Patanjali Yogpeeth to set up ‘Kisan Seva Kendra’ all across India
New Delhi ; Patanjali Yogpeeth, India’s largest ayurvedic and yoga center has initiated to help the farmers of our country by starting ‘Kisan Seva Kendra’ all across India. Kisan Seva Kendra is established in Patanjali Gramodyog phase –I.
On this occasion, Swami Ramdev, founder of Patanjali Yogpeeth said, “Animal Husbandry is the farmer’s dearest work. The animal husbandry centre is full of energy and enthusiasm especially for cow and other pets.”
He further added, “It is sad to see animal eating plastics and other non edible items in a country where huge population is depended on agriculture for their livelihood. To prosper the agriculture industry, we should make animal husbandry strong. Agriculture industry is the leading source of GDP in our country and is great contributor of income to millions of farmers. With the success of agriculture, India will get healthy food which leads to nation’s prosperity.”
Acharya Balkrishna, co-founder of Patanjali Yogpeeth said, “Agriculture and tradition are two strong pillars of India. Both should be highlighted for India’s glory. Patanjali Yogpeeth’s ‘Kisan Seva Kendra’ will help all those farmers who are seeking guidance in their work and are deprived of raw materials. Kisan Seva Kendra will also help farmers provide healthy food for animals and pets. Patanjali’s agriculture centre will start legislation to provide guidance to all farmers.”
About Patanjali Yogpeeth (Trust):
‘PatanjaliYogpeeth (Trust)’ was founded in Delhi on 4th February, 2005, under the humble guidance of Yog Guru - Baba Ramdev and revered ayurvedic expert - Acharya Balkrishna. The aim and objective of Patanjali Yogpeeth is to provide holistic, natural and effective ayurvedic treatment to all countrymen through indigenous treatment systems of Yoga, Ayurveda and Naturopathy. In addition, the trust is also working for the promotion of education, eradication of corruption and minimisation of economic disparities and financial inequalities. Other trusts under Patanjali’s umbrella are ‘Divya Yog Mandir (Trust)’ and ‘Bharat Swabhiman (Trust)’.
Several services and facilities provided by the trust include; free medical consultation to 6,000-10,000 patients in the yoga and ayurvedic O.P.D. It has World’s largest ayurvedic O.P.D. center operating ayurvedic surgeries with exceptional success rate and zero side effects. They also provide diagnostic facilities and pathology services using ultra-modern machines and set-ups. The Yog research department is also equipped with modern facilities. Free ayurveda and yoga therapeutic consultation by well-trained vaidyas and health experts. Shalakya is a specialised division for dental, eye care and ENT treatment services at very nominal charges. High quality ayurvedic medicines manufactured by ‘Divya Pharmacy’ are also available at the lowest price considering the affordability of poor patients. It is one of the largest Ayurvedic ISO, GLP, GPP certified pharmacy in India.
Patanjali Herbal Park is the centre of scientific research where more than 450 medicinal plants are available. A huge pancakarma and satkarma centre of 44,000 sq. ft where about 1000 persons could be benefited daily. The group also operates ‘Patanjali Ayurved College’, ‘Patanjali Chikitsalayas’, ‘Yog Gram’, ‘Gaushala’, ‘agriculture farm/organic agriculture’, ‘Gangotri Sadhana Kendra’, ‘Patanjali Yog Samiti’, ‘Patanjali University’, ‘Divya Prakashan’, ‘Divya Yog Sadhana’, ‘Yog Sandesh’ and ‘Patanjali Ayurved Ltd.’. Patanjali Yogpeeth has also spread its wings internationally at UK, USA, Canada, Nepal, Mauritius, Arab countries and Dubai.
On this occasion, Swami Ramdev, founder of Patanjali Yogpeeth said, “Animal Husbandry is the farmer’s dearest work. The animal husbandry centre is full of energy and enthusiasm especially for cow and other pets.”
He further added, “It is sad to see animal eating plastics and other non edible items in a country where huge population is depended on agriculture for their livelihood. To prosper the agriculture industry, we should make animal husbandry strong. Agriculture industry is the leading source of GDP in our country and is great contributor of income to millions of farmers. With the success of agriculture, India will get healthy food which leads to nation’s prosperity.”
Acharya Balkrishna, co-founder of Patanjali Yogpeeth said, “Agriculture and tradition are two strong pillars of India. Both should be highlighted for India’s glory. Patanjali Yogpeeth’s ‘Kisan Seva Kendra’ will help all those farmers who are seeking guidance in their work and are deprived of raw materials. Kisan Seva Kendra will also help farmers provide healthy food for animals and pets. Patanjali’s agriculture centre will start legislation to provide guidance to all farmers.”
About Patanjali Yogpeeth (Trust):
‘PatanjaliYogpeeth (Trust)’ was founded in Delhi on 4th February, 2005, under the humble guidance of Yog Guru - Baba Ramdev and revered ayurvedic expert - Acharya Balkrishna. The aim and objective of Patanjali Yogpeeth is to provide holistic, natural and effective ayurvedic treatment to all countrymen through indigenous treatment systems of Yoga, Ayurveda and Naturopathy. In addition, the trust is also working for the promotion of education, eradication of corruption and minimisation of economic disparities and financial inequalities. Other trusts under Patanjali’s umbrella are ‘Divya Yog Mandir (Trust)’ and ‘Bharat Swabhiman (Trust)’.
Several services and facilities provided by the trust include; free medical consultation to 6,000-10,000 patients in the yoga and ayurvedic O.P.D. It has World’s largest ayurvedic O.P.D. center operating ayurvedic surgeries with exceptional success rate and zero side effects. They also provide diagnostic facilities and pathology services using ultra-modern machines and set-ups. The Yog research department is also equipped with modern facilities. Free ayurveda and yoga therapeutic consultation by well-trained vaidyas and health experts. Shalakya is a specialised division for dental, eye care and ENT treatment services at very nominal charges. High quality ayurvedic medicines manufactured by ‘Divya Pharmacy’ are also available at the lowest price considering the affordability of poor patients. It is one of the largest Ayurvedic ISO, GLP, GPP certified pharmacy in India.
Patanjali Herbal Park is the centre of scientific research where more than 450 medicinal plants are available. A huge pancakarma and satkarma centre of 44,000 sq. ft where about 1000 persons could be benefited daily. The group also operates ‘Patanjali Ayurved College’, ‘Patanjali Chikitsalayas’, ‘Yog Gram’, ‘Gaushala’, ‘agriculture farm/organic agriculture’, ‘Gangotri Sadhana Kendra’, ‘Patanjali Yog Samiti’, ‘Patanjali University’, ‘Divya Prakashan’, ‘Divya Yog Sadhana’, ‘Yog Sandesh’ and ‘Patanjali Ayurved Ltd.’. Patanjali Yogpeeth has also spread its wings internationally at UK, USA, Canada, Nepal, Mauritius, Arab countries and Dubai.
92.7 BIG FM launches “Big Heart” along with NGO Bhumi
Bangalore : India’s No. 1 FM Network, 92.7 BIG FM announced the launch of “Big Heart”, a social initiative along with Bhumi, a youth volunteer organisation. The initiative invites underprivileged children to be part of a fun learning experience. Launched during Christmas, the season of giving, 92.7 BIG FM listeners from all walks of life are given an opportunity to teach these children a particular skill that the listeners excel at. It could be Singing, Dancing, Mathematics, Science, Sports, etc., basically anything that they are good at and wish to impart that skill to the children.
RJ’s of 92.7 BIG FM namely Hamsa, Shruti, Rashmi, Rohith&Mayur have planned activities ranging from DIY arts & crafts to Vedic Mathematics!!!
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. KiranThangarajan, Regional Head (South), 92.7 BIG FM, said, “92.7 BIG FM’s endeavor has always been to contribute to society. The “Big Heart” initiative is a perfect example of how we can help our listeners connect to underprivileged people of the country and touch theirs lives with small contributions, which are not necessarily monetary.”
ABOUT RELIANCE BROADCAST NETWORK
Reliance Broadcast Network is a media and entertainment company with interests in radio, television and television production. The Company houses: 92.7 Big FM - India's No.1 FM Network with 45 stations, reaching over 4 crore Indians each week; Big Magic – which has built strong brand equity as a Comedy Channel and is positioned as the one stop destination for humor,with higher affinity in the Hindi heartland; Big Magic Bihar & Jharkhand – a Channel with local content tailored for the region; Big Magic International – a channel targeted at the Indian Diaspora in the US and Canada; BIG Thrill – the destination for action entertainment; and Big Productions – its television content production division; For more information log on to www.reliancebroadcast.com
RJ’s of 92.7 BIG FM namely Hamsa, Shruti, Rashmi, Rohith&Mayur have planned activities ranging from DIY arts & crafts to Vedic Mathematics!!!
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. KiranThangarajan, Regional Head (South), 92.7 BIG FM, said, “92.7 BIG FM’s endeavor has always been to contribute to society. The “Big Heart” initiative is a perfect example of how we can help our listeners connect to underprivileged people of the country and touch theirs lives with small contributions, which are not necessarily monetary.”
ABOUT RELIANCE BROADCAST NETWORK
Reliance Broadcast Network is a media and entertainment company with interests in radio, television and television production. The Company houses: 92.7 Big FM - India's No.1 FM Network with 45 stations, reaching over 4 crore Indians each week; Big Magic – which has built strong brand equity as a Comedy Channel and is positioned as the one stop destination for humor,with higher affinity in the Hindi heartland; Big Magic Bihar & Jharkhand – a Channel with local content tailored for the region; Big Magic International – a channel targeted at the Indian Diaspora in the US and Canada; BIG Thrill – the destination for action entertainment; and Big Productions – its television content production division; For more information log on to www.reliancebroadcast.com
MBD Group receives three awards for Excellence in Book Production 2014
New Delhi; MBD Group, the largest publishing house in India with an experience of over 6 decades in publishing and education receives three awards by Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, Member of Parliament in the ceremony for Awards for excellence in Book Production 2014 organised by the Federation of Indian Publishers for the ongoing Delhi Book Fair 2014 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. Ms. Monica Malhotra Khandari, Senior Director, MBD Group has received the awards on the behalf of the MBD Group.
MBD Group received 1st prize and 2nd prize under Text Books: School (English) category for Learnwell Social Science-VII and Natural Sciences Grade 7 respectively. They were also awarded the first prize for Learnwell Hindi Surbhi Part-6 under Text Books: School (Hindi) category. On receiving three awards in the Awards for excellence in Book Production 2014, Ms. Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Senior Director, MBD Group, said, “ With the lineage of 6 decades, we have always believed in creating a benchmark in publishing. These awards showcase our performance and growth. I believe that there will be many more awards to come. This year Delhi Book Fair, 2014 has been a year of innovation in technology for education /digitilization in education. MBD Group offered a glimpse of innovative technologies to aid educational learning which is successfully transforming classroom learning to e-learning and mobile learning platforms It is the first publishing house in India to come up with this kind of digital revolution in the education sector. MBD group has created a revolution with: · Nytra – The first ever Agumented Reality App for K-12 education in India · Educational apps – For Kindergarten section · MBD nyx (Collaborative learning) · Educational tablets · Re-launch of MBD Super Refreshers · Anew Insight – the New ICSE Series About MBD Group The MBD Group is India's largest publishing house with over six decades of experience. The MBD Group, under the futuristic vision of the founder of the Group, Shri Ashok Kumar Malhotra, has diversified into various industries including e-learning, hospitality, real estate, mall development and management, notebooks and paper manufacturing. Now under the guidance of Mrs. Satish Bala Malhotra, Chairperson, MBD Group; the dynamic duo of Ms. Monica Malhotra Kandhari, Ms. Sonica Malhotra Kandhari, Directors of MBD Group are following the footsteps of their father and creating new benchmarks for the MBD Group. |
INAGURATION OF MICROSOFT INNOVATION CENTER (MIC)
AT MVJ COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Bangalore; The students of Computer Science Engineering, Information Science Engineering, and Masters in Computer Application had a reason to rejoice this Wednesday at M V Jayaraman College of Engineering in Whitefield. The ecstatic students were witnesses to the unveiling of the Microsoft Innovation Centre at their college premises. Ms. Pratima Amonkar, the Senior Director for Strategic Audience Marketing in Microsoft, was the Chief Guest for the inauguration. Presiding the gathering, Principal of MVJCE, Dr. K.S. Shanmukharadhya spoke about the various Microsoft Programmes and advantages to the students due to their collaboration with the college.
In a stimulating address, the Chief Guest Ms. Amonkar highlighted the power of technology, and the broader aspect of the term ‘device’. She emphasized the concept of ‘Innovation’ extensively. She also shared some of the success stories and accomplishments of young innovators and motivated the gathering of budding techies. Subsequently, she briefed about Microsoft Innovation Centre, its benefits and opportunities that it provides thus persuading the students to utilise it to the highest potential.
Pratima Amonkar later gave away certificates to the students who had participated in ‘Appathon – 2014’, held in April this year at the college. The participants were congratulated for their great efforts in developing apps for the competition. The moment of pride for MVJ College of Engineering came when the MoU for Microsoft Innovation Centre was signed and handed over to the College, amidst tumultuous applause at the M.V. Jayaraman Auditorium, in the premises. As the Chief Guest formally inaugurated the Centre of Excellence - MIC Lab, also present were the Principal, Vice Principal, Heads of Departments of ISE, CSE, and MCA, Core team of Microsoft, Microsoft Student Partners, and the Microsoft Student Associates of MVJCE.
About MVJ College of Engineering- (MVJCE):
MVJCE, affiliated to Visweshwaraiah Technological University, is situated in Channasandra, Bangalore and ranks amongst the most eminent educational institutions of our country. The passion for excellence that drives it can be seen in every aspect of this vibrant, future-focused institution – from its stringent recruitment policies and academic performance to its outstanding infrastructure and placement initiatives. The ISO 9001 Certification from TUV Rhineland and accreditation by NBA further substantiates the high standards of excellence that the institution has set for itself. Keeping pace with changing times and technologies and evolving constantly, MVJ College of Engineering has come a long way since its modest beginning in 1982.
The 96-100% result that it records every year in Visweshwaraiah Technological University (VTU), Belgaum Examinations reiterates the College's focus on sound academics. MVJ College of Engineering is strategically located in Bangalore's IT Corridor: Whitefield and neighbouring the prestigious Information Technology Park. The college welcomes about 3,000 students every year, in as many as 12 traditional and emerging under graduate disciplines and 6 postgraduate disciplines of Engineering. It is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education, New Delhi and Government of Karnataka.
In a stimulating address, the Chief Guest Ms. Amonkar highlighted the power of technology, and the broader aspect of the term ‘device’. She emphasized the concept of ‘Innovation’ extensively. She also shared some of the success stories and accomplishments of young innovators and motivated the gathering of budding techies. Subsequently, she briefed about Microsoft Innovation Centre, its benefits and opportunities that it provides thus persuading the students to utilise it to the highest potential.
Pratima Amonkar later gave away certificates to the students who had participated in ‘Appathon – 2014’, held in April this year at the college. The participants were congratulated for their great efforts in developing apps for the competition. The moment of pride for MVJ College of Engineering came when the MoU for Microsoft Innovation Centre was signed and handed over to the College, amidst tumultuous applause at the M.V. Jayaraman Auditorium, in the premises. As the Chief Guest formally inaugurated the Centre of Excellence - MIC Lab, also present were the Principal, Vice Principal, Heads of Departments of ISE, CSE, and MCA, Core team of Microsoft, Microsoft Student Partners, and the Microsoft Student Associates of MVJCE.
About MVJ College of Engineering- (MVJCE):
MVJCE, affiliated to Visweshwaraiah Technological University, is situated in Channasandra, Bangalore and ranks amongst the most eminent educational institutions of our country. The passion for excellence that drives it can be seen in every aspect of this vibrant, future-focused institution – from its stringent recruitment policies and academic performance to its outstanding infrastructure and placement initiatives. The ISO 9001 Certification from TUV Rhineland and accreditation by NBA further substantiates the high standards of excellence that the institution has set for itself. Keeping pace with changing times and technologies and evolving constantly, MVJ College of Engineering has come a long way since its modest beginning in 1982.
The 96-100% result that it records every year in Visweshwaraiah Technological University (VTU), Belgaum Examinations reiterates the College's focus on sound academics. MVJ College of Engineering is strategically located in Bangalore's IT Corridor: Whitefield and neighbouring the prestigious Information Technology Park. The college welcomes about 3,000 students every year, in as many as 12 traditional and emerging under graduate disciplines and 6 postgraduate disciplines of Engineering. It is approved by the All India Council for Technical Education, New Delhi and Government of Karnataka.
Riya Group Enterprises Partners With Mumbai’s Leading Radio Stations For Its CSR Activity
Mumbai- Riya Group Enterprises has partnered with two of Mumbai’s leading radio stations with a vision revolving around CSR initiatives. One of the current initiatives undertaken is to ease the travelling woes of Mumbai’s daily commuters, by way of partnering for traffic updates with Radio channels this monsoon season. This is precisely to tackle the severe traffic commotion and hassles that one has to face during the monsoon.
The city's residents can now tune into the local FM stations to plan and adopt the most convenient route based on the information received via traffic updates. One can tune in and listen to Traffic updates on Radio city 91.1 & Fever 104 FM radio stations in the morning and evening when the need for traffic update is high.
Mr. GMJ Thampy, Chairman & Managing Director, Riya Group Enterprises affirmed, “Our aim is to set new benchmarks by taking definitive strides towards achieving our goal of making travel hassle free. We understand the dilemma that travelers have to face on a daily basis, our small endeavor to partner with radio stations for real-time traffic updates will surely help in curbing this situation. These initiatives are a sign of the rich tradition and commitment of Riya Group Enterprises towards the society.”
The company plans to significantly contribute towards the development of the society through these kinds of initiatives in the near future.
About Riya Group Enterprises
Incorporated in the year 1980 as an enterprising Travel Company, Riya Group Enterprises has emerged as a leading B2B Travel Organization in India. Spearheaded by Mr.GMJ Thampy, it is already leading in the air ticketing domain and has an array of other services to offer. It has an annual turnover of more than Rs.6000 crores and employs more than 2000 professionals. With over 3 decades of experience, this One-Stop Travel Solution Provider offers World Class Travel Services with a Customer-Centric and Value Oriented Approach at Heart. Visit WWW.RIYA.TRAVEL to let the Travel Expert Be at your service.
The city's residents can now tune into the local FM stations to plan and adopt the most convenient route based on the information received via traffic updates. One can tune in and listen to Traffic updates on Radio city 91.1 & Fever 104 FM radio stations in the morning and evening when the need for traffic update is high.
Mr. GMJ Thampy, Chairman & Managing Director, Riya Group Enterprises affirmed, “Our aim is to set new benchmarks by taking definitive strides towards achieving our goal of making travel hassle free. We understand the dilemma that travelers have to face on a daily basis, our small endeavor to partner with radio stations for real-time traffic updates will surely help in curbing this situation. These initiatives are a sign of the rich tradition and commitment of Riya Group Enterprises towards the society.”
The company plans to significantly contribute towards the development of the society through these kinds of initiatives in the near future.
About Riya Group Enterprises
Incorporated in the year 1980 as an enterprising Travel Company, Riya Group Enterprises has emerged as a leading B2B Travel Organization in India. Spearheaded by Mr.GMJ Thampy, it is already leading in the air ticketing domain and has an array of other services to offer. It has an annual turnover of more than Rs.6000 crores and employs more than 2000 professionals. With over 3 decades of experience, this One-Stop Travel Solution Provider offers World Class Travel Services with a Customer-Centric and Value Oriented Approach at Heart. Visit WWW.RIYA.TRAVEL to let the Travel Expert Be at your service.
New food laws and their implication for the Indian industry
FSSAI manages manufacturing, packaging, storage, importing and selling in order to ensure the availability of safe food. It also envisages massive networking of food labs all over and plays a very efficient role in regulating the food imported in to the country.
Essentially, there are numerous factors that affect the industry. Some of those factors are – decreased consumer confidence, increased government regulation and limited access to good products consumers. Given the fact that India is known to be one of the biggest food producers, 5-7% with regard to fruit and vegetable produce and about 30% is wasted because of its spoilage according to facts mentioned in www.npcindia/gov.in.
Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 enhanced seven laws in total by Parliament.
Apart from that Food Security Bill is also passed which acts as a benefit for people belonging to BPL and APL categories. The word ‘food security’ in itself means the supply of food grains as specified by the government. But the biggest question arising in that context is that if a farmer is given a proposition to buy 1kg rice for Rs. 1, why he will continue farming business. In addition to that, according to a survey, half of all poor population in our country does not even have a BPL card.
According to reports in Tehelka, it is not a perfect bill and has been variously criticized for low food entitlements, inadequate attention to nutrition, too much discretion to state governments in identifying beneficiaries, a poor grievance redressal mechanism and providing scope for substituting the Public Distribution system (PDS) with cash transfers. Be it any reason, MSP (Minimum Support Price) has gone up every year which apparently leads to inflation in the market. In case of wheat support price has gone up from Rs 640 to Rs 1,350 and in respect to paddy, it has increased from Rs 550 to Rs 1.250. The reason behind these prices going up is that storage and managing costs have increased over time. This has gradually resulted in Food Security Bill’s cost inflating by over 3 times from Rs 25,181 to Rs 85,000.
People in the industry claim Food Security as a law to make sure physical, social and economic access to nutrient and healthy food for the people. The food bills are the modest strategy to make people attracted towards Public Distribution System.
Public Distribution System is jointly managed by the central and the state governments of India. They provide staple food like wheat, rice, kerosene and sugar at subsidized prices of Rs 1 Kg per person/month. State governments manage distribution of food to the poor across the country. Under the PDS scheme each family below the poverty line (BPL) card holder would get 35kg rice or wheat and 15 kg of food grains would be allocated for families above the poverty line (APL) holders every month. PDS plays a significant role in fulfilling the basic dietry needs of the under privileged in the country. In India, approximately 4.99 lakh ration shops also known as ‘fair price shops’ are established. However, the efficiency in execution remains the biggest concern.
In India, about one in every four person suffers from hunger as poverty is the biggest hurdle in leading a normal life. There are several factor implications which add to the need for food security like natural calamities earthquake, flood, and tsunami. Drought, a major factor for crop failure raises the need. The food laws came into existence in order to avoid famines and its implications in future. Some startling statistics have surfaced in the recent past which is distributing to say the least for the common man in today’s day and age. According to statistics compiled by www.bhook.com, over 7000 Indians still die of hunger every day, some 25 lakh people die every year, facts compiled by bhook.com and around 25 million children suffer from malnutrition and starvation. The following states have been known to have rampant food scarcity- Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
PDS greatest achievement is that it has prevented famines in future but it still has a huge room for improvement. The basic purpose is to eradicate food scarcity from India and the under-privileged should benefit out of the scheme. Various measures can be considered for improving the existing PDS – first and foremost, to start with good quality has to be ensured. Besides that retail prices should be uniform at Fair Price Shops (FPS) throughout the state, delivery to FPS should be actual and not on sample weighing, easy availability of entitlement cards improvement in viability of FPS, setting up small intermediary storages between Food Corporation of India and Fair Price Shops in the interim and introduction of effective management should all be considered. Targeting the poor has been recommended in the policy reforms that would meet the requirements. Hunger and poverty eradication has to be a key focus of a civilized society.
The National Food Security Act, 2013 would be beneficial for the needy and deserving people. Around 81 crore people would be provided with wheat at Rs 2/kg and rice for Rs 3/kg as the production of rice has increased from 83 to 104 million tonnes and wheat from 68 to 94 million tonnes. Beneficiaries account 75 per cent of rural and 50 per cent urban population. Three types of PDS cards have been introduced – Above Poverty Line (APL), Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana for the poorest. The BPL and Antyodaya card holders would be combined and state government will decide which card to be given out to families. In 2004, 25 per cent purchased grains from ration shops whereas in 2012, the count went to 50 per cent. In 2005, only 12 per cent of APL card households purchased grains from PDS at market prices and by 2012 it reached 29 per cent. However, to avoid misuse of the system, the quantity allotted for BPL holders is limited to 4.5 kg per person for a month.
In conclusion, PDS has played a far major role in household consumption and National Food Security Act (NFSA)’s and its role under it would be more crucial.
Sources – http://www.tehelka.com/is-the-food-bill-enough-to-feed-indias-hungry/
http://www.foodsecurityportal.org/india
http://www.npcindia.gov.in/web%20page/17%20Paper.pdf
http://www.npcindia.gov.in/web%20page/17%20Paper.pdf
Essentially, there are numerous factors that affect the industry. Some of those factors are – decreased consumer confidence, increased government regulation and limited access to good products consumers. Given the fact that India is known to be one of the biggest food producers, 5-7% with regard to fruit and vegetable produce and about 30% is wasted because of its spoilage according to facts mentioned in www.npcindia/gov.in.
Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 enhanced seven laws in total by Parliament.
Apart from that Food Security Bill is also passed which acts as a benefit for people belonging to BPL and APL categories. The word ‘food security’ in itself means the supply of food grains as specified by the government. But the biggest question arising in that context is that if a farmer is given a proposition to buy 1kg rice for Rs. 1, why he will continue farming business. In addition to that, according to a survey, half of all poor population in our country does not even have a BPL card.
According to reports in Tehelka, it is not a perfect bill and has been variously criticized for low food entitlements, inadequate attention to nutrition, too much discretion to state governments in identifying beneficiaries, a poor grievance redressal mechanism and providing scope for substituting the Public Distribution system (PDS) with cash transfers. Be it any reason, MSP (Minimum Support Price) has gone up every year which apparently leads to inflation in the market. In case of wheat support price has gone up from Rs 640 to Rs 1,350 and in respect to paddy, it has increased from Rs 550 to Rs 1.250. The reason behind these prices going up is that storage and managing costs have increased over time. This has gradually resulted in Food Security Bill’s cost inflating by over 3 times from Rs 25,181 to Rs 85,000.
People in the industry claim Food Security as a law to make sure physical, social and economic access to nutrient and healthy food for the people. The food bills are the modest strategy to make people attracted towards Public Distribution System.
Public Distribution System is jointly managed by the central and the state governments of India. They provide staple food like wheat, rice, kerosene and sugar at subsidized prices of Rs 1 Kg per person/month. State governments manage distribution of food to the poor across the country. Under the PDS scheme each family below the poverty line (BPL) card holder would get 35kg rice or wheat and 15 kg of food grains would be allocated for families above the poverty line (APL) holders every month. PDS plays a significant role in fulfilling the basic dietry needs of the under privileged in the country. In India, approximately 4.99 lakh ration shops also known as ‘fair price shops’ are established. However, the efficiency in execution remains the biggest concern.
In India, about one in every four person suffers from hunger as poverty is the biggest hurdle in leading a normal life. There are several factor implications which add to the need for food security like natural calamities earthquake, flood, and tsunami. Drought, a major factor for crop failure raises the need. The food laws came into existence in order to avoid famines and its implications in future. Some startling statistics have surfaced in the recent past which is distributing to say the least for the common man in today’s day and age. According to statistics compiled by www.bhook.com, over 7000 Indians still die of hunger every day, some 25 lakh people die every year, facts compiled by bhook.com and around 25 million children suffer from malnutrition and starvation. The following states have been known to have rampant food scarcity- Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
PDS greatest achievement is that it has prevented famines in future but it still has a huge room for improvement. The basic purpose is to eradicate food scarcity from India and the under-privileged should benefit out of the scheme. Various measures can be considered for improving the existing PDS – first and foremost, to start with good quality has to be ensured. Besides that retail prices should be uniform at Fair Price Shops (FPS) throughout the state, delivery to FPS should be actual and not on sample weighing, easy availability of entitlement cards improvement in viability of FPS, setting up small intermediary storages between Food Corporation of India and Fair Price Shops in the interim and introduction of effective management should all be considered. Targeting the poor has been recommended in the policy reforms that would meet the requirements. Hunger and poverty eradication has to be a key focus of a civilized society.
The National Food Security Act, 2013 would be beneficial for the needy and deserving people. Around 81 crore people would be provided with wheat at Rs 2/kg and rice for Rs 3/kg as the production of rice has increased from 83 to 104 million tonnes and wheat from 68 to 94 million tonnes. Beneficiaries account 75 per cent of rural and 50 per cent urban population. Three types of PDS cards have been introduced – Above Poverty Line (APL), Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana for the poorest. The BPL and Antyodaya card holders would be combined and state government will decide which card to be given out to families. In 2004, 25 per cent purchased grains from ration shops whereas in 2012, the count went to 50 per cent. In 2005, only 12 per cent of APL card households purchased grains from PDS at market prices and by 2012 it reached 29 per cent. However, to avoid misuse of the system, the quantity allotted for BPL holders is limited to 4.5 kg per person for a month.
In conclusion, PDS has played a far major role in household consumption and National Food Security Act (NFSA)’s and its role under it would be more crucial.
Sources – http://www.tehelka.com/is-the-food-bill-enough-to-feed-indias-hungry/
http://www.foodsecurityportal.org/india
http://www.npcindia.gov.in/web%20page/17%20Paper.pdf
http://www.npcindia.gov.in/web%20page/17%20Paper.pdf
Equal Status - Peace and Harmony
What if everyone in the community is earning equal amount of coins including the ruler of the country? The answer to this question may bring out many evasive consequences that could be repulsive. Such an action, at first will affect the discrimination in the society which has been regarded as the soul of the society since for ever. Destruction of such an attitude will lead to togetherness and altruism which will lead to right direction to achieve the highest end which is "Happiness". Satisfying the soul in every way possible and giving our self the opportunities to be happy and spreading humanness is one of the most righteous action.
There are many arguments held in the context of taking up such an action. People with equal wages would end their egoism against each other and hence, this will eventually lead to construction of society on the basis of justice and equity. It is entirely necessary to note that here the issue is not quality of work, but quantity of earnings. One must keep in mind that in the respective status one would work not for greed of money or desire for pleasure, but for his own satisfaction and passion of work. Establishment of Equal Pay Laws (LPW) Act was passed in 1963 by the Congress to ensure men and women received equal wages for equal work. All those working for the advancement of the community is devoting their hard work for the similar purpose, so why should they earn on relative terms?
The entire point of whole discourse above is that every labour deserves to earn an equal living. And it is the right of the government to make sure that every personnel of the country is satisfied and living a healthy life.
There are many arguments held in the context of taking up such an action. People with equal wages would end their egoism against each other and hence, this will eventually lead to construction of society on the basis of justice and equity. It is entirely necessary to note that here the issue is not quality of work, but quantity of earnings. One must keep in mind that in the respective status one would work not for greed of money or desire for pleasure, but for his own satisfaction and passion of work. Establishment of Equal Pay Laws (LPW) Act was passed in 1963 by the Congress to ensure men and women received equal wages for equal work. All those working for the advancement of the community is devoting their hard work for the similar purpose, so why should they earn on relative terms?
The entire point of whole discourse above is that every labour deserves to earn an equal living. And it is the right of the government to make sure that every personnel of the country is satisfied and living a healthy life.