Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of India

Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda and Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister, Odisha launch and distribute Cobranded cards of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri-Jan Arogya Yojana and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana to beneficiaries of Odisha

Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana also launched in Odisha

Historic day for Odisha as approximately 1 crore families, almost 3.52 crore people of Odisha will be covered under the AB-PMJAY: Shri JP Nadda

“More than 8.19 Crore people have already availed treatment under the scheme and the government has cumulatively spent a total of Rs. 1.26 lakh crore for the same”

“Out-of-pocket expenditure has declined from 62% to 38% today as a result of the Ayushman Bharat scheme”

Another feather added to Odisha’s development story: Shri Mohan Charan Majhi

“Ayushman Bharat scheme is benefiting people across the nation, especially the poor and underprivileged section”

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 5:23PM by PIB Delhi

Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda and Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister, Odisha, distributed cobranded cards of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri – Jan Arogya Yojana and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, in Cuttack today. The Ayushman Vaya Vandana Yojana was also launched during the event. Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister of Tribal Affairs; Shri Mukesh Mahaling, Minister, Health and Family Welfare, Odisha and Members of Parliament and Legislative Assembly of Odisha were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Shri JP Nadda said that “today is a historic day for Odisha as the AB PM-JAY, the world’s largest health coverage program under which 62 crore people are currently being benefitted, will connect approximately 1.3 crore families, almost 3.52 crore people of Odisha.”

Shri Nadda informed that more than 8.19 crore people have availed services under the scheme and Rs 1.26 lakh crore have been spent under the same to provide healthcare services to the people of the country.

The Union Health Minister highlighted that around 61 crore people are covered under the scheme now. He said, “earlier, more than 55 crore people were covered under the scheme. Then ASHAs, Anganwadi workers and their families i.e. approximately 36 lakh people were added in the scheme. “In October last year, people over 70 yrs of age were covered under the scheme and now, with the implementation of Ayushman Vaya Vandana in Odisha, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, will be covered”, he stated.

Shri Nadda pointed out that the out-of-pocket expenditure has declined from 62% to 38% today as a result of the Ayushman Bharat scheme”. He also highlighted that under the 100-day TB Intensified Elimination Programme, Odisha proactively participated identified 16,500 new cases. “Under PM ABHIM, Rs. 1,411 crores have been provided for strengthening the healthcare infrastructure of Odisha”, he stated.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted that launch event as “another feather added to Odisha’s development story”. He stated that “from today onwards, beneficiaries of Odisha will get free healthcare facility. Odia people residing outside the state will also get the benefit. They can avail the facility in the hospitals outside the state.”

He stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Ayushman Bharat scheme is benefiting people across the nation, especially the poor and underprivileged section.

Shri Majhi informed that more than 4,000 doctors have been appointed under the current administration and 5,000 more appointments are under process. He underlined the commitment of the state government to strengthen health infrastructure in the state and stated its aim to establish medical college in all the districts of the state.

Shri Jual Oram noted that tribals of Odisha will be greatly benefited under the scheme. He stated that “people of the state are elated with the implementation of the scheme.”

Shri Mukesh Mahaling highlighted that “3.50 Cr people of the state will get health insurance cards under Ayushman Bharat & Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana and 23 lakhs elderly people in Odisha will also be benefited under the Vaya Vandana Yojana.”.

 

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HFW/Launch of AVVY and AB PMJAY Card Distribution/11April2025/1

 

(Release ID: 2120982) Visitor Counter : 65

Source: Government of India

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Presides Over 2nd Graduation Ceremony of ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad

Doctors should Lead Fit India Movement by Promoting Wellness and Preventive Care: Union Minister

Medals are Milestones but True Reward Lies in the Lives You Will Touch – Dr. Mandaviya

“Viksit Bharat by 2047 is not just Prime Minister’s dream but a shared duty of all Citizens”

Total of 447 Students Including 100 from each UG Batch of 2016 to 2019 and First Batch of 47 Postgraduates Graduates Today

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 5:36PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya presided over the 2^nd graduation ceremony of ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Faridabad, held at Bharat Ratna C. Subramaniam Auditorium in New Delhi today. A total of 447 students including 100 students each of 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 batch and first batch of 47 postgraduate students graduated today.

Addressing the graduating medical students, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the significance of the ceremony and emphasized on the importance of healthcare professionals in the nation’s development. His inspiring address to the graduates stressed on the need for dedication, ethical practice, and service to the community, urging them to continue their journey with passion and integrity.

Dr. Mandaviya underscored that a healthy citizen is the foundation of a healthy society, and hence, a healthy nation. In this context, he said doctors are the torchbearers of the Fit India Movement, playing a critical role in promoting wellness, preventive care, and healthy habits among the population.

Congratulating the graduates, he reminded them that medals are only milestones, but the true reward lies in the lives they will touch. “Even in moments where you don’t ‘win,’ learning itself becomes a form of victory,” he remarked. He also urged the new doctors to serve in rural and underserved areas, understand ground realities, and ensure healthcare remains accessible, affordable, and ethical.

Union Minister reminded the gathering of the national vision laid out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi — a Viksit Bharat by 2047. “This vision is not just the Prime Minister’s dream, it is the shared duty of 140 crore Indians,” he said, highlighting the central role doctors will play in this transformation. Every consultation and every life saved, he noted, contributes to national productivity and progress.

In closing, Dr. Mandaviya offered a powerful motto to the graduating batch, “Desh kaise swasth rahe — How can my country stay healthy?” — a question that, he said, should guide their practice, ethics, and future.

From Batch 2016 to 2019, students at the institute demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, excelling across multiple professional levels in the MBBS program. These accomplishments include 3 students ranking in the top positions in the 1st Professional, 7 in the 2nd, 6 in the 3rd, and 7 in the Final Professional exams. Notably, 7 of these top-ranking students are wards of IPs, highlighting the institute’s commitment to offering equal opportunities and fostering talent from diverse backgrounds.

Additionally, Postgraduate students have secured top positions in various specialties, including 1st Rank in 7 specialties such as Dermatology, IHBT, Otorhinolaryngology, Pathology, and Radio-Diagnosis, 2nd Rank in 3 specialties like Community Medicine and Obstetrics & Gynecology, and 3rd Rank in 3 specialties including Microbiology and Orthopedics.

Shri Ashok Kumar Singh, Director General of ESIC, and senior officers of ESIC and Ministry of Labour & Employment attended the event.

Watch the ceremony here: https://www.youtube.com/live/i3hgEQG_xL8?si=dPVtEqsKZff8qnSJ

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Himanshu Pathak

(Release ID: 2120988) Visitor Counter : 48

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 5:43PM by PIB Delhi

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the Release Trials of Long-Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’ between April 08-10, 2025 from the Su-30 MKI aircraft. During the trials, the weapon was integrated to multiple stations in different warhead configurations, with land target on Island. The trials successfully demonstrated range close to 100 kms with pin-point accuracy.

 

          LRGB ‘Gaurav’ is a 1,000 kg class glide bomb, designed and developed indigenously by Research Centre Imarat, Armament Research and Development Establishment and Integrated Test Range, Chandipur. Senior officials of DRDO and the Indian Air Force (IAF) participated and reviewed these trials.

 

The system has been realised with the support of Development-cum-Production Partners – Adani Defence Systems & Technologies, Bharat Forge and various MSMEs. The trials are paving the way towards induction of the weapon into the IAF. The Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance contributed towards Certification and Quality Assurance.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, IAF and industry for successful development trials of ‘Gaurav’. He said the development of LRGB will further enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces to a great extent.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated the entire DRDO team on conducting the successful release trials.

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VK/Savvy

(Release ID: 2120989) Visitor Counter : 45

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority (HA) had an exchange with patient groups today (April 11), elaborating on the enhanced patient protection measures under the public healthcare fees and charges reform. Approximately 70 representatives from different patient groups attended the meeting in person and online. The atmosphere of the meeting was positive and both parties anticipated continuous communication, enabling better and more comprehensive patient protection.

The exchange highlighted the enhanced medical fee waiving mechanism, the new cap on spending for public healthcare services and the expansion of the safety net. These initiatives aim to allowing the patient groups to understand more deeply that their protection will be bolstered after the full implementation of the fees and charges reform. The Director (Strategy and Planning) of the HA, Dr Ching Wai-kuen, said in the meeting, “With the public healthcare fees and charges reform plan announced earlier, the HA anticipates enhanced medical protection to poor, acute, serious, critical patients, rationalised public hospital service subsidisation and reduced wastage and misuse. Thus, the sustainability of public healthcare system will be enhanced.”

     The Chief Manager (Allied Health) of the HA, Ms Priscilla Poon, who spoke in the meeting said, “We understand that chronic patients are concerned on the fees and charges reform. Representatives from patient groups could learn more about the details of the enhanced medical fee waiving mechanism through the exchange, including relaxing the income and asset limits, extending the scope of coverage for period waivers and refining the definition of households. No patients will be denied adequate medical care due to lack of means. In addition, the new cap on annual spending of $10,000 for public healthcare services (excluding self-financed drugs and medical devices) can provide extra protection for critically ill patients.”

     The Chairman of the Hong Kong Alliance of Patients’ Organizations Limited, Mr Yuen Siu-lam, attended the meeting and said, “The meeting allowed us to clearly understand how the Government strengthened protection to patients in need under the new fees and charges arrangement. Measures including relaxing financial assessment criteria of the medical fee waiving mechanism and safety net, accelerating the introduction of more effective new medications and devices to the safety net and the introduction of the cap on annual spending of $10,000 for public healthcare services. These measures will ascertain that patients, especially those who are critically ill, will not be impoverished because of an increase in medical fees. This conveys an important message to chronic patients. We look forward to continuous communication with the HA.”

The HA is formulating the details of the public healthcare fees and charges reform. The HA will continue to communicate with patient groups on various platform, while also to elaborate the content of the reform, including the implementation arrangements for the enhanced patient protection measures, through networks between hospitals and patients. Moreover, the HA will further deliberate the fees and charges reform implementation arrangement with patients through different publicity channels, including media, social media and other promotion materials. While the new arrangements and other enhancement measures related to the public healthcare fees and charges reform will take effect in January 2026, the current fee schedule and financial criteria for application of medical fee waiver would continue to adhere to existing standards. Details of implementation will be announced gradually by the end of this year. Patients can then proceed with relevant applications based on their individual needs. Public hospital staff will be available to assist patients to ensure smooth processing.

The HA will also maintain active communication with other stakeholders, including Legislative Council members and patient rights groups, to understand their concerns.

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 6:02PM by PIB Delhi

The following is the list, in order of merit, of 792 candidates who have qualified on the basis of the results of the Written Examination held by the Union Public Service Commission on 1^st September, 2024 and the subsequent Interviews held by the Services Selection Board, Ministry of Defence for admission to the Army, Navy and Air Force wings of National Defence Academy for the 154^th Course and the Naval Academy for the 116^th Indian Naval Academy Course (INAC). For detailed information regarding the date of commencement of the above courses, please visit the websites of Ministry of Defence i.e., www.joinindianarmy.nic.in, www.joinindiannavy.gov.in and www.careerindianairforce.cdac.in.

2.  The results of Medical Examination have not been taken into account in preparing these lists.

3   The candidature of all the aforesaid candidates is provisional, subject to their submitting the requisite certificates in support of date of birth, educational qualifications, etc. claimed by them directly to the Additional Directorate General of Recruiting, Adjutant General’s Branch, Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence (Army), West Block No.III, Wing–I, R.K Puram, New Delhi -110066, wherever this has not already been done, and NOT to UPSC.

4. In case, there is any change of address, the candidates are advised to promptly intimate the Army Headquarter directly at the address given above.

5. The result is also available on the UPSC website at https://www.upsc.gov.in. Marks of the candidates will be available on the website after 15 days from the date of declaration of final results.

6. For any further information, the candidates may contact Facilitation Counter near Gate ‘C’ of the Commission, either in person or on telephone Nos. 011-23385271/011-23381125/011-23098543 between 10:00 hours and 17:00 hours on any working day. In addition, for SSB/interview related matter, the candidates may contact over telephone No. 011-26175473 or joinindianarmy.nic.in for Army as first choice, 011-23010097 or Email: officer-navy[at]nic[dot]in   or joinindiannavy.gov.in for Navy/Naval Academy as first choice, and 011-23010231 Extn.7645/7646/7610 or  www.careerindianairforce.cdac.in for Air Force as first choice.

Click here to see Result:

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NKR/PSM

(Release ID: 2121011) Visitor Counter : 74

Source: Government of India

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addresses gathering at Anandpur Dham, Madhya Pradesh

New India is moving ahead with the mantra of ‘Development as well as Heritage’: PM

Our country is the land of sages, wise men and saints, whenever our society goes through a difficult phase, some sage or wise man descends on this land and gives a new direction to the society: PM

The resolve to uplift the poor and the deprived, the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, this spirit of service is the policy and commitment of the government: PM

In a country like India, our culture is not only linked to our identity, It is our culture that strengthens our potential: PM

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 6:04PM by PIB Delhi

In line with his commitment to furthering the cultural and spiritual heritage of India, Prime Minister visited Anandpur Dham of Isagarh Tehsil in the Ashoknagar district in Madhya Pradesh today. He also performed darshan and pooja at Guru Ji Maharaj Temple and toured the temple complex at Anandpur Dham. Addressing the gathering, he welcomed the large number of devotees who had traveled from Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, and across the country. He expressed his happiness upon visiting Shri Anandpur Dham, sharing his experience of offering prayers at Guruji Maharaj’s temple which filled his heart with bliss.

Remarking on the sanctity of the land nurtured by the penance of saints, where altruism has become a tradition and the resolve for service paves the way for humanity’s welfare, Shri Modi highlighted the uniqueness of this land, quoting saints who said that sorrow fears to enter Ashok Nagar. He expressed his joy at participating in the celebrations of Baisakhi and the birth anniversary of Shri Guru Maharaj Ji, paying respects to the pratham Padshahi Shri Shri 108 Shri Swami Advait Anand Ji Maharaj and other Padshahi saints. He noted the historical significance of the day, marking the Mahasamadhi of Shri Dwitiya Padshahi Ji in 1936 and the union of Shri Tritiya Padshahi Ji with his true form in 1964. The Prime Minister offered his tributes to these revered Gurus and extended his salutations to Maa Jageshwari Devi, Maa Bijasan, and Maa Janaki Karila Mata Dham. He conveyed his greetings to everyone on the occasion of Baisakhi and Shri Guru Maharaj Ji’s birth anniversary celebrations.

“India is a land of sages, scholars, and saints, who have always guided society during challenging times”, exclaimed the Prime Minister, highlighting that the life of Pujya Swami Advait Anand Ji Maharaj reflects this tradition. He recalled the era when acharyas like Adi Shankaracharya expounded the profound knowledge of Advaita philosophy. He noted that during the colonial period, society began to lose touch with this wisdom. However, it was during this time that sages emerged to awaken the nation’s soul through the principles of Advaita, he added, emphasising that Pujya Advait Anand Ji Maharaj carried forward this legacy by making the knowledge of Advaita accessible and simple for the common people, ensuring its reach to the masses.

Addressing the pressing global concerns of war, conflict, and the erosion of human values amidst material progress, Shri Modi identified the root cause of these challenges as the mindset of division—of “self and other”—which distances humans from one another. “The solution to these issues lies in the philosophy of Advaita, which envisions no duality”, he emphasised, explaining that Advaita is the belief in seeing the divine in every living being and, further, perceiving the entire creation as a manifestation of the divine. He quoted Paramhans Dayal Maharaj, who beautifully simplified this principle as, ‘What you are, I am’. He remarked on the profoundness of this thought, which eliminates the divide of “mine and yours,” and noted that if universally embraced, it could resolve all conflicts.

The Prime Minister shared his earlier discussion with the chate Padshahi Swami Shri Vichar Purna Anand Ji Maharaj, who spoke about the teachings of the pratham Padshahi Paramhans Dayal Maharaj Ji and the service initiatives of Anandpur Dham. He highlighted the five principles of meditation established at Anandpur Dham, emphasizing selfless service as one of them. He remarked on the spirit of serving the underprivileged with a selfless attitude, seeing Narayan in the act of serving humanity, which forms the foundation of Indian culture. He expressed his happiness that Anandpur Trust is advancing this culture of service with dedication. He noted that the trust operates hospitals treating thousands of patients, organizes free medical camps, runs a modern cowshed for cow welfare, and manages schools for the development of the new generation. He also praised Anandpur Dham’s significant contribution to humanity through environmental conservation, highlighting the efforts of the ashram’s followers in transforming thousands of acres of barren land into greenery, with thousands of trees planted by the ashram now serving altruistic purposes.

“The spirit of service is at the core of every initiative undertaken by the government”, said Shri Modi highlighting that under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, every needy individual is free from the worry of food. Similarly, the Ayushman Bharat scheme has relieved the poor and elderly from concerns about healthcare, while the PM Awas Yojana is ensuring secure housing for the underprivileged. He noted that the Jal Jeevan Mission is addressing water issues in villages, and the establishment of record numbers of new AIIMS, IITs, and IIMs is helping even the poorest children realize their dreams. He reiterated the government’s commitment to environmental conservation through the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, under which crores of trees have been planted across the country. The Prime Minister remarked that the scale of these achievements is driven by the spirit of service. He reiterated the government’s resolve for the upliftment of the poor and marginalized, guided by the mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’. “This spirit of service is both the policy and the commitment of the government”, he stressed.

Underlining the fact that embracing the resolve of service not only benefits others but also enhances one’s personality and broadens perspectives, the Prime Minister noted that the spirit of service connects individuals to larger objectives of society, the nation, and humanity. He acknowledged the dedication of those engaged in service, highlighting how overcoming hardships becomes second nature through acts of selfless service. He described service as a spiritual practice, likening it to a sacred Ganga in which everyone must take a dip. He remarked on the responsibility of developing regions like Ashok Nagar and Anandpur Dham, which have contributed immensely to the nation, pointing out the rich heritage of art, culture, and natural beauty in these areas, noting their vast potential for development and heritage. PM further highlighted efforts to boost progress in Madhya Pradesh and Ashok Nagar, including elevating Chanderi handloom through Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Chanderi sarees and the establishment of a Craft Handloom Tourism Village in Pranpur to accelerate economic growth in the region. He also noted that the Madhya Pradesh government has already commenced preparations for the Ujjain Simhastha.

Acknowledging the recent celebration of the grand festival of Ram Navami, Shri Modi highlighted the ongoing development of the “Ram Van Gaman Path,” noting that a significant portion of this path will pass through Madhya Pradesh. He remarked on Madhya Pradesh’s remarkable and unique identity, stating that these initiatives will further strengthen its distinctiveness.

The Prime Minister affirmed the nation’s ambitious goal of becoming a developed India by 2047 and expressed confidence in achieving it. He emphasized the need to preserve India’s ancient culture during this journey, noting that while many countries lost touch with their traditions in the pursuit of development, India must maintain its heritage. “India’s culture is not just tied to its identity but strengthens its capabilities”, highlighted the Prime Minister commending the Anandpur Dham Trust for its significant contributions in this regard and expressed confidence that the trust’s service initiatives will infuse new energy into the vision of Viksit Bharat. He concluded by extending his greetings on the occasion of Baisakhi and the birth anniversary celebrations of Shri Guru Maharaj Ji.

The Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Patel, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mohan Yadav, Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia were present among others at the event.

Background

Anandpur Dham has been established for spiritual and philanthropic purposes. Spanning 315 hectares, it houses a modern gaushala (cowshed) with over 500 cows and runs agricultural activities under Shri Anandpur Trust campus. The trust has been operating a charitable hospital in Sukhpur village, schools in Sukhpur and Anandpur and various Satsang Centers across the country.

 

 

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MJPS/SR

(Release ID: 2121014) Visitor Counter : 129

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 5:40PM by PIB Itanagar

Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi undertook an official visit to the Kra Daadi district of Arunachal Pradesh on Friday, where she engaged in a series of developmental programs and community interactions.
 

The Hon’ble Union Minister was accorded a warm and vibrant welcome by the local community with traditional songs and a captivating Nukkad Natak themed on Poshan Abhiyan, performed by local artists, highlighting the importance of nutrition and health awareness.

During her address to the gathering at the 7th Poshan Pakhwada event, Smt. Annpurna Devi reaffirmed the Centre’s unwavering resolve to bring development to every corner of the northeastern region of the country, echoing the Government’s guiding principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, aur Sabka Prayas.” She stated, “Under the National Health Mission, the Government is actively conducting special initiatives to bolster health and family welfare across all aspiring districts, with particular emphasis on the Northeast.”

In a major boost to maternal welfare, the Union Minister handed over payment approvals under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), reiterating the Government’s focus on supporting mothers during and after pregnancy to ensure a healthier future generation.

She also shared noteworthy budgetary developments, highlighting a remarkable increase in the Gender Budget allocation. “The total Gender Budget allocation for schemes targeted towards women’s empowerment has been significantly enhanced from ₹3.27 lakh crore in Budget Estimates 2024–25 to ₹4.49 lakh crore in Budget 2025–26. The Gender Budget’s share in the overall Union Budget has also seen a substantial increase from 6.8% to 8.86%,” she noted.

 

The visit was also graced by several esteemed dignitaries, including Smt. Dasanglu Pul, Hon’ble Minister for Women and Child Development, Science & Technology and Cultural Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Balo Raja, Hon’ble Minister for Land Management, Civil Aviation and Urban Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; Smt. Mimum Tayeng, IAS, Commissioner, Women and Child Development, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, and the Deputy Commissioner, Kra Daadi district.

The visit of the Union Minister to Kra Daadi underlines the Government of India’s resolve to empower women, promote child welfare, and ensure balanced development across all regions, especially the strategically vital and culturally rich Northeast.

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PD

(Release ID: 2121016) Visitor Counter : 43

Source: Government of India

Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, addresses the inaugural session of the two-day National Level Review Meeting in Shillong, Meghalaya

Initiatives and formulation of strategies to further strengthen and modernise the Cooperative Sector across the country discussed during the Review Meeting

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and guidance of Union Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah Ministry is committed to promoting cooperative-led economic growth

Gujarat and Maharashtra are shining examples of how dairy can empower women and improve child nutrition

Role of national-level cooperative institutions such as NCEL, NCOL, BBSSL, NCCF, and NAFED pivotal in enhancing the cooperative ecosystem and driving innovation and inclusivity

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 6:24PM by PIB Delhi

The Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, addressed the inaugural session of the two-day National Level Review Meeting in Shillong, Meghalaya. The Review meeting, held on 10-11 April 2025, discussed initiatives and formulation of strategies to further strengthen and modernise the Cooperative Sector across the country.

 

Speaking at the inaugural session, Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the guidance of Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah the Ministry is committed to promoting cooperative-led economic growth with robust inter-state cooperation to realize the vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi.” He stressed on collating the PAN numbers of all cooperative societies of the country to enable more accurate representation of the cooperative sector in the national GDP. Dr. Bhutani reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening and advancing the cooperative ecosystem in the country.

The Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation said that White Revolution 2.0 is one of the flagship initiatives, aimed at rural upliftment through the dairy sector. States like Gujarat and Maharashtra are shining examples of how dairy can empower women and improve child nutrition. He said that we are partnering with institutions like Amul and NDDB to support states Assam, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and other states in expanding dairy infrastructure. The economic potential of animal husbandry now exceeds that of traditional crop cultivation.

Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani said that passing of the bill to establish India’s first Tribhuvan Sahkari University is a historic move. This university will standardise cooperative education across states and uplift over 250 existing cooperative institutions.

Secretary, Ministry of Cooperation, and Chief Secretary, Govt. of Meghalaya, along with senior officials, took part in a tree plantation drive under the initiative “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative in International Year of Cooperatives.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders including representatives from States and Union Territories, officials from cooperative federations, financial institutions, and policymakers, fostering a collaborative platform for knowledge exchange and strategic alignment.

The States Review Session spotlighted the pivotal role of national-level cooperative institutions such as NCEL, NCOL, BBSSL, NCCF, and NAFED in enhancing the cooperative ecosystem and driving innovation and inclusivity.

Director of IRMA, Anand (Gujarat), outlined the vision of Tribhuvan Sahkari University, the strategic objectives, and proposed institutional structure. The session reflected the Ministry’s long-term commitment to developing world-class cooperative education and research infrastructure.

A dedicated workshop on the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, focusing on strategic priorities such as benchmarking cooperative societies, impact assessment, and the formulation of a Business Reform Action Plan for the upcoming fiscal year. Delegations from Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand shared best practices and innovations in cooperative development.

The focus areas of the two-day sessions were on expansion of banking services for cooperative societies and ensure doorstep banking services via micro-ATMs along with provision of zero-interest loans through RuPay Kisan Credit Cards to members of Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS), Dairy Cooperative Societies and other Cooperative institutions, and strengthening of Rural Cooperative Banking. Expansion of time-bound establishment of Multi-Purpose Agriculture Cooperative Societies (MPACS), Dairy and fishery cooperatives, Grain Storage Plan, digital transformation of PACS and Agriculture and Rural Development Banks (ARDBs) with an aim to improve transparency, operational efficiency, and service accessibility was also discussed. An analytical discussion was also held on the impact of NCDC’s schemes and the realignment of its strategic direction with broader national development priorities.

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RK/VV/PR/PS

(Release ID: 2121020) Visitor Counter : 50

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 6:38PM by PIB Delhi

India hosted the 8th meeting of the AITIGA Joint Committee to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, from April 07 to 11, 2025. The event was conducted in a hybrid format. The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India and Deputy Co-Chair Dr. Sugumari S. Shanmugam Senior Director Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia. The meeting saw participation from delegates representing ASEAN countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

The committee’s primary objective was to advance the ongoing review of the AITIGA, aiming to modernize the agreement to be more effective, user-friendly, and conducive to trade. Five out of eight Sub-Committees (SCs) under the AITIGA JC also conducted hybrid meetings on the margins of the 8^th AITIGA JC. Out of which, four SCs, namely Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation (SC-CPTF); Sub-Committee on Economic & Technical cooperation (SC-ETC); Sub-Committee on National Treatment and Market Access (SC-NTMA); and Sub-Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SC-SPS) met in New Delhi, India, while the Sub-Committee on Rules of Origin (SC-ROO) met in Jakarta, Indonesia, facilitating progress in textual discussions and progressing in groundwork for tariff negotiations.

ASEAN remains a pivotal trade partner for India, accounting for approximately 11% of India’s global trade. In the fiscal year 2023-24, bilateral trade between India and ASEAN reached USD 121 billion.

The next AITIGA JC meeting is scheduled for June 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, continuing the collaborative efforts to enhance ASEAN-India economic integration.

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Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

(Release ID: 2121030) Visitor Counter : 123

Source: Government of India

PRESIDENT OF INDIA ADDRESSED THE MEMBERS OF THE INDIAN COMMUNITY IN SLOVAKIA YESTERDAY

BEFORE LEAVING FOR NEW DELHI INTERACTS WITH INDIAN BUSINESS DELEGATION

Posted On: 11 APR 2025 6:53PM by PIB Delhi

Yesterday (April 10, 2025), the President addressed the members of the Indian Community at a Reception hosted by the Ambassador of India to Slovakia at Bratislava. The accompanying Minister of State, Smt. Nimuben Jayantibhai Bambhaniya as well as Members of Parliament, Shri Dhaval Patel and Smt. Sandhya Ray were present on the occasion.

Addressing the enthusiastic gathering of Indian community members, the President said that relations between India and Slovakia are based on mutual respect and shared democratic values. She was happy to note that over the years, India and Slovakia has witnessed a steady growth in economic, political and cultural ties.

The President informed gathering about her fruitful meetings with the President, the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the National Council of Slovakia. She said that during those meetings ways to further advance our bilateral relations in various fields were discussed. She told the community members that during the interactions, Slovak leaders expressed great respect for the hard work of the Indian community and their valuable contribution to the development and progress of Slovakia.

The President appreciated the Slovak friends of India for their important role in further strengthening the friendly relations and mutual understanding between India and Slovakia. She was happy to note that India’s heritage and traditions are quite popular among Slovak people. She said that from Yoga and Ayurveda to Indian cuisine, the love for Indian culture in Slovakia is a testament to the growing strong ties between the people of the two countries. She expressed confidence that the translation of the Upanishads into the Slovak language would provide another opportunity for the Slovak people to connect with the ancient teachings of India.

Today morning, the President interacted with the Indian Business delegation before leaving for New Delhi.

Please click here to see the President’s Speech-

 

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MJPS/SR

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