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July 15 (Reuters) – India’s cabinet on Thursday approved the merger of State Bank of Indore with State Bank of India (SBI.BO), the country’s largest lender, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters.
(Reporting by C.K. Nayak; editing by Malini Menon)
New Delhi, June 4 (ANI): The Congress party has renominated Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni from Punjab and All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Mohsina Kidwai from Chhattisgarh for the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha.
“Four other candidates renominated include Vijay Darda and Avinash Pandey from Maharashtra, EMS Natchiappan from Tamil Nadu and Dheeraj Prasad Sahu from Jharkhand,” an AICC release said on Friday.
Earlier on Thursday, Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh was given a ticket to contest the Rajya Sabha elections from Andhra Pradesh.
The elections are being held for the 55 Rajya Sabha seats. The voting for 49 seats from 12 states will take place on June 17, while polling for six Andhra Pradesh seats will be held on June 14. (ANI)
New Delhi, May 6 (ANI): Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni on Thursday condoled the death of Ajay Tiwari, a field reporter with Hindi News channel Sahara Samay, who died while covering a major fire that broke out in a factory-cum-godown in Dabri in South-West Delhi.
“In Tiwari”s death, Indian journalism has lost promising talent. Tiwari died in the line of his duty maintaining the highest tradition of television journalism,” said Ambika Soni in her message.
Thirty-four year old Tiwari died on Wednesday after getting trapped inside the debris of a portion of the factory wall that collapsed after a cylinder blast in the factory.
Madan Mohan, a cameraman working with India News, who was standing close to Tiwari at the time of the incident reportedly, received minor injuries on his hands. (ANI)
New Delhi, March 5 (ANI): Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni on Friday described the ”paid news” as a serious matter and, said right of the public to receive correct and balanced information needs to be ensured.
In response to a ”Calling Attention Notice” on the issue, Soni said in the Rajya Sabha today, ” There exists strong circumstantial evidence of the malpractices,” and added that the phenomenon of ”paid news” is a serious matter as it influences functioning of a free press.
“When paid information is presented as news content, it could mislead the public and thereby hamper their judgement to form a correct opinion. Thus, there is no denying the fact that there is an urgent need to protect public”s right to correct and unbiased information,” she added.
Soni claimed the issue has wide ranging implications on the democratic structure and, it was important for all sections of society to look into the matter seriously.
The Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) has named six newspapers carrying numerous ”paid news” stories, she said in response to the notice given by Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) leader Sitaram Yechury.
Concerned over the issue, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley said there should be a check on these malpractices and a regulator should be employed in the field to impose ”deterrent” penalties.
Jaitley sought to know from the Central Government whether they would take appropriate steps to root out the problem. (ANI)
National Solar Mission | Cabinet Approves National Solar Mission | Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission
Cabinet on Thuresday, 19th November 2009 approved the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, with an aim to reduce dependence on fossil fuels as source of energy.
The mission aims to feed 20,000 MW to the national grid by 2022, with an initial investment of Rs 4,337 crore.
Speaking to newspersons after the Cabinet briefing, the Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Ms Ambika Soni, said: “The Cabinet has sanctioned Rs 4,337 crore for the initial activities in this regard. The mission will be implemented in three phases.”
For buying power from solar project developers, the Government has designated NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Ltd as the nodal agency for reaching power purchase agreements.
It would then sell it to State utilities which would be credited against the compulsory renewable energy purchase targets.
These targets are set by the respective State Electricity Regulatory Commissions.
Earlier few days ago, New and Renewable Energy Minister Farooq Abdullah has hinted that National Solar Mission would soon be approved by the cabinet
New Delhi, Sept 15 (ANI): The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has renewed its commitment of financial support to the Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT), a Delhi-based NGO.
Under the plan scheme component for production of documentaries through NGOs, the Films Division would grant funds to the PSBT, which has been short-listed for production of documentaries for the current financial year.
In the past also, the Doordarshan and the PSBT have had a successful public-private partnership.
Over the past nine years, a large number of documentary films have been funded by the Doordarshan.
Among the National Non-Feature Film Awards-2007, at least four of such joint productions of the Prasar Bharati and the PSBT have won accolades.
Speaking on the occasion of ‘Commemorating 50 years of Public Television In India’, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni invited suggestions from the luminaries of PSBT Trustees for making the Public Service Broadcaster-Doordarshan more vibrant and interesting while retaining its commitment for healthy entertainment suitable for family viewing.
Soni also reiterated that her Ministry would continue to strive to encourage creative skills so long as they honour the sensibilities of all single television viewing families.
The Minister exhorted the young filmmakers – particularly those who are the beneficiaries of the PSBT-Ministry fellowships, to take up the challenge of making relevant programmes for particularly the marginalized strata of society.
“The Doordarshan is the only channel with the widest terrestrial reach which caters to the remotest and border areas often neglected by the commercial interests of other channels,” she added.
She also invited stalwarts like Shyam Benegal (a PSBT Trustee), who had made the memorable ‘Bharat ek khoj’ serial for Doordarshan in the past, to contribute meaningfully to Doordarshan again.
Adoor Gopalkrishnan (Chairman PSBT)’s new film “Oru Pennum Randaanum”, funded by Doordarshan was screened on the occasion. (ANI)
New Delhi, Sep 10(ANI): A Union Cabinet meeting on Thursday discussed topics, including the revamping of the National Rural Health Mission and approval for the signing and ratification of the BIMST (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand) Convention.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said: “This convention will provide strong legal basis for cooperation among the law enforcement agencies of the BIMST member states. It will give a much needed thrust to the enforcement agencies of the BIMST member states which are Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand.”
The proposal will be signed during the forthcoming BIMST Ministerial Conference.
On the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), Soni said: “The mission (National Rural Health Mission) now seeks to provide universal access to affordable and quality healthcare which is accountable and at the same time responsive to the needs of the people.”
She said the Government would launch an annual health survey in some states to provide feedback on the impact of schemes underthe NRHM on health indicators like Maternal Mortality Rates and Total Fertility Rates.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the Registrar General of India, Ministry of Home Affairs will be conducting the survey and would compute the statistics, she added. (ANI)
New Delhi, Sep 10 (ANI): The Union Government on Thursday announced a five percent increase in the dearness allowance for its employees and pensioners, with effect from July this year.
The announcement will entail an outgo of about Rs 2,904 crore this fiscal.
Announcing the decision after a cabinet meeting, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters that the combined impact on the exchequer on account of hike in dearness allowance and relief would be of the order of Rs 4,355.35 crore for entire year.
The impact for the current fiscal would be Rs 2903.55 crore, as the increase would be effective for nine months only from July to March.
Soni said, a five percent increase in the DA for the employees and dearness relief for pensioners would be over the existing rate of 22 percent of the basic pay or pension.
The Union Cabinet also approved the interest rate subsidy of one percent for housing loans up to Rs 10 lakhs and earmarked Rs 1,000 crore for the scheme.
The subsidy of one percent will be available for first 12 EMIs (Equated Monthly Installments) on loans up to Rs 10 lakhs for houses costing less than Rs 20 lakhs.
Earlier, in July while replying to the debate on the General Budget Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee had announced the scheme for providing interest rate subsidy on house loans. (ANI)
New Delhi, Aug.29 (ANI): Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni on Saturday claimed that the spread of swine flu pandemic had been largely contained with the efforts of Government and crucial role played by media in educating people about the deadly disease.
Addressing media after inaugurating a two-day film festival of short documentaries by well-known photographer and art historian Benoy K Behl in the national capital, Soni said: “The Government has been successful in providing information to people on swine flu. Even television channels have played a major role in educating people by inviting doctors and experts in their studios every day to provide information about the deadly virus.”
The Minister said the government has taken concrete steps to implement major schemes during its first 100 days in office.
“The government has taken concrete steps on all the flagship schemes introduced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who is himself monitoring their implementation,” Soni said.
Soni, while seeking greater cooperation from states, said they should make extra efforts to provide benefits of various central schemes to people. (ANI)
New Delhi, Aug 27 (ANI): The Union Cabinet on Thursday approved the setting up of seven new Indian Institute’s of Management (IIMs).
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said an allocation of Rs 451 crore as non-recurring expenditure and Rs 118 crore as recurring expenditure has been sanctioned for the first phase.
Four of these to be set up each in Trichurapally in Tamil Nadu, Ranchi in Jharkand, Raipur in Chhattisgarh and Rohtak in Haryana. All will have session in the next academic session of 2010-11.
The location of IIMs in Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan is yet to be finalsied. (ANI)
New Delhi, Aug 26 (ANI): Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni has said that a regulatory mechanism would be formed for broadcasting only after consultations with stakeholders
Soni assured the broadcasters that the industry’s larger interests would be taken into consideration while forming the mechanism.
” Some ground rules are needed. But no laws would be imposed on broadcasters,” Soni said.
Addressing a seminar of broadcasters Soni informed the media that the I and B Ministry is holding consultations with broadcasters on the nature of the regulatory authority.
“I don’t see why broadcasters should have apprehensions about content regulation. I would like to categorically say that the government does not want to put draconian laws on electronic media.”
She said the consultations with the broadcasters are not taking place with any pre-conceived notion and expressed hope that a positive outcome will emerge from the consultation.
” As channels operating in the country are increasing it is difficult to monitor all of them, therefore the proposed authority will also measure impact of these channels,” Soni said. (ANI)
New Delhi, Aug.15 (ANI): U.S. Ambassador to India, Timothy J. Roemer, on Saturday said that he was looking into reasons for the detention of Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan at Newark International Airport.
“We are trying to ascertain the facts of the case — to understand what took place,” said the Ambassador.
“Shah Rukh Khan, the actor and global icon, is a very welcome guest in the United States. Many Americans love his films,” Ambassador Roemer added.
Khan was detained for about two hours on Saturday morning at Newark airport in New Jersey, USA.
Khan had arrived here to attend a South Asian related event.
Khan was released after Congress MP Rajiv Shukla spoke to the authorities in the US and the Indian consulate.
He was detained after his name flashed on a computer and was asked several questions about the purpose of his visit.
Khan’s hand baggage was checked. The authorities did not even allow him to make a phone call for nearly an hour.
Reacting to the incident, Khan said, “I told them I was a movie star and had recently visited the country for the shooting of my film. Nothing seemed to convince the immigration officer. There were other immigration officers, who even vouched for me but this particular officer, did not listen to anyone. I even told them I had an invitation from the South Asian community and was there to attend an event.”
Reacting to the news, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni, said, “I don’t think frisking is conducted with a religious bias in mind, but in the US, there have been many such cases when authorities go overboard.
Soni demanded that American citizens should also be frisked in the same manner that Indians are frisked.
The incident, ironically, comes at a time when Khan is preparing for Karan Johar’s ‘My Name Is Khan’, a film touching upon the minority being targeted for no fault of theirs only because of suspicion. (ANI)
New Delhi, July 13 (ANI): Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni has condoled the demise of noted Marathi film and stage actor Neelu Phule.
Soni recounted that the versatile actor would be long remembered for his strong social commitment apart from his contribution to Marathi theatre and films.
Describing Phule as one of the finest and most loved Marathi actors in performing arts, Soni said that the void created by the death of Phule would be hard to fill.
She has conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the family of the veteran actor.
The 77-year-old Phule is survived by his wife and a daughter.
Phule, born in 1931 in Pune, is best remembered for his performance in ‘Sakahram Binder’, the famous play written by Vijay Tendulkar.
He began his career in film acting in 1968 with ‘Ek Gaon Bara Bhanagadi’ directed by Anant Mane, which became instant hit.
After this success, he never looked back and went on to act in nearly 250 Marathi and Hindi films.
Phule’s memorable roles include films like ‘Pinjara’ (dir : V. Shantaram), ‘Samana’ and ‘Sinhasan’ (both directed by Dr. Jabbar Patel), ‘Pudhache Paul’ (dir : Rajdutt), ‘Choricha Mamla’ (dir ; Babasaheb Fatehlal) among others. His major Hindi films include ‘Saaransh’ (dir: Mahesh Bhatt), ‘Coolie’ (dir : Manmohan Desai) and ‘Mashal’ (dir: Yash Chopra).
Phule was the only actor to win best actor’s award by the Maharashtra Government consecutively for three years. He was also honoured with Sangeet Natak Akademi. (ANI)
New Delhi, July 2 (ANI): The Union Cabinet on Thursday decided to recommend the extension of President Rule beyond July 18 for second six month spell, as no party or group has been able to form a government in the state.nformation and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said after a Cabinet meeting that the decision was taken on the basis of the report of Governor Syed Sibte Razi sent on June 16.
In his report, the Governor said that political impasse continues in Jharkhand as no party or group has staked claim to form the government, she said.
The recommendation will be placed in Parliament during the ongoing session for its approval, she said.
The President’s Rule was imposed in Jharkhand on January 19 because of political instability created by the resignation of Shibu Soren as Chief Minister following his defeat in Assembly bypolls from Tamar constituency.
In the 81-member Assembly, JMM has 17 Legislators, while Congress has 9 and RJD 7.
The Assembly has been kept under suspended animation to enable any party or group to muster the majority and form the government. (ANI)
New Delhi, June 19 (ANI): Union Food Processing Minister Subodh Kant Sahay and Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni met Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee ahead of the general budget, which is to be presented on July 6.
As part of the pre-budget exercise, Mukherjee held parleys with various stakeholders, state finance ministers, industrialist groups, leading economists, trade unionists and top officials of various financial institutions.
“We have requested that this sector is a perishable sector, rural activities based sector, so tax holiday is required for the sector for 8 to 10 years, so that private investments come in,” said Sahay.
“I requested the Finance Minister to provide parity and rationalisation in the service tax paid by broadcasters on revenues accrued by them from advertisements. There should be a parity in print and broadcasting media,” Ambika Soni said.
The Union Cabinet on Monday decided to hold the Budget session from July 2 to 7 while the General Budget will be presented on July 6.
It was also decided that the Economy Survey would be presented on July 2.
Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh presented an interim budget for the 2009/10 (April/March) in February ahead of the general elections in April and May.
In its five budgets since 2004, the Congress party-led coalition has raised spending on health, education and rural employment. (ANI)
New Delhi, May 23 (ANI): The first meeting of the Union Cabinet has decided to hold the first session of the 15th Lok Sabha between June 1 to 9.
Union Minister P.Chidambaram here told reporters on Saturday that the decision in this regard was taken at the first meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
President Pratibha Patil will address the joint sitting of Parliament on June 4, the day when Rajya Sabha will commence its session on the same day.
During the Cabinet meet, Prime Minister Dr. Singh said that the UPA has made a number of promises and “we have promises to keep.”
Meanwhile, the newly-elected members will take oath on June 1 and 2 and the election for the Lok Sabha Speaker’s post will be held on June 3.
There will be a discussion on Motion of Thanks to President’s address on June 5, 8 and 9, Chidambaram said adding that there would be a short break after that.
Chidambaram also informed that the process of passing the General Budget has to be completed by July 31 failing which a Vote on Account will be approved.
A day after taking the oath of office and secrecy as Prime Minister of the country, Dr. Singh visited Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial at Rajghat and those of other departed leaders and placed a wreath on them on Saturday morning.
Dr. Singh was sworn-in as Prime Minister for a second term along with 19 other Cabinet ministers including new entrants S M Krishna and Mamata Banerjee.
The 76-year-old economist-politician was sworn in along with senior members of his previous team, Pranab Mukherjee, P Chidambaram, Sharad Pawar and A K Antony.
The 19 ministers, all of Cabinet rank, include Ghulam Nabi Azad, Veerappa Moily, new entrant Rajasthan PCC chief C P Joshi and Anand Sharma and B K Handique, who were promoted from the previous ministry.
Others inducted were S Jaipal Reddy, Kamal Nath, Vayalar Ravi, Meira Kumar, Murli Deora, Kapil Sibal, Ambika Soni and Sushil Kumar Shinde.
Another group of ministers is expected to be sworn-in on coming Tuesday.
On Saturday, the new Government at the Centre announced portfolios of six ministers.
Under the latest scheme of things, P. Chidambaram gets Home Ministry, A.K.Antony; the Defense Ministry, Pranab Mukherjee; the Finance Ministry, S.M. Krishna; the External Affairs ministry, Mamta Banerjee; the Railway Ministry, and Sharad Pawar; the ministry of Agriculture, Food and Civil Supplies, Consumers Affairs. (ANI)
New Delhi, May 23 (ANI): A day after taking oath as Prime Minister for the second term, Manmohan Singh called a meeting of the Union Cabinet today.
According to sources, it is likely to take a decision on convening a Parliament session to enable new members to take oath. President Pratibha Patil will be addressing a joint sitting of both the houses during the session.
Earlier, Dr. Singh visited Mahatma Gandhi’s memorials besides those of other departed leaders and placed a wreath on them.
He was sworn-in as Prime Minister for a second term along with 19 other Cabinet ministers on Friday.
The 76-year-old, soft-spoken economist is the first Prime Minister since post-independence after Jawaharlal Nehru to be returned to office after completing a full term.
Senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, A K Antony, P Chidambaram, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, former Chief Ministers S M Krishna, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Veerappa Moily were inducted in the Cabinet.
Kamal Nath, Sushilkumar Shinde, S Jaipal Reddy, Meira Kumar, Vayalar Ravi, Murli Deora, Kapil Sibal, B K Handique, Ambika Soni, Anand Sharma and C P Joshi also took oath as Cabinet Ministers.
Friday’s swearing-in would be followed by an expansion of the Council of Ministers on May 26. The expansion would include Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State (MoS) with independent charge as well as other Ministers of State. (ANI)
New Delhi, May 22 (ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh after taking oath of office and secrecy on Friday said that his government’s focus will be on restoring the economy and ensure inclusive growth.
“Our first priority is to restore the economy, especially keeping the global recession (in mind),” the Prime Minister told reporters.
“Industrial production is down. Certain sectors need revival, though the Indian economy is not so badly affected. Corrected measures have to be taken. Growth will be our main focus. And when I mean growth, I mean inclusive growth that will carry everyone along, including the underprivileged in the country,” he said.
The Prime Minister also expressed hopes that Pakistan would cooperate with New Delhi “on all matters.”
Earlier, President Pratibha Patil administered oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with 19 Cabinet ministers.
The 76-year-old, soft-spoken economist is the first Prime Minister since post-independence after Jawaharlal Nehru to be returned to office after completing a full term.
Senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, A K Antony, P Chidambaram, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, former Chief Ministers S M Krishna, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Veerappa Moily were inducted in the Cabinet.
Kamal Nath, Sushilkumar Shinde, S Jaipal Reddy, Meira Kumar, Vayalar Ravi, Murli Deora, Kapil Sibal, B K Handique, Ambika Soni, Anand Sharma and C P Joshi also took oath as Cabinet Ministers.
Mukherjee is likely to retain finance portfolio, which he got as additional charge towards the end of the tenure of the outgoing government.
The names of Krishna and Kamal Nath are being mentioned for External Affairs Ministry. Chidambaram and Antony are expected to retain home and defence respectively.
Today’s swearing-in would be followed by an expansion of the Council of Ministers on May 26. The expansion would include Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State (MoS) with independent charge as well as other Ministers of State. (ANI)
New Delhi, May 22 (ANI): President Pratibha Patil administered oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh along with 19 Cabinet ministers.
The 76-year-old, soft-spoken economist is the first Prime Minister since post-independence after Jawaharlal Nehru to be returned to office after completing a full term.
Senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, A K Antony, P Chidambaram, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, former Chief Ministers S M Krishna, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Veerappa Moily were inducted in the Cabinet.
Kamal Nath, Sushilkumar Shinde, S Jaipal Reddy, Meira Kumar, Vayalar Ravi, Murli Deora, Kapil Sibal, B K Handique, Ambika Soni, Anand Sharma and C P Joshi also took oath as Cabinet Ministers.
Mukherjee is likely to retain finance portfolio, which he got as additional charge towards the end of the tenure of the outgoing government.
The names of Krishna and Kamal Nath are being mentioned for External Affairs Ministry. Chidambaram and Antony are expected to retain home and defence respectively.
Today’s swearing-in would be followed by an expansion of the Council of Ministers on May 26. The expansion would include Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State (MoS) with independent charge as well as other Ministers of State.
National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah, Mukul Wasnik, Vilas Muttemwar figure in the list of names, who will likely find place on Tuesday in the expanded Cabinet.
The Congress would also be looking to bring the DMK around by then so as to also include its representatives in the Cabinet.
The grand swearing-in ceremony, which started around 6:30 p.m., took place in Ashoka Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan where President Pratibha Patil administered the oath of office and secrecy to Dr Singh and his council of ministers.
The first session of the newly constituted Lok Sabha is expected to begin from June 2, and is likely to continue till June 10. (ANI)
New Delhi, May 22 (ANI): With barely four hours to go before Dr. Manmohan Singh is sworn in as Prime Minister for a second consecutive term, sources have revealed that along with him, 19 ministers, a majority of them from the Congress, will be sworn-in.
According to sources, apart from Dr. Singh, Senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar, A K Antony, P Chidambaram, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, former Chief Ministers S M Krishna, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Veerappa Moily are among those who will be inducted in the Cabinet.
Sushilkumar Shinde, S Jaipal Reddy, Kamal Nath, Vayalar Ravi, Meira Kumar, Murli Deora, Kapil Sibal, Ambika Soni, B K Handique, Anand Sharma and C P Joshi also figure in the list of ministers, Media Adviser to Prime Minister Deepak Sandhu said in a statement.
This will be followed by an expansion of the council of ministers, including ministers of state as well as those junior ministers who will hold independent charge of their portfolios, in the next few days, the statement said.
The grand ceremony will take place in Ashoka Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan where President Pratibha Patil, administer the oath of office and secrecy to Dr. Singh and his council of ministers.
The swearing-in ceremony will commence at 6.30 p.m.
The first session of the newly constituted Lok Sabha was likely to begin from June 2, and was expected to continue till June 10. (ANI)
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