In furtherance of the Government of India’s policy to prevent, regulate, and reduce litigation involving the Union of India, the Department of Legal Affairs (DLA), Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India, has formulated the “Directive for the Efficient and Effective Management of Litigation by the Government of India”. This Directive has been developed pursuant to the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries (CoS), chaired by the Cabinet Secretary. It shall be applicable to all Ministries and Departments of the Central Government, including their attached and subordinate offices, autonomous bodies, as well as Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) in matters pertaining to arbitration.
The Directive adopts a comprehensive approach in reinforcing the goal of good governance, ensuring public welfare, and facilitating the timely dispensation of justice. It aims to introduce stringent measures to simplify legal procedures, prevent unnecessary litigation, address inconsistencies in notifications and orders, minimise unwarranted appeals, streamline inter-departmental coordination in litigation, ensure greater public accountability in arbitration matters, and establish a robust Knowledge Management System (KMS) to improve and enhance the efficiency of legal processes.
The implementation of the recommendations outlined in the Directive will be reviewed by the Committee of Secretaries, chaired by the Cabinet Secretariat.
Shri Sunil Kumar Gupta, his description goes beyond an IAS officer of 1987 batch. He’s an alumnus of IIT Kanpur. Shri Sujeet Kumar, a member of the Upper House, the Council of States, House of Elders, popularly known as Rajya Sabha. I have had the good occasion and benefit to know the Hon’ble Member of Parliament inside out. He’s a lawyer, he’s an academician, he’s a positive thinker, he acts subterranean, but makes very effective contribution in the Council of States, and equally impactful contribution as part of international delegation of Bharat to global institutions.
I had the good fortune to interact with him briefly while he was invited to the banquet when we had the presence of Chilean president a decade younger to you. He’s 49, the president of Chile happens to be about 39. I must recognise a very distinguished presence of Smt. Sudha Murthy, has been accoladed for her simplicity, contribution to society, and captivating smile, ever positive. I remember in Rajya Sabha when the time came for her to ask a supplementary, it was 12 noon, which means Question Hour starts that was Zero Hour. I said, I’ll give you precedence.
A veteran member reacted, she is always in public domain. I said, well earned, well deserved, public spirited, for a public cause. We had the occasion also, me and Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, when we were at the coronation of King Charles in London in that ceremony, we found a slim, simple looking girl coming to us and discovered she was then a spouse of the Prime Minister of UK, her son-in-law, and it was her daughter.
So the traditions of what we say, sanskar, rightly filtered to the next generation. Shri Haris Beeran, he shares one thing in common with Sudha Ji, a charming smile. Rekha Sharma recently became a member of Rajya Sabha from the state of Haryana, but has all India perspective, having occupied a very significant position of Chairperson of National Women’s Commission.
Mithlesh Kumar, well grounded to real politics, and also his presence at this function reveals he is very forward looking. Well, these constitute the, if I may say, contingent from the Upper House. We are enormously benefited by Tapir Gao, a member in the House of People, popularly known as Lok Sabha, from the state of Arunachal. Me and Dr. Sudesh Dhankar had the occasion to attend a very important programme just a month or two back in his state, a great state, a state with many tribes, culture and his colleague, Kiren Rijiju Ji is our minister for Minority Affairs.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is for the first time in this country that a person professing Buddhism is a Cabinet Minister that indicates our inclusive approach. The world must learn from India, Bharat, the concept of inclusivity. Yet, some try to impart lessons to us. It does happen on occasions that those who are to learn quickly become your teachers. But then, they learn fast if they are in positive frame.
Shri Pradeep Gandhi, I share something very different with him. He’s an ex-MP, I’m also one. But I am an ex-MP with a difference. My category of MPs in 89 to 91, 96 to 97, 98. axed-MP, we did not have the occasion to complete our term. We have amongst us Shri Rajit Punhani, an IAS officer of 1991 batch, Secretary to the Council of States, alumnus of Doon School, alumnus of St. Stephen’s College, President of the Union of St. Stephen’s, Harvard. IIM Bangalore, and he’s from the State of Bihar.
I must commend his role in human resource transformation in Rajya Sabha, and for crafting a very innovative skill for Rajya Sabha interns. Alongside, Sumant Narain, another Harvard product, Indian Audits and Accounts Service. We have Mahaveer Singhvi, Indian Foreign Service.
We have a journalist here who is more seen on television, like some of our parliamentarians. Because our parliamentarians are drawn from my one-time fraternity. I say one-time fraternity because, when I took oath of office of Governor of the State of West Bengal, my son as a senior advocate had to be suspended. So, I parted company with the jealous mistress. I see him. He’s extremely fond of young lawyers and promoting them on television.
There’s another journalist also, nearly having the same size as he has, with a little more height. I was having you in mind. Then, of course, Tosif Alam, the co-author. Well, I greet each and everyone present in this hall. But my real greetings to team Sujeet Kumar.
Ladies and gentlemen, I was extremely, all my life, benefited from intelligence. That intelligence, I call it SDI, Sudesh Dhankar Intelligence. That intelligence has always held me in good state, generating in me transparency, accountability, and has a very strong sense of disciplining. I dare not reveal the rest of it.
AI on Trial is a fascinating, illuminating book on a subject of huge contemporaneous relevance. Artificial intelligence invasion, incursion in our daily life is being felt by all of us. Its seismic impact is on every part of our activity. Disruptive technologies, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, blockchain, machine learning, used to be just words but now, artificial intelligence is the buzzword. On a lighter note, let me tell you, a member of the Parliament from journalistic category, did not reflect due diligence while sending a notice to get suspension of the working of the house, so that her subject, I have revealed the gender inadvertently, gets precedence. She sent it on a particular date and wanted suspension of the house that had already taken place five days ago.
I lamented that even artificial intelligence cannot help me to suspend which has already fructified but we never know, there may be a time when artificial intelligence couldn’t go that far also. While I congratulate the authors for their dedication to this critical field and for contributing in an area that will define not only our economic trajectory, in a sense guide our ethical compass for decades to come, but also impacts every societal activity. Artificial intelligence has got such fast traction. It is known to one and all, be it a village, be it semi-urban, urban, or highly urbanised areas, the meadows. It has agitated our minds, also generated concerns but ladies and gentlemen, let me remind you, last 10 years, India is defined as the nation that has had the highest growth amongst large nations.
Its exponential economic upsurge, phenomenal infrastructure growth have been accoladed by global institutions like the IMF and the World Bank. But the greatest certification has emanated from global institutions in respect of technological penetration. India’s landscape is now dotted with technological footprint everywhere and that is why the World Bank President reflected what India has achieved in technologically spread out in about six years that is not possible even in four decades.
We as a Nation have tested accessibility of technology and revealed to the world high degree of adaptability resulting in transparency, accountability of services. Youngsters would not even know that to pay an electricity bill or a water bill or a telephone bill. One was compelled to take a day’s leave. The queue was long. Getting a railway ticket or a platform ticket. All this is now in your hand, your mobile. Our mobile coverage, I can say, is reaching nearly saturation point.
The visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi was reflected. When he thought of banking inclusion and brought about 550 million people, mostly in the villages, into banking service industry. In the shortest time that has stood us in good state during COVID. And also, imagine a Nation where farmers, hundred million in number, get three times a year, direct transfer into their bank accounts but we have to be extremely worry also. AI, the gene, is out of the bottle and it can be extremely destructive. It can create havoc if not regulated, in the age of defects, working of deep state, wokeism. These menacing trends can get wings if this gene of artificial intelligence is not regulated.
To put it for young minds, a nuclear power can give you energy. Nuclear power can lighten houses, run industry but it can also be destructive. Therefore, we have both the possibilities before us. This calls for something on which the book has deeply focused. The author, Shri Sujeet Kumar, has given illustrations. If you see one of the most widely propagated on social media, one was taking a route using artificial intelligence but the road was broken in between. AI did not show it and it was a disaster.
It can be a challenge to nations, organised societies, because it is a power that is now available to all. India, being the fastest growing country in the last 10 years, is no longer a nation with a potential. Our objective is well set out to be a developed nation by 2047, if not before. And that requires for us to harness every available area and vista of opportunity because our income has to go eightfold per capita and that being the situation, we must look to harness artificial intelligence for our benefit and that surely can be done.
I would say India is amongst the few nations in the world that have focused on this aspect, much before others. But we are the most populous country, largest, oldest, most vibrant democracy. Regulating artificial intelligence is daunting, frightening, but imperative. Right balance will have to be struck between regulating artificial intelligence and fostering innovation, this is fundamental. Overregulation can choke like over disciplining a child. We don’t have to impede the spirit of entrepreneurship but at the same time, we have to be extremely cognisant of the evil effects. Underregulation can endanger public safety, perpetuate bias, and erode trust.
The author in his address had reflected on these problems. One of the greatest challenges that we face these days is, and let me come to the institution which I preside, every word is spoken in the Council of States by a member of Parliament. The Member of Parliament has the immunity from civil prosecution, criminal prosecution. The constitutional protection given to the member, even if the observations are slanderous, malicious, defamatory, damaging reputations of people, setting narratives that are anti-national, not factually well-premised, no citizen of the country can take action. Therefore, action has to be taken by the Council of States, self-regulation. But then, the quickest we can do is, if an Hon’ble Member makes an objectionable observation, it can be expunged. That is expunged only from the record. That is expunged only for posterity. But it gets the widest traction, how to deal with it.
I have tasked a committee headed by a senior parliamentarian, Ghanshyam Tiwari Ji. He heads a committee on ethics, to devise ways and means. One is counselling members. Secondly, calling upon the political parties that put their people in these institutions to discipline them, sensitise them but the critical question is, how do we save the damage? Artificial intelligence has an answer. Machine learning for me, to begin with, was only machine plus learning but it’s a mechanism that can deal with this menace in split seconds. So technology will have to be availed to make things a little more soothing to society.
We must therefore design regulation as a scaffold, not a cage. Our goal should be to enable a framework where responsible innovation thrives and sinister designs, pernicious designs, are neutralised. A risk-based, sector-specific, and principle-driven approach may serve us well in this regard. For instance, the level of scrutiny required for AI used in medical diagnostics should differ from the artificial intelligence creating social media feeds. We must assert India’s cyber sovereignty as much as we do the sovereignty understood in common parlance. But we have to be aligned to global standards. There can be no stand-alone activity in such kind of situations. There will have to be global convergence. All stakeholders will have to come on one platform so that we have a global, rule-based order in the field of artificial intelligence.
India is a unique country, our civilisational depth is more than 5,000 years. Our ethos, our culture, our values, our knowledge is reflected in our Vedas, our epics. India has been a thought leader for centuries. A global centre of culture. Our institutes of excellence were thrown by scholars from all over the world Takshashila, Nalanda, to name only two. They came, gave us much, took away much, shared it, our treasure.
In G20, India has taken a great initiative to generate a global community and that was reflected in India’s G20 motto, “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. It was the vision of the Prime Minister that brought in the fold of G20 nations of the African Union. European Union was already represented. Global South in neglect for quite long. A word not even known to many. But an important segment of countries in global polity and economy was put on the centre stage. We need to work out something where artificial intelligence can be on that level. The first step has been taken through our India Stack Programme. We are making many of our digital governance solutions open source so the journey of other developing nations gets this facility. Most importantly, the impact of artificial intelligence on ordinary citizens must be at the heart of regulatory regime.
An ordinary person will not be able to find solutions on his own. The system must provide automatic, inbuilt relief to ordinary citizens. To protect our citizens from the hazards of artificial intelligence, we need enforceable rights, such as right to explanation, the right to contest automated decisions. Decisions are automated. How to contest them, we are not aware and the right to opt out of algorithmic processing, especially when decisions impact livelihoods, liberty, and dignity.
Artificial Intelligence has generated a compulsive scenario for us. It has forced us to re-examine existing jurisprudence. Traditional legal concepts like liability, or even personhood come under pressure when actions are carried out by autonomous systems. Artificial intelligence opacity challenges legal transparency and accountability principles. Delegating legal interpretation to unexplainable systems undermines judicial trust.
Current legal artificial intelligence use lacks, this use is not complete. If we use current legal artificial intelligence, we find one deficiency. It lacks comprehensive regulation and oversight. There is urgent need for standards and safeguards to prevent consequences of unregulated artificial intelligence. Debate continues to raise all over whether artificial intelligence promotes legal consistency or perpetuates historical biases.
Justice at the risk, and the risk is great, justice at risk when algorithms lacking human qualities influence law, judgments can’t be robotised. There can be no artificial intelligence replication. Sometimes the distinction is too fine to be detected even by artificial intelligence. It is the brain of the judge, the discerning brain, that finds a resolution.
This book, friends, provides a road map for responsible artificial intelligence integration through case studies and regulation proposals. To put it in layman’s language, if you wish to know a gentleman, Google has enough to give you. You can assimilate it, but trust me, you will be ignorant of the person. You have to go much beyond Google, you have to go much beyond artificial intelligence to know the man.
Future of legal artificial intelligence requires deliberate shaping by professionals and policy makers. Friends, if artificial intelligence is not regulated, we will face trial by artificial intelligence. That will be a tough trial. The fundamentals of legal jurisprudence, like opportunity of hearing, a fair process, are its first casualty. Therefore, to prevent that, time is now to focus on ‘Artificial Intelligence on Trial’.
Every person now has power in his hand because of smartphones. Media has come to be defined very differently.
People are increasingly focused. The focus is intense on social media. The news sharing is the fastest on social media but what happens if it is moderated? It is manipulated? It is inspired by interests inimical to Bharat? It is aimed at destroying our constitutional institutions? Let me give you a highly alarmingly concerning aspect.
Access to judiciary is a fundamental right and when it comes to challenge to individual’s fundamental rights, the doors of the highest court are open under Article 32 petitions but what we have seen of late?
Access to judiciary has been weaponised by forces in a systemic manner, fuelled by extra-legal mechanisms, dubiously financed, and the object being to destroy core values of Bharat. We have to be extremely worried.
I must share a deep concern with you, while institutions have to self-regulate themselves but parliamentary institutions and judiciary blossom only when they self-regulate. We must have respect for these institutions’ inter se, and I hold every institution in high regard. But I firmly believe if there is an incursion in the domain of an institution, be it executive, judiciary, or legislature, by another institution, the doctrine of separation of powers will be stressed. The stress will be severe. The consequences may be huge.
Therefore, time has come. These institutions also, one, to apply technology like artificial intelligence to enhance, to secure cutting-edge in their administrative working, and in delivering in their core areas, like judiciary has to deliver through judgments, legislature has to do it through legislation, and holding the executive accountable.
But similarly, and it is undoubtedly a considered proposition, in all democratic nations, executive governance is the only way of life, because people elect their representatives for governance and for legislation but those who have the numbers get into executive seat from governments. If executive function is performed not by the government but by legislature or by judiciary, where is the accountability? Executive governance by another institution other than government is antithetical to our constitutional values.
It is negation of power of the people, ‘We the People’, who gave us this constitution. Therefore, such kind of technologies can really get into even-handedness working, equitable working. The equilibrium can be maintained. I strongly advocate that we must be extremely sensitive to institutional domains. But at the same time, we must have highest regard for our institutions.
We as a nation are proud for our Parliament, that we are proud of our judiciary. We are equally proud of our executive and you have to look back for last 10 years, our performance, and you will know the statement is well thought out, well premised.
I must also advert to another aspect. India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, much is being talked about it. People are having varying opinions, and that is the essence of democracy. Because a dialogue requires varying opinions. No one can be judgmental that I alone am right in democracy. Our Digital Personal Data Protection Act is a landmark step, but it now has to evolve in tandem with artificial intelligence regulation. Consent must be meaningful, those who are lawyers know it. A consent that is not free is no consent in law. And free means real freedom to give your consent. Consent cannot be buried in opaque and abstruse terms of service. I am sometimes surprised when I use my mobile phone, go to some application, there is pressure, I agree.
Now in utter helplessness, you concede a very personal ground. Unknowingly, you are lured or forced. Otherwise, the utilisation doesn’t fructify with ease. Consent cannot be in opaque and abstruse terms of service. Anonymisation, data minimisation, and purpose limitation must be rigorously enforced.
The regulation of artificial intelligence must be very transparent. It must go hand in hand with re-skilling and workforce planning. As artificial intelligence displaces certain tasks, it will. Because it has come to your house, come to your office. It does jobs sometimes better than normal resource and then an impression is gathered. Are we risking the jobs of people who work? Maybe in some situations, but then it does offer the stars of involvement. We must look in that direction. This requires that we must invest very heavily in education, vocational training, digital literacy, particularly for those who are marginalised, who are vulnerable, who need hand-holding situations.
Artificial intelligence, the governance part of it, I see it after deep thought, cannot be left only to technocrats or corporations. Democratic oversight is quintessence of democracy. Citizen engagement and transparency are essential. India’s parliamentary committees, judicial forums, and civil society, all are stakeholders. They must converge to secure the citizen against ill effects, evil effects of artificial intelligence.
Now, artificial intelligence, disruptive technologies are like another industrial revolution. There is paradigm shift every moment. We seem to be on quicksand when it comes to technological changes. Changes are taking place by the hour, I can say by the seconds. Therefore, to regulate something that is as dynamic as artificial intelligence, we need an agile and empowered institutional framework.
A national artificial intelligence authority or commission, independent but accountable with representation from government, industry, academia, and civil society could serve as a think tank. Let me give a simple illustration. This is turning out into a huge problem. People are losing the money from their banks. Now, artificial intelligence must find a solution that once something is stolen by electronic means on account of an inadvertent error or whereas citizen becomes prey to mischief in technology to neutralise and ensure traction of money is controlled. We are still very conventional.
The person has to go to a police station, and we find the area is in another state, so a physical visit has to be made. By that time, the crooks, the rogues who get themselves this kind of unjust enrichment move their working pattern. We need to do something about it.
I greatly appreciate the effort of Sujeet Kumar and his young colleague, Tosif Alam, and I have carefully gone through, having had the benefit of book in advance, of the comments that emanated from Justice Ranjan Gogoi and our N. R. Narayana Murthy, Justice T. S. Sivagnanam. He was a judge when I was governor of the state of Bengal.
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a technocrat with deep belief, I share one thing in common with our young friend, Tauseef Alam. Salman Khurshid is a dear friend of mine, a distinguished senior advocate, and you have to learn a lot from his style. He absorbs everything which is a challenge by way of thought process, but makes his point in a subtle manner.
Friends, in conclusion, the topic of regulation of AI will determine the kind of society we aspire to be. It has become a most important factor where we will be. Do we wish to become a digital dystopia where humans serve algorithm or a humane artificial Indian society where technology serves the people? The choice is ours. The choice is well known. There is nothing in artificial intelligence, it is far away from the human mind, so we must use capacity of human mind to regulate this artificial intelligence. It is on trial as per the book.
Let artificial intelligence not put us on trial. I’m extremely happy to release this book. It will be an eye-opener to everyone in all spheres of life. I wish the authors success for their next venture.
Steel is a deregulated sector and the government acts as a facilitator by creating a conducive policy environment for the development of steel sector in the country. The decision regarding import and export are taken by steel companies based on techno-commercial considerations and market dynamics.
Government has taken steps to ensure that only quality steel is produced in the country or imported from outside. In this direction, 151 BIS standards have been notified and have been covered by Quality Control Orders (QCOs) by Ministry of Steel to ensure that only quality steel is made available to the end users & the public at large.
The Government has taken following steps to encourage domestic steel production:-
Domestically Manufactured Iron & Steel Products (DMI&SP) Policy for promoting ‘Made in India’ steel for Government procurement.
Implementation of Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel to promote the manufacturing of ‘Specialty Steel’ within the country and reduce imports by attracting capital investments.
Country-wise and Year-wise import of finished Steel during last five year
IMPORT OF FINISHED STEEL (‘000 tonnes)
Country
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
ARGENTINA
26
7
1
0
0
AUSTRALIA
4
2
1
0
1
AUSTRIA
13
71
9
10
52
BAHARAIN
10
14
5
1
3
BELGIUM
74
56
28
33
17
BRAZIL
23
5
6
3
1
CANADA
20
17
10
11
6
CHINA
1207
843
833
1407
2687
CZECH REP
2
0
1
2
4
DENMARK
3
2
2
1
1
FINLAND
9
5
5
7
6
FRANCE
56
121
58
77
15
GERMANY
135
146
151
112
80
INDONESIA
464
79
241
148
94
ITALY
81
33
34
31
23
JAPAN
1018
560
664
841
1274
KAZAKHSTAN
3
11
1
6
0
KOREA
2687
1947
2009
2228
2670
KUWAIT
8
3
3
3
9
MALAYSIA
51
42
8
20
6
NEPAL
6
6
9
59
120
NETHERLANDS
11
20
13
4
3
NEWZELAND
1
1
0
1
1
OMAN
4
12
5
7
11
POLAND
8
5
7
6
3
PORTUGAL
2
1
2
2
0
ROMANIA
3
1
1
2
17
RUSSIA
71
63
55
313
53
SAUDI ARABIA
8
36
14
9
39
SINGAPORE
139
43
8
6
4
SLOVENIA
11
7
6
4
1
SOUTH AFRICA
22
15
8
5
7
SPAIN
32
20
27
21
5
SWEDEN
23
27
39
48
20
SWITZERLAND
1
1
1
1
1
TAIWAN
165
186
194
163
185
THAILAND
52
50
25
53
58
TURKEY
5
8
2
3
3
U.K.
17
11
6
5
4
UAE
21
21
24
12
52
UKRAINE
84
31
22
7
1
USA
65
54
29
17
20
VIETNAM
86
133
75
320
737
OTHERS
39
39
26
11
27
TOTAL
6768
4752
4669
6022
8320
Source: Joint Plant Committee (JPC)
This information was given by the Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries, Shri Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Digital dystopia where humans serve algorithms or a humane society where technology serves the people, questions VP VP calls for right to explanation, right to contest automated decisions for citizen protection
Need the right balance between regulating artificial intelligence and fostering innovation, underlines VP
VP calls for independent and accountable National Artificial Intelligence Authority
Consent that is not free is no consent in law; Consent cannot be buried in opaque and abstruse terms of service-VP
AI opacity challenges legal transparency and accountability principles-VP
We must assert India’s cyber sovereignty-VP
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 8:52PM by PIB Delhi
The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today emphasised on the need for regulation for AI while maintaining the right balance between regulation and fostering innovation. The Vice-President today underscored that, “ Regulation of AI will determine the kind of society we aspire to be. It has become a most important factor where we will be ! Do we wish to become a digital dystopia where humans serve algorithms or a humane Indian society where technology serves the people? The choice is ours. The choice is well known.”
To regulate something as dynamic as Artificial Intelligence, we need an agile and empowered institutional framework.
A National Artificial Intelligence Authority or Commission that is independent but accountable with representation from government, industry, academia, and civil… pic.twitter.com/lmkejkCee8
Addressing the gathering at the release of the book ‘AI on Trial’ authored by Hon’ble member of Rajya Sabha, Shri Sujeet Kumar at Vice-President’s Enclave today, Shri Dhankhar stated, “Regulating Artificial Intelligence is daunting, frightening, but imperative. Right balance will have to be struck between regulating artificial intelligence and fostering innovation. This is fundamental. Overregulation can choke like over-disciplining a child. We don’t have to impede the spirit of entrepreneurship. But at the same time, we have to be extremely cognizant of the evil effects. Under regulation can endanger public safety, perpetuate bias and erode trust.”
Hon’ble Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar launched the book “AI on Trial”, authored by Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Shri Sujeet Kumar Ji, and Shri Tauseef Alam Ji, at Vice-President’s Enclave today. @SujeetKOfficial#AIonTrial@SmtSudhaMurty… pic.twitter.com/o9fMS9YHy8
The impact of Artificial Intelligence on ordinary citizens must be at the heart of AI regulatory regime.
We need enforceable rights to protect citizens from AI such as the right to explanation, the right to contest automated decisions. The system must provide automatic, inbuilt… pic.twitter.com/7XkWTTMUQk
“……to regulate something that is as dynamic as artificial intelligence, we need an agile and empowered institutional framework. A national artificial intelligence authority or commission, independent but accountable with representation from government, industry, academia, and civil society could serve as a think tank. We must therefore design regulation as a scaffold, not a cage. Our goal should be to enable a framework where responsible innovation thrives, and sinister designs, pernicious designs, are neutralised. A risk-based, sector-specific, and principle-driven approach may serve us well in this regard. For instance, the level of scrutiny required for AI used in medical diagnostics should differ from the Artificial Intelligence creating social media feeds……impact of artificial intelligence on ordinary citizens must be at the heart of regulatory regime. An ordinary person will not be able to find solutions on his own. The system must provide automatic, inbuilt relief to ordinary citizens. To protect our citizens from the hazards of artificial intelligence, we need enforceable rights, such as right to explanation, the right to contest automated decisions. Decisions are automated. How to contest them, we are not aware and the right to opt out of algorithmic processing, especially when decisions impact livelihoods, liberty, and dignity.
”, he added.
One of the greatest challenges that we face today is that every word spoken by a Member of Parliament has constitutional immunity from civil and criminal prosecution, even if the observations are slanderous, malicious, defamatory, damaging reputations of people, setting… pic.twitter.com/1uumJ4H4BK
“..we have to be extremely wary also. AI, the genie is out of the bottle, and it can be extremely destructive. It can create havoc if not regulated. In the age of deep fakes, working of Deep State, wokeism, these menacing trends can get wings if this genie of Artificial Intelligence is not regulated. To put it for young minds, a nuclear power can give you energy. Nuclear power can lighten houses, run industry, but it can also be destructive, and therefore, we have both the possibilities before us”, he cautioned.
In his address he further stated, “The regulation of artificial intelligence must be very transparent. It must go hand in hand with re-skilling and workforce planning. As artificial intelligence displaces certain tasks, it will. Because it has come to your house, come to your office. It does jobs sometimes better than normal resource and then an impression is gathered. Are we risking the jobs of people who work? Maybe in some situations…..this requires that we must invest very heavily in education, vocational training, digital literacy, particularly for those who are marginalised, who are vulnerable, who need hand-holding situations”.
Underlining the importance of cyber sovereignty, he stated, “We must assert India’s cyber sovereignty as much as we do the sovereignty understood in common parlance but we have to be aligned to global standards. There can be no standalone activity in such kind of situations. There will have to be global convergence. All stakeholders will have to come on one platform so that we have a global rule-based order in the field of Artificial Intelligence.”
Access to Judiciary is a Fundamental Right.
When it comes to challenges to Fundamental Rights, the doors of the highest court are open under Article 32.
But what we have seen off-late, access to judiciary has been weaponized by forces in a systemic matter fueled by extra legal… pic.twitter.com/Su12qYk3En
Talking about the ramifications of AI in the legal domain, Shri Dhankhar stated, “Artificial intelligence has generated a compulsive scenario for us. It has forced us to re-examine existing jurisprudence. Traditional legal concepts like liability, or even personhood come under pressure when actions are carried out by autonomous systems. Artificial intelligence opacity challenges legal transparency and accountability principles. Delegating legal interpretation to unexplainable systems undermines judicial trust…..If we use current legal artificial intelligence, we find one deficiency. It lacks comprehensive regulation and oversight. There is urgent need for standards and safeguards to prevent consequences of unregulated artificial intelligence. Debate continues all over, whether artificial intelligence promotes legal consistency or perpetuates historical biases.…Justice is at the risk, and the risk is great, justice at risk when algorithms lacking human qualities influence law, judgments can’t be robotised. There can be no artificial intelligence replication. Sometimes the distinction is too fine to be detected even by artificial intelligence. It is the brain of the judge, the discerning brain, that finds a resolution.”
India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act is a landmark step, but it now has to evolve in tandem with Artificial Intelligence regulation.
Consent must be meaningful. Those who are lawyers know it, consent that is not free is no consent in law. And free means real freedom to… pic.twitter.com/bTUKeMuwcT
Emphasising on the significance of meaningful consent, Shri Dhankhar stated,“ Our Digital Personal Data Protection Act is a landmark step, but it now has to evolve in tandem with artificial intelligence regulation. Consent must be meaningful, those who are lawyers know it. A consent that is not free is no consent in law and free means real freedom to give your consent. Consent cannot be buried in opaque and abstruse terms of service. I am sometimes surprised when I use my mobile phone, go to some application, there is pressure, I agree. Now in utter helplessness, you concede a very personal ground. Unknowingly, you are lured or forced otherwise, the utilisation doesn’t fructify with ease. Consent cannot be in opaque and abstruse terms of service. Anonymisation, data minimisation, and purpose limitation must be rigorously enforced.”
Shri Sujeet Kumar, MP, Rajya Sabha; Smt. Sudha Murthy, MP, Rajya Sabha; Smt. Rekha Sharma, MP, Rajya Sabha; Shri Sunil Kumar Gupta, Secretary to the Vice-President of India; and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
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.
Coal dispatch refers to the process of transporting and distributing that coal to various consumers, including power plants and industrial facilities.
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:
Financial incentive: On 24th January 2024, the Government approved ₹8,500 crore for promoting coal/lignite gasification projects for PSUs and the private sector.
Investment by CIL: Coal India Limited (CIL) has been approved to invest in joint ventures with BHEL and GAIL for coal gasification projects.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Dust control: Dust suppression systems like truck-mounted Fog Canons and Sprinkler cum-mist sprays to reduce dust.
Training: Simulator-based training for Heavy Earth Moving Machinery (HEMM) operators and Virtual Reality (VR) training programs.
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.
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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The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025: An overview of the Act vs Bill
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:03PM by PIB Delhi
Introduction
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to update the Waqf Act, 1995 to fix issues in the management of Waqf properties. The proposed changes focus on:
Overcoming the shortcomings of the previous act and enhancing the efficiency of Waqf boards
Updating the definitions of waqf
Improving the registration process
Increasing the role of technology in managing Waqf records.
The Mussalman Wakf (Repeal) Bill, 2025 seeks to remove the outdated Mussalman Wakf Act, 1923, which is no longer effective for modern India. The repeal will:
Ensure uniform rules for managing Waqf properties under the Waqf Act, 1995.
Improve transparency and accountability in Waqf management.
Eliminate confusion and legal contradictions caused by the old law.
Major issues:
Irrevocability of Waqf Properties
The principle “once a waqf, always a waqf” has led to disputes, such as claims over islands in Bet Dwarka, which have been deemed perplexing by courts as well.
Legal Disputes & Poor Management: The Waqf Act, 1995, and its 2013 amendment have not been effective. Some problems include:
Illegal occupation of Waqf land
Mismanagement and ownership disputes
Delays in property registration and surveys
Large-scale litigation cases and complaints to the Ministry
No Judicial Oversight
Decisions by Waqf Tribunals cannot be challenged in higher courts.
This reduces transparency and accountability in Waqf management.
Incomplete Survey of Waqf Properties
The Survey Commissioner’s work has been poor, leading to delays.
In states like Gujarat and Uttarakhand, surveys have not even started.
In Uttar Pradesh, a survey ordered in 2014 is still pending.
Lack of expertise and poor coordination with the Revenue Department have slowed the registration process.
Misuse of Waqf Laws
Some State Waqf Boards have misused their powers, leading to community tensions.
Section 40 of the Waqf Act has been widely misused to declare private properties as Waqf properties, causing legal battles and unrest.
As per information out of 30 States/UTs, data was given only by 8 States where 515 properties have been declared as Waqf under Section 40.
Constitutional Validity of the Waqf Act
The Waqf Act applies only to one religion, while no similar law exists for others.
A PIL (Public Interest Litigation) has been filed in the Delhi High Court, questioning whether the Waqf Act is constitutional. The Delhi High Court has asked the Central Government to respond to this issue.
Key Features of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Feature
Waqf Act, 1995
Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Name of the Act
Waqf Act, 1995
Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency, and Development Act, 2025.
Formation of Waqf
Waqf could be formed by declaration, user, or endowment (waqf-alal-aulad).
Removes waqf by user and allows formation only through declaration or endowment.
Donors must be practicing Muslims for at least five years and must own the property.
Waqf-alal-aulad cannot deny inheritance rights to female heirs.
Government Property as Waqf
No clear provision.
Any government property identified as Waqf will cease to be Waqf. Ownership disputes will be resolved by the Collector, who will submit a report to the state government.
Power to Determine Waqf Property
The Waqf Board previously had the power to inquire and determine waqf property.
Provision removed.
Survey of Waqf
Assigned survey commissioners and additional commissioners to conduct Waqf surveys.
Empowers Collectors to conduct surveys and mandates pending surveys to be conducted as per state revenue laws.
Central Waqf Council Composition
Constituted the Central Waqf Council to advise the central and state governments and Waqf Boards.
All members of the Central Waqf Council had to be Muslims, including at least two women members.
Two members must be non-Muslims.
MPs, former judges, and eminent persons appointed to the Council as per the Act need not be Muslims.
The following members must be Muslims: Representatives of Muslim organisations, Scholars in Islamic law, Chairpersons of Waqf Boards
Of the Muslim members, two members must be women.
Waqf Boards Composition
Provides for election of up to two members each from electoral colleges of Muslim: (i) MPs, (ii) MLAs and MLCs, and (iii) Bar Council members, from the state to the Board.
At least two members must be women
The Bill empowers the state government to nominate one person from each background to the Board. They need not be Muslims. It adds that the Board must have:
Two non-Muslim members
At least one member each from Shias, Sunnis, and Backward classes of Muslims
One member each from Bohra and Agakhani communities (if there is Waqf in the state)
Two Muslim members must be women.
Tribunal Composition
Required state-level Tribunals for Waqf disputes, led by a judge (Class-1, District, Sessions, or Civil Judge), and included:
A state officer (Additional District Magistrate rank)
A Muslim law expert
The amendment removes the Muslim law expert and instead includes:
A current or former District Court judge as chairman
A current or former joint secretary to the state government
Appeal on Tribunal Orders
Decision of the Tribunal are final and appeals against its decisions in Courts are prohibited.
Only High Courts could intervene under special circumstances
The Bill omits provisions deeming finality to Tribunal’s decisions.
Allows appeals to the High Court within 90 days
Powers of Central Government
State governments could audit Waqf accounts at any time.
The Bill empowers the central government to make rules regarding registration, publication of accounts of waqf and publication of proceedings of Waqf Boards.
The Bill empowers the central government to get these audited by the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) or a designated officer.
Separate Waqf Boards for Sects
Separate Waqf Boards for Sunni and Shia sects if Shia waqf constitute more than 15% of all waqf properties or waqf income in the state.
Separate Waqf boards allowed for Bohra and Agakhani sects, along with Shia and Sunni sects.
Inclusion of non-Muslim members in the Waqf Board and Central Waqf Council
Conclusion:
The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduces significant reforms aimed at enhancing the governance, transparency, and efficiency of waqf property management in India. By addressing long-standing issues such as litigation and the lack of judicial oversight, the Bill seeks to create a more structured and accountable framework. Key changes include redefining the formation of waqf, improving the survey and registration process, empowering government oversight, ensuring inclusivity by incorporating non-Muslim members and women into waqf-related bodies. These provisions mark a crucial step toward modernizing Waqf property management in 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.”
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 26th 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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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 9th 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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