Month: March 2025

Source: Government of India

Democratisation of Services Delivery: Dr. Jitendra Singh Highlights Governance Milestones at IIPA’s 71st Foundation Day

Union Minister Dr. Singh Delivers Dr. Rajendra Prasad Annual Memorial Lecture on ‘Antodaya Se Sarvodaya’

A Simplified Process with Single Pension Form, A Unified Fellowship Application Portal, A Single Platform for Higher Education Applications, and The Abolition Of Over 1,600 Obsolete Rules Highlights: Dr. Singh

“Rozgar Melas A significant platform facilitating employment opportunities for youth and boosting their aspirations” says Dr. Jitendra Singh

Extend knowledge repository and leadership training modules beyond government sectors to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@ 2047- Dr Singh

Posted On: 29 MAR 2025 7:13PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Delivering the keynote of the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Annual Memorial Lecture at the 71st Foundation Day of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), highlighted the democratisation of services delivery over the last ten years since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took over.

He underscored the government’s commitment to ensure that governance reaches the last citizen in line, embodying the true realization of Antyodaya

Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance mantra, Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas, emphasizing the decade-long transformative journey that has led to a 360-degree shift in governance. He highlighted his Ministry’s responsibility in bringing governance closer to the citizens through various citizen-centric reforms.

The Minister outlined several landmark reforms, including: Democratization of Civil Services: A significant demographic shift with increased representation of women officers across government sectors, especially in STEM fields. Life Certificate Campaign: A revolutionary initiative that has eased the process for elderly pensioners by eliminating the need for physical verification at bank branches through facial recognition technology. Simplification of Processes: Introduction of a single simplified pension form, a unified fellowship application portal, a single platform for higher education applications, and the abolition of over 1,600 obsolete rules. Multilingual Recruitment Exams: Government recruitment exams are now conducted in 13 regional languages, with plans to extend to all 22 scheduled languages of the Constitution. Abolition of Interviews for Certain Posts: Creating a level playing field in recruitment processes. Rozgar Melas: A significant platform facilitating employment opportunities for youth and boosting their aspirations

 

Dr. Jitendra Singh also spoke about the government’s Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Science approach, integrating sectors such as space and nuclear energy with private participation to harness collective potential.

India now ranks 4th globally in patent filings, with 56% of patents filed by resident Indians. He also cited a recent survey from December 31, 2024, which revealed that India has nearly 5,400 scientists among the top 2% best researchers worldwide.

Following the celebrations, as Chairman of IIPA, Dr. Singh presided over the 326th Executive Council Meeting, reviewing action points from the previous meeting and guiding the council on annual activities, including workshops and capacity-building initiatives. He announced that 130 new life members from diverse backgrounds—administrators, academicians, and state service officers—had been onboarded.

The Minister also directed IIPA to extend its knowledge repository and leadership training modules beyond government sectors to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

An MoU between IIPA and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was exchanged in the presence of Dr. Singh. Additionally, he unveiled the book “Antyodaya Se Sarvodaya: A Framework of Universal Fulfilment”.

The event witnessed the participation of several distinguished dignitaries, including: Shri S. N. Tripathi, IAS (Retd.), Director General, IIPA; Shri Shekhar Dutt, Former Governor of Chhattisgarh; Shri V. Srinivas, IAS, Secretary, DARPG; Shri Amitabh Ranjan, Registrar, IIPA Senior officers, IIPA members, and faculty.

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2116634) Visitor Counter : 287

Source: Government of India

President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurates National Green Tribunal’s National Conference on Environment – 2025, in New Delhi

Union Minister Shri Bhupender Yadav emphasizes India’s commitment to Climate Action and Sustainable Development

Two-Day Event to deliberate on Critical Environmental Issues, Policy Gaps and Promote Sustainable Management

Posted On: 29 MAR 2025 6:56PM by PIB Delhi

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a two-day National Conference on ‘Environment – 2025’ in New Delhi today. The inaugural session was graced by Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Justice Vikram Nath, Judge, Supreme Court of India, Shri R. Venkataramani, Attorney General for India, in the presence of Hon’ble Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of National Green Tribunal (NGT).

The two-day conference is being organised by the National Green Tribunal at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. This conference, aims at deliberating on critical environmental issues and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, witnessed the participation of prominent dignitaries, legal experts, environmentalists, and policymakers.

Addressing the inaugural session, Hon’ble President, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, emphasised the importance of balancing development with environmental protection, focussing on our responsibility to ensure progress while preventing destruction. She noted that
it is our moral responsibility to provide a legacy of a clean environment to the coming generations. (Detailed Press Release: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2116543)

Addressing the august gathering, Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, quoted the mantra ‘Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah’, and emphasized that environmental protection is in Indian ethos. It extends to encompass flora, fauna, mountains, rivers, and all components of the environment, he stated.

Shri Yadav stated that India reserves Her right to grow responsibly based on our national circumstances. As a show of our commitment to climate action, India has fulfilled its Paris Agreement commitments on green energy nine years ahead of the 2030 target. He further emphasized that the climate anxiety which has gripped the world cannot force India to give up its right to ensure food, water, energy, and a quality to its 140-crore people. India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is confidently striking a balance between challenges and opportunities.

Hon’ble Justice Vikram Nath, Judge, Supreme Court of India emphasized that when we unite, we benefit a wide range of causes. Furthermore, he highlighted that the environment is not an external entity, but intrinsically connected to our health and culture.

Shri R. Venkataramani, Attorney General for India emphasised that human behaviour should go beyond mere profit-making, aiming instead to ensure a better quality of life for future generations.

In his welcome address, Hon’ble Justice Prakash Shrivastava, the Chairperson of NGT, highlighted that what makes this conference truly exceptional is its inclusivity, bringing together jurists, experts, faculty, and passionate students from various institutions, all united by a common vision of sustainability and environmental stewardship. He emphasized that our efforts to safeguard the environment are not only a responsibility but also a vital safeguard for our future.

Following the inaugural session, two technical sessions took place. The first, on Air Quality Monitoring and Management, was chaired by Hon’ble Justice Joymalya Bagchi, Judge, Supreme Court of India. It was noted that true progress is not measured solely in economic terms, but by our ability to balance development with environmental sustainability and focused on the growing issue of air pollution. Experts including Dr. Randeep Guleria, Chairman, Institute of Internal Medicine, Medanta, Dr. Dilip Ganguly, IIT Delhi, Sh. Tanmay Kumar, Secretary, MoEF&CC, and Hon’ble Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, NGT, Chennai, deliberated on the causes, regulatory frameworks, and possible solutions to mitigate air pollution.

The second technical session on Water Quality Management and River Rejuvenation was presided over by Hon’ble Justice Pratibha M. Singh, Judge, Delhi High Court. It discussed the issue of water pollution, highlighting Switzerland’s European Rhine River restoration model and the case of Namibia, while comparing the situation in India. She also provided practical solutions, including community collaboration, compliance and transparency mechanisms, and the adoption of scientific innovations and explored the pressing concerns of water pollution, over-extraction of groundwater, and conservation strategies. Panelists Dr. M.K. Goel, National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Dr. Rajiv Kumar Mittal, DG (National Mission for Clean Ganga), and Hon’ble Justice B. Amit Sthalekar, NGT, Kolkata, discussed legislative measures, government initiatives like the Jal Jeevan Mission, and community-driven solutions for sustainable water management. The session was moderated by Prof. A.K. Gosain, Former Professor, IIT Delhi.

The first day of the conference concluded with thought-provoking discussions, setting the stage for further deliberations tomorrow. The second day of the conference will feature third technical session on Forest Conservation and Biodiversity Protection and fourth technical session will include the reflections on the key takeaways from first three technical sessions.

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VM/GS

(Release ID: 2116631) Visitor Counter : 529

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 MAR 2025 6:46PM by PIB Delhi

Today, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) of the day clocked 153 as per the daily AQI Bulletin provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). In view of significant improvement in the daily average AQI of Delhi and also considering the meteorological/ weather forecasts by IITM/ IMD, the Sub-Committee on Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) met today to review the current air quality scenario in the region and accordingly take an appropriate decision on the actions under Stage-I of GRAP in place in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) since 24.03.2025. While comprehensively reviewing the overall air quality parameters of Delhi-NCR and other aspects, the Sub-Committee observed as under:

 

• AQI of Delhi has shown significant improvement due to strong surface winds and improved meteorological conditions prevailing in Delhi-NCR. The AQI of Delhi has been recorded as 153 for 29.03.2025 (in ‘Moderate’ category). Further, the forecast by IMD/IITM also predicts AQI to mainly remain in ‘Moderate’ category in coming days.

Therefore, keeping in view this trend of improvement in the overall AQI of Delhi and also the forecasts by IMD/ IITM indicating the average air quality of Delhi to stay in ‘Moderate’ category in the coming days (for which forecast is available), the CAQM Sub-Committee on GRAP unanimously decided to revoke Stage-I of the extant schedule of GRAP in the entire NCR, with immediate effect.

All the agencies of the concerned State Govts./ GNCTD in the NCR, in an effort to sustain the better AQI levels as being experienced currently and not to let the air quality slip to the ‘Poor’ category, however need to ensure that all statutory directions, advisories, orders etc. issued by the Commission are followed and implemented in right earnest, including the rules/ regulations/ guidelines issued by MoEF&CC and the Central Pollution Control Board and related instructions/ guidelines issued by the respective State Govts./ GNCTD and Pollution Control Boards/ DPCC, across all contributing sectors.

In this context, all the agencies concerned are also required to take note of various actions and the targeted timelines as envisaged in the comprehensive policy issued by the Commission to curb air pollution in the NCR and take appropriate actions accordingly in the field, particularly the dust mitigation measures for C&D activities & Roads/Open areas, which becomes a pre-dominant factor in the coming months determining the air quality in Delhi-NCR.

The Sub-Committee, shall be keeping a close watch on the air quality scenario and review the situation from time to time for further appropriate decision depending upon the air quality in Delhi and forecast made by IMD/ IITM.

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VM/GS

(Release ID: 2116627) Visitor Counter : 317

Source: Government of India

India-U.S. Trade Talks in New Delhi Concludes

Sectoral expert level engagements under the BTA to start virtually in the coming weeks

Posted On: 29 MAR 2025 5:45PM by PIB Delhi

As a follow up to the India-U.S. Joint Statement of 13 February 2025, wherein the two sides agreed to expand bilateral trade to reach $ 500 Billion by 2030, including through the conclusion of a Bilateral Trade Agreement, representatives of India’s Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative convened in New Delhi from 26-29 March 2025.

In order to realize the shared objective of promoting growth that ensures fairness, national security and job creation, both sides have through four-days of discussions in New Delhi broadly come to an understanding on the next steps towards a mutually beneficial, multi-sector Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), with the goal to finalize its first tranche by fall 2025. Sectoral expert level engagements under the BTA will start virtually in the coming weeks and pave the path for an early negotiating round in person. During these discussions the two sides also had a productive exchange of views on deepening bilateral cooperation in priority areas including increasing market access, reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers and deepening supply chain integration in a mutually beneficial manner.

The meeting in New Delhi follows the visit of Union Commerce and Industries Minister Shri Piyush Goyal to Washington, D.C. from 4-6 March 2025 during which he met his U.S. counterparts – U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and subsequent video conferences between the two sides.

The successful conclusion of the discussions reflects progress in efforts to expand India-U.S. bilateral trade and investment relations to promote prosperity, security and innovation in both the countries. These steps are designed to unlock new opportunities for businesses, drive bilateral economic integration, and reinforce the economic partnership between India and the United States.

India and the United States expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the meeting and reaffirmed their dedication to ongoing collaboration. Both sides look forward to building on this milestone in the coming months to finalize the BTA, ensuring it aligns with the shared goals of prosperity, resilience, and mutual benefit.

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Abhishek Dayal/Abhijith Narayanan

(Release ID: 2116613) Visitor Counter : 3684

Source: Government of India

Indian Railways Holds about 4.90 Lakh Hectares of Land as of March 2024

Surplus Railway Land Leased for Commercial Development While Retaining Ownership

Posted On: 29 MAR 2025 5:35PM by PIB Delhi

As on 31.03.2024, the total land in possession of Indian Railways is about 4.90 lakh hectares out of which 8812 Ha land has been leased for various purposes. This includes railway land leased/licensed for passenger facilities, cargo related facilities, commercial development, etc. Zone-wise details of total railway land, total leased land are as under:

(Figures in hectares)

 

The land in possession of Indian Railways is utilized for providing fixed infrastructure such as tracks, stations, terminals, workshops, production units, etc. In addition, railway land is also leased/licensed to Government departments, Kendriya Vidyalaya, public service utility providers, private sectors for railway related activities like passenger facilities, cargo related facilities, etc. keeping ownership with Railways as per the extant policy.

The surplus vacant railway land which is not required for operational purpose in near future is entrusted to Rail Land Development Authority for leasing the railway land for commercial development. The ownership of commercially developed railway land always remains with Railways.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Rajya Sabha yesterday.

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Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar          

(Release ID: 2116610) Visitor Counter : 350

Source: Government of India

 Indian Railways uses Covered wagons for bulk onion transportation; 271 onion rakes loaded in 2023-24

In 2023-24 Indian Railways through CONCOR transported 27771 refrigerated containers for temperature-sensitive cargo including fruits and vegetables

Posted On: 29 MAR 2025 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

For bulk transportation of onions, covered wagons are already being utilized over Indian Railways.  271 onion rakes were loaded during 2023-24.  

However, no request has been received from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution regarding the deployment of trains with refrigerated wagons for onion transportation.

Indian Railway is providing rail based refrigerated container services through Container Corporation (CONCOR) to facilitate movement of cargo that requires temperature-controlled environment, including fruits and vegetables. During 2023-24, a total of 27,771 refrigerated containers were moved through Rail by CONCOR.

The temperature-controlled storage facilities of CONCOR have been established at Nashik, New Azadpur, Dadri and Sonipat at a total investment of about Rs 129 crore.  

This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Rajya Sabha yesterday.

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Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

(Release ID: 2116608) Visitor Counter : 291

Source: Government of India

Freight Revenue Rises by ₹54,805 Cr in 4 Years from ₹1.13 Lakh Cr in 2019-20 to ₹1.68 Lakh Cr in 2023-24

Passenger Revenue Increases by ₹20,024 Cr in 4 Years from ₹50,669 Cr in 2019-20 to ₹70,693 Cr in 2023-24

Posted On: 29 MAR 2025 5:33PM by PIB Delhi

Revenue generated by Indian Railways from Freight and Passenger operations during the last five years is as under: –

 

Financial Year	Revenue (₹ in Cr)
	Freight	Passenger
2019-20	1,13,488	50,669
2020-21*	1,17,232	15,248
2021-22*	1,41,096	39,214
2022-23	1,62,263	63,417
2023-24	1,68,293	70,693

* COVID years.

 

Revenue earned by Indian Railways on account of flexi fare, tatkal and premium tatkal during 2019-20 to 2023-24 is approximately 5.7% of the total revenue earned from passenger services. Amount credited on account of Cancellation of tickets is not maintained separately.

 

As on 01.04.24, there are about 79,000 coaches being utilized for running train services. The details are as under:

      

Class	No. of coaches	No. of seats
General and non-AC Sleeper	~56,000(70% of total)	~51 lakhs
AC Coaches	~ 23,000	~14 lakhs
Total	~ 79,000	~ 65 lakhs

Details of passenger seats and revenue during the period 2019-20 to 2023-24 is as below:

Class	Avg %share of total seats during  2019-20 to 2023-24	Avg % share of total passenger revenue during 2019-20 to 2023-24
Non-AC coaches (General / Sleeper etc.)	~ 82%	~  53%
AC Coaches	~ 18%	~  47%

                       

This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Rajya Sabha yesterday.

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Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

(Release ID: 2116609) Visitor Counter : 327

Source: Government of India

Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India organizes ‘Workshop on e-Jagriti platform’ at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Sarangpur, Chandigarh

Representatives from State and District Consumer Commissions and Bar Associations of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana & Jammu & Kashmir, Chandigarh and Ladakh participates

E-Jagriti Portal Empowers Stakeholders with Tools for Efficient Consumer Dispute Resolution

Posted On: 29 MAR 2025 5:20PM by PIB Delhi

The Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India, in association with State Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, UT of Chandigarh organized a ‘Workshop on e-Jagriti platform’, a hands-on workshop on the e-Jagriti portal, aimed at providing in-depth training to key stakeholders at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Sarangpur, Chandigarh today.

Shri Bharat Khera, Additional Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs in his keynote address stated that by introducing E-Jagriti, the Department of Consumer Affairs has taken a groundbreaking step toward a fully digital, accessible, and efficient consumer grievance redressal mechanism. This initiative reduces human intervention, overcomes geographical barriers, and strengthens consumer protection in India.

Shri Anupam Mishra, Joint Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs in his address stated that Department of Consumer Affairs, in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), developed E-Jagriti, an integrated digital system combining e-Daakhil, Confonet, and OCMS into a single, streamlined platform simplifying access for consumers, commission officials, judges, advocates, industry experts, and mediators. He thanked the Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, UT of Chandigarh and Director, NMIMS for smooth organization of the workshop.

Justice Raj Shekhar Attri, President, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, UT (Chandigarh) said, that the technology has brought a sea change in efficiency and productivity. Using it for speedy disposal of cases will help serve the consumers and timely settlement of their cases. He also appreciated that GoI initiative i.e. e-Jagriti in utilizing new technology like video conferencing, AI tools to facilitate speedy disposal of consumer cases and making it accessible in remote locations. EJagriti will streamline the procedure and new tools like AI, Data Analytics will help judges in providing insights and legal precedents to make it more efficient and transparent.

Shri Shravan Kumar Nune, Member, District Consumer Commission, Leh expressed his views about the significance and potential of e-Daakhil platform (now E-Jagriti) in remote locations like Ladakh for the benefit of consumers. He observed that on the day when e-daakhil was launched in Leh, a case was registered on the portal. This highlights the important role technology can play to address the concerns of consumers in remote and hilly areas.

Ms. Monika Thatai, Advocate, Chandigarh HC, appreciated the features of EJagriti platform and the capacity building initiative of GoI. She representing the Bar Association gave various useful suggestions which would further enhance the ease of use of e-Jagriti portal.

Shri. G. Mayil Muthu Kumaran, Deputy Director General, National Informatics Centre, New Delhi during the workshop presented a presentation on the e-jagriti, enlightening the participants on how to efficiently onboard users onto the platform, file consumer complaints and grievances, and navigate the role-based access module, which defines specific functionalities for different stakeholders. The presentation also covered vital aspects such as scrutinizing and assisting in the processing of cases, generating and managing causelists, and managing virtual courtroom hearings through the platform.

The Members of the State Consumer Commissions like the Maheep Gupta, Jammu & Kashmir State Consumer Commissions along with the Hon’ble Padma Pandey, Hon’ble Rajesh K. Arya, and Preetinder Singh, Chandigarh State Consumer Commission attended the workshop. Also, President Sh. Pawanjit Singh, President, Chandigarh District Consumer Commission-I and Sh. Amrinder Singh, President of Chandigarh District Consumer Commission-II along with Members of the Chandigarh District Consumer Commission I & II attended the workshop. Sh Shravan Kumar Nune, Member, District Consumer Commission, Leh attended the workshop. The stakeholders/ participants were equipped with practical knowledge and skills to efficiently navigate and utilize various features of the E-Jagriti portal. Other stakeholders like voluntary consumer organizations and advocates also attended the workshop.

During the workshop, the stakeholders were divided into two groups and provided with the computer systems for hands-on training on various key functionalities of the e-jagriti platform. Participants were given their own login ID and were walked through each feature of the portal with live demonstrations and interactive sessions by the NIC experts team. Attendees were guided on uploading daily orders and judgments for efficient document management and were introduced to the specialized Judges module, aimed at supporting smooth adjudication of cases. The objective was to ensure that all participants were well-versed with the E-Jagriti portal’s features to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for consumers and all stakeholders involved in the grievance redressal mechanism.

The e-Jagriti platform has case filing, online fee payment, case monitoring modules for seamless disposal of cases by all the Commissions, has Smart search facility on archived consumer complaints / cases / judgements using AI technology for metadata and keyword creation, and Voice-to-text conversion of judgements, case history and other details using AI / ML technology. The portal is integrated with a Virtual court facility for a convenient and accessible resolution of consumer complaints, reducing the time of disposal, multiple hearings and physical court appearances bringing effective and fast decisions & disposals in all Consumer Commissions.

Shri. Sunil Kumar Mishra, Deputy Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs in his vote of thanks extended a heartfelt gratitude to Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Sarangpur, Chandigarh, for their generous support in hosting the ‘Workshop on e-Jagriti Platform’. The provision of their state-of-the-art hall and computer systems played an instrumental role in ensuring the success of the workshop.

The Department of Consumer Affairs is committed to enhancing consumer protection and facilitating access to justice. This workshop is the first of a series of workshops that will be conducted in all the states under the broader initiative to bring technology into the consumer dispute resolution process, ensuring that consumers across the nation can resolve grievances in a faster and more efficient manner.

Inaugural programme of the Capacity Building Workshop

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Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

(Release ID: 2116605) Visitor Counter : 396

Source: Government of India

Union Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi inaugurates a 5.4 GW high-tech plant at Chikhli in Gujarat

Today is a memorable day for Gujarat and our country: Shri Pralhad Joshi

In the last 10 years, there has been an unprecedented increase in solar power capacity in the country from 2.82 GW in 2014 to 104 GW today, showing a significant increase of 3580%: Shri Pralhad Joshi

Posted On: 29 MAR 2025 4:46PM by PIB Ahmedabad

Union Minister of New and Renewable Energy Shri Pralhad Joshi inaugurated a state-of-the-art 5.4 GW solar cell gigafactory/manufacturing facility of Warree Energy at Chikhali in Gujarat. Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Patil, Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, senior Ministers of Gujarat such as Energy and Petrochemicals Minister Shri Kanubhai Desai;  Shri Harshbhai Sanghvi, Minister of State for Home, Sports and Youth Affairs;  Shri Mukeshbhai Patel, Minister of State for Environment, Climate Change and Water Resources and Shri P.P. Chaudhary were present at the occasion.

As India’s largest state-of-the-art solar cell production plant, this landmark achievement is a decisive step towards strengthening the domestic solar supply chain and reducing dependence on imports. While the global solar energy value chain is also at the forefront of the country’s march as a net exporter and enabler in the ecosystem.

Speaking on the occasion, The Minister for New and Renewable Energy, Shri Pralhad Joshi said, “This magnificent facility embodies the spirit of India and stands in the form of India’s growing expertise in the global renewable energy scenario. This is in full alignment with our national vision of establishing India as a global manufacturing hub for clean energy technologies. The plant will not only cater to local needs but also position India as a major exporter of advanced solar technologies.”

Shri Pralhad Joshi further said that today is a memorable day not only for Waaree Energy but also for Gujarat and our country. Our sacred Granthas, including the Vedas and Upanishads, have always emphasised the importance of harmony between humanity and the environment.

Talking about the importance of Gayatri Mantra,  he said that this mantra, written thousands of years ago, is dedicated to the divine energy of the Sun. Even today crores of Indians start their day with this holy mantra. While the Sun pays respect to god through namaskar. Now that we reflect this deep spiritual tradition, it is shocking that till 2014, India had not made any progress in the areas of renewable energy and sustainability. We were nowhere to be seen on the global map of sustainability.

Shri Pralhad Joshi said that it was only after Prime Minister Modiji assumed office in 2014 that India’s approach towards environmental sustainability began to change. We are not only participating in the global energy revolution, but we are leading it. Today, we have become the third largest renewable energy capacity in the world. In the last 10 years, there has been an extraordinary increase in the solar power capacity in the country, from 2.82 GW in 2014 to  104 GW today, showing a significant increase of 3580%.

Shri Pralhad Joshi said that the emphasis on module production has  also increased   and its capacity has increased from 2 GW in 2014  to  80 GW today. In 2014, the production of Solar Cells and Wafers did not exist, but today India has 25 GW of cells and 2 GW of Wafers produces. To give a further boost to this, the government has issued guidelines stating that all solar PV modules used in projects will have to get their solar cells from ALM list-II starting from June 1, 2026. By 2030, this initiative will take India’s renewable energy efforts to new heights. We are confident that the production of solar modules will skyrocket and reach 150 GW by that time. Our capacity for solar cells will increase to 100 GW, with wafer production reaching 40 GW.

He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi,  India co-founded the International Solar Alliance to accelerate the global development of solar energy. At present, more  than 100 countries have committed to a greener future through the ISA. For many years, a country (China) has been a powerful force in the field of renewable and new-age resources. But today India is emerging as Vishwamitra, becoming the voice of the global South and leading a new world order.

The global is becoming the voice of the Global South and leading the new world order. He said that there are  195 countries in the world, but under the visionary leadership of PM Modi, It was India who started the One Sun, One  World, One Grid  initiative. This is the reason why, today, when the European Union College of Commissioners visits it for the first time outside the European continent, they prefer India.

Shri Pralhad Joshi said “ Today, be it the International Energy Agency,  the World Economic Forum,  the IMF or the World Bank, all of them are looking at India as a beacon of leadership. All this has been possible due to the vision, speed and scale of our PM Modi. He is the son of this land of Gujarat, and has carried forward the legacy of leadership that this land has given us. This land gave us Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. This land has given India its entrepreneurial identity. It was in Gujarat that the growth story of renewable energy started.  It all started when Modi was the chief minister of this state. Today, Gujarat has become a model that has now been expanded across India, setting a national benchmark. In this context, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel ji also deserves praise for his leadership in furthering Modiji’s vision. They are ensuring that Gujarat remains at the forefront of this crucial field. I encourage other states to adopt Gujarat’s model of development in the field of renewable energy. Other states should learn from Gujarat’s example of creating a conducive environment for industries and investing in renewable energy.”

Union Minister Joshi pointed out that, according to the Future of Jobs Report 2025  released by the World Economic Forum, creating jobs globally in sectors such as green transition will lead to 170 million jobs by 2030. Contributing to this number will also be the significant number of jobs generated by this 5.4 GW solar cell manufacturing plant. The facility will create numerous opportunities for both local residents and professionals, he said.

Shri Pralhad Joshi said that Gujarat is a state where renewables make up 57% of the total energy capacity, while thermal energy accounts for 43%. He added that the state has more potential to increase its progress under the flagship schemes of the Central Government. A total of 3.85 lakh installations have been done so far under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijali Yojana. This number needs to be boosted. Union Minister Joshi said that passion of Gujarat is not just about trade and commerce. It is about doing business responsibly and sustainably. We are proud that this plant with its full potential will contribute to making India a global powerhouse in solar energy, he said.

AP/IJ/GP/JD

(Release ID: 2116602) Visitor Counter : 467

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 29 MAR 2025 4:01PM by PIB Delhi

The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has conveyed her greetings to her fellow citizens on the eve of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba.

In a message, the President has said, “On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi,Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all fellow citizens.

These festivals, celebrated at the onset of spring season, symbolize the beginning of Indian New Year. These festivals showcase our cultural diversity and promote social cohesion. During these festivals, we celebrate the joy of new harvest and express our gratitude to nature.

On these pious occasions, let us strengthen the spirit of harmony and unity and work with renewed energy to take our nation to new heights”.

Please click here to see the President’s message – 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2116583) Visitor Counter : 648