Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Government of India

 Central Council of Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) and National Institute of Unani Medicine to Promote Research in Unani System of Medicine

21 Clinical Institutes/Units working under the CCRUM across the country

Ministry of Ayush is taking multiple initiatives for integration of Ayush systems, including Unani with modern medicine

Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 6:33PM by PIB Delhi

To promote research in Unani system of medicine, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India has set up the Central Council of Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), New Delhi and National Institute of Unani Medicine (NIUM), Bengaluru, for education and research in Unani system of medicine which includes development of new drugs as well as conducting clinical trials on scientific lines. A satellite institute of National Institute of Unani Medicine with a 200-bedded hospital is also established at Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. A total number of 21 Clinical Institutes/Units are also working under the CCRUM across the country. Both CCRUM and NIUM have taken up a number of clinical research studies for various diseases which include Arthritis, Bronchial Asthma, Anemia, Anxiety, Depressive Disorders, Neuro- degenerative diseases, life-style disorders like Hypertension, Obesity dyslipidemia, diabetes and various skin diseases like vitiligo etc.

For integration of Ayush systems, including Unani with modern medicine, Ministry of Ayush is taking multiple initiatives, such as:

1. The Ayush Vertical under Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), established by the Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW), serves as a dedicated institutional mechanism for planning, monitoring, and supervising Ayush-specific public health programs. This vertical provides technical support to both Ministries in developing strategies for public health, healthcare, Ayush education, and training.
2. The Ayush vertical under DGHS has published Standard Treatment Guidelines (STG) on common musculoskeletal disorders, its prevention and management through Ayush systems including Unani system. To enhance the capacity of Ayush physicians, Ayush vertical has conducted National Level Master Training in collaboration of Central Health Education Bureau (CHEB) across all States on these developed STGs, ensuring their effective dissemination to end users.
3. The Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) have jointly established Integrated Ayush Departments in Central Government Hospitals to promote integrative healthcare. As part of this initiative, the Department of Integrative Medicine has been set up and is operational at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi.
4. Government of India has adopted a strategy of Co-location of AYUSH facilities at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs) and District Hospitals (DHs), thus enabling the choice to the patients for different systems of medicines under a single window. The engagement of Ayush doctors/ paramedics and their training is supported by the MoH&FW under National Health Mission (NHM), while the support for Ayush infrastructure, equipment/ furniture and medicines are provided by the Ministry of Ayush under National AYUSH Mission (NAM) as shared responsibilities.
5. With a view to include Unani Medicine into mainstream of healthcare system in the country, the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) is providing healthcare facilities through relocation/extension center at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital-New Delhi, Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) Hospital- New Delhi, All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA)- New Delhi, Safdarjung Hospital-New Delhi, AYUSH Wellness Centre, President House, New Delhi, Jamshedjee Jeejeebhoy (JJ) Hospital- Mumbai and Extension Research Centre for Unani at Kannur, Kerala with a view to make Unani treatment facility accessible and affordable to the public.

The Ministry of Ayush, developed the Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH. Under this scheme the Ministry provides support to Indian AYUSH drug Manufacturers/ Ayush Service providers to give boost to the export of AYUSH products and services; facilitates the International promotion, development and recognition of AYUSH systems of medicine; foster interaction of stakeholders and market development of AYUSH at international level; promote academics and research through the establishment of AYUSH Academic Chairs in foreign countries and holding training workshop/symposiums for promoting and strengthening awareness and interest about AYUSH Systems of Medicine at international level.

The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) is taking various initiatives for the promotion of Unani Medicine e.g. providing treatment through General OPD, Reproductive & Child Health OPD, Geriatric OPD, Non Communicable Diseases Clinic etc. conducted by 21 Clinical Institutes / Units of the Council. The Council is also promoting Unani medicine through Arogyas, Health Melas, Health Camps, and Exhibitions etc. CCRUM is also promoting healthcare services through clinical Mobile Research programme, school health programme, Scheduled Caste Sub Plan /Tribal Sub Plan Mobile Health Care Program, etc.

The CCRUM is taking various research programmes including pre-clinical and clinical research, drug standardization research, fundamental research etc. to ensure the accessibility and affordability to the public. Five mobile Apps have been developed and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Ilaj-bit Tadbeer (IBT) are being developed. Standard Treatment Guidelines on Musculoskeletal disorders have also been developed.

To standardize and regulate the Unani system of Medicine, National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) notified regulations and framed Competency Based Dynamic Curriculum for Undergraduate and Postgraduate.

The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India has established the Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H), as its subordinate office. PCIM&H on behalf of Ministry of Ayush lays down the Formulary specifications and Pharmacopoeial Standards for Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani & Homoeopathy (ASU&H) drugs, which serve as official compendia for ascertaining the Quality Control (identity, purity and strength) of the ASU&H drugs, included therein, as per Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 1945, thereunder and compliance to these quality standards are mandatory for the production of ASU&H drug being manufactured, sell and stocked in India.

The quality parameters included in the Pharmacopoeias and Formularies of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani & Homoeopathic (ASU&H) drugs prescribing mandatory regulatory standards have been identified to align the parameters prescribed by WHO and other major pharmacopoeias prevalent worldwide. Implementation of these Pharmacopoeial standards ensures that the medicines conform to optimum quality standards in terms of consistency, identity, purity and strength.

The scheme for Certification of Pharmaceutical Product (COPP) as per World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines is extended to Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) medicines. This scheme is administered by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and the certificate is granted on the basis of joint inspection of the applicant manufacturing unit by the representatives of CDSCO, Ministry of Ayush and the concerned State Licensing Authority.

The Ministry of Ayush has implemented a Central Sector Scheme Ayush Oushadhi Gunavatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY). The objectives of the Scheme are as under;

1. To enhance India’s manufacturing capabilities and exports of traditional medicines and health promotion products under the initiative of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
2. To facilitate adequate infrastructural & technological upgradation and institutional activities in public and private sector for standardization, quality manufacturing and analytical testing of Ayush drugs & materials.
3. To strengthen regulatory frameworks at Central and State level for effective quality control, safety monitoring and surveillance of misleading advertisements of Ayush drugs.
4. To encourage building up synergies, collaborations and convergent approaches for promoting standards and quality of Ayush drugs & materials.

This information was given by Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2116330) Visitor Counter : 254

Source: Government of India

WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar to emerge as a Centre of global wellness; bolster evidence-based research, training and awareness for Traditional Medicine

Central Sector Scheme (CSS) for the Promotion of International Cooperation (IC) in AYUSH to facilitate the International promotion, development and recognition of Ayush system of medicine

Department of Integrative Medicine operationlised at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) & Safdarjung Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi to promote integrative healthcare

Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 6:30PM by PIB Delhi

The Ministry of Ayush has taken initiative for World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) Collaborative Centre for Traditional Medicines at Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), Jamnagar and Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), New Delhi, and National Institute of Indian Medical Heritage (NIIMH), Hyderabad, a unit under Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), New Delhi. ITRA is running an International Centre of Ayurveda Studies (ICAS) centre to promote Ayurveda as a key component of global healthcare systems.

The WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in Jamnagar would emerge as a Centre of global wellness; bolster evidence-based research, training and awareness for Traditional Medicine. It will serve as a key knowledge hub for evidence-based Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) on a global scale. This is the first and only global out posted Centre (Office) for traditional medicine across the world.

With regard to enhance international collaboration in Ayurveda through various forums, the Ministry of Ayush has developed a Central Sector Scheme (CSS) for the Promotion of International Cooperation (IC) in Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Homoeopathy (AYUSH) under which the Ministry of Ayush provides support to Indian Ayush drug Manufacturers/ Ayush Service providers to give boost to the export of AYUSH products & services; facilitates the International promotion, development and recognition of Ayush system of medicine; foster interaction of stakeholders and market development of Ayush at international level; promote academics and research through the establishment of Ayush Academic Chairs in foreign countries and holding training workshop/symposiums for promoting and strengthening awareness and interest about Ayush Systems of Medicine at international level. Under various components of the CSS IC Scheme, the Ministry of Ayush supports AYUSH entrepreneurs, Ayush drug manufacturing industry, Ayush Health Care providers etc. Participation/ organization of International exhibitions/ conferences/ workshops/ seminars/ road shows/ trade fairs, etc. in India and abroad by the Ministry of Ayush through Indian Mission/ Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)/ Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI)/ India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO)/ Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)/ Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil), etc.

The Ministry of Ayush has supported various international events/ conferences/ seminars/ workshops etc. organized by various organizations including World Ayurveda Congress to enhance international collaboration in Ayurveda.

The Ministry of Ayush has taken various steps to integrate Ayurveda with modern medical practices to address contemporary health challenges through the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Ayush Vertical. The Ayush Vertical under DGHS, established by the Ministry of Ayush and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), serves as a dedicated institutional mechanism for planning, monitoring, and supervising Ayush-specific public health programs. This vertical provides technical support to both Ministries in developing strategies for public health, healthcare, Ayush education, and training. The Ministry of Ayush and MoHFW have jointly established Integrated Ayush Departments in Central Government Hospitals to promote integrative healthcare. As part of this initiative, the Department of Integrative Medicine has been set up and is operational at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) & Safdarjung Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi.

Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences(CCRAS), as the apex body of research in Ayurveda, has undertaken research projects on the treatment of various diseases in collaboration with modern institutions to promote the integration of Ayurveda with the modern system of medicine.

CCRAS has undertaken various research studies to examine the benefits and feasibility of integration of Ayurveda through the following research projects for integration of Ayurveda with modern system of medicine:

1. Operational study to explore the feasibility of integrating Ayurveda with modern system of medicine in a tertiary care hospital (Safdarjung Hospital New Delhi) for the management of Osteoarthritis (Knee). The study has been completed.
2. Feasibility of introducing Indian System of Medicine (Ayurveda) in the National Reproductive and Child Health services at Primary Health Care (PHC) level” in Himachal Pradesh. The study has been completed.
3. Integration of AYUSH systems in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS). The study has been completed.
4. Feasibility of introducing Ayurveda Intervention in Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) in PHCs of Selected district (Gadchiroli) of Maharashtra (Effectiveness of Ayurvedic intervention for Ante-Natal care (Garbhini Paricharya) at Primary Health Care level: A Multi Centre Operational Study.
5. Further, under the Extramural Research Programme, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) under Ministry of Ayush has taken an initiative to set up Ayush-ICMR Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research (AI-ACIHR), at AIIMS to conduct research on identified areas focusing on integrative healthcare. Under this program, four research areas in four AIIMS have been identified, which are as follows:
6. 1. AIIMS Delhi:
7. 1. 1. Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Gastro-intestinal Disorders
      2. Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Women and Child Health
   2. AIIMS- Jodhpur: Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Geriatric Health
   3. AIIMS Nagpur: Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Cancer Care
   4. AIIMS Rishikesh: Advanced Centre for Integrative Health Research in Geriatric Health.

Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ayush encourages Post Graduate (PG) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scholars and faculty researchers to collaborate with modern medical faculty to ensure Ayurveda’s efficacy and relevance in modern healthcare. Since 2019, 25 integrative researches have been undertaken.

The Ministry of Ayush, developed the Central Sector Scheme for Promotion of International Cooperation for AYUSH (IC Scheme). The details are provided at Point (a)&(b)

The Ministry also implements the CSS Scheme for Promotion of Information Education and Communication (IEC) in Ayush to create awareness regarding Ayush Systems of Medicine including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy system of medicine. This aims to reach out to all sections of the population across the country. This scheme provides assistance for organizing National/State Arogya Fairs, Yoga fests/ Utsavs, Ayurveda Parvs, etc. The Ministry also undertakes Multi-Media, Print Media Campaigns for creating awareness about Ayush Systems.

The Ministry of Ayush, through Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), an Institute of National Importance, organizes various public participatory programs on regular basis to increase public awareness and acceptance of Ayurvedic practices domestically.

North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH) has taken various steps for health awareness among citizen in rural areas. NEIAH has opened a Peripheral Outpatient Department (OPD) in Ayurveda and Homoeopathy OPD at Smit areas, East Khasi Hills district of the State of Meghalaya to promote Ayurveda and Homoeopathy. The Institute also conducted a Health camps under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) programmes. The Institute regularly gives free consultation in the Institute Hospitals both OPD and In-Patient Department (IPD) and conducting free Medical & Awareness Camps at Villages, schools, Govt. Dept., Military personnel and at community levels. Organized National Seminars/worships, Panel discussions, Doctor se Mileye in All India Radio, Shillong in English, Hindi and Regional Language (Khasi), TV Talks shows on Ayurveda in Doordarshan Kendra, Shillong etc.

For increasing awareness domestically, Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) provides clinical care and engages in awareness activities to promote Ayurveda through its Information Education and Communication (IEC) Activities through its networks of 30 peripheral Institutes.

CCRAS has been engaged in popularizing the Ayurveda system among the masses through electronic and print media for common people in English, Hindi, and regional languages, which are widely distributed through National/State level Arogya melas, Health camps, exhibitions, expos, etc., and also through CCRAS outreach programs viz. Schedule Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) Research Program, Tribal Health Care Research Program (THCRP), etc., in different states of the country through its robust 30 peripheral institutes. The Council website is also generally embodied with IEC materials and hyperlinked with other important websites that provide information for wider utility.

The Council has three journals named Journal of Drug Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (JDRAS), Journal of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (JRAS), and Journal of Indian Medical Heritage (JIMH) which is also available electronically in the public domain free of cost to enable dissemination of the outcomes of research among the public. The CCRAS is also publishing CCRAS Bulletin quarterly for dissemination of Research outcomes in common languages for the public. So far, the Council has published books, monographs, and technical reports, and they are being sold or distributed to disseminate research outcomes and merits of Ayurveda at large.

To increase awareness internationally, the CCRAS under the Ministry of Ayush has signed MoU/LoI/Agreements with different countries / foreign Universities/ Institutions/ organizations to promote International cooperation for the establishment of Academic Chair.

This information was given by Union Minister of State (I/C) for Ayush, Shri Prataprao Jadhav in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

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MV/AKS

(Release ID: 2116329) Visitor Counter : 262

Source: Government of India

Khadi and Village Industries Commission

KVIC organized ‘Mega Distribution’ program at Headquarters Mumbai, distribution of 16377 equipment, machines and toolkits across the country through virtual medium

More than 5 lakh Khadi artisans and beneficiaries benefited under Gramodyog Vikas Yojana and Khadi Vikas Yojana

Disbursement of margin money subsidy of Rs 469 crore to 14456 new units under PMEGP scheme by KVIC Chairman Shri Manoj Kumar which will create 159016 new jobs

Inauguration of 5000 new PMEGP units and 44 renovated Khadi Bhawans as well as 750 Khadi workshops across the country through online medium. In total 1440 artisans will benefit from this workshop

In this financial year, under Khadi Vikas Yojana, till now, MMDA amount of Rs. 215 crore and ISEC grant amount of Rs. 40 crore has been distributed

Chairman KVIC said, “Mega distribution program inspired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat Abhiyan’. Welfare of artisans is the key mantra of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.”

Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 6:17PM by PIB Delhi

Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India organized the largest and most comprehensive ‘Mega Distribution’ program through virtual medium at its Central Office, Mumbai. More than 5 lakh Khadi artisans, entrepreneurs and beneficiaries were benefited under Gramodyog Vikas Yojana, Khadi Vikas Yojana and Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).   Chairman KVIC Shri Manoj Kumar on this occasion, addressed lakhs of artisans across the country through virtual medium and appealed to join Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign. North Zone Member KVIC Shri Nagendra Raghuvanshi, Eastern Zone Member Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary (ARI) from MSME Ministry Shri Vipul Goyal, Economic Advisor (MSME) Ms. Simi Chaudhary and senior officials of Central Office, KVIC along with officers and employees from the  field  offices across the country were present in the program through virtual mode .

In line with the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a historic initiative was taken towards promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship in the Khadi and Village Industries sector, a ‘Mega Distribution’ program was organized at the headquarters located in Vile Parle. In this program, 16377 equipment, machines and toolkits were distributed to the beneficiaries associated with the state and divisional offices of all the 6 zones (East Zone, West Zone, North Zone, South Zone, Central Zone and Northeast Zone) across the country under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana scheme. Along with this, 44 renovated Khadi Bhavans and 750 Khadi workshops were also inaugurated under the Khadi Vikas Yojana Scheme. On this occasion, under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, margin money subsidy of     Rs. 469 crore was disbursed on sanctioned loan of Rs. 1399.13 crore to 14456 PMEGP units across the country through video conferencing, which will create 159016 employment opportunities. Along with this, Chairman KVIC also inaugurated 5000 new PMEGP units through online medium. In the financial year 2024-25, a margin of Rs. 2175 crore was disbursed to a total of 58850 beneficiaries, generating 64,73,50 jobs.

Chairman, KVIC Shri Manoj Kumar informed that in order to recognise the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and to provide employment to the youth, Khadi and Village Industries Commission has organized the most comprehensive and massive toolkit distribution program in its history under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana Scheme. Under this, a total of 16,377 toolkits and equipment were distributed through virtual medium, which includes 3,950 Bee boxes, 7,067 electric pottery wheels, 1,350 leather product repair toolkits, 390 footwear manufacturing equipment, 420 electrician toolkits, 80 AC repair toolkits, 300 plumber toolkits, 60 mobile repairing toolkits, 971 sewing machines, 278 handmade paper making machines, 349 automatic agarbatti making machines, 60 pedal operated agarbatti making machines, 320 turnwood machines, 180 wooden toy making machines, 460 waste wood craft machines and 292 agriculture based food processing machines.

During this program, Shri Manoj Kumar informed that KVIC has so far released a grant amount of Rs. 215 crore under Modified Market Development Assistance (MMDA) to 1,110 Khadi institutions in the financial year 2024-2025, benefiting about 1,46,246 artisans. Apart from this, a grant amount of Rs. 40 crore has also been disbursed to 1153 Khadi institutions through ISEC program. In continuation to this, today, additional MMDA grant amount of Rs. 32.73 crore was released to Khadi institutions benefiting 3817 artisans.

Mentioning about the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, KVIC Chairman said, “We all have to adopt the mantra of ‘Vocal for Local’ as well as ‘Make for World’, only then Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Local to Global’ will be recognised.” While making an important announcement for Khadi artisans, he said that the wages of Khadi artisans will be increased by 20 percent from April 1, 2025. In the last 11 years, the Modi government has made a historic increase of 275 percent in the wages of Khadi artisans. Now the spinners will get Rs. 15 for spinning per hank  on the charkha.

While talking to the journalists, Shri Manoj Kumar said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave the mantra of ‘Khadi for Fashion‘ for ‘Khadi Renaissance‘ in Bharat Tex-2025, to reach out to the masses and to popularize Khadi as a modern garment, KVIC organized grand Khadi fashion shows in many cities including Nagpur, Pune, Vadodara, Surat, Chennai, Jaipur, Prayagraj. With the inspiration of the Prime Minister, ‘New Khadi of New India‘ has reached especially the young generation and is establishing its identity as a modern garment. Chairman, KVIC informed that the sale of Khadi in Prayagraj Mahakumbh was Rs. 12.02 crore, while in the last financial year, the total production of Khadi and Village Industries reached Rs. 1.08 lakh crore and sales reached Rs. 1.55 lakh crore. In the last 10 years, 1.87 crore jobs were created, including 10.17 lakh new jobs. More than 10 lakh new projects were established under PMEGP, which provided employment to more than 88 lakh people.

Lakhs of Khadi artisans associated with the offices of Khadi and Village Industries Commission, representatives of Khadi Institutions, beneficiaries of Gramodyog Vikas Yojana and PMEGP scheme was connected through online medium across the country in the program. Along with this, KVIC officials and employees were also present at the Central office in Mumbai.

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SK

(Release ID: 2116311) Visitor Counter : 330

Source: Government of India

Centre & Uttar Pradesh Strengthen Skill Development Ties ₹60,000 Cr ITI Upgradation Scheme in Focus

Uttar Pradesh has trained over 24.73 lakh candidates under PMKVY

Under the latest PMKVY 4.0 initiative, more than 93,000 individuals have enrolled in futuristic job roles

Posted On: 28 MAR 2025 6:04PM by PIB Delhi

In a major push to accelerate skill development initiatives, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (I/C) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, met today with Shri Kapil Dev Agrawal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education and Skill Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, at Kaushal Bhawan, New Delhi. The high-level meeting, attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the Uttar Pradesh government, focused on enhancing Centre-State collaboration for seamless execution of key skilling programs, including Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), PM Vishwakarma, and the Swavalambini Women Entrepreneurship Programme.

The Principal Secretary, Skill Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh, presented an overview of the state’s achievements in skilling and highlighted areas where additional support from the Centre could drive greater impact. Uttar Pradesh has trained over 24.73 lakh candidates under PMKVY till date. Under the latest PMKVY 4.0 initiative, more than 93,000 individuals have enrolled in futuristic job roles, including Drone Service Technician, AI – Machine Learning Engineer, Electric Vehicle Service Technician, and Solar PV Installer (Electrical), among others.

Furthering the government’s commitment to empowering traditional artisans, 405 training centres under PM Vishwakarma have successfully trained nearly 1.08 lakh craftspeople across Uttar Pradesh. To boost entrepreneurship, the state has also conducted 450+ Entrepreneurship Awareness Programs and 145 Entrepreneurship Development Programs, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with essential business skills and financial literacy.

A key highlight of the meeting was the discussion on the National ITI Upgradation Scheme, a transformative initiative that aims to modernize 1,000 ITIs across India under a hub-and-spoke model. The scheme, with a total outlay of ₹60,000 crore over five years, will be financed through ₹30,000 crore from the Central Government, ₹20,000 crore from State Governments, and ₹10,000 crore from industry partnerships. This initiative will elevate ITIs into world-class skill development centers, ensuring high employability for youth and a steady pipeline of skilled talent for industries. With 3,258 ITIs spread across 75 districts, Uttar Pradesh is set to play a pivotal role in this ambitious transformation.

Emphasizing the importance of industry collaboration, Shri Jayant Chaudhary stressed on the need for industry-driven curriculum development, hands-on training methodologies, and real-time skilling aligned with market demands. He further highlighted the integration of vocational education with mainstream education as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and called for greater AI-driven course offerings to prepare youth for the evolving digital economy.

Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Centre-State synergy in skill development, with a shared vision of making Uttar Pradesh a leading hub for skilled workforce development. The discussions concluded on a positive note, with a roadmap for enhanced coordination between the Central and State Governments to drive India’s skilling agenda forward in alignment with national priorities and global industry demands.

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Pawan Singh Faujdar/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2116302) Visitor Counter : 305

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is committed to safeguarding the environment, with tackling air pollution to protect public health being one of its core priorities. In addition to stringent enforcement, the Government also continually reviews and refines relevant legislation while promoting public education to foster a healthy and pleasant living environment for all. The recent amendment to the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO) is one such significant initiative.
 
     To more effectively combat unlicensed specified process (SP) operations, the Government has amended the APCO by introducing a statutory closure notice mechanism and refining the scope of “cement works” and the definition of “premises” under specified processes. This aims to prevent misinterpretation or circumvention of regulations. The Air Pollution Control (Amendment) Bill 2024 (Amendment Bill) was passed at its third reading during the Legislative Council meeting on March 19, 2025. The legislation has been gazetted today (March 28) and will come into effect on April 11.
 
     An EPD spokesperson stated that the Amendment Bill empowers the Director of Environmental Protection to issue a closure notice to premises if he or she has reasonable cause to believe that unlicensed SP operations are taking place. This has proven decisive in addressing illegal operations by two concrete batching plants (CBPs) located at 20 and 22 Tung Yuen Street in Yau Tong. Following the passage of the Amendment Bill, the department has already received notification from the owner of the CBPs, indicating that, except for the works relating to the demolition of the concerned plants, they will cease all operations of concrete batching process and related operations by early April.
 
     Under the APCO, SPs (including cement works) are identified as major sources of significant air pollution and must obtain a valid SP license under the APCO to operate. Due to the failure to meet the relevant requirements of the APCO, the renewal of SP licenses for the two CBPs  at 22 and 20 Tung Yuen Street in Yau Tong were refused by the EPD in April 2021 and April 2022, respectively. The operator subsequently lodged appeals to the Air Pollution Control Appeal Board, and after the appeals were dismissed, they continued to operate without valid SP licenses by resorting to judicial reviews and various legal proceedings. This has resulted in a persistent air pollution and environmental nuisance, affecting the lives and health of nearby residents and causing significant distress.
 
     The EPD has been making unremitting efforts to follow up the operation of these two CBPs, and has been employing a two-pronged strategy of continuous enforcement actions and legislative amendments to tackle these illegal operations that would harm the environment and public health. To date, there have been a total of 39 summonses for criminal prosecution against the operator. On October 4, 2024, the operator was convicted of two offences at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Court for failing to comply with the requirements of the air pollution abatement notice. Another 28 summonses are scheduled for hearing on April 7, 2025, while the remaining nine summonses of non-compliance are still in process.
 
     The spokesperson said the EPD will continue to closely monitor the situation. If the two concerned CBPs are found to persist in operating without SP licenses in defiance of licensing requirements after the Amendment Bill takes effect, the EPD will take stringent actions under the newly amended Ordinance to halt such unlicensed SP operations and protect the health of Yau Tong residents.
 
     “To meet industry needs and market developments, the EPD introduced a series of measures in mid-November last year to streamline the application and processing procedures for specified process licenses for cement works. These include simplifying application forms and required documents, as well as enabling applicants to conduct simple air quality assessments through an online platform. The industry has generally responded positively to these changes. These measures have proven effective, significantly reducing the time required for processing license applications related to cement works,” the spokesperson added.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region