Highlights of this Issue
Winter Session 2017 of Parliament ends; 11 Bills passed (p. 2)
The GST (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and the IIM Bill, 2017 were among the Bills passed.
Budget Session 2018 of Parliament begins; 32 Bills for consideration and passage (p. 2)
These include the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017, the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill, 2017, the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2017.
Economic Survey 2017-18 tabled in Parliament (p.2)
The economy is expected to grow at 6.5% in 2017-18 as compared to 7% in 2016-17. The survey discusses the impact of GST, ease of doing business, and investment and savings.
President’s address highlights agenda on the economy, defence, among others. (p.2)
Other focus areas included financial inclusion, transport, energy, health, and considering simultaneous conduct of elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
GDP estimated to grow at 6.5% in 2017-18, compared to 7.1% in 2016-17 (p.3)
The growth in agriculture is expected to decrease from 4.9% to 2.1%. Manufacturing sector growth is also expected to decelerate from 7.9% to 4.6%. Growth in the construction and services sector is expected to pick-up.
Cap on Foreign Direct Investment increased in few sectors (p.4)
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion amended the Foreign Direct Investment Policy to increase FDI in sectors such as single brand product trading, civil aviation and real estate broking services.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill passed by Parliament (p.4)
The Bill amends the 2016 Code to prohibit certain categories of persons from submitting a resolution plan. It also prohibits the sale of any property during liquidation, to any of these ineligible persons.
Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 introduced in Lok Sabha (p.6)
The Bill outlines consumer rights, sets up consumer courts and a Consumer Protection Authority, prescribes penalties for misleading advertisements, and provides for complaints in cases of product liability.
Scheme of electoral bonds notified (p.5)
Electoral bonds may be used to make donations to political parties, without disclosing the name of the donor. They can be purchased through payment from a bank account complying with KYC norms.
Standing Committee submits report on the National Sports University Bill, 2017 (p.7)
The Standing Committee gave several recommendations, including setting up regional centres of the University, ensuring accessibility, resources and fund availability, and autonomy.
Standing Committees submit reports on airlines, tourism, and coal production (p.7, 8, 12)
The Committees looked at issues around promotion of tourism and development of pilgrimage, improving customer satisfaction of airlines and their services, and the production of coal, and reducing imports of coal.
Nine new smart cities announced (p.11)
Nine new smart cities have been announced in the fourth round of the National Smart Cities Challenge, taking the total number of smart cities to 99.
Parliament
Winter session of Parliament ends; budget session begins
Vinayak Krishnan (vinayak@prsindia.org)
The Winter Session of Parliament ended on January 5, 2018.[1] During the session, Parliament passed 11 Bills including the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017, the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill, 2017, and the Indian Institutes of Management Bill, 2017.
Bills passed by one House and currently pending in the other House include the Central Road Fund (Amendment) Bill, 2017, the Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill, 2017, and the State Banks (Repeal and Amendment) Bill, 2017.
Bills introduced during the session include the Consumer Protection Bill, 2018, the National Medical Commission Bill, 2017, and the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017. The National Medical Commission Bill, 2017 has been referred to a Parliamentary Committee for detailed examination.
The Budget Session of Parliament is to be held between January 29 and April 6, 2018.[2] It will have a total of 31 sittings, with a recess from March 4, 2017. The agenda for legislation includes 32 Bills for consideration and passing. Nine Bills are listed for introduction, consideration and passing. These include the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018, and the Use and Regulation of DNA based Technology in Civil and Criminal Proceedings Identification of Missing Persons and Human Remains Bill, 2018. The Union Budget will be presented on February 1, 2018.
For more details on the legislative business taken up during the Winter Session 2017, see here. For details on the functioning of Parliament during the session, see here. For a full list of the legislative agenda of the Budget Session 2018, see here.
Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)
The Budget Session of Parliament opened with President Ram Nath Kovind, addressing a joint sitting of both Houses on January 29, 2018.[3] He outlined the major policy priorities of the government in his address.
For more details on the President’s address, please see here. To check the status of implementation of the announcements made in the 2017 address, please see here.
Macroeconomic development
Economic Survey 2017-18 presented
Sanat Kanwar (sanat@prsindia.org)
The Finance Minister, Mr. Arun Jaitley tabled the Economic Survey 2017-18.[4] Some highlights of the survey are:
For more details on the Economic Survey 2017-18, please see here.
GDP estimated to grow at 6.5% in 2017-18, decline from 7.1% in 2016-17
Roopal Suhag (roopal@prsindia.org)
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country is estimated to grow at 6.5% in 2017-18.[5] GDP growth across economic sectors is measured in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA). GVA of the country is estimated to grow at 6.1% in 2017-18, as compared to 6.6% in 2016-17 and 7.9% in 2015-16.[6] Table 1 shows the growth in GVA across sectors.
Table 1: Gross Value Added across sectors (% growth year-on-year)
Sector |
2015-16 |
2016-17 |
2017-18 |
Agriculture |
0.7% |
4.9% |
2.1% |
Mining |
10.5% |
1.8% |
2.9% |
Manufacturing |
10.8% |
7.9% |
4.6% |
Electricity |
5.0% |
7.2% |
7.5% |
Construction |
5.0% |
1.7% |
3.6% |
Services |
9.7% |
7.7% |
8.3% |
GVA |
7.9% |
6.6% |
6.1% |
Note: Data for 2016-17 is provisional estimates and for 2017-18 is first advance estimates. GVA is measured at basic prices (2011-12).
Sources: Central Statistics Office; MOSPI; PRS.
The growth in agriculture sector is expected to substantially decrease from 4.9% in 2016-17 to 2.1% in 2017-18. Manufacturing sector growth is also expected to slow down. Growth in the construction, mining, and services sector is expected to pick-up in 2017-18 in comparison to the previous year.
Retail inflation increased to 5.2% in the third quarter of 2017-18
Roopal Suhag (roopal@prsindia.org)
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation (base year 2011-12) increased from 3.6% in October 2017 to 5.2% in December 2017 year-on-year.[7] This was mainly a result of the rise in fuel prices and food items such as pulses and vegetables. During this period, food inflation also increased from 1.9% to 5.0% year-on-year.
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation (base year 2011-12) ranged between 3.6% to 3.9 year-on-year in the third quarter of 2017-18 (October to December).[8]
Trends in inflation during the third quarter of 2017-18 are shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Inflation trends in Q3 of 2017-18 (% change year on year)
Sources: Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; PRS
Industry
Sai Priya Kodidala (saipriya@prsindia.org)
Cap on Foreign Direct Investment increased in few sectors
The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) released certain changes in the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy.[9] The changes include:
Corporate Affairs
Vatsal Khullar (vatsal@prsindia.org)
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill passed by Parliament
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was passed by Parliament. The Bill amends the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 and replaces an Ordinance promulgated in November 2017.[10],[11],[12] The Code provides a time-bound process for resolving insolvency of companies and individuals. Insolvency is a situation where a company is unable to repay its outstanding debt. Key features of the Bill include:
For an analysis of the Bill, please see here.
Finance
ONGC acquires 51% equity shareholding in HPCL
Prachee Mishra (prachee@prsindia.org)
The government of India sold its 51.11% shareholding of Hindustan Petroleum Company Limited (HPCL) to the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for a total price of Rs 36,915 crore.[13]
The Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2017 introduced
Vatsal Khullar (vatsal@prsindia.org)
The Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2017 was introduced in Lok Sabha.[14] It seeks to amend the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. The Act defines promissory notes, bills of exchange, and cheques. It also specifies penalties for bouncing of cheques, and other violations with respect to such negotiable instruments. Key features of the Bill include:
For more details on the Bill, see here.
Standing Committee submits report on digital economy
The Standing Committee on Finance (Chair: Dr. M. Veerappa Moily) submitted a report on ‘Transformation towards a Digital Economy’.[15] The report makes recommendations on transforming the Indian economy by increasing digital transactions, and improving cyber security, among others. Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
For a PRS Report Summary, see here.
Scheme of electoral bonds notified
The Ministry of Finance notified the scheme of electoral bonds.[16],[17] The scheme had been announced as part of the Union Budget 2017-18. Under the scheme, a new instrument called an electoral bond will be issued to make donations to political parties. Key features include:
Consumer Affairs
Roopal Suhag (roopal@prsindia.org)
Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 introduced in Lok Sabha
The Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Mr. Ram Vilas Paswan.[18] The Bill replaces the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Key features of the 2018 Bill include:
A PRS Summary of the Bill is available here.
Law and Justice
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
Bill to establish new International Arbitration Centre introduced
The New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2018 was introduced in Lok Sabha.[19] The Bill seeks to establish an independent institution for conducting arbitration, mediation and conciliation in India. Arbitration, mediation and conciliation are alternative methods to resolve disputes. Key features of the Bill include:
The NDIAC will: (i) facilitate conduct of arbitration and conciliation in a professional, timely and cost-effective manner; and (ii) promote studies in the field of alternative dispute resolution, among others.
For more details on the Bill, please see here.
Bill to amend salaries, allowances and pension of higher court judges passed in Lok Sabha
The High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2018 was passed by Lok Sabha.[20] The Bill amends the High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954 and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958. The two Acts regulate the salaries and conditions of service of the judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court.
Key features of the Bill include:
Table 2: Salary of judges (per month)
Designation |
Present (Rs) |
Proposed (Rs) |
|
Chief Justice of India |
1,00,000 |
2,80,000 |
|
Other Judges of the Supreme Court |
90,000 |
2,50,000 |
|
Chief Justice of High Court |
90,000 |
2,50,000 |
|
Other Judges of High Court |
80,000 |
2,25,000 |
Sources: The High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954; The Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958; The High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017; PRS.
The Bill also amends the provisions related to housing allowance and pension.
For more details on the Bill, please see here.
Education
Nivedita Rao (nivedita@prsindia.org)
Standing Committee submits report on the National Sports University Bill, 2017
The Standing Committee on Human Resource Development (Chairperson: Dr. Satyanarayan Jatiya) submitted its report on the National Sports University Bill, 2017.[21] The Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on August 10, 2017 and subsequently referred to the Standing Committee on Human Resource Development. It seeks to establish and incorporate a National Sports University in Manipur to promote sports education in the areas of (i) sports sciences, (ii) sports technology, (iii) sports management, and (iv) sports coaching. It will also function as the national training centre for select sports. Key observations and recommendations of the committee are as follows:
For a PRS Report Summary, please see here.
Transport
Prachee Mishra (prachee@prsindia.org)
Standing Committee submits report on tourism promotion and pilgrimage circuit
The Standing Committee on Railways (Chair: Mr. Sudip Bandyopadhyay) submitted a report on ‘Tourism Promotion and Pilgrimage Circuit’.[22] Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
For a PRS summary of the report, see here.
Standing Committee submits report on issues related to improving consumers’ satisfaction of airlines
The Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture (Chair: Mr. Derek O’ Brien) submitted a report on ‘Issues Related to Improving Consumers’ Satisfaction of Airlines’.[23] Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
For a PRS report summary, see here.
Cabinet approves revised Model Concession Agreement for Major Ports
The Union Cabinet approved a revised Model Concession Agreement (MCA) for PPP projects in Major Ports.[24],[25] The amendments seek to make port projects more investor-friendly, and similar to provisions in the highway sector. Key changes include:
Social Justice
Nivedita Rao (nivedita@prsindia.org)
Standing Committee submits report on educational schemes for tribals
The Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment (Chairperson: Mr. Ramesh Bais) submitted its report on ‘Educational Schemes for Tribals’.[26] Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
For a PRS Summary of the Report, see here.
Skill Development
Nivedita Rao (nivedita@prsindia.org)
Standing Committee submits report on Industrial Training Institutes and Skill Development Initiative Scheme
The Standing Committee on Labour (Chairperson: Dr. Kirit Somaiya) submitted its report on ‘Industrial Training Institutes and Skill Development Initiative Scheme’.[27] Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) impart skills in various vocational trades to meet the skilled manpower requirements of the country. Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
For a PRS Summary of the Report, see here.
Health
Nivedita Rao (nivedita@prsindia.org)
Cabinet approves setting up of new AIIMS in Bilaspur
The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of a new AIIMS in Bilaspur, (Himachal Pradesh) under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).[28] Under PMSSY, the government sets up new AIIMS in selected states and upgrades certain existing state government medical colleges. Under this scheme, AIIMS have been established in Bhubaneshwar, Bhopal, Raipur, Jodhpur, Rishikesh and Patna. Further, additional six approvals have been given for new AIIMS since 2015.
Committee on Estimates releases report on medical education and healthcare’
The Committee on Estimates (Chairperson: Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi) submitted its report on ‘Medical Education and Healthcare in the country’.[29] Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
For a PRS Summary of the Report, see here.
Women and Child Development
Nivedita Rao (nivedita@prsindia.org)
Committee on Empowerment of Women submits report on women’s healthcare
The Committee on Empowerment of Women (Chairperson: Ms. Bijoya Chakravarty) submitted its report on Women’s Healthcare: Policy Options.[30] Key observations and recommendations of the committee include:
For a PRS Summary of the Report, see here.
Urban Development
Sanat Kanwar (sanat@prsindia.org)
Nine new smart cities announced
Nine new smart cities have been announced in the fourth round of the national Smart Cities Challenge, bringing the total to 99.[31] Under the challenge, cities are selected on the basis of their smart city proposals. The following table shows the new nine smart cities.
Table 3: List of the new nine smart cities
State/ UT |
Cities |
Arunachal Pradesh |
Itanagar |
Bihar |
Biharsharif |
Dadar and Nagar Haveli |
Silvassa |
Daman and Diu |
Diu |
Lakshwadeep |
Kavaratti |
Tamil Nadu |
Erode |
Uttar Pradesh |
Bareilly, Moradabad, Saharanpur |
Sources: Press Information Bureau; PRS
The nine cities have proposed an investment of Rs 12,824 crore. With the addition of these new cities, the total proposed investment in the Smart City Mission would be Rs 2,03,979 crore.
Swachh Bharat Mission- Urban launches a star rating protocol for garbage free cities
A protocol for star rating of garbage free cities was launched under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban.[32] The star rating provides a framework to achieve a garbage free status.
Rural Development
Roopal Suhag (roopal@prsindia.org)
Committee submits report on human resource management in panchayats
An Expert Committee (Chair: Mr. Sumit Bose) submitted its report on ‘Performance Based Payments for Better Outcomes in Rural Development Programmes’ in January 2017. The Committee was constituted in December 2016 to look into human resources available with panchayats and suggest means by which these resources could be augmented and organised for better delivery of programmes. Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
A PRS summary of the report is available here.
Coal and Mining
Prachee Mishra (prachee@prsindia.org)
Standing Committee submits report on production and distribution of coal
The Standing Committee on Coal and Steel (Chair: Mr. Rakesh Singh) submitted a report on ‘Production, Marketing and Distribution of Coal’.[33] Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
For a PRS report summary, see here.
Defence
Roopal Suhag (roopal@prsindia.org)
‘Make’ procedure under Defence Procurement Procedure 2016 amended
The Defence Acquisition Council (Chair: Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman) cleared an amendment to the Defence Procurement Procedure 2016, related to the ‘Make’ procedure. Projects under this procedure should be indigenously designed and developed with a minimum of 40% indigenous content.[34] The amendment, known as ‘Make-II’, seeks to simplify the procedure for indigenous manufacture and development of defence equipment.[35],[36] Salient features of the ‘Make-II’ procedure include:
Tribal Affairs
Roopal Suhag (roopal@prsindia.org)
Public Accounts Committee submits report on Tribal Sub-Plan
The Public Accounts Committee (Chair: Mr. Mallikarjun Kharge) submitted its report on ‘Tribal Sub-Plan’ on December 18, 2017. The Committee looked at the implementation of TSP in three ministries: (i) Human Resource Development; (ii) Health and Family Welfare; and (iii) Ayush. The Committee noted several discrepancies in the implementation of the TSP, including: (i) non-adoption of specific norms for release of funds, (ii) weak programme management, (iii) deficient monitoring system, (iv) and non-implementation of information programmes. Key observations and recommendations of the Committee are:
A PRS summary of the report is available here.
Telecom
Sai Priya Kodidala (saipriya@prsindia.org)
TRAI releases Telecommunication Interconnection Regulations, 2018
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released the Telecommunication Interconnection Regulations, 2018.[37] Interconnection refers to an arrangement under which a service provider connects their network and services to let their customers access customers of other service providers. Key features of the regulations are:
TRAI releases recommendations on in-flight connectivity
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released recommendations on in-flight connectivity (IFC).[38] IFC includes voice, data and video services over Indian airspace for domestic, international and overflying flights in Indian airspace. Key observations and recommendations made by TRAI include:
External Affairs
Vinayak Krishnan (vinayak@prsindia.org)
Prime Ministers of Israel and Cambodia visit India
The Prime Ministers of Israel and the Kingdom of Cambodia visited India.[39],[40] Key agreements signed with the countries are mentioned below:
Israel: India and Israel signed nine agreements in various sectors including: (i) cyber security, (ii) oil and gas (including collaboration in upstream sector activities, research and development, and technology), (iii) air transport, (iv) space research, (v) homeopathic medicine, (vi) film production, and (vii) investment (including exchange of information on investment opportunities).[41]
Cambodia: India and Cambodia signed four agreements in various sectors including: (i) cultural exchange, (ii) mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, and (iii) cooperation for prevention of human trafficking.[42]
[1] Parliament Session Wrap, January 5, 2018, http://www.prsindia.org/administrator/uploads/general/1515583043~~Session%20wrap%20Winter%20Session%202017.pdf.
[2] Parliament session alert, January 31, 2018, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Budget%202018/Parliament%20Session%20Alert%20Budget%20Session%202018.pdf.
[4] Economic Survey 2017-18, Ministry of Finance, January 29, 2018, http://mofapp.nic.in:8080/economicsurvey/.
[5] “Press Note on First Advance Estimates of National Income 2017-18”, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, January 5, 2018, http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/PRESS_NOTE-Q3_2017-18.pdf.
[6] “Press Note on Provisional Estimates of Annual National Income 2016-17”, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, May 31, 2017, http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/PRESS_NOTE_PE_2016-17.pdf.
[7] “Consumer Price Index Numbers on Base 2012=100 for Rural, Urban and Combined for the month of December 2017”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, January 12, 2018.
[8] “Index Numbers of Wholesale Price in India (Base: 2004-05=100) Review for the month of December 2017”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, January 15, 2018.
[9] Review of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy on various sectors, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, http://dipp.nic.in/sites/default/files/pn1_2018.pdf.
[10] The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Bankruptcy/Insolvency%20and%20Bankruptcy%20Code%20Amendment%20Bill%202017.pdf.
[11] The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Ordinances/Insolvency%20and%20Bankruptcy%20Code%20(Amendment)%20Ordinance,%202017.pdf.
[12] The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, http://ibbi.gov.in/webadmin/pdf/legalframwork/2017/Jul/IBC%202016.pdf.
[14] The Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2017, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Negotiable%20instrument/Negotiable%20Instruments%20Amendment%20Bill%202017.pdf.
[15] ‘Transformation towards a Digital Economy’, 56th Report of the Standing Committee on Finance, January 2018, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Finance/16_Finance_56.pdf.
[16] ‘Government of India notifies the Scheme of Electoral Bonds’, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Finance, January 2, 2018.
[17] S.O. 29 (E), Gazette of India, Ministry of Finance, January 2, 2018, http://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2018/181434.pdf.
[18] The Consumer Protection Bill, 2018, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/Consumer%20Protection,%202018/Consumer%20Protection%20Bill,%202018.pdf
[19] The New Delhi International Arbitration Centre Bill, 2018, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/ND%20International%20Arbitration/ND%20International%20Arbitration%20Centre%20Bill,%202018.pdf.
[20] The High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2018, http://www.prsindia.org/uploads/media/High%20Court%20and%20Supreme%20Court%20Judges%20Salaries%20Bill,%202017/High%20Court%20and%20the%20Supreme%20Court%20Judges%20Bill,%202017.pdf.
[21] Report no. 299: “The National Sports University Bill, 2017”, Standing Committee on Human Resource Development, Rajya Sabha, January, 2018, http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20HRD/299.pdf.
[22] “18th Report: Tourism Promotion and Pilgrimage Circuit”, Standing Committee on Railways, January 3, 2018, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Railways/16_Railways_18.pdf.
[23] “256th Report: Issues Related to Improving Consumers’ Satisfaction of Airlines”, Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture, January 4, 2018, http://164.100.47.5/newcommittee/reports/EnglishCommittees/Committee%20on%20Transport,%20Tourism%20and%20Culture/256.pdf.
[24] “Cabinet approves revised Model Concession Agreement for PPP Projects in Major Ports”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Shipping, January 3, 2018.
[25] Concession Agreement, Ministry of Shipping, January 3, 2018, http://shipping.nic.in/showfile.php?lid=2648.
[26] Report no. 49: “Educational Schemes for Tribals”, Standing Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment, Lok Sabha, January, 2018, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Social%20Justice%20&%20Empowerment/16_Social_Justice_And_Empowerment_49.pdf.
[27] Report no.33: “Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Skill Development Initiative Scheme”, Standing Committee on Labour, Lok Sabha, January, 2018, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Labour/16_Labour_33.pdf.
[28] “Cabinet approves setting up of new AIIMS in Bilaspur”, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, January 3, 2018, Press Information Bureau.
[29] Report no.23: “Medical Education and Health Care in the country”, Committee on Estimates, Lok Sabha, December, 2017, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Estimates/16_Estimates_23.pdf.
[30] Report no.11: “Women’s Healthcare: Policy Options”, Committee on Empowerment of Women, Lok Sabha, January 3, 2018, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Empowerment%20of%20Women/16_Empowerment_of_Women_11.pdf.
[32] “Swachh Bharat Mission- Urban Launches Smart Star- Rating for Garbage Free cities”, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Press Information Bureau, January 20, 2018.
[33] “36th Report: Production, Marketing and Distribution of Coal”, Standing Committee on Coal and Steel, January 3, 2018, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Coal%20&%20Steel/16_Coal_And_Steel_36.pdf.
[34] Defence Procurement Procedure 2016 (Chapters I to V), Ministry of Defence, https://mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/DPP-2016.pdf.
[35] “Simplified ‘Make-II’: Major Steps Towards ‘Make in India’ in Defence Production”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence, January 17, 2018.
[36] “DAC simplifies procedure to develop defence equipment through Indian industry; clears procurements of assault rifles and carbines worth Rs 3,547 crore”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence, January 16, 2018.
[37] Telecommunication Interconnection Regulations, 2018, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Ministry of Telecommunications, January 1, 2018, http://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/Regulation_TIR_02012018.pdf.
[38] Recommendations on In-flight Connectivity, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, Ministry of Telecommunications, January 18, 2018, http://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/Recommendation_IFC_19012018.pdf.
[39] “Visit of Prime Minister of Israel to India (January 14-19, 2018)”, Ministry of External Affairs, January 11, 2018, http://www.mea.gov.in/incoming-visit-detail.htm?29353/Visit+of+Prime+Minister+of+Israel+to+India+January+1419+2018.
[40] “State Visit of Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia to India (January 24-27, 2018)”, Ministry of External Affairs, January 26, 2018, http://www.mea.gov.in/incoming-visit-detail.htm?29353/Visit+of+Prime+Minister+of+Israel+to+India+January+1419+2018.
[41] List of MOUs/Agreements signed during the visit of Prime Minister of Israel to India, Ministry of External Affairs, January 15, 2018, http://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/29356/List_of_MoUsAgreements_signed_during_the_visit_of_Prime_Minister_of_Israel_to_India_January_15_2018.
[42] List of MOUs/Agreements signed during the State Visit of the Kingdom of Cambodia to India, Ministry of External Affairs, January 27, 2018, http://www.mea.gov.in/incoming-visitdetail.htm?29393/List+of+MoUsAgreements+signed+during+the+State+Visit+of+Prime+Minister+of+the+Kingdom+of+Cambodia+to+India++January+27+2018.
DISCLAIMER: This document is being furnished to you for your information. You may choose to reproduce or redistribute this report for non-commercial purposes in part or in full to any other person with due acknowledgement of PRS Legislative Research (“PRS”). The opinions expressed herein are entirely those of the author(s). PRS makes every effort to use reliable and comprehensive information, but PRS does not represent that the contents of the report are accurate or complete. PRS is an independent, not-for-profit group. This document has been prepared without regard to the objectives or opinions of those who may receive it.