Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law yesterday met Emirati officials and attended Arabian Travel Market 2025, a trade show, as she began a visit to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
In the morning, Miss Law met the UAE’s Minister of Sports HE Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi. The two discussed the development of Hong Kong and the UAE as global hubs for major international sporting events, professionalising the sports industry in both places, leveraging sports as a key economic driver, and fostering unity in society through sports participation.
Miss Law spoke of Hong Kong’s commitment to nurturing elite sports talent by providing comprehensive support and professional training. She also highlighted the city’s vibrant horse racing culture. HE Al Falasi outlined the policies being implemented to develop sports in the UAE.
Miss Law also extended an invitation to the minister to visit Hong Kong to explore further opportunities for sports co-operation.
After the meeting, Miss Law paid a courtesy call on Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Dubai Ou Boqian. She reported on the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau’s recent work and outlined plans to foster collaboration between Hong Kong and the Middle East.
In the afternoon, Miss Law attended Arabian Travel Market 2025, a leading international event for the Middle East’s hospitality industry.
At the expo, she witnessed the signing of two memoranda of understanding at the Hong Kong Pavilion between the Hong Kong Tourism Board and two major travel agents in the Middle East, aimed at establishing a framework for future co-operation.
Additionally, she met senior management from two airlines, Qatar Airways and Emirates, to discuss strengthening partnerships to promote Hong Kong as a premier travel destination for Middle East markets.
In the evening, a dinner reception was co-hosted by the bureau, the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Dubai, with around 70 guests attending.
In her opening remarks, Miss Law described Hong Kong’s multifaceted tourism offerings, which she said can cater to visitors of all ages and interests. She also pointed to the new Kai Tak Sports Park as an exciting development that will host world-class sports and entertainment events.
In addition, Miss Law underscored Hong Kong’s commitment to becoming a Muslim-friendly destination, and reiterated the city’s eagerness to deepen ties with the Middle East, not only by welcoming visitors from the region but also by encouraging more Hong Kong people to explore the Middle East for both leisure and business purposes.
L’Agence universitaire de la francophonie (AUF), en partenariat avec la Cité internationale universitaire de Paris (CIUP) – France, offre aux étudiants et chercheurs de l’espace francophone, la possibilité de bénéficier d’un hébergement pendant leur année d’études en région Île-de-France.
Ce programme met à disposition 150 studios individuels entièrement équipés à la Maison des étudiants de la francophonie (MEF) au cœur de la CIUP, à des étudiants en master, des doctorants ou des chercheurs en post doctorat pour l’année universitaire 2025-2026. Les étudiants calédoniens
Les candidats retenus devront s’acquitter d’un loyer mensuel compris entre 575 euros et 878 euros par mois (valeurs de janvier 2025), charges comprises (hors augmentation liée à l’inflation). Les hébergements seront éligibles à une aide personnalisée au logement (APL) d’un montant maximal de 220 €, sous conditions de ressource.
Conditions d’éligibilité
Si le candidat est étudiant, il doit :
être inscrit pour 2025-2026 en master ou en doctorat dans un établissement d’enseignement supérieur, membre de l’AUF, situé en Île-de-France (région parisienne), pour une formation dispensée en français (établissement d’accueil) ;
être diplômé d’un établissement universitaire, membre de l’AUF, en priorité d’un pays à faibles revenus, selon le classement de la Banque Mondiale ;
vérifier que son établissement d’origine (hors France) et son établissement d’accueil (Île-de-France) sont membres de l’AUF.
Si le candidat est chercheur, il doit :
être en mobilité postdoctorale d’un établissement d’enseignement supérieur, membre de l’AUF (en priorité d’un pays à faibles revenus selon le classement de la Banque Mondiale) vers un établissement en Île-de-France, également membre de l’AUF.
Le séjour doit débuter le 1er septembre 2025 et durer six mois minimum à dix mois maximum.
La durée totale du séjour dans les maisons de la CIUP est limitée à 30 mois (trois années universitaires max.).
Pièces à fournir
Pour les étudiants en master ou doctorat :
Justificatif d’inscription, de préinscription ou d’admission pour 2025-2026 dans un établissement d’accueil membre de l’AUF en Île-de-France ;
Curriculum vitae ;
Copie du diplôme obtenu dans l’établissement d’origine (hors France) ;
Copie du dernier diplôme obtenu ;
Copie du passeport ;
Notes obtenues aux derniers examens ou concours ;
Doctorants : attestation d’accord du directeur de thèse + titre et description du sujet de thèse (2 pages max.).
Pour les chercheurs en mobilité postdoctorale :
Attestation d’accord de l’établissement d’accueil (membre AUF, Île-de-France) ;
Curriculum vitae ;
Copie du diplôme obtenu dans l’établissement d’origine (hors France) ;
Description du sujet de recherche durant la mobilité ;
Attestation d’accord du responsable administratif de l’établissement d’origine (membre AUF).
Dépôt des dossiers de candidature au plus tard le 16 juin 2025 à 23h59, heure de Paris (France).
Les résultats seront communiqués fin juin 2025.
Contact en Nouvelle-Calédonie : Virginie Thomas Garrel, service de la coopération régionale et des relations extérieures (SCRRE) : virginie.garrel@gouv.nc.
India and Bhutan hold 6th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting in Thimphu, Bhutan, on 24th-25th April 2025 India and Bhutan reaffirm shared commitment to strengthen Customs cooperation, enhancing trade facilitation, and ensuring secure and efficient border management
Posted On: 28 APR 2025 5:13PM by PIB Delhi
The 6th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) Meeting between India and Bhutan was held on 24th-25th April 2025 in Thimphu, Bhutan. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Surjit Bhujabal, Special Secretary and Member (Customs), Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Government of India, and Mr. Sonam Jamtsho, Director General, Department of Revenue and Customs, Ministry of Finance, Royal Government of Bhutan.
India is Bhutan’s top trade partner both as an import source and as an export destination accounting for about 80% of Bhutan’s overall trade. Trade with Bhutan through the land Customs Stations is significant as Bhutan is a land-locked country. The India-Bhutan Joint Group of Customs meetings are held annually to discuss issues relating to re-defining and re-engineering of Customs procedures, promote Customs cooperation and Cross-border trade facilitation with alignment to global best practices. There are 10 Land Customs Stations along the India-Bhutan Border in the States of West Bengal (6) and Assam (4).
The 6th JGC meeting discussed a host of bilateral issues for enhancing trade and transit between the two countries. The automation and digitisation of transit processes, Coordinated Border Management (CBM), pre-arrival exchange of Customs data, Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) and movement of transit cargo under Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) were discussed, among others. The meeting concluded on an optimistic note.
Bhutanese side extended their sincere thanks to CBIC for their continued support, especially recognising the capacity-building workshop titled ‘Advancing India Bhutan Trade and Economic Partnership’, held from 29th July to 1st August, 2024, which played a vital role in easing export processes and addressing trade-related concerns. India proposed extending capacity building programmes in the areas of Risk Management System (RMS), Authorised Economic Operator (AEO), Food Safety Standards besides need-based capacity building for importers and exporters from the Bhutanese side.
Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening Customs cooperation, enhancing trade facilitation, and ensuring secure and efficient border management.
The National Archives of India (NAI) is the custodian of the non-current records of the Government of India and holds them in trust for the use of administrators and researchers, as per the provisions of the Public Records Act, 1993. As a premier archival institution, the National Archives of India plays a key role in guiding and shaping archival consciousness in the country. Apart from its vast collection of public records, the NAI also houses a rich and ever-growing collection of private papers of eminent Indians from all walks of life, who have made significant contributions to the nation.
Taking the legacy forward, the National Archives of India (NAI) today acquired the private papers of Late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, comprising original correspondences, Passport, Aadhar card, Pan card, tour reports, and the lecture delivered by Dr. Kalam in various universities as well as organizations. The collection also comprises several original photographs. The collection was donated by Dr. APJM Nazema Maraikayar, niece of Dr. Kalam, Shri APJMJ Sheik Saleem, Grand Nephew of Dr. Kalam to National Archives of India. Shri. Arun Singhal (IAS), Director General, National Archives signed an agreement with Dr. APJM Nazema Maraikayar. The ceremony was also attended by Shri APJM Jainulabudeen, nephew of Dr. Kalam and Shri APJMJ Sheik Dawood, grand nephew of Dr. Kalam.
Dr. Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam(1931–2015), widely known as the “Missile Man of India,” was an eminent scientist and the 11th President of India (2002–2007). Born on 15 October 1931 in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, into a humble family, Kalam rose through sheer hard work and determination. After studying physics and aerospace engineering, he contributed significantly to India’s missile development programs and played a pivotal role in the Pokhran-II nuclear tests of 1998. Working with organizations like DRDO and ISRO, he helped strengthen India’s defense and space capabilities. His achievements earned him numerous honors, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
Beyond his scientific contributions, Dr. Kalam was deeply passionate about inspiring the youth of India. He authored several influential books such as “Wings of Fire,” “Ignited Minds,” and “India 2020,” all centered around dreaming big and building a stronger nation. Known as the “People’s President” for his humble and approachable nature, Kalam dedicated his post-presidency years to education and mentoring young minds. His life remains a symbol of simplicity, perseverance, and visionary leadership. Dr. Kalam passed away on 27 July 2015, doing what he loved most — teaching — leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (April 28) that it is investigating a confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case, and urged the public to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with persons suspected of contracting Mpox. Meanwhile, high-risk target groups are advised to receive Mpox vaccinations.
The case involves a 33-year-old male with good past health. He developed rashes and lymphadenopathy on April 22, and attended the Yau Ma Tei Male Social Hygiene Clinic of the DH on April 25. He is in stable condition, and is being arranged for treatment and isolation at Princess Margaret Hospital.
A preliminary investigation revealed that he did not receive Mpox vaccination and had a history of high-risk exposure in Hong Kong. No epidemiological linkages have been established between this case and other confirmed cases previously recorded in Hong Kong. The CHP is continuing its epidemiological investigations of the case and will report the case to the World Health Organization.
The CHP reminded high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccinations in order to lower the risk of infection or the possibility of having more severe symptoms after infection. In addition, persons who experience Mpox symptoms (including rashes, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches) or suspect themselves of being infected are advised to seek medical attention and receive treatment at once. They should not engage in activities with others that may expose others to their skin rash or body fluids. Members of the public should maintain good personal and hand hygiene to prevent virus transmission or infection through contact. They should also avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of being infected.
The CHP has set up an Mpox telephone hotline (2125 2373), which operates from Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, excluding public holidays. Those who suspect or are concerned that they may have had high-risk contact with confirmed cases, particularly men who have sex with men or those who have sexual practices with strangers, can use the hotline to make enquiries and receive relevant health advice.
Furthermore, the DH provides vaccination services to high-risk groups of Mpox. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:
Individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
Healthcare workers responsible for caring for patients with confirmed Mpox;
Laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pox viruses; and
Animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.
The high-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH’s Social Hygiene Service Clinics (SocHS) (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH’s Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre.
Meanwhile, the DH’s Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority’s Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.
Coastal States Fisheries Meet 2025: Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh Launches Projects Worth Rs.255 Crores in Mumbai; Awards First Ever Aqua Insurance to Fisherfolk 5th Marine Fisheries Census Goes Digital: VyAS-NAV App Enabled Tablets Distributed; Guidelines on Turtle Excluder Device & SOP for Vessel Communication and Support System Issued
Posted On: 28 APR 2025 4:33PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 28 April 2025
A “Coastal States Fisheries Meet: 2025” was organized today on 28th April 2025 in Mumbai under the chairmanship of Union Minister, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh. The event also saw the gracious presence of Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Shri George Kurian, Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs along with Governors and Fisheries Ministers of several coastal states and UTs. On this occasion, Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, inaugurated and laid the foundation for key projects for 7 coastal states and UTs with a total outlay of Rs.255 crores under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Key initiatives like the 5th Marine Fisheries Census Operations, PMMSY Guidelines on Turtle Excluder Device and release of Standard Operating Procedure for Vessel Communication and Support System were also launched at the Coastal States Fisheries Meet. The Union Minister also distributed tablets enabled with Digital Application VyAS-NAV and awarded the first ever aqua insurance (One Time Incentive Sanction-cum-Release Order) to beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) on this occasion. Today marks the beginning of the 5th Marine Census operations which involves training of the supervisors, recruitment and training the village wise data enumerators, followed by the actual census activity spread across 3 months. The entire operation will be completed by December 2025.
5th Marine Fisheries Census Goes Digital: VyAS-NAV App
In a major preparatory step for India’s 5th Marine Fisheries Census (MFC 2025), a mobile applicationVyAS-NAV has been launched for the digital based data collection with an aim to boost transparency and efficiency. Marking a shift from traditional method to a geo-referenced, app-based digital system, the MFC 2025 will cover a 1.2 million fisher households nationwide bringing in real-time validation. This mammoth exercise is coordinated by the Department of Fisheries (DoF) of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). VyAS-NAV was developed by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) which is the nodal agency for implementing the marine fisheries census in nine coastal states. VyAS-NAV app will be used by supervisors for field verification of fishing villages, fish landing centres and fishing harbours. This is a foundational step towards ensuring comprehensive coverage and accuracy of the census frame. This app has features to record summary picture of villages based on primary and secondary sources. The supervisors are staff of CMFRI, Fishery Survey of India and the Fisheries Departments across the coastal states.
About Marine Fisheries Census-2025
The Marine Fisheries Census (MFC) -2025 focuses on the exhaustive, precise, and timely documentation of every marine fisher family, fishing village, fishing craft and gear, as well as infrastructure facilities associated with fishing harbours and fish landing centres across the country. Unlike in the past, customized mobile and tablet-based applications created by CMFRI will be used for data collection in a bid to reduce manual errors and accelerate data compilation for policy-level use. This MFC is a process that starts with the signaling of field operations and ends with the reporting. The reference period where the household enumeration takes place is the core activity. In this case it is November – December 2025. Various constituents of this process are referred to as census operations. As of now, many such activities are planned in the pre core census phase. The first of it is, validation of Marine Fisheries villages is inaugurated today. This will be followed by a round of workshops followed two rounds of training. These all, form part of the Marine Fisheries Census. Roughly 3500 villages and 1.2 million households will be covered in this exercise at various points in time. The village enumeration will be finalized by May- June, while family level data and other facilities will be covered during Nov-Dec, which will be done by enumerators from the village and probably fishing community. In nutshell the operations span from April to December. The village list finalization and landing centres data will be covered by staff of CMFRI, FSI and DoF and the same has started from today. The core activity, scheduled for November–December 2025, involves trained enumerators preferably from the local community, visiting each marine fisher household with smart devices. This is preceded by a robust preparatory phase. Emphasis will be given to record finer details of fishers like their demographic and socio-economic status, alternative livelihood options, and how and where government schemes can influence their status, all collected through a robust online digital platform. Officials will train enumerators in digital data collection and will validate village and infrastructure details using VyAS-NAV.
Summary of Activities and Timeline:
Timeline
Activity
Nov 21, 2024
Official announcement and approval during World Fisheries Day celebrations
Nov 2024 – April 2025
Preparatory work: schedule finalization, development of VyAS-NAV application and preliminary groundwork
April 2025 – Nov 2025
Pre-census marine fishing village list validation, enumerator identification, staff recruitment, training of supervisors/enumerators, App development and testing, craft & gear census (across harbours and landing centres)
Nov – Dec 2025
45-day full-scale Marine Fisheries Census field exercise – Enumerators will visit each marine fisher household in the identified marine fishing villages under supervision at district, state, regional, and national levels
No. of marine fishing villages, Census 2016
State
Fishing villages
West Bengal
171*
Odisha
739
Andhra Pradesh
533
Tamil Nadu
575
Puducherry
39
Kerala
220
Karnataka
162
Goa
41
Maharashtra
526
Gujarat
280
Daman & Diu
12
Lakshadweep
10
Andaman & Nicobar
169
Total
3477
* Subsequent reference to villages actually means Gram Panchayat in West Bengal
About Aquaculture Insurance
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a sub-scheme launched under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana offers a comprehensive aquaculture insurance. The aquaculture insurance focuses on mitigating risks and extending financial incentive particularly to small and marginalized farmers. Through the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP), the Sub-scheme offers seamless digital access to insurance, helping safeguard the incomes of fishers and fish farmers against unexpected losses while also promoting better tracking and formalization within the fisheries sector. Eligible beneficiaries include registered aquafarmers, firms, companies, societies, cooperatives, Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs), and other entities involved in the fisheries value chain as identified by the Department of Fisheries. For intensive aquaculture systems such as recirculatory aquaculture systems, the premium is capped at ₹1 lakh per farmer for 1800 m³. Farmers can choose between Basic Insurance, which covers losses from natural calamities and other parametric risks, and the Comprehensive Insurance, which includes Basic Insurance and disease coverage. Additionally, Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and women beneficiaries are eligible for an extra 10% incentive, further promoting inclusivity. The insurance covers one crop cycle only thereby stabilizing income and encouraging investment in aquaculture.
Notably, the government has introduced Aqua Insurance for the first time, offering dedicated financial protection to aquafarmers. This landmark initiative ensures targeted insurance coverage, digital accessibility, and focused support for marginalized communities in the fisheries sector. The beneficiaries awarded today were Shri D.R.Ravikumar, Tamil Nadu, Shri Mohan Sathiyamoorthy, Tamil Nadu, Shri Sivaramakrishnan, Tamil Nadu, Shri Gandhi Palanivelu, Tamil Nadu, Shri Patnala Subrahmanyam, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Penki Ravi Kumar, Andhra Pradesh, Shri Chiluvuri Ravi Teja, Andhra Pradesh and Shri Korapati Venkata Subba Lakshmi, Andhra Pradesh.
For PMMSY Guidelines on Turtle Excluder Device: Click Here
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CE meets Deputy Prime Minister of Slovak Republic (with photo) Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is striving to become an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre, and the Slovak Republic has announced various long-term digital transformation development strategies in recent years. He said he believes that there is ample room for future co-operation between Hong Kong and the Slovak Republic in the application of I&T. The MOU is an important milestone in strengthening the ties between Hong Kong and the Slovak Republic on the I&T front, encouraging exchanges among scientific research organisations, scientific and technological talent and enterprises of the two places, and promotes co-operation in scientific research and innovation as well as the transfer of technology and innovation outcomes, contributing to the high-quality development of the two economies.
In terms of economic and trade development, Mr Lee said that the HKSAR Government will continue to maintain close ties with the Slovak business community, and will organise promotion activities of various natures to keep them abreast of the latest developments and opportunities in Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government will also promote Hong Kong’s strengths and development potential, including the city’s close connections with international and Mainland markets, as well as the tremendous development opportunities brought by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt and Road Initiative. Issued at HKT 19:15
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Queen Elizabeth Hospital announces incident of healthcare staff member suspected to have been assaulted An Operation Assistant (OPA) was assaulted around 9am while maintaining order on the second floor of the Ambulatory Care Centre. Hospital staff and security staff immediately arrived on the scene to assist, and called the Police for assistance. The injured OPA was sent to the QEH Accident and Emergency Department for treatment. The OPA’s left ear was injured and the staff member was discharged after treatment. The police arrested a male patient at the hospital later, who was suspected to be connected with the case.
The hospital is highly concerned about the incident, expressed sympathy and rendered necessary support to the injured staff member. The hospital resolutely adopts a zero-tolerance attitude to any workplace violence and strongly condemns the violent act. The hospital will follow up and fully co-operate with the Police investigation.
The hospital has long attached great concern to work safety for its staff under prevailing guidelines and measures to prevent workplace violence. The hospital appeals to patients and relatives to follow the advice of healthcare workers.
The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System. Issued at HKT 18:58
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LegCo to continue Second Reading debate on Appropriation Bill 2025 The Legislative Council (LegCo) will hold a meeting on Wednesday (April 30) at 11am in the Chamber of the LegCo Complex. During the meeting, the Second Reading debate on the Appropriation Bill 2025 will continue and Government officials will speak on the Bill. If the Bill is supported by Members and receives its Second Reading, it will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bill and its report is adopted by the Council, the Bill will be set down for the Third Reading.
The Second Reading debates on the Electoral Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2025 and the Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Tax Concessions) Bill 2025 will also resume. If the Bills are supported by Members and receive their Second Reading, they will stand committed to the committee of the whole Council. After the committee of the whole Council has completed consideration of the Bills and their reports are adopted by the Council, the Bills will be set down for the Third Reading.
Meanwhile, the Tobacco Control Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025 will be introduced into the Council for the First Reading and the Second Reading. The Second Reading debates on the Bills will be adjourned.
During the meeting, Members will also ask the Government 22 questions on various policy areas, all of which require written replies.
DARPG organized the 5th National Workshop on “Sevottam and Effective Redressal of Public Grievances”, at the Institute of Management in Government (IMG), Kerala. More than 100officials from ATIs and State Governments participated in the workshop held on 25th April, 2025 at the Institute of Management in Government (IMG), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Workshop formulated the roadmap forward for Capacity Building and Effective Redressal of Public Grievances in line with the directions of the Prime Minister
Posted On: 28 APR 2025 4:05PM by PIB Delhi
In line with the Prime Minister’s emphasis on effective grievance resolution as a cornerstone of transparent and accountable governance, the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) organized the5thNational Workshop on “Sevottam and Effective Redressal of Public Grievances” on April 25th, 2025, at the Institute of Management in Government (IMG), Kerala.
The Workshop commencedin the presence of Shri K. Jayakumar, Director, Institute of Management in Government (IMG), Shri V Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG , Jaya Dubey, Joint Secretary, DARPG and other participants from various State Government ATIs and AR Departments. The inaugural session featured a keynote presentation by Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG, which outlined key reforms in grievance redressal including multilingual support via Bhashini, advanced CPGRAMS features, and strengthened monitoring, aimed at enhancing citizen satisfaction. 18 Speakers from Government of Kerala, Government of India, non-profit foundations and technological organisations apart from NIC and NeGD attended the event.
The workshop unfolded across five sessions, each featuring practitioner oriented presentations regarding best practices in public grievances, use of technology tools and role of non-profit organisations in grievance redressal. Separate sessions were held by the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCII) who in their role as knowledge partner of which were supposed to suggest model capacity building modules for ATIs. Certain draft Sevottam rules were also opened for discussion with various State Governments by Professor Nirmalaya Bagchi of ASCII. Shri Chakravarthy T. Kannan, Secretary General, Quality Council of India, shared insights on the evolving categorization framework in CPGRAMS and its impact in simplifying grievance filing – making the process more intuitive, accessible, and citizen-centric.Centre for Good Governance, Hyderabad released their draft model for ranking of State Governments on Grievance Redressal. Suggestion on both the above points wererequested from all State ATIs and State Governments. Representatives of Government of Kerala includedSmt. Anu Kumari, District Collector Trivandrum, Smt. Veena Madhavan, Special Secretary Administrative Reforms, and Shri Sreeram Sambasiva Rao, Special Secretary, IT. Shri Amitabh Nag, CEO Bhashini, Shri K Krishnakumar, CTO, e-Gov Foundation, Shri Varun Hemachandran Team Lead Agami and Shri Nisheeth Srivastava, Professor, IIT Kanpur also spoke in the event. Key areas of focus included policy reforms, best practices, capacity building, and innovative solutions aimed at enhancing service delivery and boosting citizen satisfaction.
Under this Sevottam Scheme, DARPG provides financial support to State ATIs/CTIs for setting up Sevottam Training Cells. Over the past three financial years (2022-23, 2023-24, and 2024-25), as part of Sevottam, 756 training courses have been conducted, training 24,942 officers from various State Governments. In the past financial year 2 National Workshops on “Effective Redressal of Public Grievances” on November 18, 2024, in New Delhi and February 20, 2025, in Bhopal, with participation from Central Ministries, State Governments, and State Administrative Training Institutes (ATIs) were already conducted. The National workshop served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, bringing together diverse stakeholders to deliberate on best practices, innovative strategies, and key reforms in grievance redressal.