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Cabinet nod for first phase of modernisation of facilities at IMD

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet’s Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Thursday approved the first phase of modernisation of the observation and forecast facilities at the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The project, estimated to cost Rs.920 crore and scheduled to be completed in two years, would help improve the monitoring of tropical cyclones, with better prediction of their movement and rainfall. It would also provide for more accurate monitoring and warnings for severe weather phenomena such as cold and heat waves, thunderstorms, dust storms, and gales.

It would also help disseminate forecast products at the district level, particularly for use by farmers and for better planning, disaster management and agro advisories, and get more tailor-made applications for sectors such as civil aviation, tourism, agriculture, power generation and hydrology.

Chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the CCEA also gave its nod for continuing with the marketing support and services scheme for the handicrafts sector during the 11th Plan period at a cost of Rs. 317 crore.

A part of the amount will be used for meeting outstanding and committed liabilities under the old scheme of marketing support services, and the erstwhile export promotion scheme implemented during the 10th Plan period. Under the scheme, handicraft artisans will get greater opportunities for access to domestic and international high-end markets as also various marketing channels.

The Cabinet also met on Thursday and decided to continue with the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Institute of Textiles Management in Coimbatore with a provision of Rs.29 crore for the 11th Plan period.

Noting that there had been speculation about the continuance of the Institute, Union Minister and Cabinet spokesperson, Priyaranjan Dasmunsi, said the decision should set at rest such speculation. It would enable the Institute to have state-of-the-art facilities, including computer labs. It would be a centre of excellence in the field of textiles management and research studies, he added.

The Cabinet also cleared a proposal for moving an official amendment to the Gram Nyayalaya Bill, to give effect to the various recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee that vetted the legislation. The Bill seeks to provide a system of justice at the grassroots level in the form of mobile courts that would visit villages across the country on a regular basis.

The courts would be headed by personnel with qualifications equivalent to first class magistrates. They would be part of the formal judicial system and dispense justice at the doorsteps of the common man. The aim was to provide for justice that was free from protracted procedural wrangles, and was least expensive and quick.

Further, the Cabinet cleared a proposal for upgradation of the road from Zaranj to Delaram in Afghanistan at a cost of Rs.747 crore as part of an exercise to demonstrate India’s commitment to Afghanistan and strengthen its interests in that country.

Mr. Dasmunsi said the road, which would help the Government in Afghanistan provide communication facilities in a remote part of the country, would also open an alternate route for Afghanistan to an Iranian seaport, thus reducing its dependence on Pakistan. Besides, it would give India improved access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

The Cabinet also approved the extension of the term of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis up to March 31, 2009 and

introduction of patient care allowance for group C and D employees of Railway hospitals.

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