Government holds All Party Meet ahead of Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning tomorrow

Addressing floor leaders of parties in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha here today, ahead of Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning tomorrow, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that for preserving the institution of Democracy in India, it is important that all Political Parties support the Government to conduct business in both the Houses of the Parliament without disruption and constructive discussion takes place on issues of national importance. Prime Minister, in one voice with the leaders of all parties, also asserted that all Political Parties stand united to ensure nation’s safety and security, after such concerns were raised by many leaders on recent developments.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude towards all Parties for supporting the Government in bringing historic economic reforms like preponing of Budget Session of Parliament and bringing in Goods and Services Tax. Shri Modi informed all the leaders that due to preponing Budget by a month, there would be a balanced nature of capital expenditure profile in this financial year. Already 30% of total expenditure and 49% expenditure in infrastructure sector has taken place before the monsoon has started, which is a huge achievement and would bring fiscal prudence in capital expenditure in future. Bringing in of GST regime, with support of all parties, has strengthened the Federal structure of Government and brought about economic solidarity in the country, Shri Modi added.

The Prime Minister mentioned that highest level of dignity has been maintained in the whole process of Presidential Election till now and no situation of any bitterness surfaced among the Political Parties. All Parties should be commended for that and each party must ensure that all MPs and MLAs participate in the President’ election and no vote is wasted, Shri Modi said. The Prime Minister also urged all leaders to achieve consensus on celebrating 75^thanniversary of Quit India Movement on 9^th August in both Houses of Parliament.

Prime Minister urged all parties to extend their support to the Government in fighting corruption and the issue of communal violence in the name of Cow protection. Shri Modi said that State Governments must ensure the maintenance of law and order and strict action must be taken against those who break the law. Prime Minister also expressed deep concern for the floods in North Eastern States of India and assured all leaders that the Government is is fully informed on the situation on the ground and taking all steps to reduce the suffering of people.

A host of issues were brought up by the leaders of parties during the meeting. There was a consensus across party lines on ensuring smooth functioning of the Parliament without disruptions and deadlocks to be resolved through constructive discussions in both the Houses. 

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananth Kumar, later briefing media persons said that the Government has requested all parties, especially the opposition,  for their co-operation for the smooth functioning of the House. The Minister informed that all parties were in favour of a productive Monsoon session. The Government is always ready to discuss on the floor of the House, any issue as permitted under Rules of Procedure, he added.

Shri Kumar further informed that the Monsoon Session, 2017 of Parliament is scheduled to be held from Monday, the 17^th July, 2017, and subject to exigencies of Government Business, the Session may conclude on Friday, the 11^thAugust, 2017. The Minister said that the Session will provide a total of 19 sittings spread over a period of 26 days including four Private Members’ days. Further, 21 Bills are pending in Lok Sabha while 42 Bills are pending in Rajya Sabha, he added.

Items of Government Business Identified for being taken up in both the Houses of Parliament during ensuing Monsoon Session, 2017

• Bills for Introduction, Consideration and Passing

1. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2017;
2. The Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill, 2017;
3. The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2017
4. The State Banks (Repeal and Amendment) Bill, 2017
5. The Punjab Municipal Corporation Law (Extension To Chandigarh) Amendment Bill, 2017;
6. The Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill, 2017;
7. The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill, 2017;
8. The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) Bill, 2017;
9. The Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Amendment Bill, 2017;
10. The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Amendment Bill, 2017;
11. The Consumer Protection Bill, 2017;
12. The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2017;
13. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017;
14. The Right of Children Free and Compulsory Education (Second Amendment) Bill, 2017;
15. Labour Code on wages; and
16. The National Sports University Bill, 2017

• Bills for Consideration and Passing
• Bills pending in Lok Sabha

1. The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
2. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Amendment) Bill, 2017;
3. The Indian Institute of Management Bill 2017;
4. The Right of Children Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017;
5. The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2017;
6. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
7. The Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2017 ;and
8. The Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public-Private Partnership) Bill, 2017

• Bills pending in Rajya Sabha

1. The Footwear Design and Development Institute Bill, 2017 as passed by Lok Sabha;
2. The National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016 as passed by Lok Sabha;
3. The Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2016 as passed by Lok Sabha;
4. The Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2015 as passed by Lok Sabha;
5. The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013;
6. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016 as passed by Lok Sabha;
7. The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2016 as passed by Lok Sabha;
8. The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Third Amendment) Bill, 2017 as passed by Lok Sabha;
9. The National Commission for Backward Classes (Repeal) Bill, 2017 as passed by Lok Sabha; and
10. The Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Bill, 2017 as passed by Lok Sabha.

• Financial Business

1. Supplementary Demands for Grants (including Railways) for 2017-18

• Bills for Withdrawal
• Lok Sabha

1. The Consumer Protection Bill, 2015

• Rajya Sabha

1. The North-Eastern Council (Amendment) Bill, 2013;and
2. The Participation of Workers in Management Bill, 1990.

Government holds All Party Meet ahead of Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning tomorrow

Addressing floor leaders of parties in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha here today, ahead of Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning tomorrow, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said that for preserving the institution of Democracy in India, it is important that all Political Parties support the Government to conduct business in both the Houses of the Parliament without disruption and constructive discussion takes place on issues of national importance. Prime Minister, in one voice with the leaders of all parties, also asserted that all Political Parties stand united to ensure nation’s safety and security, after such concerns were raised by many leaders on recent developments.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude towards all Parties for supporting the Government in bringing historic economic reforms like preponing of Budget Session of Parliament and bringing in Goods and Services Tax. Shri Modi informed all the leaders that due to preponing Budget by a month, there would be a balanced nature of capital expenditure profile in this financial year. Already 30% of total expenditure and 49% expenditure in infrastructure sector has taken place before the monsoon has started, which is a huge achievement and would bring fiscal prudence in capital expenditure in future. Bringing in of GST regime, with support of all parties, has strengthened the Federal structure of Government and brought about economic solidarity in the country, Shri Modi added.

The Prime Minister mentioned that highest level of dignity has been maintained in the whole process of Presidential Election till now and no situation of any bitterness surfaced among the Political Parties. All Parties should be commended for that and each party must ensure that all MPs and MLAs participate in the President’ election and no vote is wasted, Shri Modi said. The Prime Minister also urged all leaders to achieve consensus on celebrating 75^thanniversary of Quit India Movement on 9^th August in both Houses of Parliament.

Prime Minister urged all parties to extend their support to the Government in fighting corruption and the issue of communal violence in the name of Cow protection. Shri Modi said that State Governments must ensure the maintenance of law and order and strict action must be taken against those who break the law. Prime Minister also expressed deep concern for the floods in North Eastern States of India and assured all leaders that the Government is is fully informed on the situation on the ground and taking all steps to reduce the suffering of people.

A host of issues were brought up by the leaders of parties during the meeting. There was a consensus across party lines on ensuring smooth functioning of the Parliament without disruptions and deadlocks to be resolved through constructive discussions in both the Houses. 

Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananth Kumar, later briefing media persons said that the Government has requested all parties, especially the opposition,  for their co-operation for the smooth functioning of the House. The Minister informed that all parties were in favour of a productive Monsoon session. The Government is always ready to discuss on the floor of the House, any issue as permitted under Rules of Procedure, he added.

Shri Kumar further informed that the Monsoon Session, 2017 of Parliament is scheduled to be held from Monday, the 17^th July, 2017, and subject to exigencies of Government Business, the Session may conclude on Friday, the 11^thAugust, 2017. The Minister said that the Session will provide a total of 19 sittings spread over a period of 26 days including four Private Members’ days. Further, 21 Bills are pending in Lok Sabha while 42 Bills are pending in Rajya Sabha, he added.

Items of Government Business Identified for being taken up in both the Houses of Parliament during ensuing Monsoon Session, 2017

• Bills for Introduction, Consideration and Passing

1. The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Amendment) Bill, 2017;
2. The Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill, 2017;
3. The Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2017
4. The State Banks (Repeal and Amendment) Bill, 2017
5. The Punjab Municipal Corporation Law (Extension To Chandigarh) Amendment Bill, 2017;
6. The Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill, 2017;
7. The Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Bill, 2017;
8. The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) Bill, 2017;
9. The Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Amendment Bill, 2017;
10. The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Amendment Bill, 2017;
11. The Consumer Protection Bill, 2017;
12. The National Investigation Agency (Amendment) Bill, 2017;
13. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017;
14. The Right of Children Free and Compulsory Education (Second Amendment) Bill, 2017;
15. Labour Code on wages; and
16. The National Sports University Bill, 2017

• Bills for Consideration and Passing
• Bills pending in Lok Sabha

1. The Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
2. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Amendment) Bill, 2017;
3. The Indian Institute of Management Bill 2017;
4. The Right of Children Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017;
5. The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2017;
6. The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016;
7. The Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2017 ;and
8. The Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public-Private Partnership) Bill, 2017

• Bills pending in Rajya Sabha

1. The Footwear Design and Development Institute Bill, 2017 as passed by Lok Sabha;
2. The National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016 as passed by Lok Sabha;
3. The Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2016 as passed by Lok Sabha;
4. The Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2015 as passed by Lok Sabha;
5. The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013;
6. The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016 as passed by Lok Sabha;
7. The Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2016 as passed by Lok Sabha;
8. The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty Third Amendment) Bill, 2017 as passed by Lok Sabha;
9. The National Commission for Backward Classes (Repeal) Bill, 2017 as passed by Lok Sabha; and
10. The Collection of Statistics (Amendment) Bill, 2017 as passed by Lok Sabha.

• Financial Business

1. Supplementary Demands for Grants (including Railways) for 2017-18

• Bills for Withdrawal
• Lok Sabha

1. The Consumer Protection Bill, 2015

• Rajya Sabha

1. The North-Eastern Council (Amendment) Bill, 2013;and
2. The Participation of Workers in Management Bill, 1990.

9th Slum Yuva Run flagged off by Sports Minister Vijay Goel, Power Minister Piyush Goyal, MoS Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju & Olympian Yogeshwar Dutt

Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Vijay Goel here today flagged off the 9th Slum Yuva Daud with Minister of Power Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju, Parvesh Verma M. P. and Olympic medalist wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt. The run started from Sahib Singh Verma Park (Kakrola Village) and ended at SDMC Community Hall (Dwarka Sec-17). Around 3000 youth from Delhi slums participated and each of them was awarded medals and certificates. Shri Goel interacted with the participants before the run started and each of them gave him a positive feedback and appreciated the Ministry’s efforts to provide them a platform to perform. Some of the youngsters shared their ideas while others sang patriotic songs. 

Addressing the participants Shri Goel said, “Our aim is to provide the youth of slum something positive so that they do not take to drugs or other anti-social activities. We will also prepare teams in future and hold competitions in football, volleyball etc. so that we are able to find the hidden talent from these slums”. Power Minister shri Piyush Goyal praised the initiative of Slum Yuva Daud and said, “Youth has tremendous energy and they must use it to transform India into “New India”. MoS Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju stated that, “Such activities empower the youth and they feel elated. This will surely help us in building Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat”. Olympic medal winner wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt said, “India is a young country and we must aim to become a sports power hub”. Shri Parvesh Verma appreciated the Sports Ministry idea to hold Slum Runs across Delhi and said that it is a great way to unite the youth for constructive activities like Digital India, Swachh Bharat etc. 

The Slum Yuva Daud is part of the Adopt Slum Campaign initiated by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan. Total 11 Slum Yuva Runs have been planned out of which 9 have already been successful with mass participation youth from various Delhi slums. 

English rendering of the Highlights from the Prime Minister’s Speech at the All Party Meeting on July 16, 2017

• Monsoon Session of the parliament gets underway tomorrow. The need of the hour is to ensure that we make maximum use of the time in this session. Barring a few exceptions, there has been a considerable increase in parliament productivity over the past three years. My thanks to all the political parties for this. 

• I am quite optimistic that the time allocated for the business of the house would be utilized in an effective manner in the monsoon session and it will set a record in terms of parliamentary productivity. All political parties must co-operate in this regard. 

• We can fulfill our responsibilities with a meaningful dialogue keeping in mind the time, resources and dignity of the house. 

Thanks for GST

• I am grateful once again to all of you for having joined hands together for the implementation of GST

• GST has been in place for past 15 days and we have seen positive results in these 15 days. Check posts have been removed from the borders of many states and the movement of trucks has become easier. 

• Centre has been working in close co-ordination with the states to bring on board the traders who have not yet been registered on GST platform by expediting the processes at the earliest. 

Outcome of the Budget Session

• The budget session was convened was convened about a month ago. All political parties extended their co-operation. I would like to share positive outcome of the budget session. 

• A major impact of advancing the budgetary process by a month has been that the funds allotted to several departments for various schemes reached before the monsoon season. Earlier, it used to take two to three months for the funds allocated to the schemes to reach up to the departments. The implementation was delayed due to the monsoon. It did not happen this time and there has not been any lag period after March. It has also provided three months additional time for the completion of infrastructure projects. 

• According to the estimates from Controller General of Accounts, the expenditure in April-June this year has been 30% more than the same time previous year. 

• Capital Expenditure in Infrastructure related projects has gone up by 48% over the previous year. 

• The trend of expenditure in the schemes reflects that the funds allocated would be spent in a balanced manner throughout the year. Earlier, the expenditure used to begin after the monsoon and unnecessary pressure was there to spend the money before March. It was one of the reasons for the faults in the system. 

Floods in North Eastern States

• Incessant rains in many parts of the country and the floods in the north eastern states has been a cause of concern. Centre is in constant touch with the state governments and the situation is being closely monitored. Many Central Government agencies are engaged in flood rescue and relief operations. State Governments have been told to inform urgently whenever they need any assistance. 

Tough on terrorism

• Entire nation has been in a state of shock in the wake of the attack on Amarnath pilgrims by the terrorists. My heartfelt condolences to the pilgrims who were killed in this attack and my sympathies are with the families in this hour of grief. The Government will ensure that the perpetrators of this attack are brought to book. 

• We are fully committed to maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir and to wipe out the anti national elements from the state. The Government is trading the path laid down by Atal ji. 

State Governments must act tough on those inciting violence in the name of Cow protection

• Some anti social elements have incited violence in the name of cow protection. Those engaged in disturbing the harmony in the country are trying to take advantage of the situation. 

• It has an impact on the image of the nation. State Governments must deal sternly against such anti-social elements. 

• Cow is revered as the mother in our country. Public sentiments are attached with the cow. However, people must know that there is a law to protect the cow and the violation of law is not an alternative. 

• Maintaining law and order is the responsibility of State Governments and wherever these incidents are taking place, state Governments must deal firmly with it. The State Governments must also see to it that in the name of cow protection some people are settling their personal rivalry. 

• All the political parties should condemn strongly this goondaism in the name of cow protection. 

Acting against corruption

• Over the past few decades, the image of political leadership has been at crossroads due to the deeds of some of the leaders amongst us. We need to convince the people that every leader is not tainted and every leader is not only running after money. 

• What is required that we have to be transparent in our public life and yet there should be action against corrupt leaders. 

• The onus lies on the political parties to identify such leaders among them and segregate them from their political journey. 

• If the law of the land is working, then we have to join hands together ward off the challenge from those who try to save themselves by raking up the issue of political conspiracy. 

• Nation will not gain anything by standing with those who have plundered the nation. 

• 75th anniversary of uit India Movement falls on 9th August . Parliament should discuss it. 

• It would have been better had the Presidential election been held by consensus. However, it is a matter of satisfaction and pride that the election campaign has been a dignified one. All the political parties need to be congratulated. All parties must train their MPs and MLAs to cast their votes so that not a single vote is wasted. 

Shri Rajnath Singh condoles Amarnath Yatra bus accident victims

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has expressed deep condolences over the loss of lives in a bus accident carrying Amarnath Yatris in Jammu and Kashmir. “My heart goes out to the families of Amarnath Yatris who lost their loved ones in the bus accident. My prayers are with the injured,” he said. 

Shri Rajnath Singh spoke to J&K Chief Minister Ms. Mehbooba Mufti regarding the unfortunate accident of the bus near Ramban. She apprised the Union Home Minister of the ongoing rescue operations. Shri Rajnath Singh also had a telephonic conversation with the J&K Governor Shri NN Vohra who has reached the accident site. He apprised the Union Home Minister of the situation. 

The bus carrying 45 pilgrims from Jammu to Srinagar rolled down a mountain at Nachala, Under Police Station Ramsu at Banihal, Ramban. As confirmed by SSP Ramban, in this accident 16 pilgrims died and 29 got injured. 18 injured have been airlifted to Government Medical College & Hospital, Jammu by chopper, the remaining 11 with minor injuries left for Srinagar by road. Helpline numbers to enquire about Amarnath Yatris travelling in the bus that met with accident in Ramban, J&K. 0191-2560401 & 0191-2542000.

Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressed a gathering on 89th Foundation Day of ICAR

The Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh has said that agricultural scientists have played a significant role in bringing Green Revolution and developing research and technology. He was addressing the 89^th Foundation Day Celebration of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Annual Award distribution function here today.

            The Minister said that since 1951 foodgrain production in the country has increased five times, fish production 14.3, milk production 9.6 and egg production 47.5 times. In the Horticulture Sector, there has been a threefold increase in fruits and vegetable production as compared to1991-92. This type of development has a direct effect on the nation's food and nutritional security. The scientists have also played a key role in furthering excellence in higher education. Our scientists are engaged in innovative research in Science and Technology and they are appreciated at the international level for their work.

            At the event, 122 awards were presented for excellence in 19 various categories. It includes 3 institutes; 2 AICRPs; 12 Krishi Vigyan Kendras; 19 farmers and 80 scientists, including 30 women. The Minister congratulated the three best-ranked Universities, Official Language Awardees and other winners for their outstanding achievements and contributions. The Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri S.S. Ahluwalia, Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Panchayati Raj, Shri Parshottambhai Rupala, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Sudarshan Bhagat, Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR) and Vice Chancellors of Agriculture universities were also present on the occasion.

            The ICAR is the premier organisation that had started Green Revolution in the country and today, the country has not only come out of a food deficit situation but also has become self-sufficient in foodgrains and now it has surplus foodgrains.

            Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the contribution of agriculture and allied sectors to Gross Value Added (previously known as GDP) is 18%.  There has been a record production of about 274 million tonnes of foodgrains in the country and it has been possible due to the availability of technologies, quality seeds and related services being made available to the farmers. This achievement has been possible due to the contribution of institutions of ICAR and State Agricultural Universities and hard work of farmers.

            While emphasising the importance of agriculture sector, the Agriculture Minister said the government has taken several steps for sustainable development of agriculture. Several measures have been proposed for the farmers’ welfare and improvement in agriculture such as bringing 2.85 million hectares under irrigated area by 2012-2018; providing assistance of Rs.2,87,000 crore (42.1 billion US dollars) to the village panchayats and municipalities and to provide electricity to all the villages.

            He informed that steps have already been taken to solve the two important problems (Soil and Water) by the Government to improve agricultural production. Soil Health Card Scheme and Organic Farming Scheme ‘Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana’ have been initiated to improve soil fertility on a sustainable basis.

            Other initiatives include improvement of irrigation through Pradhan Mantri Gram Sinchai Yojana; increasing the effectiveness of water under Per Drop More Crop; and to increase the income of farmers, e-NAM has been started. For the growth of agriculture and to cover the risks of farmers from climate adversities for agricultural development, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana has received a widespread approval as a major landmark policy.

            He expressed happiness over the fact that the Government Soil Health Card Scheme has been made successful by the institutions of ICAR, Agricultural Universities and various development departments. The Minister expressed hope that young researchers will take special initiative for the success of government schemes.

For the full list of awardees please follow this link

MSDE celebrates Second Anniversary of Skill India Mission. . .

Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) here today celebrated the second anniversary of Skill India Mission on the World Youth Skills day. 100 GST training centres, 51 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras and 100 Yoga training centres were inaugurated on the occasion. SKILL INDIA Mission is the brainchild of Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. It was during his presence, MSDE had launched the SKILL INDIA Campaign on the occasion of the first ever World Youth Skills Day on 15th July 2015. 

Minister of State ( I/C) MSDE Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy hosted the celebrations and the Union Ministers present as the Guests of Honour were Sushri Uma Bharati, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, and Shri Dharmendra Pradhan. 

In his Keynote Address, Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy said, “Skill India is a hallmark mission for us and it has been a great two-year journey of Skill India. India has always been an artisan-based economy for the last 5000 years that sustained livelihoods. We have always had weavers, potters, metallurgy, farmers, gardeners etc. But with the British rule, the country learnt the art of rulers. We need to go back to our roots and find our natural skills that will make us more efficient in our work life. We all know that applied knowledge is the most relevant knowledge to gain.” 

“This year we will focusing extensively on quality, our schemes and programs have to orient themselves to seeking regional balance so that maximum number of people can reap the benefit and add to their personal and the country’s economic growth. We are committed to the vision of our Prime Minister with full passion, integrity and commitment to make it into a success. Our endeavor will be to give wings to the dreams our people and empower them to be successful in their life,” he further added. The event saw prominent Industry captains and key representatives of companies participate and more than 32000 companies pledged support to apprenticeship training for Skill India Mission under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). MSDE also announced the launched of National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) in BFSI Sector and along with candidates receiving their apprenticeship letters at the gathering. 

On the occasion, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) announced a national training Programme to certify GST practitioners under its flagship scheme of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). This would facilitate the country’s transition to the new tax regime seamless and convenient. Total 100 GST training centres across the nation were launched along with the training curriculum. 

Addressing the guests, Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum & Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said, “After a few years 50 percent of the jobs will become redundant and it is imperative that we up-skill ourselves for the new age jobs. There are big opportunities in bio fuel, energy and petroleum sector and the youth can make the best out of these opportunities.” 

In line with the commitment of opening one Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) in each district, additional 51 PMKK were announced across India counting to 200 in total till date. Staying true to Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment to promote yoga, MSDE also launched 100 yoga training centres on the occasion. 

Applauding the steps taken by MSDE under Skill India Mission, Minister of Textiles Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani said, “It’s a historic moment for us to witness the oath that the captains of the industry have taken today. Of all the programs, under skill development, I think the most important one for us will be Recognition of Prior learning (RPL) has brought great recognition and respect to the people across and brought them back into the organised sector. We would like to partner MSDE in hiring practioners of GST from the skill centres for the benefit of our industry.” 

The event also witnessed the distribution of certificates for short-term/ Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certificates to candidates trained under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). To keep up with the changing competitive world, new accreditation and affiliation guidelines for ITIs were released by the guests of honour. MSDE also launched Takshashila - a portal for trainers and assessors that would rack their training life-cycle and would function as the central repository of information concerning the development of their quality benchmarks in the Indian skill eco-system Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Drinking and Water Sanitation Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said, “Skill India is most crucial to the nation than any other national mission at this point in time specially when it comes to strengthening the rural areas in our country. MoRD is mandated to build 1 crore houses by 2019. This would not be possible without an efficient and skilled workforce. The Skills Ministry has revolutionized the rural sector and their commendable efforts are visible. Our rural workforce is being trained across villages with the support of the skill training machinery.” 

Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda said, “Development is an on-going process but becomes crucial when the country has a huge demographic dividend to reap. Directing such large -scale schemes in the right manner, across sectors and geographies and bridging the gaps demand through concerted efforts, is a big task at hand for MSDE. It is imperative to provide the right type of skills for the right type of employment which will shape India’s future. “ The world's largest vocational skills competition is scheduled in Abu Dhabi from 14 to 19 October 2017. The ministers felicitated the candidates representing India and extended their wishes. The occasion also witnessed the introduction and felicitation of Japan Technical Interns. 

The ceremony concluded with kind words of Minister for Water Resources and River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Sushri Uma Bharati “50 crore people are dependent on the water from River Ganga and only a skilled workforce which helps in waste cleaning and its disposal activities, construction of toilets, laying sewerage pipelines can help us achieve our goals. I thank Rajiv for signing this MoU with us and helping us in our endeavors.” 

“Skill India is a national movement bringing together multiple stakeholders on a common platform to maximise the potential of India’s youth. This day is to celebrate the unified efforts and the convergence in skill training efforts to achieve quality and scale in our ecosystem.” said Dr. K P Krishnan, Secretary, MSDE addressing the audience at the event.