On November 22, 2018, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the following:
Cabinet approved extension of the term of the Commission examining the issue of Sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes in the Central List till 31st May 2019
On November 22, 2018, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the extension of the term of the Commission examining the issue of Sub-categorization of Other Backward Classes (in the Central List) for six months beyond 30th November, 2018 and till 31st May 2019.
- The commission consists of a five-member panel headed by Justice G Rohini (retd), which was formed in October 11, 2017.
- Based on the processed data, the Commission suggested a round of discussion be had with the States and their Backward Classes Commission before finalizing the sub-categorized lists and the Report.
Cabinet approved the Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018 for regulation and standardisation of education and services by allied and healthcare professionals
On November 22, 2018, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018 for regulation and standardization of education and services by allied and healthcare professionals.
- According to the Bill, an Allied and Healthcare Council of India and corresponding State Allied and Healthcare Councils should be set up which will set a standard and facilitate professions of Allied and Healthcare.
- It also proposes, formation of 15 major professional categories including 53 professions in Allied and Healthcare streams.
- The Central Council will comprise of 47 members and The State Councils comprising of 28 members.
- Professional Advisory Bodies under Central and State Councils will examine issues independently and provide recommendations relating to specific recognized categories.
- Also an Interim Council will be constituted within 6 months of passing of the Act holding charge for a period of two years until the establishment of the Central Council.
Cabinet approved setting up of Medical College at Silvassa in the UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
On November 22, 2018, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the setting up of Medical College at Silvassa in the Union Territory (UT) of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
i. This will be set at a capital cost of Rs. 189 crore to be incurred in two years:
- 2018-19 – Rs. 114 crore and
- 2019-20 – Rs.75 crore.
ii. The project will be completed by 2019-20 and will have a capacity of 150 students.
iii. Furthermore, creation of 21 regular posts of 14 (JS) level and above (including teaching and non-teaching) out of 357 regular posts which were recommended by the Committee on Establishment Expenditure (CEE) will be done.
Background:
The Medical College will benefit the students, especially those of tribal and rural areas of the two UTs, which will promote social equity.
CCEA approved to expand the scope of mandatory packaging norms under the Jute Packaging Material
On November 22, 2018, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the expansion of scope of mandatory packaging norms under the Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act, 1987.
- Under this, 100% of the food grains and 20% of the sugar will be mandatorily packed in diversified jute bags.
- The decision will benefit farmers and workers located in the Eastern and North Eastern regions of the country particularly in the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya and Tripura.
Other News:
i. It also approved the continuation of the 9 sub-schemes of the umbrella scheme Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems and Services (ACROSS) during 2017-2020 at an estimated cost of 1450 crore rupees.
ii. It will be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences through its institutes namely
- India Meteorological Department,
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology,
- National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting and
- Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service.
iii. It also approved the establishment of National Facility for Airborne Research with a financial commitment of 130 crore rupees during 2020-21and beyond.
About ACROSS scheme:
- The ACROSS scheme consists of nine sub-programmes which are multi-disciplinary and multi institutional in nature and will be implemented in an integrated manner through IMD, HIM, NCMRWF and INCOIS.
- The ACROSS scheme would provide a reliable weather and climate forecast for betterment of society.
- It will aim at improving skill of weather and climate forecast through sustained observations, intensive R & D, and by adopting effective dissemination and communication strategies to ensure its timely reach to the end-user of all services like Agro-meteorological Services, Aviation service, Environmental monitoring services, Hydro-meteorological services, climate services, tourism, pilgrimage, mountaineering etc.,
Ministry of Earth Sciences:
♦ Union Minister: Dr. Harsh Vardhan.
♦ Secretary: Dr. M Rajeevan.