Chennai(the Hawk): Indian Institute of Technology Madras Researchers have launched India’s first indigenously developed Polycentric Prosthetic Knee, which aims to improve the quality of life for thousands of above-knee amputees. Called ‘Kadam,’ this ‘Made in India’ product is a polycentric knee for Above Knee Prosthesis developed in association with Society for Biomedical Technology (SBMT) and Mobility India.Kadam makes it possible for above-knee amputees to walk with a comfortable gait. Not just mobility, it also aims to improve the quality of life of users through increased community participation, access to education, livelihood opportunities and overall well-being.It was developed by a team at TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras, which also developed and commercialized ‘Arise,’ the country's first standing wheelchair and NeoFly-NeoBolt: active wheelchair and motorized add-on for seamless indoor-outdoor mobility. R2D2 is involved in research related to human movement, and the design and development of rehabilitation and assistive devices for people with movement impairments.SBMT, which supported the development, was established under DRDO by former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam to enable indigenous medical device development. Mobility India, an NGO in Bengaluru, will mass manufacture and take Kadam to the market along with overseeing the processes of fitment and training and ensuring easy access for the users.Kadam was launched in the IIT Madras campus today (8th April 2022) by Thiru. Johny Tom Varghese IAS, State Commissioner for Persons with Disability, Government of Tamil Nadu, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan, Faculty Head, TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), IIT Madras, and other faculty, researchers and students.Addressing the launch event virtually, Thiru. Johny Tom Varghese IAS, State Commissioner for Persons with Disability, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “What bridges the world of a Differently Abled Person with that of others is technology. It is phenomenal to see how technology can usher in inclusion in all walks of life. Kadam is one such innovation, along with other similarly path-breaking products that came out of R2D2 IIT Madras, which will make technology accessible and affordable!”Kadam has advantages over a hinge joint because of the multiple axes of rotation, which provide the user greater control over the prosthesis while walking and maximum knee flexion of 160 degrees to make it easy to sit in cramped spaces like buses and autos. It is designed for durability with high strength stainless steel and aluminium alloy along with hard chrome plated EN8 pins and high fatigue life polymer bushings.Congratulating the Researchers on the successful commercialization of Kadam, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, “The need for Technology to meet health and medicine is crucial for a healthy future.&nbsp;The Kadam is yet another example to justify this need.&nbsp;We, at IIT Madras are very happy that our Research and Development efforts are translating to products that could be of benefit to mankind.”Indigenously developed Kadam is affordable and at the same time, of high quality and performance, complying with ISO 10328 standards including 30 lakh cycles of fatigue testing. It provides stability, reduces the risk of stumbling and its patented geometry is specifically optimized for use on uneven terrains.Highlighting the unique aspects of Kadam in comparison with existing products, Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan, Head, TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2), IIT Madras, said, “Functional needs, socioeconomic and environmental challenges of Indian users are unique. Kadam’s user-centric design takes these into account. It meets international quality standards while being 4-5 times more affordable than comparable imported knees. ”Through Mobility India, extensive clinical trials have been conducted in various geographical settings – urban, periurban and rural, the feedback from which have ensured that the design is user-centric and functional in different environments. Users instantly recognize the stable nature of the knee. The ability of the user to let go of the safety of parallel bars in the very first trial is a testimony to the performance of the knee.The Unique Aspects of Kadam include:Ø&nbsp;Suitable for short/long residual limbs after transfemoral (above-knee) amputationØ&nbsp;Polycentric 4-bar knee joint provides the user better control of flexion-extensionØ&nbsp;Made of high strength materials: Aluminium alloy - Al 6061 T6, Stainless steel-SS 304Ø&nbsp;Customizable stability adjustment depending on the user’s needØ&nbsp;Frictional swing control adjustment for different walking speedsØ&nbsp;Patented 4-bar geometry (Indian Patent No. 338006) provides stability even on uneven terrain, and improved ground clearanceØ&nbsp;Provides maximum knee flexion of 160 degrees or more (range limited by socket)Ø&nbsp;Multi-centric user testing conducted with users walking on different surfaces and steep slopesØ&nbsp;ISO 10328 Compliant for Proof strength, Ultimate Strength, Fatigue Strength for P4 condition (80 kg user weight)The WHO states that only 1 in 10 people in need, have access to assistive technology and they are not available in adequate numbers and at affordable prices. The TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras, headed by Prof. Sujatha Srinivasan has been working to fill that gap.&nbsp;The R2D2 centre engineers user-centric affordable products for rehabilitation needs in India and beyond, works with clinical specialists, NGOs, and hospitals, among others, to field-test the designs, and fosters a research environment to evaluate assistive device designs from biomechanical and functional standpoints.

 Indian Institute of Technology Madras Researchers have launched India’s first indigenously developed Polycentric Prosthetic Knee, which aims to improve the quality of life for thousands of above-knee amputees. 

 IIT Madras Researchers Launch India’s First Indigenously Developed Polycentric Prosthetic Knee

Soumitra Bose
New Delhi (The Hawk): Mona Lisa-centric... Exclusive: Eternal, elusive, mysterious, etheral, unpredictable, X-symbolising, jigsaw puzzle-symbolising, entire world, universe mystifying Mona Lisa will be the decider of the winner of the ensuing assenbly elections in Karnataka! How? The Leonardo da Vinci painting of 1503 AD --- 520 years behind from today --- has many a time proved to be a definite deciding factor in many elections, social conditions, etc in numerous ways than many in numerous countries as it has "out-of-world-+ve-powers", say know-alls. The "Mysterious Mona Lisa" is now being used in the Karnataka polls to decide on the definite winner / winning combine to finally have a definite government for next five years. As of now, without Mona Lisa's assistance, the definite outcome of the ensuing state polls is extremely bleak, analyse connected persona, for many a reason leading to the state's people's disillusionment and thus their option for "NOTA" and so, no fixed result / poll outcome. Mona Lisa, her unexplained mysterious smile will surely change that with clear winner, assert the political parties as majority of them are involving her, her mysticism in their electioneering, elections to woo / mystify the masses in their favous, reveal insiders. Hence they are Mona Lisa-centric now.

 Mona Lisa-centric... Exclusive: Eternal, elusive, mysterious, etheral, unpredictable, X-symbolising, jigsaw puzzle-symbolising, entire world, universe mystifying Mona Lisa will be the decider of the winner of the ensuing assenbly elections in Karnataka! How?

Mona Lisa-Centric

New Delhi (The Hawk): How can we accelerate the deployment of energy-efficient, clean and affordable e-cooking solutions in India? On World Environment Day today, a conference organized in New Delhi by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, Government of India, in collaboration with CLASP, sought to find new answers to this question. The “Conference on Consumer-Centric Approaches for E-cooking Transition” brought together institutional consumers, consumer research groups, policy makers, think tanks and manufacturers in a discussion on strategy for the transition to electric cooking. Delivering the special address, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Power, Ajay Tewari said that e-cooking is going to be an environment-friendly habit for all Indians in the times to come. “Some people take it very lightly, but e-cooking has many dimensions for families in urban and rural areas. Given our large population, a change in our behaviour can have the biggest impact on the planet.” Speaking about Mission LiFE launched by the Prime Minister at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021, the Additional Secretary said that India has emerged as the leader in energy transition. “We are going to achieve renewable energy targets much earlier than the timelines we announced. This is evident from our achievement of Nationally Determined Contributions nine years ahead of target and our renewable energy targets.” Move towards e-cooking driven by 24/7 Electricity The Additional Secretary said that we want to move towards e-cooking since we have 24/7 electricity in our households. “India has, in just 18 months, given Saubhagya connections to 26 million households who did not have electricity access. Never before in the history of the world has so many households been given electricity connection in such a short time. We are supplying energy for 23.5 hours in all urban areas and 23 hours and more in rural areas. It is a big achievement that the age of power cuts is behind us.” He added that 700 million people in the world however still do not have access to electricity and that universal energy access is one of the priorities of G20. “E-cooking is going to be the future of the Indian kitchen” The Additional Secretary asserted that once all Indian households have electricity access, e-cooking is going to be the future of the Indian kitchen. “We can promote electric cooking since the technology is available. It must be scaled up, a model needs to be developed so that the energy comes from renewable sources, so that there is aggregation of carbon credits. The model should work in such a way that it becomes affordable in both urban and rural areas.” “Need to come up with Affordable E-Cooking Business Models” After success of UJWALA and thus having transitioned to clean cooking, we now want to make the transition to e-cooking, said the Additional Secretary. Highlighting the importance of affordability, he said that we must promote e-cooking from renewable energy sources such as solar power and thermal power. “We are coming up with aggregation models whereby prices can be brought down. We are moving towards an Indian model of e-cooking to serve Indian kitchens. If we have standard and affordable models, we should be able to cover all urban areas within 2-3 years. By 2030, we will like to cover as many households as possible under e-cooking. This will contribute significantly to our fight against climate change.” “Very few technology barriers towards adopting e-cooking, need replication at Scale” In his keynote address, Director General, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Abhay Bakre said that we have today come to an important juncture in our movement towards environment protection where we are moving ahead with Mission LiFE. Speaking about electric cooking, the Director General said that there is comparatively very little research required in this field since we have e-cooking appliances and consumers too are aware of this. “The principal barriers towards adopting e-cooking were customers’ concerns regarding potential faults in e-cooking appliances and whether all dishes could be prepared using e-cooking. When we launched the GO Electric Campaign, we faced big challenges such as setting up the electric vehicle charging infrastructure, the cost of Electric Vehicles and the production capacity. Contrary to this, we don’t have such challenges in e-cooking. We have found that almost all dishes prepared using conventional stoves can be prepared using e-cooking as well. So, what is needed is replication at scale. Our focus has been on kitchens and locations where cooking can happen for longer periods of time, of 8 – 10 hours per day. Rather than going for full replacement, consumers could go for replacing 50% of their cookers by electric cookers, so that they get the time to build confidence in e-cooking before making full transition.” “E-Cooking a Win-Win for both Power Sector and Consumers” Speaking about Sustainable Development Goal 7.1, the Director General said that 2.1 billion people do not today have access to clean cooking, and are exposed to harmful ways of cooking. “The promotion to e-cooking is a natural way of moving ahead with the SDGs, which are to be achieved by 2030. The first part – universal access to electricity – has been achieved in India. Most of our households also have access to LPG, thanks to UJALA. When we transition to e-cooking, it is going to be a much cleaner fuel. Electric cooking is the future and consumer participation is very important here. E-cooking can save energy consumed in reheating as well.” In conclusion, the DG said that we have to start with urban areas and move to Tier-2, Tier-3 towns and then to rural areas. He said that by 2030, e-cooking is going to be a win-win solution for both the power sector and for consumers as well. “Transition to e-cooking can improve quality of life, reduce carbon emissions and improve indoor air quality” Senior Director, CLASP, Bishal Thapa recalled that as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day today, it is time for decisive and transformative action and that the transition to e-cooking represents that opportunity. Noting that the Prime Minister’s articulation of Mission LiFE is bold and visionary, he said that the transition to e-cooking will enable a cleaner, greener and environmentally benign lifestyle. “The potential for e-cooking is not limited to rural areas. It is highly relevant for households and commercial areas in urban areas as well. The transition to e-cooking can help reduce energy imports and reduce our supply vulnerabilities. Overall, the transition can improve the quality of life, reduce carbon emissions and significantly improve indoor air quality.” The CLASP Senior Director said that the transition now requires greater consumer awareness, encouraging consumer choices and additional supply. “New partnerships are now required to drive this energy transition.” The participants took a pledge on Mission LiFE, to adopt environment-friendly lifestyle in all ways possible and to promote the same among fellow citizens. The Secretary, BEE, Milind Deore delivered the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the inaugural session. E-cooking Key to Mission LiFE The focus on electric cooking is based on the recognition that e-cooking is a key pathway to Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), an India-led global mass movement to nudge individual and community action to protect and preserve the environment. Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021, Mission LiFE seeks to transform persons into pro-planet people, who would adopt sustainable lifestyles. Access to clean cooking energy is a crucial aspect of India’s energy transition journey. The choices we make regarding cooking fuel can have a significant impact on India's trajectory towards becoming a sustainable economy. India’s clean cooking transition requires rethinking individual and community actions and decisions that drive energy consumption.  Conference to deliberate on Enablers and Approaches for Adopting E-Cooking Solutions The one-day conference on Consumer-Centric Approaches for E-cooking Transition will explore enablers for adoption of e-cooking solutions such as finance, demand aggregation, carbon credits and business models. The conference will also brainstorm on consumer-centric approaches and behaviours to bring about the e-cooking transition. The conference will also have a presentation by Energy Efficiency Services Limited, on e-cooking market transformation program and a presentation by BEE on initiatives undertaken to promote e-cooking.&nbsp;

How can we accelerate the deployment of energy-efficient, clean and affordable e-cooking solutions in India?

On 50th Anniversary Of World Environment Day, Government Holds Conference On Consumer-Centric Approaches For E-Cooking Transition

New Delhi (The Hawk): 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - these two words capture a deep philosophy. It means 'the world is one family'. This is an all-embracing outlook that encourages us to progress as one universal family, transcending borders, languages, and ideologies. During India's G20 Presidency, this has translated into a call for human-centric progress. As One Earth, we are coming together to nurture our planet. As One Family, we support each other in the pursuit of growth. And we move together towards a shared future - One Future - which is an undeniable truth in these interconnected times. The post-pandemic world order is very different from the world before it. There are three important changes, among others. First, there is a growing realisation that a shift away from a GDP-centric view of the world to a human-centric view is needed.  Second, the world is recognizing the importance of resilience and reliability in global supply chains. Third, there is a collective call for boosting multilateralism through the reform of global institutions. Our G20 Presidency has played the role of a catalyst in these shifts.  In December 2022, when we took over the Presidency from Indonesia, I had written that a mindset shift must be catalysed by the G20. This was especially needed in the context of mainstreaming the marginalized aspirations of developing countries, the Global South and Africa. The Voice of Global South Summit, which witnessed participation from 125 countries, was one of the foremost initiatives under our Presidency. It was an important exercise to gather inputs and ideas from the Global South. Further, our Presidency has not only seen the largest-ever participation from African countries but has also pushed for the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20. An interconnected world means our challenges across domains are interlinked. This is the midway year of the 2030 Agenda and many are noting with great concern that the progress on SDGs is off-track. The G20 2023 Action Plan on Accelerating Progress on SDGs will spearhead the future direction of the G20 towards implementing SDGs. In India, living in harmony with nature has been a norm since ancient times and we have been contributing our share towards climate action even in modern times.  Many countries of the Global South are at various stages of development and climate action must be a complementary pursuit. Ambitions for climate action must be matched with actions on climate finance and transfer of technology.  We believe there is a need to move away from a purely restrictive attitude of what should not be done, to a more constructive attitude focusing on what can be done to fight climate change. The Chennai HLPs for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue Economy focus on keeping our oceans healthy.  A global ecosystem for clean and green hydrogen will emerge from our presidency, along with a Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre. In 2015, we launched the International Solar Alliance. Now, through the Global Biofuels Alliance, we will support the world to enable energy transitions in tune with the benefits of a circular economy. Democratising climate action is the best way to impart momentum to the movement. Just as individuals make daily decisions based on their long-term health, they can make lifestyle decisions based on the impact on the planet's long-term health. Just like Yoga became a global mass movement for wellness, we have also nudged the world with Lifestyles for Sustainable Environment (LiFE). Due to the impact of climate change, ensuring food and nutritional security will be crucial. Millets, or Shree Anna, can help with this while also boosting climate-smart agriculture. In the International Year of Millets, we have taken millets to global palates. The Deccan High Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition is also helpful in this direction. Technology is transformative but it also needs to be made inclusive. In the past, the benefits of technological advancements have not benefited all sections of society equally. India, over the last few years, has shown how technology can be leveraged to narrow inequalities, rather than widen them. For instance, the billions across the world that remain unbanked, or lack digital identities, can be financially included through digital public infrastructure (DPI). The solutions we have built using our DPI have now been recognised globally. Now, through the G20, we will help developing countries adapt, build, and scale DPI to unlock the power of inclusive growth. That India is the fastest-growing large economy is no accident. Our simple, scalable and sustainable solutions have empowered the vulnerable and the marginalised to lead our development story. From space to sports, economy to entrepreneurship, Indian women have taken the lead in various sectors. They have shifted the narrative from the development of women to women-led development. Our G20 Presidency is working on bridging the gender digital divide, reducing labour force participation gaps and enabling a larger role for women in leadership and decision-making. For India, the G20 Presidency is not merely a high-level diplomatic endeavour. As the Mother of Democracy and a model of diversity, we opened the doors of this experience to the world. Today, accomplishing things at scale is a quality that is associated with India. The G20 Presidency is no exception. It has become a people-driven movement. Over 200 meetings will have been organised in 60 Indian cities across the length and breadth of our nation, hosting nearly 100,000 delegates from 125 countries by the end of our term. No Presidency has ever encompassed such a vast and diverse geographical expanse. It is one thing to hear about India's demography, democracy, diversity and development from someone else. It is totally different to experience them first-hand. I am sure our G20 delegates would vouch for this. Our G20 Presidency strives to bridge divides, dismantle barriers, and sow seeds of collaboration that nourish a world where unity prevails over discord, where shared destiny eclipses isolation. As the G20 President, we had pledged to make the global table larger, ensuring that every voice is heard and every country contributes. I am positive that we have matched our pledge with actions and outcomes.

'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' - these two words capture a deep philosophy. It means 'the world is one family'

Human-Centric Globalisation: Taking G20 To The Last Mile, Leaving None Behind

New Delhi [India]: India stands ready to share its technical capabilities and knowledge resources for empowering the people of the Global South, said Secretary at the Department of Economic Affairs Ajay Seth, participating on behalf of the country at the Finance Ministers' Session of the 2nd Voice Of Global South Summit.
Quoting Prime Minister Modi, the secretary said India's G20 priorities will be shaped in consultation not only with our G20 partners but also with our fellow travellers in the Global South, whose voice often goes unheard. "As the Global South constitutes the largest group of nations, the decisions we make hold immense significance," Seth said as part of his remark. African Union, a considerable chunk of the Global South, was given G20 membership during India's G20 presidency. It provided a much-needed and long-overdue platform for the participation of the Global South in shaping global decisions. "I am glad this happened during the Indian Presidency. With your continued support, we have amplified our voice, the Voice of the Global South," Seth noted. Later in his remarks, Seth noted under its G20 Presidency, India strongly advocated strengthening Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to respond to the shared global challenges of the 21st century with the aim of securing continued and sustainable access to low-cost concessional finance for low-income and middle-income countries.  The triple agenda recommended in the Report of the G20 Independent Expert Group, constituted by the Indian Presidency, he noted, called on MDBs to address global challenges along with their core mandates of eliminating poverty and fostering shared prosperity; tripling their sustainable lending level by 2030; and enhance their financial strength by continuing with the ongoing work of improving their capital adequacy frameworks. "We cannot afford to let financing gaps translate into a sustainable development gap," he added. The Indian G20 Presidency made concerted efforts to scale up sustainable finance. The Voice of the Global South 2.0 brought together Finance Ministers and Dignitaries from Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Madagascar, Moldova, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, and Uganda to deliberate under the theme of "Financing People-Centric Development".  Participants from the Global South exchanged their views on a wide range of issues of global importance ranging from MDB reforms, resolving debt vulnerabilities, advancing financial inclusion and ways to scale up financing for accelerating progress on SDGs, among other issues. Earlier today, laying emphasis on the importance of the Global South, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it has always existed geographically but it is getting the voice for the first time due to joint efforts. While addressing the inaugural session of the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit today, PM Modi said, "Geographically, the Global South has always existed, but it is getting a voice for the first time, and this is because of the joint efforts. We are more than 100 countries but our priorities are similar." "Last year, during the G20 Summit, our attempt was to focus on the development of the people, by the people and for the people...," PM Modi said. The 2nd Voice of Global South Summit is taking place in a virtual mode.
—ANI

India stands ready to share its technical capabilities and knowledge resources for empowering the people of the Global South, said Secretary

India promises technology and knowledge sharing with Global South

Mumbai: Stating that some Non Banking Finance Company-Microfinance Institutions (NBFC-MFIs) are making wider net interest margins, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Wednesday asked entities to be "judicious" in using the flexibility on the interest rates they charge from borrowers. Speaking at the annual Fibac event, Das said the microlending segment serves marginalised clientele and has emerged as an important financial conduit to foster financial inclusion.  "Though the interest rates are deregulated, certain NBFC-MFIs appear to be enjoying relatively higher net interest margins. It is indeed for microfinance lenders themselves to ensure that the flexibility provided to them in setting interest rates is used judiciously," he said.  It can be noted that following the crisis in the microfinance segment in Andhra Pradesh that had also led to the creation of the NBFC-MFI segment, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had capped the maximum interest which lenders can charge at 24 per cent. The rate regime was deregulated it in 2021, making it possible for entities to charge as much as they want.
Das acknowledged that such entities have to bear in mind the affordability and the repayment capacity of the borrowers while setting their interest rates.
—PTI

Stating that some Non Banking Finance Company-Microfinance Institutions (NBFC-MFIs) are making wider net interest margins, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Wednesday

RBI Governor asks NBFC-MFIs to be judicious in using flexibility on interest rates

Uttarkashi: A rescued worker at Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre on Wednesday shared a video of his fellow workers having some light moments after enduring 17 days of ordeal inside the Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand. In the video, a voice can be heard saying, while pointing to his fellow workers, "They are in good health and doing fine." As the video zooms out, workers can be seen cozying up to each other and speaking on their mobile phones with their relatives, while others are seen brushing their teeth in one corner and serving tea, as seen in the video. Acknowledging the state government's support during their ordeal, the worker is heard saying, "We are grateful to the state government for delivering essential food items inside the tunnel." Meanwhile, Dr. Bimlesh Joshi, Nodal Officer Health of Rescue operation said after screening and a health checkup at Chiniyalisaur Community Health Centre, 41 workers are healthy, "All 41 workers are currently healthy; their health screening has been done twice after the rescue, first inside the tunnel last night and second this morning. A team of 18 doctors at the Community Health Centre of Chinyalisaur has been monitoring his health since last night, out of which 10 are GDMOs and the remaining 8 are specialists, which include all types of specialists. Apart from this, there is a paramedical staff. There is a total staff of around 50, he said that since last night, all 41 labourers have been given a balanced diet, which includes paneer, boiled egg, kheer, roti, vegetables and rice" Dr. Bimlesh Joshi said. "Preparations are underway to send everyone to AIIMS Rishikesh; everyone will be sent by Chinook helicopter, and their family members can be sent by ambulance or any other vehicle. Although the workers do not need to be admitted to the hospital, they will be kept under safe-side observation," Bimlesh Joshi added. According to government sources, all the workers admitted to the health centre are being given food as per the doctors' advice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to the rescued men over the phone. The Mammoth rescue operation was launched after a portion under-construction tunnel from Silkyara end caved in on November 12 trapping 41 workers. Of the 41 men, 15 are from Jharkhand, two are from Uttarakhand, five are from Bihar, three are from West Bengal, eight are from Uttar Pradesh, five are from Odisha, two are from Assam, and one is from Himachal Pradesh. —ANI

A rescued worker at Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre on Wednesday shared a video of his fellow workers having some light moments

After Rescue, Workers Share Light Moments At Chinyalisaur Community Health Centre

New Delhi: Parliament on Monday passed the Post Office Bill that seeks to simplify the legislative framework to facilitate the evolution of India Post into a citizen-centric service network.
The Lok Sabha passed the Bill after a brief discussion amid protests by opposition members demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the security breach in Parliament on December 13. The Post Office Bill, 2023, which was passed by the Rajya Sabha on December 4, seeks to repeal the 125-year-old Indian Post Office Act and consolidate and amend the law relating to post offices in the country.
According to the proposed legislation, "the central government may, by notification, empower any officer to intercept, open or detain any item in the interest of the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, emergency or public safety, or upon the occurrence of any contravention of any of the provisions of any law for the time being in force". Replying to a discussion on the Bill in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan stressed that the provision for interception is needed for national security reasons. Chauhan also said the proposed legislation entails provisions towards the expansion of India's Postal services network. The Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha during the Monsoon session of Parliament. According to the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill, the enactment of a new law in place of the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, is with a view to govern the functioning of post offices in the country and provide for a simple legislative framework to facilitate the evolution of post offices into a network for delivery of citizen-centric services. The Bill seeks to empower the director general of postal services to frame regulations with respect to activities necessary to provide those services and fix the charges for such services. In his reply, the minister said post offices are practically functioning like banking services and there are 26 crore accounts with Rs 17 lakh crore deposited in post office savings services. Moreover, three crore accounts have been opened under the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana with Rs 1.41 lakh crore deposited in them, Chauhan informed. The minister said 3.5 crore people are beneficiaries of the direct benefits transfer scheme courtesy of the post office network. Further, 1.6 lakh post offices have been connected with core banking and digital banking facilities, he said, adding that in accordance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, 434 post offices have processed more than 1.25 crore passport applications and 13,500 'post office Aadhaar Seva Kendra' have been opened.
—PTI

Parliament on Monday passed the Post Office Bill that seeks to simplify the legislative framework to facilitate the evolution of India Post

The Hawk

Tag : Centric

IIT Madras Researchers Launch India’s First Indigenously Developed Polycentric Prosthetic Knee

Sunil Aswal

Tag : Centric

IIT Madras Researchers Launch India’s First Indigenously Developed Polycentric Prosthetic Knee

Sunil Aswal

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