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Business Standard
13 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
PMIS needs independent review, relaxed norms for inclusion: Parl panel
The Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) must undergo periodic independent evaluations to improve transparency and should ease eligibility norms for marginalised and economically weaker candidates, the Standing Committee on Finance has recommended. In its report submitted to Parliament on Thursday, the committee, chaired by Member of Parliament Bhartruhari Mahtab, said challenges relating to inclusivity, monitoring, stakeholder participation, and post-internship outcomes continue to impact the scheme's budget efficiency. The scheme was allocated Rs 2,000 crore in the Budget Estimates for FY25, but the Revised Estimates reduced this to Rs 380 crore. 'These funds suffice for the pilot phase, but dynamic reassessment of financial needs is crucial for scaling up,' the panel noted. The committee raised concerns over the blanket exclusion of candidates from families of regular government employees, calling the provision unwarranted. Many such families, it noted, may still require support under the scheme. It also emphasised that lack of support for living expenses could prevent candidates from remote or underserved regions from participating, thereby weakening the programme's inclusivity and limiting the diversity of talent. Further, the panel urged the government to build a robust system to monitor and track the internship-to-employment conversion rate, calling it a key success metric for the scheme. To broaden the scheme's reach, the panel recommended stronger engagement with small and medium enterprises (SMEs), startups, and regional stakeholders to ensure inclusive sectoral and geographic representation across the internship programme. The committee also addressed delays under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), recommending the creation of fast-track tribunals with strict timelines for high-priority cases. To enhance efficiency, it also proposed exploring a public-private partnership (PPP) model to streamline judicial processes—citing the success of privatised Seva Kendras—and called for improved infrastructure for the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). In its response, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs told the committee that changes to the IBC and reforms to strengthen both tribunal and appellate mechanisms would be initiated. 'Additional tribunals will be established,' it said. The panel urged the government to 'provide clearer guidelines on the treatment of government dues, especially taxes and penalties, ensuring equitable and transparent resolution of government claims.' The committee also recommended mandating a 14-day processing period for insolvency applications and raising competency standards for resolution professionals through rigorous certification, specialised training, and independent performance reviews. 'By addressing delays, competency gaps, and broadening stakeholder engagement, along with leveraging technology and domain expertise, the IBC can further enhance its impact on India's economy, ensuring faster resolutions and boosting investor confidence,' the panel concluded. Taking note of the discontinuation of disinvestment targets, the Standing Committee on Finance, in its report submitted to the Parliament on Thursday, pressed upon the government to keep in mind the importance of strategic disinvestment in reducing the fiscal burden and promoting efficiency. The government told the committee that a calibrated disinvestment strategy is an integral part of the value creation process, keeping the interests of minority shareholders in mind. The standing committee in its report on the Department of Economic Affairs, stressed on the need for realistic preparation of estimates and efficient utilisation of allocated funds. 'The Department of Economic Affairs, being the nodal Department in formulation of the Budget, is expected to observe the requisite financial norms and maintain fiscal prudence while making budgetary allocations,' the panel said. Noting that budget estimates for interest payments on both gross and net basis have shown an increase over the years, the committee said, 'Given that the interest payment estimates are closely linked to market conditions; building budget buffer would allow the Government to respond swiftly and flexibly during any adversities that may arise due to global macroeconomic and geopolitical developments.' The panel has asked the government to explore all possible ways and means in collaboration with State Governments to achieve more consistent inflation control across the country. The committee in its report also appreciated the increased allocation for capital expenditure, which it said would enhance India's global competitiveness and fast-track sustainable economic development.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bhu Suraksha: Karnataka goes paperless for land records
Bengaluru: The Karnataka revenue department has fully transitioned to digital issuance of land records since July 1 under the state govt's ambitious Bhu Suraksha scheme. As part of the move, no physical copies of land documents are being issued, and citizens can now access certified land records online via the Bhu Suraksha portal. "If the documents people require are not digitised so far, the department will digitise them on priority and issue them to the applicants within seven days," revenue commissioner P Sunil Kumar said. For the land records already digitised, applicants will receive the documents on the same day of requisition. The shift is aimed at reducing the dependency on govt offices and ensuring quick and easy access to documents. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Revenue minister Krishna Byre Gowda said all certified A and B category records are now available digitally at nadakacheris. "Category A records are very important documents of lands that should be stored permanently, and category B records should be stored for up to 30 years," he added. Gowda added the department will soon extend the digital document issuance service to Bapuji Seva Kendras located in gram panchayats to ensure accessibility across rural areas. "We will make necessary arrangements to issue the digitised land documents at Bapuji Seva Kendras in rural areas within the next six months," he said. Taking a serious note of the poor performance, Gowda criticised the district authorities. "Under the Bhu Suraksha scheme, Bengaluru Urban district issued only 27 pages. Being the capital of IT industries, it is shameful," the minister told officials at a recent review meeting. He instructed the revenue commissioner to issue a notice to the Anekal tehsildar for failing to implement the scheme and not issuing a single document despite a clear directive. Citizens unable to access the portal directly can still approach nadakacheris or taluk offices to obtain the digitised records. The department has also planned assistance programmes to help those not familiar with online services. As of Thursday, 53 individuals applied online and received 217 pages of documents. The govt aims to expand the reach by linking the service with all taluk and gram-level service centres.
Hindustan Times
11-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
₹10 lakh health cover to all families gets Punjab cabinet nod
The Punjab cabinet on Thursday approved the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna to provide cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh to all the residents of the state at government as well as empanelled private hospitals. Punjab chief ninister Bhagwant Mann (Sourced) A decision to this effect was taken during a meeting of the council of ministers chaired by Bhagwant Mann at the chief minister's official residence. 'With this, Punjab has become the first state to provide cashless treatment of up to ₹10 lakh,' Mann said after chairing the cabinet meeting. A spokesperson from the chief minister's office said the scheme will be rolled out on October 2. 'With this, every household in the state is entitled to comprehensive healthcare coverage. The scheme will benefit the entire population and more than 550 private hospitals have been empanelled for the scheme so far and the number will be enhanced to 1,000 in coming days,' the spokesperson said. The health cards under the scheme will be issued at Seva Kendras or Common Service Centres (CSCs). 'Additionally, citizens can register online using their Aadhaar card or Voter ID to obtain a health card,' the spokesperson said. Previously, a family could avail treatment only up to ₹5 lakh. Relief to investors Given the difficulties faced by investors, the cabinet has decided to implement the notification to collect change of land use (CLU), external development charges (EDC), licence fee (LF) and others from the projects developed under the popular act or mega project policy from June 4 this year. These charges were implemented through wide notification dated June 4, 2025, on all new real estate projects to be set up in the state and on new extensions to ongoing projects with effect from April 1, 2025. However, now the Cabinet has decided to implement this notification from June 4. 1,500 women sarpanches, panches to be sent to Nanded sahib: CM The Punjab government has decided to send 1,500 of the best-performing women Sarpanch/ Panchs to Nanded Sahib to pay obeisance, CM Mann announced on Thursday. Providing details, the CM said the initiative is being undertaken to commemorate the 350th martyrdom day of the ninth Sikh master Guru Teg Bahadur. 'The state government will bear the entire cost of boarding and lodging for these women sarpanches and panches. Special trains will be arranged to facilitate their visit to the sacred site,' he said.
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Punjab CM announces ₹10-lakh universal health cover for every family
The Punjab government on Tuesday launched the 'Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana', a universal health cover promising free and cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per year for every family of the state, irrespective of income. The scheme was formally launched by chief minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal at a public event in Sector 35, Chandigarh. (Sanjeev Sharma/HT) The scheme was formally launched by chief minister Bhagwant Mann and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal at a public event in Sector 35, Chandigarh. Addressing the gathering during the launch, Kejriwal said starting today, the entire population of 3 crore in the state will be eligible for free treatment under this scheme. The scheme will be operational from October 2 after which camps will be organised to enrol people. Kejriwal said earlier, a family could avail of treatment only up to ₹5 lakh, but now this limit had been increased to ₹10 lakh. He said every citizen of Punjab will be entitled to free healthcare, whether they were government employees or pensioners, with no income limit. 'Previously, only eligible families could benefit from treatment up to ₹5 lakh, but now, all citizens are covered,' he assured. Health cards under this scheme can be made at Seva Kendras or Common Service Centres (CSCs). In addition, these can also be obtained through online registration using an Aadhaar card or voter ID. He said with the launch of this scheme, Punjab had set a new example for the rest of the country: 'Punjab is now the first state in India to provide its citizens free healthcare, education, electricity and bus travel.' Kejriwal said acting on the message of 'Sarbat da Bhala (welfare of all)' given by the great Gurus, the Punjab government had taken steps for the well-being of all sections of society. He said under this scheme, any citizen can avail free treatment at any government hospital or empanelled private hospital, adding that now, no citizen of Punjab will have to forgo treatment due to financial constraints. Kejriwal said this work being done today should have been done 50 years ago, but unfortunately it was never on the agenda of those who ruled the country. He said due to this only, the AAP had always focused on providing quality health and education services to people so that they can excel in life. He said those who claim to make the country 'Vishavguru' had hitherto denied the country these facilities due to which the country had lagged behind. Citing examples of countries like Singapore, Japan, Germany and others, Kejriwal said they excelled because these countries had focused on these issues. He said the work being done by AAP these days was the real work of nation building. Giving an example, Kejriwal said due to strenuous efforts of the state government Punjab today was number 1 in the National Achievement Survey in Education, whereas it was on 17th rank in 2017. Kejriwal said due to the concerted efforts of the state government, Punjab today was excelling in every sphere whether it was education, health or development. He said the state government had opened 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics in the state that were providing free treatment to all, adding that 200 more such clinics will be dedicated soon. He congratulated the people on this red-letter day and said only an honest government will bother for the well-being of the common man. Kejriwal said the state government had not levied any fresh tax on people, but checked the pilferage of public money, which was being spent on development and welfare of people.
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Haryana govt to modernise registration offices
1 2 Chandigarh: Financial commissioner of the revenue and disaster management department, Sumita Misra, said on Wednesday that the state govt will modernise all registration offices across the state by restructuring them on the model of Passport Seva Kendras. She said the initiative will be rolled out in a phased manner, starting with high-density and high-transaction districts such as Panchkula, Gurugram, and Faridabad. She stressed that this transformation is not limited to infrastructure improvements but is part of a broader plan to strengthen service delivery, boost transparency, and increase accountability within the revenue administration. Misra said that this new model will include citizen-centric features such as online slot booking, well-equipped waiting areas, real-time digital display systems, and dedicated helpdesks. Signage and information will be made available in local languages to assist citizens. To address persistent issues of slow server response during registration activities, particularly at sub-divisional and tehsil levels, Dr Misra directed the establishment of two state-level revenue data centres with a storage capacity of 2 petabytes each. She directed officers to float tenders for the same within the next 10 days. She apprised that to date, 418 out of 440 pilot villages (95%) across 22 districts successfully completed their Tatima updation. This represents a substantial leap in land records modernisation and a strong increase from the 380 villages reported on May 8, 2025, reflecting the addition of 38 villages in just over a month. Several districts achieved 100% Tatima updation of their allotted pilot villages. These include Charkhi Dadri, Faridabad, Fatehabad, Hisar, Jind, Kaithal, Karnal, Panchkula, Panipat, Rohtak, Sirsa, and Sonipat. Gurugram also showed progress, leading in new additions with 11 new villages reaching 80% completion. The efforts resulted in a significant increase in processed records, with a total of 3,53,680 Tatima records completed as of June 25, marking an increase of 23,005 records since May 8.
