Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak today officiated at the kick-off ceremony of the “60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong” thematic event series.
As this year marks the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong, to commemorate and celebrate the remarkable milestone, the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) will organise and provide a series of thematic activities for young people.
Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Mak said that six decades ago, Dongjiang water was first diverted through mountains and valleys into the Hong Kong waterways, resolving the prolonged water scarcity that had plagued the city.
Subsequently, the country expanded and upgraded the water supply system three times. Today, Dongjiang water accounts for over 70% of Hong Kong’s freshwater supply.
She emphasised that the various activities organised under the theme of “60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong” aim to enhance young people’s understanding of the history of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong and the significant role that Dongjiang water has played in the city, enabling the youth to appreciate the substantial support rendered by the country to Hong Kong and strengthening their awareness on cherishing water resources.
The Youth Link will organise the “Exchange Tour to Guangdong Province for the 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong” on April 12 and 13 as the debut thematic activity, Miss Mak pointed out.
As such, around 80 Youth Link members will visit national major water conservancy projects and cultural and historical sites in Guangdong Province.
The HYAB will also arrange for the Youth Link members to meet and exchange with local youth and Hong Kong youth residing in the area.
Additionally, the bureau, in collaboration with the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, will lead 500 young people to visit and explore the source of the Dongjiang River at Sanbai Mountain and its surrounding regions in June.
Furthermore, the bureau plans to collaborate with different youth organisations and provide funding support under the “HYAB Funding Scheme for Youth Exchange in the Mainland 2025-26” for around 30 exchange projects under the theme of “60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong”.
The visits will cover water conservancy projects and historical and cultural sites in the Sanbai Mountain in Jiangxi Province, as well as in Dongguan, Huizhou, Heyuan in Guangdong Province, enabling the young people to learn more about the history, management and protection of the Dongjiang water engineering project, as well as the culture and history along the areas.
Miss Mak encouraged young people to actively participate in relevant activities to learn more about the story of Dongjiang water and pass on the spirit of gratitude.
CSIR’s Indigenously Designed and Developed HANSA-3(NG) Trainer Aircraft Signifies Giant Leap for Creating India’s Robust Aviation Ecosystem: Dr. Jitendra Singh Huge Opportunity for Startups and MSMEs; Potential for Employment Generation through Indigenization of Technologies
Democratization and Decentralization of Pilot Training to Reduce Costs and Realize Youth Aspirations
Collaboration Model of Space Economy to be Replicated in Aviation Sector to Meet Growing Demand
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 4:13PM by PIB Delhi
NEW DELHI, April 4: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today officially launched indigenous “Trainer Aircraft” technology for Commercial Pilot Licensing (CPL) and also announced the decision to involve the private sector to collaborate in the manufacture of this aircraft.
At a ceremony held at National Media Centre here, the Minister formalized the Transfer of Technology (ToT) of CSIR’s indigenously designed and developed HANSA-3(NG) trainer aircraft for Commercial Pilot Licensing (CPL) at the National Media Centre, New Delhi. The licensing of the HANSA-3(NG) two-seater trainer aircraft has been granted to M/s Pioneer Clean Amps Pvt. Ltd.
Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded the efforts of CSIR scientists for the successful demonstration and commercialization of the indigenous HANSA-3(NG), noting that the aircraft will fulfill the requirements of flying clubs in providing PPL (Private Pilot License) and CPL (Commercial Pilot License) training to the young generation.
The Minister emphasized the need to develop a large and world-class flying training ecosystem in India to meet the rapidly growing demand of the Indian aviation sector. The availability of CSIR’s indigenous HANSA-3(NG) aircraft will strengthen India’s aviation industry and help realize Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of India becoming a leading aviation hub by the end of the decade and achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the huge opportunity for StartUps and MSMEs, along with significant employment generation potential through the indigenization of aviation technologies. He emphasized that indigenous small aircraft manufacturing under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiative would support the development of infrastructure and promote small & medium-scale private entrepreneurs in the production of airworthy components, including assembly and integration of aircraft in India.
He also pointed out the socio-economic potential of this initiative, which will create employment opportunities through on-the-job training for ITI & Diploma holders in various disciplines of aircraft building and Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) training.
Dr. Jitendra Singh reaffirmed the government’s focus on democratization and decentralization of pilot training, which will reduce the cost of pilot training and give wings to the aspirations of youth, many of whom give up on their dream of becoming pilots due to affordability issues.
He stated, “Success in Space Economy by collaborating with the private sector will now be replicated in the aviation sector to meet the growing demand.”
India will need 30,000 pilots over the next 15–20 years, up from the current 6,000–7,000 pilots, as Indian airlines collectively have over 1,700 aircraft on order. Currently, India’s commercial aircraft fleet stands at over 800 aircraft. Typically, each aircraft requires 15–20 pilots for narrow-body aircraft and 25–30 pilots for long-range wide-body jets. Hence, there is an urgent need to create a world-class flying training ecosystem in the country. Dr. Singh also credited Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri K. Ram Mohan Naidu for enabling growth in the sector.
Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri K. Ram Mohan Naidu, complimented CSIR and CSIR-NAL scientists for their commitment towards the commercialization of the HANSA-3(NG) aircraft, following his recent visit to CSIR-NAL in October 2024.
The HANSA-3(NG) aircraft comes equipped with a digital display (glass cockpit) system and is powered by an advanced fuel-efficient Rotax 912 iSc3 Sports engine. The aircraft features a bubble canopy with a cabin width of 43 inches and electrically operated flaps, meeting modern user requirements. It offers excellent performance with a range of 620 nautical miles, 7 hours of endurance, and a maximum cruise speed of 98 Knots Calibrated Airspeed (KCAS).
Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, Secretary, DSIR & Director General, CSIR, while congratulating the scientists, said that the successful flying demonstration of HANSA-3(NG) at Aero India 2025 reflects CSIR’s unwavering commitment to developing indigenous technologies to meet the national need. These efforts aim to serve end customers like Flying Training Organizations (FTOs), ensuring a complete ecosystem for commercialization of CSIR technologies.
Dr. Abhay Pashilkar, Director shared that CSIR-NAL has received Letters of Intent (LOI) for 110+ HANSA-3(NG) aircraft from FTOs across the country. To meet the domestic demand and export potential, CSIR-NAL has partnered with M/s Pioneer Clean Amps Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, who will set up a manufacturing facility aiming to build 36 aircraft per year, with plans to scale up to 72 aircraft annually, in alignment with the goals of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
The Ministry has taken steps to accelerate the growth of village e-Commerce, for consolidation of the rural economy. The Ministry has launched an e-Saras portal in year 2022 for online marketing of Self-Help Group (SHG) products as a marketing initiative under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). The portal is facilitating direct market access for SHGs through e-commerce. e-Saras has achieved initial milestones, including over 34 lakh product sales and are delivering more than 8,000 products to 30 States/UTs, making rural products accessible across country. Further, the Ministry in collaboration with Government e-Marketplace (GeM) has created “SARAS Collection” as a Store Front in GeM for marketing of SHG products. Also, Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have been entered between Ministry and Flipkart Internet Pvt. Ltd., Amazon and Fashnear Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Meesho) respectively to allow the SHGs producers including the artisans, weavers and craftsmen to access national markets through the Flipkart Samarth programme, Amazon Saheli initiative and Meesho for marketing of SHGs products. An MoU has also been signed between MoRD and JioMart for onboarding and marketing of SHGs products. The Ministry has converged with ONDC for promotion and sales of rural women SHG products on ONDC platform. Some States have also developed their own e-Commerce platform to support marketing of products of SHGs.
SHGs products are now available on various platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, JioMart, Meesho, and GeM. Concurrently, digital marketing efforts are focused on building awareness for Saras Aajeevika.
Some major challenges being faced by rural entrepreneurs in adopting e- commerce platforms and steps taken to address them are as under:
S. No.
Challenges
Steps
1
Lack of awareness about e-commerce operations – Product packaging, Pricing, Quality, Fulfillment etc.)
Trainings have given to more than 4500 SHGs Members.
2
Inadequate internet connectivity
The BharatNet project of Ministry of Communications aims to provide broadband connectivity to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) in country, in a phase manner.
3
Logistical hurdles
eSaras onboarded 2700 plus products from 170 SHGs on eSaras portal and fulfilling customer orders from it’s fulfilment centre.
Various training programmes under DAY-NRLM have been conducted to onboard SHG members under DAY-NRLM on eCommerce Platforms like GeM, ONDC, Amazon, Flipkart, Meesho, JioMart etc.
Under Digital India Initiative, various technology-led startups and innovation schemes like Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE 2.0), Gen-Next Support for Innovative Startups (GENESIS), domain specific Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS) have been undertaken. Also, BharatNet Project, which connects rural areas with Optical Fibre Cable, and USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund) schemes that bring 4G services to remote villages have been implemented by Ministry of Communications to expand broadband access. These initiatives also support village e-commerce expansion.
This information was given by Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met Rt. Hon’ble Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal, on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok today.
The two leaders reviewed the unique and close relationship between India and Nepal. They expressed satisfaction at the progress in enhancing physical and digital connectivity, people-to-people linkages, and in the domain of energy. They agreed to continue working towards further deepening the multifaceted partnership between our two countries and peoples.
Nepal is a priority partner of India under its Neighbourhood First Policy. This meeting continues the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries.
Researchers have found a potential therapy for patients suffering from Autism / Intellectual Disability (ID) that will enable the patient to lead a life less dependent on others.
Current therapeutics prescribed to treat Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) / ID are mostly related to alleviating the symptoms rather than correcting the phenotypes observed in neurodevelopmental disorders, especially after brain development.
A team led by Tapas K Kundu and James Clement from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) found that in mice with mutatedsyngap gene(Syngap1+/-mice) which resembles humans with mutatedsyngap gene(present in autistic patients) the acetylation of DNA-associated proteins, histones or proteins that provide structural support for chromosomes is repressed in the brain. The epigenetic enzyme behind this acetylation seems to be KAT3B or p300. Kundu`s group had previously discovered an activator of this enzyme, TTK21.
Upon conjugating this activator with glucose-derived nanosphere (CSP-TTK21) and feeding to the Syngap1 autistic mice, the researchers could induce acetylation in the brain. The team has shown in research published recently in the journalAging Cellthat the CSP-TTK21 restores neuronal function, learning, and memory, and induces neuronal rearrangements in Syngap1+/- mice, mainly when administered after the brain is considered to be developed (adolescents in human beings). This report not only directly connects histone acetylation with autism, for the first time, but also opens a very optimistic door for ASD therapy.
The study provides a new potential therapeutic option by targeting epigenetic modifications in Syngap1-related ID/ASD that can restore the deficits to an extent that will enable the patient to lead a life less dependent on others.
Fig: Explains how feeding activator with glucose derived nanosphere could induce acetylation in the brain & control autism
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The opening ceremony of the third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival (PCF) was held today (April 4) at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC). Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the PCF this year is themed “More Than Joy”. Audiences can appreciate how pop culture can be transmitted and transformed, and how integration and breakthroughs are possible in addition to joy and laughter.
The Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; and an actor of the opening film “The Banquet” (1991), Mr Eric Tsang, officiated at the opening ceremony.
The opening programme, “Silhouette Resonance x The Banquet (1991)”, began after the ceremony. Pop singer Alfred Hui, a cappella choral theatre company Yat Po Singers, and beatboxer Heartgrey (Eric So) together with a live band performed songs from classic comedy films with fresh arrangements by renowned musician Ng Cheuk-yin. The digitally restored version of “The Banquet” (1991) was screened following the performance. Blending entertainment with cultural artistry, the audience was offered a fresh and inspiring perspective on the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s pop culture.
Another highlight programme that kicks off the PCF is outdoor music carnival “ImagineLand 2025” to be held tomorrow (April 5) and on Sunday (April 6) at the HKCC Piazza, and the Central Lawn & Event Trellis of Salisbury Garden, the Avenue of Stars free of charge. Supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, “ImagineLand 2025” features both daytime and evening programmes, encompassing music, films, comics, and more.
During “ImagineLand 2025”, “Go Beyond Concert”, “Comics Fun Experience Gallery” and “Funarts Corner” will be available during the day, while film programme “Movie Under the Stars” will be held at night. Over 35 musicians and artists from Hong Kong and eight countries and regions including the Mainland, Japan, Korea, the United States, Australia, France, the United Kingdom and Ukraine will perform on the three stages of “Go Beyond Concert”, showcasing boundless possibilities of music across the performances. Major line-ups of local artists include Ivana Wong, Joey Tang, Yatfung, Cloud, Ashley Lin, Pandora, Wan Pin Chu and more, performing mesmerising popular songs and original works.
At “Comics Fun Experience Gallery”, Hong Kong comics and animation from different eras will be displayed to highlight the creativity of local artists with immersive photo-taking opportunities. The exhibition also features the works of local humourist cartoonists and explores how comics intertwine with the city’s pop culture. Workshops on art, music, and crafts will be available for the public at “Funarts Corner”. In the evenings, two comedies, “Table For Six” (2022) and “Forbidden City Cop” (1996)”, will be screened at “Movie Under the Stars” tomorrow and on Sunday respectively, allowing audiences to enjoy outdoor films while relaxing on the lawn.
Other highlights include the “Laughter Double Bill: Hong Kong Comedy Film Spectacular” film screening programme; exhibitions “Comic Fun for All: The Magic of Hong Kong Comedy Comics” and “Legends of HK Film Comedies, 1980s and 1990s”; concerts “The 2025 Fiesta of Music Office Bands, Choirs and Orchestras-Bands ‘The Animated Melodies – Our Nostalgic Memories'”, “Ko Shan Fest” and “Music & Laughs”, and more. To support the PCF’s theme of “More Than Joy”, the Hong Kong Public Libraries will also organise book displays and subject talks in a series of activities under the theme of “Happy Reading”.
Several industry partners are also offering a range of events as part of the festival, which are not to be missed.
Hong Kong’s pop culture has drawn inspiration particularly from humour, a constant trendsetter that has left a deep footprint on many aspects of the city’s rich and colourful pop cultural landscape. The PCF 2025, with more than 20 programmes, not only delights audiences with exciting performances and works but also offers insight into the development paths of Hong Kong’s pop culture along the line of “happiness”. By participating in these activities, audiences will be able to discover their own happiness.
For more details, please visit the website: www.pcf.gov.hk, or call 2601 8703.
Union Ministers of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri Sanjay Seth Celebrate Tribal Heritage at “Hamari Parampara Hamari Virasat” event in New Delhi, commemorating Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s 150th Birth Anniversary Year Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel Calls for Recording Tribal Traditions to Safeguard India’s Heritage; Urges Tribal Communities to Prioritize Education
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 5:05PM by PIB Delhi
A special event under the “Hamari Parampara, Hamari Virasat” program, held in conjunction with Sarhul Mahotsav 2025, by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), in collaboration with the Government of Jharkhand, marked a significant step in celebrating India’s indigenous heritage in New Delhi, today. The event, marking the 150th Birth Anniversary Year of Bhagwan Birsa Munda (Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh), celebrated tribal heritage at the national level. It was inaugurated by Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, and Shri Sanjay Seth, Union Minister of State for Defence, in the presence of Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, MoPR, Shri Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary, MoPR along with other key officials of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Government of Jharkhand along with over 560 tribal representatives from Jharkhand.
Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, in his address, emphasized the significance of preserving India’s tribal culture that encompasses their local languages, music, food, and traditions defining their rich heritage. He articulated that the recording and documentation of “Lok Bhasha, Bhoosha, Bhojan, Sangeet” is imperative for keeping the nation’s heritage alive for future generations. While commemorating the valour and sacrifice of Bhagwan Birsa Munda in his 150th birth anniversary year, Prof. Baghel particularly acknowledged the invaluable contributions of tribal communities in the struggle against British colonialism, especially in the fight to conserve essential resources of “Jal–Jangal–Jameen” (water, forest, land). He highlighted how Adivasis, being the most indigenous group, have played a crucial role in environmental protection. Prof. Baghel noted that the Adivasis’ environmental conservation efforts are not merely part of their legacy but are vital to the overall ecological health of mother earth. He commended the community’s profound connection to land and environment, which has enabled them to preserve natural resources across generations. “If we had learnt the values like respect for nature from the tribal way of living, problems like global warming, ecological imbalance and ozone depletion may not have become so serious”, added Prof. Baghel. He urged tribal communities to prioritize their children’s education, as it is the cornerstone for societal upliftment and progress.
Shri Sanjay Seth, Union Minister of State for Defence, addressing the “Hamari Parampara Hamari Virasat” program, highlighted Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s inspiring legacy and appreciated the cultural awareness of Jharkhand’s tribal groups, that have immensely contributed to India’s rich cultural traditions. Referring to the Tribal Museum in Ranchi, established at the site where Bhagwan Birsa Munda was imprisoned during British rule, he stated that this museum serves as an inspiration center for future generations.Union Minister of State said “Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji inspires us to connect heritage with development. Taking forward this vision, the Sarhul festival organised in New Delhi gave a strong message to the nation – conserve Jal, Jangal aur Jameen. The contribution of the tribal community in preserving India’s civilizational values is unparallel. Sarhul reflects the belief that the closer we are to nature, the more joyful, energetic, and prosperous our lives become”.
Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, emphasized the vital importance of preserving rich tribal cultural heritage that forms the backbone of India’s diverse traditions. He asserted, “Our tribal songs, music, folklore, and traditions are invaluable treasures. If we do not safeguard them, they risk fading away with time. It is not just our duty but a profound responsibility to protect and nurture these cultural legacies for future generations”. Shri Bharadwaj apprised that over 3,000 villages in Jharkhand, have pledged to actively participate in this campaign to safeguard their art, culture, and traditions. He called for accelerated efforts in Jharkhand to establish it as a model for other States, showcasing how cultural preservation can thrive through community engagement.
The program also featured vibrant cultural performances, including traditional Mundari dance of the Santhali community and Munda tribal storytelling, alongside substantive discussions on the role of Gram Sabhas in heritage conservation, government initiatives for indigenous traditions, and insights from tribal leaders on grassroot governance and cultural preservation.
About Hamari Parampara Hamari Virasat
The “Hamari Parampara Hamari Virasat” initiative helps to integrate tribal heritage into the nation’s cultural and governance framework. Envisioned and supported by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, this campaign was launched by the Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Jharkhand on 26th January 2025 and has already witnessed more than 3,000 villages pledging their dedication to preserving traditional self-governance and cultural legacy. The objective of “Hamari Parampara Hamari Virasat” is to preserve, enhance, and transmit to future generations the cultural heritage, folk songs, festivals, and worship practices integral to the traditional governance systems of various Scheduled Tribe communities in Scheduled Areas. The program aims to document the vibrant history and cultural practices of villages across Jharkhand. This initiative aligns closely with the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA Act), which empowers Gram Sabhas in Scheduled Areas to safeguard tribal customs, traditions, and self-governance. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has constituted a high-level committee to oversee the successful implementation of this initiative, ensuring that the traditional governance structures of Scheduled Tribes continue to thrive.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi NREGS) is a demand driven wage employment Scheme. It provides livelihood security, i.e. fall back options for livelihood for the rural households, when no better employment opportunity is available.
State/UT-wise and year-wise details of persondays generated under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS from the financial year 2019-20 to 2024-25 (as on 31.03.2025) are given atAnnexure-I.
State/Union Territory (UT)-wise details of fund released for the wage component under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS from the financial year 2019-20 to 2024-25 (as on 30.03.2025) are given at Annexure-II.
In the beginning of every financial year, due and admissible pending liabilities, if any, of the previous financial year are reimbursed by the Government of India to concerned States/UTs. Accordingly, due and admissible pending liability up to FY 2023-24 has already been released to the States/UTs.
Fund release to the States/Union Territories is a continuous process and Central Government is committed for making funds available to States/UTs for the implementation of the Scheme as per demand for work on the ground.
Annexure-I
Annexure referred to in reply to part (a) of Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3972 dated 04.04.2025.
State/UT-wise and year-wise details of persondays generated under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS from the financial year 2019-20 to 2024-25 (as on 31.03.2025)
SI. No.
State/UTS
Total Persondays generated (in lakh)
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
2024-25
1
ANDHRA PRADESH
2002.25
2586.56
2414.87
2395.43
2554.97
2413.57
2
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
85.97
127.97
158.69
151.17
160.98
203.53
3
ASSAM
623.06
911.53
915.85
788.01
874.99
707.59
4
BIHAR
1406.81
2261.26
1802.75
2364.55
2205.25
2449.87
5
CHHATTISGARH
1361.75
1840.90
1692.27
1325.09
1276.63
1302.28
6
GOA
0.34
1.10
0.95
0.94
0.43
0.75
7
GUJARAT
353.69
482.29
568.01
466.41
492.76
428.12
8
HARYANA
91.19
179.62
146.39
96.51
123.18
115.87
9
HIMACHAL PRADESH
259.19
336.19
370.94
307.89
344.31
391.14
10
JAMMU AND KASHMIR
313.41
407.01
406.18
308.77
374.76
397.64
11
JHARKHAND
641.95
1176.08
1132.20
914.90
1097.17
999.59
12
KARNATAKA
1118.63
1480.27
1632.10
1258.25
1385.01
1297.22
13
KERALA
802.30
1023.00
1059.66
965.78
994.59
903.16
14
LADAKH
19.03
21.30
19.27
19.56
20.24
22.17
15
MADHYA PRADESH
1929.15
3418.06
2998.52
2259.82
1995.98
1872.70
16
MAHARASHTRA
629.58
679.35
825.30
787.99
1160.16
1611.20
17
MANIPUR
234.07
330.52
303.31
74.62
150.11
240.93
18
MEGHALAYA
370.22
383.70
393.63
289.22
325.48
310.82
19
MIZORAM
192.08
198.65
200.77
202.33
204.07
196.75
20
NAGALAND
138.48
180.12
192.58
196.83
178.73
92.76
21
ODISHA
1113.89
2080.75
1977.63
1852.73
1828.43
1173.86
22
PUNJAB
235.25
376.75
331.43
321.18
350.81
309.10
23
RAJASTHAN
3286.42
4605.35
4242.67
3571.46
3751.61
3108.64
24
SIKKIM
29.47
37.34
34.34
32.47
34.33
33.00
25
TAMIL NADU
2485.10
3339.46
3457.26
3346.55
4087.02
3051.74
26
TELANGANA
1071.14
1579.53
1457.93
1218.67
1208.58
1187.46
27
TRIPURA
344.02
437.22
426.18
334.55
370.49
352.70
28
UTTAR PRADESH
2443.28
3930.67
3255.82
3115.16
3452.85
3337.91
29
UTTARAKHAND
206.10
303.60
243.18
206.46
196.92
188.38
30
WEST BENGAL
2722.81
4140.17
3642.27
378.75
1.65
0.00
31
ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR
2.21
2.61
1.14
1.29
1.24
0.87
32
DN HAVELI AND DD
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.41
2.94
33
LAKSHADWEEP
0.04
0.02
0.01
0.05
0.04
0.00
34
PUDUCHERRY
7.65
10.57
6.15
8.30
21.89
10.77
Total
26520.54
38869.49
36310.21
29561.65
31226.02
28715.01
As per NREGASoft
Annexure-II
Annexure referred to in reply to part (b) of Rajya Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3972 dated 04.04.2025.
State/Union Territory (UT)-wise details of fund released for the wage component under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS from the financial year 2019-20 to 2024-25 (as on 30.03.2025).
(Rs. in Crore)
Sl.
No.
States/UTs
Fund released for the wage component
2019-20
2020-21
2021-22
2022-23
2023-24
2024-25
1
Andhra Pradesh
4510.63
6273.13
5270.54
5118.93
5629.31
6040.4
2
Arunachal Pradesh
84.81
224.89
326.09
352.14
283.19
402.13
3
Assam
1222.02
2154.95
2126.41
1831.4
1943.17
1558.85
4
Bihar
2305.56
4756.87
3539.93
5024.83
4284.17
4811.34
5
Chhattisgarh
2033.52
3362.94
2849.06
2381.67
2088.35
2569.71
6
Goa
0.85
2.34
0.24
3.75
0.88
2.36
7
Gujarat
565.32
1066.02
1159.92
1011.03
1000.81
1104.23
8
Haryana
242.58
600.89
461.95
306.35
357.77
398.8
9
Himachal Pradesh
423.71
736.75
743.4
656.13
597.66
798.98
10
Jammu & Kashmir
691.02
810.49
867.93
704.37
725.61
909.81
11
Jharkhand
945.79
2399.42
2238.73
2196.3
2249.64
2425.71
12
Karnataka
2690.96
4251.44
4680.81
3793.51
3794.71
4198.23
13
Kerala
3173.83
3356.22
3030.03
2935.75
2953.63
2450.68
14
Madhya Pradesh
3495.46
6419.71
5569.66
4541.45
3640.64
4286.63
15
Maharashtra
1098.01
1351.62
1670.9
1744.29
1947.47
3190.58
16
Manipur
252.08
596.26
553.65
757
0
542.9
17
Meghalaya
602.69
974.97
897.76
670.25
577.41
764.13
18
Mizoram
469.54
501.75
464.11
420.13
447.58
584.97
19
Nagaland
414.5
263.61
311.26
573.06
422.93
137.83
20
Odisha
1604.74
4219.2
4321.9
3743.86
3930.67
2667.14
21
Punjab
603.02
1021.25
913.08
883.11
928.24
947.09
22
Rajasthan
5158.53
8097.76
7793.29
6757.26
6490.07
6313.93
23
Sikkim
56.56
80.75
74.38
70.46
75.7
74.59
24
Tamil Nadu
4503.88
6958.79
7358.88
7469.9
10191.6
5995.6
25
Telangana
1693.05
2634.34
2680.23
2027.44
1785.29
2799.1
26
Tripura
579.41
904.4
822.16
672.17
724.3
725.9
27
Uttar Pradesh
4337.6
7817.58
6644.45
6551.57
7176.97
6585.39
28
Uttarakhand
306.85
713.17
503.45
433.61
384.98
432.87
29
West Bengal
6215.73
9397.68
5645.91
*
*
*
30
Andaman & Nicobar
3.09
5.81
5.62
8
0
3.11
31
Lakshadweep
0.9
0.5
0.1
0
0
31.5
32
Puducherry
13.55
24.44
14.11
20.65
50.39
38.8
33
Ladakh
0
22.49
42.48
42.3
44.66
62.96
34
Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu
0
0
0
1
0
8.66
Total
50,299.79
82,002.43
73,582.42
63,703.67
64,727.84
63,864.91
*As per provisions under Section 27 of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 due to non-compliance of directives of Central Government, funds to the State of West Bengal have been stopped since 09th March, 2022.
This information was given by Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Yogotsav Programme organised in Karbi Anglong; Assam Unites for Yoga Event Marks 78 Days to International Day of Yoga 2025
Posted On: 04 APR 2025 5:11PM by PIB Delhi
As the countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 continues, the spirit of yoga echoed across Diphu Police Reserve Camp Field, Karbi Anglong, Assam, where a vibrant Yogotsav Programme marked day 78 of the 100-day countdown to IDY. The event brought together nearly 380 enthusiastic participants, including police personnel and local citizens, in a unified celebration of wellness and inner harmony.
Glimpses from the Yogotsav Programme organised at the Diphu Police Reserve Camp Field, Karbi Anglong, Assam on 04.04.2025
Spearheaded by the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY) under the aegis of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, this Yogotsav is part of a nationwide initiative to raise awareness about yoga’s transformative power—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
The event witnessed the participation of 380 persons, including police personnel and public
The event wasn’t just a display of asanas—it was a resounding call to embrace balance, discipline, and holistic health, echoing India’s vision of creating a healthier, happier world through the timeless wisdom of yoga.
The event began with the practice of the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) led by Dibya Jyoti Deka, a distinguished Yoga Teacher, who has been conducting yoga sessions for the Governor of Assam for the past five years, his expert guidance and calm yet energizing instructions set a serene and disciplined tone for the morning.
Following the CYP, Yogacharya Subhasish Kar delivered an insightful session on “Yogic Tips for Better Health,” offering simple, practical ways to improve physical and mental wellness through daily yoga practices.
A key highlight of the programme was a live Jal Neti Practical Workshop, where participants were guided through this traditional yogic cleansing technique—highly regarded for its benefits in respiratory and sinus health.
Glimpses from the Yogotsav Programme organised at the Diphu Police Reserve Camp Field, Karbi Anglong
The programme concluded with a resonating message of wellness, harmony, and the importance of incorporating yoga into daily life. As a countdown event, it effectively set the stage for the upcoming International Day of Yoga 2025, reinforcing yoga’s integral role in promoting holistic well-being for individuals and communities.
The Union Budget 2025, contained an announcement on Grameen Credit Score, a framework to be developed by the public-sector banks to cater to the credit needs of the members of rural Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and people in rural areas.
The current credit scoring mechanism of Credit Information Companies (CICs) is, by design generic to all individual borrowers with no specific consideration for the rural sector. A Grameen credit score tailored for the credit assessment purpose of rural and SHG borrowers would facilitate better credit assessment of rural borrowers, thereby improving their access to formal credit. The Government is working out the modalities and the contours of the Grameen Credit Score framework in consultation with the concerned stakeholders.
This information was given by Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.