LAUNCH OF DOCUMENTARY FILMS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES

LAUNCH OF DOCUMENTARY FILMS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE INITIATIVES

Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri V. Narayanasamy and Minister of Information & Broadcasting Shri Manish Tewari jointly launched documentary films on five good governance initiatives produced by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and interacted with media here today.

Shri V. Narayanasamy informed that these initiatives highlight the zeal of the Civil Servants who have conceived the projects, re-engineered the processes and implemented the initiatives with the support of the Government to improve public service delivery in their respective areas of function. “There is no dearth of innovative ideas in our country”, he stated. It is, however, necessary to make efforts to replicate them elsewhere so that the successful initiatives do not remain confined to islands of excellence. He exhorted that these initiatives are to be suitably documented and disseminated through all possible channels of communication to enable their adaption, replication and further innovation, for the betterment of the common man.

Shri Manish Tewari opined that though a number of progressive and developmental initiatives are taken by the Central and State Governments, it is often complained that the benefits do not reach the ground level. Appreciating the initiative taken by DARPG to disseminate these best practices, he hoped that this would facilitate their replication elsewhere and the benefits percolate down to the common man. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, would fully assist the dissemination of the message of these initiatives through its different media units, he added.

Shri Sanjay Kothari, Secretary, DARPG informed the participants that three of the films which were launched, namely, (i) Village Health & Nutrition in Complete Convergence Mode in Tripura, (ii) Participatory Scientific Watershed Management in Gujarat, and (iii) Sustainable Plastic Waste Management in Himachal Pradesh, were conferred the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration in the previous years, and the other two, namely, Liberating Manual Scavengers and Moving Towards Total Sanitation, District Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, and (ii) Jeevika – Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society: Socio Economic Empowerment of Rural Poor through Sustainable Community Institution, have been well acclaimed all over the country for importance of the initiatives and the far reaching impact they have on the marginalised sections of the country.

The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances has been documenting and disseminating best practices of the Central and State Governments through various modes of communication such as documentary films, books, workshops and Conferences with an objective to promote the successful initiatives and facilitate their replication elsewhere in the country. So far 43 such documentary films have been produced by the Department through the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity. Documentary films on thirteen more initiatives are in the process of production.

The documentary films are meant for diverse audiences such as probationers & other officers in national academies and State training institutes; delegates in conferences, seminars and meetings at Central, State, District, Panchayat levels; and for telecast on national network of Doordarshan or other television channels for general public.

Source: Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF PSUS

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF PSUS

As per the existing guidelines on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) issued by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) in April, 2010, all profit making Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), including Maharatna CPSEs are required to select CSR activities which are aligned with their Business strategy and to undertake them in a project mode. Giving this information in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha the Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Shri Praful Patel, said that CPSEs are mandated to spend their funds on CSR projects selected by them with the approval of their respective Boards. All profit making CPSEs are required to allocate budget mandatorily through a Board Resolution as percentage of net profit (previous year) in the following manner:

Type of CPSEs Net Profit (Previous Year)	Expenditure range for CSR in a Financial Year (% of profit)
(i) Less than Rs. 100 crore	3% – 5%
(ii) Rs.100 crore to Rs. 500 crore	2% – 3% (Subject to a Minimum of Rs. 3 crore)
(iii)Rs.500 crore and above	0.5% – 2%

Shri Patel informed the House that the loss making CPSEs are not mandated to earmark specific funding for CSR activities. CSR Budget is fixed for each financial year and this fund does not lapse. It is transferred to a CSR funds in which it accumulates. Implementation of CSR activities of CPSEs is monitored by the administrative Ministries/ Departments of concerned CPSEs. State/UT/PSU-wise information of CSR work undertaken by the CPSEs, including Maharatna CPSEs and the number of persons benefited there from, is not maintained centrally in the Department of Public Enterprises. CPSEs are free to take up CSR Projects for upliftment of weaker sections, and backward districts, the Minister said in his reply.

Source: Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises

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STEPS TO CHECK INFLOW OF ILLEGAL MONEY

STEPS TO CHECK INFLOW OF ILLEGAL MONEY

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued comprehensive instructions/guidelines to banks on Know Your Customer (KYC) norms/Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards/Combating of Financing of Terrorism (CFT)/Obligation of banks under PMLA, 2002.

Also under PMLA 2002, the reporting entities, including banks, financial institutions and intermediaries of securities market, payment system operators and authorized persons which include Money Transfer Service Providers, Authorized Money Changers etc, are under obligation to file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) to the FIU-IND. After analysis of STRs, the information is disseminated to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for further investigation.

Further, the Government monitors the receipt and utilization of foreign contribution received by any ‘person’ including Non Government Organisations (NGOs) in the country in terms of Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 and the Rules framed thereunder.

In cases of receipt of funds from abroad other than through authorized channels, Directorate of Enforcement takes appropriate action under Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.

During the years 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13 (upto 28.2.2013), based upon the investigations conducted, the Adjudicating Authorities under FEMA have issued 945 Show Cause Notices for alleged contravention of the relevant provisions of FEMA relating to the transfer of funds unauthorisedly to the extent of about Rs. 2530 crore.

Apart from above, on the basis of enquiries on the complaints received, 24 cases have been referred to CBI, 10 cases to State Police, 35 NGOs have been placed in Prior Permission category, accounts of 32 NGOs have been frozen, 72 NGOs have been prohibited from receiving foreign contribution and registration of 4138 NGOs have been canceled by Ministry of Home Affairs.

As per the Master Circulated dated 2.7.2012 issued by RBI, and in terms of Regulation 5A of the Foreign Exchange Management (Acquisition and transfer of immovable property in India) Regulation 2000, Foreign Embassy/Diplomat/Consulate General are permitted to purchase/sell immovable property (other than agricultural land/plantation property/farm house) in India subject to clearance from Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, besides payment of the consideration amount out of funds remitted from abroad through normal banking channels.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri S.S. Palanimanickam in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

Source: Government of India, Ministry of Finance

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ACTION PLAN TO STRENGTHEN THE POLICE AND ADMINISTRATION TO COMBAT SEXUAL CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN

GOVERNMENT INITIATES TIME-BOUND ACTION PLAN TO STRENGTHEN THE POLICE AND ADMINISTRATION TO COMBAT SEXUAL CRIMES AGAINST WOMEN

The Government has initiated a time bound action plan to combat crimes against women. A number of steps have been outlined to improve and strengthen the police and administrative system to ensure that crimes against the women are prevented through quick action, a gender sensitive response mechanism and greater accountability of the enforcement agencies.

The Ordinance promulgated by the President on February 3, 2013 deals with the amendments in the criminal law. These measures are in addition to the Ordinance and cut across various ministries.

The Cabinet Secretary has held a series of meetings recently with senior officials of the concerned Ministries to formulate an action plan within an indicated time frame. Secretaries of seven key ministries have been directed to personally monitor the implementation of these measures and report every month to the Cabinet Secretary and the Prime Minister’s Office. The measures outlined deal with changes in the police system, a review of the Motor Vehicles Act, measures to make responses to crimes against women efficient and sensitive and other administrative measures.

The steps outlined include the following:

1. NCRB will compile a database of persons convicted of criminal offences. The details of criminals convicted of crimes against women will be displayed on their website.

2. Action will be taken to provide the facility of registering an FIR in any police station irrespective of the jurisdiction or area of the time. The FIR may thereafter be transferred to the concerned police station for investigation. This will pertain to serious crimes including issues against women.

3. It is important that citizens should not face any harassment when they come forward to assist women in distress. For this, such citizens should be protected to enable them to freely report a crime and assist the victim/police without being subjected to any interrogation or being forced to become witnesses.

4. ‘Women Only’ buses should be pressed into service. A programme is proposed to be undertaken for encouraging more women driven buses/taxis all over the country.

5. The existing Motor Vehicle Regulations will be reviewed.

6. It has been reported that in some instances vehicles have factory-fitted glasses wherein the tint is more than the permissible limit. Secretary, MoRT&H, in consultation with technical experts and police representatives, will examine what should be the maximum permissible level of tinting in the glasses in public transport buses. The use of curtains will be reviewed taking into account the need for passenger comfort and visibility required for security purposes. MoRT&H proposes to appropriately revise the standards and ensure compliance by the manufacturers of these buses.

7. There is need for 100% verification for drivers/conductors/helpers (the entire crew) of the public transport vehicles, plying in Delhi in a time bound programme which will include collecting bio-metrics of all such persons as well. For this, action will be taken to review the relevant Rules for mandating the same. Ministry of Home Affairs would develop a protocol over a defined time frame, for verification of the crew of public transport vehicles and suitable advise the State Governments also to undertake the same. After the stipulated time frame, no public transport vehicle will be allowed to be driven/manned by any driver/conductor/helper or other crew member unless such a person has been verified and carries the verification certificate/identity permit.

8. Owners of buses will be held responsible for compliance of the steps outlined. It is also necessary to debar owners of vehicles involved in repeat offences from retaining existing permits/obtaining any fresh permits for plying public transport vehicles and for impounding of vehicles involved in repeat offences. MoRT&H/State Governments will initiate action in this regard. The particulars of the bus owner/drivers and details of permit and license shall be prominently displayed in the buses both inside and outside, at places where it is prominently visible in easily readable fonts. Use of GPS devices in all public transport vehicles is necessary along with setting up of a control room to monitor movement of buses. Ministry of Road Transport & Highways would issue an appropriate advisory to all the States in this regard.

9. There is need to increase the quantum of fines leviable on violation of permit conditions and to disallow compounding of offences beyond a certain number

10. Delhi Government will issue a draft notification for revising the permit for public transport vehicle incorporating provisions for disallowing use of inappropriate films and tinted glasses, higher punishment for repeat offences and other necessary measures. The final notification will be issued within a month.

11. Secretary, MoRT&H will write to all the States regarding the revision/changes in the Permit conditions being made by the Government of Delhi and request them to take similar measures.

12. At the time of inspection of police stations, it should be mandatory for the inspecting officer to specifically record his findings regarding the gender sensitivity of the personnel posted in the police station as well as the record of the police station/SHO in registering/investigating complaints of crimes against women, and for checking whether women are being discouraged from lodging complaints in the police stations.

13. Strict action will be taken against police personnel and officers found to be either displaying bias against women or neglecting their supervisory responsibilities in this regard.

14. There is a continual need for gender sensitization among the police force, particularly at the level of the constabulary on beat duty or at the police stations. There is need for impressing that there has to be a complete cessation of gender insensitive comments. For this, training courses need to be organized on a regular basis by the police. Strict disciplinary action will be taken against any official indulging in gender bias. Action taken in this regard has to be reported at every level. If action is not found to be taken against an erring official, the supervisory officer will be held accountable. Instructions in this regard will be issued and compliance ensured.

15. At all levels, it will be made mandatory for a reporting officer to comment upon on the gender sensitivity of the police personnel reported upon in the Annual Performance Appraisal Report. It will be emphasized and ensured that remarks in this regard are based on specific instances of behavior and are not reduced to a ritualistic yes/no. When considering postings or promotions of police personnel, the attitude towards women should specifically be taken into account.

16. There is an imperative need to recruit more women in the police force. Women will need to be recruited in large numbers in the Delhi Police. MHA will take necessary action to obtain necessary approvals within this financial year. Action would, similarly, need to be taken in the States as well, to recruit more women in the police force. In order to incentivize the States in this regard, MHA will formulate a suitable proposal/scheme within four weeks and obtain necessary approvals.

17. There is need for additional PCR vans in Delhi. A proposal for 370 such vans has been sent by Delhi Police. Approval in this regard is proposed to be expedited within this financial year.

18. It would be proposed to have lady police personnel in at least some PCR vans, such as those deployed in the vicinity of educational institutions, cinema halls, malls and markets, as also the routes frequented by women employees of BPOs returning from work at night. Over time, it is planned to have some more ‘all women’ police stations.

19. It is also planned to further develop and promote community policing. This would not only augment the effectiveness of the police force but would also motivate the responsible persons in each locality to perform their duty as citizens.

20. A number of cameras are in the process of being installed and at present a CCTV system is functional at 34 markets and 4 border check posts in Delhi. There is, however, an imperative need to further increase the number of CCTVs in public places. For this, the police will elicit the cooperation of all stakeholders, such as traders’ associations, RWAs, managers of commercial/office buildings, malls, cinemas, NGOs, etc. who will be encouraged to install and maintain CCTVs of approved specifications in an outside their premises. Similar action also needs to be taken in all States.

21. There is a need for increased focus on street lighting in public places. Civic bodies must undertake a review of the existing facilities and strengthen these wherever required.

22. Department of Women and Child Development will implement a scheme to provide compensation to victims of sexual assault and also a scheme for setting up Crisis Response Centres in select hospitals to provide psychological and other assistance to the victims of sexual assault. The proposed scheme will be implemented in a pilot phase in 100 districts from 2013-14.

23. The Government proposes to put in place a countrywide three-digit number (such as 100) to respond to all emergency situations. This would be similar like 911 or 990 Emergency Management Systems in vogue in many developed countries. Such a service would be available to subscribers of all telecom service providers as at present there are different telephone numbers being used for responding to different situations or target groups. It is, therefore, proposed to have a system where there is a one point of contact available to a person in distress of any kind. Also, once a call is made to this number, the caller should not be asked to contact some other special/emergency number. Instead, the call should seamlessly be transferred from the single point of contact to the appropriate distress line. Ministry of Home Affairs in coordination with the D/o Telecom will, by the end of February 2013, come up with a basic concept note on how the system will be established and will operate.

24. In addition to the general emergency response helpline, there would be a helpline dedicated to responding to women in distress. This helpline should have a unique three digit number across the country. For this purpose, the number 181 may be operationalized all over the country.

25. The negative, stereotyped and/or indecent portrayal of women in movies, television shows and advertisements has been a matter of concern for long. It would be helpful if all stakeholders were to be continuously engaged with in this regard. There is also a need to have a sustained media campaign of public interest advertisements.

26. The role of value education in schools is recognized as being very important. However, merely prescribing it in the curricula/syllabus is not adequate. Teachers should be given training in value education. Sustained awareness campaigns on gender equality need to be undertaken in all schools and colleges and gender modules need to be integrated in the curriculum at every level.

27. It would be useful to impart training to girls in educational institutions in self defense/martial arts.

Source: Government of India, Cabinet Secretariat

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Prakash Verma

E. Id: Prkverma@gmail.com