Defexpo India -2014: A Backgrounder The 8th edition of Defexpo India, a biennial exhibition on Land, Naval, Internal Security and Defence System is being organized by Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production, Defence Exhibition Organisation, from Feb 06-09, 2014 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi - 110 001. Over the past few years the exhibition has maintained a path of sustained growth and is now considered one of Asia`s biggest land and maritime show. The event has received an overwhelming response from national and international exhibitors. The exposition would be showcasing India`s capabilities in Land, Naval and Security Systems as well as its emergence as an attractive destination for investment in Defence Sector by providing a platform for forging alliances and joint ventures in the defence industry. The event also provides an excellent opportunity to the Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), Private Sector and other defence related industries to demonstrate their capability to design, develop and deliver a wide range of military and civil products/services. In all, 624 companies, both foreign and Indian will be taking part, which is 57 more in number than the Defexpo 2012. A total number of 368 foreign companies are participating this year in the show, which was 232 in Defexpo 2012. Indian companies participating this year are 256 as compared to 335 in Defexpo 2012. 30 countries from different continents will be taking part in the exhibition. These are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Africa, South Korea (RoK), Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, USA.There are 12 country pavilions from France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Norway, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, UK and USA.Official delegates comprising 511 delegates from 52 countries are attending the show. Government invited 133 delegates from 36 countries who are also attending the Defexpo 2014, including ministers and high ranking officials.The net area sold during this edition is 27,515 square meters and still booking from various participants is in pipeline and expected to be more than 27,700 square meters. The gross area of exhibition remains 45,000 square meters. (The net area sold during Defexpo 2012 was 27,150 square meter while gross area was 45,000 square meters)t may be recalled that the Defence Production Policy 2011 aims at achieving substantial self-reliance in the design, development and production of equipment/weapon systems/ platforms required for defence in as early a timeframe as possible. The policy also envisages to create conditions conducive for the private industry to take an active role and enhance the potential of SMEs in indigenisation and to broaden the defence R&D base of the country.In pursuance of the Defence Production Policy (DPP) 2011 and to promote indigenisation in Defence procurement, following major policy steps have been taken: . In the revised Defence Procurement Procedure (issued in May 2013), `Buy (Indian)`, `Buy & Make (Indian)` and `Make` categories of procurement have been made as preferred categories over `Buy (Global)` and `Buy & Make with ToT`. The Procedure for `Buy & Make (Indian)` category of procurement has been simplified in the revised DPP to make it more attractive, clear and transparent for the industry. The definition of indigenous content has been revised to provide more clarity and to enhance the real indigenous content in the Defence equipment. The provision has been made to make any Indian company as MTOT partner in Buy (Global) cases. This is no longer reserved for DPSUs/ OFB, etc. Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap (TPCR) has been put up in public domain to provide the industry an idea about the future requirement of the Armed Forces. The offset guidelines have been modified for leveraging capital acquisition to create capability of Indian industry to produce defence goods and to acquire critical defence technologies. The steps are being taken to further strengthen the offset guidelines. The procedure for undertaking `Make` projects is under revision to provide more clarity and to make it more attractive for the industry. Raksha Mantri`s Production Committee has been constituted for initiating actions for bridging technology gaps and augmenting indigenous Defence production capabilities.Empowered Committee for MDMS Stresses on Quality, Hygiene and Safety Aspects The first meeting of the Empowered Committee for Mid Day Meal Scheme met in New Delhi today. The Committee presided over by the Human Resources Development Minister Dr. M. M. Pallam Raju decided to place more emphasis on quality, hygiene and safety aspects of the mid day meal. The Committee noted the increasing trends in coverage of children under the Mid Day Meal Scheme. The coverage has increased from 104.6 million children in 2010-11 to 106.7 million children in 2012-13. The Committee also appreciated the increase in coverage in the States of Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal during the same period. The Committee expressed satisfaction with the reduction in the number of poorly performing districts from 177 to 111. However, they exhorted the States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, J&K and Chhattisgarh to focus on the poorly performing districts. The Committee thereafter reviewed the performance of the completion of kitchen-cum-stores and while appreciating the steps taken by Bihar and Maharashtra in completing the incomplete kitchen-cum-stores, asked the other States to take necessary steps to complete the kitchen-cum-stores to ensure safety, hygiene and quality of food. RGGVY: Evaluation Studies Show a Positive Impact on Women and Education in Rural India Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana(RGGVY) has made a significant difference to the lives of women in rural India. Various evaluation studies of RGGVY commissioned by Rural Electrification Corporation reveal that the programme has empowered the rural women. 75% of women surveyed in Rajasthan stated that they are able to work in the fields after electricity reached their homes. In Madhya Pradesh, 85% of the villagers, in particular, women and children feel more secure and protected against wild animals, venomous reptiles and robbers due to electrified households and street lights. As many as 96% of un-electrified villages have been electrified across the country till now and intensive electrification of 80% villages has been completed while free electricity connections have been provided to 77% BPL households under the flagship programme, RGGVY of Government of India. Most people reported that they have benefited from electricity connections since they are now able to use bulbs, fan, TV as well as mobile phones. In UP, a significant percent of those surveyed (43%) reported to have started using mobile phones after electrification since it became possible to charge the mobile sets. In Bihar, the most important use of electricity by the beneficiary households, as perceived by them, is for illumination (94.9%), followed by security (89.9%), communication through cellular phones (42.1%), accessing information and entertainment (52.1%) and comforts by running fans (18.4%). Another positive impact of electrification reported by people is that they are able to establish small scale activities in homes like weaving, tailoring, and grocery shops. Among those surveyed, people of BPL categories are very happy to get electricity connection free of cost and using the benefits due to electricity. Similarly students in all states reported to have benefited a great deal as after electrification under RGGVY, they are now able to study for longer hours and also save money & time which they had to spend on kerosene lamp. They also feel more comfortable during summer days due to the fans in the class. In Andhra Pradesh, 88% of beneficiaries reported positive impact on education. In UP, nearly 64% reported using electricity for education, 56% In Madhya Pradesh and 48 % In Bihar. In J & K, most people feel that security & standard of life has increased after RGGVY implementation. Villagers are able to get the treatment in the night. In some of the villages, it was found that the villagers use electrical appliances for crop processing. Many shops were also found to be electrified in the villages through RGGVY line. Increase in income is reported in most states though households stated that substantial increases in income depend on programmes of direct employment generation like MNREGA among others. Speech by The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at the inauguration of the Asia-Africa Agri-Business Forum 1. It is my pleasure to be here today to inaugurate this important Asia-Africa Agri-business Forum. I am sure that this platform would provide a unique business environment to the participating business leaders, policy makers and other important stakeholders for exchanging ideas and experiences, and for collaborating on agri-business. 2. It could not have been a more opportune time to organize this event as agriculture and agri-business are dominating the global and regional agenda on economic transformation and development in Asia and Africa. This forum will add another dynamic chapter to the evolving cultural, social, educational and economic engagements between these two continents. Ladies and Gentlemen: 3. Agriculture growth is the singular contributing factor for food security. It also plays a pivotal role in creating employment opportunities and promoting socio-economic development. By 2030, global food production has to increase by forty per cent to keep pace with the world demand. One billion people, representing fourteen per cent of the global population, is still afflicted by hunger. Asia and Africa account for most of them. This cannot continue any further. Food production has to proceed in a business-unusual manner; on a war footing. 4. Enhanced crop production and productivity are key priorities in Asia and Africa. Agriculture makes much more than robust business sense in these continents. The alleviating effects of this sector on poverty are alluring. Studies have projected agriculture and agri-business to be a three trillion dollar business in Africa and almost 4.5 trillion dollar business in Asia by 2030. 5. However, the development of agri-business in these continents has remained stunted due to inefficient utilisation of capacity and resources and for want of a more favourable policy environment. The sector is plagued by serious constraints in production, demand and supply, export potential and processing capabilities. 6. In Africa, weak agricultural performance is a major barrier in the development of the agri-business sector. The availability of land for agriculture is a crucial factor for food production. The continent is endowed with 733 million hectares of arable land of which only 183 million hectares of land is currently under cultivation. It is disheartening to note that huge tracts of land suitable for agriculture still remain uncultivated. 7. In Asia, land availability for agriculture is continuously decreasing due to rising population. The shrinking and deteriorating land resources have to be judiciously used in order to sustain the needs of the future. Adequate policies, strategies, technologies and human resources have to be in place. 8. I am aware of the Report titled, Unlocking the Food Belts of Asia and Africa, which has been prepared by the organizers. It is indeed a matter of introspection as to how, despite availability of agricultural labour and sizeable arable land, notwithstanding some decline in Asia, many Asian and African countries have witnessed spiralling food prices. 9. The challenge is to translate the woes into business opportunities. There is a need for both the continents to overcome the challenges through symbiotic associations. Partnerships must aim at developing the agri-business sector into an efficient business enterprise capable of competing in other international markets. It is heartening to note that the agenda of this business forum includes forging new business partnerships, sharing best practices and new technologies, and exploring project finance and funding options. Ladies and Gentlemen: 10. Strategic partnerships for adoption of best practices and to maximise benefits through technology transfer have become more important today. The Accelerating Green Revolution programme in Africa seeks to achieve a quantum jump in productivity and production levels. India, which had witnessed a Green Revolution in the Sixties, is now moving towards an `Evergreen Revolution', recognizing the positive role that information technology can play as powerful catalyst for sustainable agricultural development. India's strategy centres on the Action Plan for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for Agriculture, which has been operational since 1995. 11. The ICT for Agriculture Plan calls for strong cooperation between Asia and Africa. There is need for ICT to facilitate the development of extension services, value chain, production and marketing systems, and agriculture risk management. An International Conference at Rwanda held recently has highlighted the need to have a South-South Cooperation Programme on ICT for Agriculture. 12. The future of agriculture depends on the adoption of scale-neutral technologies. Farm mechanisation, as an efficiency inducing measure, has proved to be a great success in the US, CIS countries including Russia, and several European countries. India, on her part, has launched a `National Mission on Farm Mechanisation' during the Twelfth Five Year Plan period of 2012-13 to 2016-17. This programme has been initiated to promote customized hiring facilities for agricultural machinery and to also generate employment for the rural youth. 13. Increased mechanization of the farm sector in India has led to improvement in productivity. India is today a potential source of high-tech agricultural machinery. Our country can provide agricultural equipment like harvester, thresher and bailer machinery, earth moving equipment, tractors and sowing machinery to African nations. 14. Time has come to look for a `viable alternate farming model' to promote the agri-business sector. The experience of different countries in contract farming needs to be shared so as to build a greater understanding of and acceptance for this model. Ladies and Gentlemen: 15. A shift in focus towards the development of horticultural crops and food processing industry can provide the impetus necessary for the overall growth of the agricultural sector. Africa has tremendous scope for benefiting from the development of the food processing industry. India can provide training in post harvest management of different crops and provide assistance in developing packaging technology in line with world standards. India has requisite expertise for each level of the value chain and can assist African countries in developing the same. 16. Access to agriculture markets and finance as well as greater public private partnership in agri-business and the food processing sectors in Asia and Africa are essential to unleash their potential. Major investment in infrastructure like irrigation, water conservation, roads, markets and cold chains is also necessary. I strongly recommend that the investing firms and banks forge a strategic partnership to address the credit requirements of both Asian and African countries. This would help the agri-business and food processing sectors to meet their requirement for finance. 17. I am happy to note that during this international conference, you have planned `business to business' meetings for the distinguished participants from Asia and Africa. I am sure that the discourse and dialogue amongst businesses will bring out several new ideas for cooperation as well as solutions to tackle the challenges that Asia and Africa face in the agriculture and agro-processing sectors. With these few words, I conclude. I thank you all and wish Asia-Africa Agri-business Forum in New Delhi all success. I compliment the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry for organizing this one-of-a-kind conclave. Let me also avail of this opportunity to welcome all the international delegates who have come to India to take part in this inter-continental dialogue. tamilVice President Presents `Amazing Indians Award'The Vice President of India Shri M. Hamid Ansari presented an Amazing Indian Award instituted by Times Now channel to Ms Arunima Sinha, a brave girl who scaled Mount Everest despite being physically challenged, at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, he said that every Indian is amazing in his or her own way. And yet, locating the most amazing amongst them would have been a journey of discovery for the jury. Applauding the awardees he said that by bestowing recognition on these achievers, we are reinforcing our faith in the innate goodness of human beings and their capacity to do good to others. These are remarkable men and women who overcame challenges and handicaps to proceed relentlessly and make a difference to their lives and to the lives of people around them in a most positive manner. The Vice President said that the Awards cover the most relevant socio-economic facets of our society. Progress on them adds to the effort to make our society modern, progressive, and prosperous. It helps us develop and project a just and humane face. People, such as our awardees today, render valuable service to nation; they deserve to be recognized and applauded. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of the Department of Health Research in the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for the Grant-in-aid scheme for Inter-Sectoral Convergence and Coordination for Promotion and Guidance on Health Research during the 12th Plan period at an estimated cost of Rs.1242 crore covering about 750 projects of different duration and cost. Revision in some financial norms of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the following revision in some financial norms of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) Programme. The revisions are: (i) Revision in the recurring costs of the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) component of the SSA programme which had not been revised since 2004. (ii) The discontinuation of the National Programme for Education for Girls at Elementary Level (NPEGEL) component of the SSA programme as the interventions of the programme have been incorporated in the mainstream SSA components. (iii) Provision for reimbursement of expenditure towards 25 percent admissions to private unaided schools under Section 12(1)(c) of the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. This is on the basis of per child cost norms notified by the State and Union Territory (UT) Governments for Classes I to VIII, subject to a maximum ceiling of 20 percent of the total annual work plan and budget for a State/UT. The revision of these norms would provide girls studying in KGBVS with good quality education along with nutritious food. Students from disadvantaged and economically weaker sections of society would be able to pursue elementary education in private schools and promote an equitable society. Background:SSA is a major flagship programme of the Government of India to universalize elementary education in the country, and the main vehicle for the implementation of the RTE Act. The Defence Minister Shri AK Antony has said that efforts are being made to accelerate the pace of indigenization in defence sector. Addressing the 8th Land, Naval and Internal, Homeland Security Systems Exhibition here today, he said, the Government is encouraging joint public-private participation in defence sector, while thrust is also being given to the private sector to make a far more meaningful and substantive contribution. he DefExpo was conceptualised in 1998 with an objective to promote defence exports from India and exhibit the capabilities of Indian Defence R&D and production. The first exhibition was held in 1999 and subsequently in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012. While a modest 197 exhibitors participated in the first DefExpo, the biennial event features 624 exhibitors in its 8th edition this year. Russia is the biggest participating country in terms of indoor and outdoor space occupied. Russia is also represented with the maximum number of 37 companies Ministry of Defence06-February, 2014 16:11 ISTThe four-day DefExpo showcases India's emergence as an attractive destination for investment in the Defence Sector and provides a platform for alliances and joint ventures in the Defence Industry. A total of 624 companies from 30 countries are displaying weapon systems for the Army, Navy and Internal Security during the DefExpo, billed as the largest ever Defence Exposition in Asia. Major participants are from Russia, France and Israel besides Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine, UK and USA.Ministry of Defence06-February, 2014 16:11 ISTThere are 12 country pavilions from France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Norway, Poland, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, UK and USAQuality of Drinking Water Minister Of Drinking Water And Sanitation Shri Bharatsinh Solanki informed the Lok Sabha members in reply to a question in New Delhi today that as reported by the States into the online Integrated Management Information System developed by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, as on 31/1/2014, there are 2,096 stationary drinking water quality testing laboratories at the State, district, block and sub-divisional levels and another 63 mobile drinking water quality testing laboratories are also in place. Therefore, the infrastructure available in the country for monitoring the quality of drinking water supplied to the areas is adequate. Yet, the States are encouraged every year, to set up more number of laboratories and to upgrade testing facilities in the existing laboratories for further strengthening the monitoring of drinking water quality in the rural areas of the country. Though rural water supply is a State subject, the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India supplements the efforts of the States including Uttarakhand by providing them with technical and financial assistance under the centrally sponsored National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) for providing safe and adequate drinking water facilities in rural areas of the country. Out of the NRDWP funds allocated to the States, 3% funds on 100 per cent Central assistance basis is exclusively earmarked for drinking water quality monitoring and surveillance in the rural areas of the country, which inter alia include taking up works relating to setting up of new or up-gradation of State/district/ block/sub-divisional water quality testing laboratories, providing chemicals and consumables, hiring of manpower & vehicles to laboratories, providing field test kits/ refills, bacterial vials to Gram Panchayats etc. In Uttarakhand State, there exist 28 district water quality testing laboratories and 13 sub-divisional water quality testing laboratories. As a part of providing technical assistance and to streamline and guide all States including Uttarakhand, for effective monitoring of drinking water sources in laboratories, a Uniform Drinking Water Quality Monitoring Protocol document was released in February 2013 and distributed to all States including Uttarakhand. Wherever there is no facility to test drinking water quality in any district, the States have already been advised to set up district water quality testing laboratory immediately. The State-wise number of drinking water quality testing laboratories existing in the country at State, district, block and sub-divisional levels and availability of mobile drinking water quality testing laboratories, as reported by the States as on 31/1/2014 is as follows :Indian-German strategic partnership based on shared values, says President H.E. Mr. Joachim Gauck, the President of the Federal Republic of Germany called on the President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee yesterday (February 5, 2014) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President also hosted a banquet in his honour following the meeting. The President said the two countries are bastions of democracy and freedom. Both have a shared respect for the rights of individuals, rule of law and a free media. The President congratulated German President for his personal commitment and his contribution to the promotion of democracy and human rights and said he is confident that his visit will be an important milestone in strategic partnership between India and Germany and will set the agenda for joint endeavours in the coming days. Speaking at the welcome banquet, the German President said Germany considers India to be a key partner in the region. Germany greatly admires the path to modernity pursued by India in the 21st century. A successful India, which offers its citizens the chance to live their lives in peace and freedom, sends an important message to Asia and indeed to the whole world. Such an India stands for the advantages of an open society, for pluralism and for democracy. It is important that India and Germany closely coordinate on global issues such as security, development, global trade and climate protection. The President said Indian companies are increasingly venturing into investments and acquisitions in Germany, and India, in turn, sees immense opportunities for enhanced German investments in its physical infrastructure. India also looks forward to the participation of the small and medium enterprises of Germany in India's growing consumer market. Today, not only does India celebrate Germany as its largest trading partner in Europe, but it also attaches great importance to German development assistance which has helped bring advanced technology into India and enhanced India's energy efficiency while developing alternative sources of renewable energy. The President said it is matter of great satisfaction that India and Germany have a strong partnership on regional and international issues. The two countries should continue with efforts for a fundamental reform of the UN Security Council and other multilateral institutions that reflects current realities.The theme of this year's conference is Innovation in Science and Technology for Inclusive Development. This is unquestionably an important challenge on our national agenda. It would be a folly for a non-scientist to come to a science congress in its concluding session and comment on all that may have happened in the preceding days. Faced with this predicament, I shall endeavour to confine my remarks to what is of perennial interest to members of a society.07-February, 2014HEALTH OF A NATION DEPENDS, MORE AND MORE ON HEALTH OF THE STATE OF ITS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY VICE PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT ADDRESSES THE VALEDICTORY FUNCTION OF 101ST SESSION OF INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS AT UNIVERSITY OF JAMMU lastic Notes It has been decided to introduce plastic notes in the denomination of Rs. 10. One billion plastic notes of the denomination of Rs. 10 will be introduced in a field trial in five cities selected for their geographical and climatic diversity. These cities are Kochi, Mysore, Jaipur, Shimla and Bhubaneswar. The field trial is expected to be launched in the latter half of 2014. This was stated by Minister of State for Finance, Shri Namo Narain Meena, in written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.Treatment of HIV/AIDS Patients As per surveillance data, 20.9 lakh people are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS in the country. A total of 7,47,175 PLHIV are receiving free first line Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) and 7,224 PLHIV are receiving free second line Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART)The Technical Resources Group has recommended providing third line antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS patients in 10 Centres of Excellence across the country. The process for the same has been initiated at Department of AIDS Control. Viral load testing is also available across the country in 9 testing laboratories The Department under National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) has prepared a PPTCT scheme and is implementing it throughout the country from 2001-02, onwards. Under the PPTCT scheme counselling and testing services are provided to all ante-natal population detection of HIV positive pregnant women, provision of free Anti-Retro Viral (ARV) prophylaxis to HIV positive pregnant women and the new born infant so as to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV from Mother to Child. Since 2001-02, a single dose of ARV prophylaxis (Nevirapine Tablet to pregnant women at the onset of labour and syrup-Nevirapine syrup to new born infant) was given to pregnant women and new born infant. Since January,2014 all HIV positive pregnant women would be provided triple drugs (TDF- Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate, 3TC Lamivudine and Efavirenz- EFV) ARV life long, irrespective of CD4 count or WHO clinical staging. odalities worked out:- The National Strategic plan (NSP) for implementing the triple drug ARV for PPTCT has been developed. The technical guidelines have been developed based on the new regimen. Training of Trainers(ToTs) for capacity building of field staff has been completed for the state of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Damanand Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. ToTs for remaining states are planned across the country. The regimen has been rolled out in the state of Karnataka (September, 2012) and Tamil Nadu (March, 2013) in first phase. During 2012-13 out of the 7509 pregnant women detected HIV positive 6948 (93%) were provided with single dose nevirapine prophylaxis. In the states implementing the new regimen, out of 4483 pregnant women detected HIV positive 3179 (71%) provided with triple drug ARV prophylaxis. In thecurrent financial year (till November, 2013) out of the 6441 pregnant women detected HIV positive 4551 (71%) were provided with single dose nevirapine prophylaxis. In the states implementing the new regimen, out of 3184 pregnant women detected HIV positive 2614 (82%) provided with triple drug ARV prophylaxis. The Department of AIDS Control, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has completed all the necessary procedures required for introduction of Bill in Parliament. These include vetting of the Bill by the Ministry of Law and Justice, seeking the approval of the Cabinet and other administrative processes as outlined by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. The notice of intention to introduce the Bill in the Parliament has already been given. World Bank Finance for Solar Projects The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has submitted a proposal to the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) for posing to World Bank for loan assistance of USD 500 million for implementation of first phase of 750 MW of an Ultra Mega Solar Power Project of 4000 MW cumulative capacity to be set up on vacant land of Hindustan Salts Ltd. at Sambhar, Rajasthan at a total estimated outlay of USD 1085 million. The project is envisaged to be set up by a Joint Venture of six PSUs: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Solar Energy Corporation of India, Hindustan Salts Limited, POWERGRID, Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited and Rajasthan Electronics and Instruments Limited. An MoU in this regard has been signed amongst these PSUs recently. DEA is processing the case and this can be considered by the World Bank once DEA forwards to the World Bank. The Government has not availed any loan from the World Bank in the 11th and 12th Plan period for the development of solar energy sector in the country. This information was given by the Minister of New and Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. The Government has initiated a comprehensive programme to augment solar radiation resource assessment in the country. In Phase-I of this programme, Solar Radiation Monitoring Stations have been established at various part of the country through Centre Wind Energy Technology (C-WET), Chennai. The data from various stations is transmitted to a central server maintained at C-WET and is made available to various stakeholders after carrying out quality checks. As indicated by solar radiation data available for various parts of the country, several states, especially the Western States viz. Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, and some parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh have very good potential of setting up grid connected solar power projects in the country. This information was given by the Minister of New and Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. Solar Thermal Power The total capacity of solar thermal power projects allocated under batch-I of phase-I of Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) is 470 MW. germanin senthenCalibri