only police centric response is not going to succeed

Naxal menace will be fought 
with a people centric approach, says Jairam

The Union Minister for Rural Development, Shri Jairam Ramesh lighting the lamp to inaugurate the All India Editors Conference on Social Sector Issues, at Puducherry on February 10, 2012. The Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prime Minister’s Office, Shri V. Narayanasamy, the Lt. Governor of Puducherry, Shri Iqbal Singh, the Chief Minister of Puducherry, Shri. N. Rangaswamy and the Principal Director General (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Smt. Neelam Kapur are also seen.  PIB photo   10-February-2012

Naxal menace will be fought with a people centric approach, says Jairam
Union Minister for Rural Development Shri Jairam Ramesh has said that the government is working on a multi pronged people centric strategy to deal with Maoist violence in the country. Inaugurating the All India Editors' conference on Social Sector issues here this evening, he said, only police centric response to deal with the biggest internal security challenge is not going to succeed. He said, the Maoist menace can be taken head on by addressing the developmental concerns of the tribals, besides increasing the intensity of political activity. Giving the example of Junglemahal area in West Bengal, where intense political activity has forced the Maoists to take a back seat, the Minister said, people-centric welfare measures and better and sensitive administrative mechanisms are other necessary ways to deal with the naxal challenge, besides resorting to security measures through police and para-military forces. Dwelling in detail on the problems in dealing with Naxal violence, which has taken deep roots in 78 districts of the country, Shri Ramesh said, failure of politics and development were the reasons for the upsurge in violence. He said the centre will be redesigning and restructuring the rural development programmes and will make them more sensitive to the needs of the common man and particularly the tribal community. The Minister said, he is working on the institutionalization of the Concurrent Evaluation Network through the NGOs and research institutes at the Central and State level to get the regular feedback about the implementation of rural development schemes on the ground level. He said, the Ministry has already decided to open all rural schemes to CAG audit to bring about greater accountability and transparency. The Minister said, he is also planning to give more flexibility to the state governments and his target is that by 2017, the states will prioritize about 50 percent of all the rural schemes spending, besides enhancing the importance of neglected sectors like drinking water supply and sanitation.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's office, Shri V.Narayansamy said, a foolproof mechanism must be evolved to check the leakages in the implementation of the central schemes by the State governments. Asking the media to provide valuable suggestions in this regard, he said, the role of the fourth state should not only be confined to criticizing the government, but they should also highlight the positive achievements. Lamenting over the siphoning of funds meant for schemes like health, education and sanitation by the vested interests, the Minister urged the regional media to play a pro-active role in exposing the corrupt.

In his address, the Lt Governor of Puducherry Dr Iqbal Singh said, media makes democracy to function in its true spirit by informing the citizens about the developments in society. He said, editorial independence to pursue public interests is an essential facet for the press to lend credible voice for creating informed citizens.

The Chief Minister of Puducherry Shri N.Rangaswamy highlighted the various developmental measures initiated in the state for the welfare of the people. He expressed hope that the two-day deliberations will focus upon constructive schemes and decisions on social infrastructure facilities in a full-fledged manner.

In her address, the Principal D.G of Press Information Bureau, Ms Neelam Kapur said, the conference on Social Sector issues will provide an important opportunity to the representatives of the small and medium newspapers to interact with the policy makers. She said, the UPA government is implementing a large number of social sector programmes spanning various Ministries, which should be highlighted by the media so that the common man can reap their benefits.{PIB} 10-February-2012 20:09 IST
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All India Editors Conference on Social Sector Issues

The Principal Director General (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Smt. Neelam Kapur addressing the All India Editors Conference on Social Sector Issues, at Puducherry on February 10, 2012. The Union Minister for Rural Development, Shri Jairam Ramesh, the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions and Prime Minister’s Office, Shri V. Narayanasamy, the Lt. Governor of Puducherry, Shri Iqbal Singh, the Chief Minister of Puducherry, Shri N. Rangaswamy and other dignitaries are also seen. {PIB photo}10-February-2012

Govt.order bound to have nationwide implications

Govt.order sets at rest all issues on free treatment for poor  by pvt hospitals Says lawyer Ashok Agarwal 

The  Central  Government on 09.02.2012 has filed its Order dated 02.02.2012 in  the Hon’ble Delhi High Court informing the Hon’ble Court that after the Hon’ble Supreme Court has affirmed on 01.09.2011 the directions passed by the Hon’ble Delhi High Court on 22.03.2007 in Social Jurist vs GNCT of Delhi, the Government of India has taken a policy decision on the basis of judgment passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court that all the six hospitals which have been provided land by Land & Development Officer must strictly follow the policy of providing treatment free of cost to 25% OPD and 10% IPD patients. It has also informed that the Government of India has further incorporated the aforesaid conditions mentioned in the Para 3(i) to (xviii) above as a part of the terms and conditions of lease/allotment.

“Though the Govt Order relates to six hospitals of Delhi, namely, (1) Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, (2) Mool Chand Khairati Hospital, (3) St. Stephen’s Hospital, (4) Veeranwali International Hospital/ PRIMUS ORTHO, (5) R.B.Seth Jassa Ram Hospital and (6) Vimhans, but it will certainly have nationwide implications as the same lays down a national policy in principle for all private hospitals all over the country to whom public lands have been allotted on concessional rates,” says Lawyer and Social Activist Ashok Agarwal who has been fighting for the rights of the poor for the last more than 4 decades.

Social Jurist, A Civil Rights Group way back in 2002 through Advocate Ashok Agarwal had filed a PIL in Delhi High Court highlighting the fact that the private hospitals on public land allotted to them on concessional rates have not been complying with the allotment conditions regarding providing free medical treatment to the poor to the extent of 25% IPD and 40% OPD and the Government has failed to take any action against these erring hospitals.  Delhi High Court following the recommendations of Justice Qureshi Committee which were accepted by the Government , directed by judgment dated 22.03.2007 all the private hospitals on public land allotted to them on concessional rates to provide totally free of cost treatment to economically weaker section (EWS) patients to the extent of 10% IPD and 25% OPD.  At present, as many as 43 private hospitals have been identified which are covered by the judgment of the Hon’ble High Court which has in total nearly 800 free-beds for the poor.  These 43 hospitals do not include Apollo Hospital which alone has 200 free beds for the poor. (10.02.2012)

The President hoisting the largest National Flag

The President, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil hoisting the largest National Flag in India, at Kurukshetra, in Haryana on February 08, 2012.. {PIB photo}        09-February-2012

Kum. Selja lighting the lamp

The Union Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation and Culture, Kum. Selja lighting the lamp to inaugurate an exhaustive retrospective of Ramkinkar Baij, curated by sculptor K.S Radhakrishnan, in New Delhi on February 08, 2012. The Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri Jawhar Sircar and other dignitaries are also seen.  PIB photo....08-February-2012

Rashtrapati Bhawan – Udyanotsav – 2012

To be open from February 10 to March 15 
This Year’s Attractions–Floral Carpets, Cactus Corner and Bonsai

The Udyanotsav of Rashtrapati Bhawan – 2012, the annual opening of Mughal Gardens of Rashtrapati Bhavan including the Musical Garden, the Spiritual Garden, the Herbal Garden, Bonsai garden and the Bio-diversity Park, opens to the general public from February 10th. The Gardens will be open to the general public on all days from February 10 to  March15 from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Entry into the Gardens will be open only upto 4 P.M.

           However, the Udyanotsav shall remain closed on every Monday, during this period on account of maintenance activities. Further the Udyanotsav shall also remain closed on February 15 on account of a programme at Rashtrapati Bhavan and also on March 8 on account of the Holi Festival.
          
This year the attractions will be floral carpets, the Cactus Corner and Bonsais. A new concept of making of floral carpets on the lawns has been introduced for the first time to garden lovers.  A new Bonsai garden has also been established to enrich the variety of collections and styles, with about 200 Bonsai plants. A cactus corner has also been created.

           The entry and exit into the Gardens will be from Gate No. 35 of the President’s Estate, which is located at the extreme end of the Church Road, about 300 meters West of Cathedral Church.
          
Entry for physically challenged people using wheelchairs will be through the Rashtrapati Bhavan Reception.  Such persons can arrive at Rashtrapati Bhavan through Hukmi Mai Marg or Rajpath.

Visitors are requested not to bring any water bottles, briefcases, handbags/ladies purses, cameras, radios/transistors, cell phones, any writing material, umbrellas, arms/ammunitions and eatables. Such articles, if any, will not be allowed to be carried into the Mughal Gardens and will have to be deposited at the entry point at the owner’s risk.

March 14 will be an exclusive day reserved at the Udyanotsav for differently abled persons from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. Such persons will be allowed entry through the Reception of Rashtrapati Bhavan, from either Gate Nos. 2 or 37.

Schools wishing to organize a visit for children to the Mughal Gardens during this period may contact Section Officer (Invitation Section), President’s Secretariat, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi 110 004 on telephone numbers 23012960 & 23015321 Extn.4479 and fax number 23013189, two days in advance so that their entry can be arranged on a priority basis. {PIB} 07-February-2012 16:41 IST
***

Australian Medical Students Visit CMC

They were very impressed by the medical facilities of CMC

Ludhiana, 7th February, 2012 (Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria) 

Photo: Mr Nick and Mr Matt  with Dr HS Bedi – the Head of Cardio Vascular & Thoracic Surgery at CMC

2 medical students from the prestigious  Sydney Medical School of the University of Sydney visited the Christian Medical College & Hospital , Ludhiana. They are Mr Nicholas Malouf   and Mr Matthew Watson. They were in CMC from 23rd Jan to 8th Feb 2012.
They have been in CMC & H from as part of an educational and cultural tour. They were very impressed by the medical facilities of CMC and also the warmth and friendliness of the people of the region. They attended various sessions in Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Neurosurgery and the Betty Cowan Research wing. Both are sons of doctors – Nick’s father is one of the senior most vascular surgeons in Sydney and Matt’s father is a Prof of Medicine in Sydney University. They felt that the departments here were truly amazing and on par with the West, and were quite impressed with the high level of medical education here.
Both felt that India was fascinating and vibrant country from the food to the scenic beauty. Their visit to the Harmandar Sahib was stunning and they felt a sense of peace and harmony there . However it was the hospitality and friendliness of the people that they will cherish the most . They look forward to coming back to Punjab and CMC.
Dr SM Bhatti – Principal of CMC – told that CMC was much in demand as a learning centre for young doctors from abroad. All candidates come via the Medical Council of India (MCI).
Dr Abraham G Thomas – Director of CMC & H – said that with the excellent infrastructure and dedicated doctors who were second to none in the world – CMC was a role model for ideal patient care and research in India.

Text of the Speech of FM on the Release of National Policy

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

The Union Finance Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee releasing the National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, in New Delhi on February 06, 2012. The Finance Secretary, Shri R.S. Gujral and the Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri K.M. Acharya are also seen. {PIB photo).... 06-February-2012

Text of the Speech of FM on the Release of National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and Highlights of the Policy

Following is the text of the Speech of the Union Finance Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee at a function to release “National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances” here today. While presenting the Union Budget for 2011-12, I had stated that trafficking in narcotic drugs is also a contributor to the generation of  black money in India and had accordingly announced the Government’s intent to bring out a comprehensive national policy to strengthen controls over prevention of trafficking and improving the management of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. Let me, therefore, begin with congratulating the officers of the Department of Revenue, for translating this intent into reality. I also congratulate and acknowledge the other Ministries and Departments under the Government of India as well as the various State Governments, for their valuable contribution and inputs for the policy. A ‘National Policy’, as the name implies, has to reflect the viewpoint and mandate of all Ministries and Departments in the Government of India as also the State Governments involved in the field of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances; and as such the policy would not have come into being, were it not for your participation in the framing of the same. Today, the entire mankind is confronted with the problem of drugs in some form or the other. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in the World Drug Report of 2011 has estimated that between 149 and 272 million people or 3.3 to 6.1% of the World’s population aged 15-64 used illicit substances at least once in the previous year. What is more alarming is the fact that this number has increased since the late 1990s. It is obvious that the international community needs to raise the level of response to the challenge posed by drugs, and India, which is home to one-sixth of the global population, has an added responsibility in this regard. The National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances is one such effort by the Government of India, in this direction. The problem of drugs is compounded by the fact that the types of drugs, which are abused, do not remain the same. World over, a perceptible shift has been noticed from abuse of the so-called traditional drugs like heroin or cocaine, to synthetic and prescription drugs. While all drugs are bad, the effect of synthetic drugs on the human body is far worse than in other forms of drug abuse. For certain synthetic drugs, a single dose is sufficient to make the person an ‘addict’ of the drug and such a person does not have any control over his senses. He/ she can then commit any other crime just to have access to more of such drugs. It is this, that makes trafficking of drugs, such a unique form of criminal activity. It not only creates a victim in the person subjected to drug abuse, it also creates in him, a perpetrator of other crimes, which leads to further criminal activity. I cannot, therefore, overemphasize the degree of vigilance that needs to be exercised by policy makers and law enforcement officer the world over on matters relating to drugs. I am happy that in the form of the National Policy on Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance, there is evidence of such vigilance, by India. Apart from the obvious damage to the health of individuals and society, an obvious offshoot of drug trafficking activity is the quantum of black money that it generates. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact numbers, I am told that the UNODC estimates the quantum of global market in illicit drugs to be of the order of several hundred billion dollars. The deleterious effect of this quantum of black economy in the world can well be imagined. That this money can then finance several other forms of criminal activity including terror financing and other forms of transnational organized crime does not require much elaboration. The National Policy released today, presents evidence of India’s strong commitment and intent to rise to the challenges posed by the drug menace. It also reflects the country’s willingness to shoulder the responsibility which is cast upon it because of its strategic position, sandwiched between two major regions of the world producing illicit narcotics, and on account of being a traditional cultivator of licit opium and a supplier of this raw material for medical and scientific needs of pharmaceutical industry, which makes use of such narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances to make critical medicines.  I sincerely hope that this policy document will provide a useful benchmark not only for regulatory authorities, but also other stakeholders from the civil society engaged in any activities pertaining to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, without the involvement of whom, the fight against drugs is not likely to yield the desired results. I congratulate once again all the officers of the Government of India involved in formulating this National Policy.” HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NATIONAL POLICY ON NARCOTIC DRUGS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES (i) The policy recommends production of Concentrate of Poppy Straw (CPS) in India by a company or body corporate. This would enable India to retain its status of a traditional supplier of Opiate Raw Material (ORM) to the rest of world, while remaining competitive.  (ii) The consumption of poppy straw by addicts will be gradually reduced and finally stopped in a time frame decided by the States.  (iii) On the illicit cultivation of poppy and cannabis, the policy emphasizes use of satellite imageries for detection of illicit crop and its subsequent eradication and development of alternate means of livelihood in respect of cultivators in pockets of traditional illicit cultivation.  (iv) The private sector may be allowed production of alkaloids from opium. At present alkaloids from opium are produced only in Government Opium and Alkaloid Factories (GOAFs).  (v) Non-intrusive methods of regulating the manufacture, trade and use of such psychotropic substances will be introduced,  (vi) Emphasis will be laid on adequate access to morphine and other opioids necessary for palliative care, a strategy to address street peddlers of drugs, periodic surveys of drug abuse to gauge the extent, pattern and nature of drug abuse in the country, recognition of de-addiction centers,  (vii) There will be a time bound plan of action, detailing the steps to be taken by different Ministries/ Departments/ agencies, in response to the recommendations of the International Narcotics Control Board.             The policy attempts to curb the menace of drug abuse and contains provisions for treatment, rehabilitation and social re-integration of victims of drug abuse. Implementation of the provisions of the policy will lead to reduction of crime, improvement in public health and uplifting of the social milieu.             The NDPS Policy will serve as a guide to various Ministries and organizations and re-assert India`s commitment to combat the drug menace in a holistic manner.            Background: There are four broad aspects of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances –  (i) Administration of the NDPS Act and Rules framed there under,  (ii) Legal production, manufacturing, trade and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for medical and scientific uses,  (iii) Drug (Illicit) supply reduction, and  (iv) Drug (Illicit) demand reduction.          {PIB}   06-February-2012 18:51 IST                                                                          ******

Anand Patwardhan, Director of 'Jai Bhim.. Comrade

Shri Anand Patwardhan, Director of 'Jai Bhim.. Comrade' a film on Dalit atrocity addressing the Press Conference, at the “MIFF- 2012”, in Mumbai on February 06, 2012.  {PIB photo 06-February-2012}

Urinary Incontinence is curable

An UK Expert Dr Meena Dass visiting to CMC Hospital

Ludhiana//Feb 6, 2012//
Dr Meena Dass, Consultant Uro-Gynecologist at the Barnsley NHS Hospital Trust, UK, who will be visiting the Department of Urology at CMCH on 08-10 February-2012, in a telephonic interview said that Urinary Incontinence in women is embarrassing but it is treatable. Urinary incontinence means that you can't always control when you urinate. As a result, you wet your clothes most of the time during the day and night. This is embarrassing, but it can always be cured. Urinary incontinence can be caused by many different medical problems, including weak pelvic muscles or diabetes, after repeated child births, obesity and as part of aging in the females. Stress incontinence is when urine leaks because of sudden pressure on your lower abdominal muscles, such as when you cough, laugh, lift something or exercise. Stress incontinence usually occurs when the pelvic muscles are weakened, for example by childbirth or surgery. Stress incontinence is common in women. Surgery can be helpful. It is usually done if other treatment modalities haven't worked or if the incontinence is severe.

Dr Meena Dass described the new surgical technique of “Tension Free Vaginal Tape – Obturator Approach (TVT-O)” and highlighted its advantage over various other surgical procedures for Stress Urinary Incontinence (SIU). Dr Kim Mammen, HOD of Urology, CMCH, emphasized that the TVT-O Technique and use of similar slings, is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of patients with Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) who do not improve with medications. It improves the quality of life and makes the patients dry.
Dr Meena Dass along with Dr Kim Mammen and the Urology Team including Dr Francis Sridhar Katumalla, Dr Shafiq Ahmed and Dr Amit Tuli will be available to treat patients with Stress Urinary Incontinence. We hope to see many patients coming into our hospital “wet” and going  home “dry”, said Dr Kim Mammen, Professor & Head, Department of Urology, CMCH. Dr Meena Dass will be available for consultation from 08-10 February-2012 at the Department of Urology with prior appointment. The contact telephone for prior appointment: 0161-5026999 Extension: 5026 [Urology Office].
“I was unable to go for any social functions because I was always wet but, now after this surgical procedure, I am absolutely dry and I do not have to wear any pads. I do not smell of urine and I feel more confident of myself” said one of the patients who were recently operated at CMCH Urology Department. Dr Kim Mammen highlighted that the cost of this “Tension Free Vaginal Tape – Obturator Approach (TVT-O)” which is imported is available at a subsidized rate of Rs 20000.00 but for genuinely poor and needy patients few of these Tapes can be made available free of cost through Philanthropists and charitable organizations. Shalu Arora and Rector Kathuria

A high level British Defence Trade Mission in India

A high level British Defence Trade Mission and Delegation led by Mr. Gerald Howarth, United Kingdom's Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Ministry Of Defence, who is titled as Minister for Internal Security Strategy, called on the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. M.M. Pallam Raju, in New Delhi on February 06, 2012.    {PIB photo.....06-February-2012}

Inauguration of the Sapporo Snow Festival

The Union Tourism Minister, Shri Subodh Kant Sahai addressing at the inauguration of the Sapporo Snow Festival, at Sapporo, Japan on February 06, 2012. {PIB photo}06-February-2012

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

Information Kit for Rural Mothers
FEATURE PIC – Tamil Nadu                               Dr. K. Parameswaran*

Photo courtesy: Sand Box Schools

India has achieved, in more than one way, the recognition as a global power in many significant economic sectors. Nationally, a lot of positive trends on many social indicators like the near eradication of polio, significant increase in literacy rates and the increased rates in enrolment of both boys and girls in primary schools. However, progress has been slow in areas requiring systemic changes, such as in the provision of good quality community health services. There has also been only limited changes in health related behaviors like hand washing and exclusive breastfeeding.
To better the social health and economic conditions of women and children, the Government has adopted a number of programmes and initiatives. Many of these centrally-sponsored schemes, like the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, the Reproductive and Child Health Programme, the National Rural Health Mission and the Integrated Child Development Services have increased public resources to key sectors. However, the main challenge to be overcome in these sectors is to deliver these commitments and initiatives into results that can be measured.

ICDS Restructured

It is against this background that the paradigm shift of the Ministry of Women & Child Development in its approach to social sector issues assumes significance. The variance in approach signifies a replacement of the earlier solely only welfare oriented methodology with the aim of the holistic empowerment of women and child.
           The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme, launched in 1975 is the major component of these programmes. It has been expanded in three phases in the years 2005-06, 2007-08 and 2008-09.

Under the scheme, 6771 ICDS Projects and 12.95 lakh AWCs (Anganwadi Centers) are working as at present. Their services are being availed by more than nine and a half crore beneficiaries.  The number of AWCs has increased by more than half a crore during 2010 - 2011.

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)

Another important development in this respect has been the Union Government’s decision to formulate a national policy and curriculum framework on Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE). This policy is to be put into operation through the strengthened and restructured ICDS. This will result in the AWCs being re positioned as the Early Childhood Development Centres. These centres, in turn, will function as an enabling environment for promotion of early childhood development, with a sharp focus on delivering quality ECCE.

Information Kit for Rural Mothers.

It is against these developments that Information, Communication and Education (ICE) packages fro the Indian Rural Women have to be formulated. The following are some of the major points that will be covered by such packages.

·         No marriage before the girl is eighteen years old.

·         Breast feeding the child is equally important for the health and immunity - not only of the child, but also of the mother.

·         The mile stones of the child development must be watched for and noted. It is the responsibility of not only the health worker, or the mother! Rather it is the responsibility of the whole family!! (Important milestones include the fixing of the head, sight and hearing abilities, appropriate increase in weight etc).

·         The immunization schedule for the child should be strictly followed. The immunization card provided by the rural health worker can be of great aid in providing an added vigour to following the schedule.

·         The father of the child has an equally important role in the growth of the child. It is he who provides the fledgling child with a sense of security and confidence to take on life as part of a society. The rate of the growth of intelligence of a child increases when the child is brought up by both the father and the mother rather than when by a single parent. (PIB Feature). {03-February-2012 14:40 IST}       ******

*Assistant Director, PIB, Madurai.
With inputs from Ministry of Women & Child Development and the UNICEF.     

4th Regional Meeting

The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad lighting the lamp to inaugurate the 4th Regional Meeting of South Asian Forum of Health Research, organised by the Indian Council of Medical Research, in New Delhi on February 05, 2012. The Minister of State for External Affairs, Smt. Preneet Kaur and the Secretary, Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Director General, ICMR, Dr. V. M. Katoch are also seen. {PIB photo .....05-February-2012}

Workshop on Cochlear Implant

The former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Dr. Blake Wilson of Duke Medical Centre, USA, Prof. Dr. JM Hans, a pioneer in Cochlear Implantation, the CC (R&D), DRDO, Dr. V. Bhujanga Rao, Dr. Trifon Kiratzidis, Shri Praneet Kumar and Ms. Rita Chaudharee at the Workshop on Cochlear Implant, in New Delhi on February 04, 2012.   {PIB photo 05-February-2012}

Electricity Through Cogeneration:

A Promising Development
Dr. J. R. Meshram*
Gargi Malik**
Think of a sugar mill, not only producing sugar but also generating power as a by-product. Bagasse, a residue of crushed sugarcane used in sugar mills is the principal fuel used to raise steam in sugar mills. With the technological innovations, the high pressure steam generated in boilers can in turn be used to rotate the turbo generator blades to produce electric current. The process employed here to generate power is called cogeneration which essentially implies the production of two forms of energy, electricity and heat. The power thus generated can be used for meeting the requirements of the sugar mill and the surplus can be fed into the grid.
Cogeneration or production of electricity in combination with another industrial process is not limited to sugar mills alone. There are several other industries such as paper and pulp, textile, fertilizer, petroleum, petrochemicals and food processing which require electrical as well as thermal energy for their operations and therefore can use cogeneration as a process. The total fuel consumption is significantly reduced when “co-generation” or “combined heat and power” (CHP) is applied. The overall efficiency of energy use in cogeneration mode can be up to 85 per cent and above in some cases.
              In the present scenario, where price of fossil fuels is shooting up and there is shortage and non-availability of coal, cogeneration appears to be a promising development. The thrust on distributed generation and increasing awareness for cutting green house gases emissions increases the need of processes like cogeneration. Also it helps in controlling pollution from fossil fuels.
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is promoting cogeneration through various incentive based schemes. Biomass Cogeneration programme in India is currently divided into two components (i) Bagasse based (ii) Non-Bagasse based . While bagasse cogeneration is essentially sugar mills oriented non-bagasse biomass cogeneration can be used in biomass industry.

Bagasse Based Cogeneration
As already explained, the bagasse based cogeneration is mainly centred in sugar mills. India is the world’s second biggest producer of sugarcane. Indian sugarcane production during 2010-11 is estimated at 340 million tonnes. India’s 527 working sugar mills crush around 240 million tonnes of cane per year and generate 80 million tonnes of wet bagasse (50% moisture), of which they consume around 70 million tonnes for meeting captive requirements  of power and steam. Thus, electricity production through cogeneration in sugar mills in India is an important avenue for supplying low cost, non-conventional power.
Indian efforts for promotion of bagasse cogeneration started with two pilot projects taken up in cooperative sugar mills in Tamil Nadu in 1988-89 for generation of surplus power and feeding it to the grid. Though possibilities of additional power generation through cogeneration in sugar industry has been known for long, but their usage started in a significant manner only after 1994, after announcement of programme on bagasse based cogeneration by the Government.
A capacity of around 1854 MW of surplus power generation has so far been commissioned in 170 sugar mills in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. More than 200 MW of projects in about 20 private sector sugar mills are under construction. Optimum bagasse cogeneration benefits not only the sugar mills but also the sugarcane farmers as the value addition to their cane is enhanced and thus they can realise more money for it.

Power Cogeneration in Industries (Non-Bagasse) Programme 
The industrial sector today consumes approximately 35% of total electricity generated in the country. At the same time, high quality stable power is required to attain the higher growth rate projected for this sector. Majority of industries in India require both electrical and thermal energy. Today, they either buy power from the State Electricity Boards, or generate their own power largely through diesel generators and meet their thermal energy requirements through captive means mostly utilizing fossil fuels such as coal, oil or natural gas. As fossil fuels are limited, and have adverse environmental impact, it would be appropriate to use non-conventional energy sources including biomass resources such as crop residues and agro-industrial wastes for generation of energy in the industries mainly through biomass gasification technology for meeting their total/partial requirements for both electrical and thermal energy.
           Industrial co-generation has in the past not received adequate attention, as cheap power and fuel were abundantly available. However, with increasing tariffs, and unreliable supply of grid power, there is considerable opportunity for the industrial sector to tap the potential for producing electricity and thermal energy in the co-generation mode. In particular, there is significant potential in breweries, caustic soda plants, textile mills, distilleries, fertilizer plants, paper and pulp industry, solvent extraction units, rice mills, petrochemical plants, etc. Furthermore, co-generation projects based on conventional fuels such as coal, oil, lignite, gas and un/semi-utilized wastes/rejects like dolochar, coal rejects and refinery mud, etc. can also be installed in industry for meeting their power and energy requirements.
          To meet the requirement of captive power and thermal energy, the installation of biomass cogeneration projects (excluding bagasse co-generation ) is  being promoted in industry, with at least 50% of power for captive use, and a provision for the surplus power to be exported to the grid. This has increased the use of non-conventional energy sources and conserves the use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas. Use of maximum of 25% conventional fuels has been allowed in such projects. The promotional schemes also provide for Grants-in-Aid to State Nodal Agencies, NGOs and other concerned institutions for organizing seminars, workshops, training/orientation programmes, technology validation, strategic studies, industry-wise sectoral studies and performance monitoring & evaluation, etc.

New Initiatives for Promotion of Cogeneration in India

BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer) Model Cogeneration Projects in Cooperative Sugar Mills: Provision for Central Financial Assistance has been made for bagasse cogeneration projects taken up through BOOT model in cooperative sector sugar mills set up by Special Purpose Vehicle or an Independent Power Producer. In this case, the investment in cogeneration power plant with concurrent modernisation is done by BOOT developers. This model has advantage in terms of non-requirement of equity and loans by cooperative sugar mills and nil liability to repay and limited risks. The cogeneration plant and assets after BOOT period are to be handed over to cooperative sugar mills. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has supported the BOOT model projects in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.  BOOT model projects in 12 Co-operative Public sector sugars mills in Tamil Nadu of aggregate capacity 180 MW and BOOT model cogeneration projects in two cooperative sugar mills of Maharashtra of total capacity 80 MW are under implementation. The Ministry plans to extend this effort in the Co-operative/Public sector sugar mills in the states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat & Uttar Pradesh, during the next two to three years.
Boiler Modification in Cooperative Sugar Mills: A number of recently installed cooperative sugar mills have already employed the configurations to enable them to undertake cogeneration power projects with minimum investment through modification of existing boiler and matching turbine. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has modified the scheme for providing Central Financial Assistance for boiler upgradation of cogeneration project in such sugar mills.
The incentive based schemes and the technical support to the industry by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for installing cogeneration based projects is expected to give a big push to the non-conventional energy programme during the twelfth Plan Period. (PIB Feature). {01-February-2012 15:45 IST}       *******


*Scientist ‘F’, Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, New Delhi.
**Assistant Director, Press Information Bureau, New Delhi.

Success Story: Shakshar Bharat Mission

Making Big Headway in Khamdong Block of Sikkim
FEATURE:PIC, Khamdong                                               Suman Gazmer*

The Adult Education under Shakshar Bharat Mission, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, is progressing smoothly in Khamdong Block under Khamdong-Singtam constituency in East Sikkim. The classes are being attended by members of the indigenous Lepcha tribal community, Scheduled Caste and Other Backward Classes.The Shakshar Bharat Mission was started by the Union Government in 2009 with an objective to further promote and strengthen adult education, especially among the women. The mission reaffirms the national commitment to literacy and was initiated at Khamdong Block in 2010 where 26 centres of adult education have been set up with nearly 400 students.

The scheme in Sikkim is supervised by the State Rural Management and Development Department and monitored by the Human Resource  Development Department, Sikkim. The Department has appointed 28 teachers as Panchayat Education Assistant, out of which four are from the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, for the Mission. The panchayat members are also engaged in proper implementation of this scheme with the panchayat ward under Singbel Gram Panchayat Unit (GPU) of Khamdong Block performing well.

The Thasa ward under Singbel GPU has three centres with nearly 100 beneficiaries, most of whom are small farmers and lumbermen living Below Poverty Line. The learners are from the age group of 25 to 80 years and the participation of women folk is also encouraging in these centres.

Female literacy is given special importance by the Shakshar Bharat Mission for social development and to empower the Indian woman in every field. At Khamdong, the centre is running from the rented premises in Gurung Gaon and starts every morning at 10 am and continues till 1 pm. The classes in Lingdong ICDS and Lingham ICDS centres are being run from 1 pm to 3 pm.

The learning materials have been designed and provided by the State Human Resource Development Department, Sikkim, as per the guidelines of the National Literacy Mission for Shakshar Bharat to literate and non-literate learner of Sikkim.

Speaking about her experience, Miss Januka Bhattarai, who has been deputed in the adult education centre at Thasa Ward under Singbel GPU said, “It’s difficult to teach adult than the children. Their memory power is almost less due to the old age but we are putting all our efforts to teach them as a result, now they are capable of writing their names, identifying alphabets and numbers. The beneficiaries those are availing education at the centers have forgotten to use thumb impression.”

Similarly, one of the beneficiaries Passingkit Lepcha, 41 years, said that she is availing the facility since its inception. The mother of three children, Mrs Lepcha is very much happy today as she can easily write her name today.

Sujata Lepcha, 25 years, who is a drop-out, is continuing her education in the centre and happy to be in the education centre. Mukhia Lepcha, 59 years, and Kami Lepcha, 77 years, recall their past saying that they couldn’t study due to poverty. “But we are lucky that we have got an opportunity to be literate in this age”, they said on a happy note. (PIB Feature.) 02-February-2012 18:19 IST         *****

Disclaimer: The writer is a freelance journalist and the views expressed by the author in this feature are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect the views of PIB.
*Freelance Journalist.

A MoU on labour & employment between India and USA

The Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge and the US Labour Secretary, Ms. Hilda Solis signed a MoU on labour & employment between India and USA, at Washington DC on February 02, 2012.     PIB photo........04-February-2012