12-Oct-2021: PM attends 28th National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Foundation day programme
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended 28th National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Foundation day programme today through video conference.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that India’s freedom movement and its history has been a great source of inspiration for human rights and the values of human rights for India. “As a nation, as a society we resisted injustice-atrocities, we fought for our rights for centuries. At a time when the whole world was engulfed in the violence of World War I, India suggested the path of 'rights and non-violence' to the whole world. Not only India but the whole world sees our Bapu as a symbol of human rights and human values”, said the Prime Minister remembering Mahatma Gandhi. Even when, on many occasions, the world was disillusioned and confused, India remained steadfast and sensitive towards human rights, he added.
The Prime Minister said that the concept of human rights is closely related to the dignity of the poor. He said when the poorest of the poor does not get an equal share of the government schemes then the question of rights arises. The Prime Minister enumerated the government’s efforts to ensure the dignity of the poor. He said when a poor person gets toilets ensuring freedom from open defecation, he gets dignity, similarly, a poor man who was hesitant to enter a bank, gets a Jan Dhan account, which ensures dignity, he said. Similarly, measures like RuPay card, Ujjwala gas connections, and property rights of pucca houses for women are major steps in that direction.
Continuing with the listing of measures, in the past few years, the Prime Minister said that the country has also tried to remove the injustice happening at different levels in different sections. “For decades Muslim women had been demanding a law against triple talaq. We have given new rights to Muslim women by enacting a law against triple talaq” the Prime Minister said. Many sectors have been opened for women and it has been ensured that they can work with security round the clock. He said India has ensured 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for career women, a feat that even many developed nations could not achieve. Similarly, the Prime Minister listed the measures by the government for trans-genders, children and nomadic and semi-nomadic communities.
Recalling the inspired performance of the para-athletes in the recent Paralympics, the Prime Minister said that in recent years laws have been enacted for the Divyaang Jan. They have been connected to new facilities. Buildings are being made, Divyaang friendly and language for Divyaang is being standardized.
Shri Modi said that during the pandemic, poor, helpless and senior citizens were given direct financial support in their account. Migrant labourers were spared much hassle due to the implementation of the One Nation-One Ration Card.
The Prime Minister cautioned against the selective interpretation of human rights and using human rights to diminish the image of the country. He said of late, some people have started interpreting human rights from their own angle as per their selfish interests. Tendency to see infringement in one situation and not in a similar situation has damaged human rights a great deal, he said. He also said that the biggest infringement of human rights takes place when they are seen from the prism of politics and political profit and loss. “This selective behaviour is equally damaging for democracy too”, cautioned the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister said that it is important to understand that human rights is not associated with rights only but is a subject of our duties too. Saying “rights and duties are two tracks on which the journey of human development and human dignity takes place, he stressed that duties are equally important as rights and they should not be discussed separately as they complement each other.
The Prime Minister concluded by mentioning the human rights of future generations. He emphasized that with measures like International Solar Alliance, renewable energy goals and Hydrogen Mission, India is rapidly moving in the direction of sustainable life and eco-friendly growth.
9-Aug-2021: Properties of WAQF Board
As per provisions of Section 32 of the Waqf Act 1995 as amended, general superintendence of the waqf properties in a State is vested with the State/UT Waqf Boards (SWBs). This Ministry is implementing two schemes namely i) Qaumi Waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme (QWBTS) and ii) Shahari Waqf Sampatti Vikas Yojana (SWSVY) through Central Waqf Council (CWC). Under QWBTS financial assistance is released to CWC which provides the same to SWBs for deployment of manpower viz. Assistant Programmer, Survey Assistant, Accountant and Legal Assistant, computerization & digitization of records of waqf properties, GIS Mapping of waqf properties, setting up of Video Conferencing Facility, maintenance of Centralized Computing Facility (CCF), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Solution for better administration of SWBs. During financial years (2014-15 to 2020-21) an amount of Rs.55.86 crore has been released to SWBs under the scheme by CWC. As per the information available on dedicated online portal called WAMSI (Waqf Assets Management System of India), so far records of 7,49,552 (Seven Lakh Forty Nine Thousand Five Hundred and Fifty Two) immovable waqf properties have been entered in WAMSI Registration Module and GIS Mapping of 1,88,476 (One Lakh Eighty Eight Thousand Four Hundred and Seventy Six) waqf properties have been done. For the first time 3,31,872 (Three Lakh Thirty One Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy Two) records of waqf properties have been digitized. Under SWSVY interest free loan is provided to Waqf Institutions/Waqf Boards for taking up economically viable projects on the urban waqf land such as commercial complexes, marriage halls, hospitals, cold storages etc. Under the scheme, CWC has given loan of Rs.62.93 crore to the waqf institutions in the country and executed 155 numbers of projects in 16 States. Further, out of revolving fund the CWC has advanced loan to 101 numbers of projects in 12 States. In addition, this Ministry is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakaram (PMJVK) in 1300 identified Minority Concentrated Areas (MCAs), under which socio-economic infrastructure and basic amenities are provided for improving the quality of life of the people living in the area.
The Waqf Boards are established by the State Governments under the provisions of sections 13 &14 of the Waqf Act, 1995. The Board is a body corporate having perpetual succession. As per Waqf Act, 1995, “waqf” means the permanent dedication by any person of any movable or immovable property for pious, religious, or charitable purposes. The waqf properties are managed by mutawallis, managing committees and others under the general superintendence of the State Waqf Boards, especially as per the provisions of Section 32 of the Waqf Act, 1995, as amended.
19-Mar-2020: Functioning of Central Waqf Board/Council
Central Waqf Council (CWC) is an advisory body to the Central Government, State Governments and the State Waqf Boards on the issues of due administration of Auqaf and working of the Waqf Boards. It may also issue directives to the Waqf Boards under Section 9 (4) of the Waqf Act, 1995 as amended. Besides, it is implementing some schemes of the Government relating to Waqfs. The brief details of functioning of CWC are as under:-
- to oversee the functioning of the State Waqf Boards to ensure its effective operations;
- to issue directives to the State Waqf Boards on their financial performance, survey maintenance of Waqf deeds, revenue records, encroachment of waqf properties, annual report and audit report;
- to advise Central Government, State Governments, State Waqf Boards on matters concerning the working of the Boards and due administration of Auqaf;
- to implement the Scheme of Shahari Waqf Sampatti Vikas Yojana to extend interest free loan to Waqf Institutions/Waqf Boards to develop commercially viable waqf properties;
- to implement the Quami waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme for further disbursement of funds among State/UT Waqf Boards (SWBs) for computerization & digitization of records of waqf properties, efficient administration of Waqf Boards;
- To seek information from the State Governments/Waqf Boards on the performance of the State Waqf Boards under Section 9 (4) of the Waqf Act, 1995 as amended;
As per the Haj Committee Act, 2002, the functions and duties of Haj Committee is as follows:
- to collect and disseminate information useful to pilgrims, and to arrange orientation and training programmes for pilgrims;
- to advise and assist pilgrims during their stay at the embarkation points in India, while proceeding to or returning from pilgrimage, in all matters including vaccination, inoculation, medical inspection, issue of pilgrim passes and foreign exchange, and to liaise with the local authorities concerned in such matters;
- to give relief to pilgrims in distress;
- to finalise the annual Haj Plan with the approval of the Central Government, and execute the plan, including the arrangements for travel by air or any other means, and to advise in matters relating to accommodations;
- to approve the budget estimates of the Committee and submit it to the Central Government at least three months before the beginning of the financial year for its concurrence;
- to co-ordinate with the Central Government, railways, airways and travel agencies for the purpose of securing travelling facilities for pilgrims;
- to publish such proceedings of the Committee and such matters of interest to pilgrims as may be determined by bye-laws made in this behalf by the Committee;
- to discharge such other duties in connection with Haj as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
No grants/funds/Scholarships have been released to the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir under any scheme of the Ministry.
29-Jul-2019: National conference of Central Waqf Council (CWC)
Union Minority Affairs Minister Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi inaugurated a national conference of Central Waqf Council (CWC), organised at NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi. The Central Government has set a target to achieve 100 per cent digitisation of Waqf properties across the country in its first 100 days. There are more than 6 lakh registered Waqf properties across the country.
Shri Naqvi awarded 8 Mutawalis under “Qaumi Waqf Board Taraqqiati Scheme” for better management of Waqf properties in their respective state Waqf boards. This is for the first time that Mutawalis have been encouraged and awarded for better utilisation of Waqf properties especially for socio-economic-educational empowerment of needy.
Mutawallis are “Custodian” of the Waqf properties and it’s their responsibility to ensure safety and better utilisation of Waqf properties.
A programme on war footing has been launched for 100 per cent Geo tagging and digitalisation of Waqf properties across the country to ensure these properties can be utilised for welfare of the society. Central Waqf Council is providing financial help and technical assistance to state Waqf boards for digitalisation, GI Mapping/Geo Tagging of Waqf properties so that state Waqf boards can complete digitalisation work within decided timeframe.
GIS/GPS mapping of the Waqf properties has been initiated with the help of IIT Roorkee and Aligarh Muslim University. The Central Waqf Council has provided video conferencing facilities to 20 state Waqf boards and it would be provided in the remaining state Waqf boards by the end of this year.
For the first time since Independence, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led Government is providing 100 per cent funding to develop schools, colleges, ITIs, polytechnics, hospitals, multi-purpose community hall “Sadbhav Mandap”, “Hunar Hub”, common service centres, employment oriented skill development centres and other basic infrastructure on Waqf land under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakaram (PMJVK) for weaker sections and needy especially girls in those backward areas which had been deprived of these basic facilities.
While only 90 districts of the country had been identified for Minority communities’ development earlier; Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led Government has expanded development programmes for Minorities in 308 districts, 870 blocks, 331 towns and thousands of the villages of the country.
The report of a five-member committee, constituted to review Waqf properties lease rule, headed by Justice (Retd) Zakiullah Khan, has been submitted. The recommendations of the committee will ensure that Waqf rules are made easy and effective for better utilisation of Waqf properties and to free these properties, several of these entangled in disputes for several decades, from disputes. The Central Government, in consultation with the state governments, is taking necessary action on the recommendations of the committee.
28-Feb-2017: 75th meeting of Central Waqf Council held
The Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that some vested interests are creating various obstacles in development of waqf properties and utilisation of these properties for welfare of the society. Some serious irregularities in some State Waqf Boards have also come to notice. A high-level inquiry has been going on into these matters and strict action will be taken against those people who are responsible.
The Minister said that proper utilisation of waqf properties is an important part of our efforts towards empowerment of Minorities. Several State Governments and Waqf Boards have been performing very well in this regard.
Central Government is making efforts to ensure that all the waqf boards and their records across the country are made digital. Minority Affairs Ministry has been providing all possible help to the state waqf boards. The Computerization of waqf boards and their properties will help in ensuring transparency.
Shri Naqvi said that a one-man “Board of Adjudication” at the Central level has been established under the chairmanship of retired Supreme Court justice to deal with complaints and disputes regarding waqf properties. Three-member tribunals are being established in the states. About 24 states have established these tribunals so far. Other states should also do this soon.
There are about 4,49,314 registered and non-registered waqf properties across the country. The number of these properties will be increased after computerization of waqf boards. It has also been come to our notice that some waqf boards are not registering the waqf properties properly during the computerisation process. Strict action is being taken in such complaints.
Ministry of Minority Affairs under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been working towards socio-economic-educational empowerment of Minorities as a mission and commitment. Keeping this in mind, the Centre has increased the Budget of Minority Affairs Ministry in the Union Budget (General) 2017-18. This increased budget will be helpful in socio-economic-educational empowerment of Minorities.
The Government’s efforts for empowerment of Minorities include “Progress Panchayat”, “Hunar Haat”, “Gurukul” type residential schools, “Garib Nawaz Skill Development Centre”, “Begum Hazrat Mahal Scholarship” for girls, establishing five world class educational institutes for Minorities and 500 quality residential schools and job-oriented skill development centres.
23-Jul-2021: SERB and GE India announce collaboration for promoting advanced technology research
Soon academic institutes, labs and industries across the country can jointly apply for funds to work on innovations in areas of energy, healthcare and aviation.
This will be facilitated by a joint collaboration between the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India and GE’s John F Welch Technology Centre (JFWTC), Bengaluru, which was launched on July 23, 2021, to promote synergy between academic institutes, labs and industries for research and development in technology across energy, healthcare and aviation sectors.
“Collaborating with industry players has been a crucial part of our objective to address the challenges in the research and innovation space as elaborated in the draft Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2021,” said Secretary DST Prof Ashutosh Sharma.
“We are eager to partner with GE to create an ecosystem that would propel our growth in research work with national impact. I am sure the co-funding arrangement with GE will bring out some of the best ideas. The fund is a step in the right direction to give a much-needed impetus to building an innovation mindset in the country,” he added.
Prof Sandeep Verma, Secretary, SERB, pointed out that partnership can actively contribute towards futuristic problems in science and technology. “It can play a dominant role in putting India in the major technology roadmap. We believe it will open many doors for the eminent scientists in the country and industry to actively contribute towards the S&T sector,” he stressed.
Alok Nanda, Chief Technology Officer, GE South Asia & CEO, GE India Technology Centre, said that this programme was about finding solutions for sustainable world. “Our partnership with SERB is a part of our consistent and long-term commitment to strengthen the research and innovation capabilities in India. Academia will play a huge role in this, and we are excited to see the possibilities of how some of the best ideas can solve the toughest challenges in our country,” he said.
The government will soon invite research proposals from academia and research labs along defined problem statements in remote monitoring technologies, artificial intelligence and medical devices for healthcare, advanced materials and coatings, decarbonization, and renewable energy for gas power and in optimization – simulations and advanced repair solution.
Undertaken as part of the Fund for Industrial Research Engagement (SERB-FIRE), the programme aims at supporting research and development to solve critical national and global problems across these key industries. The collaboration will help drive impetus to create a transformative research mindset to foster a novel and impactful research ecosystem in the country.
The GE and SERB partnership specifically aims to promote innovation and solve specific challenges in areas that are directly relevant to the industry, industry-academia collaborations with focus on industry-relevant skill development leading to employability and research and joint product development.
The “Fund for Industrial Research Engagement (FIRE)” under Industry Relevant R&D (IRRD) scheme, with support from industry members, intends to address the challenges in the research and innovation space in India by creating an ecosystem that would accelerate the growth in research work with national impact, and drive the R&D landscape efficiently and effectively. It will create a pool of funding, resources and network that would enable strong research projects with a breakthrough impact in India on some of the major issues relevant to Industry.
The Industry Relevant R&D (IRRD) scheme of SERB aims to utilize the expertise available in academic institutions and national laboratories to solve industry-specific problems for the larger benefit of society.