Niti Aayog drawing up blueprint for reforms in the farming sector - The Economic Times
Sunday, March 17, 2019
State agricultural reports by NITI Aayog have identified deficiencies and have suggested improvements. Govt now wants to add market dynamism to speed up the transformation. Reforms will free farming from legal or procedural constraints and help garner a wider market. This should help reduce costs, bring in investment and boost farmers' incomes.
Niti Aayog drawing up blueprint for reforms in the farming sector - The Economic Times
Niti Aayog drawing up blueprint for reforms in the farming sector - The Economic Times
Does BRICS help to advance interests of all members & specifically India?
Three incidence of co-operation were mentioned, as in trading in own currency, National Development Bank and security linkages. Chinese see diminishing benefits as nations are pre-occupied elsewhere.
What are India's vital interests? How does India further its economy and other vital interests?
A few interests were mentioned:
1) Economic growth & Make in India
2) Peaceful region, which means countering China military in Indian Ocean.
3) Iran as a gateway to bypass Pakistan and as a major trading partner
4) Afghanistan is part of the Indian sub-continent
5) Defence supplies and technologies
6) International nuclear protocols
7) East Asian countries and Japan
LEMOA could get some benefits from US, eg. entry into Nuclear protocols and Make in India. Infra spend in Iran and Afghanistan should open reliable transits, further business opportunities and reduce their dependence on Pakistan and China. Its South China Sea stance should carry favour with ASEAN and Japan. BRICS cooperation is strongly advocated.
Can defense procurement lead to an exclusive alliance with the vendor?
Russia has had an exclusive alliance with India. US will be primarily transactional.
What is BRICS member India really up to?
Three incidence of co-operation were mentioned, as in trading in own currency, National Development Bank and security linkages. Chinese see diminishing benefits as nations are pre-occupied elsewhere.
What are India's vital interests? How does India further its economy and other vital interests?
A few interests were mentioned:
1) Economic growth & Make in India
2) Peaceful region, which means countering China military in Indian Ocean.
3) Iran as a gateway to bypass Pakistan and as a major trading partner
4) Afghanistan is part of the Indian sub-continent
5) Defence supplies and technologies
6) International nuclear protocols
7) East Asian countries and Japan
LEMOA could get some benefits from US, eg. entry into Nuclear protocols and Make in India. Infra spend in Iran and Afghanistan should open reliable transits, further business opportunities and reduce their dependence on Pakistan and China. Its South China Sea stance should carry favour with ASEAN and Japan. BRICS cooperation is strongly advocated.
Can defense procurement lead to an exclusive alliance with the vendor?
Russia has had an exclusive alliance with India. US will be primarily transactional.
What is BRICS member India really up to?
GAS ECONOMY
Several new gas pipelines will converge into a gas network, to bring cheap, abundant supplies across India. High costs of the pipelines (see comments) are mitigated by setting up city gas distributions in large urban centres and by supplying future economic corridors. It's a godsend for reviving fertilizer plants in fertilizer deficient (eastern) states, and for creating large numbers of food processing units close to farming centres. The plan also envisages gas exploration, NE gas exploitation & linkages, doubling of LNG import capacity, universal domestic LPG gas coverage and revival of gas power plants. Gas is also being promoted for transport, eg KL trialling LNG in buses.
ISSUES
1. A glut in world markets has lowered costs. Imported LNG works out slightly more expensive. Transnational gas pipeline offers a low-cost, long-term solution but ties India into a strategic dependency. Domestic gas exploitation, Waste to Energy and Coal gasification are attractive indigenous options for the future.
2. Long term affordable gas is essential. Diversity of LNG sourcing helps India's bargaining position and reduces dependency. India has quite a few options.
3. The Right of way delays have plagued previous pipe-laying efforts. Kochi-TN-Bangalore- Mangalore route is finally seeing traction. Unimpeded access is essential for the plan to work. Land along rail and road corridors can expedite laying for gas, oil and optical fibre. Additional non-fare/ non-toll income helps rail and road respectively.
PLAN
* LPG demand at 5.1% pa - will more than double under plan.
* Seismic surveys and other explorations for gas and oil, to be done by oil PSUs, @ Rs 5,000+ crore.
* LPG import capacity - more than double (in MTPA)
Dahej, GJ from 10.0 / 15.0 --> 18.0
Dabhol, MH from 1.2 --> 5.0
Hazira, GL 5.0
Kochi, KL 5.0 (idle)
Mundra, GJ 0 --> 5.0
Dhamra in OD 0---> 5.0
Ennore, TN 0---> 5.0
Kakinada, AP 0---> 1.75
TRANSNATIONAL
* Russia - India trade ("pipeline") - Russian options for supply or long-term price security.
> Supply security: the direct route through Himalayas & West China costs $25 to $40 billion; or via Myanmar/ East China at a lesser cost. Both parties may contribute.
> Supply security: link to TAPI. Gives supply security only if there is one other pipeline, and at least one remains open at all times.
> Price security: price swap allows India to source gas from Iran and price difference is settled between India-Russia.
* TAPI: $9 billion. 1820km route. Turkmenistan - India via Afg, Pak, is u/c and proceeding fast. Multi-partite agreement in place. India's share is 13.9MTPA. Supplies gas directly to North India (PJ, HY, Raj).
* Iran-India via Oman undersea: $5 billion dollars. India may fund the entire cost. It will have to verify technical aspects and bear the whole risk.
NATIONAL
* Eastern Gas network for city gas, fertilizer plants, food processing Rs 50,000 crore. (see comments)
* South India gas pipeline
* NE exploration and transnational linkages
GAS DISTRIBUTION
* LPG gas connections Rs 8,000. Free 50m connections by 2018.
* Gas power plants: subsidized gas is provided to stranded gas power projects. Due to current low prices, projects suffice with purchase agreements and minimal subsidy. Power ministry is looking for long-term gas deals with LNG suppliers. Gas power generation is good at balancing the grid because it can be switched on/ off quickly. Indian Railway has revived Dabhol gas plant because it wants clean energy.
Reviving and expanding Urea fertilizer plants
Food processing and co.
CITY GAS DISTRIBUTION
* City gas distribution: From 6%pa in CNG or transportation sector, CGD is set for immense growth due to PNG or piped natural gas. Many private and PSUs are building the city network. Distributors (those selling gas to customers) are buoyant.
1. CNG - domestic and commercial vehicles (like taxis, light commercial vans) are growing numbers.
2. Piped natural gas - will see wide demand from residential, commercial (hotels, offices, canteens) and industrial (dryers, boilers, furnaces).
http://smartcities.gov.in/writereaddata/PPT_on_CGD.pdf
Natural Gas is the least polluting fuel - PNG is ideal for any Smart City. However, India currently has very poor coverage and limited gas connections. Even after 101 CGDs are effected, 60% of the proposed 98 smart cities will be left out. Similarly, 95% of all connections are in Gujarat, NCR and Mumbai/Pune.
Central Govt is facilitating PNG and intends to cover all cities:
1. Unserved East, NE and South India will get trunk gas pipeline. CGD spurs will be built at the same time.
2. Work on CGD is planned ahead. Delays and the high cost of last mile connections can be tackled thus, eg if the city authority (eg Kolkata) doesn't facilitate pipe laying and/or inexpensive connections, it doesn't get the spur.
3. Gas availability for CGD is guaranteed.
4. Gas distributors are delivering very good service.
India’s LNG demand set to double in next 4 years: Report
Several new gas pipelines will converge into a gas network, to bring cheap, abundant supplies across India. High costs of the pipelines (see comments) are mitigated by setting up city gas distributions in large urban centres and by supplying future economic corridors. It's a godsend for reviving fertilizer plants in fertilizer deficient (eastern) states, and for creating large numbers of food processing units close to farming centres. The plan also envisages gas exploration, NE gas exploitation & linkages, doubling of LNG import capacity, universal domestic LPG gas coverage and revival of gas power plants. Gas is also being promoted for transport, eg KL trialling LNG in buses.
ISSUES
1. A glut in world markets has lowered costs. Imported LNG works out slightly more expensive. Transnational gas pipeline offers a low-cost, long-term solution but ties India into a strategic dependency. Domestic gas exploitation, Waste to Energy and Coal gasification are attractive indigenous options for the future.
2. Long term affordable gas is essential. Diversity of LNG sourcing helps India's bargaining position and reduces dependency. India has quite a few options.
3. The Right of way delays have plagued previous pipe-laying efforts. Kochi-TN-Bangalore- Mangalore route is finally seeing traction. Unimpeded access is essential for the plan to work. Land along rail and road corridors can expedite laying for gas, oil and optical fibre. Additional non-fare/ non-toll income helps rail and road respectively.
PLAN
* LPG demand at 5.1% pa - will more than double under plan.
* Seismic surveys and other explorations for gas and oil, to be done by oil PSUs, @ Rs 5,000+ crore.
* LPG import capacity - more than double (in MTPA)
Dahej, GJ from 10.0 / 15.0 --> 18.0
Dabhol, MH from 1.2 --> 5.0
Hazira, GL 5.0
Kochi, KL 5.0 (idle)
Mundra, GJ 0 --> 5.0
Dhamra in OD 0---> 5.0
Ennore, TN 0---> 5.0
Kakinada, AP 0---> 1.75
TRANSNATIONAL
* Russia - India trade ("pipeline") - Russian options for supply or long-term price security.
> Supply security: the direct route through Himalayas & West China costs $25 to $40 billion; or via Myanmar/ East China at a lesser cost. Both parties may contribute.
> Supply security: link to TAPI. Gives supply security only if there is one other pipeline, and at least one remains open at all times.
> Price security: price swap allows India to source gas from Iran and price difference is settled between India-Russia.
* TAPI: $9 billion. 1820km route. Turkmenistan - India via Afg, Pak, is u/c and proceeding fast. Multi-partite agreement in place. India's share is 13.9MTPA. Supplies gas directly to North India (PJ, HY, Raj).
* Iran-India via Oman undersea: $5 billion dollars. India may fund the entire cost. It will have to verify technical aspects and bear the whole risk.
NATIONAL
* Eastern Gas network for city gas, fertilizer plants, food processing Rs 50,000 crore. (see comments)
* South India gas pipeline
* NE exploration and transnational linkages
GAS DISTRIBUTION
* LPG gas connections Rs 8,000. Free 50m connections by 2018.
* Gas power plants: subsidized gas is provided to stranded gas power projects. Due to current low prices, projects suffice with purchase agreements and minimal subsidy. Power ministry is looking for long-term gas deals with LNG suppliers. Gas power generation is good at balancing the grid because it can be switched on/ off quickly. Indian Railway has revived Dabhol gas plant because it wants clean energy.
Reviving and expanding Urea fertilizer plants
Food processing and co.
CITY GAS DISTRIBUTION
* City gas distribution: From 6%pa in CNG or transportation sector, CGD is set for immense growth due to PNG or piped natural gas. Many private and PSUs are building the city network. Distributors (those selling gas to customers) are buoyant.
1. CNG - domestic and commercial vehicles (like taxis, light commercial vans) are growing numbers.
2. Piped natural gas - will see wide demand from residential, commercial (hotels, offices, canteens) and industrial (dryers, boilers, furnaces).
http://smartcities.gov.in/writereaddata/PPT_on_CGD.pdf
Natural Gas is the least polluting fuel - PNG is ideal for any Smart City. However, India currently has very poor coverage and limited gas connections. Even after 101 CGDs are effected, 60% of the proposed 98 smart cities will be left out. Similarly, 95% of all connections are in Gujarat, NCR and Mumbai/Pune.
Central Govt is facilitating PNG and intends to cover all cities:
1. Unserved East, NE and South India will get trunk gas pipeline. CGD spurs will be built at the same time.
2. Work on CGD is planned ahead. Delays and the high cost of last mile connections can be tackled thus, eg if the city authority (eg Kolkata) doesn't facilitate pipe laying and/or inexpensive connections, it doesn't get the spur.
3. Gas availability for CGD is guaranteed.
4. Gas distributors are delivering very good service.
India’s LNG demand set to double in next 4 years: Report
DOMESTIC INVESTMENT
Interview of Alok Kshirsagar, Mckinsey: Govt has improved business climate and reduced scope of discretionary license Raj. Though domestic investment lags FDIs, investment has picked up in the past 3-6 months. "I expect investment in infra and other sectors to play out significantly over the next 12-18 months. There’s obviously a long way to go for both growth and investments".
Govt should be credited for 3 initiatives:
1. Jam trinity (Jan Dhan bank a/c, Aadhar & mobile) has increased financial inclusion, accessed good credit customers and targeted subsidies.
2. Hiked Infra spend and realized the value in stalled/ stressed projects
3. Banking reforms esp UPI (Unified Payment Interface), restructuring of NPA/ stressed bank assets and focus on the bond market.
Stressed bank assets, if unviable, can be transferred to specialist Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARC) or if recoverable should be revived as quickly as possible. Govt can take an equity stake, arbitration can be suspended and/or additional funds provided.
Interview of CEA Arvind Subramanian (see link 1): Though much more is needed for NPA (attempts were made by RBI), key for domestic investment could be ongoing financial reforms such as Aadhar, Bankruptcy, Monetary policy committee and GST.
Interview of Unikrishnan, Thermax: a point of view (see link 2): No surprise IIP fell again - IMO, it will remain weak for some time. Consumption and investment is happening but it's not enough. Though monsoon will lift automobiles, FMCG & durables; and investment has picked up in alcohol, pharma & drugs, paints & building materials, textiles and food processing..... looking at low cement utilization rates or the paltry steel demand (except autos), I see little happening on the ground. Not much is coming out of GOI's road and rail capital spend. I'm afraid, core sector - which is in dire straits, eg one steel majors defaulted recently - will remain in trouble for years to come..
Interview of Peeyush Gupta, Tata Steel (see link 3): Auto, construction and rural sectors are doing particularly well. Demand will be met by domestic steel. State and Central Govt funding in infra and railways will help overall construction activity and boost steel demand.
Essar and SAIL: Essar witnessed a massive production surge (>50%) in flat steel and pellets. SAIL witnessed a big rise in finished steel (up 20+% for half year, but 50% in Sept). Though overall demand growth is more modest at 2.5% for FY17, but 7.5% for Sept, while imports are down @37% & 50% respectively (see link 4).
There’s been tangible change in the ease of doing business: Alok Kshirsagar
Interview of Alok Kshirsagar, Mckinsey: Govt has improved business climate and reduced scope of discretionary license Raj. Though domestic investment lags FDIs, investment has picked up in the past 3-6 months. "I expect investment in infra and other sectors to play out significantly over the next 12-18 months. There’s obviously a long way to go for both growth and investments".
Govt should be credited for 3 initiatives:
1. Jam trinity (Jan Dhan bank a/c, Aadhar & mobile) has increased financial inclusion, accessed good credit customers and targeted subsidies.
2. Hiked Infra spend and realized the value in stalled/ stressed projects
3. Banking reforms esp UPI (Unified Payment Interface), restructuring of NPA/ stressed bank assets and focus on the bond market.
Stressed bank assets, if unviable, can be transferred to specialist Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARC) or if recoverable should be revived as quickly as possible. Govt can take an equity stake, arbitration can be suspended and/or additional funds provided.
Interview of CEA Arvind Subramanian (see link 1): Though much more is needed for NPA (attempts were made by RBI), key for domestic investment could be ongoing financial reforms such as Aadhar, Bankruptcy, Monetary policy committee and GST.
Interview of Unikrishnan, Thermax: a point of view (see link 2): No surprise IIP fell again - IMO, it will remain weak for some time. Consumption and investment is happening but it's not enough. Though monsoon will lift automobiles, FMCG & durables; and investment has picked up in alcohol, pharma & drugs, paints & building materials, textiles and food processing..... looking at low cement utilization rates or the paltry steel demand (except autos), I see little happening on the ground. Not much is coming out of GOI's road and rail capital spend. I'm afraid, core sector - which is in dire straits, eg one steel majors defaulted recently - will remain in trouble for years to come..
Interview of Peeyush Gupta, Tata Steel (see link 3): Auto, construction and rural sectors are doing particularly well. Demand will be met by domestic steel. State and Central Govt funding in infra and railways will help overall construction activity and boost steel demand.
Essar and SAIL: Essar witnessed a massive production surge (>50%) in flat steel and pellets. SAIL witnessed a big rise in finished steel (up 20+% for half year, but 50% in Sept). Though overall demand growth is more modest at 2.5% for FY17, but 7.5% for Sept, while imports are down @37% & 50% respectively (see link 4).
There’s been tangible change in the ease of doing business: Alok Kshirsagar
How can Israel help Indian agriculture?
Indo-Israel Agriculture Project is a collaboration of Israel Embassy, individual States and Central agency. Centres of Excellence are set-up by interested States for a purpose (see link 1) to provide practical help or tech solutions for local farmers. It will demonstrate, duplicate in Indian conditions and certify use. Efforts are made to indigenize Israeli technology.
New Centres of Excellence being set-up
--------------------------------------
25 COEs to be set up in 9 states (see map), 18 operational, for different crops, eg. Haryana has five COEs (vegetable, citrus & pomegranate, honey, mango, floriculture). It now wants micro-irrigation projects at 14 sites and a dairy centre - though these are outside IIA framework.
Next round will see more states joining, and exposition of Israeli technologies:
* irrigation, water reclamation, and aquaculture & fisheries
* MOU for joint research: like germ eradication, creating new hybrid seeds and post-harvest technologies including nanotechnology.
* Israeli tech and know how can be modified for local conditions and then taken to other countries.
Deeper engagement between India and Israel
---------------------------------
From Israel's dry weather agriculture, interest has grown for its efficient processes and technologies. The aim is for more income, higher productivity, lower losses or waste, greater success from work done (eg better plantings) and getting more with fewer resources (eg. water conservation).
> desert agriculture (incl new crops), dairy and aquaculture.
> agri-research, post-harvest technologies, water treatment/recycling, micro-irrigation, organic farming, agricultural machinery.
Israeli experts will share their knowledge by:
i) Training trainers (who take over COE management), lectures & COE visits;
ii) Extension services (knowledge is carried from COE to local farmers);
iii) Open days (demos and hands-on exposure).
IIA project see: https://youtu.be/Ta9mg28v9PE
Haryana COEs see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOiKCVGOyfo
Agricultural cooperation between Israel, India continues to blossom
Indo-Israel Agriculture Project is a collaboration of Israel Embassy, individual States and Central agency. Centres of Excellence are set-up by interested States for a purpose (see link 1) to provide practical help or tech solutions for local farmers. It will demonstrate, duplicate in Indian conditions and certify use. Efforts are made to indigenize Israeli technology.
New Centres of Excellence being set-up
--------------------------------------
25 COEs to be set up in 9 states (see map), 18 operational, for different crops, eg. Haryana has five COEs (vegetable, citrus & pomegranate, honey, mango, floriculture). It now wants micro-irrigation projects at 14 sites and a dairy centre - though these are outside IIA framework.
Next round will see more states joining, and exposition of Israeli technologies:
* irrigation, water reclamation, and aquaculture & fisheries
* MOU for joint research: like germ eradication, creating new hybrid seeds and post-harvest technologies including nanotechnology.
* Israeli tech and know how can be modified for local conditions and then taken to other countries.
Deeper engagement between India and Israel
---------------------------------
From Israel's dry weather agriculture, interest has grown for its efficient processes and technologies. The aim is for more income, higher productivity, lower losses or waste, greater success from work done (eg better plantings) and getting more with fewer resources (eg. water conservation).
> desert agriculture (incl new crops), dairy and aquaculture.
> agri-research, post-harvest technologies, water treatment/recycling, micro-irrigation, organic farming, agricultural machinery.
Israeli experts will share their knowledge by:
i) Training trainers (who take over COE management), lectures & COE visits;
ii) Extension services (knowledge is carried from COE to local farmers);
iii) Open days (demos and hands-on exposure).
IIA project see: https://youtu.be/Ta9mg28v9PE
Haryana COEs see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOiKCVGOyfo
Agricultural cooperation between Israel, India continues to blossom
New Trends in Hydro Electric Power: Renovation & Modernization (R&M) of HE projects is a good way to improve efficiency and restore, if not increase, capacity (see link 1). Works in J&K invariably encounter legal hassles due to the Indus Treaty (see comments).
Possible new HeP projects: DPRs of 8,457 MW were received. Of these, 4 were in Arunachal Pradesh, 3 in J&K, 2 in HP and 1 each in WB, Bihar, Manipur and Meghalaya (see link 2/ comment). Other projects appraised for the environment.
Inaugurate in Oct 2016 (1,752 MW) (see link 3)
--------------------------------------------
* Koldam in HP (800mw) - NTPC in Bliaspur district
* Parbati Stage-III in HP (540mw) - NHPC in Kullu district
* Rampur project in HP (412mw) - SJVN in Shimla district
U/C (11,350 MW)
------------------
* Kishenganga in J & K (330mw) 2016 completed
* Teesta Stage VI in Sikkim (500mw) 2017
* Kameng in AR (600mw) 2017
* Teesta Stage -III HE in Sikkim (1200mw) 2017-18 (restarted, see link 5a)
* Parbati Stage-II in HP (800mw) 2018
* Lower Siang in AP (2700mw) 2018
* Hirong in AP (500mw) 2018
* Tehri Pump Storage in UK (1000mw) 2018
* Vishnugad Pipalkoti in UK (444mw) 2018 (see link 5b)
* Subansiri Lower in AR (2000mw) 2020
(about to restart, see links 4a,4b)
* Pare 110mw, Gongri 144mw in AR (254mw)
* Turial in Mizoram (60mw)
* New Umtru in Meghalaya (40mw)
* Rangti-IV 120mw, Jorethang Loop 96mw, Bhasmey 51mw, Tashiding 97mw, Dikch 96mw, Rangit-II 66mw, Rongnichu 96mw, and Panan 300mw in Sikkim (922mw)
J&K IWT affected projects (5,056 MW) (link 5c)
---------------------------------------
* Ratle HE in J & K (850mw) -GVK (stalled, 5d)
* Bursar in J&K (800mw) -NHPC (to start soon, 5e)
* Sawalkote in J&K (1856mw) -state (to start soon, 5e)
* Pakal Dul in J & K (1000mw) -CVPP (to start soon, 5e)
* Dulhasti Stage-II in J & K (550mw) -CVPP (cleared to start, 6))
* Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project (may be restarted)
Late stage approval sought (2,581 MW)
------------------------------------------
* New Ganderbal in J & K (93mw) -state
* Kirthai –I in J & K (390 mw) -state
* Sach Khas in HP (400mw) -state
* Tagurshit in AR (74mw) -private L & T
* Turga Pump Storage in WB (1000mw) -state
* Kiru in J & K (624mw) -state (see link 6)
Cost & design DPR aspects, Forest & environment (13,460 MW)
----------------------------------------------------
* Dagmara 130mw in Bihar: Karthai-II 960mw, Magu Ch 96mw in AR (1186mw) - Costs
* Subansiri Middle 1800mw in AR; Seli 267mw in HP; Loktak 66mw in Manipur ( 2133mw) - Design
* Jelam Tamak 108mw, Bowala Nand 300mw in UK; Attunli 680mw in AR; Kwar in J & K (540mw) (1628mw) - All aspects DPR
* Nykcharong Chu 96mw, Tawang–I 600mw, Tawang–II 800mw, Nyamjang Chu 780mw in AR (2276mw) - Forest
* Naying 1000 MW, Dibang 3097mw and Kalai 1200mw in AR; Chhatru 120mw in HP; Kynshi Stage I 270mw, Kynshi Stage I 450mw in Meghalaya; Nand Prayag Langasu 100mw in UK (6137mw) - Environment
MOU with India, concessional agreement, finance, (7,270 MW)
----------------------------------------------------
* Chamkharchhu - I , in Bhutan (770mw) -NHPC (see link 7a)
* Kholongchu in Bhutan (600mw) - SJVN
* Arun-III in Nepal (900mw) - SJVN (see link 7b)
* Pancheshwar project in Nepal (5000mw) (see link 7c)
Comments
Office of Shri @PiyushGoyal Individual focus on stalled 22 large hydropower plants to resolve the issues and get them on track (see link 9a).
From video after powers ministers conference (> 13.10min @ YT power ministers:"All stressed hydropower projects to be resolved in a mission mode. GOI will be picking out those 22 large hydro projects which are stalled, and individually working, to resolve these in the next 3 months." Govt will work "to bring back enthusiasm for fresh investment in the hydro sector"; Govt will make low-cost climate and other funds available to the hydro sector - as it is also a renewable source.
J & K 9/2016: 2526 MW projects under construction in J &K and Centre was considering approvals for 5,846 MW more (see link 9b). Indus basin has the potential of 18,600 MW, only 3,034 MW is built. J&K wants to expand its irrigation area. Check dams are being built on small rivers. It wants to continue doing this to reach its full irrigation potential. GOI has fast-tracked 4 projects of 0.2mha irrigation for 2017-2019 completion (see link 9c).
See comments (Indus Water Treaty) 4/11: "The Centre has indicated there will be an inter-ministerial commission to formulate ways to tap in “maximum benefits” for farmers from the Indus water system, aiming to harvest eight lakh acres more land than the 9.12 lakh hectares of land currently being harvested with these waters."
NE states 8/2016
5,576 MW projects (see comments) under construction in NE (see link 9d). Huge numbers of projects are being appraised. NE has 62,604 MW of potential and only 1911 MW of installed capacity.
Possible new HeP projects: DPRs of 8,457 MW were received. Of these, 4 were in Arunachal Pradesh, 3 in J&K, 2 in HP and 1 each in WB, Bihar, Manipur and Meghalaya (see link 2/ comment). Other projects appraised for the environment.
Inaugurate in Oct 2016 (1,752 MW) (see link 3)
--------------------------------------------
* Koldam in HP (800mw) - NTPC in Bliaspur district
* Parbati Stage-III in HP (540mw) - NHPC in Kullu district
* Rampur project in HP (412mw) - SJVN in Shimla district
U/C (11,350 MW)
------------------
* Kishenganga in J & K (330mw) 2016 completed
* Teesta Stage VI in Sikkim (500mw) 2017
* Kameng in AR (600mw) 2017
* Teesta Stage -III HE in Sikkim (1200mw) 2017-18 (restarted, see link 5a)
* Parbati Stage-II in HP (800mw) 2018
* Lower Siang in AP (2700mw) 2018
* Hirong in AP (500mw) 2018
* Tehri Pump Storage in UK (1000mw) 2018
* Vishnugad Pipalkoti in UK (444mw) 2018 (see link 5b)
* Subansiri Lower in AR (2000mw) 2020
(about to restart, see links 4a,4b)
* Pare 110mw, Gongri 144mw in AR (254mw)
* Turial in Mizoram (60mw)
* New Umtru in Meghalaya (40mw)
* Rangti-IV 120mw, Jorethang Loop 96mw, Bhasmey 51mw, Tashiding 97mw, Dikch 96mw, Rangit-II 66mw, Rongnichu 96mw, and Panan 300mw in Sikkim (922mw)
J&K IWT affected projects (5,056 MW) (link 5c)
---------------------------------------
* Ratle HE in J & K (850mw) -GVK (stalled, 5d)
* Bursar in J&K (800mw) -NHPC (to start soon, 5e)
* Sawalkote in J&K (1856mw) -state (to start soon, 5e)
* Pakal Dul in J & K (1000mw) -CVPP (to start soon, 5e)
* Dulhasti Stage-II in J & K (550mw) -CVPP (cleared to start, 6))
* Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project (may be restarted)
Late stage approval sought (2,581 MW)
------------------------------------------
* New Ganderbal in J & K (93mw) -state
* Kirthai –I in J & K (390 mw) -state
* Sach Khas in HP (400mw) -state
* Tagurshit in AR (74mw) -private L & T
* Turga Pump Storage in WB (1000mw) -state
* Kiru in J & K (624mw) -state (see link 6)
Cost & design DPR aspects, Forest & environment (13,460 MW)
----------------------------------------------------
* Dagmara 130mw in Bihar: Karthai-II 960mw, Magu Ch 96mw in AR (1186mw) - Costs
* Subansiri Middle 1800mw in AR; Seli 267mw in HP; Loktak 66mw in Manipur ( 2133mw) - Design
* Jelam Tamak 108mw, Bowala Nand 300mw in UK; Attunli 680mw in AR; Kwar in J & K (540mw) (1628mw) - All aspects DPR
* Nykcharong Chu 96mw, Tawang–I 600mw, Tawang–II 800mw, Nyamjang Chu 780mw in AR (2276mw) - Forest
* Naying 1000 MW, Dibang 3097mw and Kalai 1200mw in AR; Chhatru 120mw in HP; Kynshi Stage I 270mw, Kynshi Stage I 450mw in Meghalaya; Nand Prayag Langasu 100mw in UK (6137mw) - Environment
MOU with India, concessional agreement, finance, (7,270 MW)
----------------------------------------------------
* Chamkharchhu - I , in Bhutan (770mw) -NHPC (see link 7a)
* Kholongchu in Bhutan (600mw) - SJVN
* Arun-III in Nepal (900mw) - SJVN (see link 7b)
* Pancheshwar project in Nepal (5000mw) (see link 7c)
Comments
Office of Shri @PiyushGoyal Individual focus on stalled 22 large hydropower plants to resolve the issues and get them on track (see link 9a).
From video after powers ministers conference (> 13.10min @ YT power ministers:"All stressed hydropower projects to be resolved in a mission mode. GOI will be picking out those 22 large hydro projects which are stalled, and individually working, to resolve these in the next 3 months." Govt will work "to bring back enthusiasm for fresh investment in the hydro sector"; Govt will make low-cost climate and other funds available to the hydro sector - as it is also a renewable source.
J & K 9/2016: 2526 MW projects under construction in J &K and Centre was considering approvals for 5,846 MW more (see link 9b). Indus basin has the potential of 18,600 MW, only 3,034 MW is built. J&K wants to expand its irrigation area. Check dams are being built on small rivers. It wants to continue doing this to reach its full irrigation potential. GOI has fast-tracked 4 projects of 0.2mha irrigation for 2017-2019 completion (see link 9c).
See comments (Indus Water Treaty) 4/11: "The Centre has indicated there will be an inter-ministerial commission to formulate ways to tap in “maximum benefits” for farmers from the Indus water system, aiming to harvest eight lakh acres more land than the 9.12 lakh hectares of land currently being harvested with these waters."
NE states 8/2016
5,576 MW projects (see comments) under construction in NE (see link 9d). Huge numbers of projects are being appraised. NE has 62,604 MW of potential and only 1911 MW of installed capacity.
DIPP Ease of Doing Business
==============
Top Indian states attain a pride of place in DIPP Ease of Doing Business, as distinct from laggard. http://eodb.dipp.gov.in
________TOP States__________
Telangana Andhra Pradesh
Gujarat Chhattisgarh
Madhya Pradesh
Haryana Jharkhand
Rajasthan Uttarakhand
Maharashtra Odisha
Punjab Karnataka
Uttar Pradesh West Bengal
________ Laggards __________
Bihar Himachal Pradesh
Tamil Nadu Delhi
Stiff competition for WB rankings
India is at a lowly 130th in Global rankings. It is hoping for a huge uplift in ease of paying taxes and enforcing contracts due to amended legislation. In the last 2 years, it hopes to impact 5 out of 10 WB criteria. Despite policy and procedural changes done at DIPP level to improve the business climate, it is necessary to prove that business people are benefiting from it (see link 4).
Ease of Doing Business: Practical work for benefiting people
==============================
State bureaucrats under pressure to perform
Approvals process has been trimmed, but as an extra measure Centre awarded EODB rating credit, besides other incentives, for digitising project clearances on to its e-Nivesh portal. It has helped to pin-point sources of project delays to individuals or a Govt. department and then forced them to unclog projects within specified time-scales (more in link 5).
PMG (project monitoring group) in the PMO working with local bureaucracy, has unblocked a huge 10 lakh crores of projects. They promise the remaining 10 lakh crore stalled projects will be cleared soon!! Nineteen States have started state versions of PMG with digital portals, to compete for being business-friendly, and earn additional EODB points!!
Invest India is small but brilliant
With just 60 staff, they are solving difficulties of foreign investors, taking others through the entire process from planning to fulfilment; and also guiding thousands of Make-in-India and Startup India entrepreneurs (more in link 6).
Examples of Invest India work (see link 4): flesh out pre-investment decision, undertaking development plans, setting up meetings with State govt. and corporate officials, facilitating land and permissions, securing contracts, hand-holding and problem-solving. Indian entrepreneurs benefit from knowledge exchange and connecting with interested parties, new financing sources, information on clusters, MSME outsourcing opportunities and other govt incentives.
PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation)
Govt policies, not just projects, can be effectively implemented if officials are tasked to finish in a time bound manner. Better coordination between agencies, timely clearances and fast decision-making are happening. 136 projects, Rs 800k crore in 18 months were pushed.
PM's interventions for better governance like, "benefits should pass through, harassment reduced"; or better implementation like, "add other agencies for faster delivery", etc. May relate to any of: problem-solving (holdups in execution, public grievances), setting targets, reviewing progress (monitoring via geo-tracking, photos) and holding people accountable.
Examples: Nangal Dam-Talwara railway line (Punjab)- land and permissions; Kargil-Drass-Leh transmission system; parliament project (Afghanistan) and hydro-power project (Bhutan); solutions to passport & scholarship issues; literacy; immunisation; Kala Azar and leprosy eradication.
PM's Pragati helps speed up projects worth Rs 8L cr - Times of India
==============
Top Indian states attain a pride of place in DIPP Ease of Doing Business, as distinct from laggard. http://eodb.dipp.gov.in
________TOP States__________
Telangana Andhra Pradesh
Gujarat Chhattisgarh
Madhya Pradesh
Haryana Jharkhand
Rajasthan Uttarakhand
Maharashtra Odisha
Punjab Karnataka
Uttar Pradesh West Bengal
________ Laggards __________
Bihar Himachal Pradesh
Tamil Nadu Delhi
Stiff competition for WB rankings
India is at a lowly 130th in Global rankings. It is hoping for a huge uplift in ease of paying taxes and enforcing contracts due to amended legislation. In the last 2 years, it hopes to impact 5 out of 10 WB criteria. Despite policy and procedural changes done at DIPP level to improve the business climate, it is necessary to prove that business people are benefiting from it (see link 4).
Ease of Doing Business: Practical work for benefiting people
==============================
State bureaucrats under pressure to perform
Approvals process has been trimmed, but as an extra measure Centre awarded EODB rating credit, besides other incentives, for digitising project clearances on to its e-Nivesh portal. It has helped to pin-point sources of project delays to individuals or a Govt. department and then forced them to unclog projects within specified time-scales (more in link 5).
PMG (project monitoring group) in the PMO working with local bureaucracy, has unblocked a huge 10 lakh crores of projects. They promise the remaining 10 lakh crore stalled projects will be cleared soon!! Nineteen States have started state versions of PMG with digital portals, to compete for being business-friendly, and earn additional EODB points!!
Invest India is small but brilliant
With just 60 staff, they are solving difficulties of foreign investors, taking others through the entire process from planning to fulfilment; and also guiding thousands of Make-in-India and Startup India entrepreneurs (more in link 6).
Examples of Invest India work (see link 4): flesh out pre-investment decision, undertaking development plans, setting up meetings with State govt. and corporate officials, facilitating land and permissions, securing contracts, hand-holding and problem-solving. Indian entrepreneurs benefit from knowledge exchange and connecting with interested parties, new financing sources, information on clusters, MSME outsourcing opportunities and other govt incentives.
PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation)
Govt policies, not just projects, can be effectively implemented if officials are tasked to finish in a time bound manner. Better coordination between agencies, timely clearances and fast decision-making are happening. 136 projects, Rs 800k crore in 18 months were pushed.
PM's interventions for better governance like, "benefits should pass through, harassment reduced"; or better implementation like, "add other agencies for faster delivery", etc. May relate to any of: problem-solving (holdups in execution, public grievances), setting targets, reviewing progress (monitoring via geo-tracking, photos) and holding people accountable.
Examples: Nangal Dam-Talwara railway line (Punjab)- land and permissions; Kargil-Drass-Leh transmission system; parliament project (Afghanistan) and hydro-power project (Bhutan); solutions to passport & scholarship issues; literacy; immunisation; Kala Azar and leprosy eradication.
PM's Pragati helps speed up projects worth Rs 8L cr - Times of India
NPCIL can't fund the entire nuclear program, so support was sought from cash-rich PSUs like NTCP and IOC is essential. Power consumers on board are NALCO and Indian Railways. Govt has solved suppliers risk issues (for foreign & domestic) through insurance, and has identified land & foreign tech partners. Funding tie-up with PSUs will double future construction plans. Govt is negotiating bulk orders (of 6 reactors) to considerably lower the costs, as well as leverage foreign tech transfers and Make in India (see link 1).
Fast breeder plants (that recycle & reuse hazardous wastes) and new-gen advanced thorium plants (see link 2) are expected to be 9.3GB. Thus out of 63GB total, 53.7GB are based on first gen tech, 33.9 GB foreign & 19.8 GB indigenous (see below).
Capacity (in MB): _______ 6,780 _ 4,800 __ 16,100 __25,000
Current U/C Plan 2023 Beyond
upto 220MB indigenous: 3700
540 MB indigenous: 1080
700 MB indigenous: 2800 5600 5600
1000MB Russian: 2000 2000 4000 4000
1000MB US + 1650MB French: 6500 15400
Nuclear-power projects: PSU leverage for imported reactors
Fast breeder plants (that recycle & reuse hazardous wastes) and new-gen advanced thorium plants (see link 2) are expected to be 9.3GB. Thus out of 63GB total, 53.7GB are based on first gen tech, 33.9 GB foreign & 19.8 GB indigenous (see below).
Capacity (in MB): _______ 6,780 _ 4,800 __ 16,100 __25,000
Current U/C Plan 2023 Beyond
upto 220MB indigenous: 3700
540 MB indigenous: 1080
700 MB indigenous: 2800 5600 5600
1000MB Russian: 2000 2000 4000 4000
1000MB US + 1650MB French: 6500 15400
Nuclear-power projects: PSU leverage for imported reactors
CHANGE AGENTS: SHG or women self-help groups
■─────────────────────────■
During the village electrification drive, states discovered uninhabited villages that they thought were populated. Villagers who were not on the census were found living in obscurity and oblivious to Govt schemes and benefits on offers. Obviously, official records on rural people were not dependable. It confirmed not only improper record-keeping but also inadequate outreach, poor scrutiny of monies spent, of assets created and outcomes achieved. For example, no one was sure if assets were even built, gave benefits as expected or were assets properly secured and maintained.
What is being done differently?
------------------------------------
1. Villagers decide on problems they want fixing or work they feel needs to be done.
→ villagers are more likely to give accurate feedback on the work and follow-up.
2. Self-help women groups approach women villagers on a behavioural change, for creating awareness and discussions. Their aim is to create a positive outlook and a desire to fulfil the task.
→ behavioural change is best done if it becomes a mass movement
3. "Barefooted" technicians were used to design & build structures and/or record progress.
4. Geo-tagging of assets was done to accurately map the work, thereby reduce duplication/ fraud
5. Aadhar is used to identify the right beneficiary, weed out fakes and make direct payments
6. Surveys were done to collect SECC census data - this becomes a measure of deprivation
Lessons learnt: More helpers were needed for Govt's intensive social agenda. As a result, SHG numbers shot up to over 30m. Poor feedback was given for assets sanctioned under Govt schemes. As a result, work was shifted to good projects like ponds and wells (done under NREGA) and it elicited good feedback. Faults were found in designs of schemes and quality of asset record keeping. As a result, pictures and GIS have now become the norm for NREGA. Long queues and poor internet connectivity at village banks created difficulties in accessing monies. As a result, post offices were converted into banks and Wifi-ready service centres were set up in all Gram Panchayats.
Analysis of SECC data from surveys found significant deprivation in education, skills, housing, employment, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, social and gender mobilisation and entitlement. Govt is now targeting its efforts towards the most deprived individuals, as identified by SECC data.
Dedicated self-help group women are now recognised as ideal agents for behavioural change. SHG women are getting involved in a big way in many of Govt's social missions (like child girl, toilet use, nutrition).
How Aadhar is helping welfare schemes like NREGA, Swachch Bharat get a new lease of life
■─────────────────────────■
During the village electrification drive, states discovered uninhabited villages that they thought were populated. Villagers who were not on the census were found living in obscurity and oblivious to Govt schemes and benefits on offers. Obviously, official records on rural people were not dependable. It confirmed not only improper record-keeping but also inadequate outreach, poor scrutiny of monies spent, of assets created and outcomes achieved. For example, no one was sure if assets were even built, gave benefits as expected or were assets properly secured and maintained.
What is being done differently?
------------------------------------
1. Villagers decide on problems they want fixing or work they feel needs to be done.
→ villagers are more likely to give accurate feedback on the work and follow-up.
2. Self-help women groups approach women villagers on a behavioural change, for creating awareness and discussions. Their aim is to create a positive outlook and a desire to fulfil the task.
→ behavioural change is best done if it becomes a mass movement
3. "Barefooted" technicians were used to design & build structures and/or record progress.
4. Geo-tagging of assets was done to accurately map the work, thereby reduce duplication/ fraud
5. Aadhar is used to identify the right beneficiary, weed out fakes and make direct payments
6. Surveys were done to collect SECC census data - this becomes a measure of deprivation
Lessons learnt: More helpers were needed for Govt's intensive social agenda. As a result, SHG numbers shot up to over 30m. Poor feedback was given for assets sanctioned under Govt schemes. As a result, work was shifted to good projects like ponds and wells (done under NREGA) and it elicited good feedback. Faults were found in designs of schemes and quality of asset record keeping. As a result, pictures and GIS have now become the norm for NREGA. Long queues and poor internet connectivity at village banks created difficulties in accessing monies. As a result, post offices were converted into banks and Wifi-ready service centres were set up in all Gram Panchayats.
Analysis of SECC data from surveys found significant deprivation in education, skills, housing, employment, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, social and gender mobilisation and entitlement. Govt is now targeting its efforts towards the most deprived individuals, as identified by SECC data.
Dedicated self-help group women are now recognised as ideal agents for behavioural change. SHG women are getting involved in a big way in many of Govt's social missions (like child girl, toilet use, nutrition).
How Aadhar is helping welfare schemes like NREGA, Swachch Bharat get a new lease of life
Judiciary is seemly independent, yet doesn't deliver justice. Not at all. While accepting this situation is unlikely to go away soon, the question is, shouldn't India's big jump in Global Competitiveness Index over 2 years, not ignite the growth story?
CIM India@GOI✔@CimGOI
#TransformingIndia @wef's Global Competitiveness Rankings- India up by 32 spots in last 2 years. Rank 71 in 2014, 39 in 2016.@nsitharaman(see link 1)
A very bitter article in link 2 (contrary view), says executives surveyed for GCI were misled by govt hype. Main concerns will still be corruption (at state and lower levels) and bureaucracy or legal system.
Goods market efficiency, Macroeconomic stability, Infrastructure, Financial Markets and business environment will all improve next year. Health and primary education, though needing much attention, has consistently improved its score. Others (see link 3):
1. Innovation, Business sophistication
2. Technology readiness
3. Higher education and training: I & BS are doing splendidly, though IMO much more should be attempted here. Digital India, Smart cities, Skill India, HE/ IIT expansion & 20 World-class institutes should cater for 2 & 3.
3. Labour market efficiency
4. Institutions: Govt seems game for bringing in labour reforms. Yet to decide whether Indian institutions are up to the mark - for integrity, capability and service delivery.
Areas meant for economic efficiency will be positively impacted by structural reforms like Ease of business, GST, Aadhar, UPI, digitalisation, vocational/ skills training, regional connectivity, bankruptcy law, FDI, etc. Keys left - i) PSB capitalisation ii) Electricity distribution iii) Railways freight speed, iv) Port operations efficiency and connectivity v) Judiciary and policing.
_eg.
Goods Market Efficiency: pending GST & removal of inter-state checkpoints; centralised warehouses & efficient stock controls; e-tolls; rail freight diversification; ports connectivity; cheaper & better air-connectivity; tech upgrade for post offices for parcel deliveries.
Macroeconomic Stability: inflation targeting, falling fiscal deficit; debt ratings upgrade; reserves & current deficit; make-in-India boost.
Business Environment (sub-category): ease of doing business; project facilitation; improved tax admin & lower corporate tax rates.
_eg
Business Sophistication: e-tendering, e-NAM & online shopping; UPI, JAM; inter-state easing via GST; MII, FDI, TOT; cluster industries, Sagarmala, regional connectivity; MSME funding via Mudra, skills training, technology upgrades schemes; availability of specialist steel, agri and new-age materials, expanded mining; commercial courts & speedy arbitration; anti-fraud policing & consumer protection; popular entertainment, sports leagues, sophisticated media, digital advertisements, accurate marketing data, marketable brands; multiplicity of retail & wholesale outlets; ease of trading, insurance, trade finance.
_eg.
Tech Readiness digital banking, Aadhar & digital locker; remote digital services; railways ticketing and complaints handling; back office techs in tax admin, public admin & e-tolls; paperless storage, e-tendering & IT in offices; mobile & broadband access; weather mapping & other satellite uses; use of supercomputer, software; improved air, river & traffic control management & user feedback; automated measurement, relays & feedback controls; city surveillance, shop/ transport CCTV. Driverless metro trains and automated railways stoppage; smartened power grid, smart power meters; technology upgrades for security grid, defence equipment, coast guards; tech upgrades for textiles manufacturing, steel production, etc.
_eg.
Infrastructure: expanded and denser road & rail network, metrorail, waterways, new ports, transhipment ports & functioning non-metro airports; higher capacity inter-city roads, railway lines, airports, rail stations, ports, dredging, road traffic management, air traffic mx, river traffic mx; city flyovers, subways, rail-road bridges, city gas network; gas pipelines, oil & gas extraction and refinery, mines; houses, schools, univesities, clinics, hositals, other public infra; river-front developments, smart cities; city surveillance network, transport CCTVs; stadiums; 4G broadband, mobile tower coverage, govt fibre network, sat comm; common service centres; supercomputer network; food processing; dams, irrigation canals, local water storage, drip-irrigation; hatcheries, agri labs, purity testing; coastal fisheries infra upgrade; coast guard enhancement; border security upgrade; naval ports, airforce bases, army cantonments, defence labs & testing facilities, defence shipyards & manufacturing units; renewable power, nuclear and thermal power stations, rural electrification, intense electrification, power transmission infra, substations and transformers, smart meters; waste to power/ ethanol; drinking water supply system, water purification, desalination, sewage treatment plants, water recycling, toilets, etc.
Growth story will come a cropper unless the judiciary works
CIM India@GOI✔@CimGOI
#TransformingIndia @wef's Global Competitiveness Rankings- India up by 32 spots in last 2 years. Rank 71 in 2014, 39 in 2016.@nsitharaman(see link 1)
A very bitter article in link 2 (contrary view), says executives surveyed for GCI were misled by govt hype. Main concerns will still be corruption (at state and lower levels) and bureaucracy or legal system.
Goods market efficiency, Macroeconomic stability, Infrastructure, Financial Markets and business environment will all improve next year. Health and primary education, though needing much attention, has consistently improved its score. Others (see link 3):
1. Innovation, Business sophistication
2. Technology readiness
3. Higher education and training: I & BS are doing splendidly, though IMO much more should be attempted here. Digital India, Smart cities, Skill India, HE/ IIT expansion & 20 World-class institutes should cater for 2 & 3.
3. Labour market efficiency
4. Institutions: Govt seems game for bringing in labour reforms. Yet to decide whether Indian institutions are up to the mark - for integrity, capability and service delivery.
Areas meant for economic efficiency will be positively impacted by structural reforms like Ease of business, GST, Aadhar, UPI, digitalisation, vocational/ skills training, regional connectivity, bankruptcy law, FDI, etc. Keys left - i) PSB capitalisation ii) Electricity distribution iii) Railways freight speed, iv) Port operations efficiency and connectivity v) Judiciary and policing.
_eg.
Goods Market Efficiency: pending GST & removal of inter-state checkpoints; centralised warehouses & efficient stock controls; e-tolls; rail freight diversification; ports connectivity; cheaper & better air-connectivity; tech upgrade for post offices for parcel deliveries.
Macroeconomic Stability: inflation targeting, falling fiscal deficit; debt ratings upgrade; reserves & current deficit; make-in-India boost.
Business Environment (sub-category): ease of doing business; project facilitation; improved tax admin & lower corporate tax rates.
_eg
Business Sophistication: e-tendering, e-NAM & online shopping; UPI, JAM; inter-state easing via GST; MII, FDI, TOT; cluster industries, Sagarmala, regional connectivity; MSME funding via Mudra, skills training, technology upgrades schemes; availability of specialist steel, agri and new-age materials, expanded mining; commercial courts & speedy arbitration; anti-fraud policing & consumer protection; popular entertainment, sports leagues, sophisticated media, digital advertisements, accurate marketing data, marketable brands; multiplicity of retail & wholesale outlets; ease of trading, insurance, trade finance.
_eg.
Tech Readiness digital banking, Aadhar & digital locker; remote digital services; railways ticketing and complaints handling; back office techs in tax admin, public admin & e-tolls; paperless storage, e-tendering & IT in offices; mobile & broadband access; weather mapping & other satellite uses; use of supercomputer, software; improved air, river & traffic control management & user feedback; automated measurement, relays & feedback controls; city surveillance, shop/ transport CCTV. Driverless metro trains and automated railways stoppage; smartened power grid, smart power meters; technology upgrades for security grid, defence equipment, coast guards; tech upgrades for textiles manufacturing, steel production, etc.
_eg.
Infrastructure: expanded and denser road & rail network, metrorail, waterways, new ports, transhipment ports & functioning non-metro airports; higher capacity inter-city roads, railway lines, airports, rail stations, ports, dredging, road traffic management, air traffic mx, river traffic mx; city flyovers, subways, rail-road bridges, city gas network; gas pipelines, oil & gas extraction and refinery, mines; houses, schools, univesities, clinics, hositals, other public infra; river-front developments, smart cities; city surveillance network, transport CCTVs; stadiums; 4G broadband, mobile tower coverage, govt fibre network, sat comm; common service centres; supercomputer network; food processing; dams, irrigation canals, local water storage, drip-irrigation; hatcheries, agri labs, purity testing; coastal fisheries infra upgrade; coast guard enhancement; border security upgrade; naval ports, airforce bases, army cantonments, defence labs & testing facilities, defence shipyards & manufacturing units; renewable power, nuclear and thermal power stations, rural electrification, intense electrification, power transmission infra, substations and transformers, smart meters; waste to power/ ethanol; drinking water supply system, water purification, desalination, sewage treatment plants, water recycling, toilets, etc.
Growth story will come a cropper unless the judiciary works
Power Grid wants a major role in affordable 24X7 power to all by strengthening the state system, smartening the grid, building green corridors and reducing power tariffs. It wants to continue its rapid revenues growth (3 yrs @17% pa) by going for foreign EPC contracts.
India Power Corporation Ltd to adopt smart grid with USTDA in Gaya
India Power Corporation Ltd to adopt smart grid with USTDA in Gaya
Ken Betwa link ILR is on verge of being cleared. It will take 7 years to build. Phase 1 is Rs 18,000cr & Phase 2 is Rs 2,300cr (see link 1). National Board of Wildlife retained the dam height, as submergence was seasonal and had minimal effect, except for a loss of 10,500 ha tiger habitat. To recompense, it required 3 separate sanctuaries be integrated to a tiger reserve, to form a viable (roaming) corridor for the tigers.
Future of Inter-state ILR
These 3 are relatively straightforward projects. All can finish in 7 yrs.
1. Par-Tapi-Narmada link ILR and
2. Damanganga-Pinja projects ILR
3. Chambal-Kalisindh ILR: MP wants it entirely within.
link: Union Water minister's Q&A
Nepal is keen to set up hydroelectric projects. Both parties benefit.
4. Sapta-Kosi dam with Kosi-Ghagra link ILR & flood control. "Sapta-Kosi dam is a 269 meter high (883 feet) concrete dam with a capacity of 3,300 MW at a 50 percent load factor. When completed, it is expected to irrigate 300,000 hectares of farm land both in Nepal and the Indian State of Bihar," (see link 2).
Two others being discussed (see link 3). Meetings or negotiations held with West Bengal and Odisha.
5. Mahanadi-Godavari link ILR: Odisha. Reworked to reduce submerged land to win Odisha approval. Crucial and mother ILR.
6. Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga ILR: Assam, Bihar & West Bengal. DPR next with WB consent. Crucial and mother ILR.
Intra-state ILR
46 proposals of intra-state links received by NWDA from nine states. DPRs for a few have been taken up (see link 5):
1. Burhi Gandak- Noon-Baya-Ganga links of Bihar (done)
2. Kosi-Mechi link of Bihar (done)
3. Ponnair-Palar link of Tamil Nadu
4. Wainganga-Naganga link of Maharashtra
5. Barakar-Daodar-Subernarekha link of Jharkhand
6. Vamsadhara-Rushikulya link of Odisha
Ken Betwa Phase 1 gets wildlife clearance - The Economic Times
Future of Inter-state ILR
These 3 are relatively straightforward projects. All can finish in 7 yrs.
1. Par-Tapi-Narmada link ILR and
2. Damanganga-Pinja projects ILR
3. Chambal-Kalisindh ILR: MP wants it entirely within.
link: Union Water minister's Q&A
4. Sapta-Kosi dam with Kosi-Ghagra link ILR & flood control. "Sapta-Kosi dam is a 269 meter high (883 feet) concrete dam with a capacity of 3,300 MW at a 50 percent load factor. When completed, it is expected to irrigate 300,000 hectares of farm land both in Nepal and the Indian State of Bihar," (see link 2).
Two others being discussed (see link 3). Meetings or negotiations held with West Bengal and Odisha.
5. Mahanadi-Godavari link ILR: Odisha. Reworked to reduce submerged land to win Odisha approval. Crucial and mother ILR.
6. Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga ILR: Assam, Bihar & West Bengal. DPR next with WB consent. Crucial and mother ILR.
Intra-state ILR
46 proposals of intra-state links received by NWDA from nine states. DPRs for a few have been taken up (see link 5):
1. Burhi Gandak- Noon-Baya-Ganga links of Bihar (done)
2. Kosi-Mechi link of Bihar (done)
3. Ponnair-Palar link of Tamil Nadu
4. Wainganga-Naganga link of Maharashtra
5. Barakar-Daodar-Subernarekha link of Jharkhand
6. Vamsadhara-Rushikulya link of Odisha
Ken Betwa Phase 1 gets wildlife clearance - The Economic Times
While toilets were used by 53% of Indians, only a few villages and districts were declared ODF. This was due to 595 million Indians who were openly defecating. Village or district will get recognised as ODF only after a considerable lag to the change seen in the general population. Thus slowness of village ODF numbers does not indicate adversity (1.95% of villages become ODF in 54 days or just 44% of target). Govt's target for ODF districts was "80 more by 31/3/2017" (see 1). In 54 days, just 4 districts were added! On a positive note, as Sikkim, Kerala & HP reach 100% status, a minimum of 30 ODF districts will be added. Five small states with over 80% coverage can add another 62 districts (see link 2).
Status @ 23/9/2016 shows village target met was 61.5%; 39 new districts were added by 2/10/2016, giving a district target met of 98%!!! Punjab and Gujarat, with a total of 55 districts, are fairly close to ODF (see link 3). 24.8m toilets were built and another 15m are expected next year (see link 4).
July 28th Sept 20th Additions
Districts 17 21 4
Villages 69,087 80,282 11,195
Toilets 20 m 24 m 4 m
Interval 54 days
Target Gross Additions since July 28th
Districts forecast 687 80
@ 03/2017 246 days
Villages target 638k 568.9k
@ 2/10/2019 1215 days
Toilets target 120 m 100 m
@ 2/10/2019 1215 days
ODF post: https://plus.google.com/100789863972538583352/posts/RroH8N4rSC3
Iconic places: 100 iconic sites for "exemplary sanitation" has many benefits. There are direct benefits, tourism, feel good and positive image for India. Sanitation work is widely promoted, and skills created for other projects locally.
Clean cities mission: Clean cities and green targets like waste collection, waste-to-compost & waste-to-energy (see comment 2).
100 per cent toilets constructed in over 80,000 villages: Narendra Singh Tomar - The Economic Times
Status @ 23/9/2016 shows village target met was 61.5%; 39 new districts were added by 2/10/2016, giving a district target met of 98%!!! Punjab and Gujarat, with a total of 55 districts, are fairly close to ODF (see link 3). 24.8m toilets were built and another 15m are expected next year (see link 4).
July 28th Sept 20th Additions
Districts 17 21 4
Villages 69,087 80,282 11,195
Toilets 20 m 24 m 4 m
Interval 54 days
Target Gross Additions since July 28th
Districts forecast 687 80
@ 03/2017 246 days
Villages target 638k 568.9k
@ 2/10/2019 1215 days
Toilets target 120 m 100 m
@ 2/10/2019 1215 days
ODF post: https://plus.google.com/100789863972538583352/posts/RroH8N4rSC3
Iconic places: 100 iconic sites for "exemplary sanitation" has many benefits. There are direct benefits, tourism, feel good and positive image for India. Sanitation work is widely promoted, and skills created for other projects locally.
Clean cities mission: Clean cities and green targets like waste collection, waste-to-compost & waste-to-energy (see comment 2).
100 per cent toilets constructed in over 80,000 villages: Narendra Singh Tomar - The Economic Times
RAFALE UPDATE
Interview with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar (comments): 20% spend on Rafale deal is to incorporate advanced 5th gen features. Tech transfer not discussed. Protocol for 2-engined MII fighter is being finalised. Meanwhile, Tejas will boost 100 in 4-5 yrs.
MAKE IN INDIA
Govt of India wishes to manufacture fighter aircraft in India, of a type that is only available from foreign vendors. Its aged planes have to be decommissioned faster than delayed Tejas can handle. In view of the high costs of just 36 Rafale about to be penned with France, India needs to find a cheaper fighter to bridge the gap.
Analysis of comparative data of fighter aircraft
Tejas, an indigenous effort, is good value but the development of advanced versions will probably be delayed. Improved F16 is a legacy platform, reasonably priced and otherwise fitted with modern gear. Rafale and Gripen are newer, intrinsically better: Rafale has superior range but very expensive, whilst Gripen is not ready. Russian FGFA prototype is expected to come before Su-30MKI India line closes. India wishes to add a Western platform to diversify its squadrons.
Winning choices
WINNER
— Legacy vs Tejas Mk 1a Tejas Mk 1a
— Tejas Mk 1a vs F16 F16
— Tejas Mk 2 vs Gripen Tejas Mk 2
— FGFA vs Su-30MKI FGFA
— AMCA vs Rafale AMCA
— F35 vs FGFA FGFA (mostly)
Also: 1) Timescales 2) Technology Transfers 3) Other benefits
Gripen, Tejas Mk1 and Su-30MKI are not considered, given above. A technology partner is required to speed up the development of advanced Tejas versions and to explore beneficial co-operation. As per the article, Rafale could be that partner to Tejas, though Gripen may be an alternative.
Options
1) Early inductions
With a delay in Tejas, F16 is inducted. Production volumes for MII dictate Rafale misses out, Tejas takes its own time and FGFA prototype (Pak-fa) is inducted directly from Russia via a lease. A larger order of FGFA is made, though the squadron mix gets over-weight.
2) Measured inductions
Rafale is chosen for MII, Tejas are inducted early in large numbers and FGFA is inducted in smaller numbers; though some Pak-fa may come early.
3, 4, 5) No advanced Tejas or Overweight in foreign or Expensive
Tejas Mk2 misses out or reduced. F16 is built in India in large numbers, affecting Rafale MII. Rafale volumes are reduced but more may be built for Navy or overseas clients. FGFA numbers are inevitably scaled down due to a shortage of funds.
Procurement cost
250 light aircraft + 150 medium + 100 heavies/ 5th gen. to be made in India.
Unit costs in millions: Teja Mk1a $40 ; Tejas Mk2 $54; F16 $90; Rafale $140; FGFA $140. Equivalent utility for: T1a 1; T2 2; F16 1.5; Raf 3; FGFA 4.
Possible options with similar utility (notwithstanding some practical difficulties):
🔆
Fighters F16 Rafale F16 + Rafale
------------ ----------------┴-------┴------┴
Tejas Mk1a 80 120 120 90 80
Tejas Mk2 100 160 0 90 130
F16 150 0 130 100 90
Rafale 0 130 120 110 90
FGFA 170 90 130 110 110
-------------------------------------------------------------
Costs $45.9B $44.2B $51.5B $48.3B $46.3B
Options (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
================================
Options 1 & 3: Wrong balance between old vs modern designs; and Option 5 is better than Option 4. Both have a good mix with variety of future options, but are expensive. Option 2 has the best utility for money but relies on unrealistically large TJ2 run. If option 2 is changed to 100 TJ1a and 110 FGFA, the cost is $46.2B (less than option 5); mix becomes most modern and its utility for money is unbeatable. Importance of early development of Tejas Mk2 and AMCA cannot be over-stated.
Rafale fighter jet: France offering 16 critical technologies and lower prices as part of deal?
Interview with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar (comments): 20% spend on Rafale deal is to incorporate advanced 5th gen features. Tech transfer not discussed. Protocol for 2-engined MII fighter is being finalised. Meanwhile, Tejas will boost 100 in 4-5 yrs.
MAKE IN INDIA
Govt of India wishes to manufacture fighter aircraft in India, of a type that is only available from foreign vendors. Its aged planes have to be decommissioned faster than delayed Tejas can handle. In view of the high costs of just 36 Rafale about to be penned with France, India needs to find a cheaper fighter to bridge the gap.
Analysis of comparative data of fighter aircraft
Tejas, an indigenous effort, is good value but the development of advanced versions will probably be delayed. Improved F16 is a legacy platform, reasonably priced and otherwise fitted with modern gear. Rafale and Gripen are newer, intrinsically better: Rafale has superior range but very expensive, whilst Gripen is not ready. Russian FGFA prototype is expected to come before Su-30MKI India line closes. India wishes to add a Western platform to diversify its squadrons.
Winning choices
WINNER
— Legacy vs Tejas Mk 1a Tejas Mk 1a
— Tejas Mk 1a vs F16 F16
— Tejas Mk 2 vs Gripen Tejas Mk 2
— FGFA vs Su-30MKI FGFA
— AMCA vs Rafale AMCA
— F35 vs FGFA FGFA (mostly)
Also: 1) Timescales 2) Technology Transfers 3) Other benefits
Gripen, Tejas Mk1 and Su-30MKI are not considered, given above. A technology partner is required to speed up the development of advanced Tejas versions and to explore beneficial co-operation. As per the article, Rafale could be that partner to Tejas, though Gripen may be an alternative.
Options
1) Early inductions
With a delay in Tejas, F16 is inducted. Production volumes for MII dictate Rafale misses out, Tejas takes its own time and FGFA prototype (Pak-fa) is inducted directly from Russia via a lease. A larger order of FGFA is made, though the squadron mix gets over-weight.
2) Measured inductions
Rafale is chosen for MII, Tejas are inducted early in large numbers and FGFA is inducted in smaller numbers; though some Pak-fa may come early.
3, 4, 5) No advanced Tejas or Overweight in foreign or Expensive
Tejas Mk2 misses out or reduced. F16 is built in India in large numbers, affecting Rafale MII. Rafale volumes are reduced but more may be built for Navy or overseas clients. FGFA numbers are inevitably scaled down due to a shortage of funds.
Procurement cost
250 light aircraft + 150 medium + 100 heavies/ 5th gen. to be made in India.
Unit costs in millions: Teja Mk1a $40 ; Tejas Mk2 $54; F16 $90; Rafale $140; FGFA $140. Equivalent utility for: T1a 1; T2 2; F16 1.5; Raf 3; FGFA 4.
Possible options with similar utility (notwithstanding some practical difficulties):
🔆
Fighters F16 Rafale F16 + Rafale
------------ ----------------┴-------┴------┴
Tejas Mk1a 80 120 120 90 80
Tejas Mk2 100 160 0 90 130
F16 150 0 130 100 90
Rafale 0 130 120 110 90
FGFA 170 90 130 110 110
-------------------------------------------------------------
Costs $45.9B $44.2B $51.5B $48.3B $46.3B
Options (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
================================
Options 1 & 3: Wrong balance between old vs modern designs; and Option 5 is better than Option 4. Both have a good mix with variety of future options, but are expensive. Option 2 has the best utility for money but relies on unrealistically large TJ2 run. If option 2 is changed to 100 TJ1a and 110 FGFA, the cost is $46.2B (less than option 5); mix becomes most modern and its utility for money is unbeatable. Importance of early development of Tejas Mk2 and AMCA cannot be over-stated.
Rafale fighter jet: France offering 16 critical technologies and lower prices as part of deal?
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