Latest news with #PSF
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Parliamentary panel flags low consumer case resolution rate under e-daakhil platform; seeks urgent steps
A Parliamentary panel on Tuesday asked the government to take urgent and concrete steps to improve the consumer case resolution rate and reduce pendency under the e-daakhil platform . In an action taken report placed in Parliament, the Parliament Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Chairperson Kanimozhi Karunanidhi said the upgrade to the enhanced e-Jagriti system promises better tools for case management and monitoring. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category "However, the committee remains concerned about the persistently low resolution rate of 23 per cent of the registered cases on the platform," the report said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo The government has not provided substantive information on steps being taken to address the backlog or accelerate case resolution, it said. The committee appreciated the government's e-daakhil platform, which primarily serves as a convenient and accessible online portal for consumers to file complaints, reducing the need for physical visits and easing the initial filing process. Live Events However, the government has not addressed the committee's key recommendation for the establishment of a dedicated monitoring cell to track performance metrics, ensure adherence to timelines, and proactively identify and resolve bottlenecks in the grievance redressal process. The committee emphasised that digitisation alone, while beneficial for ease of filing complaints, must be complemented by robust monitoring and administrative measures to ensure timely justice for consumers. "The committee, therefore, reiterates its original recommendation for a dedicated monitoring mechanism and urge the department to take urgent and concrete steps to improve the case resolution rate and reduce pendency," it added. The committee acknowledged the government's explanation regarding the delays in the installation of video conferencing facilities under the CONFONET initiative and the consequent underutilisation of funds due to payment release conditions under GeM. "However, the committee finds the reply to be inadequate and lacking in concrete measures to address the core issues raised," the report said, adding that the failure to meet the target of installing VC facilities at 45 locations by the stipulated deadline, with only six installations completed, highlights significant project management and implementation deficiencies. The committee once again reiterated their earlier recommendation and urged the government to move beyond general assurances and come up with a detailed action plan with clear timelines for completion of pending installations along with establishment of PMUs. On Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF), the committee acknowledged the government's detailed explanation regarding the dynamic nature of PSF operations and the challenges posed by market fluctuations . While appreciating the operational nuances highlighted, the committee observed that the response does not fully address the critical issue of ensuring stable and sufficient budgetary allocations to the PSF. Reliance on sale proceeds and transfers from other schemes, as pointed out, can indeed lead to delays and unpredictability in responding to market exigencies, it said. "The committee reiterates the importance of conducting a thorough and data-driven need assessment for the PSF, factoring in population size, price volatility, and the effectiveness of current stabilisation mechanisms," the report said. Such an assessment is essential to enable the government to make informed decisions on annual budget allocations , thereby reducing dependency on ad hoc funding arrangements, it added. The committee, therefore, urged the department to take proactive steps towards instituting a predictable and robust financial framework for the PSF, ensuring timely interventions in the market that protect both producers and consumers from undue price shocks.
Fibre2Fashion
22-07-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
Vietnamese companies ink PSF supply pact to boost local value chain
Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (Vinatex) and Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam) have formalised a Principal Agreement on polyester staple fibre (PSF) between their subsidiaries—Vietnam Chemical and Fibre Joint Stock Company (VNPOLY) and several Vinatex member units. The agreement was signed in Hanoi on July 18. Under the agreement, VNPOLY will initially supply PSF to 1–2 selected downstream units of Vinatex for spinning, weaving and dyeing trials. Upon confirmation of consistent quality, supply will be extended to leading spinning firms such as Phú Bài, Hòa Tho, and Phú Hung, targeting premium export markets like the EU and South Korea, domestic media outlets reported. VNPOLY general director Tran Huy Thu noted that 95 per cent of Vietnam's annual PSF demand—around 492,000 tonnes—is currently imported. With the country's annual PSF demand expected to reach 550,000 tonnes by 2025, the VNPOLY–Vinatex partnership aims to shift the balance toward domestic sourcing. Vinatex chairman Lê Tien Truong emphasised that PSF is now critical for spinning mills due to a structural shift away from 100 per cent cotton towards synthetic blends like CVC and PE yarns. He also stressed the need for close coordination with VNPOLY to ensure PSF dye quality meets export market standards. Petrovietnam chairman Lê Manh Hùng highlighted the agreement as a key step in reactivating the Ðình Vu PSF plant and building a self-reliant supply chain for the Vietnamese textile industry. He underlined the strategic alignment of the two state-owned giants, Petrovietnam and Vinatex, in navigating a more protectionist global trade landscape. In a parallel development, VNPOLY and PVChem signed a long-term cooperation agreement to jointly develop and exchange products and services in recycled plastics, fibre, and petrochemical sectors. Both parties will collaborate across the entire production value chain—leveraging strengths in chemicals, PET chips, and fibre production—to boost Vietnam's localisation and sustainability goals. The dual agreements underscore a renewed push by Vietnam to reinforce domestic resilience in its textile, fibre and petrochemical value chains, while aligning with global trends in traceability, recycling, and supply chain security. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
Business Recorder
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Bureaucracy the main hurdle
Modernizing governance is the biggest challenge faced by the government the 'Baboo'-friendly Prime Minister (PM) has spoken against his own loyalists. His cabinet includes powerful bureaucrats from Punjab and the former Chief Secretary who now sits as the Cabinet Secretary in complete harmony. The meeting was convened to review the new expert driven framework introduced by the Power Division. To achieve efficient and accountable governance, professionalization and decentralization have been adopted. He blamed the institutional inertia in blocking the much-needed reforms in the bureaucracy. I am not sure whether he was speaking his heart out or was reading the prepared text as he has enjoyed very cordial relationship with the bureaucrats. It is indeed interesting that every ruler starts with the praise of the 'Baboos' but then finally turns against them at the end of their rule. Those who control the files have the final laugh. Worldwide, bureaucrats have been outdated for about half a century. Technocrats have taken over. Confusion prevails over understanding of the role of these so-called experts who have been called in to replace the obsolete 'Baboos'. I remember my meeting with prime minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali on June 26, 2004. As Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF) I was invited for my professional input into the Sui Gas project for supply of natural gas to Ziarat. After the formal discussions, I floated the idea of bringing in the 'technocrats' for better governance. Prompt came the reply, 'They are not elected'. He was misguided by the aides in his Secretariat who surrounded him. I had to explain that technocrats replace bureaucrats not politicians. In a technology-driven complex environment of today 'generalists' cannot deliver they are replaced by individuals with technical background combined with management skills. Jamali was a well-meaning honest politician; he decided to pursue the option of inducting technocrats in all technical ministries. Fortunately, I was able to leave guidelines for this switch to take place. On a happy note, we left his office around 3pm. On the 9pm news that night it was announced that Jamali had resigned. Experts do bring technical know-how but cannot understand the bureaucratic loops and the file work unless they have been trained in management in their respective area of expertise,; only such a person qualifies to be a technocrat. Bhutto-style of governance is remembered till today. His file and paperwork were excellent. No 'Baboo' could hide behind the papers/procedures. Files were returned within 24 hours either with approval or written comments by the PM. Every ministry had a night Section Officer who was responsible for late hours co-ordination as the PM worked round-the-clock. Through lateral entry several technocrats were appointed Federal Secretaries to efficiently run their ministries. Engr Masood Hasan headed the Defence Production Division; Nasim Ahmed was appointed Secretary Information while Dr Muhammad Ajmal, a prominent educationist, took over Education. The PM is right; bureaucracy is the main hurdle. Institutional inertia is insurmountable. As three-time Chief Minister (CM) of Pakistan's largest province he has a team of loyalists who can bring about the much-sought change provided the 'Baboos' are willing to give up their grip over real power. The big question is: who will bell the cat? After taking charge as Chairman PSF, in 2002, I decided to call on the minister. After exchange of pleasantries, I requested him to bring in technocrats to run the important ministry of science and technology (MoST). He was very excited with the idea and asked me to prepare Job Descriptions (JDs) for the top three positions (Secretary, Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary). Within a few days I submitted the JDs but there was no response. As the matter was crucial for the ministry, I decided to meet the minister again. On inquiry he told me that he had forwarded the JDs to the Secretary for a necessary action. Baffled, I asked him why on earth will the secretary give up his job to be replaced by a technocrat? The minister had no answer. I could sense his reluctance to take on the 'Baboos'. My parting suggestion to him was to get approval of the President and hire technocrats for the three positions on open merit to set the ball rolling but he shied away. Till today MoST remains ineffective, several of its affiliated departments are either being shut down or without professional leadership. Accountability remains a buzz-word only to please the galleries. Bureaucracy has been able to dodge all forms of checks to its un-limited authority. Major recommendations to reform the bureaucracy were prepared by Justice A. R. Cornelius Commission in the decade of the sixties. Justice Cornelius was himself a Civil Servant, who rose through the ranks of judiciary to reach the position of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). He understood the importance of introducing accountability to contain executive abuse. His recommendations were hijacked by the powerful bureaucrats of their times before they could be implemented. Finally, his inputs were enacted in the 1972 interim constitution as article 216 for the formation of Administrative Accountability Courts. In the permanent 1973 version taxation was removed and a toned-done article 212 was included. The courts were never established. Finally, in 1979, the entire article was removed through a Martial Law Act. Bureaucracy prevailed as always. Lt-Gen. Ghulam Jillani Khan as Governor Punjab proposed the idea of 'Citizen's Desks' for the redressal of public complaints but there was no implementation. According to Jillani Sb, the President wanted to preserve status-quo to prolong his rule, reforms were not part of his agenda. Yes, indeed hurdles must be removed. It is not only Pakistan, all the 56 colonial states left by the British continue to suffer. De-colonization must take place. In a democratic country people are respected as customers. With well-entrenched bureaucracy it is an up-hill task which must be challenged with a firm resolve to serve not rule as has been the case. 'Kadam Baraho' is the standard slogans of the Sharifs. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
GMA Network
21-07-2025
- Climate
- GMA Network
People's Survival Fund Board OKs P99 million for climate vulnerability projects
Projects to be funded include the restoration of mangroves in areas in Pandan, Catanduanes and Tagum, Davao del Norte. File photo The People's Survival Fund (PSF) Board, led by members of the government's economic team, has approved P99.675-million worth of grant resources for five new projects across the country seen to help local governments address climate vulnerability. In its meeting on July 18, the PSF Board approved two full projects, and three project development grants. The PSF was created to supplement the annual appropriations allocated by government agencies and local government units for climate-change related programs and projects. The biggest funding will be P86.162 million for reforestation and climate smart infrastructure initiatives in Pandan, Catanduanes, seen to address the municipality's vulnerability to storm surges and drought. These include a Mangrove EcoShield component that will reforest 10 hectares of forest in six barangay beneficiaries, along with a mangrove nursery that will be established in Barangay Balagñonan to support the livelihood of around 519 individuals from 10 fisherfolk associations and five multi-sectoral associations. Another project is the Climate-Smart Infrastructure Support for Agriculture (CSISA), which seeks to reduce reliance on external vegetable sources, and provide support to around 774 members of 15 farmers associations, and five multi-sectoral associations hit by drought. Another fully-funded project will be a P7.513-million reforestation project in Tagum, Davao del Norte, which includes the restoration of 55 hectares or 57% of open and degraded mangrove ecosystems in barangays Busaon, Liboganon, Madaum, San Isidro, and Bingcungan. Calamity early warning systems (EWS) will also be installed in the flood-prone barangays of Apokon, Canocotan, Madaum, and San Miguel, with around 36,084 households. Project development grants worth P2 million each were likewise approved to help project proponents develop comprehensive proposals, including one for Basay, Negros Oriental that will support the proposal development of a rehabilitation and conservation project involving the Basay River and Watershed. Also approved were those for Claver, Surigao del Norte involving an approach to address rising water levels and storm surges through nature-based solutions, and for Rizal, Kalinga involving the construction of irrigation networks to help address the impact of drought on agricultural productivity. The PSF Board is chaired by the Department of Finance Secretary, and counts as members the vice chairperson of the Climate Change Commission, the Budget Secretary, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Director-General, the Interior Secretary, the chairperson of the Philippine Commission on Women, and representatives from the academe, the business sector, and non-government organizations (NGOs). According to the Department of Finance (DOF), the PSF Board has approved P1.421-billion worth of resources for a total of 21 local climate adaptation projects and project developments to date. — BM, GMA Integrated News
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Over 200 children attend film fete
The Pondicherry Science Forum (PSF), in association with Alliance Francaise, organised a two-day children's film festival. According to the PSF, the free-entry festival was open to children in the 13-18 age segment. The screenings were held at the auditorium of Alliance Francaise. About 30 films were shown at the festival to participants who came from across the city. Over 200 children participated in the event over the weekend, organisers said. The selection of films in various languages such as Tamil, English, French, and Hindi, showcased diverse genres, including animation films, short films, and documentaries. The festival was launched by A. Muthamma, Commissioner-cum-Secretary in the presence of Mohammed Ahsan Abid, Culture Secretary, Nallam Satish, Alliance Francaise president, Murugavel Raja, R. Madivanane and A. Hemavathi of PSF. The festival opening was followed by the screening of 'Anaar Daana' (Sour Candy) Interactive sessions were held after each screening, organisers said.
