October 2022

 

Highlights of this Issue

Parliamentary Standing Committees identify subjects for examination in 2022-23 (p. 2)
Subjects for this year include implementation of labour codes, citizens’ data security and privacy, prospects of thermal power plants, issues in the telecom sector, and a review of various central sector schemes.

RBI issues concept note on Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) (p. 3)
CBDC is a digital form of legal tender issued by a central bank.  It will provide an additional option to the currently available forms of money.  RBI will explore pilot launches of CBDC for specific use cases. 

Consumer Price Index inflation was 7% in the second quarter of 2022-23 (p. 2)
In the second quarter of 2022-23, CPI inflation was higher than the same quarter last year (5.1%).   

Amendments to the IT Rules, 2021 notified (p. 2)

Intermediaries are required to make reasonable efforts to cause users not to upload prohibited content.  The government will appoint Committees to hear appeals against decisions of the grievance officer of intermediaries.

 Environmental release of genetically engineered mustard recommended (p. 5)

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee recommended the release of mustard hybrid variety DMH-11 for production and testing prior to its commercial release, which shall be be subject to the Seeds Act, 1966.  

Cabinet approves PM-DevINE to develop infrastructure projects in the north east (p. 4)
The scheme has an outlay of Rs 6,600 crore over three years.  It aims to fund infrastructure projects, support north-east based social development projects, and create livelihood activities for youth and women.   

Cabinet approves one-time grant to oil PSUs for losses in supplying domestic LPG (p. 4)
Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited will be given a one-time grant of Rs 22,000 crore for covering losses in domestic distribution of LPG. 

Commission constituted to examine the status of Scheduled Castes (p. 6)
The terms of reference of the Commission include according SC status to new persons who claim to historically have belonged to the SC community but converted to other religions.

Comments invited on draft National Repowering Policy for Wind Power Projects (p. 4)

The policy seeks to achieve optimum utilisation of wind energy resources through repowering old wind turbines.  To incentivise repowering turbines interest rate rebate will be provided to such projects.    

Comments invited on regulations regarding pricing of Energy Savings Certificates (p. 4)

The amendments add that the floor price of such certificates will be fixed at 10% of the price of one metric tonne of oil equivalent of energy consumed.

Draft notification exempting certain projects from requiring EIA released (p. 5)
As per the draft notification, specified pumped storage plants, which re-use water for producing electricity and storing energy will not require an environment impact assessment for an environment clearance.      

Cabinet approves minimum support prices for Rabi crops for 2023-24 (p. 6)
 The MSP for wheat has been fixed at Rs 2,125 per quintal, an increase of 5.5% over the previous year’s MSP (Rs 2,015 per quintal).  Masur MSP has been fixed at Rs 6,000 per quintal, compared to Rs 5,500 in 2022-23.

Standing Committees identify subjects for examination during 2022-23 

13 of the 24 Departmentally Related Standing Committees of Parliament have identified subjects for detailed examination during the year 2022-23.  These are listed in the Annexure.

Tushar Chakrabarty (tushar@prsindia.org)

Consumer Price Index inflation was 7% in the second quarter of 2022-23

Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation (base year 2012) was 7% in the second quarter (July-September) of 2022-23.[1]  This was higher than the CPI inflation of 5.1% in the corresponding quarter of 2021-22 but lower than CPI inflation of 7.3% in the first quarter (April-June) of 2022-23.  Since January 2022 CPI inflation has been higher than the upper tolerance level of 6% under the inflation-targeting framework.[2]

Food inflation averaged 7.6% in the second quarter of 2022-23, higher than 2.6% in the corresponding quarter of 2021-22.  Food inflation was 8% in the first quarter of 2022-23.

Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation was 12.4% in the second quarter of 2022-23 as compared to 11.7% in the second quarter of 2021-22.[3]  In the first quarter of 2022-23, WPI inflation was 16.1%.

Figure 1: Inflation in 2022-23 (% change, year-on-year)
   
 Note: CPI data for September 2022 is provisional.  WPI data for August and September 2022 is provisional.
 Sources: MoSPI; Ministry of Commerce and Industry; PRS. 

Saket Surya (saket@prsindia.org)

Amendments to the IT Rules, 2021 notified

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology notified amendments to the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.[4]  The 2021 Rules specify due diligence requirements for intermediaries to claim exemption from liability for third-party content.[5]  Intermediaries are entities which store or transmit data on behalf of other persons.   These include social media sites, e-commerce companies, and internet service providers.  Key proposed amendments are:

• Obligations of intermediaries:  The 2021 Rules require intermediaries to publish rules and regulations, privacy policy and user agreements for access or usage of its services.   The amendments add that these details should be made available in English or any language specified in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.  The 2021 Rules specify restrictions on the types of content that users are allowed to create, upload, or share.   The Rules require intermediaries to inform users about these restrictions.  Amendments add that the intermediaries must: (i) ensure compliance with rules and regulations, privacy policy, and user agreement, and (ii) make reasonable efforts to cause users to not create, upload, or share prohibited content.

• Appeal mechanism against decisions of grievance officers:  The 2021 Rules require intermediaries to designate a grievance officer to address complaints regarding violations of the Rules.   Amendments provide for a mechanism for appeals against the decisions of grievance officers.  The central government will establish one or more Grievance Appellate Committees to hear appeals against the decisions of grievance officers.   The Committee will consist of a chairperson and two other members appointed by the central government through a notification.  The Committee will be expected to dispose of all appeals within 30 days on a best-effort basis.

• Expeditious removal of prohibited content:  The Rules require intermediaries to acknowledge complaints regarding violation of Rules within 24 hours, and dispose of complaints within 15 days.  Amendments add that the complaints regarding the removal of specified prohibited content must be addressed within 72 hours.

 Finance

Tushar Chakrabarty (tushar@prsindia.org)

RBI issues concept note on Central Bank Digital Currency

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a concept note on Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC).[6]  CBDC is a digital form of legal tender issued by a central bank.  It will provide an additional option to the currently available forms of money.  Key features of CBDC are:

• Need for CBDC: According to RBI, there are several advantages to the issuance of CBDC.  These include: (i) reduction in costs associated with physical cash management, (ii) providing the public with an alternative to private virtual currencies without associated risks, (iii) enhancing the resilience in payments and provision of core payment services outside the commercial banking system, (iv) boosting innovation in cross-border payments while making them instantaneous, and (v) supporting financial inclusion through transactions that are offline.

• Design: CBDC can be categorised into two groups: (i) general purpose or retail (CBDC-R) and (ii) wholesale (CBDC-W).  CBDC-R can potentially be used by all private sector, non-financial consumers, and businesses.  CBDC-W is designed for restricted access by financial institutions for improving the efficiency of inter-bank payments.  RBI considers an indirect model for facilitating access to CBDC better suited for India’s needs.  Under this model, persons would hold their CBDC in an account/wallet with a bank or service provider.  The obligation to provide CBDC on demand would fall on the intermediary, with the central bank tracking the wholesale CBDC balances of the intermediaries.

• Technology platforms: Infrastructure for implementing CBDC could be based on a conventional centrally controlled database or a distributed ledger.  In conventional databases, data is stored over multiple nodes which is controlled by a central entity.  In distributed ledger systems, the database is jointly managed by multiple entities in a decentralised manner.    

• Features: CBDC can be both interest and non-interest bearing instruments.  RBI observed that since physical cash does not carry any interest it would be logical to offer non-interest bearing CBDCs.  RBI noted that reasonable anonymity for small value transactions, such as that associated with physical cash, may be a desirable option for CBDC-R.

RBI will launch the first pilot of Digital Rupee for the wholesale segment with the participation of nine banks on November 1, 2022.[7]  It will be used for secondary market transactions in government securities.

RBI revises regulatory framework for asset reconstruction companies

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revised the regulatory framework for asset reconstruction companies (ARCs).[8]  ARCs take over distressed financial assets for their resolution.  Key features of the revised framework include:

• Governance: The chair of the board of ARCs shall be an independent director.  At least half of the directors attending board meetings shall also be independent directors.   The managing director, chief executive officer, and whole-time directors shall be appointed for a maximum of five-years at a time.  They may be re-appointed but an incumbent should not hold on to a post for more than 15 years continuously.  Individuals cannot continue in these positions beyond the age of 70.

• Committees of the board: Board of ARCs will have to constitute: (i) an audit committee, and (ii) a nomination and remuneration committee.  The audit committee will solely be comprised of non-executive directors.  It will periodically review internal control systems for asset acquisition and reconstruction measures.  The nomination and remuneration committee will discharge functions as specified in the Companies Act, 2013 including: (i) identifying persons qualified to become directors, (ii) evaluating the performance of directors, and (iii) policy related to remuneration for directors, and other employees.[9]  

• ARCs as resolution applicants: ARCs are currently not eligible to carry on any business, except securitisation, asset reconstruction, or any other business specified under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002, without prior approval from RBI.  Resolution applicant is an entity that bids for the resolution of corporate insolvency.  RBI has now allowed ARCs to undertake the activities of a resolution applicant subject to certain conditions.  These include: (i) ARCs should have a minimum net owned fund of Rs 1,000 crore, (ii) a board-approved policy will be required to be in place regarding the role of a resolution applicant, and (iii) ARCs will not retain significant control over the corporate debtor after five years of the approval of the resolution plan.    

 Commerce

Credit guarantee scheme for startups notified

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notified the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups.[10]  The scheme will provide guarantee cover to loans extended to eligible startups by financial institutions such as banks and non-banking finance companies.  This is expected to facilitate collateral-free loans to startups.  Key features include the following:

• Eligible borrowers: For borrowing under the scheme, startups should meet certain conditions.  Startups should: (i) be recognised by DPIIT, (ii) have reached a stable revenue stream, and (iii) not be in default to any lending/investing entity and not be classified as a non-performing asset.  

• Guarantee cover: Loans under the scheme may be provided under: (i) transaction-based guarantee cover, and (ii) umbrella-based guarantee cover.[11]   Transaction-based guarantee cover will be obtained by financial institutions on single eligible borrower basis.   Umbrella-based guarantee cover will be provided to venture debt funds registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India.  A maximum guarantee of up to Rs 10 crore per borrower may be provided under the frameworks.

• Oversight mechanism: The scheme will be operated by the National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company Limited (NCGTC).  DPIIT will constitute a management committee and a risk evaluation committee.  The management committee will oversee the affairs of the scheme.  It will be empowered to review the performance of the scheme and revise its parameters including the extent of guarantee coverage.   The risk evaluation committee will assess the overall risk parameters of the scheme including conflict of interest.       

Petroleum and Natural Gas

Cabinet approves a one-time grant of Rs 22,000 crore to oil marketing PSUs for losses in supplying domestic LPG

The Union Cabinet approved a one-time grant of Rs 22,000 crore for covering losses in domestic distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).[12]  The grant will be distributed to three public sector undertakings (PSUs): (i) Indian Oil Corporation Limited, (ii) Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, and (iii) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited.  Domestic LPG cylinders are supplied at regulated prices by these three PSUs.  

This grant comes in the backdrop of an increase in international LPG prices.  During June 2020 and June 2022, international prices of LPG increased by about 300%.   In order to insulate consumers from such fluctuations, the cost increase was not fully passed to consumers which caused significant losses to PSUs.  In the same period, domestic LPG prices have been increased by 72%.

Cabinet approves PM-DevINE for developing infrastructural projects and supporting industries in north east region

The Union Cabinet approved Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PM-DevINE) scheme.[13]  The scheme was announced in the 2022-23 Union Budget.  The objectives of the scheme include: (i) funding infrastructural projects, (ii) supporting social development projects based on the needs of the north east, and (iii) creating livelihood activities for youth and women.  PM-DevINE is a central sector scheme and will have an outlay of Rs 6,600 crore for the period 2022-23 to 2025-26.  It will be implemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region through North Eastern Council or Central Ministries/agencies.

 Power

Mayank Shreshtha (mayank@prsindia.org)

Comments invited on Regulations regarding pricing of energy savings certificates 

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) released draft amendments to the CERC (Terms and Conditions for Dealing in Energy Savings Certificates) Regulations, 2016 for public feedback.[14]^,[15]  The Regulations provide details regarding trading of transferable and saleable Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) in the energy market.  ESCs are tradeable instruments issued by Bureau of Energy Efficiency to those notified industries which have overachieved their energy-savings targets.  These certificates can be sold to underachievers at power exchanges.  The amendments add that the floor price of ESCs will be fixed at 10% of the price of one metric tonne of oil equivalent of energy consumed.  The central government will notify this price for every Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) cycle.  Under the PAT scheme, reductions in specific energy saving targets are assigned to designated consumers for a three-year cycle.  The PAT scheme is a market-based compliance mechanism to reduce energy consumption in large energy-intensive industries.

Comments are invited until November 2, 2022.

Draft National Repowering Policy for Wind Power Projects, 2022 released

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) released the draft National Repowering Policy for Wind Power Projects, 2022.[16]  Wind turbine repowering refers to replacing (or upgrading) older units with new, efficient, and powerful turbines (or components).  The draft policy seeks to replace the repowering policy issued in 2016.[17]  Total installed capacity of wind power has increased from 21 gigawatt (GW) in March 2014 to 40 GW in March 2022.  The draft Policy aims to replace old, ageing and inefficient, wind turbines of smaller capacity (less than 2MW) with modern highly-efficient ones to maximise the potential of the wind sector.  As per the draft policy, India’s repowering potential of such smaller capacity turbines is 25 GW.  

Key objectives of the 2022 policy are: (i) optimum utilisation of wind energy resources by maximising energy output (measured in kilowatt-hour) per square kilometre of the project area, and (ii) deployment of latest onshore wind turbine technologies.  MNRE reserves the right to amend and review the policy periodically to ensure its effective implementation.  Key features of the policy are:

• Repowering old wind turbines: Wind turbines that are eligible for repowering include: (i) wind turbines of rated capacity below 2 MW, (ii) wind turbines that have completed their design life, and (iii) set of wind turbines over an area that meet certain conditions such as more than 90% of total capacity of the project has completed its lifespan.

• Implementation framework: The repowering projects would be implemented by the respective state nodal agencies involved in promoting wind energy or central nodal agency appointed by the central government.  Within one month of the announcement of the policy, MNRE will constitute a monitoring and advisory committee chaired by the Joint Secretary (Wind), MNRE.  The committee will include members from Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA), state and central nodal agencies, and independent wind-energy experts. 

• Incentives: IREDA will provide an additional interest rate rebate of 0.25% over and above the interest rate available to the new wind projects for repowering projects.  Currently, the available interest rates vary across different grades and lie in the range of 8.5%-9.5%.[18]  Central and state governments may also consider additional financial incentives to support these projects. 

Environmental release of genetically engineered mustard recommended

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recommended the environmental release of certain genetically engineered mustard.[19]  This includes producing and testing the mustard hybrid variety DMH-11 prior to its commercial release.  The testing will be done as per existing guidelines by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research and other existing rules and regulations.   GEAC has also recommended releasing parental lines of genetically engineered mustard carrying certain specified genes, in order to develop new parental lines and hybrids.  These clearances have been granted subject to certain conditions.  For instance, the commercial use of DMH-11 shall be subject to the Seeds Act, 1966.   The environmental approval shall be valid for four years, after which it may be renewed for two years at a time based on a compliance report.

GEAC also noted that field demonstration studies must be carried out for two years after the environmental release, in order to understand its effect on honeybees and other pollinators.  The studies may be conducted under the supervision of the Indian Council for Agricultural Research.  The recommendations have been made following the report of the Expert Committee (Chair: Dr. Sanjay K. Mishra), which noted that certain genetically engineered mustard genes are unlikely to adversely impact pollinators.  

Draft notification exempting certain projects from environment impact assessment released

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released a draft notification amending the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification of September 2006.[20]^,[21]  The Ministry noted that pumped storage plants are considered in the same category as classical hydropower projects, despite their environmental impact being lower.  Pumped storage plants have the ability to use the same water multiple times for generating electricity, unlike hydropower projects.[22]  The draft amendment seeks to allow certain eligible pumped storage plants to receive environmental clearance without requiring an environment impact assessment report.  Eligible pumped storage projects include those where: (i) forest or wildlife clearance is not required, (ii) no new reservoir is created, or (ii) the existing reservoir is not expanded or structurally modified.  

Comments are invited until December 9, 2022.

Road Transport and Highways

Draft notification for transfer of BH vehicle registration series released

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has invited comments on a draft notification amending the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.[23]^,[24]^,[25]  The 1989 Rules provide for registration of all motor vehicles.  Under the Rules, non-transport vehicles with the Bharat (BH) series registration mark are allowed to have a number plate that is valid across the country.   Persons eligible for a BH registration include government employees and private employees whose offices are in at least four states.[26]  The draft amendments seek to ease compliance for registration of such vehicles.  Key features of the draft amendments include:

• Application for registration: The amendments add that an application for the BH registration may be made to any registration authority in the state where the specified vehicle owner permanently resides or works.  Previously, it was not specified that an application may be made to any registration authority in the state.[27]    

• Transfer of BH registration: The draft amendments specify that if a vehicle is BH registered, and is transferred to a person eligible for the BH series, then the vehicle’s BH registration will remain valid.  However, if the other person is not valid for BH registration, the vehicle will be required to assign a new registration mark (number plate with a state specific number such as MH or TN) from regular registration series.  It will also be liable for a motor vehicle tax as per the state’s rules.   Additionally, if the owner of a BH-series registered vehicle owner ceases to be eligible for the registration, then the vehicle’s registration will remain valid for the period for which tax has been paid.  

The amendments also provide for registration in case a person already owns a vehicle and then becomes eligible to obtain a BH registration.

Comments are invited until November 4, 2022.

Media and Broadcasting

Saket Surya (saket@prsindia.org)

FM radio policy guidelines amended

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting notified certain amendments to the Policy Guidelines on ‘Expansion of FM Radio Broadcasting Services through Private Agencies (Phase-III).[28]^,[29]^,[30]  Key changes include:

• Cap on share in total channels: Earlier, the guidelines provided that a service provider cannot hold more than 15% of the total channels allotted in the country.29  This cap has been removed.28

• Eligibility for running FM channel:  Earlier, for bidding for category C and D cities, the minimum net worth requirement was Rs 1.5 crore.30  This has been lowered to one crore rupees.30  Category C and D cities are those with the population in the range of 3-10 lakh and 1-3 lakh, respectively.29

• Restructuring of companies: Under the guidelines, prior approval from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is needed for restructuring of FM radio permissions between holding companies or subsidiaries of the same management.  Earlier, restructuring was permitted only if it was done within three years from the date on which all of the allotted channels became operational.  This time limit has been removed.

 Social Justice and Empowerment

Omir Kumar (omir@prsindia.org)

Commission constituted to examine the status of Scheduled Castes

The Central government has appointed a Commission (Chairperson: Justice K. G. Balakrishnan, former Chief Justice of India) to examine the status of Scheduled Castes (SC).[31]  The terms of reference of the Commission include examining: (i) matters of according SC status to new persons who claim to historically have belonged to the SC community but have converted to other religions, (ii) implications of according SC status to new persons on existing SC community, and (iii) changes SC persons go through on converting to other religions in terms of their customs, traditions etc.  The Commission will submit its report within a period of two years. 

Agriculture

Tanvi Vipra (tanvi@prsindia.org)

Cabinet approves minimum support prices for Rabi crops for 2023-24

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Rabi crops for 2023-24 marketing season.[32]  The MSP for wheat has been fixed at Rs 2,125 per quintal, an increase of 5.5% over the previous year’s MSP (Rs 2,015 per quintal).  Table 1 shows the MSPs notified for the marketing season 2023-24, compared to MSPs for 2022-23.

Table 1: MSPs approved for Rabi crops for the 2023-24 season (in Rs per quintal)

Crop	2022-23	2023-24	Change (%)
Wheat	2,015	2,125	5.5%
Barley	1,635	1,735	6.1%
Gram	5,230	5,335	2.0%
Lentil (Masur)	5,500	6,000	9.1%
Rapeseed and Mustard	5,050	5,450	7.9%
Safflower	5,441	5,650	3.8%

Sources: Press Information Bureau; PRS.

 Annexure

Table 2: Subjects identified by the Standing Committees for examination during 2022-23

Agriculture

Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Production and Availability of Certified Seeds in the Country. Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana (PMKSY) - A Review. Functioning of Agricultural Credit System in the Country. Production and Availability of Oil seeds and Pulses in the Country. National Mission on Agricultural Extension and Technology. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) - An Appraisal. Performance Review of Coconut Development Board Doubling of Farmers Income by 2022. Organic Farming - Prospects and Challenges National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP) - A Review. Promotion of Climate Resilient Farming. Department of Agricultural Research and Education Contribution of ICAR in Agricultural Research for Tribal and Hilly Regions. Research and Development in Farm Mechanization for Small and Marginal Farmers in the Country. Research and Development in Post-Harvest Management. Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair - A Performance Review. Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Evaluation of Livestock Insurance Schemes. National Livestock Mission – An Appraisal. Status and Promotion of Poultry Sector in the Country. Role of National Dairy Development Board for Protection and Development of Indigenous Cattle Breeds. National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development - An Evaluation. Spread of Lumpy Skin Disease in Cattle in the Country and issues related therewith. Scope for Nutrition and Livelihood in the Dairy Sector - An Analysis. Employment Generation and Revenue Earning Potential of Fisheries Sector. Role of National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Training and Extension Facilities to Fishermen under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Development of Deep Sea Fishing. Infrastructure and Post-Harvest Management in Fisheries Sector - An Overview. Promotion and Development of Sea Weed Cultivation. Development and Modernization of Fishing Harbours. Ministry of Food Processing Industries Scheme for Creation/Expansion of Food Processing and Preservative Capacities - An Evaluation. Initiatives taken in the Food Processing Sector under “Make in India” Program. Scope for development of Food Processing Industries in the North Eastern Region. Research and Development (R&D) in the Food Processing Sector. Ministry of Cooperation 1.        Role of Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) in Comprehensive Development of Agriculture  in the Country - An Evaluation.

Social Justice

Department of Social Justice and Empowerment Scholarship Schemes for SCs, OBCs and Children of persons engaged in hazardous and unclean occupations including Evaluation studies & their implementation. Economic Empowerment through Skill Development Schemes for SCs, OBCs, DNTs and EBCs. Drug abuse among young persons – problems & solutions. Schemes/programmes implemented for the welfare of SCs/OBCs under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Review of functioning of National Scheduled Castes Finance Development Corporation (NSFDC). Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Review of functioning of Deendayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS). Promotion/Research to develop indigenous aids and appliances for Divyangjan. Review of the functioning of National Institutes -do- established for different types of disabilities. Review of the functioning of National Handicapped Finance and Development Corporation (NHFDC). Schemes/programmes implemented for the welfare of Divyangjan under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Review of functioning of National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities. Ministry of Tribal Affairs Review of the functioning of the National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC). Review of the functioning of the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED). Schemes for Educational and Economic empowerment of Tribals. Schemes/programmes implemented for the welfare of Tribals under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Review of the Implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. Review of Marketing Support for Tribal Produce. Ministry of Minority Affairs Review of Scholarship and fellowship Schemes for Minority Students. Review of Skill Development/Schemes for minorities including Seekho aur Kamao, USTTAD etc. Administration and Management of Waqf properties. Schemes/programmes implemented for the welfare of Minorities under Corporate social responsibility (CSR). Review of the Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJKY). Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Priority Sector lending by Banks to SCs, STs, OBCs, differently abled persons and the Minorities. Grants-in-aid to NGOs working for social welfare and evaluation of their functioning and performance.

Tourism and Transport

Development of Greenfield and Brownfield Airports and Issues Pertaining to Civil Enclaves in Defence Airports. Review of Implementation of UDAN Scheme. Heritage Theft – The Illegal Trade in Indian Antiquities and the Challenges of Retrieving and Safeguarding Our Tangible Cultural Heritage. Functioning of Archaeological Survey of India. National Mission on Cultural Mapping and Role of National Akademis, National School of Drama (NSD), Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) in Promotion and Preservation of India’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. Functioning of Major Ports in the Country. Development and Expansion of Existing and New National Inland Waterways. Progress and Implementation of PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity. Review of Progress of e-Mobility Infrastructure and Growth of e-Vehicles. Construction of Road-Over-Bridges (ROBs), Road-Under-Bridges (RUBs), Service Roads and Review of Road Survey Guidelines etc. Examination of Draft National Tourism Policy. Development of Niche Tourism, Theme-based Tourist Circuits and Potential Tourist Spots.

Industry

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Review of performance of Prime Ministers Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) Scheme. Review of performance of Coir Board. Review of performance of Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) and Scheme for Promotion of Innovation, Rural Industries & Entrepreneurship (ASPIRE). Review of performance of (a) Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) and (b) Credit Guarantee Scheme for Subordinate Debt (CGSSD) for Stressed MSMEs. Ministry of Heavy Industries Working of BHEL, its future role and prospects in Indian Economy. Progress made under Atmanirbhar Bharat in Manufacturing Sector. Review of functioning of the Scheme on Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector.

Labour and Skill Development

Ministry of Labour and Employment Implementation of the Labour Codes. Working Conditions and Welfare Measures for Mine Workers, including Unauthorised Mines and assessment of working of Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). Contractual Appointments/Deployments and Implementation of Labour Laws concerning the welfare of Contract/Casual Workers in Government Organisations/Public Sector Undertakings/Public Sector Banks/Establishments. Implementation of Welfare measures for Plantation Workers. Functioning of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) with special reference to operation of the EPF Pension Scheme and Management of Corpus Fund. The Employees State Insurance Corporation- Applicability and benefits under ESI Scheme, functioning of ESI Hospitals and Management of Corpus Fund. Functioning of Central Board for Workers Education. Implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes. National Policy on Child Labour – An assessment. Identification and Rehabilitation of Bonded Labour Implementation of prescribed minimum Wages in various Employment Sectors. Social Security and Welfare Measures for Unorganised/ Informal Sector Workers including Gig/Scheme Workers, Street Vendors, Stone Crushers, Fishermen and Workers in IT and Telecommunication Sectors. Safeguards and measures for protecting the interest of overseas contract workers and the Returnees, particularly in the Middle East Region. Pension Schemes for the Unorganised Sector workers Employment Generation Programmes - A Review. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship National Skills Qualifications Framework – An Assessment. Functioning of Directorate General of Training Functioning of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Implementation of Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) Project. Skill Training in Food Processing, Agriculture and Allied Sectors.

Textile

Ministry of Textiles Development and Promotion of Jute Industry. Skill Development vis-à-vis Manufacturing and Upgradation in Textiles Sector. Welfare Schemes for Textile Workers – An Appraisal. Challenges/Opportunities in Indian Textile Industry. Development of Cotton Sector. Schemes/Programmes of Central Silk Board for Development and Promotion of Silk Industry. Status/Performance of Handloom Sector. Status and Reforming of Powerloom Sector. Performance of Marketing Agencies of Handlooms and Handicrafts. Functioning of National Textile Corporation (NTC).

Petroleum and Natural Gas

Pricing, Marketing and Supply of Petroleum Products including Natural Gas. Energy Security with specific reference to Hydrocarbon Resources and Electric Vehicles. Contract Management and Transparency in Procurement Procedures in Oil PSUs. Litigations involving Oil PSUs. Oil Refineries - A Review. Review of implementation of CBG (SATAT). Review of Human Resource Policy of Oil PSUs. Safety and Security of Oil Installations of Public Sector Oil Companies. Review of LNG Infrastructure. CSR activities of oil PSUs. Review of Policy on Import of Crude Oil. Initiatives undertaken by oil PSUs in Petroleum Sector under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. Steps taken to reduce Import Dependence of Crude Oil. Green Hydrogen Policy – Opportunities and Challenges for Oil PSUs. Review of on-going projects in Oil PSUs. Review of Exploration & Production Activities of Oil PSUs. R&D activities by Oil PSUs. International operations and investments by Oil PSUs.

Home Affairs

Prison - Conditions, Infrastructure and Reforms. Border Management. Disaster Management. Functioning of Union Territories. Implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and Projects in North Eastern States. Challenges to Internal Security and India's Preparedness.

Information Technology

Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Review of functioning of Prasar Bharati Organization. Review of functioning of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Review of functioning and outreach of Doordarshan Channels. Community Radio Stations: Growth, Opportunities and Challenges. Review of working of PSUs under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Working of All India Radio (AIR). Emergence of OTT Platforms and related issues Overview of Film Industry. Norms and Guidelines for Media Coverage. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Citizens’ data security and privacy. Digital Payment and Online Security measures for data protection. Review of functioning of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Safeguarding citizens’ rights and prevention of misuse of social/online news media platforms including special emphasis on women security in the digital space. Promotion of Electronics/IT Hardware/telecom equipment manufacturing sector under Make in India and measures for reduction of imports. Review of cyber security scenario in India. Review of functioning of Common Service Centre – Special Purpose Vehicle (CSC-SPV). Issues related to social media domain.

Communications

Department of Posts Real Estate Management in the Department of Posts. Department of Posts – Initiatives and Challenges. Review of services provided by Post Offices. Department of Telecommunications Review of functioning of BSNL and MTNL and plan for enhancing their performance. Review of the performance of schemes under Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) with special emphasis on North East and LWE affected areas. Inter-sectoral review of challenges of emerging and converging technologies, entities and practices. Implementation of Prime Minister’s Wi-fi Access Network Interface (PM-WANI) initiative. Issues confronting Telecom Sector in India. Review of Indian Telecom Industries (ITI) and its modernisation. Review of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj

Department of Rural Development Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM). Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Realisation of the vision 'Make in India' under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY). Empowering rural women through Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). Status and utilization of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund among PSUs in the area of rural development. Impact of National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) on the poor and destitute in the villages Creation of Adarsh Grams under Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY). Review of functioning of National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR). Role of Banks in the financial inclusion of rural population. Housing for All – status of PMAY-G. Rural Employment through Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) – An insight. Active participation of Members of Parliament in monitoring through DISHA Committees. Holistic approach to Sustainable Rural Development. Department of Land Resources Implementation of Digital India Land Records Modernization Programme (DILRMP). Ministry of Panchayati Raj Realization of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the implementation of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA). SVAMITVA (Survey of Villages Abadi and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas) Scheme. Review of the Status of Digitization of Gram Panchayats in view of the Report of Special Task Force.

Education, Youth and Sports

Department of Higher Education Review of preparedness for implementation of the National Education Policy, 2020- evaluation of bodies such as UGC, AICTE, NAAC, NBA, NTA etc. Review of Management and Social Work Education in the country-relevance and scope in the post pandemic world. Issues afflicting availability of quality faculty/ teaching resources in the Higher Education Sector Public/Private Universities. Department of School Education Review of Samagra Shiksha Scheme. Review of National Council for Teacher Education in light of NEP 2020 thrust on Capacity Building of Teachers. Department of Youth Affairs and Department of Sports Review of Rashtriya Yuva Sashaktikaran Karyakaram (RYSK). Review of Sports Promotion Schemes, methods of talent scouting and association of corporate sector through CSR activities. Promotion of Rural, Tribal and Adventure Sports, especially those featuring in Commonwealth/ Asian/ Olympic Games. Review of Sports Education in the country: prospects and roadmap for the future.

Women and Child Development

Evaluation of Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya. Review of Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 Scheme.

Consumer Affairs

Programmes for Consumers, their rights and grievances. Regulation of Packaged Commodities. Distribution of adulterated milk : Problems and remedies. Price Monitoring System of Essential Commodities. BIS- Hallmarking & Jewellery. Initiatives in the North-East in the field of Consumer Rights Protection. Regulation of Weights and Measures with specific reference to Dispensing Machines at Fuel Stations. Management Systems Certifications by BIS. NTH Testing and calibration of products.

Food and Public Distrbition

Sugar Industry in India- A Review. Functioning of Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA). Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). Food Security in India. Edible Oil Industry – A Review. Post-harvest Management of Food grains: Storage, Transport and Distribution. A Review of Food grains Procurement Scheme. Coarse grains production and distribution.

Energy

Ministry of Power Energy Security in India – Emerging Scenario Electrification of Rural India –Ensuring Sustainability and Reliability. Emerging Power Scenario in the Country including prospects of Thermal Power Plants in the light of enhanced Renewable Energy Target. Performance Review of Major Hydro Projects. Evaluation of Power Transmission Sector – Development of Transmission Network and its Management. Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme including issues such as appraisal of Discoms, quality and reliability of power supply, smart metering, ensuring 24x7 power supply and energy accounting system. Promotion of Electric Vehicles in India.       Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Roadmap for achievement of 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. National Solar Mission- An Evaluation. Bio-Energy and Waste to Energy - Recovery of Energy from Urban, Industrial and Agricultural Wastes/Residues and role of Urban Local Bodies in Energy Management. Enhancing Domestic Manufacturing Capacity in Renewable Energy Sector. Integration of Renewable Energy into the National Grid. National Hydrogen Energy Mission. Greening of Indian Islands – Carbon Free Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands Need for long term Renewable Energy Policy and Legal Reforms. Research, Design and Development in Renewable Energy Sector. Efficacy of Priority Sector Lending in financing Renewable Energy Sector. Performance evaluation of ‘Panchamrit‘announced at CoP-26.

External Affairs

India’s Neighbourhood First Policy. Countering Global Terrorism at Regional and International Level. India’s Position in the Ongoing Climate Change Negotiations. QUAD in Indo-Pacific Region: Impact thereof and India’s Role and Strategies for Engagement and Cooperation. India’s Role in Different Bodies of United Nations including Security Council: Imperatives and Challenges for India’s Permanent Membership in UNSC. Opportunities in African countries and India’s Engagement. Functioning of Indian Missions Abroad including. Evaluation of Political/Economic/Cultural and Consular Responsibilities and Promotion of Trade, Tourism and Technology. Performance of Passport Issuance System including Issuance of e-Passports and Review of Indian Passport Act and Rules. India’s Engagement with Small Island Countries. Facilitating External Economic Engagement of States and Union Territories. India's Engagement with G20 Countries. India’s Look East Policy: Review of India - ASEAN Partnership. India and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - Contours of Cooperation. India’s Role and Strategies for Cooperation in I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) Group. Russia - Ukraine Conflict, its Global Impact and India’s Response thereto. India’s Policy Planning and Role of Think tanks with Special Reference to ICWA and RIS.

Railways

Performance of Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA). Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) related activities of PSUs of Indian Railways. Kisan Rail Services. Safety measures in Railway Operations. Status of critical and super-critical projects of Indian Railways. New lines/gauge conversion/ doubling/electrification and signaling in Indian Railway. Performance of Production Units and Railway Workshops of Indian Railways. Digitisation in Indian Railways. Reconstitution and Restructuring of Railway Zones. Recruitment in Indian Railways. Introduction of High Speed Trains. National Projects and Strategic Lines of Indian Railways. Last Mile Port Connectivity with Indian Railways.

Water Resources

Department of Water Resources, River Development Ganga Rejuvenation Conservation, Development, Management and Abatement of pollution in river Ganga and its Tributaries under Namami Gange programme with particular reference to project deliverables and timelines as well as performance of State Governments. Groundwater: A Valuable but Diminishing Resource. Glacier Management in the country – Monitoring of Glaciers/Glacial lakes including Glacial Lake Outbursts leading to flash floods in the Himalayan region. Review of Upper Yamuna River Cleaning Project upto Delhi and River bed management in Delhi. Conservation and Abatement of Pollution in river Cauvery and other major rivers of South India. Water resource management in North eastern States with particular reference to problem of flood and soil erosion. Flood Management in the country with special reference to States of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Water Use efficiency in India. Measures Taken for Safety of Dams. Review of the role and working of WAPCOS. Department of Drinking Water And Sanitation Review of performance of Swachh Bharat Mission - Quality a nd sustainability of sanitation infrastructure created under Swachh Bharat Mission and Preparedness for ODF 2.0. Review of performance of Jal Jeevan Mission. Quality of Drinking Water in rural areas with special reference to hilly areas. Drinking Water Supply in Coastal Areas - Setting up of Desalination Plants.

 

[32] “Cabinet approves Minimum Support Prices for all Rabi Crops for Marketing Season 2023-24”, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Press Information Bureau, October 18, 2022, https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1868761. 

 

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