boat, Rs 6,000 will be given instead of Rs 4,100 for repair.
• For repair of nets or other equipment, 3 thousand rupees will be given instead of 2,100 rupees.
• In case of destruction of the boat, Rs 15,000 will be given instead of Rs 12,000 .
• Similarly, those who rear fish will be given Rs 10,000 per hectare instead of Rs 8,200 for the affected fish seeds due to natural calamities such as drought, excessive rains, floods, landslides, earthquakes etc.

Assistance given to weavers/handicraftsmen-

• Weavers/handicraftsmen working in the field of traditional crafts affected by natural calamities will be given relief amount of Rs. 5,000 per craft instead of a maximum of Rs 4,100 per craftsman for purchasing raw materials or threads and other related colours, chemicals etc. in case of damage to their equipment/tools and raw materials.

Financial assistance for damaged houses

• Based on the assessment of actual damage for a fully damaged (not repairable) and severely damaged (where the damage is more than 50 per cent) pucca/kutcha house, the relief amount is Rs 1,20,000 in plains and Rs 1,30,000 in hilly areas instead of a maximum of Rs 95,100.
• In case of complete destruction of a slum (slum means a house constructed from a raw house to a low-well plastic seat etc.), the relief amount of Rs 8,000 will be given instead of Rs 6,000.
• Similarly, relief amount will be given in place of Rs 5,500 for partially damaged (where the damage is 15 percent to 50 percent) pucca house and Rs 4 thousand instead of 3 thousand 200 for raw house. Also, for the animal house attached to the house, relief amount will be given instead of 2 thousand 100 rupees per animal house.
• The Cabinet also recommended amendments to certain sections of the Municipal Corporations Act, 1956 and the Madhya Pradesh Municipalities Act, 1961. Q. The Municipal Laws (Amendment) Bill 2023 has been approved. The Bill is being brought to decriminalize certain provisions of the Acts administered under the Department.
• The Cabinet has approved the Madhya Pradesh Urban Areas Landless Persons (Denial of Lease Rights) Amendment Bill, 2023. With a view to address the housing problem of the poor in cities, the cutoff date is being extended from 31st December, 2014 to 31st December, 2020 by increasing the eligibility date for grant of residential land to the poor under the Madhya Pradesh Urban Areas (Payment of Lease Rights) Act, 1984 .
• The Cabinet has approved the creation of a new Tehsil Gwalior Rural in Gwalior.

CM Releases 12 More Cheetahs in Kuno

Why in News?

On February 18, 2023, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan released 12 cheetahs brought from South Africa into the Kuno Palpur National Park located in Sheopur district. These include 7 male cheetahs and 5 female cheetahs.

Key Points

• With these 12 cheetahs brought from South Africa, there are now 20 cheetahs in Kuno. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had released 8 cheetahs brought from Namibia in Kuno on his birthday on September 17, 2022.
• It is noteworthy that Palpur Kuno National Park of Madhya Pradesh is the most unique destination for wildlife lovers. Kuno has breathtaking forests with abundance of kardhai, khair and salai and there are dozens of grass-grazing wildlife in vast grasslands.
• This area was designated a sanctuary with about 350 sq km area was shaped like a leaf- in the middle of which river Kuno flows like a backbone. This river not only helps in keeping a constant water supply in the forest and irrigating the forest, but it also gives the name to this protected area.
• Kuno National Park/Kuno Wildlife Division and the surrounding area have historically been rich in wildlife. This area was also known as dense forest in ancient times. The area around the Kuno River has been rich in biodiversity since ancient times.
• Realizing the importance of this place, the state government established the Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in the year 1981 with an area of about 345 sq.km within a large forest area of about 3300 sq.km. To further strengthen wildlife protection and ensure proper management of this area, the Kuno Wildlife Division of 1235 sq km was established in the year 2002 by adding an additional 891 sq km area as buffer.
• The area includes dry grasslands and tropical riverine forests. It is equally rich in different species of animals. This area is a rare habitat of various favorable factors for wildlife. This area was identified as the most suitable place for the rehabilitation of cheetahs.
• The forest area of Kuno National Park is mainly dominated by kardhai, salai, khair trees, mostly among mixed forests. It also helps in having a variety of species of flora and fauna. In total, 123 species of trees, 71 species of shrubs, 32 species of vines and exotic vegetation, 34 species of bamboo and grass are found in Kuno National Park.

Newly Constructed Building of Directorate ESI at Panchkula Inaugurated

Why in News?

On February 19, 2023, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal and Union Labour and Employment Minister Bhupendra Yadav inaugurated the newly constructed building of Directorate ESI Health Protection Department located in Sector-14 of Panchkula district of Haryana.

Key Points

• After inaugurating the building, Chief Minister, Mr. Manohar Lal said that with the opening of the newly constructed Regional Office of ESI at Panchkula, the administrative activities of the insured persons of ESI of Haryana as well as Punjab, Himachal etc. will be run smoothly.
• He said that better health facilities are being provided to the beneficiaries through ESI in the state and better work is being done in this field in Haryana.
• It is known that earlier ESI and Haryana Health Department used to work separately, but last year it was mutually decided that not only the insured person but also other people can get their treatment done in ESI. Similarly, insured beneficiaries of ESI can also avail the facility of treatment in Haryana Health Department hospitals.
• At present, the number of ESI insured persons in Haryana is 25 lakh.
• Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav said that the foundation stone of ESI building of Panchkula was laid by Chief Minister Manohar Lal in the year 2018 and now this building has started functioning in the year 2023.
• On this occasion, the Chief Minister and the Union Minister also laid the foundation stone of ESI Dispensary Rai and Barhi Sonipat.
• Mr. Bhupender Yadav said that after the establishment of ESI Dispensary Rai (Sonipat), 1,06,440 beneficiaries including 28,010 insured and their families of industrial areas Rai, Nathupur, Wajidpur, Saboli, Bahalgarh will be benefited.
• Similarly, with the construction of ESI dispensaries Barhi, Ganaur, Sonipat, 31,720 beneficiaries including 8,347 insured persons and their families in the industrial areas of Barhi, Gannaur and Samalkha will be covered.
• The Union Minister informed that the construction work of ESI hospitals in Manesar and Bawal is going on at a fast pace with the cooperation of Haryana Government. Apart from this, ESI hospitals will also be set up in Rohtak, Ambala, Sonipat and Hisar.
• He informed that for the first time, the facility of Cathlab has also been started in ESI Medical College Faridabad last year.
• It is known that ESIC is a scheme in which there is no restriction on maximum treatment.

Ranchi to Host Two International Events

Why in discussion

On February 18, 2023, Jharkhand Sports Director Sarojini Lakra informed that the State Capital Ranchi will host two international competitions in the coming months. One will be of Athletics and the other of Hockey.

Key Points

• Sports Director Sarojini Lakra said that considering the international level infrastructure in Ranchi, the international federation is giving an opportunity to host it. Both these events will be held in Ranchi in October or November.
• This includes the South Asian Athletics (SAFF) Championship and the International Event of Hockey. Preparations for organizing SAFF Athletics are being done by the Directorate of Sports.
• Sarojini Lakra said that the South Asian Athletics Championships will be held in Ranchi for the first time. More than 400 international level players from seven countries will participate in these events in Ranchi.
• The event will be held at the Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium in mega sports complex. Preparations for international level competition are going on by the department. It may be organized by the end of this year.
• Secretary General of Hockey India and Chairman of Hockey Jharkhand Mr. Bholanath Singh said that the International Level Competition will be organized by the end of this year at astroturf Hockey Stadium in Morhabadi. This will be the first time since the formation of Jharkhand state that an International Hockey Competition will be held in Ranchi.

13 Units of Natural Paint from Cow Dung Started in Gauthans

Why in News?

According to the information given by the Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department on February 19, 2023, 13 units have been started to make natural paint from cow dung as an innovation along with conducting various income-oriented activities in the Gauthans established for the conservation and promotion of livestock in the state.

Key Points

• As per the intention of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, gauthans established for the conservation and promotion of livestock in the state have started developing rapidly as rural industrial parks. Natural paints are being produced from cow dung as an innovation along with conducting diverse income-oriented activities in gauthans.
• At present, the establishment of natural paint making units from cow dung in 32 identified gauthans of 21 districts is in the final stage, where natural paint will be produced soon.
• A total of 45 paint production units have been approved for making natural paint from dung, out of which 13 have been completed and production has been started there.
• Two units have been set up in Raipur district, while 1 unit each has been set up and operational in Kanker, Durg, Balod, Korba, Koriya, Kondagaon, Dantewada, Bijapur, Bemetara, Surajpur and Bastar districts.
• So far 30,218 liters of natural paint has been produced through working units, out of which 14,358 liters of natural paint has earned Rs 29,70,300 from the sale.
• So far, 11 thousand liters in 2 units of Raipur district, 7768 liters in Kanker, 2900 in Durg, 700 in Balod, 284 in Korba, 800 in Korea, 2608 in Kondagaon, 1443 in Dantewada, 800 in Bijapur, 300 in Bemetara, 300 in Surajpur 500 liters of natural paint has been produced in Bastar and 1160 liters of natural paint. The produced paint is also being sold.

GST Council Agrees to Have Two Judicial Members and Two Technical Members in the Tribunal on Chhattisgarh's Proposal

Why in News?

• In the GST Council meeting held under the chairmanship of Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 18, 2023, on behalf of Chhattisgarh, on the proposal to have two judicial members and two technical members (one form the state and one from the center) in the tribunal Consensus was reached in the council.

Key Points

• This will also enable states to get proper representation while taking proper care of cooperative federalism. States will also have the right to determine the number of benches of tribunals based on their geographical and other circumstances.
• It is worth mentioning that the 49th meeting of the GST Council was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chowdhary and Finance Ministers of other states, officers and Chhattisgarh Commissioner, Commercial Tax Bhim Singh also participated in the meeting.
• The proposal was put forward by Chhattisgarh's commercial tax minister TS Singhdeo. Chhattisgarh demanded to provide the amount of compensation soon. It was decided to give compensation amount of Rs 505 crore immediately by the central government.
• The main issue in the meeting was the GST Appellate Tribunal (Tribunal). The Group of Ministers was constituted to reconsider the tribunal provision after the Madras High Court declared the tribunal provision of TNGST illegal in the Madras Bar Association case. The report of this Group of Ministers was presented in the meeting.
• Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh supported status quo on Orissa's proposal to reduce GST rate on tendu leaves to zero. Earlier, in the 22nd and 37th meeting of the Council, it was decided to keep the rate unchanged and to maintain status quo based on opinion of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
• It is noteworthy that due to the policies of the Chhattisgarh government, tendu leaf collectors are provided the highest benefit across the country. Due to the transfer of maximum benefit, the burden of tax does not have to be borne by the collectors, as well as the tax burden is borne by the government due to RCM (reverse charge) on tendu leaves.
• Bhartiya Kisan Sangh, Chhattisgarh State proposed to give such input tax to the farmers (as it is given to other manufacturers) on fertilizers, agricultural machinery etc. purchased after paying the tax.
• It may be noted that the eligibility for input tax is only after registration and taxable sale. Farmers are not eligible for input tax due to lack of registration and taxable sales. Therefore, a proposal was put before the council by converting this proposal from Chhattisgarh to keep all the materials used by the farmers free from GST, which was recommended to be sent to the Fitment Committee for consideration.

Government of India Approves CM's Proposal to Include Millets in Mid-day Meals

Why in News?

• According to the information given by the Chhattisgarh Public Relations Department on February 18, 2023, the Central Government has approved the proposal to include millets in the mid-day meal scheme by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

Key Points

• After the approval of the Center, now under the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Yojana, food items made from millets will be distributed to school children four days a week in place of soya chikki in 12 districts of Chhattisgarh.
• It is known that in line with the intention of the Chhattisgarh government, the Directorate of Public Education had sent a proposal to the Central Government to partially revise this scheme and distribute food items made of millets in place of soya chikki. This proposal has been approved by the Director of the Central Government, PM Poshan.
• It is noteworthy that farmers are being given a lot of incentives for the production of millets in the state. Millets like Kodo, Kutki-Ragi are being procured at support price. Apart from this, input subsidy of Rs 9,000 is being provided to the millet producing farmers of the state under the Millet Mission. The year 2023 has been declared as the International Year of Millets.
• Earlier, in the annual action plan of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojana, the central government had approved Rs 1787.20 lakh as central share and Rs 1198.14 lakh as state share for providing soya chikki to children under supplementary nutrition diet in 7 districts of Chhattisgarh.

Forest Department to issue SOP for Quick Response Team

Why in News?

• On February 19, 2023, Uttarakhand's Chief Wildlife Warden Dr. Sameer Sinha said that the forest department of the state will issue standard operating procedure (SOP) for the first time for QRT (Quick Response Team). Its blueprint is being prepared.

Key Points

• Chief Wildlife Warden Dr. Sameer Sinha said that under the standard operating procedure for QRT, rules and regulations will be set for the employees joining QRT. Along with this, an action plan is also being prepared to reduce the damage to crops by wildlife.
• It is noteworthy that QRT plays an important role in reducing human-wildlife conflict in the state. But no SOP has been issued yet. There are no rules and regulations for the employees involved in the team.
• Dr. Sameer Sinha said that THE SOP will be issued by including all the points like what safety equipment will be given to the team, what will be the number of members in the team, what will be their scope of work. Along with this, they are also proposed to be given regular training.
• He said that an exercise is also being done by the Forest Department to form a Village Level Primary Response Team (PRT) in collaboration with the local community to reduce human-wildlife conflict.