Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Ministry of Minority Affairs

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025: An overview of the Act vs Bill

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi

(Release ID: 2118799)

Source: Government of India

Parliament passes the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025

Another significant reform under the leadership of Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi

The Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, 2025, introduced by Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, was passed in Lok Sabha on 03.04.2025, following its earlier acceptance in the Rajya Sabha. With both Houses having cleared the legislation, this marks the second major aviation reform passed under the leadership of Civil Aviation Minister Shri Ram Mohan Naidu. The bill aims to align India’s aircraft leasing and financing ecosystem with global standards and marks a critical step in deepening investor confidence in India’s rapidly growing aviation market.

The Bill builds on the framework of the Cape Town Convention of 2001, which aimed to simplify and standardize international leasing agreements. India formally adopted this convention in 2008, but gaps in legal enforcement led to higher leasing costs—typically 8 to 10 percent higher than other nations. With this bill, India seeks to plug those gaps, providing legal certainty to aircraft financiers and reducing costs for Indian carriers.

Shri Ram Mohan Naidu underlined the urgency behind the legislation and stated “There was a vision behind this leap in civil aviation. There was a mission to fulfill that vision. And to make that mission possible, there was the guidance of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The kind of growth we are seeing today was made possible because of his leadership.”

 

He illustrated this growth with concrete figures. “For almost 65 years—from Independence to 2014—the total number of passengers flying annually in India was 10 crore 38 lakh. In just the next 10 years, that number has more than doubled to 22 crore 81 lakh in 2024,” he said. “Similarly, the number of airports in India increased from 74 in 2014 to 159 in 2024, with two more ready to be launched soon,” he highlighted.

The Minister also spotlighted the increase in the number of aircraft, growing from 340 in 2014 to over 840 by 2024. “These figures show that civil aviation in India is not just growing—it’s booming. No other country has seen this level of aviation expansion in such a short period,” he stated.

The Bill is expected to further ease leasing processes, make India a more attractive destination for aviation investments, and improve the country’s compliance scores under the Cape Town Convention. These changes are essential for reducing airline costs and encouraging new entrants into the sector.

The discussion also touched upon broader issues in the civil aviation sector, such as the high cost of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) which accounts for nearly 45% of an airline’s operational costs. The Minister expressed concern over the variation in ATF tax across states and called for more states to follow the example of those who have reduced their rates. “Reducing these taxes will boost regional connectivity and lower costs for passengers,” he added. Looking to the future, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has set ambitious targets for sustainability and capacity building.

With plans to generate 2.5 crore liters of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2025 and transition over 100 airports to renewable energy, India is making a strong push toward greener aviation. The sector also faces a growing demand for trained pilots—estimated at 30,000 to 34,000 over the next 10 to 15 years. “We are working on increasing the number of Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) and issuing more commercial pilot licenses annually to meet this demand,” the Minister said.

In conclusion, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu affirmed the government’s long-term vision: “Civil aviation in India is not just about flying planes. It’s about connecting people, boosting economies, and creating opportunities. And we are committed to making India a global leader in aviation.”

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Manish Gautam/Divyanshu Kumar

(Release ID: 2118797) Visitor Counter : 35

Source: Government of India

Steps taken by the Government for prevention and management of Thalassemia

Under National Health Mission (NHM), support is provided to States/UTs to strengthen their healthcare system including support for prevention and management of Thalassemia

As on 26th March 2025, a total of 15,87,903 individuals screened for Thalassemia; 50,462 individuals identified as carriers of Thalassemia

To assist the States/UTs for management of Haemoglobinopathies including Thalassemia, Comprehensive Guidelines on Prevention and Control of Hemoglobinopathies in India- Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Disease and other variant Hemoglobins, 2016 has been shared

Union Health Ministry has implemented Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY), in association with Coal India limited (CIL) under which financial assistance up to Rs.10 lakh is provided to eligible patients for Bone Marrow transplants in 17 empanelled hospitals spread across the country

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:56PM by PIB Delhi

Under National Health Mission (NHM), support is provided to States/UTs to strengthen their healthcare system including support for prevention and management of Thalassemia at public healthcare facilities, provision of Blood Bank facilities, Day Care Centre, Medicines, Lab services, IEC activities and training of HR etc. based on the proposals submitted by the States/UTs in their Programme Implementation Plans.

As on 26^th March 2025, as per data updated by States on National Portal, out of 15,87,903 individuals screened for Thalassemia, a total of 5,037 have been identified as diseased and 50,462 as carriers of Thalassemia.

Comprehensive guidelines on Prevention and Control of Hemoglobinopathies in India- Thalassemia & Sickle cell Disease and other variant Hemoglobins (2016) had been shared to assist the States/UTs for management of Haemoglobinopathies including Thalassemia. The guidelines detail the strategies for management of Thalassemia disease including Thalassemia major (Blood transfusion therapy with packed red blood cell, iron chelation for iron overload, monitoring and management of complication and psychological support etc.) and non-transfusion dependent Thalassemia (NTDT) etc.

Union Health Ministry is implementing a scheme namely Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojana (TBSY), in association with Coal India limited (CIL), wherein financial assistance up to Rs.10 lakh is provided to eligible patients for Bone Marrow transplants (BMT) from CIL Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. This scheme provides for BMT in 17 empanelled hospitals spread across the country.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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HFW/Steps taken by the govt for prevention and management of Thalassemia/04 April 2025/1

(Release ID: 2118782) Visitor Counter : 37

Source: Government of India

Measures taken by the government to improve institutional delivery among tribal women

Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) entitles every pregnant woman to free delivery, including caesarean section, in public health institutions along with the provision of free transport, diagnostics, medicines, blood and diet

Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) ensures quality antenatal care for pregnant women with fixed monthly checkups and extended support for high-risk pregnancies

Birth Waiting Homes (BWH) have been established in remote and tribal areas promoting institutional delivery with improved access to healthcare facilities

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:57PM by PIB Delhi

As per the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) India report, the institutional delivery of the country, including tribal women, is 88.6%. Under National Health Mission (NHM), the Government of India has undertaken various steps to improve the institutional delivery across all States and Union Territories, including tribal areas. These include:

• Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) is a demand promotion and conditional cash transfer scheme for promoting institutional delivery. 

• Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) entitles every pregnant woman to free delivery, including caesarean section, in public health institutions along with the provision of free transport, diagnostics, medicines, blood, other consumables and diet.
• Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) provides pregnant women a fixed day, free of cost assured and quality antenatal checkup by an obstetrician/Specialist/Medical Officer on the 9^th day of every month.
• Extended PMSMA strategy was launched to ensure quality antenatal checkup (ANC) to pregnant women, especially to high-risk pregnancy (HRP) women, and individual HRP tracking until a safe delivery is achieved through financial incentivization for the identified high-risk pregnant women and accompanying ASHA for extra three visits over and above the PMSMA visit.
• Surakshit Matritva Aashwasan (SUMAN) provides assured, dignified, respectful and quality healthcare at no cost and zero tolerance for denial of services for every woman and newborn visiting public health facilities to end all preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
• Birth Waiting Homes (BWH) are established in remote and tribal areas to promote institutional delivery and improve access to healthcare facilities.
• Monthly Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Day (VHSND) is an outreach activity at Anganwadi centers for provision of maternal and child care including nutrition in convergence with the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD).
• Outreach camps are provisioned to improve the reach of health care services, especially in tribal and hard-to-reach areas. This platform is used to increase awareness for the Maternal and Child health services and community mobilization as well as to track high-risk pregnancies.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Smt. Anupriya Patel stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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(Release ID: 2118786) Visitor Counter : 36

Source: Government of India

Update on National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP)

As on 1st April 2025, 36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells; 24×7 tele-mental health services are available in 20 languages based on languages opted by States

More than 20,05,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number

Over Rs. 230 crore have been allocated for NTMHP in last three years

A comprehensive mobile platform, Tele MANAS Mobile Application was launched on World Mental Health Day i.e. 10th October, 2024 for providing support for mental health issues

A dedicated Tele-MANAS Cell has been established at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune to extend tele-mental health assistance and support to all Armed Forces service personnel and their dependents

Mental health services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at more than 1.75 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) is implemented under the National Mental Health Programme in 767 districts of the country to detect, manage and treat mental illness at District Hospitals

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:58PM by PIB Delhi

The Government of India launched a “National Tele Mental Health Programme” (NTMHP) on 10^th October, 2022, that functions as the digital arm of the District Mental Health Programme to provide universal access to equitable, accessible, affordable and quality mental health care through 24×7 tele-mental health counselling services. For this, a toll-free number (14416) has been set up across the country.

Specific objectives of the Programme are:

• To exponentially scale up the reach of mental health services to anybody who reaches out, across India, any time, by setting up a 24×7 tele-mental health facility in each of the States and UTs of the country.
• To implement a full-fledged mental health service network that, in addition to counselling, provides integrated medical and psychosocial interventions.
• To extend services to vulnerable groups of the population and difficult to reach populations.

As on 1^st April 2025, 36 States/ UTs have set up 53 Tele MANAS Cells. Tele-MANAS services are available in 20 languages based on language opted by States. More than 20,05,000 calls have been handled on the helpline number.

The Government has launched Tele MANAS Mobile Application on World Mental Health Day i.e. 10^th October, 2024. Tele-MANAS Mobile Application is a comprehensive mobile platform that has been developed to provide support for mental health issues ranging from well-being to mental disorders.

Over Rs. 230 crore have been allocated by the government for NTMHP in last three years.

The Government has established a dedicated Tele-MANAS Cell at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune to extend tele-mental health assistance and support to all Armed Forces service personnel and their dependents, further enhancing the mental health care services available to them.     

The Government is also taking steps to integrate mental healthcare services at primary healthcare level. The Government has upgraded more than 1.75 lakh Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Mental health services have been added in the package of services under Comprehensive Primary Health Care provided at these Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) is implemented under the National Mental Health Programme in 767 districts of the country to detect, manage and treat mental illness at District Hospitals. Facilities are also made available under DMHP at the Community Health Centre (CHC) and Primary Health Centre (PHC) levels and include outpatient services, assessment, counselling/ psycho-social interventions, continuing care and support to persons with severe mental disorders, drugs, outreach services, ambulance services etc.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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(Release ID: 2118790) Visitor Counter : 37

Source: Government of India

India’s Coal Boom

Production Surpasses One Billion Tonnes

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 3:58PM by PIB Delhi

Key takeaways India has achieved a historic milestone by surpassing one billion tonnes of coal production in FY 2024-25, with a 4.99% growth in output compared to the previous year. The country’s coal imports decreased by 8.4%, leading to substantial foreign exchange savings and a reduction in import dependency. The coal sector remains a crucial contributor to India’s energy mix, powering over 74% of the country’s electricity and sustaining key industries like steel and cement. A focus on coal gasification is positioning India to leverage syngas for producing methanol, fertilizers, and synthetic natural gas, promoting environmental sustainability.

 

 Introduction

 

India achieved a historic milestone by surpassing one billion tonnes (BT) of coal production on 20 March 2025, in FY 2024-25—11 days ahead of last year’s 997.83 million tonnes (MT). With the fifth-largest coal reserves and as the second-largest consumer, coal remains crucial, contributing 55% to the national energy mix and fuelling over 74% of total power generation. The coal sector’s success is attributed to the tireless efforts of Coal Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), private players, and the dedicated workforce of around 5 lakh mine workers across more than 350 coal mines. These coal miners, who have defied numerous challenges with unmatched dedication, have played a pivotal role in achieving this historic milestone.

 

Growth in Coal Production and Dispatch

 

 India’s coal production has reached 1047.57 MT (Provisional) in FY 2024-25, compared to 997.83 MT in FY 2023-24, marking a 4.99% growth. Production from Commercial & Captive, and other entities also saw a remarkable surge, reaching 197.50 MT (Provisional)—a 28.11% increase from 154.16 MT recorded in the previous year.

Coal production refers to the extraction of coal from mines.

 

Coal dispatch has also crossed the One BT milestone, with total dispatch reaching 1024.99 MT (Provisional) in FY 2024-25, up 5.34% from 973.01 MT in FY 2023-24. Dispatch from Commercial, Captive, and other entities witnessed an even more significant rise, reaching 196.83 MT (Provisional)—a 31.39% increase compared to 149.81 MT in the previous year.

 

Indian coal sector achieves notable reduction in imports

Coal imports fell 8.4% to 183.42 MT in April-December 2024 from 200.19 MT in the same period of FY 2023-24, saving $5.43 billion (₹42,315.7 crore) in foreign exchange. The Non-Regulated Sector saw a sharper decline of 12.01%, while imports for blending by thermal power plants dropped 29.8%, despite a 3.53% rise in coal-based power generation.

 

Government initiatives like Commercial Coal Mining and Mission Coking Coal boosted domestic coal output by 6.11% during this period, reducing import dependence.

Coal remains crucial for power, steel, and cement industries, but shortages in coking and high-grade thermal coal make imports necessary. The Ministry of Coal is strengthening domestic production to enhance energy security and advance Viksit Bharat, ensuring a self-reliant, sustainable energy framework for long-term growth.

 

Economic significance of the coal sector

 

Coal is vital to India’s energy needs, supplying over half of the country’s power. Despite renewable energy growth, coal-based thermal power will remain essential, with its share projected at 55% by 2030 and 27% by 2047.

 

Key contributions:

• Railways & revenue: Coal stands as the single largest contributor to railway freight, with an average share of nearly 49% of total freight income amounting to Rs. 82,275 Crore in the fiscal year 2022-23 alone. This revenue contribution has surpassed 33% of total railway earnings, showcasing the sector’s substantial influence on India’s transportation network.
• Government earnings: The coal sector contributes over Rs. 70,000 Crore annually to the central and state governments through royalties, GST, and other levies. These funds play a crucial role in fostering socio-economic development and infrastructure enhancement in coal-producing regions. Coal production generates substantial revenue for both Central and State Governments, with royalty collections reaching Rs. 23,184.86 Crore in the fiscal year 2022-23.
• Employment: The sector provides jobs to over 239,000 workers in Coal India Ltd and thousands more in contractual and transport roles.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Coal sector PSUs prioritize CSR initiatives, with an average annual expenditure of Rs. 608 Crore over the past five years. Notably, Coal India Ltd alone has allocated an average of Rs. 517 Crore annually for CSR activities. Over 90% of the expenditure has been incurred on, socio- economic development focusing on healthcare, education, water supply and skill development in coal-producing regions.
• Economic growth Substantial investments in capital expenditure, averaging Rs. 18,255 Crore annually over the past five years, have facilitated infrastructure development and resource optimization within coal sector PSUs.

 

Coal gasification initiative

 

The Government has undertaken the following coal gasification initiatives:

1. Financial incentive: On 24th January 2024, the Government approved ₹8,500 crore for promoting coal/lignite gasification projects for PSUs and the private sector.
2. Investment by CIL: Coal India Limited (CIL) has been approved to invest in joint ventures with BHEL and GAIL for coal gasification projects.
3. New sub-sector: In 2022, “Production of Syngas leading to coal gasification” was added under the NRS linkage auctions policy. Auctions under this sector have a floor price at the regulated sector’s notified price for projects commissioning within next seven years.
4. Revenue share rebate: A 50% rebate in revenue share for coal used in gasification has been introduced in commercial coal block auctions, provided at least 10% of the total coal production is used for gasification.

 

Coal gasification converts coal into syngas, which can be used for producing methanol, ammonium nitrate, Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG), and fertilisers. This technology promotes environmental sustainability in line with the vision of a developed India by 2047.

 

Safety audit of coal mines

 

As per the Ministry of Coal’s “Safety Health Management System Audit” guidelines (December 2023), safety audits are conducted annually. On 17th December 2024, the “National Coal Mine Safety Report Portal” was launched, incorporating a safety audit module for audit report submissions.

 

Key safety measures:

• Regulatory updates: Directorate General of Mines Safety revamped the Coal Mines Regulations 1957 into The Coal Mines Regulations 2017, addressing modernisation, mechanisation, emergency response, and evacuation planning.
• Advanced mining technologies:
  1. Blast-free mining: Introduction of Blast-free mining technologies, such as Continuous Miner, Powered Support Longwall (PSLW) in UG mines, Surface Miner, Eccentric/Vertical Ripper in Opencast (OC) mines and Hybrid High Wall mining to extract coal seams that are not techno-economically viable through traditional opencast mining method.
  2. Real-time monitoring: Real-time monitoring of UG mine environment by Environmental Telemonitoring System (ETMS) and Gas Chromatographs are used for quick and accurate mine air sampling.
  3. Strata control: Mechanised roof bolting arrangement i.e. Universal Drilling Machine (UDM), QUAD and Twin Bolter systems, along with resin capsules and advanced instrumentation for strata monitoring.
  4. Dust control: Dust suppression systems like truck-mounted Fog Canons and Sprinkler cum-mist sprays to reduce dust.
  5. Training: Simulator-based training for Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) operators and Virtual Reality (VR) training programs.
  6. Monitoring:  Modern technologies like Total Stations, 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), and Slope Stability Radars for monitoring slope and overburden (OB) dump stability. GPS-based Operator Independent Truck Dispatch System (OITDS), Geo-fencing in large OC to track HEMM movements.

 

Environmental & worker welfare initiatives:

 

• Environmental protection: Environmental Impact Assessment  studies are conducted before project approval, and ongoing environmental monitoring is ensured.
• Worker welfare: Mines Rules, 1955 (under Mines Act, 1952) ensures health checks, first aid, shelters, canteens, and welfare officers. Additional initiatives include housing, clean drinking water, scholarships, financial assistance, healthcare, and compassionate employment.
• Skill development: Structured vocational training, simulator-based training, specialised job training in drilling, blasting, fire safety, and safety workshops for Workmen Inspectors and Safety Committees.

Conclusion

The coal sector’s continued growth and resilience are vital to India’s energy strategy, economic development, and long-term sustainability. The remarkable achievements in production, dispatch, and coal gasification initiatives highlight the sector’s evolving role in meeting the nation’s energy demands. Through constant advancements in safety, environmental protection, and workforce welfare, the coal industry is setting a strong foundation for future progress. The government’s initiatives, alongside the dedication of the workforce, ensure that the coal sector will remain a cornerstone of India’s path toward becoming a self-reliant and developed nation by 2047.

References:

 

5. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2113669
5. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2117280
5. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2110233
5. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2009196
5. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2112723
5. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2109865

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Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Anchal Patiyal

(Release ID: 2118788) Visitor Counter : 51

Source: Government of India

Measures taken by the Government for detection and prevention of Cancer

770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units, 372 district day care centres, and 6,410 NCD clinics have established at community health centres under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD)

National Health Mission has launched comprehensive initiative for screening and management of common NCDs, including cancer, through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs

Under ‘Strengthening of Tertiary Cancer Care Facilities Scheme’, 9 state cancer institutes and 20 tertiary centres have been established; new facilities approved at all new 22 AIIMS

Under PM-JAY, over 68 lakh cancer treatments worth over ₹13,000 crore have been undertaken, with 75.81% treatments availed in rural areas; targeted therapies for cancer care have seen over 4.5 lakh treatments worth over ₹985 crore, with 76.32% treatment access by rural beneficiaries

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:00PM by PIB Delhi

Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, offers both technical and financial support to States and Union Territories through the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM). Under this program, a total of 770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units, 372 district day care centres, and 6,410 NCD clinics at community health centres have been established across the country.

In addition to these facilities, a population-based initiative for screening, management and prevention of common NCDs including cancer have been rolled out as a part of comprehensive Primary Health Care in the country under National Health Mission (NHM) through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Screening of these common NCDs including oral, breast and cervical cancer is an integral part of 12 package of service delivery including rural and underserved area.

The Government has implemented the Strengthening of Tertiary Cancer Care Facilities Scheme, resulting in establishment of 19 State Cancer Institutes and 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centers across various regions. Additionally, cancer treatment facilities have been approved in all 22 new AIIMS, equipped with diagnostic, medical, and surgical capabilities. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) at Jhajjar, featuring 1,460 patient care beds and advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, along with the second campus of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute in Kolkata, which has 460 beds, have been set up to provide super-specialty care.

Complementing these efforts, the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) offers ₹5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization to approximately 55 crore beneficiaries, corresponding to 12.37 crore families. Recently, the scheme extended health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of income. The latest national master of the Health Benefit Package (HBP) under AB PM-JAY includes treatment for 1,961 procedures across 27 specialties, including cancer care.

Under PMJAY, more than 68 lakh cancer treatments worth over ₹13,000 crore have been undertaken, with 75.81% of these treatments availed by beneficiaries from rural areas. Furthermore, targeted therapies for cancer care have seen over 4.5 lakh treatments worth over ₹985 crore, with 76.32% of these treatments accessed by rural beneficiaries under PM-JAY.

As per the announcement of Union Budget 2025-26, Government plans to set up Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in consultation with States/Union Territories in district hospitals in the next 3 years, out of which 200 centres are proposed to be set up in 2025-26.

A comprehensive gap analysis has been undertaken to assess the availability of cancer care infrastructure, medical personnels, and essential equipment in district hospitals. Based on the findings, Union Health Ministry, in consultation with State Governments, plans to establish DCCCs in districts with a high cancer burden and limited access to cancer care services. The selection of these districts will ensure robust referral linkages with State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and Tertiary Cancer Care Centers (TCCCs) to provide a seamless continuum of care.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav stated this in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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(Release ID: 2118795) Visitor Counter : 39

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 04 APR 2025 8:28AM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today highlighted the grace that Maa Jagdambe brings as a new dawn of happiness in the lives of devotees. He also shared a prayer by Smt. Lata Mangeshkar.

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2118578) Visitor Counter : 40

Source: Government of Samoa

MAEA.

Friday 17 January 2025

TERMINATION OF ASSOCIATE MINISTERS’ APPOINTMENTS

In accordance with section 3(b) of the Parliamentary Under Secretaries Act 1988, appointments as Associate Ministers for the Members of Parliament provided hereunder, have been terminated with immediate effect. This emanates from the issue of confidence in the Prime Minister to continue to work with the Associate Ministers, and the Associate Ministers’ expression of no confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership.

These include;

i. Tagaloatele Pasi Poloa, Associate Minister Commerce, Industry and Labour.

ii. Fuiono Tenina Crichton, Associate Minister Communications and Information Technology.

iii. Maiava Fuimaono Tito Asafo, Associate Minister Agriculture and Fisheries.

iv. Seuamuli Fasi Toma, Associate Minister Women, Community and Social Development.

v. Hon. Tu’u’u Anasi’i Leota, Associate Minister Police, Prisons and Corrections.

vi. Agaseata Valelilo Tanuvasa Peto, Associate Minister Education and Culture.

vii. Tea Tooala Peato, Associate Minister Health.

viii. Magele Sekati Fiaui, Associate Minister of Finance, initially appointed as Associate Minister of Communication and Information Technology.

ix. Fo’isala Lilo Tu’u Ioane, Associate Minister Health.

x. Fesola’i Apulu Tusiupu Tuigamala, Associate Minister Justice and Courts Administration.

xi. Ale Vena Ale, Associate Minister Customs and Revenue.

xii. Masinalupe Makesi Masinalupe, Associate Minister Customs and Revenue.

xiii. Manuleleua Paletasala Tovale, Associate Minister Prime Minister and Cabinet.

The termination of Fepuleai Faasavalu Faimata Su’a’s appointment as Associate Minister for Police, Prisons and Corrections was issued and made effective from 24th November 2023.

The functions and responsibilities of the Executive Arm of Government continue under the leadership of the Prime Minister – Hon Fiame Naomi Mataafa, and Cabinet.

The issue of confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership rests with Parliament. It is not a responsibility of a political party.

END.

January 17, 2025

Source: Government of Samoa

PRESS RELEASES FROM CABINET: JANUARY TO BEGINNING OF FEBRUARY 2025

1: MINISTRY OF CUSTOMS AND REVENUE SEPARATED

Cabinet has approved the separation of the Ministry of Customs and Revenue into two Ministries. This includes;

i. Ministry of Customs.

ii. Ministry of Revenue.

Border protection remains a significant component of national efforts to combat transnational organized crimes such as illicit drugs and arms smuggling and trafficking, and all other unlawful activities targeted to penetrate our national borders. This requires effective customs monitoring of all goods entering our borders.

At the same time, revenue collection through compliance with Samoa’s taxation laws is important. These functional responsibilities are currently undertaken by the Ministry for Customs and Revenue. However, the separation will enable demarcation of Customs functions from Revenue collection functions, with emphasis on effective compliance and border protection.

Relevant preparations are currently underway for implementation including legislative, staffing, and budgetary requirements. The separation will be effective from the next Financial Year 2025-2026.

2: MINISTRY OF POLICE, PRISONS AND CORRECTIONS SERVICE SEPARATED

Cabinet has approved the demarcation of the Ministry of Police from Prisons and Corrections Service. The two agencies were initially seceded in January 2015 as a result of government organisational reforms and departmental arrangements. The Samoa Prisons and Corrections Service operated for four years until 2020 when Parliament passed a legislative amendment to the Prisons and Corrections Service Act, signaling to re-merger of the Ministry of Police, Prisons and Corrections Service. This was in response to ongoing systemic and operational challenges which impacted the Samoa Prisons and Corrections Service.

The distinct functions of the Police and Prisons and Corrections Services are critical, but separate in priorities and legislative focus. This separation will enable the Police to focus on law enforcement and security, and the Prisons and Corrections Service to prioritize prisons and corrections rehabilitation and reintegration programmes for inmates, and improved prison and access services such as medical support.

Preparations are in progress to ensure the separation takes effect as scheduled for the 2025-2026 financial year.

3: MOU SIGNED FOR MEDICAL TREATMENTS IN INDIA

Cabinet has approved the signing of two Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Samoa’s Ministry of Health and the Medican Services Company, to coordinate medical treatments for Samoan patients referred under the Samoa Medical Treatment Scheme for treatments in India. The two hospitals included in these MOU are the Artemis Medicare Services Limited and Fortis Hospital Limited, which are based in India. This expands the existing network of hospitals supporting Samoa’s Overseas Medical Treatment Scheme.

The inclusion of the two hospitals will provide more options for Samoa to effectively place Samoan patients in facilities that not only offer the required treatment, but also ensure cost-effectiveness.

4: TELECOMMUNICATION LICENSE FOR SPACEX TO OPERATE IN SAMOA

Approval has been granted to issue telecommunication license to an American Company ‘Space Exploration Technologies Corp’ or SpaceX to operate in Samoa, following thorough assessment conducted by the Office of the Regulator. This license allows Starlink Samoa Ltd, a subsidiary of SpaceX registered in Samoa, to provide Internet services and relevant equipment for Samoa. Starlink Samoa Limited is a new venture added to current Internet service providers in Samoa including the Computer Services Limited, Digicel, and Vodafone.

Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) is critical to improving telecommunication, online systemic support, timely and effective service delivery, boosting support for education and health, science and research, and business and innovation. Government is committed to bolstering ICT services for Samoa that are reliable, consistent and affordable.

Negotiation with Starlink led by the Office of the Regulator has completed, which now enables users in Samoa to purchase equipment and to pay monthly subscriptions in Samoan Tala. An alternative is also available to those who prefer to pay their subscriptions in cash, if they do not have the means to do online purchase.

5: EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT (ECD) FRAMEWORK APPROVED

Cabinet has approved the Framework for Early Childhood Development. This framework, has been designed in a multi-sectoral approach, laying the groundwork for a coordinated effort to improve early childhood development throughout Samoa.

The ECD Framework provides for the creation of a National ECD Advisory Board, responsible for overseeing the ongoing implementation and evaluation of the framework. This board will include representatives from key ministries, such as the Ministry of Women, Community, and Social Development (MWCSD), the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Their collaborative efforts will ensure a unified strategy that integrates health, education, and social services for young children.

The ECD Framework establishes a transformative pathway forward, ensuring that the youngest members of Samoa’s society have access to the necessary resources and support to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.

6: NATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY APPROVED

The first National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy for Samoa was approved by Cabinet this week. The Policy aims to leverage science and technology through research and innovation.

It is designed to enhance students’ access to scientific equipment and technology to advance scientific research and innovation. It seeks to create more opportunities for Samoa through strong scientific methodologies, technology and innovation to support national development priorities.

The Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa (SROS) and the National University of Samoa (NUS) co-lead the implementation of this policy in partnership with other government, private and civil society organistions in Samoa.

7: NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION POLICY APPROVED

Cabinet at its meeting this week approved the National Crime Prevention Policy. The policy is being developed to strengthen strategic areas and measures, systems and programmes designed to prevent crimes. The Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration is the lead agency working closely with government, private and non government organisations in the Law and Justice Sector.

The Policy requires review of current legislation in view of enforcement and statutory penalites. It also targets counseling and educational programmes customized for crime prevention, public awareness, assistance for victims, and repercussions for perpetrators.

The policy calls for national participation and commitment to address crime prevalence in Samoa. Partnerships among government, private, civil society, churhces and village councils is central to the successful implementation of this policy.

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February 11, 2025