22-Nov-2022: PM distributes about 71,000 appointment letters to newly inducted recruits under Rozgar Mela
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi distributed about 71,000 appointment letters to newly inducted recruits under Rozgar Mela via video conferencing today. The Rozgar Mela is expected to act as a catalyst in furthering employment generation and providing meaningful opportunities to the youth for their empowerment as well as direct participation in national development. Earlier in October, 75,000 appointment letters were handed over to newly inducted appointees under Rozgar Mela.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that more than 71,000 youth are being given appointment letters in more than 45 cities in India which will result in a new era of happiness for so many families. He recalled that on the day of Dhanteras, the central government had distributed 75,000 appointment letters to the youth. “The Rozgar Mela of today is proof that the central government is working in mission mode to provide employment opportunities to the youth of the country”, the Prime Minister said.
Recalling the initiation of the Rozgar Mela a month ago, the Prime Minister remarked that several Union Territories and states will keep on organising such Rozgar Melas from time to time. He expressed delight that thousands of youth were provided appointment letters in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Chandigarh by the respective governments. He further added that Goa and Tripura are also organising similar Rozgar Melas in a few days' time. The Prime Minister credited the double-engine government for this tremendous feat and assured that such employment fairs will be organised from time to time to empower the youth of India.
The Prime Minister said that the youth is the biggest strength of the nation. The central government is according the highest priority to utilise their talent and energy for nation-building. He welcomed and complimented the new public servants. He reminded them that they are assuming this important responsibility in a very special time period, i.e. Amrit Kaal. He highlighted their role in the country’s resolve to be a developed nation in the Amrit Kaal.
In his welcome address at the Rozgar Mela at Chhawla BSF camp in New Delhi, Union Minister for DoPT, Dr Jitendra Singh said, welfare of the youth, women, backward classes and deprived sections of society always remained the top most priority of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, right from the beginning, PM Modi has given highest priority to the issues and concerns related to youth and has constantly sought to create new avenues and opportunities for livelihood, government jobs and income for the youth.
Expressing satisfaction over the fact that after distribution of 75,000 appointment letters to the youth on 22nd October, today 71,000 appointment letters were given to newly inducted recruits under Rozgar Mela. He promised to Prime Minister that very soon his department will come out with the next instalment of appointment letters to meet the target of 10 lakh government jobs in next few months. He said, as per the directions of the Prime Minister, all Ministries and Departments are working towards filling up existing vacancies against sanctioned posts in Mission Mode.
It was Prime Minister Modi, said Dr Jitendra Singh, who had, few months ago, promised the nation that he would soon provide 10 lakh government jobs for the youth. Once again, the Minister said, it is evident that Prime Minister Modi does what he says and he has the capacity to make everything “Mumkin” (possible).
Dr Jitendra Singh hoped that these young new recruits in the government will have the opportunity to contribute in the process of national building over the next 25 years to realise the dream of Century India in 2047.
22-Oct-2022: PM launches Rozgar Mela – recruitment drive for 10 lakh personnel
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched Rozgar Mela – the recruitment drive for 10 lakh personnel via video conferencing today. During the ceremony, appointment letters were handed over to 75,000 newly inducted appointees.
Addressing the appointees, the Prime Minister started with greetings and best wishes for Dhanteras. “Today marks the day when a new link in the form of Rozgar Mela is being anchored to the employment and self-employment campaigns in the country that are going on for the last 8 years”, he said. The Prime Minister said that keeping in mind the 75 years of independence, the central government is giving appointment letters to 75,000 youngsters under a programme. “We decided that a tradition of giving appointment letters in one go should be started so that a collective temperament of completing projects in a time-bound way develops in departments”, he said explaining the rationale of the Rozgar Mela. In the coming days also, candidates will get their appointment letters from the government from time to time. “I am happy that many NDA-ruled and BJP-ruled states along with the Union Territories will also organise similar Melas”, he added.
Welcoming and underlining the significance of the timing of their induction, the Prime Minister told the new appointees that in the Amrit Kaal, for the fulfilment of the resolve of a developed India, we are marching ahead on the path of a self-reliant India. The Prime Minister remarked that the innovators, entrepreneurs, industrialists, farmers and people from the field of manufacturing and services have a crucial role in taking India to the path of self-reliance. Highlighting the importance of Sabka Prayas, the Prime Minister said that everyone’s efforts are critical in this journey and this feeling of Sabka Prayas is possible only when all the important amenities reach everyone.
He said that completion of the process of selection for the lakhs of vacancies in a few months and issuing appointment letters is an indication of the change that the government system has undergone in the last 7-8 years. “Today, work culture is changing”, he said. “The efficiency of government departments has increased due to the efforts of our Karmayogis”, he added. He recalled the days when applying for government jobs was a cumbersome process and favouritism and corruption were rampant in selections. He said that the steps during the initial years of his government, like self-attestation and abolition of interviews in Group C and Group D posts of the Central Government, have helped the youth.
Today, India is the 5th biggest economy. This feat has been achieved because of the reforms undertaken in the last 8 years. We have, the Prime Minister pointed out, leapt forward from the 10th to 5th position in the last 7-8 years. While acknowledging the enormity of the economic challenges that the country faces, the Prime Minister said that India could manage to contain the negative repercussions to a great degree. “This has been made possible because in the last 8 years we got rid of those shortcomings of the country's economy which created hindrances”, he said.
Emphasising the most job-intensive sectors like agriculture, private sector and MSME, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of skilling India's youth for a brighter future. “Today we are emphasising the most on skill development of youth. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, a huge campaign is going on to train the youth according to the needs of the industries of the country”, he said. 1.25 crore young people have been trained under Skill India Abhiyan. Kaushal Vikas Kendras all over the country and hundreds of higher education institutes have been opened, he informed. The Prime Minister also said that initiatives like liberalising drone policy, opening up space policy, and 20 Lakh crore rupees worth of loans under Mudra Yojana have taken the process further. “Never before a self-employment program of this magnitude was implemented in the county”, he said.
Apart from self-help groups, he continued, Khadi and village industry are the prime examples of employment generation in the villages. For the first time in the country, the worth of Khadi and Village Industries has crossed Rs 4 lakh crore and more than 4 crore jobs have been created in Khadi and Village Industries. “A large number of our sisters have a huge stake in this,” he said
The Start-Up India campaign, the Prime Minister pointed out, has established the potential of the youth of the country all over the world. Similarly, MSMEs were supported in a big way during the pandemic, protecting about 1.5 crore jobs. MGNREGA amounts to jobs for 7 crore people in the country, he added.
The most ambitious project for the country in the 21st century has been the ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Today, the country is moving from being a growing importer to a very large exporter in many respects. There are many such sectors in which India is moving fast towards becoming a global hub today. He said record-breaking exports also indicate robust employment growth.
“Government is working comprehensively in the manufacturing and tourism sectors as both have huge employment potential”, he said. Processes are also being simplified for companies from all over the world to come to India, set up their factories and meet the world's demand. The government has also started the PLI scheme to give incentives on a production basis. The more production, the more incentive, that is the policy of India. Its results are already visible in many sectors today. The data of EPFO which has been coming in the past years also shows how much the government's policies regarding employment have improved the situation. He noted that according to the data that came two days ago, in the month of August this year, about 17 lakh people joined EPFO and have now become a part of the country's formal economy. He informed that about 8 lakh such people are in the age group of 18 to 25 years.
The Prime Minister highlighted the aspect of employment generation through infrastructure creation. He informed that thousands of kilometres of National Highways have been constructed across the country in the last eight years and work is being constantly done across the country on doubling, gauge conversion, and electrification of railway lines. He further added that new airports are being built in the country, railway stations are being modernised, and new waterways are being built. “More than three crore houses have also been built under PM Awas Yojana”, Shri Modi added.
The Prime Minister informed that the central government is working simultaneously on many fronts to create more and more jobs in the country. The Prime Minister informed the Government of India’s working with a target of more than one hundred lakh crore rupees with regard to infrastructure. . He noted that the development work is being carried out on a large scale creating lakhs of employment opportunities for the youth at the local level. The Prime Minister gave examples of places of faith, spirituality, and historical importance that are also being developed across the country. The Prime Minister noted that these works being done for modern infrastructure are also giving new energy to the tourism sector and creating employment opportunities for the youth in remote areas as well.
The Prime Minister noted that India’s biggest strength lies with the youth of the nation. They are the driving force behind the making of a developed India in the Azadi ka Amrit Kaal. The Prime Minister urged the new appointees to always keep their ‘Kartavya Paths’ in mind when they walk in through the doors of offices. “You are being appointed for the service of the citizens of the country”, the Prime Minister said. In the 21st century India Government job is not just about facilities but a commitment and a golden opportunity to serve the people from every nook and corner of the country in a time-bound manner, the Prime Minister concluded.
Background
Today’s initiative will be a significant step towards fulfilling the Prime Minister's continuous commitment to providing job opportunities for the youth and ensuring the welfare of citizens. As per the directions of the Prime Minister, all Ministries and Departments are working towards filling up existing vacancies against sanctioned posts in Mission Mode.
The new recruits, selected from across the country, will join 38 Ministries/Departments of Government of India. The appointees will join the government at various levels viz. Group – A, Group – B (Gazetted), Group – B (Non-Gazetted) and Group – C. The posts on which appointments are being made include Central Armed Force Personnel, Sub Inspector, Constable, LDC, Steno, PA, Income Tax Inspectors, and MTS among others.
These recruitments are being done in mission mode by ministries and departments either by themselves or through recruiting agencies such as UPSC, SSC and Railway Recruitment Board. Selection processes have been simplified and made tech-enabled for expeditious recruitment.
19-Nov-2022: States/UTs to explore additional revenue streams to improve the financial viability of Fair Price Shops: Secretary, DFPD
States/UTs to explore additional revenue streams to improve the financial viability of Fair Price Shops (FPS), said Shri Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution while interacting with States/UTs during a conference of Food Secretaries on Friday here.
One of the best practices on FPS transformation was demonstrated by the Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu highlighting multiple initiatives undertaken such as selling of commodities, minor millets, grocery items, ISO certification of FPSs during his presentation.
Secretary, DFPD appreciated the persistent efforts of Tamil Nadu and stressed on the significance of transformation of FPS.
Secretary, DFPD chaired the conference in which important issues linked with various schemes of the Department including Implementation of Rice Fortification, One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC), Smart PDS, Route Optimization etc. were discussed in details with the Food Secretaries of States and UTs. In his inaugural address, he impressed upon the State Governments for extending all possible support in holistic implementation of the schemes and programmes of DFPD.
Shri Chopra said that Government of India is aiming to achieve full distribution of fortified rice in all government programmes by the year 2023-24. The ecosystem is fully geared up to achieve the target and States/UTs have been requested to strengthen their respective machinery in order to be fully prepared to ensure the procurement, supply and distribution of fortified rice as per the stipulated timeline. The FCI is conducting this initiative all over the country.
He appreciated the efforts taken by States in ensuring food grains to migrants under the One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme. As an outcome of the scheme, more than 91 crore portability transactions have been recorded since its inception. Representative from Nandurbar (Maharashtra) shared the insights on the initiatives taken such as creation of district dashboard and migrants’ profile in order to reduce the malnutrition.
Through a presentation the Department highlighted the Learning Management System (LMS) developed by it in collaboration with World Food Programme (WFP) which has seen more than 12000 registrations, along with generation of more than 34000 course completion certificates. There are currently 6 modules in the LMS and more are being added. States/UTs are requested to suggest topics of specific relevance to them. The LMS has digitised the capacity building of the PDS functionaries.
The Department is also envisaging a new and unified scheme to strengthen the PDS technology components by standardization of its operation and implementation of data driven decision making through the data analytics. This scheme aims to transform the entire PDS IT ecosystem by leveraging the usage of Cloud and new age technology which shall be named as Scheme for Modernization and Reforms through Technology in Public Distribution System -SMART-PDS.
During the Conference, a presentation was made indicating the present status of finalization of accounts, their pendency and way forward for accelerating the same. Secretary, DFPD, impressed upon that the process may be expedited and as many as possible States’ accounts be settled before the next Financial Year. He also stressed for improvement of infrastructure in Mandis/ Procurement Centres in the States for the overall benefit of the farmers of the State.
A presentation was made on “Route Optimisation of TDPS Supply Chain” which reduces overall logistics cost by optimally utilizing existing resources like FPS, godown. Estimated finding of route optimization study in Uttarakhand state by WFP (World Food Programme) was shared by state’s official. Presently, WFP is carrying out route optimization study in 3 states on pro bono basis. It was decided to undertake the study in all states & UTs by March2023 and start implementation. States/UTs were requested to extend their support in collection of data and implementation of the findings on priority basis.
Roll out plan of Annapurti Grain ATM developed by WFP, was also presented. It can dispense two commodities and takes about 90 seconds in dispensing 50 Kg of foodgrains. The solution reduces manual labour and automates the distribution of foodgrains under the PDS. Currently, 4 Annapurti solutions have been installed at Gurgaon, Dehradun, Varanasi and Bhubaneshwar. 6 more solutions are being installed at Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Shillong, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Bengaluru. All these units have been installed by WFP on pro bono basis. The solution has immense benefits to casual workers, migrant workers and industrial workers as they can avail their entitlements even after their working hours in an automated manner. These solutions can also be installed in industrial complexes itself where the workers can lift their entitlements at the place of work only. The solution can essentially work just like normal banking ATM. The states/UTs have been requested to express their interests for piloting the solutions.
Chairman, Warehousing Development & Regulatory Authority (WDRA) made a brief presentation on the various initiatives taken on improving the Registration of warehouse and pledging of electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt (eNWR). He requested to all States/UTs to get their warehouse registered with WDRA and elaborated the benefits of the eNWR. This will enable the farmers to get the Post-harvest finance by pledging eNWR and save them from the distress sale of the Agri produce.
As there was less procurement of wheat during previous Rabi Marketing Season (RMS) 2022-23, therefore all States were requested for timely sowing of wheat and better procurement of wheat during ensuing RMS 2023-24. States were advised to improve procurement infrastructure and complete the paddy procurement and milling operations within the specified timelines for Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2022-23. Also, States were requested to improve their online procurement System and to add more Threshold Parameters for transparency in foodgrains procurement and milling.
Department of Food and Public Distribution is consistently working in the direction of improvement in the quality standards of foodgrains that are being delivered to the most vulnerable section of the society through various social security scheme of Government of India. In order to streamline the entire process from procurement to distribution and to develop a robust mechanism for monitoring the quality standards of foodgrains various Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been formulated from time to time by the department in consultation with States/other stakeholders.
15-Oct-2022: Indian Army signs historic MoU with eleven banks for Agniveer salary package
The Indian Army has signed historic MoU with 11 Banks viz State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, IDBI Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, Yes Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, IDFC First Bank and Bandhan Bank for providing banking facilities to Agniveers on enrollment. The MoUs were signed by Lt Gen V Sreehari, DG (MP & PS) and senior officials of Banks in a ceremony presided over by Lt Gen C Bansi Ponnappa, the Adjutant General of Indian Army on 14 October 2022 .
The features and benefits offered under Agniveer Salary Package are similar to the Defence Salary Package. In addition, the banks have offered soft loans to exiting Agniveers to promote and enhance their entrepreneurial skills. The first batch of Agniveers under “Agnipath Scheme” will be joining Training Centres by January 2023.
1-Oct-2022: Pay System for Agniveers & SPARSH mobile app among key digital initiatives launched by Raksha Mantri during 275th Annual Day of Defence Accounts Department
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launched several digital initiatives of Defence Accounts Department (DAD) during its 275th Annual Day celebrations in New Delhi on October 01, 2022. The initiatives include System for Pension Administration (Raksha) (SPARSH) mobile app; Pay System for Agniveers; International Air Ticket booking module in Defence Travel System (DTS); Defence Accounts Receipts and Payment System (DARPAN); Defence Civilian Pay system and Defence Accounts Human Resource Management System. The Raksha Mantri, in his address, commended the DAD for taking forward the ‘Digital India’ vision of the Government, stating that the new initiatives will increase transparency and efficiency in the functioning of the Department.
On the occasion, Shri Rajnath Singh also gave away the Raksha Mantri Awards for Excellence 2022 to three teams for exhibiting exemplary initiative in implementing key department projects - development, testing and implementation of SPARSH; implementation of E-Concurrence in DRDO and Pay and Accounts Office (PAO) Bharati: Your PAO, A call away 24*7.
SPARSH Mobile App
The app will ensure pensioner access and reach to important functionalities of the SPARSH portal through their mobiles. Ministry of Defence implemented the portal (https://sparsh.defencepension.gov.in/) for pensioners of the Armed Forces as well as defence civilians as an integrated system for automation of sanction and disbursement of defence pension. It is an end-to-end solution to all pension-related processes, from claim initiation to disbursement. Pensioners can log on to the portal and get their pension-related issues resolved.
Describing SPARSH as a landmark step, Shri Rajnath Singh said, it is the Government’s endeavour to provide best services to the serving personnel, ex-servicemen and their families during the soldiers’ lifetime as well as after death. He added that special emphasis is being laid to disbursing right pension at the right time. The Raksha Mantri called upon DAD to make speedy and quality disposal of grievances of pensioners as their first priority. He praised the department for regularly organising Outreach Programmes and ‘Raksha Pension Samadhan’ for on-the-spot redressal of problems, urging them to continue working in that direction.
Agniveer Pay System
The system will facilitate efficient pay management for Agniveers, who will soon join the Armed Forces through the Government’s transformational Agnipath scheme. The fully automated IT system will be a specialised and secure portal to ensure claim processing and pay-roll management of Agniveers. Shri Rajnath Singh also inaugurated a centralised PAO (Army) for Agniveers at Delhi Cantonment.
Defence Travel System
The system provides end-to-end solution, from booking of rail and air tickets to claim submission on its portal for Defence Services and Civilians in cashless and paperless environment. It will provide facility of booking of air tickets for foreign travel to defence services replacing Air Exchange Warrants. It will fill the time gap between GSL receipt and ticket booking and eliminate last hassle for travelling officer.
DARPAN
The Defence Accounts Receipts and Payment System is a unified solution for third party bill payment and accounting. Its real-time processing will provide comprehensive insights into various accounting and financial performances.
Defence Pay Civilian System
The System envisages disbursement of pay of all defence civilians through a single, centralised and fully automated system. Both Units and PCDA/CDA offices have been given access to the system and units will be able to check the payment status on the portal itself.
Defence Accounts HR Management System
With the launch of the application, the department steps into a new paradigm of digitally enabled human resource management. The platform has various self-service modules like e-service book, leave management, pay roll generation and promotion details which will be accessible to the employees through a mobile app, anywhere anytime.
PAO-Bharti
Through the initiative, which was part of the Raksha Mantri Excellence Awards this year, the Armed Forces personnel will be able to get real-time data related to pay & allowances and claims. In addition, through its Interactive Voice Response System, the personnel will be able to register their complaints through phone and get the replies within 48 hours. The system has been implemented in seven PAOs. The Raksha Mantri hoped that it will soon be implemented in the remaining offices also.
Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the DAD for imbibing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s mantra of ‘reform, perform and transform’ by adopting these digital initiatives. “The department is evolving itself according to the ever-changing times, while staying connected with the traditional values,” he said.
The Raksha Mantri also praised the vital role played by the DAD in managing the financial resources of the Services by following the principles of financial prudence. “As India has completed 75 years of independence, it is moving forward with renewed confidence and determination under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in ‘Amrit Kaal’ to become one of the most powerful countries in the world by 2047. This goal can only be achieved if India has a strong military, which is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons/equipment, manufactured by an ‘Aatmanirbhar’ defence industry. Bolstering national security has been our top priority since the beginning. The allocation of a total budget of Rs 5.25 lakh crore to Ministry of Defence in 2022-23 is a testament to that unwavering resolve. The DAD is playing a crucial role in this endeavour,” he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh shed light on the important role the department can play in realising the vision of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence. “68 per cent of capital procurement budget has been earmarked for the domestic industry during Financial Year 2022-23, which underlines the Government’s commitment towards achieving self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The DAD should bolster their support to the Government’s efforts through speedy decisions, as delays not only lead to loss of time and money, but also adversely impact the combat readiness of the country,” he said.
The Raksha Mantri elaborated on the committee constituted under the chairmanship of the Defence Secretary for the performance and efficiency audit of various aspects of Ministry of Defence. This committee, through audit, will review the work being done in the Ministry from a new and creative perspective, he said, stressing that DAD can play an important role in the process. This will not only increase the efficiency of the Services, but also reduce wasteful expenditure, he said.
Shri Rajnath Singh termed financial advice; accounting, billing and payments and internal audit as the three major roles of the DAD in Ministry of Defence, which contribute significantly in Nation Building. He suggested the department to explore opportunities for setting up a faceless mechanism on financial advice and billing & payments, taking advantage of the latest technological advancements. He hoped that the department will continue to discharge their departmental duties with similar enthusiasm & dedication and contribute in defence financial management of the country.
As part of the celebrations, an exhibition presenting the Department’s rich history was witnessed by the Raksha Mantri. On display were relics and photographs of the Department, portraying its cultural heritage and contribution which were appreciated by Shri Rajnath Singh.
Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Smt Rasika Chaube, Additional Controller General of Defence Accounts Shri Avinash Dikshit and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence were present during the event.
17-Jun-2022: Age relaxation for Agnipath scheme indicates Government’s concern for the youth: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh today asserted that the AGNIPATH scheme is a golden opportunity for the Indian youth to join the Armed Forces and serve their motherland. In a statement, Shri Rajnath Singh, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu & Kashmir, said that many youths did not get the opportunity to join the Armed Forces, as recruitment process could not take place for last two years. Keeping in mind the future of the youth, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the government, on the directions of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has increased the age limit for the recruitment of Agniveers from 21 years to 23 years for the recruitment cycle of 2022.
“The relaxation of age indicates that the Government cares for our youth. Department of Military Affairs, Ministry of Defence and the Services are committed to commence the recruitment process at the earliest. We invite the youth to join the Armed Forces and serve the Nation through AGNIPATH,” the Raksha Mantri.
Later, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh attended the 9th Executive Council and 4th General Body meeting of Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering & Winter Sports (JIM&WS) at Pahalgam. In the presence of the Raksha Mantri and Lieutenant Governor, J&K Shri Manoj Sinha, the meeting deliberated on the ways to ensure smooth functioning of the institute and early resolution of pending issues.
The Raksha Mantri, in his address, lauded the rigorous training standards, excellent management, devotion and technical proficiency of the trainers and instructors that have established JIM&WS as one of the leading institutes in the country. He described mountaineering and allied activities as a sign of not just physical endurance, but also of mental toughness and enthusiasm.
Shri Rajnath Singh appreciated the increasing number of women participants in these activities, which once witnessed male dominance. He also acknowledged the differently-abled Divyangjans who are completing mountaineering expeditions with skill and enthusiasm. He made special mention of Indian mountaineer Ms Arunima Sinha who became the first woman amputee to scale Mount Everest with her firm determination. It is, therefore, very important that all training programmes in this institute are oversubscribed, he said.
Saying that the Government’s focus on increased public-private partnership in various fields has provided a new thrust to the country’s development, the Raksha Mantri suggested JIM&WS to join hands with the private sector in order to further their training programmes. “There are many technologies, expertise and innovations in the private sector which are not available with the public sector. Collaboration with the private sector will help JIM&WS to connect the people, especially the youth, with activities such as mountaineering and ensure local prosperity,” he said.
The Raksha Mantri exhorted the institute to further acquaint people, especially the youth, with mountaineering and winter sports through its various training programmes and infuse patriotism, courage & energy in them. He said, this will not only increase the popularity of these activities, but also generate employment opportunities, thereby giving a boost to local economy. This will also increase the participation of the local community and provide an opportunity to connect with their culture, he added. The Raksha Mantri stressed that local people should not just be a Sherpa, but partners in the national-cultural unity.
Shri Rajnath Singh reiterated the Government’s resolve of development of border areas to bolster national security and said that institutions like JIM&WS can help in carrying forward that vision and contribute to the progress of the country. Emphasising on the importance of environment protection, he called upon the institutions like JIM&WS to promote eco-sensitive tourism and contribute in saving nature. He concluded his address with the hope that JIM&WS will become one of the leading institutes of the world in the coming times.
On the occasion, the Raksha Mantri also inaugurated a Col KS Mall Boulder Climbing Wall and Himalayan Museum at the Institute. The aim of JIM&WS is to expose the youth to nature and develop their personality, character and confidence through adventure sports.
16-Jun-2022: Support to Agnipath Scheme by Department of School Education & Literacy through National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
The Ministry of Defence, GoI has unveiled the “Agnipath” scheme which is a pan India merit-based recruitment scheme for enrolling soldiers, airmen and sailors. It is a transformative initiative that will provide a youthful profile to the armed forces. Under this scheme, young persons will be provided an opportunity to serve in the armed forces as “Agniveer”. It provides an opportunity for youth to serve in the regular cadre of the armed forces for a period of 4 years including training period. Agniveers shall be recruited between the ages of 17.5 to 21 years. Candidates who are 10th /12th pass can apply for the recruitment process.
The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education welcomes this initiative of the Government of India to induct young men and women into the armed forces to develop a vibrant defence force and disciplined skilled youth with military ethos in civil society.
To support this initiative, the Department of School Education & Literacy through its autonomous institution, the National Institute of Open Schooling, is instituting a special programme in consultation with the Defence Authorities to enable those Agniveers who are 10th class pass to further their education and obtain a 12th class pass Certificate by developing customized courses that are not only current but very relevant to their area of service. This certificate is recognised for both employment and higher education purposes in the whole country. This will benefit the Agniveers to gain adequate educational qualification and skills to take up productive role in society later in life. This special programme of NIOS will facilitate enrolment, development of courses, student support, provision of self-learning material, accreditation of study centres, personal contact programme, evaluation and certification. Open schooling system of NIOS which is extremely user friendly and accessible to all from anywhere, anytime opens its doors to all the Agniveers under the Agnipath Scheme.
15-Jun-2022: In the context of the announcement of 'Agnipath Scheme' by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Home Ministry has decided to give priority to ‘Agniveers’ who have completed four years under this scheme for recruitment into CAPFs and Assam Rifles
In the context of the announcement of 'Agnipath Scheme' by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Union Home Ministry has decided today to give priority to Agniveers who have completed four years under this scheme for recruitment into CAPFs and Assam Rifles.
The Union Home Minister's Office through tweets has said that the "'Agnipath Yojana' is a visionary and welcome decision of Shri Narendra Modi for the bright future of the youth. In this context, the Ministry of Home Affairs has decided today to give priority to Agniveers who have completed four years under this scheme for recruitment into CAPFs and Assam Rifles.
The Union Home Minister's Office said "With this decision of the Ministry of Home Affairs under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the youth trained under the 'Agnipath Yojana' will be able to contribute to the service and security of the Nation. The preparation of a detailed plan has been started based on today’s decision.