PM E-DRIVE SCHEME

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:22PM by PIB Delhi

The ‘PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) Scheme’ has been notified on 29.09.2024 by Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) to provide impetus to the green mobility & development of EV manufacturing eco-system in the country. The scheme has an outlay of ₹10,900 crore over a period of two years from 01.04.2024 to 31.03.2026. The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024 implemented for the period of six months from 01.04.2024 to 30.09.2024, is subsumed in PM E-DRIVE scheme. Rs. 423.23 crore has been spent under the scheme from 01/04/2024 till 28/02/2025 as per details provided below:

Expenditure Head

Amount in Rs. crore

Subsidies i.e. Demand incentive for e-2w, e-3w: e-rickshaw/ e-cart and L5

422

Admin Expenses including IEC

1.23

Total

423.23

 

The PM E-DRIVE scheme does not directly provide subsidies to State
Governments for the purchase of electric vehicles. Under the scheme, incentives are primarily provided to buyers (consumers/end users) of electric vehicles in the form of an upfront reduction in the purchase price of EVs.This incentive or concession is then reimbursed to the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI).

An allocation of Rs.2,000 crore has been made under the PM E-DRIVE Scheme for setting up of public charging infrastructure including e-buses and electric vehicles (EVs) on pan India basis. As per information received from Ministry of Power, 25,202 EV charging stations were installed in the country as on 17/12/2024.

The Ministry of Power has issued “Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024” on 17.09.2024. These guidelines emphasize the role of public-private partnerships in expanding the EV charging infrastructure. Setting up EV charging station has been designated as de-licensed activity, simplifying the process for businesses.

The PM E-DRIVE Scheme does not directly provide subsidies to State Governments or Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) for the purchase of electric vehicles. Incentives are primarily provided to buyers (consumers/end users) of electric vehicles in the form of an upfront reduction in the purchase price of EVs under the Scheme.This incentive or concession is then reimbursed to the OEMs by MHI. Rs.422 crore has been reimbursed to OEMs under the scheme for e-2Ws and e-3Ws, from 01/04/2024 until 28/02/2025.  Further, no grants have been disbursed for deployment of e-buses to Public Transport Bodies under the scheme, so far. 

The progressive localisation mandate under the phased manufacturing program (PMP) of PM E-DRIVE Scheme promotes domestic manufacturing of EV and its components.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

*****

TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2117294) Visitor Counter : 177

SAMARTH UDYOG BHARAT 4.0

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:21PM by PIB Delhi

Four Smart Advanced Manufacturing and Rapid Transformation Hub (SAMARTH) Centres have been set up under the Scheme for “Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector” which is a pan India demand driven scheme. The details of the initiatives undertaken by the SAMARTH Centres in Gujarat during last year are as under:

  1. Smart Manufacturing Demo & Development Cell, CMTI, Bengaluru has developed advanced smart machines tailored for the laser and foundry sectors for four MSMEs based in Gujarat;
  2. C4i4 Lab, Pune has conducted Digital Maturity Assessments for two MSMEs in Gujarat, providing them with tailored recommendations for Industry 4.0 adoption;
  3. To further accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption in Gujarat, C4i4 Lab, Pune has established an iFactory at Kaushalya The Skill University, Ahmedabad under hub and spoke model under Phase – II of the Scheme. This operational center serves as both a demonstration and training hub, enabling MSMEs in Gujarat to explore and implement smart manufacturing technologies effectively;
  4. IITD-AIA Foundation for Smart Manufacturing, IIT Delhi has organized 2 outreach engagements at Ahmedabad and Anand, Gujarat for adoption of Industry 4.0.

Yes, there has been active collaborations between Karnataka-based start-ups and Samarth Udyog Centres for the adoption of smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0 solutions. The details are as under:

  1. C4i4 Lab, Pune has conducted Digital Maturity Assessments for three companies in Karnataka, providing them with tailored Industry 4.0 transformation roadmaps.
  2. Smart Manufacturing Demo & Development Cell, CMTI, Bengaluru has transferred technologies, provided training and collaborated with various industries/MSMEs in Karnataka.

CMTI has developed over 15 solutions for implementation of Industry 4.0 practices under Smart Manufacturing Demo & Development Cell.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

*****

TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2117289) Visitor Counter : 152

EXPANSION OF EV CHARGING STATIONS

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 4:20PM by PIB Delhi

Under the FAME-II scheme, an allocation of Rs.839 crore was made for setting up of Electric Vehicle Public Charging Stations (EVPCS).  An allocation of Rs.2,000 crore has been made under the PM E-DRIVE scheme for setting up EVPCS all across the country including urban and rural areas.

Ministry of Power has issued “Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure-2024”, on 17.09.2024. These guidelines emphasize the role of public-private partnerships in expanding the EV charging infrastructure. Setting up EV charging station has been designated as de-licensed activity, simplifying the process for businesses.

The Government is promoting Research and Development (R&D) related to EVs in the following manner: –

  1. The expenditure incurred on Engineering R&D and product design & development is allowed to be considered as part of Eligible Investment under PLI ACC scheme.
  2. Under the Capital Goods scheme of MHI, up to 80% of the cost of R&D projects including those related to EVs is supported. These projects are housed in leading academic institutes like IITs, IISc. etc. The balance 20% is borne by the industry partners.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

*****

TPJ/NJ

(Release ID: 2117288) Visitor Counter : 141

Read this release in: Urdu

Cross-boundary passenger traffic estimation and arrangements for Ching Ming festive period (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Immigration Department (ImmD) estimates that around 4.58 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong’s sea, land and air control points during the upcoming Ching Ming festive period (from April 3 to 6). The ImmD, in consultation with the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection and other Mainland authorities, estimates that around 3.91 million passengers will pass through land boundary control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on April 4 (Friday) and April 6 (Sunday), with around 561 000 passengers and 608 000 passengers respectively.
 
     The ImmD estimates that the passenger traffic at the Lo Wu Control Point, the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and the Shenzhen Bay Control Point will be heavy, with a daily average forecast of about 231 000, 211 000 and 149 000 passengers respectively.
 
     To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic during the festive period, the ImmD has minimised leave for frontline officers for flexible deployment and the operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks.
 
     Furthermore, the ImmD, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation Limited will set up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu Control Point to make necessary arrangements. The ImmD will also establish close communication with Mainland authorities, including the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection. To ensure a smooth passenger traffic flow, passenger conditions will be closely monitored, and appropriate traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary.
 
     To avoid congestion and longer-than-usual waiting times for immigration clearance, the ImmD advises all land boundary passengers to plan in advance, avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The busy times at boundary control points are available on the website of the ImmD at www.immd.gov.hk. Furthermore, passengers may also check the estimated waiting times at each land boundary control point at any time or place via the Immigration Mobile Application (ImmD Mobile App). They can then plan their trips effectively and save time queuing at control points. The ImmD Mobile App can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple App Store (supports iOS version 12.0 or above), Google Play (supports Android version 8.0 or above), Huawei AppGallery (supports Android version 8.0 or above) and the APK file available on the ImmD website. Passengers can download the ImmD Mobile App by scanning the QR code (see Annex) or via the ImmD website, www.immd.gov.hk. In addition, information on public transport services to and from various control points is available on the Transport Department website at www.td.gov.hk.
 
     For travellers making journeys to the Mainland, the ImmD reminds them to carry their proof of identity and valid travel documents for crossing the boundary. Hong Kong residents should also check the validity of their Home Visit Permits. Non-permanent residents must carry their valid smart identity card as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel document.
 
     Holders of the acknowledgement receipt issued due to the reported loss or replacement of their Hong Kong identity cards, or children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.
 
     About 700 e-Channels have been installed at various control points. To further enhance the clearance efficiency of control points and allow more Hong Kong residents to use the fast and convenient e-Channel service, starting from March 31, the ImmD has adjusted the applicable age for e-Channel service for holders of smart identity cards. Eligible Hong Kong permanent residents aged 7 to 10 years old, who are at least 1.1 metres tall and hold a smart identity card and a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport, can use the e-Channels without prior enrolment for self-service immigration clearance via face recognition technology at all control points. Moreover, the Contactless e-Channel service is available at all control points now. All eligible Hong Kong residents, after enrolment, can generate an encrypted QR code through the Contactless e-Channel mobile application to enter the e-Channel and then verify their identity with the facial verification technology for automated immigration clearance.
 
     In addition, all control points have introduced self-service departures for visitors to Hong Kong (Smart Departure), which provides greater travel convenience for visitors. The service employs facial recognition technology for identity verification, which allows eligible visitors holding electronic travel documents to perform self-service departure clearance through Smart Departure e-Channels without prior enrolment.
 
     Hong Kong residents who require assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the ImmD at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD Mobile App, send a message to 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or 1868 WeChat assistance hotline or submit the Online Assistance Request Form.

        

Defence Secretary releases special issue of Hindi magazine ‘Samvad’

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 5:38PM by PIB Delhi

Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh released the special issue of Hindi magazine ‘Samvad’ at South Block, New Delhi on April 01, 2025. This in-house magazine has been published by the Office of Joint Secretary and Chief Administrative Officer (Official Language Section). The objective is to provide a platform to the creative talent of the personnel and encourage them to carry out official work

Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu released a Special Postage Stamp

Source: Government of India

Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu released a Special Postage Stamp

Celebrating 90th anniversary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 5:31PM by PIB Delhi

The Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, released a special Postage Stamp to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai. The event was graced by Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis, and other distinguished dignitaries.

Release of Special Postage Stamp on RBI released by Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu

Speaking at the event, Hon’ble President Droupadi Murmu lauded the efforts of the RBI in strengthening and regulating the financial sector, ensuring stability, and fostering economic growth in the nation.

Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia congratulated the RBI for ensuring that the country’s economic fabric remains robust and for shaping the nation’s financial landscape. He also highlighted the role India Post has played towards financial inclusion with its vast network of 1,65,000 Post Offices across the country. The Post Office Savings Bank (POSB) has played a crucial role in offering savings schemes, while the traditional money order service has evolved into the iMoney Order, making money transfers quicker, more convenient, and more affordable.

The Reserve Bank of India was established on April 1, 1935 at its iconic building in Kolkata. As it completes nine decades of dedicated service to the nation, the RBI continues to play a pivotal role in fostering stability, trust, and growth in the financial system. Beyond its core responsibilities of monetary policy, currency management, government debt management, and financial regulation, the RBI also focuses on financial inclusion, consumer awareness, and the promotion of financial literacy.

Special Postage My Stamp on 90th Anniversary of Reserve Bank of India.

This special stamp serves as a tribute to the institution’s significant contributions to India’s economic growth and its unwavering commitment to financial stewardship.

The special postage stamp released on this occasion depicts RBI’s iconic heritage, symbolising its journey of nine decades. The stamp prominently showcases the Reserve Bank’s original headquarters in Kolkata, where it was first established, along with its present headquarters in Mumbai, representing its evolution over the years. It also prominently displays the RBI’s specially designed 90-year logo with the inscription “Stability. Trust. Growth”, reflecting its foundational principles and continued contribution to the economic framework of the nation.

Social Media Links:

1) https://x.com/JM_Scindia/status/1906952599003410532

2) https://x.com/IndiaPostOffice/status/1906972522559705340

*****

Samrat/Allen

(Release ID: 2117352) Visitor Counter : 61

Defence exports surge to a record high of Rs 23,622 crore in Financial Year 2024-25, a growth of 12.04% over 2023-24

Source: Government of India

Defence exports surge to a record high of Rs 23,622 crore in Financial Year 2024-25, a growth of 12.04% over 2023-24

With 42.85% increase, DPSUs contribute with Rs 8,389 crore of exports; Private sector records the figure of Rs 15,233 crore

Under PM Modi’s leadership, India is marching towards achieving Rs 50,000 crore target by 2029: Raksha Mantri

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 5:24PM by PIB Delhi

Defence exports have surged to a record high of Rs 23,622 crore (approx. US$ 2.76 Billion) in the Financial Year (FY) 2024-25. A growth of Rs 2,539 crore or 12.04% has been registered in the just-concluded FY over the defence exports figures of FY 2023-24, which were Rs 21,083 crore.

The Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) have shown a significant increase of 42.85% in their exports in the FY 2024-25 reflecting the growing acceptability of Indian products in the global market and the ability of the Indian defence industry to be a part of the global supply chain. The private sector and DPSUs have contributed Rs 15,233 crore and Rs 8,389 crore respectively in defence exports of 2024-25, whereas the corresponding figures for FY 2023-24 were Rs 15,209 crore and Rs 5,874 crore respectively.

Through a post on X, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated all the stakeholders on achieving the feat. He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is marching towards achieving the target of increasing defence exports to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029.

India has evolved from a largely import-dependent military force to the one increasingly focused on self-reliance and indigenous production. In a major boost to defence exports, wide range of items from ammunition, arms, sub-systems/systems and parts & components have been exported to around 80 countries in the just-concluded FY.

The Department of Defence Production has a dedicated portal for application and processing of export authorisation requests, and 1,762 Export Authorisation were issued in FY 2024-25 compared to 1,507 in the preceding year, registering a growth of 16.92%. The total number of exporters also grew by 17.4% in the same period.

Many policy reforms have been brought-in by the Government in the past few years to boost the Indian defence industry such as simplification of industrial licensing procedure, removal of parts and components from license regime, extending the validity period of license etc. In addition, SOP for grant of Export Authorisation was further simplified, and more provisions were added in the last financial year to boost exports from the country.

***

VK/SR/Savvy

(Release ID: 2117348) Visitor Counter : 138

EPFO Expands Banking Network, 15 Additional Banks Empanelled for Collection of EPFO Contributions Taking Total Number to 32 Banks

Source: Government of India

EPFO Expands Banking Network, 15 Additional Banks Empanelled for Collection of EPFO Contributions Taking Total Number to 32 Banks

EPFO 3.0 will make EPFO as Accessible and Efficient as Banks: Dr. Mandaviya

With nearly 8 crore active members and more than 78 lakh pensioners, EPFO provides benefits that ensure social security for millions – Union Minister

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 5:13PM by PIB Delhi

EPFO entered into agreements with 15 additional Public/Private Sector Banks in the presence of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment, Youth Affairs & Sports and Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, in New Delhi today. The newly empanelled 15 banks will enable direct payment of nearly Rs. 12,000 Crore in annual collections and enable direct access to employers who maintain their accounts with these banks. For enabling employers covered under the Act to pay their monthly contributions, EPFO has already empanelled 17 banks, taking the total to 32.

Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, in his address, stated that the country’s progress towards a “Naya Bharat” is being significantly supported by institutions like the EPFO, which plays a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future. With nearly 8 crore active members and more than 78 lakh pensioners, EPFO provides benefits that ensure social security for millions, he added.

He emphasized how EPFO continues to evolve and adapt, with the recent implementation of EPFO 2.01, a robust IT system that has significantly improved claim settlements. He said in the Financial Year 2024-25, EPFO settled record over 6 crore claims, a 35% increase compared to the 4.45 crore claims settled in the previous year (2023-24).

Dr. Mandaviya pointed out that customer satisfaction has risen significantly, and EPFO is actively working on evolving towards EPFO 3.0 to make it as accessible and efficient as banks. He said that a significant milestone was also marked with the introduction of the Centralized Pension Payment System. “This system will benefit over 78 lakh pensioners, enabling them to receive their pensions in any bank account across the country. Previously, pensioners were required to have an account in a specific zonal bank, this compulsion has now been removed,” Union Minister explained.

Dr. Mandaviya also touched upon the significant reforms EPFO has introduced recently. “Auto claim settlement process is a major reform which has improved claim processing speed. With auto-processing, claims are now being settled in just three days. In FY 2024-25, we settled 2.34 crore claims under this system, a 160% increase from the 89.52 lakh claims in 2023-24″, Union Minister said.

Union Minister expressed happiness that EPFO is offering 8.25 % interest rate to its beneficiaries. The participation of banks in service delivery would further enhance efficiency of EFFO and improve good governance.

Looking ahead, Dr. Mandaviya reiterated EPFO’s commitment to continuous improvement. “We are focused on providing Ease of Living for members and Ease of Doing Business for employers. With the continued support of our banking partners, employers, and members, we are determined to take strong strides toward realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat, while further strengthening our social security framework.”

EPFO, one of the largest social security Organisations in the world has been taking a series of efforts to simplify processes for members and enhance employers’ experience in transacting with it. In FY 24-25, EPFO has collected over Rs. 3.41 Lakh Crore in contributions remitted by employers through 1.25 Crore electronic challan cum returns (ECRs) till 20th March 2025.

Earlier, the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), EPFO in its 236th Meeting held on 30.11.2024 had approved the empanelment of all Agency Banks listed with RBI and Scheduled Commercial banks with collection share more than or equal to 0.20% of total EPFO collection as additional banks authorised to collect EPFO contributions. From 1st April 2025, the total number of empanelled banks has gone up to 32, providing employers with a wider array of choices for remittance to EPFO.

The empanelment of new banks will bring seamless integration of EPFO collections/dues payments by employers, further reducing the need of aggregator payment mechanism for employers, which will help both EPFO & employers to reduce transactional delays and thereby strengthening operational efficiency. This will yield financial benefits for EPFO, as dues remitted through empanelled banks will be available for investment on T+1 day, compared to T+2 day through aggregator. This will also significantly reduce costs to EPFO payable for name validation of members’ accounts held in non-empanelled banks. EPF members will also be benefitted by this empanelment in a big way. Now when members will seed their bank accounts maintained in these banks, these will be verified in a speedier manner by these banks instead of routing these through any other channel.

This initiative will enhance both the Ease of Doing Business and the Ease of Providing Service for employers and it will also translate these benefits for the members, reducing lags in payments of their contributions. Further, it will also help employers to interact with these banks directly for grievances related to payment of dues.

Shri Ramesh Krishnamurthi, Central PF Commissioner, MD/CEO and senior officers of banks, Ministry of Labour & Employment and EPFO were also present on the occasion.

*****

Himanshu Pathak

(Release ID: 2117341) Visitor Counter : 138

STRAY DOGS

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 5:13PM by PIB Delhi

As per Article 246(3) of the Constitution of India, the preservation, protection, and improvement of livestock, as well as the prevention of animal diseases, veterinary training, and practice, fall under the jurisdiction of State Governments. As per Articles 243(W) and 246, local bodies are mandated to control the stray dog population. Accordingly, local bodies are implementing the Animal Birth Control Programme to regulate the population of stray dogs.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is responsible for the human health component related to dog bites and human rabies. Under the National Rabies Control Program, data on animal bites, including high-risk groups such as children, is being collected, and necessary provisions for post-exposure prophylaxis are being made for all animal bite victims across the country through healthcare facilities. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, state-wise data on dog bite cases and suspected human rabies deaths reported by states and Union Territories from 2022 to 2025 (till January), as per the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme–Integrated Health Information Platform portal, are provided in Annexure-I and Annexure-II, respectively.

The Central Government has notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 in supersession of the Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 to strengthen the implementation of the animal birth control programme. Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 provides for sterilization and vaccination of stray dogs to control the stray dog population, to prevent rabies and to reduce man-dog conflict.

The intensive implementation of the Animal Birth Control program by local bodies is the only rational and scientific solution to the overpopulation of the street dogs and controlling incidence of Rabies. Dogs are sterilized and released back to their original habitats, and since dogs are territorial, they stay in their locality and do not allow dogs from other neighboring areas to come in. These dogs are also vaccinated annually so they are protected from rabies and even if they bite accidentally, they may not transmit Rabies.

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has published the revised Animal Birth Control (ABC) module for Street Dogs Population management, rabies eradication and reducing man-dog conflict.

Further, Animal Welfare Board of India provides the Animal Birth Control Project Recognition to the recognized Animal Welfare Organizations to carry out the Sterilization and immunization programme of stray dogs across the country. In addition, the Animal Welfare Board of India has issued following advisories / guidelines for proper welfare of the stray dogs as below:

  • Pet Dogs and Street Dogs Circular dated 26.02.2015
  • Standard protocol for the adoption of community animals dated 17.05.2022
  • Request to Chief Secretary of all State/UTs to implement the provision of Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 dated 27.03.2023
  • Request to Principal Secretary, Urban Development and Animal Husbandry as well as to the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of all Districts of all State/UTs to implement the provision of Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 dated 31.03.2023
  • Request to al District Magistrate of all Districts of all State/UTs to implement the provision of Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023 dated 30.05.2023

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is implementing all necessary activities for rabies elimination in India by 2030 through the National Rabies Control Program (NRCP) in coordination with key stakeholder ministries and departments. Each stakeholder ministry/department has a defined role and set of responsibilities for rabies elimination under the National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination by 2030 (NAPRE), as part of the National Rabies Control Program.

The activities undertaken by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) for rabies elimination across the country are mentioned below at Annexure-III

The Government has not conducted a formal assessment of the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Program’s effectiveness in controlling the stray dog population; however, it remains the primary mechanism for managing the issue. The program’s effectiveness is supported by several mandatory provisions, including Animal Birth Control Project Recognition for each project, the constitution of Monitoring and Implementation Committees at the Central, State, and Local levels, and other regulatory measures. However, its effectiveness varies across different regions due to implementation challenges.

Further, as per the information received, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike has assessed the effectiveness of the Animal Birth Control Program in controlling the stray dog population. A study conducted in 2019 and 2023 revealed a 10% reduction in the street dog population in 2023 compared to the previous survey. At the same time, the neutering percentage increased by 20%.

ANNEXURE-I

Dog Bite cases reported by states/UTs at IDSP (from 2022-25)

State/UT

2022

(Jan-Dec)

2023

(Jan-Dec)

2024

(Jan-Dec)

2025

(January)

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

345

528

455

52

Andhra Pradesh

192360

212146

245174

23180

Arunachal Pradesh

2501

4409

6388

714

Assam

39919

94945

166232

20900

Bihar

141926

241827

263930

34442

Chandigarh

5365

11782

8644

754

Chhattisgarh

21365

29221

38268

5159

Delhi

6691

17874

25210

3196

Dadra Nagar Haveli And Daman Diu

4169

5921

7926

620

Goa

8057

11904

17236

1789

Gujarat

169363

278537

392837

53942

Haryana

35837

42690

60417

7787

Himachal Pradesh

15935

21096

22909

2135

Jammu And Kashmir

22110

34664

51027

4824

Jharkhand

9539

31251

43874

5344

Karnataka

163356

232715

361494

39437

Kerala

4000

71606

115046

11649

Ladakh

2165

2569

4078

373

Lakshadweep

0

0

0

0

Madhya Pradesh

66018

113499

142948

16710

Maharashtra

393020

472790

485345

56538

Manipur

4450

2964

9257

798

Meghalaya

5302

9611

17784

2466

Mizoram

891

1141

1873

179

Nagaland

452

600

714

85

Odisha

65396

92848

166792

24478

Puducherry

11937

13006

12148

894

Punjab

15519

18680

22912

2164

Rajasthan

88029

103533

140543

15062

Sikkim

3845

6636

8601

840

Tamil Nadu

364435

441796

480427

48931

Telangana

92924

119014

121997

10424

Tripura

3051

6510

9641

1266

Uttarakhand

15649

25623

23091

1790

Uttar Pradesh

191361

229921

164009

20478

West Bengal

22627

48664

76486

10264

Total

21,89,909

30,52,521

37,15,713

4,29,664

* Data source IDSP/IHIP as on 27-2-2025

ANNEXURE-II

Human Rabies cases (Death) reported by states/UTs (from 2022-25)

State/UT

2022
(Jan-Dec)

2023
(Jan-Dec)

2024
(Jan-Dec)

2025
(January)

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

0

0

0

0

Andhra Pradesh

3

0

1

0

Arunachal Pradesh

0

0

1

0

Assam

0

3

1

1

Bihar

1

3

2

0

Chandigarh

1

0

0

0

Chhattisgarh

0

1

0

0

Delhi

0

0

0

0

Dadra Nagar Haveli And Daman Diu

0

0

0

0

Goa

0

0

0

0

Gujarat

0

3

1

0

Haryana

0

0

0

0

Himachal Pradesh

1

1

3

0

Jammu And Kashmir

0

0

0

0

Jharkhand

0

1

1

0

Karnataka

3

4

5

0

Kerala

0

1

3

0

Ladakh

0

0

0

0

Lakshadweep

0

0

0

0

Madhya Pradesh

1

2

6

0

Maharashtra

7

14

14

0

Manipur

1

3

2

0

Meghalaya

0

1

4

0

Mizoram

0

0

0

0

Nagaland

0

0

0

0

Odisha

0

1

0

0

Puducherry

0

0

0

0

Punjab

1

0

0

0

Rajasthan

0

3

0

0

Sikkim

0

0

0

0

Tamil Nadu

2

5

2

0

Telangana

0

0

0

0

Tripura

0

1

1

0

Uttarakhand

0

0

0

0

Uttar Pradesh

0

3

6

0

West Bengal

0

0

1

0

Total

21

50

54

1

* Data source IDSP/IHIP as on 27-2-2025

ANNEXURE-III

The activities undertaken by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) for rabies elimination across the country are as follows:

  1. Launch of NAPRE: – Under the ‘National Rabies Control Program’, the “National Action Plan for Dog-Mediated Rabies Elimination by 2030” (NAPRE) was conceptualized and jointly launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAHD) on September 28, 2021. The NAPRE guidelines consist of two components: Human Health and Animal Health. The implementation of the Human Health component is undertaken by the ‘National Centre for Disease Control’ (NCDC) under Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with dedicated budgetary support, while the implementation of the Animal Health component is to be undertaken by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under MoFAHD.  As per Animal Birth Control (Dogs) Rules, 2001 Mass dog vaccination and dog population management are being done by the animal husbandry department in collaboration with local body authorities.

 

  1. Budgetary support to the states under National Rabies Control Program: Under the “National Health Mission”, the states are being supported by providing budget for implementing the ‘National Rabies Control Program’ (NRCP) through budget for Capacity building of the healthcare staff, procurement of rabies vaccines, printing of IEC for rabies & dogbite prevention, for data entry support, review meetings, Monitoring and Surveillance, establishment of Model Anti Rabies Clinics & Wound Washing facilities.

 

  1. Availability of ARV and ARS in Health facilities: – The lifesaving drugs like Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) and Anti-Rabies Serum (ARS)/Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) are being provided at government hospitals and health facilities under the National Free Drug Initiative of the National Health Mission (NHM). These drugs are also included in the essential drug list of the states.

 

  1. Workshops conducted under NRCP for SAPRE: – To develop the ‘State Action Plan for Rabies Elimination’(SAPRE), regional level workshops have been conducted for southern states, northeastern states, North region states and Delhi in the last two years. Rajasthan, Puducherry, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tamilnadu have already launched their SAPREs, while Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, Sikkim, Assam, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Delhi are yet to launch their SAPREs. Rest other states are drafting their SAPRE

 

  1. Establishment of Model Anti Rabies Clinics across the states: Support is being provided to the states’ Health Departments for establishing “Model Anti-Rabies Clinics” in the districts to provide care to dog bite victims. As of now, 279 Model Anti-Rabies Clinics have become operational in the last three years.

 

  1. Strengthening the Diagnostic Labs for Rabies Diagnosis: – Across country 14 diagnostic laboratories of government health institutions have been strengthened under the National Rabies Control Program for rabies diagnosis in the selected states/UTs.

 

  1. Issues advisories and Communication letters to the states: – Issued advisory to all states by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India (GoI), urging them to classify Human Rabies as a Notifiable Disease under relevant acts. Presently, Human Rabies is notifiable in 23 States/UTs. Additionally, various communications have been sent to the states for implementation of National Rabies Control Program (NRCP) through surveillance, availability of ARV/ARS, training to stakeholders on dogbite and rabies cases management, establishment of Model Anti Rabies Clinics, ensuring Wound washing facility in public hospitals and centres.

 

  1. Rabies Free City Imitative: – The Rabies-Free Cities initiative has commenced in a phased manner, targeting Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities for rabies prevention & control. The initiative is being implemented in 15 cities of 6 states and planned for expansion to 114 cities across country.

 

  1. Formulation of Committees at National & state Level under National Rabies Control Program: – The National Joint steering committee for Rabies Elimination (NJSC-RE) has been constituted under the chairpersonship of Secretary (HFW)-MoHFW and Co-chairpersonship of Secretary Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying for overall steering the program in the country and to formulate policy, legislations and framework for regulatory mechanism. Similarly, to advise the program division on various technical aspects the National Technical Advisory committee (NTAC) was constituted under the chairpersonship of DGHS. In line with NJSC; state and district-level Joint Steering Committees for Rabies Elimination have been established across states and districts to regular review program progress under NRCP.

 

  1. Develop Guidelines and resource documents under National Rabies Control Program: – Various guidelines on rabies prophylaxis and training modules have been developed for medical officers and health workers and disseminated with the states/UTs.

 

  1. Training Programs under National Rabies Control Program: – Numerous training sessions for healthcare professionals on proper animal bite management and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) have been conducted across all States/UTs. Around 1,66,470 medical officers, paramedical staff, and nurses have been trained in dog bite management from 2019 to 2025 (till Feb’25).

 

  1. Community Awareness on Dogbite and Rabies: – Community awareness about rabies prevention is being raised through advocacy, communication, and social mobilization campaigns. To create the awareness to the public and healthcare professionals Dog bite protocols, IEC materials, and training videos on the management of animal bite/dog bite cases for medical officers have been created and disseminated across the country. Reference: https://rabiesfreeindia.mohfw.gov.in/iec

 

  1. Observance of “World Rabies Day”: – To further promote awareness about rabies, “World Rabies Day” is observed annually on 28th September at both the national and state levels. During this event, awareness activities on the Do’s and Don’ts of handling dogs, dog bite cases, and the importance of rabies vaccination are conducted, particularly in schools for children.

 

  1. Created dedicated website for National Rabies Control Program: – A dedicated National Rabies Control Program website has been launched on 12th March 2024 to enhance surveillance and reporting of animal bites, suspected/probable/confirmed rabies cases/deaths, and vaccination schedules, with a web-based portal currently under development. Reference: https://rabiesfreeindia.mohfw.gov.in/

 

  1. Rabies Helpline: – A dedicated Rabies helpline (15400)

BREED IMPROVEMENT UNDER NLM

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 01 APR 2025 5:12PM by PIB Delhi

The National Livestock Mission (NLM), launched in 2014-15, underwent revision and realignment in the 2021-22 financial year. The revamped scheme focuses on employment generation, entrepreneurship development, and enhancing per-animal productivity, thereby aiming to increase the production of meat, goat milk, eggs, and wool under the development programme umbrella. Further modifications were introduced on 21st February 2024, incorporating breed upgradation of camels, horses, and donkeys, along with initiatives for fodder production utilizing wastelands, rangelands, and degraded forest land. The Department has published revised Comprehensive NLM Guidelines in January 2025 and has also finalized the Model DPRs. Both the guidelines and Model DPRs are available on the NLM portal: https://nlm.udyamimitra.in/. It is still too early to assess the impact of components including camels, horses, donkeys, and mules under the scheme on their population.

To promote activities under the realigned NLM, the Department has organized several key events during the current financial year, including the One-Day Event on Camelids in Rajasthan, the First National Goat Conclave: Bakri Maha Kumbh and National Symposium on Policy and Strategies for the Indian Goat Sector in Amrit Kaal in Uttar Pradesh, the Entrepreneurship Development Conclave 2025 in Maharashtra, and the Conclave on the Theme “Dialogue for Holistic Development of the Livestock Sector” in Meghalaya .Additionally, during Regional Review Meetings, states were advised to submit proposals and enhance awareness regarding these initiatives.

Under the National Livestock Mission – Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP), 116 projects with a total project cost of ₹108.26 crore and a subsidy of ₹47.42 crore were approved for 106 individuals, one joint applicant, three FPOs, two cooperatives, one Joint Liability Group, and three Section 8 companies for feed and fodder processing activities, including silage, TMR, hay, and fodder blocks. These projects are at different stages of implementation. The total project cost approved for the Section 8 companies amounts to ₹3.09 crore, with a capital subsidy of ₹1.46 crore.

Under the component “Assistance for Quality Fodder Seed Production” of the NLM scheme, 1.03 lakh tonnes of quality fodder seeds have been produced since 2021-22, with funds amounting to ₹636.83 crore. This is expected to cover approximately 20.63 lakh hectares, leading to an estimated production of 1134.65 lakh metric tonnes of high-quality, nutritious green fodder across the country.

To promote livestock insurance, the beneficiary share of the premium for all categories and areas has been reduced to 15 percent, down from the earlier premium of 20 to 50 percent. The remaining premium is borne by the central and state governments in a 90:10 ratio for hilly and north-eastern states, 60:40 for other states, and 100 percent for union territories. The Department is actively conducting awareness programs, including seminars, camps, publicity campaigns, and video conferences, to promote livestock insurance. For this purpose, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is providing financial assistance to state governments. Under the National Livestock Mission scheme, full central assistance is provided to states for awareness and publicity efforts. Additionally, during Regional Review Meetings, states are advised to enhance insurance coverage. In the current financial year, Rs. 37.92 crore has been released under the livestock insurance activity of the National Livestock Mission, and 21lakh animals have been insured.

This information was given by Union Minister of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, in a written reply in Lok Sabha on 1st April, 2025.

*****

AA

(Release ID: 2117336) Visitor Counter : 112