Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressed
a gathering on 89th Foundation Day of ICAR
- While addressing the 89th Foundation Day Celebration of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister said that agricultural scientists have played a significant role in bringing Green Revolution and developing research and technology.
Role of Scientists in Agriculture and Food Security of the country
- 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.
Government holds All Party Meet ahead of Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning tomorrow
- Ahead of Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning tomorrow, Prime Minister addressed floor leaders of parties in the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
- PM 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.
Highlights
- 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.
- 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.
Benefits of preponing Budget by a month
- 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.
NDMC Smart City projects given timelines; Rs.1,240 cr worth works to begin in October
- Command & Control Centre, Smart water and power grids, roads, parking, classrooms priority focus
- New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has been asked by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs to ensure completion of smart city projects ahead of time so as to lead by example in smart city making across the country.
Smart City Project
- The conceptualisation of Smart City, therefore, varies from city to city and country to country, depending on the level of development, willingness to change and reform, resources and aspirations of the city residents.
- A smart city would have a different connotation in India than, say, Europe. Even in India, there is no one way of defining a smart city.
- Ideally aim at developing the entire urban eco-system, which is represented by the four pillars of comprehensive development-institutional, physical, social and economic infrastructure.
Smart City Features
Some typical features of comprehensive development in Smart Cities are described below.
- Promoting mixed land use in area based developments–planning for ‘unplanned areas’ containing a range of compatible activities and land uses close to one another in order to make land use more efficient. The States will enable some flexibility in land use and building bye-laws to adapt to change;
- Housing and inclusiveness – expand housing opportunities for all;
- Creating walkable localities –reduce congestion, air pollution and resource depletion, boost local economy, promote interactions and ensure security. The road network is created or refurbished not only for vehicles and public transport, but also for pedestrians and cyclists, and necessary administrative services are offered within walking or cycling distance;
- Preserving and developing open spaces – parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces in order to enhance the quality of life of citizens, reduce the urban heat effects in Areas and generally promote eco-balance;
- Promoting a variety of transport options – Transit Oriented Development (TOD), public transport and last mile para-transport connectivity;
- Making governance citizen-friendly and cost effective – increasingly rely on online services to bring about accountability and transparency, especially using mobiles to reduce cost of services and providing services without having to go to municipal offices. Forming e-groups to listen to people and obtain feedback and use online monitoring of programs and activities with the aid of cyber tour of worksites;
- Giving an identity to the city – based on its main economic activity, such as local cuisine, health, education, arts and craft, culture, sports goods, furniture, hosiery, textile, dairy, etc;
- Applying Smart Solutions to infrastructure and services in area-based development in order to make them better. For example, making Areas less vulnerable to disasters, using fewer resources, and providing cheaper services.
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