MHA – Year End Review 2020 Ministry of Home Affairs

Ministry of Home Affairs

Year End Review 2020 Ministry of Home Affairs

Highlights of Major Decisions/ Initiatives of MHA

07 JAN 2021

INTRODUCTION

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and concerns over its rapid spread to Indian shores started dominating the activities of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) since early this year. Detail of MHA activities on COVID-19 can be seen at ANNEXURE I.

Major activities of MHA during 2020 –A summary of important developments during the year:

JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH – Further steps towards Integration of the new UTs with the Union

• Adaptation of Central Laws and State Laws in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh   
• Orders were notified for adaptation of 48 Central Laws and 167 State Laws in respect of UT of J&K
• Orders relating to adaptation of 44 Central Laws and 148 State Laws in UT of Ladakhwere also notified.
• The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2020 was notified on 31.03.2020. It removes difficulties with regard to section 75 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 for administering oath to new judges appointed to the common High Court for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
• A Bench of Central Administrative Tribunal was established at Jammu on 08.06.2020.
• The Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020 was notified on 27.09.2020.TheAct came into force w.e.f. 29.09.2020.  Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, Hindi and English have now become official Languages of UT of J&K.
• The number of terrorist incidents in 2020 (Upto15^thNov) decreased by 63.93 percent as compared to the corresponding period in 2019. There was also decrease in fatalities of Special Forces Personnel by 29.11 percent and decrease in casualties of civilians by 14.28 percent in 2020 (Upto15^th Nov) as compared to the corresponding period in 2019.
• One-time financial assistance of Rs. 5.5 lakh per family provided to 36,384 displaced families from PoJK and Chhamb under Prime Minister Development Package. A one-time financial assistance at the rate of Rs.5.5 Lakh per family for the 5,764 families of West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs) in Jammu &Kashmir State is also being provided at par with displaced persons of PoJK and Chhamb.
• 4^th April: MHA issued order to make domiciles of J&K eligible for all Government posts in the UT.
• 14^th October: Union Cabinet approved a Special Package worth Rs. 520 crore in the UTs of J&K and Ladakh for a period of five years till FY 2023-24 and ensure funding of DeendayalAntyodayaYojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) in the UTs of J&K and Ladakh on a demand driven basis without linking allocation with poverty ratio during this extended period.
• 21^st October: Cabinet approved extension of the Market Intervention Scheme for procurement of apples in J&K for the year 2020-21 on the same terms and condition as was done last season i.e. 2019-20.
• 26^th September: Delegation of Ladakhi veteran leaders met Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah in New Delhi.
• Union Home Minister assured the delegation that Government of India was committed to empower the LAHDC of Leh and Kargil and would safeguard interests of the people of the UT of Ladakh. Following the assurances, the delegation agreed to withdraw its call for the boycott of the ensuing LAHDC, Leh elections.
• District Development Council (DDC) Elections in UT of Jammu & Kashmir
• The Government of India amended the Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 on 16.10.2020 to set up District Development Councils (DDCs) in each district of Jammu & Kashmir. In a land mark decision for the first time ever West Pakistan’s refugees were entitled to exercise their franchise. The creation of DDCs was the last and final step in establishing a fully functional Panchayati Raj System in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir as mandated under the 73^rd Constitutional Amendment, 1992.
• Reflecting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s commitment and resolve to strengthen grassroots democracy in Jammu & Kashmir, for the first time in history,DDC elections were held in the UT of J&K. The elections were held in eight phases from the last week of November tothe hird week of December.2,178 candidates contested for 280 constituencies. Out of a total 58,34,458 eligible electors, 30,00,185 cast their votes accounting for a net turnout of 51.42 percent. 
• 6^th March: CISF takes over the security of Jammu Airport Security of Srinagar Airport was handed over to the CISF on 26^th February.

NORTH-EAST: CONSOLIDATING PEACE DIVIDENDS

• There has been substantial improvement in the security situation in the North Eastern States since 2014. There has been a significant decline in insurgency incidents in last six years. The declining trend in insurgency incidents also continued in the year 2020.
• Due to improvement in security situation in last six years, Armed Forces Special Powers Act has been completely removed in Meghalaya and Tripura and its application has been reduced in Arunachal Pradesh.

• 16^th January: Signing of Historic Agreement to end the Bru-Reang Refugee Crisis
• Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah presided over the signing of an agreement between Government of India, Governments of Tripura and Mizoram and Bru-Reang representatives in New Delhi on 16^th January, to end the 23-year old Bru-Reangmigrant crisis. This historic agreement was in line with Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for the progress of the North East and the empowerment of the people of the region. Around 37,000 Brumigrants would be settled in Tripura and given aid from the Centre to help with their rehabilitation and all-round development, through a package of around Rs 600 crore.
• 27^th January: Bodo Agreement.
• Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah presided over the signing of a historic agreement between Government of India, Government of Assam and Bodo representatives, in New Delhi on 27^th January, to end the over 50-year old Bodo crisis.
• As a result, 1,615 cadres of NDFB groups surrendered their arms and NDFB groups disbanded themselves on 9th – 10th March, 2020.
• A Special Development Package Rs. 1,500 crore over three years would be given by the Union Government to undertake specific projects for the development of Bodo areas.
• In continuation of efforts for peace in North East, 644 cadres of various outfits including ULFA/I, NDFB, KLO etc. surrendered their arms in Assam on 23.01.2020.

AMENDMENTS TO IMPORTANT LAWS

• Amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010
• The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020 was passed by Parliament in September 2020 and was notified on 28^th September, 2020.   The amendments made in the Act would help in effectively monitoring the receipt and utilization of foreign contribution received by various organizations. Government also notified amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Rules, 2011 on 10^th November, 2020. 
• The Act prohibits foreign contribution for any activities that pose a danger to national interest.
• It makes Aadhaar for Indian citizens and passports or OCI for foreigners mandatory to verify identity.
• 9^th September: FCRA clearance to the Sri Harmandir Sahib.

• MHA granted registration to the Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib, Sri Darbar Sahib, Punjab.
• Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah hailed the grant of FCRA clearance to the Sri Harmandir Sahib as a path breaking and historic decision.
• Calling it “a blessed moment”, Shri Amit Shah said, in a tweet, “the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji is blessed that Wahe Guru ji has taken Seva from him. The decision on FCRA at the Sri Harmandir Sahib is a pathbreaking one which will once again showcase the outstanding spirit of service of our Sikh sisters and brothers”.
• 29^th September: Human Rights cannot be an excuse for defying the law of the land-MHA.
• Following instances of mala fide rerouting of money, the MHA suspended the FCRA license to Amnesty International.
• MHA clarified that the Amnesty was free to continue humanitarian work in India, as is being done by many other organizations. However, India, by settled law, does not allow interference in domestic political debates by entities funded by foreign donations.
• 11^th November: FRRO, Delhi given jurisdiction over matters relating to services in respect of OCI card holders residing in districts of GautamBuddh Nagar and Ghaziabad. Jurisdiction of three FRROS in Kerala clearly defined.
• So far, GautamBuddh Nagar and Ghaziabad districts of Uttar Pradesh were earlier under jurisdiction of FRRO, Lucknow.
• 24^th February: Amendments in Arms Act, 1959 and Arms Rules, 2016 notified; Increase in number of Firearms and Ammunition allowed for Shooters.
• 8^th January: Revised Guidelines for Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters.
• In furtherance to Government of India’s policy of zero tolerance for crime and in an endeavour to fast track the dispensation of justice, the MHA issued Revised Guidelines for Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters in December 2019.
• India has entered into Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties/ Agreements with 42 countries and is signatory to various international conventions i.e. UNCAC, UNTOC etc..
• The revised guidelines incorporate substantial changes in International Cooperation based on new legislations, regulations & conventions and amendment in procedural laws all over the world including India.
• 19^th March: Modi government took important step to encourage NCC Certificate holders to join Paramilitary Forces.
• In order to achieve Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to increase participation of India’s youth in National Cadet Corps (NCC), the Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah took an unprecedented decision to give NCC Certificate holders Bonus Marks in direct entry examinations for in the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), as prevalent in Armed forces examinations.

INDIVIDUALS NAMED UNDER UAPA ACT – Tightening the noose

• 1^st July: MHA declared nine individuals linked to Sikh terrorist groups as designated terrorists under UAPA.
• 27^th October: Eighteen more individuals, all Pakistan based, declared as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

NEW INITIATIVES OF MHA – Enabling safe & secure India

• 10^th January: Home Minister Shri Amit Shah inaugurated Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) in New Delhi; dedicated National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
• The scheme to setup I4C was approved in October 2018 at an estimated cost of Rs. 415.86 crore, to deal with all types of cybercrimes in a comprehensive and coordinated manner.
• At the initiative of the MHA, 15 States and UTs have given their consent to set up Regional Cyber Crime Coordination Centres at respective States/UTs.
• 29^th January: NCRB launched two online national level services related to Search of Missing Persons and to generate Vehicle NOC.
• 1^st March: Union Home MinisterShri Amit Shah inaugurated the campus of NSG Regional Hub at Kolkata.
• The state-of-the-art regional hub complex at Kolkata, worth over Rs.162 crore, became a model regional hub of the NSG. Area of responsibility of this hub comprises West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand & the entire North East.
• 2^nd December: Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah addressed inaugural session of 55^th Annual DGsP/IGsP Conference; First such conference organized in virtual mode.
• In his inaugural address, Home Minister emphasised that there should be zero tolerance against terrorism. While stressing upon the need to ensure safety and dignity of citizens, he underlined the importance of capacity building of Police to deal with emergency situations and disasters.
• The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi later joined the Conference virtually and reviewed the action points of the previous Conference.
• 4^th March: MHA approved implementation of Automated Facial Recognition System by NCRB, will facilitate better identification of criminals, unidentified dead bodies and missing/found children and persons.

• AFRS will use police records and will be accessible only to Law Enforcement Agencies.
• To facilitate better identification of criminals, unidentified dead bodies and missing/found children and persons. It will not violate privacy.
• 12^th March: NCRB launched Crime Multi Agency Centre(Cri-MAC)  and National Cybercrime Training Centre(NCTC).

• Cri-MAC to enable sharing of information on heinous crime and other issues related to inter-state coordination; NCTC to impart professional quality eLearning services on cybercrime investigation on large scale to police officers, judges, prosecutors and other stakeholders.
• 13^th October: Inauguration of NCRB’s eCyber Lab.

• The eCyber Lab, set up by NCRB with state-of-the-art cyber forensic tools, will provide virtual experience in investigation of cyber crimes.
• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi’s Government believes in zero tolerance in crime and terror. Under the leadership of Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah Govt. aim is to create Crime Free India.
• Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah has emphasized on importance of Modernization of Police Forces (MPF). During the financial year 2019-20, the Government of India released Rs. 780 crore towards MPF across India.
• 15^th December: 2^nd Conference on ‘Good Practices in CCTNS & ICJS.
• Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS)/ Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), the two key modernization programmes of the MHA, have led to effective law enforcement and proved to be force multipliers.
• CCTNS is a Mission mode project with a budget of about Rs. 2000 crore, that has revolutionized investigation and policing with its massive reach and connectivity. It has managed to connect the police stations and other offices, even in the most far-flung areas.
• Out of a total of 16,098 Police Stations in the country, CCTNS Software is being used in over 95 percent Police Stations; connectivity available at 97% Police Stations and 93% Police Stations now entering 100 percent FIRs through CCTNS.
• ICJS takes data sharing to a higher level and ensures a single source of truth between law enforcement and judicial systems, thus improving the operational efficiency of the criminal justice system. ICJS components such as eForensics, eProsecutions&ePrisons, have all been expanded manifold and many more databases integrated with the System.
• CCTNS data is being consumed electronically in courts in 28 States/UTs and in prisons in 32 States/UTs. Reverse transfer of court data into CCTNS has also started in 9 States/UTs.
• Under the Prime Minister’s vision of SMART Policing, a new vision has emerged of maintaining law and order with focus on accountability, transparency, community-based strategies and efficiency.

SAFE CITY PROJECT – towards safe ecosystem for citizens, especially women

• Safe City Projects sanctioned in Phase I in 8 cities (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow and Mumbai).
• The Safe City projects to supplement existing assets and meet citizen demands for safe ecosystem for women in these cities.
• Safe City Projects, using technology to aid Smart Policing and safety management, are comprehensive and integrated projects developed by the Police and Municipal Corporations of the city, in keeping with the demands of their women residents and to plug any gaps in existing infrastructure.
• A total of Rs.1,220 crore disbursed to States/ UTs.

DELHI RIOTS – Home Minister steps in

• 25^th February: Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah chaired meeting with Political Parties and Senior Officials on issue of violence in Delhi.
• Shri Amit Shah urged political parties to avoid provocative speeches and statements which could flare up the communal violence. He noted that the professional assessment is that the violence in the capital has been spontaneous. The Union Home Minister directed deployment of additional forces in affected areas.
• 27^th February: Union Home Minister took stock of the prevailing Law and Order situation in Delhi.
• 12^th March: Shri Shah responded to a discussion on the recent Law and Order Situation in some parts of Delhi in Rajya Sabha.
• Expressing grief over loss of life and property in Delhi violence, in the Rajya Sabha, the Union Home Minister reassured the Nation that Modi Government is committed to bring the perpetrators to justice regardless of their religion, caste, creed or political affiliation.
• Shri Amit Shah emphasized that no culprit would be pardoned and the punishment would instil fear of law in the hearts of perpetrators of violence in the future.
• He said that all the loss of property during the riots would be recovered from those responsible for it.
• He informed the House that many social media accounts were created a day before the beginning of the riots and were shut down once the riots ended. He resolved to bring all those who instigated riots on social media to justice.
• Shri Shah said that vested interests are misguiding and instilling a fear in Indian Muslims that CAA would take away their citizenship. The hate speeches delivered in the last two months were the main reason behind anti-CAA protests culminating into Delhi riots.
• The Home Minister also reassured the people that no document would be demanded during NPR exercise and that nobody will be classified as doubtful on citizenship grounds, on the basis of NPR.
• The Home Minister requested all political parties to rise above politics and allay all fears from the minds of common people in this regard.

BORDER AREA DEVELOPMENT –SeemantVikasotsav: A unique platform to expedite development in border areas and sensitize local population about their role in National Security

• The border population plays significant role in the overall security of the border areas of the country. They function as ‘Eyes and Ears’ of the nation especially the security forces. The border population is actually a force multiplier for the security forces. Border community and their representatives are vital tools for surveillance on the border, as they identify and report movement of any suspects/ strangers/suspicious objects. 
• On the initiative of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, a “SimantKshetra Vikasotsav-2020” was held in Dhordo Village, Kutch (Gujarat) on November 12, 2020, as a unique platform to sensitize the border population about their role in national security and development works initiated by the Government of India to provide critical infrastructure and ensuring sustainable living for them.

• Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah inaugurated the programme. Village heads, members of district and taluk panchayats of 158 border villages from three border districts of Gujarat, namely Kutch, Banaskantha and Patan districts sharing borders with Pakistan, attended the programme.
• The Union Home Minister, speaking at the SeemantVikasUtsav – 2020 said its aim is to bring good governance and development to border areas.
• He said citizens living in border villages should get the same facility as citizens living in the cities. Along with this, the aim of the SeemantVikasUtsav is to sensitize the population of these areas to the importance of national security and share the sensitivity of the security aspect and strategic importance of border areas.

CAPF’S COMMITMENT TO MAKE INDIA AATMANIRBHAR-Promotion of Swadeshi:

• Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on 12^th May made an appeal to make India Aatmanirbhar, self-reliant, and use products made in India.
• Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah described this appeal as a guiding light to make India the Global Leader in future.
• In this direction, the MHA decided that all the Central Armed Police Forces canteens and stores across the country would now sell only indigenous products, from 1^st June, 2020.
• Kendriya Police KalyanBhandar- KPKB  (earlier known as Central Police Canteen) were directed to sell Swadeshi Goods only w.e.f. 01.06.2020. KPKB have also entered into an agreement with Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) to sell their products through Bhandars. 
• CAPFs are also making efforts to procure KVIC products to meet their requirement of clothing and edible items.  This will provide boost to Khadi and Village Industries thereby generating large scale employment.
• The total purchase value would be around Rs. 2,800 crore.
• With this decision, 50 lakh family members of about 10 lakh CAPF personnel would use indigenous products.

TREE PLANTATION DRIVE by CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces)

• 25^th January 2020: Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah desired that Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) i.e. Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP), SashastraSeema Bal (SSB), National Security Guard (NSG) and Assam Rifles (ARs) should undertake a “Plantation Drive-2020” during the monsoon season and plan to plant at least one crore saplings. The trees to be planted would be of indigenous varieties having long life as well as health benefits. The life span of these trees would range from 10 to 100 years. Accordingly, CAPFs pledged to undertake a massive Plantation Drive-2020, during the monsoon season.

• 12^th July: Union Home Minister launched the nationwide tree plantation drive of the CAPFs.
• Union Home Minister planted a sapling of the ‘Peepul’ tree at the CRPF Campus in Gurugram on 12^th July to mark launch of the CAPFs nationwide tree plantation drive.

• Shri Amit Shah lauded the CAPF Jawans for undertaking this massive campaign since February, 2020 to plant more than 1.37 crore saplings of long-lasting trees across the country besides ensuring security and contributing in the nation’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Shri Amit Shah, quoting from an ancient Hindu text, said a tree is worth more than ten sons:

दशकूपसमावापी, दशवापीसमोह्रदः।

दशह्रदसमोपुत्रो, दशपुत्रसमोद्रुमः।।

[A pond is equal to 10 wells, a lake equal to ten ponds;

One son is worth ten lakes and one tree is worth ten sons]

• Varieties of saplings chosen in this plantation drive such as peepal, jamun, neem, vatavriksh, burgud based on their oxygen giving capability and ability to survive in different seasons; as far as possible local species being planted and at least half of the total plantation constituting of long lasting trees with a lifecycle of 100 years or more; medicinal and environment friendly trees preferred.
• By 30^th November 2020, 1.47 crore saplings were planted across 27 States and 7 Union Territories at 1,216 locations of these Forces. The details of the saplings planted by these forces are as under:-

• 23^rd July: Union Home Minister launched Tree Plantation Campaign-2020 of the Coal Ministry
• Shri Amit Shah launched the Tree Plantation Campaign “VriksharopanAbhiyan” of the Ministry of Coal in the presence of Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi.
• Union Home Minister inaugurated and laid Foundation stone of 6 Ecoparks /Tourism sites.
• Tree plantation campaign conducted at more than 130 locations spread in 38 Districts of 10 coal /lignite bearing States through Video Conferencing.

NEW UNIVERSITIES – National Forensic Sciences University and the RashtriyaRaksha University (RRU)

• The Government of India set up a National Forensic Sciences University recognizing the increasing need for high quality manpower in the field of Forensic Sciences necessary for improving criminal investigations The University, which is an Institution of National Importance commenced its operations on October 1, 2020.
• The Government of India also set up a National Police University with the name of RashtriyaRaksha University (RRU) recognizing the increasing need for high quality trained manpower in various wings of policing, criminal justice and correctional administration.
• The University, which is an Institution of National Importance, commenced its operations on October 1, 2020.

DISASTER MANAGEMENT – Proper planning & swift aid

CYCLONE AMPHAN:   

• 18^th May: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi reviewed preparedness. Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah was present, along with senior officers of Government of India and officers of IMD, NDMA and NDRF.
• Prime Minister directed that all necessary measures be taken to complete evacuation of people from areas in cyclone path and maintain adequate quantities of essential supplies.
• The Extremely Sever Cyclonic Strom struck the Indian coast affecting the States of West Bengal and Odisha on 20^thMay 2020. It crossed West Bengal and Bangladesh, with the speed of 155-165 Km/ hour gusting to 185km/hrs across the Sunderbans.From the formation of the low pressure area, the situation was monitored at the highest level on 24×7 basis. MHA also provided all necessary financial and logistical support including deployment of NDRF and Defence Forces. With the concerted efforts of the MHA, in close coordination with the State Governments, Ministry of Defence, NDRF and other Central Ministries/Department loss of human lives was substantially minimized.
• Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi also undertook an aerial survey of the cyclone affected districts of West Bengal and Odisha and announced a financial assistance of Rs. 1,000 crore for West Bengal and Rs 500 crore to Odisha, for immediate relief activities. He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. twolakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the seriously injured in the cyclone in the States
• Based on damage assessment report, an amount of Rs.1,250.28 crore was released in addition to the already released financial assistance of Rs 1,000 crore to the State of West Bengal, from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) for meeting the expenditure towards relief operations.

 CYCLONE NISARG & CYCLONE NIVAR

• On 03.06.2020, the Severe Cyclonic Storm “NISARGA” crossed Maharashtra coast close to south of Alibagh with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph.
• Cyclone NIVAR cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram around Puducherry during intervening night of 25^th&26^th November, 2020 with a wind speed of 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph.
• Since the beginning of the formation of low pressure area, the situation was monitored at the highest level on 24×7 basis. All logistical support has been provided and deployed manpower and resources of NDRF, Armed Forces in the States affected by Cyclone.
• Based on damage assessment report, an amount of Rs. 268.59 crore was released to the State of Maharashtra from NDRF for Cyclone Nisarg. 
• Central Government has constituted Inter Ministerial Central Teams (IMCT) to assess the damage caused due to effect of this cyclone in the State Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and UT of Puducherry.
• Release of funds from the State Disaster Risk Management Fund(SDRMF)/State Disaster Relief Fund(SDRF) & National disaster Relief Fund(NDRF)
• For the year 2020-21, the allocation of SDRMF/SDRF is Rs.28,983.00 crore out of which Rs.22,184.00 is Central Share and Rs.6,799.00 is share of State Governments. During the year 2020-21(up to 30/11/2020) an amount of Rs.11,170.425 crore of 1^st  instalment has been released, as Central share of SDRMF to 28 States. Besides, the 2^nd instalment of Central Share of SDRMF for the year 2020-21, amounting to Rs.5,423.50 crore has been released, to the 10 States. In addition to this, financial assistance of Rs.4,406.81 crore has been released from NDRF to the 10 States.

ZONAL COUNCILS &Island Development Agency (IDA) – Promoting amicable federal structure

• 28^th January: Union Home Minister chaired the 22^nd Meeting of the Central Zonal Council held at Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
• During the meeting, the Home Minister stressed on the need of regular meetings of the Zonal Councils.
• Shri Shah exhorted the members to expeditiously resolve the issues relating to forest clearance and provide brick-&-mortar banking facility within 5 kms radius in each village – particularly in Naxal areas.
• He called upon the States to adhere to the timeline of 2 months for completion of investigation of offences under POCSO Act.
• The Home Minister reminded the States to send suggestions for comprehensive amendments of CrPC and IPC, for which he had already written to all the Chief Ministers.
• Shri Amit Shah further called for prompt payment to farmers and assured the States in the region that their issues relating to procurement of grains and their disposal would be resolved quickly and informed that a high level committee was already seized of the matter.
• 28^th February: Shri Amit Shah chaired 24^th Meeting of Eastern Zonal Council at Bhubaneswar.
• The Home Minister expressed satisfaction at usefulness of Zonal Council mechanism and informed that more than 70 percent issues have been resolved based on the recent meetings of the Zonal Councils and remaining issues are also under resolution.
• 13^th January: Shri Amit Shah chaired meeting of Island Development Agency focusing on ‘Green Development in the Islands to reach a new Height’.
• For the first time in the country, under the guidance of IDA, an initiative of sustainable development in the identified Islands within scientifically-assessed carrying capacity was taken-up.

UNION TERRITORIES

• The Government has envisaged that the Union Territories (UTs) must have the highest standards of living, citizen services and infrastructure, and that they should become models of good governance and development for the rest of the country to follow. Following the announcement of the AtmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, all efforts are being made to ensure an effective and outcome-oriented implementation of development Programmes of the Government of India.
• To develop the maritime economy, while preserving the natural ecosystem and also addressing the security concerns of the islands, key infrastructure tourism projects have been planned and being implemented with participation of the private sector and support of the local islanders in Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
• All segment of the CANI (Chennai and Andaman & Nicobar Islands) Submarine Optical Fibre Cable project connecting Mainland to Port Blair and further to SwarajDweep, Little Andaman, Car Nicobar, Kamorta, Great Nicobar, Long Island and Rangat, were commissioned. This High Speed Broadband connectivity project will enable delivery of fast and more reliable mobile and land telecom service at par with mainland India. The CANI project will be a game changer for the islanders and boost ease of living and e-Governance in the Islands, apart from giving impetus to the economy and raise standard of living of the Islanders.

Also check: YEAR END REVIEW 2020, DEPARTMENT OF POSTS

Check: ANNEXURE I