Highlights of this Issue
Winter Session 2021 begins; 31 bills listed for passing
The Winter Session 2021 began on November 29, 2021, and is scheduled to have 19 sittings. Bills listed for passing include the Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021, and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019.
Parliamentary Standing Committees identify subjects for examination in 2021-22
Some of the subjects for this year include CryptoFinance: Opportunities and Challenges, Strengthening the Justice Delivery process, and Functioning of Nuclear Power Plants.
GDP grows 8.4% in second quarter of 2021-22 on low base of last year
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (at constant 2011-12 prices) grew at 8.4% during the second quarter (July-September) of 2021-22 (year-on-year). GDP had contracted by 7.4% in second quarter of 2020-21.
Parliament passes Bill to repeal farm laws
The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021 was passed by the Parliament. The Bill repeals the three farm laws passed by Parliament in September 2020.
Ordinances promulgated to extend the tenures of the Director of CBI and ED
The Delhi Special Police Establishment (Amendment) and the Central Vigilance Commission (Amendment) Ordinances were promulgated to extend the tenure of the Director of CBI and Director of Enforcement.
Guidelines for international flights and arrivals released
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a notification to resume commercial scheduled international passenger services from December 15, 2021.
Comments invited on the draft Mediation Bill, 2021
The draft Bill enables the enforcement of agreements resulting from mediation. It also establishes the Mediation Council of India, which will register mediators and recognise institutions administering mediation proceedings.
Revised guidelines on ownership, corporate structure for private banks released
The Reserve Bank of India has allowed increasing the promoters’ shareholding in private banks, in long run of 15 years from the date of commencement of business, from 15% to 26%.
Model contract for private sector projects in major ports released
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has released the Model Concession Agreement for Public Private Partnership in Major Ports.
TRAI invites comments on auctioning new frequency spectrum for 5G
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a consultation paper on “Auction of spectrum in the frequencies identified for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)/ 5G”.
Standing Committee on Railways submits report on Reservation System (p. 13)
The Committee recommended strengthening the capacity of the server and website of IRCTC, along with improving the tatkal system.
Standing Committee on Education submits report on design of school text books
The Committee recommended that while creating content for textbooks, inputs by experts from multiple disciplines should be sought.
Parliament
Shashank Srivastava (shashank@prsindia.org)
Parliament’s Winter Session 2021 commences
The Winter Session 2021 of Parliament commenced on November 29, 2021. It is scheduled to have 19 sittings and conclude on December 23, 2021. 31 Bills are listed for consideration and passing during this session. These include the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Bill, 2020, the Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2019, and the Dam Safety Bill, 2019. So far, The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021 has been passed by Parliament.
Of the 31 Bills listed for passing, 26 bills are proposed to be introduced during the session. These include: (i) the Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021, and (ii) the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021.
For more details on the legislative agenda for the Winter Session 2021, please see here.
Standing Committees identify subjects for examination during 2021-22
13 of the 24 Departmentally Related Standing Committees of Parliament have identified subjects for detailed examination during the year 2021-22 this month. The subjects chosen by these Committees are listed in the Annexure.
COVID-19
As of November 30, 2021, there were 3.5 crore confirmed cases of COVID-19 in India.[1] Of these, 3.4 crore (98%) had been cured/discharged and 4.7 lakh (1.3%) persons had died. As of November 30, 2021, 79 crore people have received the first dose of a vaccine, of which 45 crore people have been fully vaccinated.[2] For details on the number of daily cases in the country and across states, see here.
Cabinet approves resumption of MPLAD scheme
Shashank Srivastava (shashank@prsindia.org)
Guidelines for international flights and arrivals released
Shashank Srivastava (shashank@prsindia.org)
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a notification to resume commercial scheduled international passenger services from December 15, 2021.[5]
Due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation across the world, the permitted capacity of operations will be specified on the basis of the categorisation of countries by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (see Table 1). Note that Ministry of Health and Family Welfare categorises the countries as ‘At risk’ based on the prevailing COVID-19 conditions.5
Table 1: Criteria for resumption of international flights
|
Category of Country |
Capacity of operation |
|
At risk and air bubble has been formalised |
75% of pre COVID-19 operations |
|
At risk and no air bubble has been formalised |
50% of pre COVID-19 operations |
|
Countries not categorised as at risk |
Full capacity |
Source: DGCA; PRS.
DGCA also issued revised guidelines for international arrivals owing to declaration of the new variant, Omicron, as a variant of concern by WHO.[8] Under these guidelines: (i) the arriving passenger must fill the self-declaration form along with detailed address of the destination, (ii) additional RT-PCR facilities may be set up in airports and a separate area will be demarcated for passengers of ‘at-risk’ countries, who are waiting for their RT-PCR results, and (iii) randomised testing must be done for 5% of the international arrivals. These will come into effect from December 1, 2021.
Guidelines for containment of COVID-19 revised
Payoja Ahluwalia (payoja@prsindia.org)
The order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs for containment of COVID-19 during the festive season will remain into effect till December 30, 2021.[9],[10] These guidelines were originally issued in September 2021. Key features of the guidelines include: (i) prohibition on mass gatherings in containment zones and districts with a case positivity rate of more than 5% and (ii) monitoring of case trajectories across all districts on a daily basis to identify any early warning signals.
PMGKAY extended till March 2022
Shashank Srivastava (shashank@prsindia.org)
The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) has been extended till March 2022.[11] The scheme was first announced in March 2020 as part of the relief package for the poor in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lockdown. The scheme was operational during March-November 2020. In April 2021, the scheme was reintroduced for the May-June 2021 period, and was then further extended till November 2021.[12],[13]
Under the scheme, every month, five kg of wheat or rice and one kg of pulses is provided for free to persons from poor families. The benefits are provided to all beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act, 2013, in addition to their existing food grain entitlements under the Act.
Macroeconomic Development
Tushar Chakrabarty (tushar@prsindia.org)
GDP grows at 8.4% in second quarter of 2021-22 on low base of last year
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (at constant 2011-12 prices) grew at 8.4% during the second quarter (July-September) of 2021-22 over the corresponding period a year ago.[14] Note that this high growth rate in the second quarter of 2021-22 is over a low base of last year, as GDP had contracted by 7.4% in the second quarter of 2020-21.
Figure 1: GDP growth (in percentage, year-on-year)
Sources: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; PRS.
Private consumption, government consumption, and fixed capital formation increased by 8.6%, 8.7%, and 11%, respectively. While exports increased by 19.6%, imports increased by 40.6%, implying a decrease in net exports. GDP across economic sectors is measured in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA). Public administration, defence and other services registered the highest growth at 17.4% followed by mining and quarrying which increased by 15.4%. Both these sectors had registered a contraction in the second quarter of 2020-21.
Table 2: Growth in GVA across sectors in Q2 of 2021-22 (%, year-on-year)
|
Sector |
Q1 20-21 |
Q2 |
Q1 |
Q2 |
|
Agriculture |
3.5 |
3.0 |
4.5 |
4.5 |
|
Mining |
-17.2 |
-6.5 |
18.6 |
15.4 |
|
Manufacturing |
-36.0 |
-1.5 |
49.6 |
5.5 |
|
Electricity |
-9.9 |
2.3 |
14.3 |
8.9 |
|
Construction |
-49.5 |
-7.2 |
68.3 |
7.5 |
|
Trade |
-48.1 |
-16.1 |
34.3 |
8.2 |
|
Financial services |
-5.0 |
-9.1 |
3.7 |
7.8 |
|
Public services |
-10.2 |
-9.2 |
5.8 |
17.4 |
|
GVA |
-22.4 |
-7.3 |
18.8 |
8.5 |
|
GDP |
-24.4 |
-7.4 |
20.1 |
8.4 |
Industrial production increased by 8.7% in the second quarter of 2021-22 over low base of previous year
India’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) registered a growth of 8.7% in the second quarter (July-September) of 2021-22 over the corresponding period in 2020-21.[15] Note that the IIP growth rate in 2021-22 is calculated over a low base value of the previous year. Due to the impact of COVID-19, IIP had contracted 5.7% during July-Sep 2020, resulting in a low base.
Mining, manufacturing, and electricity production registered a growth (year-on-year) in all months of the second quarter of 2021-22.
Figure 2: Year on year growth in IIP in Q2 (July-September) of 2021-22
Sources: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; PRS.
Figure 3: Contraction in IIP in Q2 (July-September) of 2020-21, resulting in a low base
Sources: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation; PRS.
Agriculture
Parliament passes Bill to repeal farm laws
Shashank Srivastava (shashank@prsindia.org)
The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021 was passed by Parliament.[16] The Bill repeals the three farm laws passed by Parliament in September 2020. These are: (i) the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, (ii) the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, and (iii) the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. Note that, in January 2021, the Supreme Court had stayed the implementation of the three farm laws.
Nutri-smart village programme launched
Payoja Ahluwalia (payoja@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched a programme on Nutrition Smart Village.[17] The initiative aims to: (i) promote nutritional awareness, (ii) inform women farmers of their legal rights, (iii) utilise traditional and local recipes to overcome malnutrition, and (iv) implement nutrition-sensitive agriculture. [18]
Under the initiative, 75 villages will be adopted by All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (ICAR-CIWA) with an aim to develop 75 malnutrition free villages. AICRP and Network Projects is a scheme of Indian Council of Agricultural Research for development, testing, or identification of technologies through multi-location trials. There are over 55 AICRP centres in India.[19] These AICRP centres will adopt 5 villages each, with the remaining to be adopted by ICAR-CIWA.
Personnel and Training
Ordinance to allow the extension of tenure of the CBI director promulgated
Omir Kumar (omir@prsindia.org)
The Delhi Special Police Establishment (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 was promulgated to amend the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.[20] The Act provides for the constitution of the Delhi Special Police Establishment for investigation of certain offences.[21] Under the Act, the CBI Director is appointed by the central government, on recommendation of a Committee (chaired by the Prime Minister) for a minimum of two years.21 The Ordinance amends the Act to allow tenure of the Director to be extended by up to one year at a time, till the completion of five years from the initial date of appointment.
For a PRS summary of the Ordinance, see here.
Ordinance to allow extension of tenure for Director of Enforcement promulgated
Shashank Srivastava (shashank@prsindia.org)
The Central Vigilance Commission (Amendment) Ordinance, 2021 was promulgated to amend the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.[22] The 2003 Act provides for the constitution of a Central Vigilance Commission to conduct inquiries into offences alleged to have been committed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.[23] Under the Act, the Director of Enforcement is appointed by the central government, on the recommendation of a Committee (chaired by the Central Vigilance Commissioner) for a minimum of two years.23 The Ordinance amends the Act to allow tenure of the Director to be extended by up to one year at a time, till the completion of five years from the initial date of appointment.
For a PRS summary of the Ordinance, see here.
Finance
Tushar Chakrabarty (tushar@prsindia.org)
RBI releases revised guidelines on ownership and corporate structure for private banks
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the revised guidelines on extant ownership guidelines and corporate structure for Indian private sector banks.[24] In November 2020, RBI had released a report by an internal working group on the subject.[25] The revised guidelines are from a list of recommendations made by the working group. Key changes include:
Integrated ombudsman scheme released by RBI
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2021.[26],[27] An ombudsman provides a framework to customers for resolution of service-related complaints. RBI can appoint its officers as the ombudsman and deputy ombudsman. The scheme integrates the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006, Ombudsman Scheme for Non-Banking Financial Companies, 2018, and Ombudsman Scheme for Digital Transactions, 2019.[28],[29],[30] The scheme will also cover non-scheduled primary co-operative banks with deposit size of at least Rs 50 crore. Any customer aggrieved by a deficiency in service delivery of regulated entities (such as banks and non-banking financial companies) can file complaints under the scheme. The ombudsman will have the power to provide a compensation of up to Rs 20 lakh for any loss suffered by the complainant. It may also award additional compensation up to one lakh rupees for loss of time and expenses incurred by the complainant.
RBI revises prompt corrective action framework for banks
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised the prompt corrective action (PCA) framework for banks issued in April 2017.[31] The PCA framework provides for supervisory intervention to restore the financial health of a bank. Under the earlier framework, RBI made supervisory intervention when the bank breached certain thresholds related to capital, asset quality, profitability, and leverage (using borrowed funds for investment and growth).[32] Under the revised framework, profitability related parameters have been removed. Certain changes have also been made in risk thresholds for various parameters.
The revised framework will be effective from January 1, 2022.
Strategic disinvestment of Central Electronics Ltd approved
The Cabinet empowered group of ministers approved sale of the government’s entire shareholding in Central Electronics Ltd (CEL) to Nandal Finance and Leasing Pvt Ltd for Rs 210 crore.[33] CEL is a central public sector enterprise under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. In October 2016, the Union Cabinet had given in-principle approval for the strategic disinvestment of CEL. The transaction is expected to be completed within the financial year 2021-22.
Expert committee reports on ship acquisition and insurance submitted to the IFSC Authority
The International Financial Services Centres (IFSC) Authority released reports of the expert committee on: (i) Development of Avenues for Ship Acquisition, Financing, and Leasing, and (ii) Insurance.[34],[35] Key recommendations include the following:
SEBI releases consultation paper on initial public offer of shares
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a consultation paper on revising certain aspects of public issue of shares.[36] Key aspects on which SEBI has invited comments are the following:
SEBI releases consultation paper on market making in corporate bonds
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a consultation paper on market making in corporate bonds.[37] Market makers provide liquidity for efficient functioning of financial markets. Bonds are issued by companies to raise funds through debt. SEBI noted that in the Indian corporate bond market, issuances and trading is limited to a small number of highly rated bonds. Also, in the secondary market, financial institutions, banks, and mutual funds undertake majority of the trading. Key features of SEBI’s proposal to introduce market makers in the corporate bond markets include:
Comments on the proposed framework have been invited by December 16, 2021.
RBI releases report of working group on digital lending
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released a report of the working group on digital lending including lending through online platforms and mobile applications.[38] The report noted that the pandemic-led growth of digital lending has led to the need for protecting consumers from unethical practices. Key recommendations of the working group include:
Comments on the report are invited till December 31, 2021.
NITI Aayog releases a discussion paper on digital banks
NITI Aayog released a discussion paper on digital banks.[39] Digital banks rely on the internet rather than physical branches to offer their services. NITI Aayog noted that incumbent commercial banks have inefficient business models. Digital banking services can serve under banked small businesses and enhance trust among retail consumers. The paper provides a template for the regulatory framework for digital banks. Key recommendations include:
Comments on the discussion paper are invited by December 31, 2021.
SEBI releases consultation paper on preferential issue of securities
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued consultation paper related to preferential issue guidelines.[40] Preferential issue means issue of specified securities (such as equity shares) by a listed issuer to select persons or group of persons on private placement. Key recommendations made in the consultation paper are the following:
Comments invited on cross-border insolvency framework
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has invited comments on cross-border insolvency framework under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.[41] Cross-border insolvency involves a situation where an insolvent debtor has assets and/or creditors in more than one country. In October 2018, the report of the Insolvency Law Committee on Cross Border Insolvency had proposed a legal framework for cross-border insolvency.[42] The Ministry has proposed to enact the framework as suggested in the report along with some modifications. Key features of the framework are:
Comments on the framework are invited till December 15, 2021.
Report of the expert committee on asset reconstruction companies released for public feedback
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the report of the Expert Committee (Chair: Mr. Sudarshan Sen) to review the working of asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) for public feedback.[43] ARCs take over stressed assets from financial institutions (such as banks) and focus on recovering the dues from such assets. The Committee noted that the performance of ARCs has been lacklusture.
Between 2003-04 and 2012-13, banks and other investors could recover only 14% of the dues in stressed assets sold to ARCs. The Committee identified various reasons for the sub-optimal performance of ARCs which include: (i) vintage non performing assets being passed on to ARCs, (ii) non-availability of additional funding for stressed borrowers, and (iii) difficulty in fund raising by the ARCs.
Key recommendations of the committee include:
Comments on the report are invited till December 15, 2021.
Law and Justice
Shubham Dutt (shubham@prsindia.org)
The High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill introduced
The High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2021 was introduced in Lok Sabha.[44] The Bill seeks to amend: (i) the High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954, and (ii) the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958.[45],[46] These Acts regulate the salaries and conditions of service of the judges of High Courts and the Supreme Court of India.
Under the Acts, all retired judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts and their family members are entitled to pension or family pension. They are also entitled to an additional quantum of pension or family pension when they attain a certain age in accordance with a specified scale. The scale contains five age brackets (with minimum age of 80, 85, 90, 95, and 100 years), and the additional quantum increases with age (from 20% to 100% of the pension or family pension). The Bill clarifies that a person will be entitled to the additional pension or family pension from the first day of the month in which they complete the minimum age under the concerned age bracket.
Draft Mediation Bill, 2021 released
The Ministry of Law and Justice released the draft Mediation Bill, 2021.[47],[48] Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution, where parties attempt to settle their dispute (outside courts) with the assistance of an independent third person (mediator). Key features of the draft Bill include:
Transport
Rajat Asthana (Rajat@prsindia.org)
Model contract for private sector projects in major ports released
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has released the Model Concession Agreement for Public Private Partnership in Major Ports.[49] Major Ports are notified under the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021.[50] Some of the major ports include Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Paradip.
There are two parties in this agreement – the concessionaire and the Board for Major Port Authority (concessioning authority). The concessionaire will undertake the design, engineering, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of the project facilities and services. The Board will be responsible for: (i) scheduling the entry, birthing, and sailing of vessels, (ii) maintaining the depth of the harbour, (iii) waterside safety, and (iv) assistance in obtaining additional land, and utilities. Further, the Board shall not operationalise any additional facility within port limits for until the earlier of (i) five years from the scheduled project completion date; or (ii) the average annual volume of cargo handled at the port reaches 70% capacity in two years. Key features of the model agreement are:
Fee requirements for vehicle registration, fitness test, and fitness certificate notified
Rajat Asthana (rajat@prsindia.org)
Comments invited on various draft rules under Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021
Rajat Asthana (rajat@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways notified various draft rules under the Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021. [55],[56] The Act provides for the development, maintenance and management of aids to marine navigation in India.[57] Key features of the draft Rules are:
The draft Marine Aids to Navigation (Central Advisory Committee Procedural) Rules, 2021 specify that the Committee will consist of 18 members.56 The ex-officio members will include: (i) The Secretary, Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways (as Chairperson), (ii) the Nautical Adviser to the central government, and (iii) the Director General of Aids to Navigation (as Member-Secretary). Other members will include: (i) representatives from Indian Cost Guard, Indian Ports Association and Indian Maritime University, and (ii) one member from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha each. The non-official members will include representatives of fishermen, and various associations (such as Container Shipping Lines Association). 55 The tenure of the Committee would be for a period of two years, extendable upto a period of six months. Comments are invited on these draft Rules till December 11, 2021.
Home Affairs
Shubham Dutt (shubham@prsindia.org)
New scheme to provide health services to CAPF personnel and their dependents released
The Ministry of Home Affairs launched the Ayushman CAPF scheme.[58] The scheme is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the National Health Authority. It aims to provide healthcare services to all serving Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel and their dependents. The seven CAPFs are: (i) the Border Security Force, (ii) the National Security Guard, (iii) the Central Reserve Police Force, (iv) the Central Industrial Security Force, (v) the Assam Rifles, (vi) the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and (vii) the Sashastra Seema Bal.
Under the scheme, health cards will be distributed to beneficiaries across all CAPFs. Beneficiaries will be able to avail cashless in-patient and out-patient healthcare facilities at all hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY) or the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS). PM-JAY provides poor and vulnerable families with an annual health cover up to Rs 5 lakhs per family for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation.[59] CGHS provides medical care to central government employees and pensioners and their dependents.[60]
Health
Aditya Kumar (aditya@prsindia.org)
Post-mortem procedure to be allowed after sunset
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare revised the protocol for post-mortems, by allowing such procedures to be conducted after sunset.[61] This does not apply to post-mortems under certain conditions such as homicide, suicide, rape, and suspected foul play. The hospital in-charge will be responsible for assessing the fitness and adequacy of infrastructure. The post-mortems for organ donation must be given priority. The revised protocols specify that video recording must be done for all post-mortems conducted at night. These recordings must be preserved for future legal purposes.
Earlier, all post-mortem procedures were required to be conducted under natural light (between sunrise and sunset).[62],[63]
Comments invited on the proposed health data retention policy
The National Health Authority has invited comments on the proposed health data retention policy.[64] This is being formulated under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM). ABDM was launched in September 2021 to provide digital health identity to citizens and digitally store their health records.[65]
The data retention policy seeks to provide for a uniform guideline to enable long-term retention of health data. This will help in improvement of quality of healthcare service delivery. Key features of the Paper are as follows:
Comments invited on the proposed amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has invited comments on the proposed amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017.[66],[67] The draft regulations have been notified under the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. The Act empowers the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to notify standards and guidelines for food meant for human consumption.[68] The 2017 Regulations provide for the clearance process of food products for import in India.67 The proposed amendments provide for registration of foreign manufacturing facilities of certain food products, which are to be imported in India. FSSAI will specify such categories of food products. The application for renewal of registration of such facilities must be submitted at least 30 least days before the date of expiry.
All such facilities will be eligible for inspection by FSSAI. No inspection will be required for manufacturing facilities of food products, which are certified by Bureau of Indian Standards.
Comments are invited till December 3, 2021.
Comments invited on regulations for genetically modified foods
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has invited comments on the draft Food Safety and Standards (Genetically Modified or Engineered Foods) Regulations, 2021.[69] Key features of the draft Regulations are as follows:
Comments are invited till January 15, 2022.
Petroleum and Natural Gas
Revised mechanism for procurement of ethanol by oil companies approved
Shashank Srivastava (shashank@prsindia.org)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a revised mechanism for procurement of ethanol by public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) under the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme.[70] Under EBP programme, OMCs procure ethanol from distilleries at administered prices and sell petrol blended with up to 10% ethanol. Under the revised mechanism, oil public sector enterprises will decide the pricing for second generation ethanol (second generation ethanol includes agriculture residues such as rice, wheat, and cotton stalks).
CCEA also approved an increase in the prices of ethanol for the supply year 2021-22 (December 2021-November 2022). These are as follows:
Railways
Shashank Srivastava (shashank@prsindia.org)
Standing Committee submits report on Passenger Reservation System of Indian Railways
The Standing Committee on Railways (Chair: Mr. Radha Mohan Singh) presented its report on ‘Passenger Reservation System of Indian Railways’.[71] The Passenger Reservation System provides for online passenger reservation and ticketing system on the Indian rail network. Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
Regular train services resumed
The Ministry of Railways issued an order to discontinue the mail and express special trains, and holiday special trains.[72] In March 2020, due to the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, normal train services were suspended.[73] In May 2020, the government issued guidelines for resumption of domestic passenger train travel, starting with 30 special trains (normal train services remained suspended).[74] These special trains had only air-conditioned classes and the fare structure was the same as the Rajdhani trains. These trains will revert to their pre-pandemic train numbers and fares. Second class of such trains will continue to run as reserved. Further, no refund will be provided on tickets which have already been booked for such trains.
Education
Omir (omir@prsindia.org)
Report on reforms in content and design of school text books
The Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports (Chair: Dr. Vinay P. Sahasrabuddhe) submitted its report on the Reforms in Content and Design of School Text Books.[75] Key observations and recommendations of the Committee include:
For a PRS summary of the report, see here.
Power
Aditya Kumar (aditya@prsindia.org)
Scheme for flexibility in generation and scheduling power through bundling with renewable energy sources revised
The Ministry of Power revised the scheme on flexibility in generation and scheduling of power from thermal/hydro plants through bundling with renewable energy (RE).[76] Bundling of power refers to mix of electricity from renewable and thermal sources. This reduces cost of power and helps distribution companies to meet renewable purchase obligations (RPO). RPO refers to the mandate under the Electricity Act, 2003 for distribution licensees to meet a certain minimum quantity of their power requirement from renewable sources.[77] The scheme was initially launched in April 2018 to help distribution licensees to meet their renewable purchase obligations (RPO) and reducing emissions.[78] Key features of the revised scheme are:76
Earth Science
Continuation of ACROSS scheme approved by the Cabinet
Shashank Srivastava (shashank@prsindia.org)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the continuation of Atmosphere and Climate Research Modelling Observing Systems and Services (ACROSS) scheme during 2021-26.[79] The scheme was earlier applicable for 2017-20.[80] ACROSS scheme addresses different aspects of weather and climate services (such as forecast systems), and is implemented by the India Meteorological Department, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services. The scheme seeks to provide improved weather, climate, and other hazard related services, through various measures. These include public weather service, aviation services, and climate services.
The estimated cost for the scheme (along with the sub schemes) for 2021-26 is estimated to be Rs 2,135 crore.
Continuation of O-SMART scheme approved
Payoja Ahluwalia (payoja@prsindia.org)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the continuation of Atmosphere and Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART) scheme for 2021-26.[81] The scheme was earlier applicable for 2017-20.[82] O-SMART scheme supports developments in technologies of oceanographic research and is implemented by national institutes such as National Institute of Ocean Technology, Center for Marine Living Resources and Ecology, and National Centre for Coastal Research.
The scheme covers oceanographic research to provide forecast and services based on continuous observation of oceans and exploratory surveys for harnessing oceanic resources.
The estimated cost for the scheme for 2021-26 is estimated to be Rs 2,177 crore.
Housing
Payoja Ahluwalia (payoja@prsindia.org)
Provisions for Cooling Action Plan released
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs released ‘Addendum to Model Building Bye Laws, 2016: Provisions for Cooling Action Plan’, and ‘Addendum to Urban and Regional Development Plan formulation and Implementation Guidelines, 2014’, consisting of guidelines and actions needed for sustainable cooling of buildings and low-income houses.[83],[84]
It is an addition to the Model Building Bye Laws, 2016 and Urban and Regional Development Plan Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines, 2014. The Bye Laws are mandatory in nature and seek to protect buildings against fire, earthquake, noise, structural failures and other hazards. The URDPFI Guidelines are intended to be used as a reference for planning and developing different type of townships by state governments, development authorities and planning organisations. Key features of the addendum include the following:
Environment
Shashank Srivastava (shashank@prsindia.org)
Comments invited on proposed amendments to Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change invited comments on proposed amendments to Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019.[85],[86] The 2019 notification, declares certain coast stretches as Coastal Regulation Zones, and restricts setting up and expanding of industries, operations, and processes in these zones. Key amendments proposed are:
Comments on the proposed amendments are invited till January 1, 2022.
Textiles
Shashank Srivastava (shashank@prsindia.org)
Price support to CCI approved
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a committed price support of Rs 17,409 crore to Cotton Corporation of India for cotton seasons from 2014-15 to 2020-21.[88] It is the central nodal agency appointed by the central government for minimum support price (MSP) related operations such as procuring cotton from farmers when market prices fall below MSP. This price support is being provided for reimbursing the losses due to procuring it at MSP during the 2014-15 to 2020-21 period.
Mining
Aditya Kumar (aditya@prsindia.org)
Amendments in the concession rules of certain minerals notified
The Ministry of Mines notified the Mineral (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2021.[89] These 2021 Rules amend the Mineral (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016.[90] These rules have been notified under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.[91] The Act provides for the development and regulation of mines and minerals. Key amendments are:
Communications
TRAI invites comments on auctioning new frequency spectrum for 5G
Omir Kumar (omir@prsindia.org)
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a consultation paper on “Auction of spectrum in the frequencies identified for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)/ 5G”.[92] The central government has proposed to auction new frequency bands to telecom service providers for 5G telecommunication. These frequency band includes: (i) 3300-3670 MHz, (ii) 582-698 MHz, and (iii) 24.25 – 28.5 GHz.92 These frequency bands include: (i) 3300-3600 MHz, (ii) 582-617 MHz in all licensed service area (LSA), and (iii) 617-698 MHz in all the LSAs except a few areas. The Standing Committee on Information Technology made some observations on pricing of spectrum for 5G. The Department of Telecommunication had also received requests for spectrum requirements for use of 5G applications by private networks.92
TRAI has sought views on: (i) quantum of spectrum and band plans, (ii) block sizes and minimum quantity for auction, (iii) eligibility conditions for participation in auctions, (iv) valuation of spectrum.
Cabinet approves the scheme for provision of mobile services in uncovered villages
Payoja Ahluwalia (payoja@prsindia.org)
The Union Cabinet has approved a scheme for provisioning of 4G based mobile services in 7,287 uncovered villages of the 44 aspirational districts across five states.[93] Aspirational districts are districts identified as the most under-developed districts across the country. [94]
The villages to be covered under the scheme are located in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Odisha.
The estimated cost of implementation (including operational expenses for five years) of the project is Rs 6,466 crore. This will be funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). USOF has been set up under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 to provide widespread, non-discriminatory, and affordable access to quality information and communication technology services to people in rural and remote areas.[95],[96] Resources for USOF are raised through a levy on the revenue of all the telecom operators under various licenses. The project is likely to be completed by 2023.
TRAI invites comments on licensing framework on establishment of satellite gateway
Omir Kumar (omir@prsindia.org)
The Telecom Regulatory of India (TRAI) has invited comments on “Licensing Framework for Establishing Satellite Earth Station Gateway”.[97] Satellite based communication systems are used to provide services such as: (i) broadcasting services, (ii) navigation, (iii) connectivity during disasters, and (iv) broadband connectivity.
Currently, a service license is required by the licensee to provide such satellite-based services. Further, the licensee is also required to: (i) establish an earth station (sends signals to the satellite) and terminal station (transmits signals for broadcasting), and (ii) obtain satellite transponder bandwidth (communication channel to receive signals from the satellite) from the satellite operator. However, due to technological developments, operating the earth station has become complex, which has led to the satellite operators establishing their own earth stations. TRAI noted that in future there will be greater participation of private entities in setting up their own earth stations. TRAI noted that currently there is no specific license for satellite operators to establish an earth station for providing satellite-based resources to the service licensee.
TRAI has sought views on: (i) need to have a license for establishing an earth station gateway, (ii) method for assignment of spectrum for establishing earth station, and (iii) methods to regulate access to satellite transponder capacity and satellite-based resources, and (iv) allowing earth station licensee to install baseband equipment to provide satellite bandwidth.
Comments are invited until December 13, 2021.
Information and Broadcasting
Omir Kumar (omir@prsindia.org)
Aadhaar (Authentication and Offline Verification) Regulations, 2021 notified
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) notified the Aadhaar (Authentication and Offline Verification) Regulations, 2021.[98] The Regulations provide a framework for various types of entities such as government departments and banks to verify the identity of Aadhaar number holders. The 2021 Regulations will replace the Aadhaar (Authentication) Regulations, 2016. The Regulations have been notified under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016.[99] Key features include:
Comments invited on accessibility standards for television programmes
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has invited comments on “Accessibility Standards for Television Programmes for Hearing Impaired”, notified in September 2019, under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.[100],[101] The Act requires the government to take measures that make television more accessible for persons with hearing impairment.101 The standards will apply to television programmes broadcasted through television and internet platforms. Key features are as follows:
Annexure
The subjects identified by various Parliamentary Standing Committees for examination during the year 2021-22 are given in Table 3.
Table 3: Subjects identified by the Standing Committees for examination during 2021-22
|
Agriculture |
|
Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Department of Agricultural Research and Education
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Department of Fisheries
Ministry of Food Processing Industries
|
|
Chemical and Fertilizers |
|
Department of Fertilizers
Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals
Department of Pharmaceuticals
|
|
Defence |
|
|
Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports |
|
Department of Higher Education
Department of School Education and Literacy
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Department of Sports
Department of Youth Affairs
|
|
Energy |
|
Ministry of Power
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
|
|
External Affairs |
|
|
Finance |
|
|
Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution |
|
Department of Food and Public Distribution
Department of Consumer Affairs
|
|
Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice |
|
|
Railways |
|
|
Science and Technology, Environment and Forests |
|
|
Social Justice and Empowerment |
Department of Social Justice and Empowerment
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities
Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Ministry of Minority Affairs
|
|
Urban Development |
|
Sources: Various issues of Bulletin-II, Lok Sabha; PRS.
[1] Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website, last accessed on December 1, 2021, https://www.mohfw.gov.in/index.html.
[2] “Cumulative Coverage Report of COVID-19 Vaccination”, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, December 1, 2021, https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/CummulativeCovidVaccinationReport30november2021.pdf.
[3] “Cabinet approves Restoration and continuation of Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)”, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Press Information Bureau, November 10, 2021.
[4] “Cabinet approves Non-operation of MPLADS for two years (2020-21 and 2021-22) for managing COVID 19”, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Press Information Bureau, April 6, 2020.
[5] “No. 4/1/2020-IR”, Director General of Civil Aviation, November 26, 2021, https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/Upload?flag=iframeAttachView&attachId=150798370.
[6] No.4/1/2020-IR, Director General of Civil Aviation, March 26, 2020, https://dgca.gov.in/digigovportal/Upload?flag=iframeAttachView&attachId=130618625.
[7] No. 4/1/2020-IR, Director General of Civil Aviation, September 28, 2021, https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigovportal/Upload?flag=iframeAttachView&attachId=150684415.
[8] “No. 4/1/2020-IR”, Director General of Civil Aviation, November 29, 2021, https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/Upload?flag=iframeAttachView&attachId=150803522.
[9] Order No 40-3/2020-DM-I(A), Ministry of Home Affairs, September 28, 2021, https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHAOrderdt_28092021.pdf.
[10] Order No 40-3/2020-DM-I(A), Ministry of Home Affairs, November 30, 2021, https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHAOrderdt_30112021.pdf.
[11] “Cabinet approves extension of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojana (PMGKAY) for another four months (December 2021-March 2022)”, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Press Information Bureau, November 24, 2021.
[12] “Additional free-of-cost foodgrains to be distributed to NFSA Beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana in May and June 2021”, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Press Information Bureau, April 23, 2021.
[13] “Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana extended till Deepawali”, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Press Information Bureau, June 8, 2021.
[14] Press Note on Estimates of Gross Domestic Product for the Second Quarter (July-September) 2021-2022, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, November 30, 2021, https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2021/nov/doc2021113041.pdf.
[15] “Quick Estimates Of Index Of Industrial Production And Use-Based Index For The Month Of September, 2021 (Base 2011-12=100)”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, November 12, 2021.
[16] The Farm Laws Repeal Bill, 2021, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, November 29, 2021, https://prsindia.org/files/bills_acts/bills_parliament/2021/Farm%20Laws%20Repeal%20Bill,2021.pdf.
[17] “Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Agriculture Minister launches ‘Nutri-Smart Village’ Programme”, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, November 10, 2021, https://icar.org.in/content/shri-narendra-singh-tomar-union-agriculture-minister-launches-%E2%80%9Cnutri-smart-village%E2%80%9D
[18] “75 Nutrition smart villages will strengthen India’s campaign against malnutrition”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, November 10, 2021.
[19] AICRPs & Network Projects, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, https://krishi.icar.gov.in/aicrp/.
[20] CG-DL-E-14112021-231130, Gazette of India, Ministry of Law and Justice, https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2021/231130.pdf.
[21] The Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946, https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A1946-25.pdf.
[22] CG-DL-E-14112021-231129, Gazette of India, Ministry of Law and Justice, https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2021/231129.pdf.
[23] The Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, https://cvc.gov.in/sites/default/files/cvcact_0.pdf.
[24] Recommendations of the Internal Working Group to Review Extant Ownership Guidelines and Corporate Structure for Indian Private Sector Banks, Reserve Bank of India, November 26, 2021, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PressRelease/PDFs/PR125317C5B1D423D14D4BBF825F8C5A7DE150.PDF.
[25] RBI releases the Report of the Internal Working Group to Review Extant Ownership Guidelines and Corporate Structure for Indian Private Sector Banks, Reserve Bank of India, November 20, 2020, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PressRelease/PDFs/PR667D315DFDCDF4B4FA98C3AEC2329939B25.PDF.
[26] The Reserve Bank - Integrated Ombudsman Scheme, 2021, Reserve Bank of India, November 12, 2021, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PressRelease/PDFs/PR1184E54DDADDA7BF415F957FE12C19A06055.PDF.
[27] THE RESERVE BANK - INTEGRATED OMBUDSMAN SCHEME, 2021, Reserve Bank of India, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/content/pdfs/RBIOS2021_121121.pdf.
[28] The Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006, Reserve Bank of India, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Content/PDFs/BOS2006_2302017.pdf.
[29] THE OMBUDSMAN SCHEME FOR NON-BANKING FINANCIAL COMPANIES, 2018, Reserve Bank of India, February 23, 2018 https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Content/PDFs/NBFC23022018.pdf.
[30] Ombudsman Scheme for Digital Transactions, 2019, Reserve Bank of India, January 31, 2019, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Content/PDFs/OSDT31012019.pdf.
[31] Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework for Scheduled Commercial Banks, Reserve Bank of India, November 2, 2021, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/notification/PDFs/118PCAFSCBS880BBE6644424AE9878105762689BA34.PDF.
[32] Revised Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework for Banks, Reserve Bank of India, April 13, 2017, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/notification/PDFs/NOTI2764ED835C9681F48359414E0EB10CB37A0.PDF.
[33] “Government approves strategic disinvestment of Central Electronics Ltd.”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Finance, November 29, 2021.
[34] Report of the Committee of Experts on Insurance, International Financial Services Centres Authority, October 14, 2021, https://ifsca.gov.in/Viewer/ReportandPublication/18.
[35] Report of the Expert Committee on positioning IFSC as a global hub for Ship - Acquisition, Financing & Leasing, International Financial Services Centres Authority, October 28, 2021, https://ifsca.gov.in/Viewer/ReportandPublication/17.
[36] Review of certain aspects of Public issue framework under SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018, Securities and Exchange Board of India, November 16, 2021, https://www.sebi.gov.in/reports-and-statistics/reports/nov-2021/consultation-paper-on-review-of-certain-aspects-of-public-issue-framework-under-sebi-issue-of-capital-and-disclosure-requirements-regulations-2018_53983.html.
[37] Consultation Paper for Market Making in Corporate Bonds, Securities and Exchange Board of India, November 16, 2021, https://www.sebi.gov.in/reports-and-statistics/reports/nov-2021/consultation-paper-for-market-making-in-corporate-bonds_53966.html.
[38] Report of the Working Group on Digital Lending including Lending through Online Platforms and Mobile Apps, Reserve Bank of India, November 18, 2021, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs//PublicationReport/Pdfs/DIGITALLENDINGF6A90CA76A9B4B3E84AA0EBD24B307F1.PDF.
[39] Digital Banks, A Proposal for Licensing and Regulatory Regime for India, November 2021, https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2021-11/Digital-Bank-A-Proposal-for-Licensing-and-Regulatory-Regime-for-India.24.11_0.pdf.
[40] Review of provisions related to Preferential Issues Guidelines under Chapter V of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018(ICDR Regulations), Securities and Exchange Board of India, November 26, 2021, https://www.sebi.gov.in/reports-and-statistics/reports/nov-2021/consultation-paper-on-review-of-certain-provisions-related-to-preferential-issue-guidelines_54226.html.
[41] Invitation of comments from public on Cross-Border Insolvency under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, November 24, 2021, https://www.ibbi.gov.in/uploads/whatsnew/3b444655b288bc815526933d75d1aefb.pdf.
[42] Report of Insolvency Law Committee on Cross Border Insolvency, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, October 16, 2018, https://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/CrossBorderInsolvencyReport_22102018.pdf.
[43] Report of the Committee to Review the Working of Asset Reconstruction Companies, Reserve Bank of India, November 2, 2021, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PublicationReport/Pdfs/ARCS2021E90D0F2EBB0945BC8FC4293B67102F30.PDF.
[44] The High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2021, https://prsindia.org/files/bills_acts/bills_parliament/2021/High%20Court%20Judges%20Bill,%202021.pdf.
[45] The High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954, https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A1954-28.pdf.
[46] The Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958, https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A1958-41.pdf.
[47] “Draft Mediation Bill issued for public consultation”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Law and Justice, November 5, 2021.
[48] Draft Mediation Bill, 2021, Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice, October 29, 2021, https://legalaffairs.gov.in/sites/default/files/DRAFT-MEDIATION-BILL-29.10.2021.pdf.
[49] Model Concession Agreement for Public Private Partnership (PPP) Projects in Major Ports, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, November 12, 2021, https://shipmin.gov.in/sites/default/files/Model%20Concession%20Agreement%2C%202021%20with%20Guiding%20Note_compressed.pdf.
[50] Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2021/225265.pdf.
[51] G.S.R. 800 (E), Gazette of India, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, November 15, 2021, https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2021/231176.pdf.
[52] Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/1798/1/AAA1988___59.pdf.
[53] Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/CMVR-chapter3_1.pdf.
[54] Central Motor Vehicles (Thirteenth Amendment ) Rules, 1989, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/notifications_document/GSR%20598%20%28E%29%20dated%2030%20September%202020%20Seperate%20emission%20norms%20for%20agriculture%20tractors%20and%20CEV.pdf.
[55] G.S.R. 819 (E), Gazette of India, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, November 15, 2021, https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2021/231268.pdf.
[56] G.S.R. 796 (E), Gazette of India, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, November 11, 2021, https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2021/231162.pdf.
[57] The Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021, https://shipmin.gov.in/sites/default/files/Marine%20Aids%20to%20Navigation%20Act%202021as%20Notified.pdf.
[58] “The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today launched the ‘Ayushmaan CAPF’ Scheme health cards at the national level in New Delhi”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, November 2, 2021.
[59] About Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), Official website of PM-JAY, Government of India, https://pmjay.gov.in/about/pmjay.
[60] About CGHS, Central Government Health Scheme, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, https://cghs.gov.in/index1.php?lang=1&level=1&sublinkid=5783&lid=3656.
[61] Conduct of Post-Mortem in Hospitals after sunset, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, November 15, 2021, https://mohua.gov.in/upload/whatsnew/6195db548370fpost-mortem_0001.pdf.
[62] Chapter XV – Autopsy and Mortuary Management of Hospital Manual, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, November 24, 2021, https://main.mohfw.gov.in/organisations/directorate-general-health-services/mh.
[63] Chapter II – Protocol for Medico Legal Post-mortem Examination, Haryana Medico Legal Manual 2012, Health Department of Haryana, http://haryanahealth.nic.in/Documents/Policy%20Matters/Haryana-Medicolegal-Manual.pdf.
[64] “Consultation Paper on Proposed Health Data Retention Policy, National Health Authority, November 23, 2021, https://abdm.gov.in/assets/uploads/consultation_papersDocs/Consultation_Paper_on_Health_Data_Retention_Policy_21.pdf.
[65] “Prime Minister of India launches countrywide Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, September 27, 2021.
[66] Food Safety and Standards (Import) First Amendment Regulations, 2021, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, November 3, 2021, https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2021/230964.pdf.
[67] Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, March 9, 2017, https://fssai.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Food_Import_Regulations.pdf.
[68] The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/7800/1/200634_food_safety_and_standards_act%2C_2006.pdf.
[69] Notification F. No. 1/Standards/GM Food regulation/FSSAI/2018, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, November 15, 2021, https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2021/231161.pdf.
[70] “Cabinet approves mechanism for procurement of ethanol by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies under Ethanol Blended Petrol programme revised - ethanol price for supply to Public Sector OMCs for Ethanol Supply Year 2021-22”, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Press Information Bureau, November 10, 2021.
[71] Report no 8 on Passenger Reservation System of Indian Railways, Standing Committee on Railways, November 30, 2021, http://164.100.47.193/lsscommittee/Railways/17_Railways_8.pdf.
[72] “No. TC II/2910/21/Covid-19 review of hsp fare”, Ministry of Railways, November 12, 2021, https://digitalscr.in/bzadiv/circulars/misc_circulars/uploads/Operation_train_services_shortly.pdf.
[73] Cancellation of all train Services by Indian Railways in the wake of COVID-19, Ministry of Railways, Press Information Bureau, March 22, 2020.
[74]“Passenger services on Indian Railways shall be partially restored w.e.f. from 12th May 2020 in a graded manner”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways, May 11, 2020.
[75] Report-331, “Reforms in Content and Design of School Text Books”, Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth, and Sports, November 30, 2021. https://rajyasabha.nic.in/rsnew/Committee_site/Committee_File/ReportFile/16/162/331_2021_11_15.pdf.
[76] “Scheme for Flexibility in Generation and Scheduling of Thermal/Hydro Power Stations through bundling with Renewable Energy and Storage Power”, Ministry of Power, November 15, 2021, https://powermin.gov.in/sites/default/files/webform/notices/Scheme_for_Flexibility_in_Generation_and_Scheduling_of_Thermal_Hydro_Power_Stations_through_bundling_with_Renewable_Energy_and_Storage_Power.pdf.
[77] The Electricity Act, 2003, Ministry of Law and Justice, May 26, 2003, https://cercind.gov.in/Act-with-amendment.pdf.
[78] Flexibility in Generation and Scheduling of Thermal Power Stations to Reduce Emissions, April 5, 2018, https://powermin.gov.in/sites/default/files/webform/notices/Flexibility_in_Generation_and_Scheduling_of_Thermal_Power_Stations_to_reduce_emissions.pdf.
[79] “Cabinet approve Continuation of the umbrella scheme "Atmosphere' & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)" from the 14th Finance Commission to the next Finance Commission Cycle (2021-2026)” Ministry of Earth Science, Press Information Bureau, November 24, 2021.
[80] Cabinet approves: i) Implementation of the umbrella scheme "Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services", Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, Press Information Bureau, November 22, 2018.
[81] “Cabinet approves continuation of the umbrella scheme "Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)"” Ministry of Earth Science, Press Information Bureau, November 24, 2021.
[82] “Cabinet approves Umbrella scheme “Ocean Services, Technology, Observations, Resources Modelling and Science (O-SMART)” of Ministry of Earth Sciences", Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, Press Information Bureau, August 29, 2018.
[83]Addendum to Model Building Bye Laws, 2016: provisions for cooling action plan, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, November 26, 2021, https://www.mohua.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Addendum%20to%20MBBL%202016-%20Cooling%20Action%20Plan.pdf.
[84] Addendum to Urban and Regional Development Plan formulation and Implementation Guidelines, 2014, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, November 26, 2021, https://www.mohua.gov.in/upload/uploadfiles/files/Addendum%20to%20URDPFI%20Guidelines%2C%202014-%20Cooling%20Action%20Plan.pdf.
[85] “CG-DL-E-01112021-230870”, Gazette of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, November 1, 2021, https://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/S-O-4547-E-DATED-01-11-2021.pdf.
[86] G.S.R 37 (E) - Gazette of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, January 18, 2019, https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2019/195679.pdf.
[87] Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011, Ministry of Environment and Forests, January 6, 2011, https://parivesh.nic.in/writereaddata/ENV/crz23.PDF.
[88] “Cabinet approves incurring expenditure for reimbursing the losses under MSP operations for cotton during the cotton season (October to September) 2014-15 to 2020-21”, Ministry of Textiles, Press Information Bureau, November 10, 2021.
[89] The Minerals (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Mineral) Concession (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2021, Ministry of Mines, November 2, 2021, https://www.mines.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/230918.pdf.
[90] The Mineral (Other than Atomic and Hydro Carbons Energy Minerals) Concession Rules, 2016, Ministry of Mines, March 4, 2016, https://ibm.gov.in/writereaddata/files/10202016094948MCR_2016_18092016%20from%20SKS.pdf.
[91] The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, https://mines.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/MMDR%20Act,1957.pdf.
[92] Consultation Paper on “Auction of Spectrum in frequency bands identified for IMT/5G”, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, November 30, 2021, https://trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/CP_30112021_0.pdf.
[93] “Aspirational Districts”, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, https://enam.gov.in/web/aspirational-districts.
[94] “Cabinet approves USOF scheme for provision of mobile services in Uncovered Villages of Aspirational Districts across five states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra & Odisha.”, Press Information Bureau, Cabinet, November 17, 2021.
[95] Website of Universal Service Obligation Fund as accessed on December 1, 2021, http://usof.gov.in/usof-cms/home.jsp.
[96] Section 9A, Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, https://www.indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/2307/1/a1885___13.pdf.
[97] Consultation Paper on “Licensing Framework for Establishing Satellite Earth Station Gateway”, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, November 15, 2021, https://trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/CP_15112021_0.pdf.
[98] Aadhaar (Authentication and Offline Verification) Regulations, Unique Identification Authority of India, November 9, 2021, https://egazette.nic.in/WriteReadData/2021/230983.pdf.
[99] Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, https://uidai.gov.in/images/targeted_delivery_of_financial_and_other_subsidies_benefits_and_services_13072016.pdf.
[100] Accessibility Standards for Television Programmes for Hearing Impaired, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, https://mib.gov.in/sites/default/files/Accessibility%20Standards%20for%20TV%20Programmes%20for%20Hearing%20Impaired%20-%20seeking%20comments%20%20%20from%20General%20Public%20and%20Stakeholders.pdf.
[101] The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/A2016-49_1.pdf.
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.