The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi engaged in a constructive conversation today with Mr. Elon Musk, delving into a range of issues of mutual interest. The discussion revisited topics covered during their meeting in Washington DC earlier this year, underscoring the shared vision for technological advancement.
The Prime Minister highlighted the immense potential for collaboration between India and the United States in the domains of technology and innovation. He reaffirmed India’s steadfast commitment to advancing partnerships in these areas.
He wrote in a post on X:
“Spoke to @elonmusk and talked about various issues, including the topics we covered during our meeting in Washington DC earlier this year. We discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation. India remains committed to advancing our partnerships with the US in these domains.”
Spoke to @elonmusk and talked about various issues, including the topics we covered during our meeting in Washington DC earlier this year. We discussed the immense potential for collaboration in the areas of technology and innovation. India remains committed to advancing our…
Some sections of the media have reported that a Satellite-based Tolling System will be launched from 1st May 2025 and will replace the existing FASTag-based toll collection system. This is to clarify that no such decision has been taken by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways or National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) regarding the nationwide implementation of satellite-based tolling from 1st May 2025.
In order to enable seamless, barrier-free movement of vehicles through toll plazas and reduce travel time ‘ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ will be implemented at selected toll plazas.
The advanced tolling system will combine ‘Automatic Number Plate Recognition’ (ANPR) technology, that will identify vehicles by reading their number plates, and the existing ‘FASTag system’ that uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) for toll deduction. Under this, vehicles will be charged based on their identification through high performance ANPR cameras and FASTag Readers, without needing to stop at the toll plazas. In case of non-compliance, E-Notices will be served to the violators, non-payment of which may result in suspension of FASTag and other VAHAN related penalties.
NHAI has invited bids for the implementation of ‘ANPR-FASTag-based Barrier-Less Tolling System’ that will be installed at selected toll plazas. Based on the performance, efficiency, and user response to this system, a decision will be made regarding its implementation across the country.
Centre notifies rules for ‘Radar equipment for the measurement of the speed of vehicles’ under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 Rules to come into force from 1st July 2025; aims at strengthening road safety and ensure fairness in traffic enforcement
Posted On: 18 APR 2025 12:34PM by PIB Delhi
To strengthen road safety and ensure fairness in traffic enforcement, the Department of Consumer Affairs has notified rules for ‘Radar equipment for the measurement of the speed of vehicles’ under the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011. These rules will come into force from 1st July 2025, providing sufficient time for industries and enforcement agencies to comply with the provisions.
These rules make it mandatory for all radar-based speed measurement equipment to be verified and stamped by Legal Metrology authorities. This will ensure that such devices are accurate, calibrated and legally compliant, thereby enhancing transparency, public trust and enforcement integrity. Verified radar systems are vital for applications such as traffic speed monitoring, accident prevention and minimizing wear and tear on road infrastructure.
The drafting of these rules was undertaken by a committee with technical inputs based on international standard OIML R 91. Stakeholders, including State Legal Metrology Departments, Regional Reference Standard Laboratories (RRSLs), manufacturers and consumer organizations were consulted through presentations and public feedback before finalizing the rules.
The implementation of these rules provides significant benefits to all stakeholders across the board. For the common citizen, the mandatory verification and stamping of radar-based speed measurement equipment will ensure the accurate enforcement of speed limits, thereby preventing unfair penalties and significantly enhancing road safety. Citizens can drive with greater confidence knowing that enforcement is based on scientifically validated and legally certified instruments.
For industries, particularly those involved in manufacturing radar-based speed measuring devices, the new rules establish a clear technical and regulatory framework aligned with international standards such as OIML R 91. This not only encourages domestic innovation and compliance but also enhances the export competitiveness of Indian manufacturers in global markets by ensuring consistency in quality and performance.
For law enforcement agencies, the introduction of verified and stamped devices ensures a higher degree of operational effectiveness and credibility. These devices allow for reliable, evidence-based enforcement, which is critical for maintaining public trust and improving compliance with speed regulations. The availability of certified and calibrated instruments enables officers to act with confidence and precision.
At the national level, this initiative is a key step towards data-driven governance in traffic management. It helps reduce road fatalities, enhances discipline on highways and supports sustainable economic development by minimizing the social and economic costs associated with road accidents, vehicle wear and tear and damage to infrastructure. Overall, the rules contribute to building a safer and more technologically advanced transport ecosystem in the country.
Radar devices operate using technologies like Doppler radar, measuring vehicle speed with high precision. These rules specify detailed technical and safety requirements, ensuring proper calibration, stable operation under various environmental conditions and protection against tampering. Such measures will foster a culture of technological reliability and legal accountability.
This move marks a significant step forward in India’s ongoing reforms to modernize legal metrology infrastructure, ensuring that measuring instruments in public enforcement are scientifically robust and legally verifiable.
India’s Fight Against Anemia Nourish, Prevent, Protect
Posted On: 18 APR 2025 12:33PM by PIB Delhi
Key Takeaways:
67.1% of children and 59.1% of adolescent girls in India are anemic (NFHS-5).
3 in 4 Indian women have low dietary iron intake.
Anemia Mukt Bharat (uses a 6x6x6 strategy: 6 interventions, 6 target groups of beneficiaries, and 6 institutional mechanisms.
15.4 crore children/adolescents received Iron and Folic Acid supplements in Q2 FY 2024-25.
Digital tools track real-time anemia screening and supply data.
AMB Program integrates with POSHAN Abhiyaan and School Health Program.
Introduction
India is home to the world’s largest adolescent population. It also leads one of the most ambitious public health campaigns against anemia, a condition that continues to affect millions, especially women, children, and adolescents. Anemia, primarily caused by iron deficiency, results from low haemoglobin levels, reducing the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen to vital organs.[1] Deficiencies in folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin A are other nutritional causes of anemia.[2] Its widespread prevalence is rooted in poor nutrition, early pregnancies, inadequate maternal care, and limited access to iron-rich foods, making it a pressing public health challenge that demands urgent and sustained action. [3]
Anemia is both preventable and treatable, and over the past two decades, the Government of India has taken strong, targeted action to combat it. A significant turning point came with the Second National Family Health Survey (NFHS-2) in 1998–99, paving the way for landmark programs like Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB). Today, AMB reaches millions annually through a comprehensive strategy that includes Iron-Folic Acid supplementation, deworming, fortified nutrition, and behaviour change communication across all age groups.
By integrating maternal and child health with adolescent nutrition and school-based outreach, India is actively disrupting the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. This sustained, community-led approach transforms outcomes for girls, pregnant and lactating women, and children under five—positioning India as a global leader in evidence-based, inclusive public health innovation.
Anemia manifests with symptoms such as fatigue, diminished physical work capacity, and shortness of breath. It serves as an indicator of poor nutrition and various health issues. Common and non-specific symptoms of anemia include tiredness, dizziness or feeling light-headed, cold hands and feet, headache and shortness of breath, particularly during exertion.
Who does it impact generally?
The population groups most vulnerable to anemia include children under 5 years of age, particularly infants and children under 2 years of age, menstruating adolescent girls and women, and pregnant and postpartum women.
Iron deficiency anemia results in impaired cognitive and motor development in children and decreased work capacity in adults. The effects are most severe in infancy and early childhood. In pregnancy, iron deficiency anemia can lead to perinatal loss, prematurity and low birth weight (LBW) babies.
How can it be prevented and treated?
Anemia’s treatment and prevention depend on its underlying cause. Still, it can often be managed through dietary changes such as consuming iron- and nutrient-rich foods (like folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin A), maintaining a balanced diet, and taking supplements when a healthcare provider recommends them.
Anemia affects around 500 million women aged 15 to 49 and 269 million children under 5 years (6-59 months) worldwide.
In 2019
Approximately 30% of non-pregnant women (539 million) had anemia.
Approximately 37% of pregnant women (32 million) were affected by anemia.
Status of Anemia in India as per the National Health Survey – 5 (2019-2021)[7]
Policy Interventions by the Government of India for Anemia Eradication
Recognizing the burden of anemia across various population groups, the Government of India is committed to its eradication. Although health is a state subject, the Centre is proactive by extending financial and technical support to states and UTs through the National Health Mission (NHM), which is aligned with their annual Programme Implementation Plans.
Anemia Mukt Bharat
It was launched in 2018 with a 6x6x6 strategy under which there are six interventions to reduce the prevalence of anemia (nutritional and non-nutritional) in six age groups – pre-school children (6-59 months), children (5-9 years), adolescent girls and boys (10-19 years), pregnant women, lactating women, and women of reproductive age (15-49 years) following a life cycle approach.[8] The Anemia Mukt Bharat strategy is implemented in all villages, blocks, and districts of all the States/UTs of India through existing delivery platforms as envisaged in the National Iron Plus Initiative (NIPI)[9], a comprehensive strategy to combat the public health challenge of Iron Deficiency Anaemia prevalent across the life cycle[10] and Weekly Iron Folic Acid Supplementation, (WIFS) programme to reduce the prevalence and severity of anemia in adolescent population (10-19 years)[11]
The 6x6x6 intervention under the Anemia Mukt Bharat are as follows:[12][13][14]
1.1 Prophylactic Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation
Under the AMB strategy, Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation is tailored by age group and physiological needs. Children aged 6–59 months receive biweekly IFA syrup, while those aged 5–10 years are given a weekly pink tablet. Adolescents (10–19 years) and non-pregnant, non-lactating women (20–49 years) receive a weekly blue or red IFA tablet, respectively. Women in the pre-conception period and first trimester are advised to take daily folic acid tablets. Pregnant women start daily IFA tablets from the second trimester and continue through pregnancy and six months post-partum. All supplements follow standardized dosages and are color-coded for easy identification.
1.2 Deworming
MoHFW is implementing the National Deworming Day (NDD) program, under which biannual mass deworming for children and adolescents aged 1-19 is carried out on designated dates – 10th February and 10th August every year.
Pregnant women are provided services under the strategy through antenatal care contacts (ANC clinics/ VHND) for deworming (in the second trimester).
1.3 Intensified year-round Behaviour Change Communication Campaign (Solid Body, Smart Mind) focusing on four key behaviours as mentioned below:
1.4 Testing and treatment of anemia, using digital methods and point-of-care treatment,with special focus on pregnant women and school-going adolescents
1.5Mandatory provision of Iron and Folic Acid fortified foods in government funded public health programmes.
1.6 Intensifying awareness, screening and treatment of non-nutritional causes of anemia in endemic pockets, with special focus on malaria, haemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.
Government Initiatives to Combat Anemia in Women & Children[16][17]
Conclusion
India’s commitment to ending anemia is a global example of inclusive public health action. Through the Anemia Mukt Bharat strategy, the government has reached millions of women, children, and adolescents with Iron-Folic Acid supplementation, deworming, fortified nutrition, and awareness campaigns. By prioritizing the health of its most vulnerable—girls, mothers, and young children—India is breaking the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition. With sustained investment, digital innovation, and strong last-mile delivery, the vision of a healthier, anemia-free India is within reach.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to Sri Guru Teg Bahadur on the auspicious Parkash Purab today. Shri Modi remarked that Sri Guru Teg Bahadur’s life epitomises courage and compassionate service, who was unwavering in fighting injustice.
He wrote in a post on X:
“On the auspicious Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, I pay my humble tributes to one of the greatest spiritual torchbearers of our land. His life epitomises courage and compassionate service. He was unwavering in fighting injustice. May his teachings continue to inspire us all in building a society he envisioned.”
On the auspicious Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji, I pay my humble tributes to one of the greatest spiritual torchbearers of our land. His life epitomises courage and compassionate service. He was unwavering in fighting injustice. May his teachings continue to inspire us…
CBIC issues revised instructions for processing applications for GST registration by CBIC formations Revised guidelines to field formations will reduce compliance burden on taxpayers and facilitate rule-based transparency
Posted On: 18 APR 2025 11:37AM by PIB Delhi
Several grievances have been received by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, regarding difficulties being faced by applicants during the GST registration process, mainly on account of queries raised by officers on the grounds of seeking additional documents.
To resolve these grievances and to smoothen GST registration process, CBIC has issued instructions on 17th April, 2025 (Instruction No. 03/2025-GST) to the officers for processing GST registration applications. Officers have been instructed to strictly adhere to the prescribed list of documents provided in registration application form. Requisite documents in specific cases to be uploaded with registration application form have also been delineated in the instructions. Officers have been directed not to issue notices based on presumptive grounds, minor discrepancies, or for additional documents that are not essential for processing applications. Officers have been also directed to seek approval of the concerned Deputy/Assistant Commissioner in cases where document apart from the listed documents is required to be sought.
The Zonal Principal Chief Commissioner/Chief Commissioners have been advised to devise mechanism to closely monitor and issue suitable trade notices, wherever required. It has also been advised that the strict action should be taken against the officers deviating from these instructions.
This will further facilitate in the process of getting GST registration, ease compliance burden, and promote ease of doing business.
Please follow the following links for detailed instructions:
Samuel Hnepeune, membre du gouvernement chargé du transport maritime, a rencontré jeudi 17 avril, les responsables de l’Agence Kenua, représentante de la compagnie de croisière Carnival en Nouvelle-Calédonie. L’objectif de cette réunion était d’évoquer les perspectives de développement du tourisme de croisière, secteur porteur pour l’économie du territoire.
Le membre du gouvernement a présenté à l’agence son ambition de faire de Nouméa une destination phare des compagnies de croisière grâce à des investissements en termes d’aménagement du port autonome et de la petite rade, qui offre actuellement peu de manœuvrabilité pour les navires de grande taille. Il a de plus insisté sur les investissements à réaliser dans les îles Loyauté et notamment Lifou, qui accueille à elle seule 100 touchés de navires par an, mais également pour permettre la réouverture des escales à Maré et à l’île des Pins.
Un besoin crucial de formation
Le sujet de la formation était aussi au cœur des discussions avec un réel besoin exprimé par les compagnies de croisière d’avoir, en Nouvelle-Calédonie, des personnes formées et bilingues pour proposer à leurs clients des activités de plein air (randonnées palmées, sorties pédestres, …) Cette demande est d’autant plus cruciale face au manque de guides compétents et disponibles, un défi majeur à relever.
Par ailleurs, la Nouvelle-Calédonie manifeste une volonté forte d’offrir à sa jeunesse des opportunités d’emplois supplémentaires grâce aux postes disponibles sur les paquebots. Il est également essentiel d’inciter à faire découvrir les singularités des métiers, tels que ceux de l’hôtellerie (serveurs, réceptionnistes), de la restauration (chefs, cuisiniers), du divertissement (musiciens, techniciens de spectacle), ou encore des services techniques (mécaniciens, électriciens). Ces carrières diverses et enrichissantes offrent une chance unique de voyager tout en travaillant.
La taxe croisière en question
Il a enfin été question de la loi du Pays sur la « taxe croisière », actuellement sur le bureau du Congrès. Ce texte permettrait de financer des équipements et des infrastructures au profit du développement du secteur de la croisière. Néanmoins, il est crucial selon les représentants des compagnies de croisière de définir les modalités de mise en œuvre de cette taxe, afin de proposer un délai d’adaptation aux opérateurs de croisières.
Pour rappel, le tourisme de croisière génère des retombées économiques significatives. Elles sont par exemple estimées à 2,4 milliards de francs par an, rien que pour la ville de Nouméa.
Christopher Gygès, membre du gouvernement chargé du numérique, a signé une convention concernant la mise en place de « points conseil numérique » avec Thomas De Deckker, directeur général de l’Office des postes et télécommunications (OPT-NC) et les partenaires du projet. Ce dispositif a pour objectif de réduire la fracture numérique en facilitant l’accès aux services en ligne et en accompagnant les Calédoniens dans leurs démarches numériques.
L’inclusion numérique : un axe stratégique du PSEN 2024-2027
Le développement des compétences numériques des Calédoniens est un enjeu majeur pour le territoire, non seulement pour favoriser l’insertion économique et sociale des populations, mais aussi pour moderniser nos administrations et dynamiser l’économie.
Dans cette perspective, l’inclusion numérique constitue un axe stratégique du Plan stratégique pour l’économie numérique (PSEN) 2024-2027 du gouvernement, mais aussi du plan stratégique Construire Demain de l’OPT-NC.
En effet, malgré l’accélération de la transformation numérique, une partie de la population calédonienne demeure en difficulté face aux outils numériques.
« Aujourd’hui, 40 % des foyers ne possèdent pas d’ordinateur et 20 % des habitants déclarent avoir besoin d’aide dans ce domaine », a rappelé Christopher Gygès. En conséquence, seul un Calédonien sur deux effectue ses démarches en ligne.
Afin que la digitalisation des services publics et privés ne creuse pas davantage les inégalités, il est essentiel de mettre en place des dispositifs concrets permettant l’accompagnement des usagers au plus proche de chez eux.
C’est dans ce contexte que le dispositif des Points Conseil Numérique (PCN) a été lancé, avec pour objectif d’aider chaque Calédonien à maîtriser les outils numériques indispensables.
« Il faut que la numérisation profite à l’ensemble des Calédoniens. On ne pourra faire du secteur du numérique une véritable filière de diversification économique, que si l’on parvient à toucher l’ensemble de la population partout sur le territoire, notamment sur la partie des services publics. Les PCN jouent ce rôle d’inclusion numérique et d’accompagnement », a déclaré le membre du gouvernement.
Le « point conseil numérique » : un outil de proximité
Les « point conseil numérique » (PCN) sont des espaces installés dans plusieurs agences OPT, équipées de matériel informatique et d’une connexion internet, où des agents formés par l’ensemble des partenaires accompagnent les usagers dans l’utilisation du numérique au quotidien.
« On s’est dit que notre réseau de 34 agences représentait véritablement une force dans l’aménagement du territoire et permettait d’accompagner les personnes en difficulté ou en situation d’illettrisme et ’innumérisme dans leurs démarches numériques », a expliqué Thomas De Deckker.
Ces structures ont pour objectif :
de lutter contre l’exclusion numérique en proposant un accès à du matériel et à une connexion ;
d’accompagner les usagers dans leur utilisation du numérique et de favoriser leur autonomie, en particulier pour les démarches administratives en ligne ;
de sensibiliser aux usages numériques essentiels (navigation, cybersécurité, identité numérique, etc.).
Via les PCN, le gouvernement et ses partenaires entendent toucher en priorité les personnes en situation de fragilité numérique : seniors, demandeurs d’emploi, personnes en difficulté sociale, etc.
Une phase de test est prévue pour 2025 dans six agences pilotes réparties sur le territoire : Tontouta, Bourail, Koné, Koumac, Yaté et Maré (agence de Tadine).
Si cette phase de test s’avère concluante, le dispositif pourrait s’étendre à d’autres agences OPT, voire à d’autres acteurs.
Le rôle des partenaires
Dans le cadre de ce projet :
le gouvernement de la Nouvelle-Calédonie coordonne le dispositif et met à disposition des outils et des moyens pour faciliter l’accompagnement au quotidien ;
l’OPT-NC, engagé dans la modernisation de ses agences et l’accompagnement des clients, mobilise son réseau et ses équipes pour favoriser l’inclusion numérique sur tout le territoire. Avec cette initiative, l’office associe digitalisation et accompagnement humain, plaçant l’accessibilité au cœur de sa mission de service public ;
les partenaires du programme (la province Sud, la CAFAT, Enercal, EEC, la Calédonienne des eaux, la SIC, la direction des finances publiques de la Nouvelle-Calédonie) assurent la formation des aidants numériques sur les différentes démarches en ligne et mettent à leur disposition des référents pouvant répondre à leurs questions.
Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi visited Central Tool Room & Training Centre (CTTC) and Pharmaceutical Cluster,Bhubaneswar, Odisha CTTC Bhubaneswar stands out as the leading Technology Centre among others under the Ministry of MSME
Posted On: 17 APR 2025 4:02PM by PIB Delhi
Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, the Union Minister for MSME, visited the Central Tool Room and Training Centre (CTTC), Bhubaneswar, an autonomous body under the Ministry of MSME, considered as the best among all the other Technology Centres under the Ministry, today, followed by the visit to Pharmaceutical Cluster in Mancheswar Industrial Estate in Bhubaneswar, a Common Facility Centre (CFC), established under MSE-CDP Scheme of the Ministry of MSME.
The Hon’ble Minister was accompanied by Dr. Rajneesh (IAS), Additional Secretary &Development Commissioner (MSME), Government of India; Smt. Sudha Keshari (IES), Additional Development Commissioner (MSME), Government of India; Shri D. Prasanth Kumar Reddy (IAS), Director of Industries, Government of Odisha; Shri Milind Dharmrao Ramteke (IAS), Director, Office of Development Commissioner (MSME). Other officers from the Ministry and representatives of CTTC were also present during the visit.
During the visit, Shri Manjhi was given a brief presentation on the CTTC, its key initiatives and notable achievements by Shri. L. Rajasekhar, General manager, CTTC. The delegation, led by the Hon’ble Minister, undertook a detailed walkthrough of the CTTC premises, reviewed ongoing initiatives and training programs, and interacted with young trainees. Shri Manjhi expressed his appreciation and was notably impressed by the talent and innovation on display.
The CTTC serves several prestigious clients, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), and TATA Motors Ltd., among others. It has made significant contributions to India’s aerospace missions by manufacturing critical components for Chandrayaan-3 (ISRO) and the LCA-Tejas project (ADA), and is currently involved in producing components for the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission.
Shri Manjhi also visited the Pharmaceutical Cluster (CFC) in Mancheswar Industrial Estate, Bhubaneswar, established under MSE-CDP Scheme of the Ministry and supported by the Government of Odisha, to serve the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in the Bhubaneswar & Cuttack region. The Utkal Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (UPMA), is the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for this project.
The CFC has helped member MSMEs to boost their production quality, enhance export readiness, and reduce their dependency on external testing labs. The CFC offers a range of services including advanced testing, quality assurance, research and regulatory support, and training services to MSME units. Shri Manjhi praised the efforts of UPMA and acknowledged the role of the CFC in strengthening the pharmaceutical manufacturing base in the region.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah addresses the CRPF Day Parade-2025 in Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh Union Home Minister pays tribute to 2,264 CRPF personnel on behalf of the grateful nation, recalling their supreme sacrifice for the security of the country
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Centre has taken several welfare measures for all CAPFs
CRPF personnel have always made the supreme sacrifice to maintain the unity and integrity of the country
The dreaded Naxalites shudder at the sight of CRPF’s Cobra Battalion
Due to CRPF, naxals who dreamt of spreading red terror from Pashupatinath to Tirupati, are today confined to 4 districts
CRPF will play the biggest role in making the country free from Naxalism
CRPF has established more than 400 Forward Operating Bases in Naxalism-affected areas in the last 5 years, due to which Naxal violence has reduced by more than 70% in 10 years
After the abrogation of Article 370, the task of conducting the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir peacefully and without firing a single bullet was accomplished by CRPF and other security forces
CRPF is the largest paramilitary force not only in India but in the world
Posted On: 17 APR 2025 3:41PM by PIB Delhi
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Day Parade as the Chief Guest at Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh today. Many dignitaries including Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Director General, CRPF were present on the occasion.
In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation recalled the supreme sacrifice made by 2,264 CRPF personnel for the security of the country and paid tribute to them on behalf of the grateful nation. He said that India is moving towards becoming leader in the world in every field by 2047 and the sacrifices of martyred CRPF personnel have significantly contributed in achieving this goal. Shri Shah said that the immortal saga of bravery of CRPF martyrs will be inscribed in golden letters in the golden book of 100 years of independence. He said that the CRPF personnel have always made supreme sacrifice to maintain the unity and integrity of the country. That is why the presence of CRPF personnel at the places of unrest builds the confidence that they will certainly emerge victorious.
Shri Amit Shah said that after the formation of the government for the second term under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2019, it was decided that the foundation day of all the security forces would be celebrated in different parts of the country. Under the decision, this annual parade of CRPF is being organized in Neemuch today. He said that the contribution of the CRPF cannot be seen separately from the country’s security. Union Home Minister stated that whether it is fighting terrorists in Kashmir, maintaining peace in the Northeast, or limiting the activities of ruthless Naxals to only four districts, our CRPF personnel have made a significant contribution in all these areas.
Union Home Minister said that CRPF was formed in 1939 under the name of Crown Representative Police. The work of giving this force its current new form and flag was done by the country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He said that Sardar Patel not only established CRPF and gave it the flag but also did the work of clearly identifying its charter. CRPF has completed a long glorious journey on the path shown by Sardar Patel. He said that today about 3 lakh CRPF jawans are deployed for the peace and security of the country in 248 battalions, 4 zonal headquarters, 21 sector headquarters, 2 operational sector headquarters, 17 ranges and 39 administrative ranges. Shri Shah said that CRPF has the pride of being the largest paramilitary force not only in India but in the world.
Shri Amit Shah said that in the 76-year history of independence, there have been numerous occasions when CRPF protected the country’s honour and pride. He said that on 21 October 1959, CRPF soldiers were martyred while fighting the Chinese army in Hot Spring, Ladakh and that is why all the police forces of the country celebrate 21 October every year as Police Smriti Diwas. He said that in 2018, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has proudly immortalised the martyrdom of Hot Spring by building the National Police Memorial in memory of the martyred policemen and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) across the country.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that in 1965, CRPF soldiers were posted at Sardar Post in the Rann of Kutch who gave a befitting reply to the Pakistan Army and that is why every year on 9th April, the whole country celebrates Shaurya Diwas. He said that in 2001, the Parliament House, a symbol of our democracy, was attacked by terrorists which was foiled by CRPF. Similarly, in 2005, there was a terrorist attack on Shri Ram Janmabhoomi and CRPF foiled the attack and kept the temple safe. Shri Shah said that the Naxalites who dreamt of spreading red terror from Pashupatinath to Tirupati are today confined to 4 districts, the biggest contribution in this is of CRPF. He said that the biggest role and contribution of CRPF will be in making the country free from Naxalism. The dreaded Naxalites tremble on seeing the CRPF’s Cobra Battalion coming. He said that under the leadership of Cobra Battalion, other CRPF soldiers have made a huge contribution towards eliminating Naxalism. Home Minister said that by March 31, 2026, Naxalism will be eliminated from the country forever and this goal has been set on the strength of CRPF.
Shri Amit Shah said that whether it is maintaining peace in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 or ensuring peaceful conduct of every election, CRPF jawans have performed their duty with a true heart everywhere. He said that after the removal of Article 370, assembly elections were held in Kashmir and at that time people had many kinds of apprehensions, but our CRPF and other security forces ensured security and neither was there any news of a single booth being looted nor of firing of even a single bullet. Shri Shah said that this is a very big achievement. He said that CRPF has established more than 400 forward operating bases in Naxal-affected areas in the last 5 years and due to this, Naxal violence has reduced by more than 70 percent in 10 years.
Union Home Minister said that CRPF personnel have worked to establish peace under the United Nations peacekeeping missions in many places including Sri Lanka, Haiti, Kosovo and Liberia. He said that till date CRPF has received a total of 2708 different medals which is the highest among all CAPFs. He said that whether it is Amarnath Yatra, Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, security of Ramjanmabhoomi, security of Krishna Janmabhoomi or the occasion of Maha Kumbh, CRPF personnel have contributed their full efforts in maintaining law and order with promptness everywhere.
Shri Amit Shah said that CRPF has implemented many campaigns like Swachh Bharat, Har Ghar Tiranga, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Swachhata Hi Seva, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam very well and has also proved that CRPF is always on alert mode to work for the country and society. He said that a target of planting 5 crore saplings in the last 5 years was set by all CAPFs. The Home Minister said that under this campaign, he himself planted the first sapling at the CRPF Group Center in Gurugram, the one-croreth sapling was planted at the CRPF Nanded campus, the four-croreth sapling was planted at the CRPF camp in Uttar Pradesh, and today, by planting over 6 crore saplings, all CAPFs have worked to raise awareness about the environment.
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Government of India has taken several steps for the welfare of all CAPFs. He said that air courier service was started in 7 remote areas of the country and recently the Government of India has also announced the Eighth Pay Commission for continuous improvement in salaries and allowances. He said that more than 42 lakh Ayushman CAPF cards have been given under which thousands of hospitals are available today for CAPF personnel and their families. He said that under the housing scheme, the housing satisfaction ratio has increased by about 9.5 per cent, an effort has been made to provide vacant houses to 6.5 lakh CAPF personnel by launching the CAPF e-Housing web portal and more than one lakh houses have also been allotted. He said that now women are also being recruited in the forces and 124 barracks have been approved for them, out of which 109 have been built and the Home Ministry has decided to build 450 more barracks. Shri Shah said that under the Pradhan Mantri Scholarship Scheme, educational facilities have been provided to the children of CAPF personnel, the Central Ex-gratia has been made scientific, the disability ex-gratia has been increased by 50 per cent and the Central Police Welfare Stores have also been made more people-oriented through 119 Master Stores and 1794 Sub-Stores.