03 June 2021: PIB Summary & Analysis

June 3rd, 2021, PIB:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Govt e-Marketplace (GeM) Portal
2. PLI Scheme for Telecom & Networking Equipment
3. Expert Group on Fixation of Minimum Wages and National Floor Wages
4. Children in distress during COVID pandemic

1. Govt e-Marketplace (GeM) Portal

Context:

Bamboo Market Page on Govt e-Marketplace (GeM) portal launched.

Details:

• The dedicated window on GeM portal for marketing of bamboo goods was launched by the Union Agriculture Minister.
• The dedicated bamboo page was worked on together by the National Bamboo Mission and the GeM.
• The dedicated window will provide an electronic platform for the small manufacturers and niche sellers thereby vastly increasing their reach to attract buyers and at the same time will provide niche products from trusted sources to the buyers.
• The page is named the “Green Gold Collection” and showcases a range of exquisitely handcrafted bamboo and bamboo products, handicrafts, disposals and office utility products on the GeM portal.
• It aims to provide bamboo artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs in rural areas with market access to Government buyers.

Read more on the Government e-Marketplace in the link.

2. PLI Scheme for Telecom & Networking Equipment

Context:

Telecom Department announced Operational Guidelines for PLI Scheme for telecom & networking equipment.

Details:

• PLI scheme for telecom was notified by the Department of Telecommunications in February 2021.
• Now, the operational guidelines have been announced.
• The scheme envisages creating global champions out of India who have the potential to grow in size and scale using cutting edge technology and thereby penetrate the global value chains.
• The PLI Scheme will be implemented within the overall financial limits of ₹ 12,195 Crores for implementation of the Scheme over a period of 5 years. For MSME category, financial allocation will be ₹1000 Crores.
• Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has been appointed as the Project Management Agency (PMA) for the PLI scheme.
• The Scheme is open to both MSME and Non-MSME Companies including Domestic and Global Companies. Also, manufacturers with products with Indian technology are encouraged to apply.
• The Scheme stipulates a minimum investment threshold of ₹ 10 Crores for MSME and ₹ 100 Crores for non MSME applicants. Eligibility shall be further subject to Incremental Sales of Manufactured Goods (covered under Scheme Target Segments) over the base year (FY2019-20).

Read more on the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme in the link.

3. Expert Group on Fixation of Minimum Wages and National Floor Wages

Context:

Expert Group on Fixation of Minimum Wages and National Floor Wages constituted by the government.

Details:

• The Ministry of Labour & Employment issued an order and has constituted the Expert Group to provide technical inputs and recommendations on fixation of Minimum Wages and National Floor Minimum Wages.
• The Group has been constituted for a period of three years from the date of notification.
• To arrive at the wage rates, the group will look into the international best practices on wages and evolve a scientific criteria and methodology for fixation of wages.
• The Group is chaired by Prof Ajit Mishra, Director, Institute of Economic Growth.

4. Children in distress during COVID pandemic

Context:

Ministry of Women and Child Development enlisted some measures to be undertaken by states/UTs in the best interest of the children in distress.

Details:

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development has asked the States/UTs to ensure care and protection of children adversely impacted by COVID, following the protocol as mandated under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.

The following measures have been enlisted:

• Identification and Profiling of children
  • Identify children in distress through surveys and outreach, etc.
  • Create a database with profile of each child along with the details of their specific needs and requirements maintaining required confidentiality.
  • Ensure that the data of every child is uploaded on the Track Child Portal of Government of India.
• Vigilance and Protection
  • Publicize contact details of Child Welfare Committees and Childline (1098) at hospital receptions and other prominent places.
  • Police to be alerted to track and monitor the evolving situation carefully, to prevent crimes against children including child labour, child marriage, trafficking and illegal adoptions.
  • Database of children at risk to be maintained to ensure follow-up and regular monitoring.
  • Suitable measures to be put in place to ensure that financial assistance offered to children is not adjusted against pending loans/other liabilities of their parents.
• Emergency Care and Rehabilitation
  • Hospitals to take information about persons who can take care of the children in case of any eventuality concerned with the parents.
  • Provisions for paediatric and neo-natal care to be ensured.
• Institutional support through Child Care Institutions (CCIs)
  • Assessment of quality care in all CCIs to ensure clean and hygienic living conditions, basic amenities, etc.
  • Proper isolation facilities for children affected by COVID, and other relevant facilities.
• Role of District Magistrate and District Administration Guardianship
  • District Magistrate shall be the Guardian of vulnerable children impacted adversely by COVID.
  • The DM shall make efforts that such children are rehabilitated in the following order of preference, in the manner as prescribed under the JJ Act, 2015:
    • Restored to/rehabilitated with extended family, kith and kin of the child.
    • Adoption (in case children are found legally free for adoption by Child Welfare Committee) through CARINGS portal maintained by Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).
    • Under Government approved Child Care Institutions.
  • DMs need to secure the rights of the children on family assets/ancestral properties, to ensure that it is not sold or encroached.
• Institutional Support through CCIs
• District Police team to stay alert and vigilant to prevent trafficking of children, illegal adoption, child marriage, child labour or any other kind of abuse. All cases of children offered for adoption on social media to be traced and action may be taken against the perpetrator if found guilty.
• Panchayat Raj Institutions/Urban local bodies
  • The child protection committees at Panchayat level to identify and inform District Administration/District Child protection Unit about children in distress.
• Education
  • Orphaned children to be given free education in government schools.
  • Based on the special needs of the child, he/she can be enrolled in the nearest private school under RTE.
  • Vocational training to be given if necessary under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
• Medical facilities
  • Health Insurance may be secured for eligible children under PM Jan Arogya Yojana.

Read previous PIB here.

June 3rd, 2021, PIB:- Download PDF Here