Laws for Protection OF Private Data

SEO Friendly Content Writer: Privacy is a fundamental right as declared by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. Subsequently, the Government introduced “The Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019” in Parliament during the winter session of the year 2019. The Bill was referred to the Joint Committee of Parliament that tabled its report in Parliament on 16.12.2021. The report and the Bill are under examination.

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Further, Section 43A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Reasonable security practices and procedures and sensitive personal data or information) Rules, 2011 provide safeguards for sensitive personal data or information collected. The Rules mandate that body corporate including social media platforms must provide policy for privacy and disclosure of such information. Also, section 72A of the IT Act provides for punishment for disclosure of information in breach of the lawful contract.

Section 43A of the Act also provides for compensation to be paid to the affected users by the body corporate for failure to protect sensitive personal information causing a wrongful gain or wrongful loss to any person.

Also, the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 notified under the Information Technology Act, 2000 requires that the intermediary shall publish the rules and regulations, privacy policy, and user agreement for access or usage of its computer resource by any person.

National Policy on Blue Economy for the country

The Ministry of Earth Sciences is finalizing the National Policy on Blue Economy for the country.
A draft policy framework on India’s Blue Economy has been prepared. The draft Blue Economy policy framework envisages the optimal utilization of all sectors of the maritime domain, (living, non-living resources, tourism, ocean energy, etc.) for sustainable development of coastal areas. This policy document contains key recommendations on National Accounting Framework for Blue Economy and Ocean Governance, Coastal Marine Spatial Planning and Tourism Priority, Marine Fisheries, Aquaculture and Fish Processing. Manufacturing, Emerging Industries, Trade, Technology, Services and Skill Development, Logistics, Infrastructure and Shipping, Coastal and Deep-Sea Mining and Offshore Energy and Security, Strategic Dimensions and International Engagement.

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The proposed National Blue Economy Advisory Council (BEAC) will have the Secretaries of relevant Ministries/ Deptts. as members. It would also include Chief Secretaries/Principal Secretaries of the Coastal States and representatives from industry.

The draft policy document was put out for comments and feedback from the general public and all relevant stakeholders. Many valuable comments/ suggestions received from ministries/ departments, parliament members, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), industry representatives, and the general public have been considered and the policy document has been revised accordingly.

There is no activity with the theme ‘Swachh Prithvi, Swachh Sagar’, however, an activity with the theme ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’is being implemented. This is a 75 days long coastal clean-up campaign for cleaning at least 75 beaches along the coastal districts which started on 05th July 2022 and will culminate on 17th September 2022 the ‘International Coastal Clean Up Day’. The activity is being organized by MoES jointly with the Indian Coast Guard, MoEF& CC, MoYAS, NDMA, Paryavaran Sanrakshan Gatividhi, Government Departments, volunteer organizations, and public, and students.

The steps/initiatives would include support for awareness campaigns, competitions and workshops/seminars on the issues through Earth Day, Ocean Day etc in schools, colleges and Universities.

This information was given by the Minister of State (I/C) for M/o Earth Sciences and M/o Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

National Policy on Cooperation

The Government is formulating a new national level policy for cooperatives. A two-day National Conference on the new Cooperation Policy was held on 12th and 13th April, 2022 with Cooperation Secretaries / RCSs from all the States/UTs, wherein discussions were inter alia held on legal framework, identification of regulatory, policy & operational barriers; ease of doing business; reforms for strengthening governance; promoting new and social cooperatives; revitalizing defunct ones; making cooperatives vibrant economic entities; cooperation among cooperatives and increasing membership of cooperatives.
Further, suggestions on the draft Policy were sought from the stakeholders including general public through the website of the Ministry.
Based on the comments received from Central Ministries/Departments, States/UTs, Federations, Institutions and general public, and further consultations with stakeholders, the new Policy will be formulated.
Some of the several steps taken by the Government to strengthen India’s cooperative architecture include the following:

As per notification dated 25th October, 2021, the Government has provided relief to cooperative sugar mills by clarifying that they shall not be subjected to additional income tax for paying higher sugarcane prices to farmers up to the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) or State Advised Price (SAP), as the case may be.

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As per the Budget announcement 2022, the Government reduced the surcharge for cooperative societies from 12% to 7% for those having a total income of more than Rs. 1 crore and up to Rs. 10 crore. Further, to provide a level playing field between co- operative societies and companies, Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) rate for cooperative societies was reduced from 18.5% to 15%.

As per notification dated 3rd February 2022 by Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), non-scheduled Urban Co-operative Banks, State Co-operative Banks and District Central Co-operative Banks as Member Lending Institutions of the scheme with specified eligibility criteria. This will help in providing adequate, affordable and timely credit to the co-operative institutions to give a boost to the co-operative based economic development model.

As per the approval of the Union Cabinet on 1st June 2022, the mandate of Government e-Marketplace – Special Purpose Vehicle (GeM – SPV) has been expanded to allow cooperative societies to register as buyers on the GeM platform.

As per the approval of the Government on 29th June 2022, a centrally sponsored project for digitalization of 63,000 functional Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS), with a budgetary outlay of Rs 2,516 crore, has been sanctioned to revitalize the cooperative sector. The implementation of this project has already begun.

In order to diversify the business activities of PACS and make them vibrant multipurpose economic entities, draft model Bye-Laws are being prepared in consultation with State Governments, National Cooperative Federations and other stakeholders.

A new scheme titled “Cooperation to Prosperity” is being formulated in consultation with all the stakeholders for all-round development of cooperatives at all levels.

In order to facilitate the Government to make appropriate policy interventions, a National Co-operative Database is being created in consultation with State/UT Governments, National Co-operative Federations and other stakeholders.

In order to modernize and professionalize the education and training in the cooperative sector, steps are being taken to reorient the training and educational Cooperative Institutions in consultation with all the stakeholders.

This was stated by the Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha today.

Schemes for Senior Citizens

The population of senior citizens, as per Census 2011, was approximately 10.38 crore, amounting to 8.6% of the total population in the country.
The National Policy on Older Persons, 1999, which is presently in force, envisages State support to ensure financial and food security, health care, shelter, protection and other needs of older persons to improve quality of their lives.
Under the Umbrella Scheme of Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing various welfare schemes for improving the living standard of senior citizens. Details of such schemes are at Annexure.

Annexure

The Umbrella Scheme of Atal VayoAbhyudayYojana, being run by Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, has the vision to create a society where senior citizens live a healthy, happy, empowered, dignified and self-reliant life alongwith strong social and inter-generational bonding. The Umbrella Scheme has the following welfare schemes for senior citizens:

Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC):

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The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment implements a Central Sector Scheme namely Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC) under which grants in aid are given for running and maintenance of Senior Citizens Homes/ Continuous Care Homes, Mobile Medicare Units etc. to the Implementing Agencies (IAs) such as Registered Societies/ Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) / Local bodies; Non-Governmental/Voluntary Organizations.

State Action Plan for Senior Citizens (SAPSrC):

Appreciating the critical and significant role of States/UTs, each State/UT is expected to plan and strategize taking into account their local considerations and frame their own State Action Plans for the welfare of their senior citizens. This State Action Plan may comprise a long-term strategy for five years as well as Annual Action Plans. Department of Social Justice and Empowerment releases funds to the States/UTs for formulation and implementation of their State Action Plans.

RashtriyaVayoshriYojana (RVY):

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RashtriyaVayoshriYojana (RVY) is a Central Sector Scheme funded from Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund. Under the Scheme of RVY, aids and assistive living devices are provided to senior citizens belonging to BPL category or those senior citizens who earn less than 15000/- per month and suffer from age related disabilities such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and loco-motor disabilities. The aids and assistive devices viz. walking sticks, elbow crutches, walkers/crutches, tripods/quadpods, hearing aids, wheelchairs, artificial dentures and spectacles are provided to eligible beneficiaries, free of cost. The Scheme is being implemented by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) which is a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Livelihood and Skilling Initiatives for Senior Citizens:

It aims to supplement the efforts of the senior citizens by providing them opportunities to enhance their earning and sense of self-respect. To encourage senior citizens of the country to form Self Help Groups for keeping themselves engaged for carrying out activities that may result into marketable products. This scheme has two programmes:

Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED) portal – The portal allows bringing people together by virtual matching of preferences by providing the Senior Citizens a platform to connect with the private enterprises for certain positions. For this, the Ministry dedicated the SACRED portal (http://sacred.dosje.gov.in) to the Nation on 01.10.2021 on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons.

Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction (AGRASR Groups): The Senior Citizens are encouraged to form Self-Help Groups (SHGs), which will provide them with a platform to share the time constructively with each other. To attain financial assistance under the scheme SHGs will function as ‘Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction (AGRASR Groups)’.

5. Promoting Silver Economy:

To promote out-of-the-box and innovative solutions for the commonly faced problems, innovative start-ups will be identified and encouraged for developing products, processes and services for the welfare of the elderly under this initiative. The selected start-ups/start-up ideas can be provided equity support of up to Rs.1 crore per project while ensuring that the total Government equity in the start-up should not exceed 49%. For this, the SAGE portal (http://sage.dosje.gov.in) has been launched on 04/06/2021.

6. Channelizing CSR funds for Elderly care:
   
   This initiative is to channelize the CSR funds in an appropriate manner for elderly care projects. Under Schedule VII of Section 135 of the Companies Act, setting up old age homes, day care centres and such facilities for Senior Citizens are approved items for CSR funding.
   
   7. National Helpline for Senior Citizen (14567)-Elderline
   
   The Ministry has set up the National Helpline for Senior Citizen for senior citizen to address the grievance of the elders. The helpline has been launched across the country and has been dedicated to the Nation by the Hon’ble Vice President of India on the occasion of the International Day for Older Persons i.e. on 01st October, 2021. The Elder line offers services to the senior citizens through toll free number 14567.
   
   8. VayoshreshthaSamman- A Scheme of National Award for Senior Citizens:
   
   National Award for Senior Citizens ‘VayoshreshthaSammans’ are conferred to eminent and outstanding institutions or organizations and individuals from different categories. The VayoshreshthaSamman Awards are given on 1th October every year by Hon’ble President of India in a function organised at VigyanBhawan, New Delhi. The Awardees are given a Certificate, a Memento and also Cash Award in some of the categories.
   
   This information was given by Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Sushri Pratima Bhoumik in the Lok Sabha in a written reply today.

First Address by Smt. Droupadi Murmu as President of India

Johar!
Namaskar!
I express my heartfelt gratitude to all Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies for electing me to the highest Constitutional post of India.
Your vote for me is an expression of the faith of crores of citizens of the country.
I humbly greet all the fellow citizens from this sacred Parliament, a symbol of the hopes, aspirations and rights of all the citizens of India.
Your affection, trust and support will be my greatest strength in discharging my functions and responsibilities.
The country has elected me as the President at a crucial time when we are celebrating ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
A few days from today, the country will complete 75 years of its independence.
It is also a coincidence that my political career started when the country was celebrating its 50th year of independence.
And today, in the 75th year of independence, I have been assigned this new responsibility.
It is my great privilege to be given this responsibility at such a historic time when India is engaged with full vigour in realising its vision for the next 25 years.
I also happen to be the first President of the country who was born in independent India.
We have to work at a fast pace in this Amritkal to fulfil the expectations of our freedom fighters from the citizens of independent India.
In these 25 years, the path to attain the goals of Amritkal will proceed on two tracks – Sabka Prayas aur Sabka Kartavya (everyone’s effort and everyone’s duty).
The new development journey towards the bright future of India has to be undertaken by our collective efforts, following the path of duty.
We will be observing Kargil Vijay Diwas tomorrow i.e. July 26th. This day is a symbol of both-the bravery and restraint of the Indian armed forces.
Today, I extend my best wishes in advance to the armed forces of the country and to all the citizens.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I started my journey of life from a small tribal village in Odisha in the eastern part of the country.
From the background that I come from, it was like a dream for me to get elementary education.
But despite many obstacles, my determination remained strong and I became the first daughter of my village to go to college.
I belong to tribal society. I have got the opportunity to rise from serving as a ward councillor to becoming the President of India. This is the greatness of India, the mother of democracy.
It is a tribute to the power of our democracy that a daughter born in a poor house in a remote tribal area can reach the highest constitutional position in India.
That I attained the post of President is not my personal achievement, it is the achievement of every poor person in India.
My election is a proof of the fact that the poor in India can have dreams and fulfil them too.
And it is a matter of great satisfaction for me that those who have been deprived for centuries and those who have been denied the benefits of development, those poor, downtrodden, backwards and tribals are seeing their reflection in me.
This election of mine has blessings of the poor of the country. And it reflects the dreams and potential of crores of women and daughters of the country.
This election of mine also shows the courage of today’s youth of India who is ready to walk on new paths and shun the beaten tracks.
Today I feel proud to lead such a progressive India.
Today, I assure all fellow citizens especially youth of India and the women of India that their interests will be paramount for me while working in this position.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Before me is such a great legacy of the Presidency of India which has continuously strengthened the prestige of Indian democracy in the world.
From the country’s first President Dr. Rajendra Prasad to Shri Ram Nath Kovind ji, stalwarts have adorned this post.
Along with this post, the country has also entrusted me with the responsibility of representing this great tradition.
In the light of the Constitution, I will discharge my duties with utmost sincerity.
For me, the democratic-cultural ideals of India and all the citizens will always be my source of energy.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our freedom struggle had prepared the roadmap for India’s new journey as a nation.
Our freedom struggle was a continuous stream of those struggles and sacrifices which had nurtured so many ideals and possibilities for independent India.
Pujya Bapu had resorted to Swaraj, Swadeshi, Swachhta and Satyagraha to show us the way for realising Indian cultural ideals.
Countless personalities like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Nehru ji, Sardar Patel, Babasaheb Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, Rajguru and Chandrashekhar Azad had taught us to keep national pride as paramount.
Many brave women icons like Rani Lakshmi Bai, Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rani Gaidinliu and Rani Chennamma had taken to new heights the role of women power in defending and building the nation.
From Santhal revolution, Paika revolution to Kol revolution and Bhil revolution, all these revolutions had strengthened the tribal contribution in the freedom struggle.
We derived inspiration from the sacrifice of ‘Dharti Aaba’ Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji for social upliftment and patriotism.
I am happy that many museums are being built across the country dedicated to the role of the tribal communities in our freedom struggle.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In 75 years as a parliamentary democracy, India has carried forward the resolve of progress through participation and consensus.
In our country full of diversities, we are engaged in the making of ‘Ek Bharat – Shreshtha Bharat’ by adopting many languages, religions, sects, food habits, life styles and customs.
This Amritkaal, which commences with the 75th year of our independence, is a period of new resolutions for India.

Time for India to adopt Global Best standards in Cotton Productivity.

Today I see my country inspired and ready to welcome this new era with new thinking.
Today India is adding a new chapter of development in every field.
The kind of capability that India has shown in combating the global crisis of Corona pandemic has enhanced India’s credibility all over the world.
We Indians not only faced this global challenge with our efforts but also set new standards for the world.
Just a few days ago, India has set a record of administering 200 crore doses of corona vaccine.
The patience, courage and cooperation shown by the people of India in this entire battle is a symbol of our growing strength and sensitivity as a society.
India not only took care of itself in these difficult situations but also helped the world.
In the atmosphere created by the Corona pandemic, today the world is looking at India with a new confidence.
The international community has high hopes from India for ensuring global economic stability, ease of supply chain and peace.
In the coming months, India is also going to host the G-20 Group under its chairmanship.
In this grouping, twenty big countries of the world will brainstorm on global issues under the chairmanship of India.
I am sure that the conclusions and policies that will emerge from this brainstorming in India will determine the direction of the coming decades.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Decades ago, I had the opportunity to work as a teacher at Sri Aurobindo Integral School in Rairangpur.
After a few days, we will observe the 150th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo.
Sri Aurobindo’s thoughts on education continue to inspire me.
I have had an active association with educational institutions, serving in various positions as a public representative and then as a governor.
I have closely observed the enthusiasm and self-confidence of the youth of the country.
Our revered Atal ji used to say that when the youth of the country progress, they not only create their own destiny but also shape the fate of the country.
Today we are witnessing it come true.
Moving ahead in every field – from ‘Vocal for Local’ to ‘Digital India’ – today’s India, marching in step with the world, is all set for ‘Industrial Revolution Four Point O’.
The youth of India have a big role in creating a record number of start-ups, in numerous innovations and in the adoption of digital technology in far flung areas.
In the past few years, a new energy has been infused in the country due to the decisions taken and policies formulated for women empowerment.
I want all our sisters and daughters to be empowered more and more so that they continue to increase their contribution in every field of nation building.
I want to tell the youth of our country that you are not only building your own future but also laying the foundation of the India of the future.
As the President of the country, I will always extend my full cooperation to you.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Growth and progress mean continuously marching ahead, but equally important is awareness about one’s past.

Here are the five top quotes by President #DraupadiMurmu:https://t.co/jlSowi4Fs6

— Oneindia News (@Oneindia) July 25, 2022

Today, when the world is talking about sustainable planet, the role of India’s ancient traditions and sustainable lifestyle becomes more important.
I was born in that tribal tradition which has lived in harmony with nature for thousands of years.
I have realized the importance of forests and water bodies in my life.
We take necessary resources from nature and serve nature with equal reverence.
This sensitivity has become a global imperative today.
I am happy that India is guiding the world in the field of environmental protection.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In my life so far, I have realised the meaning of life only through public service.
There is a line from the poem of Bhim Bhoi Ji, a famous poet of Shri Jagannath Kshetra-
“Mo Jeeban pachhe narke padi thau, jagato uddhar heu”.
That is, working for the welfare of the world is far greater than one’s own interests.
With this spirit of welfare of the world, I will always be ready to work with full devotion and dedication to live up to the trust you all have reposed in me.
Let us all unite and move forward on the path of duty with a dedicated spirit to build a glorious and self-reliant India.
Thank you,
Jai Hind!

Time for India to adopt Global Best standards in Cotton Productivity.

An interactive meeting with stakeholders of Cotton Textile Value Chain on improving cotton productivity & branding of Indian Cotton was held at Vanijya Bhawan New Delhi, today in the august presence of Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles and Smt. Darshana V. Jardosh, Minister of State for Textiles & Railways.

Shri Piyush Goyal , Union Minister for Commerce & Industry , Textiles , Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution said that its time for India to adopt world standards in Cotton Productivity. He also said that all stakeholders must share best practices to boost cotton productivity in India to boost farmer incomes.

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Speaking on the occasion Shri Goyal said that Private sector must contribute to boost research in productivity , farmers education as well as branding to which Government would provide matching support. Asserting integrated approach, Shri Goyal said that private sector has to act in a Mission mode to strengthen the Cotton Value Chain. He further added that we need to brand our own cotton which is good quality by equal contribution from Industry. Action on reducing contamination issues like coloured HDPE. Master plan to be worked out by industry within one week.

Shri Goyal said that cotton works like a bridge between the agriculture and textile sector. Cotton-based products have significant share of total Textiles & Apparel products both at Domestic and International level. With Market access opening through FTAs, it is but imperative to get our act together to enhance Productivity and Quality both. Shri Goyal said that we need to bring back our dominance in the global cotton industry and India looks at Textiles as a key sector that will help us build an “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”. He also said that Centre is working on ‘ 5F ’ vision of Hon’ble PM: ‘Farm to Fibre; Fibre to Factory; Factory to Fashion; Fashion to Foreign’ . It may be noted that Textile sector has taken giant strides from RoSCTL to RoDTEP& NTTM to PM Mitra for increasing cotton and textiles production in India . Agreements for duty-free access of Textiles with Australia & UAE have given a new impetus to the trade and similar agreements with EU, UK & Canada are being negotiated.

Shri Goyal said that it is vital to increase yield and profit margins for our cotton farmers by creating awareness about right seeds and encouraging farmers to adopt modern technology and progressive agricultural practices. Appreciating the examples of good work done by some FPOs, CITI CDRA etc, he expects replication to achieve better results across the board.

Speaking at the meeting, Shri Narendra Tomar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare said that Growth of Cotton Production and Productivity is vital to employment growth in Country. He said that Short term and Long term strategies are needed to be worked out for boosting productivity. Shri Tomar said that High Density farming and micro-irrigation are key to boosting cotton productivity in large parts of the nation.

In first of its kind meeting at the level of Union Ministers of Agriculture and Textiles both, core issues pertaining to cotton value chain were deliberated at length with outcome oriented targets assigned to Industry Captains and Govt Functionaries alike.Shri Upendra Prasad Singh, Secretary Textiles, Shri Vijoy Kumar Singh, Special Secretary, Senior Officials from the Union Ministries of Textiles, Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Commerce, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Officials from Research and Development sector, Senior Officials from Corporations, farmers, seed industry and stakeholders were present. The whole of textile value chain was represented in the consultations through lead associations and experts in the meeting.