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MPEDA Recruitment 2016 : 71 Clerk, MTS, Lab, Stenographer & TO Posts

2016-04-01T08:39:00.002-07:00

MPEDA Recruitment 2016 : 71 Clerk, MTS, Lab, Stenographer & TO Posts

The Marine Products
Export Development Authority
(Ministry of Commerce & Industry)
Government of India
MPEDA House, Panampilly Avenue
PB No. 4272, Kochi-682036
Email: ho@mpeda.gov.in,
Website: mpeda.gov.in

Invites Applications for the following posts:

UR*- Unreserved, SC*- Scheduled Caste, ST*- Scheduled Tribe, OBC*- Other Backward Classes.
Educational and other qualifications required for the post:
1. Junior Technical Officer (Export Promotion)
Essential: Post Graduate Degree with 3 years experience in the field of Fisheries.
1.1 Upper age limit as on 31/03/2016 : 35 years
1.2 Place of vacancy : Any where in India

2. Data Processing Assistant
Essential: (1) Master's Degree in Computer Applications/Information Technology/ Computer
Science of a recognized University/Institute; OR B.E/ B.Tech in Computer Engineering/Computer
Science/Computer Technology/Computer Science & Engineering/Information Technology from a
recognized University/Institute (2) Three years experience in Data Processing.
2.1 Upper age limit as on 31/03/2016 : 35 years
2.2 Place of vacancy : Anywhere in India

3. Junior Hindi Translator
Essential: Master's Degree in Hindi with 4 years experience in translation work from Hindi to
English and English to Hindi in Government Organizations.
Desirable: Diploma in translation work from Hindi to English and English to Hindi.
3.1 Upper age limit as on 31/03/2016 : 35 years
3.2 Place of vacancy : Any where in India

4. Senior Clerk
Essential: Bachelor Degree with Computer proficiency in Word Processing with a speed of 9,000
Key depression per hour and Spread sheet (Excel) from a recognized Board of Technical
Education with 5 years experience in office work.
Desirable: A speed of 30 w.p.m. in English Typewriting
4.1 Upper age limit as on 31/03/2016 : 28 years
4.2 Place of vacancy : Anywhere in India

5. Junior Stenographer (English)
Essential: (a) Bachelor Degree with 100 w.p.m. speed in Shorthand (English) from a recognized
Board of Technical Education. (b) Computer proficiency in Word Processing with a speed of
12,000 Key depression per hour and Spread sheet (Excel) from a recognized Board of Technical
Education 'OR' (b) Diploma in Commercial Practice with Stenography and Computer proficiency
in Word Processing with a speed of 12000 Key depressions per hour and Spread sheet (Excel)
from a recognized Board of Technical Education.
Desirable: A speed of 40 w.p.m. in English Typewriting
5.1 Upper age limit as on 31/03/2016 : 28 years
5.2 Place of posting : Any where in India

6. Hindi Stenographer Essential: Bachelor Degree with (a) A speed of 80 w.p.m. in Hindi Shorthand and Computer proficiency in word processing with a speed of 10500 Key depressions per hour in Hindi and Spread
sheet (Excel) and (b). 35 w.p.m. in Hindi Typewriting.
Desirable: (1) Knowledge of English Stenography and Typewriting with Computer proficiency in
word processing and Spread sheet(Excel).
6.1 Upper age limit as on 31/03/2016 : 28 years
6.2 Place of vacancy : Any where in India

Invites Applications for the following posts:

UR*- Unreserved, SC*- Scheduled Caste, ST*- Scheduled Tribe, OBC*- Other Backward Classes.

1. Junior Laboratory Analyst
Essential: Bachelor Degree in Chemistry or Fisheries or Bachelor Degree with Chemistry as a
subject with 3 years experience in a laboratory undertaking chemical analysis of seafood, food
items, feed or raw material for these products.
1.1 Upper age limit as on 31/03/2016 : 28 years
1.2 Place of posting : Anywhere in India

2. Field Supervisor Essential: Bachelor degree in Mariculture / Aquaculture / Fishery Science / Zoology / Marine
Biology / Ocean Life Science / Industrial Fisheries with three years experience in Aquaculture.
Desirable: (1) Post Graduate in Mariculture / Aquaculture (2) Experience in Aquaculture or
Aquaculture Research.
2.1 Upper age limit as on 31/03/2016 : 28 years
2.2 Place of posting : Anywhere in India

3. Junior Clerk
Essential: Bachelor Degree with Computer proficiency in Word Processing with a speed of 9,000
Key depression per hour and Spread sheet (Excel) from a recognized Board of Technical
Education.
Desirable: A speed of 30 w.p.m. in English Typewriting
3.1 Upper age limit as on 31/03/2016 : 28 years
3.2 Place of posting : Anywhere in India

4. Electrical Operator Essential: (i) SSLC and (ii) ITI Electrical Trade Certificate with 3 year experience in repairing and
maintenance of electrical installations after qualifying ‘OR’ (ii) Diploma in Electrical Engineering
with one year experience in repairing and maintenance of electrical installations after qualifying.
4.1 Upper age limit as on 31/03/2016 : 28 years
4.2 Place of posting : Anywhere in India

5. Multi Tasking Assistant (Field Assistant) Essential: 10th Std. pass with 2 years experience in Aquaculture
5.1 Upper age limit as on 31/03/2016 : 28 years
5.2 Place of posting : Anywhere in India

How to apply:
1. Apply online through www.mpeda.gov.in (notification - careers- apply online)
2. Applications for the post will be considered only subject to the general conditions indicated
in the website.
3. Application fee of ` 250/- (non-refundable) in the form of Demand Draft drawn in favour of
"The Secretary, MPEDA", payable at Ernakulam should be sent along with the print out of
online application. No application fee is required in the case of SC/ST/PH/Ex-Servicemen
candidates and employees of MPEDA and its Societies.
4. Age relaxable by 7 years in the case of existing employees of MPEDA and the Societies
working under the direct control of MPEDA and applying for the post provided they have the
required educational qualifications and experience prescribed for direct recruitment.
5. Last date of the application is on 31/03/2016

Indian Ordinance Factory Bhandara Recruitment 2016 : 19 Various Posts

2016-04-01T08:29:00.000-07:00

Indian Ordinance Factory Bhandara Recruitment 2016 : 19 Various Posts

Government of India
Ministry of Defence
Indian Ordnance Factories
Ordnanc e Factory , Bhandara , (Maharashtra)-44190 6
Direct Recruitment 2016A

It is hereby notified for information of all Citizens of India that Ordnance Factory, Bhandara intends
to fill up the following vacancies in Group ‘C’ Posts of its Industrial and Non- Industrial
Establishment in the Pay Band and Grade Pay shown against posts from the candidates who are
fulfilling the requisite qualification/specification as mentioned below by Online Applications. The
intending candidates must visit the Factory’s website at the address www.propex.gov.in and
must read carefully all the provisions/stipulations/conditions/instructions etc. given in the Full Text
Advertisement (FTA) before proceeding to apply Online for the post.

(II) NAMES OF POSTS AND NUMBERS OF VACANCIES:
The Names of the Posts and the Numbers of Vacancies with Reservation Category-wise
breakup thereof are as follows :

Note : (i) The Posts reserved for PWD and XSM shall be adjusted by Horizontal Reservation i.e. the
selected Candidates shall be adjusted against the categories of UR/SC/ST/OBC(NCL) to
which they belong.
(ii) While filling the unreserved/reserved vacancies, the corresponding Backlog vacancies shall
be filled first.
(iii) The General Manager, Ordnance Factory Bhandara reserves the right to increase or
decrease the number of vacancies at any stage without issuing further notification/corrigendum.
(iv) The General Manager, Ordnance Factory, Bhandara also reserves the right to modify/alter/
restrict/ cancel the recruitment process, if need so arises, without issuing any further notice
or assigning any reason there for. The decision of General Manager, Ordnance Factory
Bhandara will be final and no appeal will be entertained against this issue. All disputes will
be subject to Nagpur jurisdiction.

(III) Abbreviations:
The Abbreviations used in this Abridged Advertisement are as follows :

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:
On the Crucial Date, the Educational Qualifications and Other Qualifications of the candidates applying for the above mentioned Posts MUST be as follows :

For the Posts at S.No. 3 to 9:
(i) 10th pass
(ii) National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC)/National Trade Certificate (NTC) issued by
National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT).

Employment News Paper : 19-25 March 2016 (weekly) PDF File

2016-03-26T00:57:00.003-07:00

Download Employment News Paper of 19 March to 25 March (weekly) 2016 in PDF File with 40 pages

Check here : Download Employment News Paper

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ADMISSION & RESULTS (19 MARCH TO 25 MARCH 2016)

2016-03-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

ADMISSION (19 MARCH TO 25 MARCH 2016)

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, Admission Notification for CS Foundation Programme and CS Executive Programme.
Central Board of Irrigation and Power, New Delhi Admission Notice for Placement Oriented Courses.
National Institute of Open Schooling, Noida Admission Notification for 2015-16.
NITIE, Mumbai Admission Announcement for Fellow (Doctoral) Programme-2016.
NITIE, Mumbai Admission Announcement for Post Graduate Diploma Engineering and Management Course.
Central Tool Room and Training Centre, Bhubaneswar Admission Announcement for Diploma in Tool and Die Making and Diploma in Machatronics
NSIC, New Delhi Admission Notice for CAD, CAM, CNC, Revit Architecture & ECAD Courses.

EXAM RESULTS (19 MARCH TO 25 MARCH 2016)

Railway Recruitment Board, Patna declare the result for Verification of Certificate

Evolving water management as a concept

2016-03-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

Evolving water management as a concept

Anil Anand

WATER! This five lettered word since centuries has imbued a sense of life with a calming effect. But of late it has been heaped with a sense of conflict or being described as the possible cause of inter-state conflicts or conflicts between the nations and that include the Indian sub-continent as well. Water, the nature’s most valuable life sustaining gift to the mankind is on the threshold of being described as the most-mismanaged essential commodity and so the related challenges and conflicts.

This situation also brings forth the importance of water management. This key area has been attracting attention of the Centre and the state governments but the approach has mostly been confined to launching awareness campaigns focused on water conservation both in the domestic, urban and rural, and agricultural usages. Water management as a concept that entails societal awareness, study and research based on optimal use of the available resource has yet to fully evolve notwithstanding efforts made by the governments from time to time.

The water management in the Indian context should have started way back with exploding the myth that water is a never ending commodity and that it is a good solvent. A misconception has been carried from generation to generation that flowing waters never get contaminated and that the rivers would consume everything and still stay pure. This led to the rivers being converted into dumping grounds.

The concept that started at family levels has continued till date and assumed serious proportions with the rapid industrialisation. The rivers have become free dumping grounds for domestic and industrial wastes with even waste management remaining low on the priority list. This is despite the fact that waste management in the increasingly urbanised world is directly related to the quality of water.

There is no clarity yet on water as a subject from the point of view of this natural resource conservation and management. Should the water be included in the national list, it is a state subject now, or should some important rivers be nationalised for better management? These are some important questions that need our attention.

Water has not been treated as a concurrent subject for this purpose. No effort has so far been made to evolve a common agenda between the Centre and the states by making it part of some kind of common list. Even if this required changes in the Constitution, it is need of the hour and it must be done.

Despite the existence of a Ministry for Water Resources various aspects of water utilisation come under the purview of different Ministries such as the Agriculture, Urban and Rural Development. The subject also touches various other Ministries in a piecemeal manner. A nodal Ministry with adequate powers and armed with an effective National Water Policy can go a long way in achieving the much delayed water management goals.

Water is the lifeline and its significance has to be taught from the very beginning. Yes, the awareness campaigns are a must to draw on the significance of the dwindling resource and growing demand. But it is of utmost importance that water as a subject should be made part of the curriculum beginning from schools to the higher levels of study that would ultimately lead to much needed research programmes.

If one single subject needs urgent focus in terms of research, it is water. The question of its optimal use is all encompassing, which requires research in a wide range of issues related to water. Agriculture research has over the years focused on various aspects of it including developing new varieties of seeds requiring less water to germinate but most other aspects pertaining to water management and conservation are yet to be researched.

And the only way to lay greater focus on research on water related aspects is to introduce it as a subject at the grassroots levels to produce more scholars and researchers in this field. For now it could supplement the ongoing policies and programmes but ultimately in the years to come water-educated generation would become the backbone of any water management plan.

Apart from making water a subject of research there is a need to introduce short-duration courses in water management covering different aspects of the problem arising in the agriculture and irrigation fields and due to mismanagement in the urban civic bodies. Such courses, not necessarily needing a higher academic qualification, could be prepared with an aim to create a trained force which could lead to self-sustained ventures, provide consultancy services at the grassroots levels or be absorbed in government and private jobs as the opportunity arises.

A natural corollary of water studies, apart from helping managing the resource, would be creating new avenues of employment as suggested above. The entire water management studies have to be an integrated and well-crafted effort in line with the serious challenge to narrow the ever-increasing gap between demand and supply.

Global warming is a new challenge which has a direct impact on the water resources. Any effort at evolving water management techniques without taking into account this aspect would only partially address the problem. There is a strong case for integrating the water management and global warming studies in certain cases.

The challenge for India begins from the basic fact that it constitutes 17 per cent of the World’s population but has only four per cent of Global water resource. On top of that growing population and industrialisation and poor water supply and management systems have reduced per capita water availability. For example 50 per cent of the usable water goes waste due to inefficient water supply systems and over 70 per cent of the surface water and ground water are contaminated with little effort to make this component usable as various studies have pointed out.

As it is, the management of existing infrastructure and of water resources is one of the most daunting tasks. Predominantly the government till date is considered to be the sole repository to discharge these duties. Fact of the matter is that the challenge on the aqua front is much grave to be tackled by the government alone. There has to be a pool of expertise and involvement at all levels. This should include common man and public as well as private sector to take up water studies and management at war-footing in view of the enormity of the problem. Time has also come to take harsh measures to manage the fast depleting resources.

The challenges are also emanating from the fact that wide stretches of main rivers in the country have been polluted due to mindless urbanisation without proper planning and related infrastructure. The scenario has become more serious with alarming decline in groundwater levels in many states. Absence of any water management effort has made the matters worse.

The statistics provided by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in reply to a question in Lok Sabha says that discharge of untreated and partially treated sewage from cities and towns and industrial effluents are a major source of river pollution.

Referring to a Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) report of February 2015, the Ministry stated that 302 polluted river stretches have been identified in 275 rivers. The list includes all major and some small rivers. The identification was based on Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand levels which is a key indicator of organic pollution.

The need to treat water as a broad-based subject for the purpose of management and conservation further arises with the CPCB report stating that setting up proper facilities for collection, transportation and treatment of sewage being generated and ensuring that untreated sewage does not fall into the rivers was the responsibility of the state governments. The fact that various rivers coming under National River Conservation Plan, and the National Ganga River Basin Authority fall under the purview of the Water Resources Ministry while the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change only provides a back up and that water remains to be a state subject speaks loudly about the need for greater coordination among all the stakeholders at all levels.

There is a marked change from the situation prevailing a few years back. But this is not sufficient. Proper harnessing of water resources to ensure optimal use would require a three pronged strategy that should cover environmental, economic and social aspects of the issue. This is only possible by bringing all stakeholders including public at large under one umbrella.

A holistic view has to be taken to achieve this as different agencies have different kind of responsibilities for Water Resource Management. First and foremost is to have in place the river basin plans and protection measures that included drainage and flood control. Secondly, the water resource protection should be in place with a focus on ground and surface water resources, human health, livestock and aquatic environment.

A prerequisite for successful management of any resource and more so water is possessing accurate knowledge of the available resource, the uses and pressures, it is subjected to, and related measures at its protection and optimal use. That makes introduction of water studies as a subject much more imperative.

The future of water resource depends on how it is sustained and sustainability would in turn depend on effective management of the resource. The strategy on this front also needs to be based on striking a balance between human needs and the available resources. There is a need to develop new and sustainable fresh water systems. This is where the new management strategies and research will prove handy. Another vital component of such a package would also be the time tested techniques which could form basis of new researches.

The institutional reforms in the water sector, therefore, should be the top priority in any water management plan. The reforms should include consulting stakeholders in an institutionalised manner, educating and updating of professionals related to water studies and a proper and effective mechanism for creating awareness through spread of the knowledge so generated.

Such reforms would also require setting up of water management mechanisms at the Centre and state levels for better coordination at all levels. In the long run it would entail preparing plans for river basin studies, which is being currently done in some cases, and water management at the state level.

Lastly and more importantly the water resources management in its totality should be made a key area of studies and research in universities and other academic and training institutes.

The only way to cap the growing intra-state and inter-state conflicts over water is through planned water management mechanism. The demands for quality water would be better met through conciliation and coordination using this mechanism.

If only water conflicts are prevented within the country that we would be able to prevent water wars on international front.

(The author is a senior journalist based in New Delhi. Views expressed are his personal. e-mail: a.anil.anand@gmail.com)

Economic Survey Gives a Holistic Vision of Jobs Issues

2016-03-20T09:33:00.002-07:00

Economic Survey Gives a Holistic Vision of Jobs Issues

Sushma Ramachandran

A holistic vision of the outlook for jobs and the labour market emerges from the Economic Survey for 2015-16. In the backdrop of the fact that India has one of the youngest populations in the world, it highlights the need for providing more skills to workers as well as creating more jobs in the formal sector. In addition, it puts a question mark over the growth of contract labour in both the public and private sector owing to restrictive labour laws.

The Survey’s focus on the need for skills is timely as this is imperative in order to meet the huge gap in demand and supply for skilled workers in the manufacturing and services sector. Some of the problems being faced in expanding vocational and skills training are the general perceptions over this kind of education that makes many prefer formal education. This is despite the fact that there is a huge demand for persons with specialized skills which do not require formal education both in the public and private sector.

In this context, the Survey points to the stigma that has lately been associated with vocational education as compared to mainstream education. A perception has now become widespread that only those who fail to join mainstream education end up opting for vocational education and skill development. This viewpoint is lent strength by the fact that wages are significantly lower for those with vocational training as against those with formal education.

Not only does the issue of skills development have to deal with the problem of skewed perceptions, it is also facing a shortage of trainers, according to the National Skills Development Corporation (NSDC). Nevertheless, the corporation is making efforts to correct this image of skills training by creating awareness of the skills gap in the country.

Several new schemes have already been rolled out by the government to promote skill development for youth. These include the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana. The PMKVY targets 24 lakh youth offering industry relevant skill-based training and a government certification after the training along with an assessment to help secure jobs. As many as 5.32 lakh persons have so far been enrolled and 4.38 lakh have completed training. But the actual success of the initiative can be gauged by the number of those employed which will have to be measured and reported periodically. As for the second one, it is aimed at rural youth. The Survey says 1.75 lakh persons have been trained during 2015-16 while 60,000 were placed in jobs till November 2015.

A drive has also been launched to improve employability of differently-abled persons under the National Action Plan. It has a target of skilling 5 lakh differently abled persons over the next three years. In addition, the huge potential for overseas employment is being examined by the NSDC which is currently mapping such opportunities.

The Survey observes that India is midway through its demographic dividend - a period of time when demography gives economic growth a boost by expanding the working age share of the population. To exploit this dividend, and to meet the growing aspirations of those entering the labour force, it notes that India’s economy needs to create enough “ good jobs”. This means jobs that are safe, pay well and encourage firms and workers to improve skills and productivity.

In this context, data is provided to show that the growth of jobs has been much higher in the informal sector than the formal sector. Of the 10.5 million new manufacturing jobs created between 1989 and 2010, only 3.7 million or about 35 per cent were in the formal sector. Thus the informal sector might be credited with creating jobs and keeping unemployment low, it says. But the fact is that informal sector jobs are not as attractive as those in the formal sector. Wages in the formal sector are as much as 20 times higher than in the informal sector. Besides, they allow the worker to build an employment history which is critical to getting access to cheaper formal credit. In other words, it is essential to try and create more “good jobs” in the formal sector which also provide some form of worker protection. The data presented reveals that many such jobs – about 50 per cent –are in the private manufacturing sector.

The Survey has commented on the growing role of contract labour in employment and its adverse impact on workers. It has used the term “regulatory cholesterol” to describe the red tape which forces firms to adopt strategies to overcome the problem of the failure to reform labour policies. One strategy apparently is to hire contract workers. This has two benefits. First, the work of following regulations and managing inspectors is left to the contract labour firm. Second, the firm stays small enough to be exempt from some labour laws, as the contract workers are technically not its employees.

No wonder then the data shows that contract workers increased from 12 per cent of all registered manufacturing workers in 1999 to over 25 per cent in 2010. What is even more interesting is that use of contract labour has grown faster in states that have relatively more rigid labour laws. Large firms have also benefited from the growth of contract labour. Researchers have actually found that contract labour has helped to boost manufacturing GDP annually by 0.5 per cent between 1998 and 2011-12.

Yet it is surprising to find that these firms would really prefer to hire regular workers if the dismissal laws were different. The reasons given are that hiring contract workers can be more expensive and also that regular workers have more loyalty to the firm. There is thus more of an incentive for companies to invest in their training. The Economic Survey even says there is evidence to show that hiring contract workers today hits a company’s productivity tomorrow. This is apart from the impact of such work on workers’ protection and rights.

In view of this desire of large firms to employ regular workers, states like Rajasthan have amended their labour laws to attract large employers and high growth industries. Other states like Gujarat and Maharashtra are also considering similar steps but it is to be hoped that easier dismissal laws will come with a social security net so that workers are not left without any protection.

There are some sectors like mobile phones where there is larger potential for providing “good jobs”, the Survey discloses. It notes that improving employment prospects and wages was the main reason for countries like China and states like Tamil Nadu to embrace manufacturing products such as mobile phones.

On the other hand, the competition between states to attract more investments may lead to them giving concessions that can provide greater protection to workers. For instance, some states like Haryana are considering introducing online filing of returns through a single form covering 13 separate labour laws and e maintenance of all labour related records. This is likely to improve compliance and worker welfare.

There is yet another trend involving labour-intensive manufacturing like apparel firms relocating to smaller cities. This business model has both commercial and social advantages. Firms benefit from lower costs and also create suitable jobs for women which can otherwise be rare in towns which have rapidly urbanized.

The Survey has also highlighted the need to improve the level of women’s participation in the country’s workforce. It points to recent studies which have estimated that India’s GDP would grow by an additional 1.4 per cent per year if women were to participate as much as men in the economy. In fact gainful work by women especially paid employment is linked to many positive outcomes including more agencies at the household and society level and greater investments in children’s health and education.

Currently data shows that the participation of women in the labour force is significantly lower than for males in both rural and urban areas. The government is keen to address this and has launched various legislation based schemes and other programmes where the emphasis is on female participation. For example, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) guaranteeing at least 100 days of employment to every household in rural areas has been enacted with a stipulation of one third participation by women.

As far as overall employment growth is concerned, the Survey reveals that it has increased by 2 per cent in 2012 , as against a growth of 1 per cent in 2011. The annual growth rate for the private sector was 4.5 per cent in 2012 as against 5.6 per cent in 2011. The public sector registered a marginal growth of 0.4 per cent in 2012 against a decline of 1.8 per cent in 2011. The share of women in organized sector jobs was around 20 per cent over these three years.

To sum it up, the Survey has stressed the fact that structural changes are taking place in India’s labour markets but these needs to be complemented by government efforts. The government can boost the formal sector job growth in smaller towns by expanding employees’ choice regarding their employment benefits. In addition, the need for rapidly increasing skills training to meet the needs of the youth for employment needs to be addressed on a priority basis. Many laudable schemes have already been launched and now these will have to be monitored to make sure that these ultimately translate into more jobs for the unemployed youth of the country.

(The Author is a Senior Business journalist. Views expressed are personal. e-mail sushma.ramachandran@ gmail.com)

Union Budget 2016-17 Fine Balance between Growth & Fiscal Prudence

2016-03-20T09:32:00.002-07:00

Union Budget 2016-17
Fine Balance between Growth & Fiscal Prudence

Jayanta Roy Chowdhury

The Union Budget for 2016-2017, which many analysts described as a fine balance between the imperatives of pushing growth and maintaining fiscal prudence, promised larger spending on the farm sector hit by two years of poor rains, a spate of financial sector reforms and foreign investment rule changes.

The budget promised a 44 per cent increased spending at Rs. 35,984 crore on the farm sector, a new revamped crop insurance scheme, a plan to double farm incomes by 2020 and a Rs. 2.84 lakh crore allocation to Village Panchayats, to be funded in part by a new farm development cess of 0.5 per cent on all service taxes and an increase in surcharge from 12 per cent to 15 per cent levied on Super-rich tax-payers who earn more than Rs 1 crore.

The budget announced that the central government will spend Rs.17,000 crore on these projects next year, and Rs.86,500 crore in the next five years. Besides, the budget created a dedicated long-term irrigation fund under NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development), with an initial corpus of Rs.20,000 crore.

“We need to think beyond ‘food security’ and give back to our farmers a sense of ‘income security’,” Finance Minister Mr Arun Jaitley told the lower house of parliament while presenting his third budget . He also increased allocation for MGNREGA, the rural job guarantee scheme, by 11 per cent to Rs 38,500 crore in 2016-17 and allocated Rs 97,000 crore, the highest ever, for development of roads, with a third of the outlay earmarked for rural areas. “We have a desire to provide socio-economic security to every Indian, especially the farmers, the poor and the vulnerable,” Mr Jaitley said.

The allocations for the social sectors with emphasis on health and education, rural development and energy infrastructure have remained at the same level in real terms as in the last two years – 1 per cent of GDP, 0.7 per cent of GDP and 1.5 per cent of GDP respectively.

In the Budget, the Government placed its faith on the path of fiscal prudence and capped fiscal deficit in the budget for 2016-17 at 3.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), overriding a contrarian view among Economists who had argued that relaxing the fiscal prudence could spur growth even if it did raise inflationary expectations.

Finance Minister Mr Jaitley said that his financial plan was to create “firewalls against global risks through prudent fiscal management , rely on domestic demand and continue with the pace of reforms.” The move to stick to the path of fiscal prudence seems to have been prompted by a bid to allay fears of investors that Government borrowing could crowd out industry’s need for funds.

The budget assumes a growth of 11 per cent in nominal GDP at Rs. 150.65 lakh crore, a big macro number that anchors budgetary arithmetic.

Interestingly, the Government was still able to meet the fiscal deficit target for this year of 3.9 percent of GDP without having to cut overall expenditure - an achievement that was underpinned by the surge in indirect tax collections, mainly on account of higher collections of customs and excise duties on crude oil and petroleum finished products.

However, the road map for fiscal consolidation - which aims to bring fiscal deficit down to 3 per cent by 2018 - will now be reviewed. A committee will be formed to review the tough deficit targets that have been laid out under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act in the context of the uncertainty and volatility in the global economy.

A list of financial sector reforms which included revamping the capital structure of state run giant banks by Rs. 25,000 crore, with a promise of more funds if needed and listing of state run insurance firms also formed part of Mr. Jaitley’s key budget announcement. The move comes in the wake of calculations which show that nearly 17 per cent of state run banks’ portfolios were either written off or were bad loans or had been restructured. The Government had in the run up to the budget, also announced the formation of a panel that will help select chief executives of state-run banks and also work with banks on strategies to consolidate the banking sector and plans to raise capital.

For foreign investors, whom the Narendra Modi Government has been wooing to Indian shores with easier norms for doing business, direct investment rules were tweaked to allow upto 49 per cent investment in pension funds and insurance companies, 100 per cent in asset reconstruction firms, up to 15 per cent take in Indian stock exchanges and up to 49 per cent in PSUs. Overseas investors were also offered Permanent Resident status and a scheme to settle tax disputes. The moves come on top of easier FDI rules announced last year which resulted in a 40 per cent increase in foreign direct investment inflows between April and December 2015.

A tax-holiday of three years was announced for start-ups set up between April 2016 and 2019, provided they do not claim any tax deductions on investment and protection was granted to domestic industry by applying higher customs duty on a host of imports ranging from solar water heaters and rubber balloons to jewelery, aluminium, telecom equipment and capital goods. Industry was also given a fillip by being allowed to import at lower rates raw materials including coal, peat, electronic components, giving in to a long standing demand that import duties were flawed allowing finished goods in at cheaper rates while levying higher duties on raw materials needed by Indian manufacturers.

The budget also proposes to impose a 1 per cent tax on purchase of cars that cost more than Rs 10 lakh. Jaitley proposed to levy a 1 per cent infrastructure cess on small petrol, LPG and CNG cars, 2.5 per cent on diesel cars and 4 per cent on cars and SUVs with a higher engine capacity.

In a relief to small taxpayers, the tax rebate ceiling on incomes not exceeding Rs 5 lakh a year has been raised from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000. First-time home-buyers will get a deduction of an additional interest of Rs 50,000 per annum on a loan of up to Rs 35 lakh, provided the cost of the property does not exceed Rs 50 lakh.

In its continued bid to check black money, the government also decided to open a limited period compliance window between June 1 and September 30 to enable resident taxpayers to disclose unaccounted income and assets at an effective penalty of 45 per cent. The scheme assures errant taxpayers freedom from scrutiny and immunity from prosecution.

The budget will raise expenditure next year to Rs 19.78 lakh crore, which will be broken into plan expenditure of Rs 5.50 lakh crore and non-plan spending of Rs 14.28 lakh crore. The distinction between plan and non-plan spending will disappear next year.

Interestingly, the Government’s total expenditure is slated to grow 10.8 per cent in the coming financial year, very near to the assumed nominal GDP growth of 11 per cent and indeed achievable.

This implies that the expenditure to GDP ratio will remain almost constant at 13.2 per cent of GDP in 2016-2017. This in turn implies that the fiscal deficit would come about by way of the government garnering more revenues rather than by lowering expenditure.

The revenue collection targets are ambitious, but nevertheless feasible. Direct tax revenue is estimated to grow by 12.6 per cent compared to last year’s budget estimate of 13.2 per cent . While Indirect tax growth has been taken to be to the magnitude of 10.8 per cent compared to last year’s budget estimate of 19.5 per cent and actual growth of 28.9 per cent.

The success of the targeted fiscal consolidation, however, will also hinge on successful disinvestment and auction of telecom spectrum.

The Department of Disinvestment is being renamed to ‘Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM)’ and a decision has been taken to aggressively persue disinvestment not only through share sales in Public Sector Undertakings but also by selling non-essential assets such as some hotels run by the Central Government owned ITDC.

The government has, however, lowered the stake sale target by 19 per cent to Rs 56,500 crore in the next fiscal, 2016-17. Of the total budgeted proceeds, Rs 36,000 crore is estimated to come from minority stake sale in PSUs, and the remaining Rs 20,500 crore is projected to come from strategic sale in both profit and loss-making companies.

In returns from spectrum auction, license fees and one-time spectrum charges in 2016-17, the government has estimated revenues of Rs 98,994.93 crore. The figure is 72.5 per cent higher than the Rs 57,383.89 crore revised estimate provided for the current fiscal year. The government had earlier estimated revenue of Rs 42,865.62 crore in 2015-16.

The Department of Telecommunica-tions plans to auction new bands of airwaves this year, including the ‘premium’ 700 MHz band in June-July. As per the Telecom Regulatory Authority’s of India’ proposed reserve prices, the Centre is expected to fetch around Rs 5.36 lakh crore from sale of radio-waves.

Analysts feel that the Government could easily earn far more than what it has budgeted given the quality of spectrum assets it is putting up for sale. “The revenues could exceed the budgeted target of Rs. 99,000 crore for fiscal 2017," said credit rating agency Crisil in a research report.

The Finance Ministry has indicated that it may opt for a partial roll-back of its bid to tax provident fund when withdrawn by investors. The move was in line with international norms and introduced in a bid to bring equity in treatment of various pension schemes including the New Pension Scheme.

In a clarification statement issued a day after the budget, the finance ministry said it will consider allowing the principle sum invested to be withdrawn tax free, while taxing withdrawals of the interest amount besides considering pleas that employer’s contribution to a worker’s provident fund account is not limited to Rs 1.5 lakh annually.

“The Finance Minister would be considering all these suggestions and taking a view on it in due course,” the statement said.

Earlier in the Budget, it had been announced that 60 % of savings in employees provident fund, the largest savings fund in the country with a corpus of Rs 6.5 lakh crore, made from the financial year 2016-2017, will be taxable when pulled out.

However, the Government made it clear that the majority of people for whom EPF scheme was created earn equal or less than the statutory wage limit of Rs.15,000 per month, and they will be allowed to withdraw their EPF savings without any taxes being levied. Out of around 3.7 crores contributing members of EPFO as on today, around 3 crore subscribers are in this category. “For this category of people, there is not going to be any change in the new dispensation”, the finance ministry said.

Over all, the Union Budget is likely to push the economic growth. It has succeded in giving the much needed boost to the farm sector and rural economy.

(The author is a senior economic journalist. Views expressed are personal.
e-mail jrchowdhury@yahoo.com)

Railway Recruitment 2016 : 246 RPF/RPSF Posts for 10th Passed Candidates

2016-03-19T04:10:00.000-07:00

EAST CENTRAL RAILWAY RECRUITMENT 2016 : 246 Various Posts for 10th Passed Candidates

RECRUITMENT FOR THE POST OF CONSTABLES
IN RPF/RPSF(BAND)
Employment Notice No. 01/2016
Date of publication 12.03.2016 Date of closing 11.04.2016
Applications are invited from eligible Male/Female Candidates for filling up the posts of Constable (BAND) in Railway
Protection Force / Railway Protection Special Force. Details are given below:-
i. An OMR sheet based written examination will be conducted for all those candidates who are found eligible after scrutiny of
applications.
1.NUMBER OF VACANCIES AS PER COMMUNITY BREAK UP :

The above posts are meant for all Indian Railways of Railway Protection Force (BAND) and Railway Protection Special
Force (BAND).
Each candidate may send only one application.
a. 10% of vacancies are reserved for Ex-service men and it does not include retired/discharged personnel of Central
Armed Police Forces. Age may be relaxed beyond upper limit by 3 years for UR, 6 years for OBC and 8 years for SC/ST
after deduction of military service rendered (minimum of 6 months after attestation) from actual age as on the date of
reckoning. In case sufficient eligible candidates are not found in Ex-Service men category for appointment, then the unfilled
vacancies will be filled up from candidates of respective category on the basis of merit.
b. Vacancies are provisional and may increase or decrease or even become nil depending upon the requirement of the
Railway Administration.The administration also reserves the rightto make changes or cancel or postpone the recruitmentas
well as the notified vacancies at its discretion at any time and such decision will be binding on all concerned.
c. These posts have not been identified as suitable for persons with disabilities and hence the same has been exempted
from the purview of section 33 and 47 of the persons with Disabilities [Equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full
Participation] act, 1995 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
d. The selected candidates will be liable to serve anywhere in India in Railway Protection Force or Railway Protection
Special Force.
2. PAY SCALE :- Pay Band of 5200-20200 + Grade Pay '.2,000/- plus usual allowances as admissible to Central
Government Employees from time to time.
3. INELIGIBILITY:- No person who has entered into or contracted a marriage with a person having a spouse living or who,
having a spouse living has entered into or contracted a marriage with any person shall be eligible for appointment in RPF /
RPSF.
4. ELIGIBILITY:-
[a] Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India
[b] Educational Qualification: Matriculation or equivalent from a recognized Board/ University. Educational certificate other
than State Board/Central Board should be accompanied with Government of India notification declaring that such
qualifications is equivalent to Matriculation/10th pass for services under Central Government. Candidates must possess the
requisite qualification before the last date of submission of application.
[c] Age: The candidates must not be less than 18 years and not more than 25 years as on 01.07.2016. The Candidate must
be born between 02.07.1991 and 01.07.1998 (both dates inclusive). Date of Birth mentioned in the Matriculation/High
School Examination certificate or an equivalent certificate as on the date of submission of application will only be accepted.
[d] Candidates must have an experience of not less than 02 years in specified musical instrument. Ex. Servicemen holding
certificate of Military music shall be permitted.
[e] Relaxation in Age :

** Production of Domicile certificate from the District Magistrate/SDM/Tehsildar and other categories specified by
Government from time to time.

5. METHOD OF RECRUITMENT : Recruitment will be made based on the performance of the eligible applicants in a
Written Examination, Physical Efficiency Test, Physical Measurement Test, document verification and awarding of bonus
marks on the basis of NCC/sports certificates and Height.
A. WRITTEN TEST:
i] Written examination will be conducted for those candidates who are found eligible after scrutiny. The written examination
will be on OMR based Answer Sheets which will comprise of 60 multiple choice objective type questions of one mark each.
The test will be of 45 minutes duration. The question paper shall be of matriculation standard. The question paper will consist
of 20 questions on General Awareness, 20 questions on Arithmetic and 20 questions on General Intelligence and
Reasoning. Candidates will be required to answer all questions and will be awarded 01 [one] mark for each correct answer.
1/3 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer. No mark will be awarded or deducted forquestions not attempted.
ii] For the convenience to conduct the examination in different Indian languages, specific centres will be earmarked for the
examination in specific languages other than Hindi, English and Urdu (in which examination papers will be available at all
centres). Candidates who opt for a particular language will be allocated a Centre in one of the
States mentioned against that language in the table given below :

a] Option will be asked from candidates regarding their preferred group. Once the candidate has selected a particular group,
he has to give option of one of the languages available in that group. If the option of language given by him is not available in
the option of group given by him, his/her group will be changed according to the language option given by him.
[b] Question paper will be set in Hindi, English, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Konkani, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati,
Bengali, Oriya, Assamese, Manipuri and Punjabi. Applicants who wish to write the exam in a particular language may
indicate so in the application form. Language, once chosen cannot be changed under any circumstances.
[c] Keeping in mind the provision for negative marking in the written examination, it will be necessary to obtain 21 marks for
UR/OBC (18 marks for SC and ST candidates) out of 60 marks to qualify in the written test.
iii] The call letters will be sent to them by post in the self addressed stamped envelopes submitted by the candidates along
with the application form.
B. PHYSICAL EFFICIENCYTEST [PET], PHYSICAL MEASUREMENT TEST [PMT] & DOCUMENT VERIFICATION
[a] Only those candidates who qualify in the written examination will be called for PET and PMT to the extent of 10 times the
number of vacancies in each category. The call letters will be sent to them by post in the self addressed stamped envelopes
submitted by the candidates along with the application form. The candidates shall be allowed to appear in the PET/PMT on
production of original call letters only.
[b] The PET will consist of three events mentioned in the table below. A candidate has to qualify in all the events to be
declared qualified in PET. All the events are compulsory to qualify. However, no marks will be awarded for any of the events.
The minimum qualifying standard for each event is specified as under.

NOTE:- Ex-service men will be exempted from PET.
[c] 800 meters run will be held first and only those candidates who qualify in this event will further take part in the remaining
events of the PET. The candidates who qualify in PET will be measured for eligibility with respect to height. Candidates, who
fail in any of the events of the PET or in PMT, will be declared "failed".
[d] (i) Document verification shall be done to all PET and PMT qualified candidates just after PET/PMT.
(ii) The candidates must produce all original documents in support of their educational qualification, age, SC/ST/OBC status
wherever applicable [on the format prescribed in the advertisement], domicile certificate and any other document related to
extracurricular activities [including NCC], Experience certificate at the time of Document Verification. Request forproduction
of the original documents on a later day will not be entertained under any circumstances except in cases where the caste
certificate has been produced in a format other than prescribed or where any certificate is claimed to have been lost/stolen
(claim supported by FIR), in which case the candidate will be allowed a time extension of four (4) weeks. Failure to produce
the documents shall lead to disqualification of the candidate. The appearance of the candidate for document verification will
be compulsory. Those who do not appear at the document verification will not be considered in the final selection,
irrespective of their performance in the written examination and PET.
6. TRADE TEST:-
a. Trade test, will be conducted out of 40 marks, will be the principal determinantfor selection and candidates must score 16
marks for UR/OBC (14 marks for SC/ST candidates) out of 40 marks to qualify for further stages of the selection process.
b. Candidates will bring their own instruments for the Trade test.
c. All candidates will be tested by the Expert in the committee on their instrument.
7. MEDICAL EXAMINATION :- The candidates who appear in Trade Test will be sent for a medical examination at the
Railway Hospitals. They have to qualify in medical category 'B-1' as prescribed in Indian Railway Medical Manual. Those
wearing glasses or having flat foot, knock-knee, squint eyes, colour blindness and other bodily defects are not eligible for
appointment. Sending for Medical Examination will not guarantee employment and does not reflect that the candidate has
been included in the select list.
8. TRAINING : On final selection candidates will have to undergo an initial training in any one of the RPF/RPSF training
centre or any other such institution as decided by the Railway Administration in the event of their selection. The trainee
recruits will be given a stipend as admissible under the Railway Rules during the period of Training. Passing the Final
Examination at the end of the training is compulsory.
9. Examination Fee: An application fee of Rs. 50/- (non- refundable) will be collected in the form of crossed Indian Postal
Order/Bank Draft payable infavourof Financial Advisor&Chief Accounts Officer, East Central Railway, Hajipur. However, no
fee will be charged from candidates belong to SC/ST categories, Female and Ex. Servicemen.
10.HOWTO APPLY :-
I. Instruction for filling up the applications by candidates
a) The format of the application form is given in Annexure-A. Application form can be downloaded from the official website of
Indian Railways (www.ecr.indianrailways.gov.in) or taken from the employment news or from this advertisement and
submitted on A-4 size bond paper, using one side only and sent to the IG-Chief Security Commissioner, East Central
Railway, Hajipur, Pin Code-844101, Bihar.
b) The words, "APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF CONSTABLE (BAND) IN RPF INCLUDING RPSF" shall be super
scribed on the envelope containing the application.
c) Crossed Indian Postal Order/Bank Draft of Rs. 50/-as application fee.
d) The exact date, time, place and venue for the tests will be intimated to the candidates through Call Letters.
e) Applications should be sent through ordinary post only. No application will be received by hand or by registered post or
through private courier service.
f) Applications should be filled by the candidates in their own handwriting, in Hindi or English only. Left and Right Hand
thumb impressions shall be affixed in the boxes given at the bottom of the application. Applications signed in capital
letters/spaced -out letters will be treated as invalid. Applications with correction or overwriting or smudged thumb impression
may be rejected
g) The colour photograph of size 4.5 cms x 3.5 cms (not earlier than three months from the date of application) with clear
front view of the candidate without cap and sunglasses shall be pasted at appropriate location. Two passport size
photographs should be enclosed with the application form.
h) Applications must be accompanied by:
i) Copy of self attested Matriculation certificate as proof of Educational Qualification and Age.
ii) Self attested copy of a minimum two years experience certificate of working in the band and having played one of the
instruments listed in the advertisement.
iii) Copy of self attested SC/ST Community Certificate in the prescribed format given atAnnexure 'B' wherever applicable.
iv) Declaration by applicants belonging to OBC in the format given in Annexure 'C.
v) Two additional coloured photograph (4.5 cms x 3.5 cms) with clear front view of the face without cap and sunglasses
mentioning the name of the candidate on the reverse side in addition to the one pasted on the application.
vi) Two self addressed envelopes (28 cms x 12 cms) each bearing postal stamp of Rs.5/- duly affixed.

Employment News Paper : 12-18 March 2016 (weekly) PDF File

2016-03-19T01:27:00.000-07:00

Download Employment News Paper of 12 March to 18 March (weekly) 2016 in PDF File with 40 pages

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Navodaya Vidyalaya Recruitment 2016 : 24 LDC, Stenographer & Translator

2016-03-18T03:20:00.002-07:00

Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti Recruitment 2016 : 24 LDC, STENOGRAPHER & TRANSLATOR POSTS

(An Autonomous Organization under Ministry of Human Resource Development Department of School Education & Literacy), Govt. of India
B-15, Institutional Area, Sector-62, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh-201309
Fax: 0120-2405182,
Tel: 0120-2405180, 84, 2405929

Applications are invited for filling up the following posts on direct recruitment basis in the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti for its Hqrs. Office at Noida and Regional Offices located at Bhopal, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Pune and Shillong.

*One post will be filled up with Person with Locomotor Disability (OA, OL, OAL, BL, HH)
**One post will be filled up with Person with Locomotor Disability (OL, OA, OAL, BL, LV, HH)
# One post will be filled up with Person with Locomotor Disability (OL, OA, BL, OAL, B, LV)
OL (One leg affected R and/or L)
BL (Both legs)
OA (One arm)
B (Blind)
OAL (One arm and one leg)
LV (Low vision)
HH (Hearing impaired)
The vacancies shown under each category are tentative and the exact vacancies under
each category will be displayed on Samiti website one week before the conduct of written examination.

Part I

★ ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS
1 . Audit Assistant
(i) Educational Qualification & Experience:
Essential: B.Com from a recognized University.
Desirable: Three years experience of accounts works in a Govt./Semi Govt./ Autonomous Organization.
Note: Direct Recruits will have to acquire proficiency in operating PCs and pass such test in this regard as the Samiti may require.
(ii) Age Between 18 and 30 years (as on closing date of application).
2. Hindi Translator
(i) Educational Qualification & Experience:
Essential: 1 . Master's Degree from a recognized University in Hindi/English with the other
language than Master's Degree at graduate level Or
Bachelor's Degree of a recognized University with Hindi/English with a recognized
Diploma in Translation from Hindi to English and vice-versa.
2. Two years experience of translation work from Hindi to English and vice versa in
Central/State Government Offices including Government of India undertaking proof
correction.
(ii) Age Between 18 and 30 years (as on closing date of application).
3. Stenographer
(i) Education Qualification & Experience:
Essential: 1 . Senior Secondary School Certificate (Class XII).
2. Shorthand speed of 80 words per minute and typing speed of 40 words per minute in
English Or
Shorthand speed of 60 words per minute and typing speed of 30 words per minute in
Hindi.
Note: Direct Recruits will have to acquire proficiency in operating PCs and pass such test in
this regard as the Samiti may require.
(ii) Age Between 18 and 27 years (as on closing date of application).
4. Lower Division Clerk
(i) Education Qualification & Experience:
Essential: 1 . Senior Secondary (Class XII ) Certificate from a recognized Board with 50%
marks and possessing minimum speed of 30 words per minute in English typewriting
or 25 words per minute in Hindi typewriting Or
Passed + 2 level of Senior Secondary from CBSE/State Board with secretarial practices and office management as vocational subject.
Desirable: 1 . Knowledge of Computer operation and Data entry acquired either as a subject at +2 level or through 6 months Diploma in Computers from a recognized Institution
or through Computer Literacy Certificate at School level.
2. Experience in accounts/administrative matter in Govt./Semi Govt./Autonomous organization.
Note: 1 . Preference will be given to candidates having passed + 2 from CBSE with secretarial practices and office management as vocational subjects.
2. The appointing authority shall decide each time depending upon the requirements
whether the typing speed should be in English or in Hindi.
3. Direct Recruits will have to acquire proficiency in operating PCs and pass such test in
this regard as the Samiti may require.
(ii) Age Between 18 and 27 years (as on closing date of application).

Part II

★ How to Apply :
1 . Application must be submitted through proper channel in the prescribed format published as annexure to this advertisement. Application should be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of Rs.400/- (Rupees Four Hundred Only) through a Demand Draft Valid
for 06 months in favour of Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti payable at Noida. Application fee
in any other form will not be accepted. Such applications will be treated as having been
received without application fee and will be summarily rejected.
2. No fee is required to be paid by candidates belonging to SC/ST/Woman and Physically
Handicapped categories.
3. Envelope containing the application must be superscribed in bold letters "Application
for the post of in NVS".
4. Applications must be accompanied with attested copies of certificate in proof of age
qualifications, experience and pay scale and category (in All India Format for OBCs).
5. Duly filled in applications must reach by ordinary post only within 30 (Thirty) days of
publication of this notification and 45 (Forty five) days for those candidates residing in
North Eastern States, Lahaul Spiti, Ladakh (J&K), Andman & Nicobar Islands,
Lakshdweep Island at the address given below :

Deputy Commissioner (Admn.)
Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti
Government of India
B-15, Institutional Area, Sector - 62
Noida, U.P. -201309
6. Application submitted in a different format or at a different address other than that given
above shall not be entertained.

Part III
★ Eligibility :
1 . Cut-off date for determining various eligibility criteria (educational qualifications, age
limit, experience etc.) will be as on closing date for receipt of application.
2. Candidates are advised to satisfy themselves about their eligibility before applying.
Prescribed essential qualifications are only a criterion of eligibility for consideration and
do not entitle a candidate to be necessarily selected.
3. Age relaxation : Relaxation in upper age limit as per Govt. of India rules will be admissible.
Modalities for the Examination :
i. Details regarding written test and/or interview will be intimated to eligible candidates
separately.
ii. The Samiti will conduct written test for short listing the candidates for interview/skill
test.
iii. Candidates qualifying the written examination will be shortlisted in order of merit drawn
on the basis of marks secured in the written test for interview/skill test in the ratio of 1:5
in each category.
iv. The final merit list will be drawn based on the performance of the candidate in written
test and interview in case of Audit Assistant & Hindi Translator. The weightage of written test and interview will be 80:20. However, for Stenographer & LDC the candidates
will have to qualify the written test as well as the skill test to make him/her eligible for
final selection.
v. The minimum qualifying marks for written test will be as under:-
Gen - 45%
OBC - 45%
SC/ST - 35%
vi. Procedure for selection:-
Audit Assistant/Hindi Translator - Written test followed by interview.
Stenographer/LDC - Written examination test followed by practical/computer proficiency test will be qualifying in nature. The candidates are required to qualify in the shorthand/typing test (both in case of Stenographer) and must secure minimum 40% marks
in the skill test. The marks of practical/computer proficiency test will not be added in
final merit. The final merit list will be prepared on the basis of marks obtained in written
examination subject to qualifying the skill test.
vii. It is compulsory for each candidate to appear in both the examinations (a) written test
(b) interview/skill test as the case may be to secure place in the final merit list.

Part IV
★ Instructions to Candidates :
1 . The candidates must apply only in the application format published as Annexure to
this advertisement and may also utilize it in original. If needed, this form can be got
photocopied typed or printed on white paper of Foolscap size (21 cm X 30 cm) in double space only on one side of the paper. No forms will be supplied by NVS.
2. NVS can take up the verification of eligibility of the candidate at any point of time. If
found ineligible, the candidature shall be summarily rejected.
3. Selected candidates are liable to be posted/transferred anywhere in India.
4. Candidates working in Govt. departments, Autonomous Organizations, Recognized
Institutions etc. must submit their application through proper channel.

Employment News Paper : 05-12 March 2016 (weekly) PDF File

2016-03-12T00:53:00.000-08:00

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IAS Interview : A Test of Your Authentic Self

2016-03-10T02:10:00.001-08:00

Interview test is the last leg of a long
race towards IAS. After crossing two
major hurdles namely, the prelims and
main examination, a candidate sets
himself up for the D-day (interview day)
which would finally determine whether
he is going to be selected for the coveted Civil Services or not. It will also
determine his rank and service he is
allotted as per his rank in the merit list.
In other words, if interview creates a
sense of fear, it also offers the final
opportunity to boost success chances
in the civil services. In terms of marks,
the interview carries 25 marks more
than any single paper of the main
examination ( each mains paper carries 250 marks while interview carries
275 marks).
As stated by Union Public Service
Commission, the purpose of the
interview is to ‘ assess the personal
suitability of the candidate for a career
in public service.’ It follows from this
that the interview process is geared
towards judging the personal suitability
of the candidate for civil services. The
process of interview which roughly
lasts 25- 30 minutes, aims to judge the
qualities like mental alertness, critical
powers of assimilation, clear and logical exposition, balance of judgement,
variety and depth of interest, ability for
social cohesion and leadership and
intellectual and moral integrity.
These qualities, to be judged during
the interview session, can not be
understood as separate traits of personality. Rather, together, they present
a sum total of qualities a candidate is
expected to possess. When you are
being interviewed, you are simultaneously being judged for your wide interests, leadership qualities, clarity of
mind, a balanced approach etc.
Thus, contrary to the popular perception of interview being a question
answer session, it is much more than
that. In a setting which is formal but
undirected one (undirected means a
natural course is followed at the interview rather than a structured session),
the interview session seeks to evaluate
a candidate on the above given qualities. A proper understanding of what he
is going to be tested for will make a
candidate’s preparation close to its
needs.

IAS interview is NOT about
(a) a mere question answer session
(b) a test of knowledge or plethora of
information
(c) a deliberate attempt to pin you down by difficult questions
(d) having extraordinary expectations
from you.

IAS Interview is about
(a) judging your authentic self
(b) an interactive, friendly session
(c) extracting your
opinion and stand on vital issues
(d) exploring the quality of honesty, integrity, commitment, leadership etc and
(e) testing you more on where you know
rather than where you do not know.
It should be fairly clear from the
above that the character of the interview is an engaging conversation with
the board on a host of issues in a
positive setting where you are encouraged to express yourself naturally.

without fear or pressure. This description of the attitude of board should dispel your fears about facing the board.
For most of the candidates, it is a
frightening scenario to face the board
and an unknown fear descends on
them just before entering the venue of
the interview. The reality is quite to the
contrary. The board is usually very
friendly and encouraging. If they find
that you are not able to answer questions from one area, they will ask you
different questions from those areas
where you are supposed to be strong.
In other words, they will provide you
full opportunity to bring the best in you
during the session.
Composition of the Board
There are 8-9 separate UPSC interview boards. Each board consists of a
chairman and four members. The
chairman is a UPSC member. The
other four members are external
members invited by UPSC. They are
bureaucrats, academicians, scientists, armed forces officers etc. They
all are very experienced, seasoned
persons with wide exposure in public
life. This gives them the ability to
frame very diverse questions and
evaluate your responses accurately.
It should be noted that there is no professional psychologist sitting among
the members.
The beginning of the interview
As you enter the board and occupy
your place after greeting the board
members, the chairman will initiate
your interview by asking a few questions. Usually he begins with reading
your bio data and asking questions
relating to information provided by you
in your bio data. He may also ask other
questions or else, he will prompt other
members to ask questions. This is how
the interview gets to a start and in the
next 30 minutes, you will be engaged in
a conversation during which questions,
counter questions, opinions, counter
opinions are exchanged between you
and the board. You may also experience some lighter moments during the
session to keep you at ease.
Preparing for the interview
Though in a strict sense, no specific
preparation for the interview is required
because it is a personality test and
what you have accumulated and
assimilated through your learnings,
experiences, exposures so far in life
will be judged during the interview. Yet,
some amount of grooming for the interview is definitely required. The ingredients of interview preparation are :

1. Learning manners and etiquettes
of interview :
(a)Be polite and respectful
(b)Greet the members with warmth
(c)Wear a decent, sober
dress which is formal and suits the
weather No fanciful accessories on
your body
(d)Do not interrupt a member while he/ she is asking a question or explaining a point
(e)An agreeable voice with the right pitch
(f)No frequent hand movement or
neck movement while you are
responding
(g)A body language which transmits self-confidence, resolve, determination under the frame of humility.
2. Covering up your bio data i.e. DAF
(Detailed Application Form) : You
have provided a wide range of
information in your DAF which is
before each member of the board.
This contains information furnished by you relating to your educational, family, professional background, your state, your hobbies, your achievements, your present occupations, your choice of service, cadre preference etc. A thorough preparation is required on leach aspect of the information you
have provided in DAF. For example, they may ask you to justify your preference of jobs. Or say,
about the choices of states as your
cadre. You must have a convincing
answer about all these. You will
have to defend all that you have
mentioned in your DAF because
you cannot retract on facts supplied by yourself. So I recommend
a serious thought on all aspects of
DAF before entering the board.
3. Covering expected current issues : There is no way to anticipate what
among the current topics they will be
framing questions on, however, it is
wise to cover recent current affairs
and form your considered opinion on
it. For example, some likely current
issues could be: Yoga and its role
in health and India’ image building
as a soft power, smart cities, sedition law, student politics in universities, intolerance incidents, crisis in
Arunachal Pradesh, Zika virus,
India’s current issues with its neighbours etc. These type of recent topics must be thoroughly covered.
Apart from knowing about these topics, you need to take a stand or form
a firm opinion on these issues.
4. Covering your own state: The
state to which you belong may be a
likely area of discussion during the
interview. You should be fairly aware
about the history, culture, society,
economy, industries of the state.
Also, you should have a critical
knowledge of recent developments
going on in your state e.g. some
policies like reservation, attracting
investments, transforming agriculture etc. India Year Book covers
briefly about every state. You may
refer to it for some basic knowledge.
Then, you should visit the state website for gathering current information
on your state.
5. Defending your hobbies: Almost
every candidate mentions one or
more hobbies in the DAF. It needs to
be defended and justified by showing adequate knowledge about it to
the board. They will watch you for
your earnestness with which you
have nurtured your mentioned
hobby. However, there is no need to
become an academic master of your
hobbies. You should just be able to
prove that your hobbies are genuine
and you have tried to pursue them in
your real life as much as possible.
6. Governance issues: Since you are
being tested for a job in civil services, some questions on emerging
issues of governance are quite natural to be asked. This will include
questions on present governance
patterns as well as situational questions like: if you are the DM or SP or
PM or something then what will you
do in a particular situation. So practice on some situational questions
and articulate your stand on them.
Some important tips
• Present your normal, authentic
self before the board : You are
supposed to carry your true self
before the board. No need to wear
a mask in order to appear what you
are not. They are not expecting
you to be an extraordinary person
with extraordinary capabilities. All
the board is looking for is your
commitment to certain values, certain personality traits and how suitable you will be for a job offered to
you in the civil services. You should
therefore never project what you
really are not There should be no
gap between your ‘appearance’
and ‘reality’.
• Be realistic and honest before
the board: The board is looking for
these two prime qualities in you.
Therefore, you must depict a
sense of realism so that you are
assessed by the board as a performer and not just a dreamer.
Honesty is the best policy before
the board. If you try to bluff, they
are bound to catch it and punish
you heavily for bluffing. It is very
common that when a candidate is
asked why he wants to join civil
services, he replies in terms of
being patriotic and doing great
things for the society and nation.
Such superlatives should be avoided. It is better to accept the fact
that the job security, status, prestige attracts you to the civil services. You can, however, add further
that civil services offer challenges
and a dynamic career and you like
diverse job challenges which
makes civil services your choice.
• Do not rely on myths built around
IAS interview: I would like to caution the interview aspirants to guard
themselves against many myths
surrounding the interview manufactured by ill informed mentors who
have no clue about the actual
process of the interview. A large
number of self- appointed experts
are in the market to distort your
vision and confuse your mind about
the interview. Take only reliable,
expert advice from people of high
standing.
• Practice before mirror: For few
days before the interview, stand up
before a mirror in your room for 10-
20 minutes and read from a news paper. This will help you have a
better command over your articulation. You may record your own conversation for self analysis.

( The author is an academician and
a civil services expert. He can be
reached at his email:
sb_singh2003@yahoo.com) 

News Digest : 05 March to 11 March 2016

2016-03-10T01:45:00.001-08:00

• The Lok Sabha has passed a bill to
amend electoral laws to allow a limited
delimitation exercise in West Bengal for
granting voting rights to people who
became Indian citizens following the
exchange of enclaves with
Bangladesh. The Election Laws
(Amendment) Bill, 2016 seeks to
amend the Delimitation Act, 2002 and
the Representation of the Peoples Act,
1950. It enables the Election
Commission to carry out a limited
delimitation of assembly and parliamentary constituencies in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal following the
exchange of 51 Bangladeshi and 111
Indian enclaves in July last year. The
enclaves were exchanged pursuant to
the 1974 Land Boundary Agreement
and 2011 Protocol and Instruments of
Ratification during Prime Minister Mr
Narendra Modi's visit to Bangladesh
last year.
• Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi,
launched the National Rurban Mission
from Kurubhat, in Rajnandgaon district
of Chhattisgarh. Prime Minister
described the Rurban Mission as one
that would enable cluster-based development - with a “rural soul and urban amenities.” He said this scheme would
complement the Smart Cities initiative
by creating Smart Villages. The Prime
Minister described Rurban clusters as
centres of economic activity, which
would spur growth, and improve the
quality of life in nearby villages.
• Union Cabinet has given its approval
for introduction of steps for promotion
of payments through cards and digital
means. The move is aimed at reducing
cash transactions. Promotion of payments through cards and digital means
will be instrumental in reducing tax
avoidance and migration of
Government payments and collections
to cashless mode. The essential features of the proposals include steps for
withdrawal of surcharge, service
charge, convenience fee on card or
digital payments currently imposed by
various Government organizations and
introduction of appropriate acceptance
infrastructure in Government organizations.
• The Cabinet has given its nod for
establishment of Atal Innovation
Mission and Self Employment and
Talent Utilisation in NITI Aayog with
appropriate manpower. Establishment
of AIM and AIM Directorate will result in
the implementation of Mission activities
in a focused manner. NITI Aayog will
hire the mission director and other
appropriate manpower. The headquarters of the mission will be in New Delhi.
• The Cabinet has also approved for
signing of an agreement between India
and Maldives for the avoidance of double taxation of income from international air transport. Under the agreement,
profits from the operation of aircraft in
international traffic will be taxed in one
country alone. Cabinet has also given
its nod for the proposal of the Ministry
of Shipping for provision and operationalisation of credit of 150 million dollars from EXIM Bank for development
of Chabahar Port in Iran. The Port will
help in expanding maritime commerce
in the region.
• In Assam, for the first time, Voter
Verifiable Paper Trial, VVPT will be
introduced in 10 constituencies in
upcoming assembly polls. State's Chief
Electoral Officer Assam Vijendra said,
that Dispur and Jalukbari assembly
constituencies in Kamrup Metro district
will be included in the VVPT trial. He
said VVPT system will enable voters to
see a printout of their ballot by displaying the name and symbol of the candidate among others. Around 2,400
polling booths in 10 assemblies will be
covered by VVPT.
• India has extended one million dollars
as immediate assistance to Fiji, which
was hit by a severe cyclone. The island
nation was hit by the cyclone Winston
which brought with it wind gusts of 325
kilometres per hour and waves up to 12
metres high, flattening crops and decimating villages completely.
• Aiming to enhance economic cooperation and strengthen financial stability,
RBI has extended the USD 2 billion
currency swap arrangement to SAARC
nations till mid-November 2017. In a
notification issued, the Reserve Bank
said that it has decided to extend the
SAARC Currency Swap Arrangement
till November 14, 2017. Under the
arrangement, RBI will be offering swap
arrangement up to an overall amount of
USD 2 billion both in foreign currency
and Indian rupee. RBI offered the
SAARC Swap Arrangement to SAARC
nations on November 15, 2012.
• Chemical scientist and well-known
researcher Goverdhan Mehta has been
conferred with Germany’s prestigious
Cross of the Order of Merit
(Bundesverdienstkreuz) Award. The
award was bestowed upon him by
Achim Fabig, German Consul General
in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Goverdhan
Mehta is former Vice-Chancellor of the
University of Hyderabad (UoH) from
1994 to 1998. He has authored more
than 400 research papers.
• International Monetary Fund has said
the global economy has weakened further and warned it is highly vulnerable
to adverse shocks. It said the weakening has come amid increasing financial
turbulence and falling asset prices. It
said, China's slowdown is adding to
global economic growth concerns.
China's economy, the second biggest
in the world, is growing at the slowest
rate in 25 years. IMF downgraded its
forecast for global economic growth. It
now expects economic activity to
increase 3.4 per cent this year followed
by 3.6 per cent in 2017.
• In Syria, bomb blasts in the cities of
Homs and Damascus have left at least
140 people dead. Monitors and state
media say, at least four blasts struck
the southern Damascus suburb of
Sayyida Zeinab, killing at least 83 people. Earlier in Homs, 57 people, mainly
civilians, were reportedly killed in a
double car bombing. Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility
for the attacks in both cities.
• United Nations says it has carried out
its first air drop of aid in Syria to help
civilians in an eastern city besieged by
Islamic State militants. UN aid chief
Stephen O'Brien told the Security
Council that the plane dropped 21
tonnes of humanitarian items on a government-held part of Deir al-Zour. Initial reports indicated that the aid had successfully reached the target area. The
UN says 2 lakh civilians are living
under siege in Deir al-Zour. Earlier,
more than 100 lorries carrying food and
other basic goods reached 80 thousand people in five other besieged
areas of Syria.
• As tensions escalate in the South
China Sea, the US plans to increase its
freedom of navigation (FON) operations through Chinese waters. Last
October, the Pentagon conducted its
first FON in the South China Sea,
sending the USS Lassen within the 12-
mile territorial limit of Beijing’s artificial
islands in the Spratly archipelago. The
move elicited outrage from Chinese
officials. In response to Beijing’s
deployment of missile systems into the
region, the US Navy has stressed that
it plans to increase its FON operations.

Economic Survey 2015-16

2016-03-10T01:39:00.001-08:00

Highlights : Economic Survey 2015-16

• Economy to clock more than 7 percent growth this fiscal. Expects GDP Growth
Rate for 2016-17 in the range of 7 to 7.75 percent
• Predicts over 8 percent growth in next couple of years as there is macro economic stability now.
• With reforms in key areas, there is reduction in macro-vulnerability
• Economy will continue to weather global sluggishness with resilience. Despite
difficult global environment, India is likely to be the fastest growing major
economy in the world in 2016,
• Outlook of multilateral institutions positive for India
• Amidst gloomy international economic landscape, India stands as a haven of stability.
• Increase in wages and benefits recommended by the 7th Pay Commission are
not likely to destabilize prices and will have little impact on inflation
• CPI inflation seen around 4.5 to 5 per cent in 2016-17, Expects RBI to meet 5 per
cent inflation target by March 2017
• 4 R (Recognition, Recapitalization, Resolution, and Reform) required to
comprehensively resolve the twin balance sheet challenge of Public Sector
Banks (PSBs) and some corporate houses.
• Fiscal deficit target of 3.9% for 2015-16 seems achievable. However, coming
year expected to be a challenging one from the fiscal point of view
• Better off taking the benefit of subsidies; recommends interventions and
rectification of anomalies
• Services sector remains the key driver of economic growth contributing almost
66.1% in 2015-16
• Trade deficit declines to 106.8 billion US dollars in April-January 2015-16 from
119.6 billion US dollars in corresponding period 2014-15.
• Current Account Deficit (CAD) limits at 1.4 percent of gross domestic product
during April-September, 2015-16
• Foreign exchange reserves stand at 351.5 billion US dollars as on 5th February,
2016
• Indian Economy needs to create enough “good” Safe productive well-paying
Jobs to exploit its demographic dividend and to meet the growing aspirations
of those entering the labour force.
• GST rollout to mark an unprecedented reforms measure in the modern global
tax history
• Proposes widening tax net from 5.5 percent of earning individuals to more than 20 percent, reasonable taxation of the better-off individuals with income from real estate and agriculture, phasing out of the tax exemption raj.
• Higher property tax rates to check speculation in real estate
• Free trade agreements leading to increased imports and Exports
• 2015 was a landmark year for India in climate change initiatives; India plays
important role in adoption of Paris agreement and launch of international solar
alliance
Highlights need for more investment in human capital, expresses concern at
declining educational outcomes, emphasizes importance of improving efficiency in delivery of services in the health sector.
• Labour force participation rate higher in rural areas than urban areas, significantly
lower for females than males.
• Women account for 57% of employment given under MGNREGA in the current
financial year.
• 1.75 lakh rural youth trained under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya
Yojana during 2015-16
• Addressing the twin balance sheet challenge, economic survey emphasizes on recalibration of growth expectations;
• Positive changes sweeping power sector. Impressive strides made in the power sector in the last two years: addition of record generation capacity, moves towards
one market in power, reform of discoms and development of renewable energy
• Time is ripe for industries to absorb excess generation capacity through “Open
Access” to energize “Make in India”
• Suggests possibility of achieving reasonably greater progressivity in tariff
structures with lower tariffs for the poor
• New paradigm of surplus power sets stage for continuing reforms for powering
“One India”
• The chakravyuha challenge: Ease to enter, barriers to exit; Indian economy
making great strides in removing barriers to entry for firms, talent, and
technology but less in relation to exit
• Several initiatives taken would help transforming infrastructure sector ; results
achieving & sustaining higher economic growth
• Indian equity market relatively resilient compared to other major emerging market
economies.
• Financial inclusion proceeding apace under PMJD yojana
• Emphasizes that JAM Trinity -jan dhan, aadhaar, mobile- can help government
to implement large-scale, technology-enabled and real-time Direct Benefit
Transfers (DBTs) to improve economic lives of India’s poor.
• Agriculture Sector needs a transformation to ensure sustainable livelihoods for
the farmers and food security
• Emphasizes for improved productivity in agriculture
• Disbursal of subsidy on fertilizers should shift to DBT
• Fixed amount of subsidy in the case of phosphorous and potassium fertilizer
subsidy
• There needs to be a shift to demand-driven agricultural advisory services
• In order to provide Food Security, in the current agriculture scenario, India
has to focus on supplies which are timely and uninterrupted and affordable for
the poor
57 per cent of households had calorie intake below 2160 kcal/consumer unit/day
• Average protein intake per capita per day rises steadily
• India has the second highest number of undernourished people which warrants
immediate attention
• Percentage share of horticulture output in agriculture is more than 33 percent.

Ministry of Defence Recruitment 2016 : 10 LDC, Electrician & other Trades

2016-03-10T01:17:00.001-08:00

Vacancies : Defence Civilians
HQ BEG & Centre Roorkee
(an organization under Ministry of Defence)

Ministry of Defence Recruitment 2016 : 10 LDC, Electrician & other Trades

1. Commandant, HQ Bengal Engineer Group (BEG) and Centre, Roorkee invites the applications from the applicants
on the given format along with all certified copies related to the educational/technical qualifications/skills experience/
caste for the post applied for in the
Office of Administrative Officer, HQ Bengal Engineer Group and Centre, Roorkee
Pin-247667 (Uttrakhand)
by 10 April 2016. (Upto 1400 Hrs) by registered post for the following posts :

2. Age :
(a) General Candidates - 18 to 25 yrs.
(b) Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe candidate - 18 to 30 years.
(c) Physically Handicapped candidate by another for ten year.
(d) An Ex-Servicemen (ESM) who put in not less than six months continuous service in the Armed Force of the
Union, shall be allowed to deduct the period of such service from his actual age and if the resultant age does
not exceed the maximum age limit prescribed for the post for which he seeks appointment by more than three
years, he shall be deemed to satisfy the condition regarding age limit. ESM candidates, who are retiring from
service up to 31 Mar 2016, can also apply.

3. Selection Process :
(a) The selection process will comprise of an initial Screening based on scrutiny of applications.
(b) Practical Test : For the Posts of CTI, Gardener & Safaiwala. (Minimum 35% marks is Essential for
qualifying the test)
(c) Written test : For all the posts who will qualify Practical test (For the posts of CTI, Gardener & Safaiwala).
(i) Written Test. The Written test will comprise of four parts as given below. The question paper will be
bilingual i.e. English or Hindi. However, the question on the portion of English language subject will be in
English only. The question will be of a level appropriate to the minimum essential educational qualification for different grade/posts:-
(a) Part-I General Intelligence & Reasoning (consisting of 25 questions carrying
25 marks )
(b) Part-II Numerical Aptitude (consisting of 25 questions carrying 25 marks)
(c) Part-III General English (consisting of 25 questions carrying 25 marks)
(d) Part-IV General Awareness (consisting of 25 questions carrying 25 marks)
(ii) Negative Marking - 0.25 Marks will be deducted for each wrong answer.
(d) Final merit list of all Posts will be made based on marks obtained by the applicants in the written test only.

4. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
(a) One recent passport size photograph duly attested
by a Gazetted Officer shall be pasted on the top of
application form in the space indicated thereon.
(b) Application of the candidate will be received only as
per the format published by REGISTERED POST.
The application will be filled by the candidates either
in English or Hindi. Application in the absence of
certified copies of qualification /age/ experience/
skills etc. as required for the post applied will be
rejected without any prior information. Incomplete/
illegible/ unsigned applications will also be rejected.
(c) In addition to this advertisement, all information
about this recruitment will also be displayed at
“Notice Board” of Adm Officer, HQ BEG & Centre,
Roorkee. A Merit List will be prepared on the basis
of performance in the written examinations.
(d) Admit card will be dispatched to the candidates
whose applications are found correct after scrutiny
for appearing in the written /practical exam.
(e) Candidates will report to Adm ‘Q’ Branch, BEG &
Centre, Roorkee for examination alongwith all original documents as well as their ID proof (Like School
I.Card/Voter Card/Driving licence etc.) & writing
materials (Pen, pencil & Clip Board etc.) 0800 hours.
(f) Candidate will present for their themselves. No TA
will be admissible for the same purpose.
(g) Candidates who fulfill the eligibility conditions will be
subjected to a selection process as per the existing
orders. Selected candidates will be appointed on
receipt of verification of their character and
antecedents as well as that of the age / Education
and Caste certificates from the concerned Govt.
authorities and thereafter their medical examination
to be conducted at a Govt. Hospital.
(h) Candidates already employed in Central/State/PSU
should submit their application through Proper
Channel duly submitting service certificate and 'No
Objection Certificate' from their employer.
(j) One applicant can apply for only one post by quoting the NAME OF POST ON THE TOP OF THE
APPLICATION, and forward it BY REGISTERED
POST to Administrative Officer, HQ BEG & Centre, Roorkee - 247667, Distt-Hardwar
(Uttarakhand) so as to reach by 10 Apr 2016 (Upto
2.00 P.M) alongwith.all related documents.
Application receipt after due date (i.e. 10 Apr 2016
will not be accepted by this office.
(k) Candidates in relation with more than one spouses
or have married another spouse while the first
spouse is alive, are not eligible for appointment to
the said posts.
(l) The administration reserves the right to cancel or
modify this notification without assigning any reasons thereof.
(m) The post of CTI and Gardener is not applicable for
the female persons.
(n) Canvassing in any form shall disqualify the candidates. No enquiry or correspondence will be entertained in regard. The decision of Appointing
Authority will be final and binding for all candidates.
(o) Two self addressed envelopes of size 28 cm x 12 cm with postage stamp of Rs. 27/- affixed on each
envelope will also be enclosed with application by
the candidate.
(p) Only Indian Nationals need apply.
(q) NO APPLICATION WILL BE ACCEPTED/ RECEIVED
BY HAND FROM ANY APPLICANT BY THIS OFFICE.
Note:- The candidates who wish to apply for the post of
Lascar against the vacancy of 810 CETC, Purkazi
(UP) should earmarked " APPLIED FOR 810 CETC PURKAZI (UP)" on the top of application format as well as on envelop.

Metro Railway Recruitment 2016 : 16 Various Posts for ITI Passed Candidates

2016-03-10T00:09:00.000-08:00

ENGAGEMENT OF TRADE APPRENTICE UNDER APPRENTICESHIP ACT, 1961 AT

METRO RAILWAY RECRUITMENT 2016 : 16 Posts for ITI Holders,
KOLKATA FOR THE YEAR 2016-2017

Engagement Notice No.01/2016/Metro Railway Dated : 18.02.2016
Closing Date : 18th March, 2016 Time: 18:00 hrs.

Applications are invited in the prescribed form from the candidates fulfilling the following conditions for engagement of 16 (sixteen) number of Trade
Apprentice for imparting training only under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961 and Apprenticeship Rules, 1962.

Number of the Post : 16 Posts
(UR-07, OBC-04, SC-02, ST-02, PH-01)

Trades for engagement of Apprentices are indicated below :

Qualification : Matriculation (Matriculate or 10th Class in 10+2 examination system) with minimum 50% on average and having I.T.I, certificate from an
Institute affiliated to NCVT compulsory in relevant trade. Copies of all certificates viz. proof of date of birth, educational/technical Qualification Certificate,
Caste Certificate, Ex-serviceman certificate, OBC certificate/Creamy Layer certificate etc. duly attested by a Gazetted Officer of Central or State Govt.
and must bear office seal and name of attesting officer should be submitted along with the application. No extra weightage will be granted to candidates
having higher educational qualification. Candidates without ITI (without NCVT) need not apply.

Note : Candidates of otherTrades need not apply. Age: (a)The candidates should have minimum age 15 and within 24 years of age as on 01.02.2016. (b)
upper age limit is relaxable by 5 years in case of SC/ST candidates, 10 years for PH and 3 years for OBC candidates. Fees: Crossed IPO of Rs.40/-
(rupees forty only) as a processing fee in favour of FA&CAO, Metro Railway, Kolkata payable to GPO/Kolkata is to be enclosed with the application form
by the UR & OBC candidates. SC/ST, PH, WOMEN, Minorities and Economically backward Candidates are exempted for Payment of IPO i.e. Rs.40/- as
per rule. IPO is not refundable under any circumstances including for the rejected Applications. IPO purchased before the date of issue of Notification and
after closing date will not be accepted and as such application form will be rejected and amount forfeited. Stipend: Stipend will be paid as per extent rules
during the training period.

Other conditions: (1) Two self addressed envelopes (10" x5").
(2) One passport size recent photograph signed across top of
the photograph duly attested will be fixed in the space provided in the application.
(3) SC/ST/OBC/PH candidates should enclose the attested copy of
certificate in support of their claim duly issued by the appropriate authority.
(4) The final merit list will be prepared equal to number of slots in the
descending order of percentage of marks obtained by the candidates in Madhyamik or its equivalent examination. Apprentices shall be called for
verification of the original testimonials and their physical fitness. Application and Call letter as per the format must be submitted in fullscap paper duly filled
in all respect by the candidate in his/her own handwriting with ball pen and addressed to the

Senior Personnel Officer/IC, Metro Rail Bhavan, 33/1,
J.L.Nehru Road, Kolkata-700071 and send by post or should be dropped in the Box kept in P.R.O. Section, Metro Rail Bhavan, Ground Floor, 33/1,
J.L.Nehru Road, Kolkata-700071

from 10:00 hrs. to 18:00 hrs, except Saturday, Sunday and Holiday latest by 18.03.2016. The Application will be
treated as cancelled in case of any incompleteness. No TA/DA will be paid to the candidate's. The Selected candidates will be liable to be
terminated at any stage without notice, if it found that they have furnished wrong information or documents in support of their selection. After passing
course of Act of Apprenticeship Training there will be "NO GUARANTEE FOR THEIR EMPLOYMENT IN THE RAILWAYS". Application received after closing date and time will not be entertained. All the application should be in closed envelope super-scribing on the top
"Application fortraining under Apprenticeship Act".

DRDO Recruitment 2016 : 163 Posts Scientist 'B' & Engineering 'B'

2016-03-08T20:29:00.002-08:00

DEFENCE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (DRDO)
RECRUITMENT & ASSESSMENT CENTRE (RAC)
(Government of India)
Lucknow Road, Timarpur, Delhi -110054
DIRECT RECRUITMENT 2016, 163 Posts FOR SCIENTIST 'B' IN DRDO AND SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 'B' in ADA
Website : http://drdo.gov.in

ONLINE APPLICATION IS MANDATORY
Number of the Post :163 posts
Name of the Post :
1. SCIENTIST 'B' (DRDO)
2. SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 'B' (ADO)

IMPORTANT DATES :
• Online submission starts on : 20 March 2016 at 1700 Hrs (1ST)
• Online submission closes on : 10 April 2016 at 1700 Hrs (1ST)
• Personal interview schedule (Tentative) :
> May 2016 onwards for Subjects/Disciplines in Part I
> August 2016 onwards for Subjects/Disciplines in Part II
Visit the RAC website http://rac.gov.in for updates issued from time to time.

RAC INVITES ONLINE RECRUITMENT APPLICATIONS THROUGH RAC WEBSITE http://rac.gov.in FOR THE POSTS OF SCIENTIST 'B' IN DRDO AND SCIENTIST/ENGINEER 'B' IN
AERONAUTICAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (ADA) IN
THE PAY BAND PB-3 (Rs. 15600-39100, GRADE PAY Rs. 5400/-) IN SPECIFIED DISCIPLINES AND CATEGORIES.
TOTAL EMOLUMENTS
AT THE TIME OF JOINING WILL BE APPROXIMATELY Rs. 60,000/- P.M. AT THE PRESENT DELHI RATE (LIKELY TO BE REVISED AS PER THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SEVENTH
CENTRAL PAY COMMISSION).

DRDO, India's premier R&D organization employs bright, qualified and competent scientists in Group 'A' (Gazetted) technical service known as Defence Research &
Development Service (DRDS). DRDO offers exciting and challenging career opportunities in very broad spectrum of R&D at its more than 50 laboratories/establishments
throughout the country. For further information about DRDO please visit DRDO website : http://drdo.gov.in
ADA is an autonomous Body under Ministry of Defence, Government of India. ADA is entrusted with the design & development of both the Air Force and Naval versions of
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). ADA provides challenging and excellent working environment. For further information about ADA please visit ADA
website : https://www.ada.gov.in

I. DETAILS OF SUBJECT-WISE CATEGORY-WISE VACANCIES :

(*) marked Subjects/Disciplines are those in which Persons with Disabilities (PWD) (Orthopaedic Handicapped (OH) and Hearing Handicapped (HH)) can apply
** GATE: Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering
(#) marked vacancies are for ADA

II. DESIRABLE : Knowledge of German, French, Russian, Japanese or Chinese

Note :
i) In case a particular institute does not have any criteria for first class or
equivalence, 60% will be taken as equivalent to first class for that institute.
In such cases, in case of non-availability of the conversion formula,
CGPA/CPI of 6.75 (for a 10 point scale) will be taken as equivalent to 60%,
as per AICTE guidelines. For any other point scale of CGPA/CPI, the
equivalence may vary proportionally.
ii) Only such persons, who suffer from not less than 40% of relevant Disability,
are eligible to be considered under PWD category as per rule.
iii) Three out of all DRDO vacancies are reserved for PWD category i.e. one
vacancy for PWD(OH) and two for PWD(HH) category in the (*) marked
Subjects/Disciplines.

III. AGE LIMIT
The upper age limit not exceeding 28 years (as on closing date i.e. 10 Apr 2016)
Age relaxation: Maximum relaxation in upper age limit will be as under:-
i) Upto 05 years in case of SC/ST candidates for the posts reserved for them
ii) Upto 03 years in case of OBC(Non Creamy Layer (IMCL)) candidates for the
posts reserved for them
iii) Upto 10 years for PWD (15 years for SC/ST and 13 years for OBC
candidates) in identified (*) marked disciplines.
iv) As per rules for ex-servicemen
v) 5 years for serving Central Civilian Govt. employees working in posts which
are in the same line or allied cadres and where a relationship could be
established that the service already rendered in a particular post will be
useful for the efficient discharge of the duties of the advertised posts.
Decision in this regard will rest with DRDO.

IV. Nationality : only India

V. How to Apply : Online registration on RAC website (http://rac.gov.in) is
mandatory.
i) Candidates are required to submit their applications online alongwith
legible and lighter file containing scanned copies of certificates for essential
and higher educational qualification alongwith percentage of marks (duly
supported by the mark-sheets), experience claimed if any in the column
pertaining to employment history of online application, a recent passport
size colour photograph (size not exceeding 30 KB; resolution of 110 x 140
pixels) and the details of required application fees through RAC website.
The maximum file size of each attachment should not exceed 500 KB and it
must be legible when a printout is taken.
ii) All candidates, whether in Govt. service or in Govt. owned organisations,
should also submit their applications online directly to the Recruitment and
Assessment Centre (RAC) and such candidates are required to upload a
signed declaration (as per the proforma available at RAC website) that they
have informed their Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) in writing, that they
have applied for the post in DRDO/ADA. However, such candidates, if in
regular service whether in permanent or temporary capacity, are required
to produce a "No Objection Certificate") (NOC) from their CCA as per the
proforma available at RAC website at the time of interview, in addition to
the aforesaid declaration. If CCA considers withholding the NOC, the
candidate should inform RAC within 30 days of the closing date.
iii) Candidates are advised to retain a copy of the online recruitment
application (pdf) alongwith acknowledge slip generated after locking of
online application form.
iv) Application completed in all respect will only be considered as locked
application and only such applications shall be considered for further
processing.

VI. SELF ATTESTED COPIES OF DOCUMENTS TO BE ATTACHED ONLINE
i) Certificates/testimonials regarding qualifications alongwith mark-sheets,
caste, ex-servicemen, employment etc. The maximum file size of each
attachment should not exceed 500KB and it must be legible when a print
out is taken. For that, the applicant may scan the certificates/testimonials
in 200dpi grey scale.
ii) Valid GATE score card (GATE 2015/2016). (Only for Subject/Disciplines in
Part I)
iii) The candidates, whether in Govt. Service or in Govt. owned organisations,
should also submit their applications online directly to the Recruitment &
Assessment Centre (RAC). Such candidates are required to upload a signed
declaration (as per the proforma available at RAC website) that they have
informed their Cadre Controlling Authority (CCA) in writing that they have
applied for the post in DRDO/ADA.
VII. FEES & MODE OF PAYMENT
General/OBC candidates are required to pay a non-refundable non-transferable
application fees of Rs.100/- (Rs. Hundred only) payable online only. However
there is no application fees for SC/ST /PWD and women candidates.

VIM. SCREENING/ SHORTLISTING
i) For Subjects/ Disciplines in Part I
Eligible candidates will be shortlisted for further selection process on the
basis of valid GATE score of GATE 2015/2016, in the ratio of 1:5 subject to
their availability in order of the discipline wise category wise merit list.
Candidates appearing in the final examination of qualifying degree may also
apply. However, if selected, the appointment of such candidates will be
subject to availability of their final result of qualifying degree in first class
on or before 10 August 2016.
The GATE paper and the subject of qualifying degree must be related to the
Subject/Disciplines against which the candidate is applying.
ii) For Subject/ Disciplines in Part II
Eligible candidates will be shortlisted for further selection process on the
basis of percentage of marks obtained in Essential Qualification, in order
of the discipline wise category wise merit list. The number of candidates
subject to their availability in the following ratio will be shortlisted for
further selection process:-
(i) For 1 post Upto 12 candidates
(ii) For 2-3 posts Upto 24 candidates
Candidates appearing in the final examination of qualifying degree may also
apply. However, the shortlisting of such candidates will be subject to
availability of their final result of qualifying degree in first class on or before 10 August 2016.
iii) Information regarding the shortlisted candidates will be made available at
RAC website.

IX. SELECTION PROCESS :
i) The shortlisted candidates will be required to appear in the personal
interview to be held at Delhi/Bangalore/Hyderabad/Pune or any other
place as decided by RAC/ DRDO from May 2016 onwards tentatively.
Shortlisted candidates shall be able to download their interview call letter
along with date/ venue of personal interview and other relevant
documents through the candidate login.
ii) Candidates serving in Govt. Service or in Govt. owned organisations will be
required to produce "NOC" from their respective Department/Employer at
the time of interview failing which candidate will not be allowed to appear
for the interview.
iii) Selection Criteria
a) For Subjects/ Disciplines in Part I
The final selection of the candidates will be purely on the basis of discipline
wise category wise merit of aggregate of, 80% weightage to GATE score and
20% weightage to marks in personal interview.
For consideration for selection, a candidate has to secure minimum
qualifying marks of 70% for General candidates and 60% for
OBC/SC/ST/PWD candidates in Personal Interview.
b) For Subjects/ Disciplines in Part II
The final selection of the candidates will be purely on the basis of discipline
wise category wise merit of marks in personal interview.
For consideration for selection, a candidate has to secure minimum
qualifying marks of 70% for General candidates and 60% for
OBC/SC/ST/PWD candidates in Personal Interview.
iv) In addition to the above, any other selection tool/tests may be
administered, at the sole discretion of the management.
v) The offer of appointment to the selected candidates will be restricted to
the number of vacancies in order of merit. The appointment, however, will
be subject to satisfying conditions like qualifying the Medical examination
prescribed for Group 'A' Technical posts of Govt. of India with Field Service
Liability and verification of character antecedents besides verification of
SC/ST/OBC/PWD (HH/OH) certificate etc, if applicable.
vi) Information regarding the selected candidates will be made available at
RAC website.

X. TRAINING
All selected Scientists 'B' for DRDO may be required to initially undergo Post
Induction Training.

XI. LIABILITY TO SERVE
As per the Central Government rules Selected candidates will have the liability
to serve anywhere in India including remote/ field area locations.

XII. IMPORTANT DATES :
• Online submission starts on : 20 March 2016 at 1700 Hrs (1ST)
• Online submission closes on : 10 April 2016 at 1700 Hrs (1ST)
• Personal interview schedule (Tentative) :
> May 2016 onwards for Subjects/Disciplines in Part I
> August 2016 onwards for Subjects/Disciplines in Part II
Visit the RAC website http://rac.gov.in for updates issued from time to time.

XIII. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
i) Those applications which are not locked by the candidates in accordance
with the instructions will be summarily rejected and no correspondence will
be entertained in this regard.
ii) The applicants should ensure their eligibility themselves in respect of age,
essential qualifications etc.
iii) Candidates fulfilling the eligibility conditions, desiring of applying for more
than one item, must apply separately for each item.
iv) No request with respect to the change in any data entered by the
candidates will be entertained once the application is locked successfully.
v) The OBC (NCL) candidates are required to submit requisite certificate in
prescribed format of Government of India, from a competent authority
issued within one year of the closing date.
vi) The number of vacancies for any subject may vary.
vii) Detailed guidelines are available on our website.
viii) Translation ambiguity, if any, can be resolved to the English Version of the
advertisement published in the Employment News.
ix) Any dispute will be subject to the courts/ tribunals having jurisdiction over
Delhi only.

XIV. CAUTION
Misrepresentation or falsification of facts detected at any stage of the selection
process or instances of misconduct/misbehaviour at any stage during selection
process shall result in cancellation of candidature without any notice and no
correspondence in this regard shall be entertained. Please note that RAC does
not request for any payment at any stage of recruitment process except the
application fees as mentioned at para VII as applicable.

XV. IMPORTANT CONTACT DETAILS
(i) For all queries related to online applying, please contact 011-238109657,

email id: sp@recruitment.drdo.in or
pro@recruitment.drdo.in
(ii) For any other queries related to this advertisement, please contact 011-
23819745; 011-23915140; 011-23971048 email id:
director@recruitment.drdo.in or hp@recruitment.drdo.in or
pro@recruitment.drdo.in

Latest Exam Results & Admissions (05 March to 11 March)

2016-03-05T22:33:00.000-08:00

EXAM RESULTS (05 MARCH TO 11 MARCH 2016)

1. Railway Recruitment Board, Malda Provisional Result Notification for Document Verification.

2. Railway Recruitment Board, Bhubaneswar Result declares the Stenography Test & Translation Test Against CEN-3/2014 & Written Examination for Various Posts of SSE and JE Groups Against CEN-01/2015 .

3. Railway Recruitment Board, Bhubaneswar Result declares the Stenography Test & Translation Test Against CEN-3/2014 & Written Examination for Various Posts of SSE and JE Groups Against CEN-01/2015 .

ADMISSION WATCH (05 MARCH TO 11 MARCH 2016)

1. NITIE, Mumbai Admission Announcement for Fellow (Doctoral) Programme-2016.
2. NSIC, Chennai Admission Notice for Technical Programme.
3. Central Board of Irrigation and Power, New Delhi Admission Notice for Placement Oriented Courses.
4. NITIE, Mumbai Admission Announcement for Post Graduate Diploma Engineering and Management Course.
5. Central Tool Room and Training Centre, Bhubaneswar Admission Announcement for Diploma in Tool and Die Making and Diploma in Machatronics
6. NSIC, New Delhi Admission Notice for CAD, CAM, CNC, Revit Architecture & ECAD Courses.
7. National Institute of Open Schooling, Noida Admission Notification for 2015-16.
8. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, Admission Notification for CS Foundation Programme and CS Executive Programme.

Real Estate and Construction Sector Set to Create Maximum Jobs

2016-03-05T22:21:00.000-08:00

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

SET TO CREATE MAXIMUM JOBS

Dr. Ranjeet Mehta

Demand for real estate has been one of the drivers of growth in construction sector over the last 10 years. Improvement in economic conditions has also created demand for real estate, as housing continues to be a favoured investment asset among Indian households. Real estate is, therefore, a critical sector for India’s economy due to its large potential for employment generation, capital attraction and revenue eneration. It is one of the fastest growing sectors contributing about 11 percent of India’s GDP. According to National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), real estate and construction sector is set to becomethe prime employment generator in India, registering the maximum rise in human resource requirement during 2013-2022.

The Indian real estate sector has backward and forward linkages to approximately 265 ancillary industries. The sector continues its metamorphosis from being largely fragmented and norganized to becoming structured and organized as itspeers in developed economies across the globe.The growing prominence of India in the global scenario has had a positive impact leading to increased expectations and responsibilities on this sector.

The Central government has identified 305 cities and towns under the Housing for All Mission, also called the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. It has targeted to build 2 crore homes for urban poor by the year 2022. Of the cities and towns identified, 74 are in Madhya Pradesh, 42 in disha, 40 in Rajasthan, 36 in Chhattisgarh, 30 in Gujarat, 34 in Telangana, 19 in Jammu & Kashmir and 15 each in Kerala and Jharkhand. The other states that have signed the Memorandum of Association (MoA) include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Uttarakhand. This Mission is expected to need 38 million workforce by 2030 from 29 million at present and is predicted to be the key job creator.

After the initial boom and euphoria in real estate development and investment activities, the sector witnessed a lull in business activities in recent years owing to global factors and policy logjam in the country. With 31 out of every 100 people in the country living in cities or towns, India has a higher number of people living in urban areas (377 million) than the entire population in the US (around 314 million). It is estimated that this number will increase to 590 million people, who will live in around 60 cities (from 42 currently), by 2030.

India has the largest rural population (857 million) in the world, followed by China (635 million). However, with growing urbanization, our cities need to gear up to the shift as the rural population decreases and moves to them. The urban sector currently contributes around 60 percent of India’s GDP. The link between the economic performance of cities and the national economy is only likely to get stronger as the rate of urbanization increases. India’s growth rate will, therefore, largely depend on that of its cities. The need for efficient cities that offer a good quality of life is even more relevant in this age of digital connectivity due to increasing interlinking of urban centers around the world that are now competing to attract talent.

The construction sector is one of the largest seasonal employment providers in India next only to agriculture, creating more than 45 million jobs either directly or indirectly. The sector is highly unorganised, and is the principle industry employing short duration out-migrant. Of the total estimated 15.2 million short duration out-migrants, more than 36.2 percent are employed in the construction industry aloneand more than 80 percent of the employment in building and construction sector is minimally skilled workforce. There is a huge need that the industry has to cater to. We need manpower, proficient with skills in technical abilities. The industry and the government need to pay a special focus on this segment of workforce. At present, only9.8 million construction workers of the total 32 million are registered in the country. Tripura, Manipur and Lakshadweep are the states/UT that employ the highest number of registered workers in construction sector.In terms of employment, technicians/foremen have had the maximum growth of 95 percent between 2005 and 2011 followed by unskilled workforce (34 percent).

India will become the world's third largest construction market by 2025, adding 11.5 million homes a year to become a $1 trillion a year market, finds a new study by Global Construction Perspectives (GCP) and Oxford Economics. The construction sector attracted $40,399 million as foreign direct investment (FDI) between 2000 and 2013, and is expected to get further inflow of $180 billion by 2020. The sector grew at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.42 percent between 2003-04 and 2012-13. Capital investments in the sector is anticipated to rise to $1,181 billion in 2019-20. The GCP study also predicts that while India's infrastructure market is expected to grow at around 8 percent, the fastest among its sector, India is unlikely to achieve its plan target of $1 trillion investment in infrastructure, given the shortage of financing. However, while factors like high commodity prices, inflation and currency volatility affect its short term growth prospects, in the medium to long term, once global financial volatility passes, India is poised for a construction boom.

An estimated US$1 trillionis being spent on infrastructure over the five years and there is increased investmentin industrial projects by the government. The country of 1.2 billion people is set to undergo a boost in the construction sector.Infrastructure accounts for 49 percent, housing and real estate 42 percent and industrial

projects 9 percent. The Indian real estate and construction industry is an integral part of the economy andis responsible for a considerable part of its development investment. The industry plays an important role in the development of the country’s infrastructure base. The construction sector has strong linkages with various industries such as cement, steel, chemicals, paints, tiles, fixtures and fittings, etc.

The total size of organised retail real estate in the country has also increased tenfold from about 5 million sq ft in 2003 to about 52 million sq ft in 2012, with another 15-20 million sq ft lined up to be completed till 2015. This growth has largely been concentrated in prominent retail hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune and Hyderabad; more than 200 shopping malls have mushroomed in these leading cities, gradually pushing the share of organised retail in the country upwards. More than 150 million sq ft of investment grade residential real estate space was launched by private developers in the country in 2012. This was instrumental in driving construction activity across cities such as Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai and Bangalore. The sector attracted foreign direct investment worth USD 11.5 bn (INR 62,000 crores) from April 2005 – February 2013; this was about 4 percent of the overall FDI across all sectors during the same period.

The construction sector accounts for the secondhighest inflow of FDI into India, after services. India's earthmoving and construction equipment market is currently valued at around $3 billion, but is projected to grow to $7-8 billion by 2016 and $16-21 billion by 2020. Infrastructure output has grown at an average of 5.34 per cent per month in the last decade. Value of paints and coatings industry: $4.79 billion (2012). Paint and coatings industry expected to grow at a compound annualgrowth rate of 14 per cent, hitting a value of $9 billion in 2017. All this augurs very well for the real estate and construction sector.

Earlier, a career in real estate was limited to brokers, masons and labourers, but now the industry opens up limitless scope for investment bankers, marketing managers, visual merchandisers, supply chain distributors, logistics and warehouse managers. Real estate careers are here to stay as the number of employment opportunities created by the real estate sector currently makes it the second highest employment generator in India, only after agriculture. The real estate industry segment today requires real estate specialists who have knowledge in business, finance and investment & communication skills. There are aspirants who want to make a career in this emerging opportunity, and they need a formal orientation into this conventional segment which is now metamorphosing into a new industry altogether. The real estate market in the country is now opening up and a lot of FDI is coming into construction business. With this, every group will need people at all levels and this will create employment opportunities for many job seekers.

The Author is Director,

PHD Chamber of

Commerce and Industry,

New Delhi.

(e-mail : ranjeetmehta@gmail.com)

Paris Accord : New Hope for Greener Future

2016-03-05T22:07:00.000-08:00

PARIS ACCORD : NEW HOPE FOR GREENER FUTURE

Dr. M.A. Haque

Though climate change is considered a recent phenomenon, its roots are more than 150 years old. In 1820s, French scientist Joseph Fourier was trying to understand the factors affecting Earth's temperature. Fourier realised that atmosphere was playing a crucial role. In 1861, the Irish Scientist John Tyndall demonstrated that methane and carbon dioxide could trap heat within the atmosphere while Swedish, Physicist Svante Arrhenius provided numerical estimates of temperature changes due to doubling of CO2 in the atmosphere. Joseph Kincer suggested in 1933 that temperature in individual cities was rising. In 1938 Guy Stewart Callendar gave evidence of 0.3°C rise in global temperatures over the previous 50 years. He suggested that the same was mainly due to CO2 release from fossil fuels. In 1961, Callendar updated his estimates for global temperatures. The current understanding matches their findings. Now there is a consensus that human activities have been affecting the climate. It is also being acknowledged that nations contributing least to the problem would be affected the most. There were typhoons in Philippines and India, droughts in Africa, threats to island nations from rising sea. The Sea level has risen by 15 cm since 1949. The reasons are obvious. While on one hand the carbon dioxide emission has increased from 14.9 Gigatonnes in 1970 to 35.6 Gigatonnes in 2015, on the other hand, the forest cover (which helps in absorbing CO2) has shrunk from 4.7 billion hectares in 1949 to 714.9 million hectares in 2015.

Recent Initiatives:

In 1988 Inter governmental Panel on ClimateChange (IPCC) was set up by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) to prepare Assessment Reports on Climate Change and its impact based on scientific information. Five Assessment Reports have been presented by IPCC. Leaving few aberrations, the IPCC Reports have by and large established the role of human activities in bringing about Climate Change. Various meetings and Conferences have been held to resolve the issue without any success. Later, a warning was issued that if the present situation continues, average temperature of Earth may rise by 4ºC in near future. That would be catastrophic forthe earth. Consensus was reached to keep the global temperature rise to 2ºC or less through global cooperation. In this backdrop, the 21st Conference of Parties started in Paris.

Paris Developments: Initially, there were differences among the participating countries. However, on 12th December 2015, 196 nations reached a landmark Accord. Nearly every country has committed to lower the emissions of greenhouse gases to control the most drastic Climate Change. Initial demand that only developed economies could take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions was sacrificed. The present accord requires action in some form from every country. United Nations Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, said "This is truly a historic moment. For the first time, we have a truly universal agreement on climate change."

The historic climate accord at Paris has paved the way for leveling out the persistent increase in Carbon dioxide, CO2 emissions, which started with Industrial Revolution. The approval of text of the agreement by 196 nations will lead to reduction in emission of greenhouse gases by about 50 per cent, which can further stave off increase in atmospheric temperature by 2 degree Celsius. The Accord signals global markets to shift their investments from traditional sources of energy like coal, oil and gas to zero-CO2 energy sources like wind, solar and nuclear power. Five years ago, a similar deal was impossible. However, the situation seems to be changing. The Paris agreement after ratification by nations is to be signed in April 2016 at the United Nations in New York. Earlier, the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Change summit had failed as countries could not iron out their differences. Most of them believed that Climate Change was a problem for future generations.Now the situation is different as scientific studies have confirmed that imhas already started adding to woes of the present generation itself. Flooding in Miami, droughts and water shortages in China are some of the examples of changing climate. The Paris Accord is the outcome of several factors including shifts in the domestic policies and relationships between United States and China, the two largest greenhouse gas emitters. Also, India has shown maturity in not sticking to its earlier stand of total exemption. The final Accord did not fully satisfy everyone and some developing nations have expressed their concerns. The Poorer nations wanted a legally binding provision that rich countries provide minimum of $100 billion a year to help them adapt to climate change and mitigate its impact. In the final document, $100 billion amount finds mention in the preamble but not in the legally binding part.

Future Expectations: It is expectedthat emissions will get reduced by 50 per cent if the Paris Accord is implemented. However, the national plans will vary in scope and ambition. Although every country is required to bring a plan, there is no legal requirement saying how they will reduce the emission and by how much. The crux is that the emission levels are to be cut down by all signatories. The countries will also be required to meet every five years, starting from 2020, with their updated plans to further tighten their emission levels. Every five years from 2023 onwards, the countries will publicly report on how they are cutting emissions with reference to their plans and as per a universal accounting system. Although Individual country's plans are voluntary,these plans are legally required to be monitored, verified and reported publicly. This will ensure that suitable environment is created for implementation of the Paris Accord.

India, China and the Accord: India and China have welcomed the Paris Accord. These are world's two most populous countries. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has hailed the Accord and tweeted that "Outcome of Paris agreement has no winners or losers. Climate justice has won and we are all working towards a greener future," Mr Prakash Javadekar, the Minister of State for Environment, said "What we have adopted is not only an agreement, but we have written a new chapter of hope in the lives of seven billion people on the planet." He praised that the Accord was based on the principles of climate justice and common but differentiated responsibilities.

China's envoy said the Accord indicated that the nations were "marching historic steps forward."Earlier, Beijing and New Delhi had different views from developed nations in the UN climate forum. This time with other developing nations, they have resisted moves to levy difficult emission-reducing obligations upon them. Also, they have got assurances of finance from rich nations. Similar issues had resulted in failures, earlier. Sharp differences among the countries have been sorted out substantially at Paris. The Accord further tries to start new market mechanism allowing CO2 reductions trade between nations. India is likely to make financial gains by trading the benefits from solar power plants, it is planning.

(The author writes on environmental issues, views expressed are his Personal e-mail: asrarulhaque@hotmail.com)

Start Up and Stand Up

2016-03-05T22:00:00.000-08:00

**START UP AND STAND UPRECOMMENDATIONS OFNITI AAYOG PANEL ON INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP**

Deepak Razdan

Do you have an idea? Do you want to innovate? Do you think you can use technology in a novel way, and set up an enterprise of your own? You need not despair any longer, as the Government is soon launching a comprehensive mechanism to help all those wanting to set up their own Start-Ups and not look for jobs endlessly. The Government has received a report prepared by the NITI Aayog "Expert Committee on Innovation and Entrepreneurship" which has made recommendations to operationalise the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and the Self-Employment and Talent Utilisation (SETU) programme innounced in the 2015-16 Union Budget.

Recognising that creation of jobs and economic growth can't be achieved only through improving ease of doing business, facilitating Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), promoting Make in India and Skill Indiaprogrammes, or labour reforms, the Government has responded to the urgent need to encourage people launch their own enterprises, motivated from their own innovative spirit and technological talents. The initiative can not only help people derive greater work-satisfaction and earn a living by themselves, but reduce the burden of creating employment on different sectors of the economy.

The Prime Minister had, in his Independence Day address this year, hinted towards this only by asking people to launch Start-Ups and make India Stand Up as a strong economy. The current year's Budget has allocated Rs 150 crores for AIM, stating that it wouldpromote a culture of entrepreneurship and innovationin India. In the years to come, the Governmen tbelieved, entrepreneurship and innovation were expected to be even more important sources of growth and job creation. The SETU was conceived as a "Techno-Financial, Incubation and Facilitation Programme" to support all aspects of start-up businesse sand other self- employment activities, particularly in technology-driven areas. The Budget's provision for SETU is Rs. 1000 crores. The Government is initiating a process to cut rules and regulations for the start-ups.

Constituted to lay down the contours of AIM and SETU, the 15-member NITI Aayog expert committee headed by Prof. Tarun Khanna, Director, South Asia Institute, Harvard University, included entrepreneurs (with track records of building for-profit and social enterprises), financiers, scientists and academics. While studying the existing initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in India, and examining experience of countries like China, Chile, Israel and the US, the Committee has made short and medium term recommendations for creation of an innovation and entrepreneur-friendly eco-system.

In making its recommendations, the Committee has gone beyond the existing "entrepreneurial hotspots" of information technology (IT) and e-commerce and has taken note of innovation and creativity that can be encouraged in several other walks of life. The current hotspots have given India much to be proud of (IT revenues are US $150 billion; exports $100 billion; employing 40 lakh directly), but the country cannot rest on these (limited) laurels, the Committee believes. It has pointed out that to create new jobs, India must move beyond its reliance on IT achievements and the industrial conglomerates that droveearlier post-liberalization growth. India needs to develop technological capabilities to serve the requirements of its core industries - capital goods used in manufacturing industries which are mostly imported, as also electronic goods.

Spelling out the areas where entrepreneurship needs to be encouraged, the committee said some sectors immediately provide opportunities for growth. For example, the auto components sector is expected to see substantial growth as India moves from being the world's seventh largest automobile manufacturer in 2014 to the fourth largest in 2015. Sectors like IT infrastructure, biotechnology, healthcare and education, too are poised to grow several times in size over the next couple of years. There is huge scope in the field of social inclusion. Bringing the economically disenfranchised (including the dalits, scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and other backward castes) and women into the economic mainstream not only serves a higher purpose, but also gives a strong economic and social justification forthe same. It would lead to greater stability in society in the years to come (a benefit across all socio-economic strata), and would also open up a significant new market for firms to tap.

Government policy that favours innovation can have significant impact on growth and job creation in the economy, as indicated by economists that innovation and productivity are related. Furthermore, India has a latent science and engineering talent pool, which may be particularly advantageous in a context where fewer graduates in Western countries are opting for STEM (Science, Technology, and Engineering Majors) coursework. Indeed, representatives from Google, General Electric, and IBM have noted that conducting world-class Research & Development (R&D) in India is seen as a major opportunity to serve both domestic and international markets. This strength should be capitalised to generate indigenous intellectual capital, the expert committee said.

The committee has said India needed entrepreneurs to create jobs, given its employment crisis. While a substantial portion of post-Independence India's population consisted of young children, by 2020, as much as 63 per cent of India's population will be of working age. McKinsey estimates that India's working-age population will grow by 69 million between 2012 and 2022. Cashing in on this demographic dividend, India will require to create 69 million additional appropriate jobs, as well as jobs for those that are currently unemployed. Estimates indicate that to pursue an inclusive reform agenda, India needs 115 million additional non-farm jobs in the next decade. Creation of new businesses will, therefore, be an important avenue for absorption of these workers.

Making short-term recommendations, the committee says these will expedite the development of anentrepreneurial and innovative culture in India. They consist primarily of measures designed to provide support to early stage startups and to encourage innovation in the manufacturing and rural sector. The agricultural sector remains moribund, the rural economy is neglected, and many sectors are starved of capital and talent. First-time entrepreneurs have difficulty initially due to the lack of mentoring facilities, andtechnical and financial support. This problem is also present in the manufacturing-based Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector and amongst rural enterprises, many of which are focused on traditional arts and crafts and have great export potential.

Various steps can be taken to encourage early stage ventures. This includes encouraging new entrepreneurs through competitions and prizes for innovation, encouraging corporates to fund research and development at the university level, enhancing the scope and efficiency of business incubators, and celebrating and recognizing the importance of entrepreneurs at the national level.

In India's context, adequate training, mentorship, access to capital and a supportive ecosystem could unleash a rural "startup" boom. Rural youth are also keen on self-employment. A survey conducted on 195 economically backward students revealed that rural youth are also strongly inclined towards entrepreneurship - 87 per cent of respondents from semiurban areas and 68 per cent of respondents fromrural areas expressed interest in self-employment, versus only 17 per cent in urban areas. Early stage ventures suffer from a lack of adequate business incubators which can extend an important role in supporting them. Typically, they provide infrastructural support, a platform for networking, management assistance, and other support services. In India, the concept of business incubation is still at a nascent and experimental stage and focussed on urban areas. Much can be done to strengthen the scale, scope, and efficiency of business incubators.

One area where there is a clear need for support is in mentoring and networking-a survey (commissioned by the committee) conducted on several traditional clusters in India reveals that nearly 50 per cent ofrespondents feel the need to improve formal networking within their sector through associations, and to enhance their ability to work cooperatively with the government. Approximately 60 per cent of respondents stated that access to global markets needed to be strengthened (another area where incubators can help).

Indian incubators have tended to operate as silos. Though they are housed within Universities in some instances, none of them build on meaningful links with the research climate in the universities, neither really benefiting from the research, nor contributing to it.

Nor are the incubators adequately connected to the established corporates, so their identification of needs suffers from inadequate exposure to 'real world' problems, and the ability of the incubators to generate roductive insight relevant to existing firmsis rather limited. By investing dramatically in them-not just in the per incubator allocations, but also in the institutional linkages that prevent them from from operating in isolationthe incubators' can be dramatically upgraded.

Calling for reforms in financing of the start-ups, the committee said access to patient capital is a criticalingredient for startup success. In India, entrepreneurs struggle to obtain funding. Entrepreneurs spend an average of four-to-five times more effort raising funds as their American counterparts. Access to funds is even more constrained for the economically deprived and for women. In a survey conducted on economically backward youth, 97 per cent of respondents stated that access to capital was a barrier to entrepreneurship. In 2012, female entrepreneurs had access to only 27 per cent of needed debt capital from formal lenders, versus a 70 per cent corresponding figure for male entrepreneurs.

Another issue is the lack of funding available at the initial stages. Angel investments (coming from supportive institutions and individuals) in India comprise only 7 per cent of early-stage investing as compared to 75 per cent in the US. Venture Capital funds in India tend to prefer later-stage type funding i.e. companies that are already generating revenues, which would ideally attract PE investments. Sometimes inadequate funding of research and entrepreneurship by government is also an issue. Government-funded research can lead to technological breakthrough.

The Committee has revealed that a substantial set of commercialized innovations have stemmed from the work of publicly funded research institutions and universities in the US. For instance, Google wasbased on an algorithm developed as part of a research project supported by the National Science Foundation. The Internet and the GPS were breakthroughs by teams initially pulled together by the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency.

The committee wants the use of digital platforms to encourage innovation, reforms in the educational system to encourage creativity and ups killing workers to make them more employable, improving the ease of doing business, and strengthening intellectual property rights. Referring to "cultural" obstacles, the Committee said that young creative individuals are often held back from starting new ventures due to inherent scepticism amongst family members. Given this context, any blueprint that intends to effectively encourage entrepreneurship must promote and embrace a risk-taking and creative mindset.

(THE AUTHOR IS A SENIOR JOURNALIST AND EXPERT ON LABOUR LAWS AND EMPLOYMENT ISSUESE-MAIL : DEEPAKRAZDAN50@GMAIL.COM)

Job Creation-A Key to India's Sustainable Growth

2016-03-05T21:55:00.000-08:00

JOB CREATION-A KEY TO INDIA'S SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

K R Sudhaman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced from the ramparts of Red Fort on the independence day that the two mantras of his government's economic strategy would be job creation and tackling farmers' woes. In a country, where 10-12 million enter job market every year, no government can ignore this fact and rightly Mr. Modi from the day he assumed office in May 2014, has been laying emphasis on job creation. This is all the more important as 65 per cent of the vast 1.25 billion population in the country are below the age of 35.

If India were to cash-in on this demographic dividend, it needed to give a fillip to labour intensive technology, infrastructure and micro, small and medium enterprises. The Make-in-India campaign, the Digital India coupled with Skill India launched by Mr. Modi is aimed at creating the much needed employment in the country.

The Make in India campaign launched last year is aimed at India becoming a global manufacturing hub, particularly that of labour-intensive production like textiles, garments and small and medium enterprises. Small and Medium Enterprises(SME) sector accounted for nearly 40 per cent of India's GDP and 45 per cent of exports. Sectors likehandlooms, handicrafts too had huge potential for job creation apart from IT and IT enabled services.

But if these sectors were to flourish, the youth should possess necessary skills so as to be absorbed in for production activity. The education provided by many of our schools and colleges do not make them employable and hence required to be skilled. It is precisely for this reason Mr. Modi had decided to lay emphasis on skill development.

The target is to provide skill development to at least 500 million people in 5-10 years, which is nearly half the population. The government has also made it clear that here on all public and private investments that required its clearance or assistance, will have to make a commitment on the number of jobs that the investment would create.

Mr. Modi followed it up with a meeting with Indian businessmen in October last, in which he emphasized the need for pushing investment in private sector and job creation would be the thrust of such investments. He nudged the businessmen to invest in labour-intensive areas that included textiles. Government's decision toencourage electronics industry in the country is also expected to boost job creation. Government proposed to encourage $400 billion in electronics, IT software and hardware, mobile manufacture and so on. His visits to Middle East, US, UK, Japan, Canada, France, South Korea, Germany, China and more recently to South East Asia have set the stage for attracting more foreign investment into India.

At the moment India is the only attractive investment destination with growth slowing down in many advanced countries. The growth has slowed down in China as well. With little growth potential in advanced nations, the large global companies see opportunity only in India for investment with ever growing middleclass and young population. India is the only country that can witness consumer demand pick up in the coming years and decades.

This is also the time when India could step up infrastructure development. India had huge infrastructure deficit and with global commodity prices of crude oil, steel, coal, cement and other materials falling, investment in infrastructure will yield better outcome with costs coming down. This will also push up jobs in construction industry.

The Indian Railways is investing over Rs one lakh crore this financial year and propose to invest Rs 8.5 lakh crore in modernisation of railways in the next five years. This would create substantial jobs besides creating much needed rail infrastructure.

Government proposed to invest $1 trillion in infrastructure development in the next five years. These investments in ports, airports, highways, rural roads, housing, telecom and power will not only kick-start the sagging economy but also create employment. The proposal to create 100 smart cities in the country, promotion of industrial clusters and food parks in the country too would generate additional employment.

The emphasis on renewable energy and raising the target of solar power generation to one lakh Mw and wind power to 60,000 Mw in the next five years entailing investment of $150 billion. Both solar and wind power generation is labour intensive particularly at the time of installation. Off grid applications are spread all over the country.

If India were to shine and growth to become inclusive, rural India comprising six lakh villages will have to develop. The fruit of development has to percolate down to village level. This will happen only if there are jobs in small towns. In this context, government's proposal to encourage industrial clusters will help.

Urban development initiatives -AMRUT, Smart Cities Mission and Housing for all unveiled by Mr. Modi recently are expected to help create additional 34 lakh jobs. The initiative to build 100 smart cities across the country is a "decisive step" and will create a significant multiplier effect for over 250 crore and ancillary sectors including infrastructure, logistics and modern retail, according to ASSOCHAM President Rana Kapoor.

Weak external demand meant pick up in labour-intensive sectors like textiles and gems and jewellery that depend on exports for growth will not see a pick up in the near term. The government, therefore, would have to focus on newer areas like food processing, urban and rural infrastructure, highway development for job creation.

That is precisely what the government has proposed to do in the coming months.

The kick-starting of stalled projects is another area, which is receiving great attention. At one point of time there were Rs 18 lakh crore worth of stalled projects. The previous government cleared Rs six lakh crore of projects and the present government has cleared close to that amount in the last one and half years.

There is opportunity for the economy to attain a new high but this requires giving a big push to economic reforms to take advantage of foreign investors queuing up to invest in India. The rollout of, Goods and Services tax, a game changing indirect tax reform will push India's GDP by 1.5-2 per cent by creating free movement of goods and services in the country besides a uniform tax rate. Also ease of doing business,

stability in tax laws are some the issues, which are a source of irritation to foreign investors. Government has already taking steps to improve ease of doing business by simplifying rules and states have started competing with each other to promote single window clearance to attract foreign investment. All these augur well for the economy and it has to be a constant endeavour to improve the situation on the ground, which government and states have started working on. The business confidence is returning, the feel good factor among foreign investors is visible but the government needs to hasten reforms to fully win back the trust of investors. India is set to achieve economic growth rate between 7.5-8 percent this year. The improvement in the ease of doing business coupled with roll-out of GST will push the growth rate to 9-10 per cent, which will be close to India's growth potential. Also with inflation moderating, fiscal deficit and current account deficit under control, surgingforeign exchange reserves and falling interest rates, the investment would pick up with consumer demand surging in the country. The economic prospects can only improve.

(THE AUTHOR IS A SENIOR BUSINESS JOURNALIST.
EMAIL: SUDHAMAN23@YAHOO.CO.UK)

Digital Shopping Without Borders

2016-03-05T21:51:00.002-08:00

DIGITAL SHOPPING WITHOUT BORDERSAN EMERGING GLOBAL TREND AMONG THE DIGITAL YOUTH

Dr. Ranjeet Mehta

Today, an evolution is occurring that will forever change the relationship between retailers and their customers. This new retail model, known as electronic commerce (e-commerce), consists of (a) Mobile commerce supported by mobile devices and tablets (mcommerce) and (b) Emerging social commerce platforms that bring together advertising, shopping and selling in a social media environment (s-commerce).

While the e-commerce piece of retail today is significant and a huge growth engine, the total impact of digital on the retail enterprise today extends to the majority of retail sales. Around 60 per cent of retail sales in the US are influenced by digital tools in some way. The influence works both ways. According to a November 2013 survey of US digital shoppers by consulting firm Accenture, 78 per cent of respondents reported "webrooming," or researching online before heading to a store to make a purchase. At the same time, some store trips eventually led to a digital purchase. The same Accenture study found that 72 per cent of respondents said "showroom," or "buy digitally after seeing a product in a store". Consumers, then, have merged online and offline into a single shopping experience.

But sales alone do not tell the whole story of US retail e-commerce. Consumers may not buy online all the time, but they are shopping through digital channels constantly. Digital shopping doesn't always lead to an immediate conversion but it does translate to influence throughout the path to purchase. In US, Industry experts expect e-commerce sales to increase to 11 percent by 2018. While this may seem like nominal growth, some major retailers have already experienced e-commerce revenues accounting for 14.3 percent of their total revenue as of the second quarter of 2014. The top 43 Internet retailers in the U.S. reported $24.52 billion in combined ecommerce transactions during the second quarter of 2014, a 19.2 percent increase over the same quarter in 2013. Indian online shoppers will spend Rs.54,700 crores buying products from other countries, and that is expected to rise by more than 75 per cent in 2016, a report by payment firm PayPal said."The Indian ecommerce space is experiencing an exciting time where innovation is the key. Our research reveals that the advent of technology is slowly diminishing borders for online shopping. With the number of online shoppers set to grow exponentially, it will lead to increase in the number of shoppers who shop from global retailers with online presence, as per managing director of PayPal India.

The emerging trends show that young consumers have developed a strong taste for shopping online. It has also been seen that the primary source of traffic for online shopping (and other e-commerce portals) and social media activity are young consumers in the age group of 13 to 25. As a result of this, the number of online shopping platforms has increased and expanded dramatically over the last few years. As per a report out of about a total 10 million online shoppers in India, roughly3.8 million shop across borders. The average cross-border spend is also higher than domestic online shopping spends. Average spend on cross-border transactions by the estimated 3.8-million cross border shoppers was estimated to be about Rs1.42 lakh per cross-border shopper in 2015. A Goldman Sachs report in May 2015, pegged the average transaction size of about Rs. 1,800 for the Indian e-commerce industry . In the survey, 62 per cent of those surveyed only shopped domestically, 36per cent shopped domestically and cross-border while 2 per cent shop only cross-border. That number would be higher, but for concerns about shipping and custom duties that would be levied on the products. Trouble returning products that proved defective or not as described also contributed to fewer people buying from foreign countries. And 53 per cent of those who bought products in other countries, used the address of a family or a friend in another country.

In 2013, the number of active sellers participating in Amazon's FBA program rose65 percent; 73 percent of participants who were surveyed admitted their unit sales on Amazon increased 20 per cent since joining the program. Alibaba - China's biggest ecommerce company that also held the largest initial public offering in history in 2014 – handled a total of $248 billion in transactions on its online sites during 2014, more than those of eBay and Amazon combined. Alipay, Alibaba's online payment platform, handled more than triple the amount of mobile payments processed by PayPal. (Osawa, 2014) Alibaba's IPO and business operations stirred a great deal of interest among investors but delivered precious few details about how they intend to operatein the United States.

Part of their strategy, experts believe, is to reach an estimated 50 million people of Chinese descent living outside their country and to provide Chinese locals with access to the world's best retail brands. These two factors, they say, are likely to expand Alibaba's global influence and have a ripple effect across the world's real estate markets.

Benefits of Digital Shopping

Shopping online is better for many reasons. You don't have to go out to find what you want, you can avoid traffic, compare prices easily and get better discounts. However, all this comes with risks of Internet security. We are all familiar with phishing mails and the dangers of transacting on an unsecured site and using public computers or shared wi-fi connections.

Precautions to be taken for online shopping

The online shoppers should be careful about the following:-

(a) Beware of devious discounts

You see a 40 per cent discount sign and conclude you are getting a good deal. However, check the current market price of the product before clicking on the buy button. Prices of products, especially electronics, fall within a few months of launch. Many websites, however, give discounts on the original maximum retail price. A simple solution is to compare the price on a site like Junglee.com. Or, check out the price at your neighbourhood store. You may get a better deal there, especially if you go for an exchange offer. Also, find out about the site's business model. Is it an eretailer, where the site is the seller, or a trading platform such as ebay, where the site is just a middleman? In the latter, the guarantee comes from the seller and not the website facilitating the transaction. Similarly, complaints will have to be resolved with the seller, not the site that lists the product.

(b) Check for Coupons

While websites themselves offer discounts and deals, you can end up with an even better deal if you follow certain coupon websites. Few websites list deals and offers (some of which may be offered exclusively by them) across different websites, product categories, even specific products. Pick a deal from here before making the payment to save more money.

Cash on delivery and net banking are the safest ways to transact online. However, if these options are not available, go for a virtual credit card. It is an add-on 'card' issued on your primary credit card. All relevant details are available only online. It has a validity of a few months and you can set a credit limit of your choice. A lot of shopping websites are following

the marketplace model-they are essentially a platform for sellers to list the products they are selling. The website itself doesn't stock inventory, it monitors the order till it is delivered to you. A lot of sellers accept payments using credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, cash on delivery, or direct transfers to their bank accounts. Each shopping website has its own payment service through which you can pay using cards and wallets.The websites can then track the order status and help with refunds, if needed. Strictly avoid direct bank transfers, unless you know the seller really well.

(d) Shoddy security and privacy policy

Many websites require you to register before placing an order or even viewing products. The web merchant might ask you to enter personal details such as name and address. This should act as a red alert. Such information can be used to send spam mails. Don't answer questions that you think are unnecessary for processing the order. Moreover, such sites require you to agree to certain terms and conditions. Read through these as you might be giving permission to share your details. E-merchants often share your information with affiliate companies. An easy way to avoid privacy issues is to shop from sites that are members of a 'seal-of-approval' programme that sets voluntary guidelines for privacy-related practices such as TRUSTe (www.truste.org) and VeriSign (www.verisign.com).

(e) Clear your browsing history daily

Have you ever wondered how e-commerce sites show you previous searches when you visit later? Websites use cookies and other technology such as pixel tags and clear gifs to capture information to track shopping habits. Some of these cookies are saved on your system and are used to send advertisement banners and mailers, both by the site and third-party sites with which the information was shared. You can opt out of this by changing your browser settings to not accept cookies.

However, this usually means a poor shopping experience as disabling cookies may make parts of the site inaccessible. The middle path is to clear your browsing history daily.

(f) Don't forget to check the reliability of Seller

The ratings are good parameters to know the reliability of sellers as they are based on user feedback and how previous orders were executed. Any seller with a higher ranking will be a safer bet than one which has been flagged for wrong order delivery or poor-quality products. For example, there may be five sellers on a particular web site selling a particular product. Always compare their ratings and go for the one which has a better past record.

(g) All about apps

Smartphone apps are a rage among shopping websites. Online shopping sites have apps and some deals are available only through these apps. More so other players are also pushing apps. In essence, you can shop easily using your smart phone but always ensure that you are running the latest version of the app. Keep looking for the update notifications whenever a new version is available-install these, because there may be critical security and usability updates. Though the online shopping has made the consumers life very easy but there are certain precautions to be taken before making a decision to purchase online. Now since we are completely in the digital world, the use of e-commerce can not be avoided. This is a simple time saving and cost-effective way of shopping.

(THE AUTHOR IS DIRECTOR, PHD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, NEW DELHI.E-MAIL : RANJEETMEHTA@GMAIL.COM)

Consumer Protection and Awareness for Youth

2016-03-05T21:48:00.002-08:00

CONSUMER PROTECTION AND AWARENESS FOR YOUTH

Dr. Sheetal Kapoor

Consumers play a vital role in the development of a nation. Gandhiji in the light of the above rightly said "A customer is the most important visitor on our premises. He is not dependent on us. We are dependent on him. He is not an interruption in our work - he is the purpose of it. We are not doing him a favour by serving him. He is doing us a favour by giving us the opportunity to serve him." Modern technological developments have made a great impact on the quality, availability and safety of goods and services but unfortunately the consumers are still victims of unscrupulous and exploitative trade practices.

As consumers we face huge problems relating to defective goods, deficiency in services, food adulteration, spurious goods, hoarding, use of deceptive and fractional weights, late deliveries, variations in the contents of the pack, poor after sales service, misleading advertisements, hidden price components, price discrimination, ATM and credit card frauds, financial frauds, real estate problems and problems related to public utilities. These problems arise because unscrupulous sellers take an unfair advantage of the ignorance and helplessness of the consumers. Since the business does not always act responsibly there is a need to educate and protect the consumers to enable them to look after their own interests and interests of the society at large.

A recent study by ASSOCHAM has revealed that 40% of Indians are not aware about how and where to file a complaint if the manufacturer gives them a defective product or deficiency in service or an adulterated food item. The consumer movement in India is still in its nascent stage in the second decade of 21st Century. It requires a big fillip to become a mass movement.

Why Consumer Education should be promoted among youth

An aware consumer is an asset to the society. The youth constitute nearly 40 per cent of the total population of India. Apart from being a valuable human resource, this group is most vibrant and dynamic consumer segment for the Indian markets. Their consumption habits are unique and their purchase decisions are based on popular trends, brand image, use of new technology, flavour of food products, andstyle. They are the major stakeholders in the economy. They have been spending more money than before and influencing the families' purchasing decisions. Therefore, it is important that they need to be educated and made aware about consumer rights at an early stage. They should be aware of marketing strategies and use their judgment and spread a positive message in society. They must also understand that their choices are being exploited by the markets by controlling their' thought process through advertisements and marketing gimmicks and their lifestyle is being changed by creating new needs. They should not fall prey to such attempts that are solely meant to woo customers .Keeping in view their large numbers, tendency to consume and their ability to influence larger household decisions, Indian youth, can play very important role by being vigilant at the market place and spreading consumer awareness.

What an educated and empowered consumers should do:

Before buying any goods or services, as educated and aware consumers, we should seek full information regarding quality and price of the goods and services. We should be careful about false and /or misleading advertisement and purchase only when there is requirement and not go for purchasing in a hurry. We should not buy blindly and demand full information before buying. We should not compromise on the quality and quantity of goods and services and should purchase quality products only.

Legal Provisions for consumer protection in India:

The Consumer Protection Act (CPA), 1986 was enacted by the Parliament on 24th December, 1986 to protect the interests of consumers against substandard products, increased prices through market manipulation, failed warranties, poor after sales service and unfair trade practices. This Act is not only preventive but also compensatory in nature. It focuses on undoing the wrong to a consumer by way of remedial action or payment of compensation or damages to the aggrieved consumer. The Act enshrines all the consumer rights which are internationally accepted. As per the Act, the consumer protection councils have been established at Central, State and District levels to promote and protect the consumer rights. Section 2 (1) (d) defines the term 'consumer' under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, as any person who buys, hires or avails of any goods or services for a consideration which has been paid, or promised or partly paid or promised or paid under a system of deferred payment. The term consumer, however, does not include a person who obtains such goods and services for resale or for any commercial purpose. In the proposed fourth Amendment of the Consumer Protection Act 1986 the term 'consumer' would include buying of goods, hiring/availing of services made through any mode, inclusive of but not limited to offline, online through electronic means, teleshopping, direct selling etc.

Thus, 'consumers' include the following heads:

Buyer of goods or Purchaser of goods: Any person who purchases products for consideration that has been paid, or promised or partly paid and partly promised, or under any system of deferred payment for final consumption is a consumer. The position of the buyer depends upon the 'contract of sale'.

User of the goods: Any person who uses goods with the approval of the buyer, who has bought goods for consideration, is a consumer. Thus all family members are beneficiaries of a contract and included as consumers.

Hirer of services: Any person who hires or avails of any service for a consideration which has been paid or promised or partly paid and partly promised, or under any system of deferred payment is included as a consumer. The service sector includes banking, telecom service, postal service, insurance, railways, air travel, doctors, caterers, contractors, transport operators, etc.

Beneficiary of services: In respect of services, the beneficiary of such service is also a consumer. According to Indian Medical Association vs. V. P. Shanta case it was decided that medical practitioners are not immune from a claim for damages on the ground of negligence. The patients who are rendered free service are the beneficiaries of the services hired by the patients who paid for the services. In Spring Meadows Hospital vs. Harjit Ahuluwalia (1998) (2), the Supreme Court held that a consumer would mean a person who hires or avails of any services and includes any beneficiary. Therefore, when a young child is taken to a hospital by his parents and treated by the doctor then the parents and the child would come under the definition of a consumer.

A trader or businessmen who buys the goods or services for resale is not a 'consumer'. The Consumer Protection Act Amendment in 2002 excludes persons who buy goods or services for a 'commercial purpose'.However, 'commercial purpose' does not include the following:

*Goods bought and used for the purposes of earning livelihood by means of self-employment. This means that if an individual or a family buys goods for professional or vocational use s/he will be a 'consumer'.

*Services availed for the purpose of earning livelihood by means of self-employment. This means that if a person or family buys services for professional or vocational use s/he will be a 'consumer'. Thus, any person who buys goods either for resale or for making profit is not a 'consumer' under the Consumer Protection Act. In Raj Kumar vs. S. C. Verma, 2001 (1) CPR 437 it was held that persons buying goods either for resale or for use in large scale profit-making activity would not be 'consumers' entitled relief under the Act.

Filing of complaints under CPA

A complaint can be filed in the Consumer Forum by a consumer to whom goods are sold or delivered or agreed to be sold or delivered or such services provided or agreed to be provided or by a Voluntary Consumer Organization (VCO) or by the Central Government or the State Government, Union Territory Administration or by one or more consumers where they are of same interest. In case of death of consumer, his legal heir or representatives have the right for filing a complaint. A complaint can be filed within two years from the date on which the cause of action has arisen. However, a complaint may been tertained after the period if the complainant had sufficient cause for not filing the complaint within such period by recording its reason for condoning such delay. A complaint should contain the following details:

(A)THE NAME, DESCRIPTION AND ADDRESS OF THE COMPLAINANT(B) THE NAME, DESCRIPTION AND ADDRESS OF THE OPPOSITE PARTY OR PARTIES(C) THE FACTS RELATING THE COMPLAINT

(D) WHEN AND WHERE IT ARISES,(E) DOCUMENTS, IF ANY, IN SUPPORT OF ALLEGATIONS(E) THE RELIEF SOUGHT AND(F) THE COMPLAINT SHOULD BE SIGNEDBY THE COMPLAINANT OR HIS/ HER AUTHORIZED AGENT. NO LAWYER IS REQUIRED FOR FILING A CASE IN CONSUMER FORUM.

Adjudicatory Bodies Set Up under CPA

In order to provide speedy and simple redressal of consumer grievances, Chapter III of the Consumer Protection Act makes provision for the establishment of Remedial Agencies for settlement of consumers' disputes and for matters connected therewith. There is a three-tier system in the Act, which has been set up at district, state and national levels. They are (a) A Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum also known as the "District Forum", (b) a Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission also known as the "State Commission" and (c) a National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission also known as the "National Commission"While the National Commission is set up by the Central Government, the State Commissions and District Forums are set up, in each, State and District, respectively by the State Government concerned. At present there are 35 State Commissions, one in each State/UT and 629 districtforums besides the National Commission at the apex. The government is monitoring the disposal of cases by the consumer courts through National Commission.

The pecuniary jurisdiction of the District Forum is upto Rs. 20 lakhs, and that of the State Commissions is above Rs. 20 lakhs and below Rs. 1 Crore and claims involving more than Rs. 1 crore are to be filled directly before the National Commission.

The law provides for the complaint to be decided within a period of 3 months from the date of receipt of notice by the opposite party where no analysis or testing of commodities is required to be done by the laboratory. If it requires analysis or testing of commodities the period for giving final order is five months.Till June 1, 2015, the Consumer Courts at National, State and District level have together registered 43,11,892 cases and 3939514 cases have been disposed. Thus, there are still 3.7 lakh cases which are pending with various consumer for as and the disposal rate is 91.36%.

Recent Schemes started by the Government

The Ministry of Consumer Affairs promotes and protects the welfare of consumers. To meet the objective, the Department is undertaking various measures involving all concerned, particularly the students and young men and women, to strengthen the consumer movement in the country. Some of the steps recently taken by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, are:

a) Consumer Clubs, a scheme started by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs mobilises youngsters to strengthen the consumer movement in the country. Consumer Clubs are forums where students are be apprised about their consumer rights. Youth can also explain about consumer rights to the people and encourage them to boycott defective and bad quality goods. They can spread the market and the product knowledge to the consumers.

b) GAMA portal has been launched in 2015 to curb the menace of misleading advertisements. Consumers can lodge their complaint regarding misleading advertisements on www.gama.gov.in

c) Grahak Suvidha Kendras have also been started in 2015 in six states to help the rural consumers regarding filing of complaints in local language.

d) Under CONFONET scheme the consumers who have filed complaints in District Fora/State Commission/National Commission can see the cause list, case status and judgment through online sitting at their home or elsewhere.

e) Under the multi media campaign 'Jago GrahakJago' a radio serial has been started by the Ministry in which advice is given to consumers in local and regional language on consumer related problems.

Conclusion:

The welfare of consumers remains in their own hands. If the consumers, particularly the young consumers whose number has been going up, are responsible, vigilant and are able to assert their rights and responsibilities, resist/reject substandard goods/ services wherever required and do not hesitate to seek justice through consumer courts if needed, the manufacturers, traders and service providers cannot afford to take them for granted while selling a product or rendering service on payment or to adopt any unfair trade practice. An alert consumer aware of his rights and responsibilities not only can protect himself but can also make consumer sovereignty a reality.

(THE AUTHOR IS ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, KAMALA NEHRU COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY OF DELHI.E-MAIL: SHEETAL KPR@HOTMAIL.COM)

Tapi Pipeline for Regional Peace and Energy Security

2016-03-05T21:44:00.000-08:00

TAPI PIPELINE FOR REGIONAL PEACE AND ENERGY SECURITY

Lydia Powell

Energy is a strategic commodity for any economy.For a large country like India with a fast growing economy and rising population, the demand for energy is quite high. Large doses of energy are, therfore, required in India to maintain a high GDP growth rate. However, India is not well endowed with energy resources in comparison to its large population. While it supports 17 percent of the world population, it only has 0.6 percent, 0.4 percent and 7 percent of the worlds, oil, gas and coal reserves, respectively. In the light of the above, India has been striving hard to increase energy supply by exploiting all possible sources of conventional and non- conventional energy domestically as well as globally. Since Natural gas is environment friendly and more economical than conventional fuels, it is being used as important source of energy. Gas production and Demand in India: As per the recommendations of India Hydrocarbon Vision 2025, the Government enacted the New Exploration and Licensing Policy (NELP) in the mid 1990s to increase domestic gas production. Three Regasified Liquefied Natural Gas (RLNG) terminal initiatives were undertaken in 1998-99 (Petronet LNG in Dahej & Kochi, Shell in Hazira & Dhabol). Demand-supply projections after the KG D 6 gas discovery in 2001 showed anticipation of similar successes from other NELP-I licensees and also from subsequent NELP rounds. This raised optimism about domestic supplies .The 11th Plan projections for natural gas demand in 2012 were revised to 283 million metric standard cubic meters per day (mmscmd) while the supply was pegged at 238 mmscmd leaving a gap of only 45 mmscmd. At the end of the 11th Plan(2012), the availability of 238 mmscmd gas was projected to be 238 mmscmd out of which over 100 mmscmd was to come from new domestic discoveries.However, against this projection, new domestic gas production touched only about 40mmscmd.

The gas deficit was over 100 mmscmd, more than double the budgeted deficit of 45 mmscmd. Production of conventional gasreached 34 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2013 and was supplemented by LNG imports via four regasification terminals. In 2015, gas production continued to fall but demand for imported gas wasnot significant even though the price of natural gasin the global market had crashed.

India’s Gas Import Needs

The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects domestic production to touch 98 bcm per year and LNG and pipeline imports to reach 74 bcm by2035. Demand for natural gas is expected to touch 172 bcm which means that net deficit could potentially be wiped out by 2035. IEA also assigns significant probability for production of 25 bcm of coal bed methane (CBM) and 35 bcm of shale gas by 2035. Even if non-conventional gas production materializes as presumed, India will be dependent on imported gas either in the form of LNG or through cross border pipelines such as the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas Pipeline.

Gas Imports through TAPI

The pipeline from Turkmenistan to Pakistan through Afghanistan was first proposed in the mid- 1990s by the now defunct American energy company Unocal-led consortium and the Argentine company Bridas with the then Taliban regime in Kabul. However, security considerations combined with international condemnation of the Taliban regimes had led both the companies to pull out, leaving the project in a lurch. The idea was revived after the Taliban were unseated from Kabul. At the end of 2002, three countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkmenistan) signed a new agreement. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) conducted a feasibility study and rendered the project possible in 2005. Following an approval by the Indian cabinet, India became the fourth country to join the project in 2008.

The TAPI project was originally expected to start in 2012 and come on stream by 2016. It envisaged constructing 1,680 km of pipeline with a totalgas capacity of 90 mmscmd. As per the plan, 38

TAPI:

mmscmd would go to India and Pakistan each, while 14 mmscmd would be bought by Afghanistan. The proposed pipeline would stretch from Turkmenistan’s gas fields and travel 1,650 km through Turkmenistan(145 km), Afghanistan (735 km) and Pakistan (800 km), before culminating at the Indian border town of Fazilk in Punjab. Annually, the pipeline would carry roughly 33 bcm of natural gas to consumers in a year. Vice President of India attended the TAPI pipeline groundbreaking ceremony on 13 December, 2015 near the city of Mary in southeastern Turkmenistan. India,Pakistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan had signed the historic gas sale purchase agreement (GSPA) for the $7.6-billion TAPI pipeline in May 2012. Prior to this many other related agreements were signed. The TAP Inter Governmental Agreement was signed in May 2002. A feasibility study was conducted by Penspen in September 2004 which was updated in 2008. The GasPipeline Framework Agreement and the TAPI Inter Governmental Agreement were signed in December 2010 . Before the project begins, many more agreements like the Operations Agreement, the Transit Fee Agreement and a host of other agreements need to be signed. If it materializes, the TAPI pipeline will have a capacity to carry 90 mmscmd of gas for a 30-year period and is likely to become operational by 2018. The contract price of TAPI gas is linked to a formula which is said to contain indices based on fuel basket and other indices which are not as volatile as crude oil.The formula is similar to theones used in internationalcontracts. The source of the gas is the South Yolotan Osman field, renamed as Galkynysh and is said to be holding proven recoverable gas reserves of 14 trillion cubic metres, the second largest in the world. The planned pipeline would help India and Pakistan diversify their gassupply, while also assisting Turkmenistan, a former
Soviet republic, to triple annual gas exports to 180 billion cubic metres (bcm) by 2030 and look beyond its traditional partner Russia to wider export markets. ADB is expected to take on roughly one third of the financial burden including the cost of the pipeline, estimated at about $10-12 billion and the field development costs estimated at $10 billion while India and Pakistan are expected to take on the rest. For Afghanistan, TAPI is said to carry economic and political benefits. Currently,the country is said to be almost entirely dependent onforeign aid with over 90 percent of its budget financed externally. The transit feefrom TAPI estimated at $ 300 million per annum is about a third of its revenue budgeted for development projects. For Turkmenistan, TAPI is assumed to represent another option in diversifying away from the Russian Gazprom which has exerted monopoly power over volume and pricing of Turkmen gas. For Pakistan and India TAPI, is said to be a means to secure much needed gas. For them the gas would come at a price earlier said to be 69 percent of the price of Brent crude oil. At a Brent price of say $ 104/bbl this would translate into a price of $ 9.2/mmbtu. At current crudeprices, it could be less than half this price. Given that the convergence between regional gas markets is occurring faster than anticipated, the question for both Pakistan and India is whether TAPI would represent their least cost option for gas supplies? One cannot rule out the possibility of cheaper LNG from US hitting the shores of South Asia by the time TAPI materializes. Cost is of key importance as both Pakistan and India have limited capability to absorbhigh priced gas as anchor customers. While Turkmenistan exports gas to Russia and small quantities of gas to Iran, its largest export destination now is China. In December 2009, Turkmenistan and China formally opened the first section of the 1800 km long 40 bcm per year gas pipeline financed by CNPC China’s largest upstream Oil & Gas Company. China bought 17 bcm of gas from Turkmenistan in 2011 as compared to only 3.5 bcm in 2010. Originally, Turkmenistan and China had intended to trade volumes of about 40 bcm by 2015 butnow that figure has been raised to 65 bcm. Turkmenistan plans to increase production from about 42 bcm in 2010 to 230 bcm by 2030 mostly intended for export. It has already beaten Russian competition in the Chinese gas market by selling gas at about $ 7.5/mmbtu excluding transportation charges, roughly half the price offered by the Russians. Turkmenistan has resisted the temptation of putting its gas into the Nabucco pipeline backed by the European Union (EU) and designed to free Europe from dependence on Russian gas. The unavailability of Turkmen gas is cited as one of the reasons for the delay in Nabucco. Given that the EU gas market is one of the most attractive in the world for potential gas suppliers it is quite puzzling that Turkmenistan is looking at a fairly large but largely illiquid gas market in South Asia. Two political factors could explain this anomaly. For the United States TAPI would meet two foreign policy objectives: it would provide much needed revenue to stabilize Afghanistan after its exit and also keep Iranian gas out of the South Asian market. Without US backing no commercial entity will invest in a pipeline project that passes through Afghanistan, one of the most insecure regions in the world. For Russia backing TAPI will push Turkmen gas southwards and ensure that Russia can keep the lucrative European market for itself. TAPI Gas Pipeline Project is expected to help in economic integration of the region. The pipeline project has also raised hopes for fulfilling the energy needs of a large number of people of this poverty-ridden region at the least possible cost. In addition to giving clean energy, it would provide huge revenue and employment opportunities for the people of the regions However, the technical and commercial viability of the project has to be ensure for its ultimate success.

(The author works with

Centre for Resources

Management, Observer

Research Foundation New

Delhi. Views expressed

are personal. e-mail

lydia@ orfonline.org)