New Delhi (The Hawk): Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science &amp; Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, National Education Policy (NEP-2020) aims at de-linking degree from education and livelihood opportunities.
Addressing the students and the youth at Krishna Mahavidyalaya at Thakurdwar in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, Dr Jitendra Singh said, NEP-2020 also supplements Start-Up ecosystem with the promise to open new career and entrepreneurship opportunities for students and youth in India.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, NEP- 2020 introduced by Prime Minister Modi will reorient India’s Education Policy as per global benchmarks. Describing it as the biggest path-breaking reform in India since independence, the Minister said, the new policy is not only progressive and visionary but is also in keeping with the emerging needs and requirements of 21st century India. He said, it gives due priorities to the inherent talent, knowledge, skill and aptitude of the students, rather than focusing only on degrees.
Dr.Jitendra Singh said that linking degrees with education has taken a heavy toll on our education system and society as well and one of the fall-outs has been an increasing number of educated unemployed. The Minister said, NEP-2020 is having the provision of multiple entry/exit option thus providing academic flexibility to the students. He said, this will have a positive impact on the students related to the availing of different career opportunities at different times, depending upon their intrinsic learning and inherent aptitude.
Referring to Skill India Mission, Dr Jitendra Singh urged the students to imbibe multiple skills to be successful in life as there are ample number of examples to show that those equipped with the latest skills are doing wonders in the world today.
Dr Jitendra Singh also urged the students and the youth to explore livelihood opportunities in the booming Start-up sector in the country. He informed the gathering that only in August this year, the Uttar Pradesh government injected Rs 4,000 crore into the state’s start-up corpus for employment generation and economic activity. The fresh infusion of capital has been made to constitute the maiden ‘UP Innovation Fund’ that will be mandated to provide seed capital to start-ups.
Dr Jitendra Singh gave full credit to the futuristic vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had given a call for Start-Up India, Stand-Up India in 2015 itself, that led to a mass interest, as a result of which the number of start-ups in India has increased from mere 350 in 2014 to over 80,000 in 2022 with more than 105 unicorns.
Dr Jitendra Singh noted with satisfaction that Uttar Pradesh government plans to have at least one incubator in every district by 2023. As of now, there are 47 incubators in 20 districts. He told the youth of Moradabad that Uttar Pradesh is catching up fast in startups race and as of today there are more than 6,500 startups already registered in the state. The government has also decided to set up two centres of excellence in the state with one coming up in IIT-Kanpur for promotion of drone technology. Dr Jitendra Singh said, Noida has turned to be the most preferred destination for startups followed by Ghaziabad, Agra, Lucknow and Gorakhpur in Purvanchal region and now is the time for the innovative minds of the Western UP to take a lead in Startups movement. He said, the green and farm rich belt of Western region can be a fertile ground for Agri-tech and Dairy startups. The Minister promised all support from Ministry of Science and Technology to support the StartUps ecosystem.&nbsp;

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, National Education Policy (NEP-2020) aims at de-linking degree from education and livelihood opportunities.

Jitendra Says, NEP-2020 Aims At De-Linking Degree From Education & Livelihood Opportunities

Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday said that to increase livelihoods of people in the hilly districts of the state, more efforts are needed in the field of cooperatives.
The Chief Minister gave these instructions to officers during a meeting of Uttarakhand State Cooperative Banks at the Secretariat.
He said that to increase the livelihood of people in the hilly districts of the state, more efforts are needed in the field of cooperatives.
"In order to enable the common people to take maximum advantage of the various schemes of the government, such arrangements should be made that people can get the facility of taking mixed loans to avail the benefits of the schemes of the concerned departments under schemes of similar nature," said Dhami.
Dhami further added that continuous efforts should be made by cooperative banks in the direction of reducing NPAs. Banks need more efforts to increase the credit deposit ratio, especially in hilly areas.
The Chief Minister said that special attention should be paid towards increasing the economic activities in the state to enhance the livelihood of the people. More attention should be paid to the cluster-based approach. There is a need to rapidly increase cooperative-based work in hilly districts. Efforts should be made to promote the production of coarse cereals in the state. "People should be encouraged for this. Special attention should be paid towards the simplification of loan procedures through cooperative banks so that common people can get the full benefit of government schemes. Information about various public welfare schemes of the government should be given to the general public through seminars and camps," said Dhami.
Cooperative Minister Dhan Singh Rawat said that in the last 5 years, there has been a rapid reduction in the NPA in the cooperative banks of the state.
"Five years ago the NPA was around 20 per cent, which has come down to 3.81 per cent now. Efforts are being made to provide mobile banking facilities through cooperative banks. The work of computerization of all PACS in the state has been completed. Recruitment is being done in cooperative banks through IBPS," said Dhan Singh Rawat. —ANI

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday said that to increase livelihoods of people in the hilly districts of the state, more efforts are needed in the field of cooperatives.

To Increase Livelihoods In Hilly Areas, More Efforts Needed In Field Of Cooperatives: CM Dhami

Dehradun (The Hawk): On the third and final day of the Workshop, two session were held on 'Enhancing carbon sequestration potential and assessment of forest carbon stocks' and 'Sustainable Land and Ecosystem Management (SLEM) knowledge sharing and dissemination'.
Regular monitoring of carbon exchange over forest ecosystems is a key to climate policy making decision due to large carbon sequestration potential of the forest ecosystems. Initiatives on forest carbon assessments in Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal and India was discussed by respective speakers representing their countries. Need for developing a domestic forest carbon market in India through active participation of ICFRE was deliberated. With reference to carbon monitoring in Cambodia, Malaysia, Philippines and India,the speaker from Japan highlighted the role of geospatial data and advance machine learning to mitigate the climate change and achieve several SDGs which would help the policy makers for better implementation of Paris agreement and forest management practices for REDD+ assessment.&nbsp;
To measure the carbon fluxes, the EddyCovariance Flux towers play a major role. Flux towers have been established in nine different locations of India by NRSC and IIRS, while two towers in MP and Chhattisgarh by ICFRE.Similarly, Asia Flux Network in Sarawak, Malaysia has identified the factors responsible for peatlands (a unique wetland ecosystem) carbon balance as well as carbon sequestration.Under UNFCCC, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) is playing a significant role in fund flow for achieving Paris Agreement goals. GCF at present has approved budget of US$11 billion of investment in over 200 projects worldwide of which 84 being in the forestry sector. GCFs role in approaching climate finance and the associated challenges in monitoring the impact on mitigation and adaptation was discussed by speaker from South Korea.
ICFRE through the World Bank funded Ecosystem Services Improvement Project (ESIP) has been supporting the Green India Mission and LiFE missionby scaling up of SLEM practices for addressing land degradation issues and improving ecosystem services. The new tools and technologies introduced through ESIP for better management of natural resources, biodiversity and carbon stocks has directly benefited about 25,000 forest dwellers, small landholders and marginal farmers of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. ICFRE has developed a Roadmap for Institutional and Policy Mainstreaming of Sustainable Land and Ecosystem Management in India and an online National Reporting portal 'SLEM Knowledge Sharing and Reporting System', (https://nrdp.icfre.gov.in/ ) on Land Degradation and Desertification and for up-scaling and mainstreaming SLEM best practices. Success stories of restoration of degraded lands in MP and Chhattisgarh was also presented by respective state Forest Departments.Representative from FAO detailed about the Capacity building for Forest and Landscape restoration as endorsed by FAO in advancing knowledge sharing.
The recommendations that emerged from various sessions were discussed by the panel of experts during the plenary session which was chaired by DG, ICFRE. The representatives from World Bank and ICIMOD, Nepal appreciated the work carried out by ICFRE in the Ecosystem Services Improvement Project and suggested to extend the successful model in other states of India and also in other South Asian Countries.&nbsp;

On the third and final day of the Workshop, two session were held on 'Enhancing carbon sequestration potential and assessment of forest carbon stocks' and 'Sustainable Land and Ecosystem Management (SLEM) knowledge sharing and dissemination'.

Forests Can Be Protected By Enhancing Livelihood Of People—DG, ICFRE

New Delhi (The Hawk): As India's Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) completed eight years on 8 April, we can glance back at the changes wrought by this mass credit saturation programme that was envisaged during the bleak days of 2014-15 when our formal financial sector was reeling under bad loans, especially its impact on the sociocultural fabric of the country. The PMMY is one of the flagship schemes of Union government to encourage self- employment. The scheme targets micro and own-account enterprises that constitute a vibrant business ecosystem in India. Micro enterprises are mostly engaged in manufacturing, processing, trading and services, and many of these units are single-ownership businesses. The country's formal or institutional architecture was unable to reach out to them and meet their financial requirements. These units were largely self-financed or reliant on either personal networks or moneylenders. With this gap kept in mind, the PMMY was floated with the objective to create an easily accessible bridge between a large unbanked sector and formal lenders. Launched in 2015, PMMY provides collateral-free institutional credit up to ?10 lakh, as provided by Member Lending Institutions (MLIs): i.e., Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs), Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs). Under the aegis of the PMMY, the Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) created three sub-schemes that differ by the loan amount: Shishu (for loans up to ?50,000), Kishore (?50,001-?5 lakh) and Tarun (?500,001-?10 lakh). The names Shishu, Kishore and Tarun also signify the stage of the beneficiary micro unit's growth or development and its funding needs. Any individual who is otherwise eligible to take a loan and has a business plan for a small business enterprise can avail of credit under the scheme. Since its launch, the scheme has undergone numerous changes. Its target area, for example, has been widened to maximize its positive economic impact. Initially, the PMMY covered income- generating activity only in the sectors of manufacturing, trading and services. However, since 2016-17, activities allied with agriculture and their support services promoting livelihoods have been brought under its ambit; since 2017-18, loans have been sanctioned for the purchase of tractors and power tillers; and from 2018-19, loans to buy two wheelers for commercial purposes have also been included. Total disbursement under the scheme showed an average 33% growth in its first three years, indicating that its unique selling proposition was well received. The outbreak of the covid pandemic and subsequent slowdown in economic activity impacted the demand for these loans. During this phase, a special relief provision of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) permitted all lending institutions to grant a moratorium of six months on the payment of all instalments under the scheme. After the economy's re-opening, loan demand under the PMMY has gathered pace. In most categories, disbursements have surpassed pre-covid levels. Data as on 24 March 2023 puts the scheme's cumulative disburse amount at ?22.65 trillion. The share of Shishu loans is the highest, at 40%, suggesting that the PMMY has largely supported first-time entrepreneurs. The PMMY's economic impact is now well established. As per survey results of the ministry of labour and employment, the scheme had helped in generating 11.2 million net additional jobs during the period 2015 to 2018. The social impact of the PMMY is a much deeper story and can be understood at three levels. These three levels include the scheme's impact on (1) broad social groups; 2) women; and 3) members of minority communities. In terms of the first, the PMMY has benefitted all segments of Indian society: General, Schedule Caste/Tribe (SC/ST) groups and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The increasing participation of OBCs and SCs in availing these loans in recent times is an indication of the scheme's outreach. One of the scheme's most commendable achievements is its impetus to women's entrepreneurship. In its cumulative data since inception, the share of accounts held by women is as high as 69%, while the share of women in the sanction list is 45%. Disbursements to women entrepreneurs registered an average growth of 23% in the scheme's first four years. In 2022, it surpassed its pre-covid level, registering a robust growth of 28%. The PMMY also fares well on other measures of inclusivity. The scheme has been able to cater to the requirements of minorities. Loans to members of minority groups touched an all-time high in 2022, with their overall share at 10%, with Shishu and Kishore loans accounting for 85% of total cumulative disbursement. Since the PMMY is a national scheme, its spatial dispersion is an important consideration from the point of view of balanced economic growth. One of the objectives of India's growth policy has been to bridge the divide between the thriving western and lagging eastern parts of the country. A Herfindahl Concentration Index estimate of the number of accounts and disbursed amounts shows significant dispersion across states and products. This indicates an impressive geographical coverage. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Bihar have recorded all-round gains from the PMMY. West Bengal and Tripura have also seen a rise in their total share (and also in the Kishore and Tarun categories), indicating an eastward flow of beneficiaries. Developed regions such as the national capital region, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa have seen their shares decline, even though they dominate the scheme in absolute terms. Overall, the PMMY has achieved its objectives of equitable and fair spatial distribution of benefits during its ninth year of operation by fostering self employment across social groups, doubling the participation rate of women over that observed in commercial-bank lending and boosting the participation of minority groups. In the coming years, it is imperative that the PMMY reaps the benefits of 5G technology and e-commerce, even as Mudra cards are popularized further. Encouraging the registration and formalization of own-account enterprises could be another way of taking this scheme to new highs. The celebrated anthropologist Oscar Lewis had once argued in his seminal work, The Children of Sanchez, that a "culture of poverty" tends to perpetuate itself over time, often transcending boundaries. The PMMY, in a short span, has not only attacked and altered the course of this culture of poverty, but infused a sense of vibrancy and can-do spirit in the Indian micro-credit ecosystem. The PMMY has clearly been an uncommon solution to 'common problems'. These are the author's personal views.

As India's Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) completed eight years on 8 April

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: Credit Saturation For Livelihoods

Vijay Garg
Until a few decades ago, there used to be a corner of the book in some room in the house, but now this place has been taken by CD and 'music player'. We only keep books related to making our career or future, through which we can manage our livelihood. In a country which was once famous for its rich libraries in universities like Nalanda and Takshashila, there is one library for twelve thousand people in villages and one library for eighty thousand people in cities.Which reflects the intellectual impoverishment of our society and the decline in reading interest. Don't know how many of us would not have bought any kind of book in the past years. When uneducated people are living a comfortable life in the society, they are being respected enough, then who would bother to read and write. Thus, the meaning and influence of the printed word has overall diminished and the social status of an educated person has declined. Increasing unemployment, sense of disrespect towards educated people led to the book It has lost its importance and luster. It is a different matter that pulp literature and so-called entertaining literature are being sold indiscriminately today. New writers are presenting their point of view with new Hindi and new understanding and young writers have made their place among young readers by raising contemporary problems. The language of career, college love affair and a bit of a spicy web series is making established writers stand out. Our publishers keep on crying about the sale of books and the lack of readers. Readers also complained about the high prices of books Let's go But taking a pizza for Rs.300 and a multiplex ticket for Rs.200, he doesn't feel any remorse, just in the name of books, he starts crying. That affection and respect for books has not survived in the Hindi heartland at the moment. In Bengal, on the occasion of Durga Puja, all the publishers and newspapers bring out big special issues. A separate budget is kept for the purchase of books. There is a good sale of books in South India also. Even in a country like America, the edition of a book is ten thousand.And it gets sold in no time. While our situation is not so good here. Actually, the prevalence of the theory of utilitarianism has increased in the educated society. We want to buy only those books which give us employment. We do not want to buy and read literary, inspirational books which develop values ??like moral values ??and understanding of relationships, human sensitivity. In the digital age, books can be read on the Internet through e-books or existing resources or apps and can be easily listened to on the go. busy or They are also being used by the elders. But the thing that happens in the printed book, that joy and feeling is not there in these e-books. The smell of blank paper and the indescribable pleasure of touching its pages, placing it on your head, underlining the lines you want, is wonderful. Self-study of books not only keeps our memory fit, but also increases our vocabulary. Increases our ability to express. Reading removes our depression, the world of our senses expands. hI become more humane and capable of discussion. So books are not only our companions but also our guides. Some people do the pious deed of gifting books in marriages, birthdays etc. This campaign should be run widely. At their own level, the Granth Academies of other states keep on organizing book fairs etc., but these efforts are mere cumin in the camel's mouth in the promotion of book culture. In the development of personality, imagination and reasoning power, not only in the youth, but in the lives of small children.Books play an important role. This is the door to our intellectual salvation. We should take a sacred resolution that we should not only make the country literate in statistics, but also create a well-educated, cultured society, where books can breathe freely, spread knowledge with joy.&nbsp;
—The Hawk Features

Until a few decades ago, there used to be a corner of the book in some room in the house, but now this place has been taken 

CDs And Music Players Have Now Replaced Book Corners

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir): Nejul village, nestled amidst the serene landscapes of central Kashmir's Budgam district, presents a picture of resilience and determination. In the heart of this picturesque hamlet stands a watermill, where the Rahim family has not only found sustenance but also paved the path to a brighter future for their children. Rubina Rahim, a young woman who, despite her tender age, has shouldered responsibilities that have transformed her life and that of her family. Rubina, now a high school senior, embarked on her journey as a mill worker when she was in the 12th grade. The Rahim family, consisting of Abdul Rahim, their father, and his three daughters and son, has long relied on the watermill as their primary source of livelihood. However, the family's fortunes took a positive turn when Abdul Rahim recognized the immense potential his daughters held and decided to involve them in running the watermill. "It was a difficult decision to make, but I saw the determination and capabilities my daughters possessed," Abdul Rahim said and added, "I knew that with their help, we could not only sustain ourselves but also provide them with a quality education." Rubina, recalls the challenges she faced while balancing her studies and her responsibilities at the watermill. "At first, it was overwhelming," she said with her eyes reflecting a mix of resilience and determination. "But I quickly realized that this opportunity was a stepping stone to a better future, not just for myself but for my entire family," she added. The watermill, with its rhythmic hum, became the backdrop to Rubina's educational pursuits. She would diligently complete her schoolwork in the evenings, eagerly absorbing knowledge as she flourished both academically and professionally. The Rahim family's joint effort, fuelled by the invaluable contributions of their daughters, became a symbol of empowerment in the close-knit community of Nejul. Rubina's passion for education ignited a spark in her younger sisters as well. the middle daughter, follows in her sister's footsteps, juggling her own studies while actively participating in the watermill's operations. "I am grateful to Rubina for paving the way," she shared, adding that with determination and hard work, anyone can overcome any obstacle. Local residents praised the family for challenging social norms and demonstrating that gender should never be a barrier to success. "The Rahim sisters are an inspiration to us all. Their dedication and perseverance have shattered stereotypes and opened doors for young girls in our village," a neighbour said. Their story has sparked conversations about gender equality, education, and the potential of individuals when given equal opportunities. It has become a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering support of a loving family. Looking ahead, the Rahim family envisions a future where their watermill becomes a center for skill development and empowerment. They aspire to share their knowledge and experience with other families in Nejul village, encouraging them to explore alternative paths to success. Rubina, with dreams of pursuing higher education and empowering other young women, concludes with a hopeful message. "We are not bound by societal expectations or limited by our circumstances. With determination and support, we can break free from the chains that hold us back and realize our true potential," Rubina said. —ANI

 Nejul village, nestled amidst the serene landscapes of central Kashmir's Budgam district

Watermill Legacy! How Rubina And Her Sisters From Kashmir Transformed Their Family's Livelihood

Agartala (Tripura): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the Labharthi Pariwar Maha Sammelan at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala where he highlighted the development initiatives of the state and central governments for the socio-economic upliftment of the people. The event was organized on Wednesday under the initiative of Tripura Urban Livelihood Mission.
On this occasion, various beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Swanidhi Scheme and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana National Urban Livelihood Mission were felicitated by the Chief Minister.
Urban Development Department Secretary Abhishek Singh delivered the welcome address on the occasion. Prasad Rao Vadarapu, Director of Tripura Urban Livelihood Mission gave the vote of thanks. Additional Municipal Commissioner (AMC) Mayor Deepak Majumder, Urban Development Department Director Rajat Panth, AMC Mohammad Sajad P and State Level Bankers Committee Convener Bikash Das were present on the occasion among others.
The Tripura Chief Minister also launched the e-Cabinet system at the Secretariat on Wednesday. The Chief Minister presided over the first Council of Ministers meeting, conducted entirely without paper. It is worth noting that Tripura now stands as the fourth state in India to implement the e-cabinet system, according to a press release by the Chief Minister's office. After Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh, and Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura became the fourth state to adopt the E-Cabinet system. Among the 28 states, Tripura now holds the fourth position. In Tripura, several departments have taken the initiative to implement the e-e-office ensuring seamless governance. The primary objective of E-Office and E-Cabinet is to alleviate the challenges posed by managing extensive paper records. Accountability is also enhanced.  "This will be advantageous for the next generation. Sometimes, it was difficult to locate specific files, but now everything is accessible with just a click, and the document is right in front of you,” Chief Minister Manik Saha explained. He also shared that approximately 4,250 individuals in 94 departments have received training, with some still pending. Furthermore, the Chief Minister felicitated the departments that have achieved 100 per cent e-Office integration at the Secretariat. During the program, Cabinet Ministers, Chief Secretary JK Sinha, Secretary PK Chakraborty, Director General of Police Amitabh Ranjan, and other concerned officials were present.&nbsp;
—ANI

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the Labharthi Pariwar Maha Sammelan at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala where he highlighted the development

Agartala: CM Manik Saha highlights state, central govt development initiatives

New Delhi: Ahead of the declaration of Lok Sabha poll dates, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced a survey of 'rehri-patri' (street) vendors in the city to provide them space for running their shops.
In a video message, Kejriwal said the survey would be completed in a few months after which the vendors would be provided space in a proper manner so that there is no problem to other shopkeepers and any traffic issue.
<a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1768893683267420306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1768893683267420306%7Ctwgr%5E290341fd05aa325ccbbf16b0697528ad479b1da1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.deccanherald.com%2Findia%2Fdelhi%2Fkejriwal-announces-survey-of-street-vendors-in-delhi-to-provide-them-proper-space-for-running-shops-2939447" target="_self">https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal/status/1768893683267420306?</a>
Kejriwal said his government was committed to ensuring that street vendors were able to earn their livelihood respectably without facing any harassment from police or other authorities.
—PTI

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal promises space for street vendors post a survey, ensuring their respectable earnings without harassment, ahead of Lok Sabha polls.

The Hawk

Tag : livelihood

Jitendra Says, NEP-2020 Aims At De-Linking Degree From Education & Livelihood Opportunities

Inam Ansari

Tag : livelihood

Jitendra Says, NEP-2020 Aims At De-Linking Degree From Education & Livelihood Opportunities

Inam Ansari

More about livelihood