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Budget 2024: Healthcare Sector Urges Government to Boost Public Health Spending

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News on Health 5 ArdorComm Media Group Budget 2024: Healthcare Sector Urges Government to Boost Public Health Spending

The healthcare sector in India is advocating for increased public health spending in the upcoming Budget 2024, urging the government to raise public health expenditure above 2.5 percent of the GDP. The industry is also calling for an Ayushman Bharat-like scheme specifically for the middle class to address healthcare needs more comprehensively. Key Recommendations: Increase Public Health Expenditure: The Healthcare Federation of India (NATHEALTH) has emphasized the need for the government to boost healthcare spending to over 2.5 percent of GDP. This increase is seen as crucial for enhancing infrastructure, addressing demand and supply challenges, and improving overall social insurance. Expand Healthcare Facilities: Abhay Soi, president of NATHEALTH and chairman of Max Healthcare Institute, highlighted the necessity for two billion square feet of advanced healthcare facilities. Expanding healthcare infrastructure in smaller cities and advancing digital healthcare services are also top priorities. Comparison with Other Countries: According to the Economic Survey 2022-23, healthcare expenditure by the Centre and state governments reached 2.1 percent of GDP in FY23. In comparison, OECD data shows that the US had the highest health expenditure to GDP ratio at 16.6 percent in 2022, while India’s was at 2.9 percent. Middle-Class Healthcare Scheme: Industry leaders, including PD Hinduja Hospital CEO Gautam Khanna, suggested implementing a healthcare scheme similar to PM-JAY for the middle class. This would require allocating 2.5-3.5 percent of GDP to healthcare to ensure broader coverage and affordability. Policy Reforms and Innovations: Suneeta Reddy, Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the healthcare sector to spur growth and productivity. The industry is also advocating for easing compliance burdens, promoting medtech innovation, rationalizing the goods and services tax (GST), and reviewing the health cess on medtech products. As the first Budget of Modi 3.0 approaches, the healthcare sector’s recommendations highlight the critical need for increased investment and policy support to enhance India’s healthcare infrastructure, improve access to quality healthcare, and ensure affordability for all citizens. Boosting public health spending is seen as a vital

80% of Public Health Facilities in India Are Substandard, Reveals Government Survey

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News on Health 1 ArdorComm Media Group 80% of Public Health Facilities in India Are Substandard, Reveals Government Survey

A recent government survey under the National Health Mission (NHM) has revealed that nearly 80% of public health facilities in India fail to meet the minimum standards for infrastructure, manpower, and equipment. This self-assessment exercise involved over 200,000 facilities, out of which only 8,089 scored 80% or higher for compliance. The government aims to make 70,000 facilities compliant within 100 days and will conduct surprise inspections to ensure standards are met. Public health facilities from states and Union Territories were asked to provide details on the number of doctors, nurses, and basic medical equipment available. The data shared on the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) dashboard showed that 40,451 facilities submitted key statistics through the Open Data Kit, a digital tool developed by the health ministry. The results were alarming, with only 20% of facilities qualifying as IPHS compliant, meaning they had the necessary infrastructure, human resources, drugs, diagnostics, and equipment to provide essential services. Approximately 42% of the facilities scored less than 50%, while the remaining scored between 50% and 80%. A senior health ministry official emphasized that the self-assessment and real-time monitoring are crucial to ensure health facilities maintain required standards, leading to better health outcomes and a more equitable society. The Centre is pushing states and UTs to address the identified gaps with full support to improve service quality. In addition to the IPHS, the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) will continue to physically evaluate district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, community health centres, and primary health centres on best practices such as availability of essential medicines, equipment, waste management, infection control, support services, and patient rights. A new provision of virtual assessment has been introduced for Ayushman Arogya Mandir, the most numerous public health facilities under NHM. The NHM covers 60% of the costs for public health facilities, with the remaining expenses borne by the states.  

PM Modi’s Third Term: Blueprint for First 100 Days Revealed

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News on governance ArdorComm Media Group PM Modi’s Third Term: Blueprint for First 100 Days Revealed

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has convened discussions with his Council of Ministers to strategize the agenda for the first 100 days of his government’s potential third term, focusing on sustaining economic growth. The roadmap, dubbed Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, outlines ambitious goals across various sectors. While specifics of the plan remain undisclosed, insiders suggest a comprehensive strategy encompassing economic growth, sustainable development, infrastructure enhancement, and social welfare initiatives. This initiative comes amidst preparations for the upcoming General Elections, set to engage 978 million voters across seven phases. Traditionally, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) period witnesses a policy lull, with caretaker governments refraining from major decisions. However, PM Modi aims to maintain economic momentum during this phase, ensuring a seamless transition post-elections. The proposed agenda aligns with India’s growth trajectory, with an estimated 7.6% GDP growth projected for FY 2023–24. To fully address post-pandemic challenges, the government emphasizes employment generation, private sector investment, and rural development. Anil K. Sood, a Professor, stresses the need for robust policy measures to enhance youth employment opportunities, advocating for government-led initiatives in critical sectors. Similarly, Vinay K. Srivastava, an Associate Professor, underscores the importance of boosting private consumption and quality infrastructure investment. While awaiting detailed specifics, the government’s focus on economic revitalization and sustainable development sets the tone for its anticipated third term. Clarity on long-term priorities is anticipated with the presentation of the full Budget for 2024-25 in July.

PM Modi Claims BJP Govt Generated 1.5 Times More Jobs Than Predecessor

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News on government 2 ArdorComm Media Group PM Modi Claims BJP Govt Generated 1.5 Times More Jobs Than Predecessor

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that his government has created 1.5 times more employment opportunities in its tenure compared to the preceding administration’s 10 years. Speaking at a Rozgar Mela program where over one lakh youngsters received recruitment letters for government jobs via video conference, Modi criticized the former government for prolonged recruitment processes, which he argued fostered corruption. Modi highlighted his government’s commitment to transparency and expeditious recruitment procedures, aiming to provide equal opportunities for all based on merit and hard work. He emphasized the belief among young Indians that they can secure positions within the government system through talent and dedication. The prime minister pointed to initiatives such as the rooftop solar power scheme for one crore homes and substantial investments in infrastructure as significant contributors to job creation. India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, with over 1.25 lakh startups, was also lauded by Modi for generating employment across the country, even in smaller cities. Additionally, Modi outlined government support for startups, including tax rebates and a Rs 1 lakh crore fund for research and innovation, aiming to further stimulate job growth. Critiquing previous administrations for neglecting the railway sector and failing to meet public expectations, Modi underscored ongoing transformations in the industry. He inaugurated the phase I foundation stone of the integrated complex “Karmayogi Bhavan,” aimed at fostering collaboration and synergy among various components of ‘Mission Karmayogi.’ The newly recruited individuals will join various ministries and departments, marking a step forward in the government’s efforts to address unemployment and promote inclusive growth.  

Over 40 Lakh New Students Enroll in Government Schools: Yogi Adityanath

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News on Education 4 ArdorComm Media Group Over 40 Lakh New Students Enroll in Government Schools: Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Friday that more than 40 lakh new students have enrolled in government schools, signaling a significant milestone in the state’s education sector. Adityanath attributed this surge in enrollment to the concerted efforts of the government to enhance educational infrastructure and promote equality in education across Uttar Pradesh. During the Question Hour in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, Chief Minister Adityanath emphasized the government’s commitment to bridging social inequality through improved access to quality education. He highlighted the substantial progress made in elevating the standard of education in the state over the past seven years. Under the Kayakalp Abhiyan, Adityanath noted that extensive efforts have been directed towards enhancing infrastructure in 1,32,000 schools under the Basic Education Council. This initiative has facilitated a conducive learning environment for students, contributing to the significant increase in enrollment. Furthermore, Adityanath underscored the government’s initiatives to support students, including the provision of essential items such as bags, books, shoes, socks, and sweaters. Additionally, efforts are underway to implement the NCERT syllabus in a phased manner across Uttar Pradesh Board schools, ensuring uniformity in educational standards. Adityanath highlighted the success of the ‘School Chalo’ campaign, which is conducted in April and July, in further encouraging enrollment. The surge of over 40 lakh new students in government schools reflects the tangible outcomes of the government’s initiatives and signifies progress towards fulfilling the objectives of the Right to Education (RTE) Act.  

Punjab Government Proposes ₹3,000 Crore Action Plan for Samagra Shiksha Program

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News on Education 5 1 ArdorComm Media Group Punjab Government Proposes ₹3,000 Crore Action Plan for Samagra Shiksha Program

The Punjab government has presented a comprehensive ₹3,000-crore action plan under the Samagra Shiksha program. This flagship centrally sponsored initiative for school education aims to address various facets, including quality education, access and retention, and vocational education. The proposed budget spans the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26, with an annual allocation of ₹1,476 crore for each year. This marks a commendable 14% increase compared to the current year’s budget. The Samagra Shiksha program operates on a joint funding model, with the central and state governments contributing on a 60:40 sharing basis, emphasizing their commitment to transforming the education landscape. Outlined in the action plan are specific allocations for key areas of focus. An earmarked ₹503 crore is dedicated to initiatives and interventions related to quality education, emphasizing the importance of an enriched learning experience. Additionally, ₹225 crore has been allocated for measures addressing access and retention, ensuring that more students can benefit from an inclusive education system. Another significant chunk of ₹188 crore is set aside for the promotion and implementation of vocational education, equipping students with practical skills for the future. The proposed initiatives include the construction of new classrooms and toilets, improved drinking water facilities, the promotion of commerce and science education, teacher training, digital initiatives, strengthening school libraries, and the installation of solar panels. Furthermore, the plan envisions introducing vocational education in all high and senior secondary schools, reflecting a forward-looking approach to skill development. The Samagra Shiksha Project Approval Board, led by Union school education and literacy secretary Sanjay Kumar, will review the budget proposals in the upcoming month. The central government’s share of ₹886 crore, coupled with the state government’s commitment of ₹590 crore, underscores the collaborative effort to create a robust educational framework.

PM Modi Reviews Progress of Rs 31,000 Crore Worth of Key Projects Across Seven States

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News on Gov

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a PRAGATI meeting on Wednesday to assess the progress of eight significant projects spanning seven states, collectively valued at approximately Rs 31,000 crore, according to a statement from his office. PRAGATI, a multi-modal platform for Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation of projects involving both the central and state governments, marked its 43rd edition during this meeting. These projects encompassed various domains, with four focusing on water supply and irrigation, two centred on expanding national highways and connectivity, and two related to rail and metro rail connectivity. The statement specified, “These projects have a cumulative cost of around Rs 31,000 crore and relate to 7 states: Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana, Odisha, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Maharashtra.” Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of leveraging the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan Portal in conjunction with technologies like satellite imagery to address implementation and planning challenges regarding project location and land requirements. He recommended that stakeholders involved in projects within densely populated urban areas appoint nodal officers and establish teams to enhance coordination. For irrigation projects, the Prime Minister advised organizing visits to areas where successful rehabilitation and reconstruction work had been carried out, with the intention of showcasing the transformational impact of these projects to inspire early execution. During the meeting, he also examined the progress of ‘Mobile Towers and 4G Coverage under USOF Projects.’ These projects aim to provide mobile coverage to 33,573 villages through 24,149 mobile towers under the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF). Modi instructed officials to ensure that mobile towers are installed in all uncovered villages within the current financial year, emphasizing the importance of regular meetings with all stakeholders to achieve full mobile coverage even in remote areas. According to the statement, up to the 43rd edition of PRAGATI meetings, a total of 348 projects with a combined cost of Rs 17.36 lakh crore have undergone review.

TRAI Launches Consultation Paper on 5G Ecosystem’s Role in India’s Digital Transformation

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News on MEA 30th Sept 2023 ArdorComm Media Group TRAI Launches Consultation Paper on 5G Ecosystem’s Role in India’s Digital Transformation

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper titled “Digital Transformation through 5G Ecosystem.” The primary aim of this paper is to address policy challenges and propose an appropriate policy framework to expedite the adoption and effective use of new technologies within the 5G ecosystem, contributing to the comprehensive and sustainable development of India’s economy. The Ministry of Communications has emphasized that India is currently undergoing a rapid digital transformation, significantly impacting its economy and society. Reliable mobile communication technologies play a pivotal role in achieving the objectives set forth by the Digital India program. These technologies are bolstering the economy and empowering citizens by enabling services like the unified payment interface (UPI) and various innovative government-to-business (G2B) and government-to-citizen (G2C) applications. With the emergence of technologies like 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR), and the Metaverse, India stands on the cusp of unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation. India initiated its 5G services on October 1, 2022, with telecom service providers actively expanding the 5G network across the entire nation. The government has launched multiple initiatives to develop 5G infrastructure and promote research and development in this domain. TRAI has also issued recommendations to accelerate the deployment of 5G networks and services in the country. Collaborative efforts spanning various sectors have been undertaken to expedite the rollout of 5G. Beyond just infrastructure deployment, it is crucial to develop and deploy new use cases for both consumers and enterprises to realize the full potential of 5G technology. When 5G is combined with AI, extended reality (XR), and IoT, it will enable businesses and society to fully harness the benefits of these technological advancements. However, achieving this vision necessitates effective collaboration across the ecosystem, involving Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), infrastructure providers, and the government. Adequate infrastructure upgrades, fiberization for 5G deployment, and network densification are essential elements to fully reap the benefits of this technology across various industries. The adoption of 5G will depend on factors like dedicated research and development investments to create India-specific use cases, increased enterprise involvement, affordable devices, and consumer adoption. To accomplish these goals, TRAI has proactively released this consultation paper to identify policy challenges and propose a suitable policy framework. The objective is to expedite the adoption and effective utilization of new technologies, ultimately contributing to the holistic and sustainable development of India’s economy through the 5G ecosystem. The consultation paper is available on TRAI’s website, www.trai.gov.in, for input from stakeholders. Interested parties are invited to submit written comments on the issues under consideration by October 30, 2023, and counter-comments, if any, by November 13, 2023. Comments and counter-comments should preferably be submitted electronically via email to advadmn@trai.gov.in, with a copy to vibhatomar@trai.gov.in. For further clarification or information, stakeholders may reach out to Vandana Sethi, Advisor (Admin & IR), at 11-23221509.

Flipkart Boosts Infrastructure and Workforce for Expansion

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News on HR 5th Sept 2023 ArdorComm Media Group Flipkart Boosts Infrastructure and Workforce for Expansion

Flipkart is actively pursuing its expansion plans by investing in infrastructure and building a highly skilled workforce. The company aims to utilize its Kirana delivery program for over 40% of its shipping operations. To support this initiative, Flipkart has increased its infrastructure by more than 19 lakh square feet in various states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Telangana. New hires are undergoing comprehensive training tailored to their roles, including knowledge about supply chain processes, scanners, handheld devices, mobile applications, point-of-sale machines, and other relevant technologies. This strategy not only involves physical expansion but also focuses on developing a skilled workforce capable of efficiently managing the complexities of the supply chain. Flipkart’s commitment to training its employees in advanced technology and providing them with the necessary tools reflects its dedication to streamlining the delivery process and ensuring a smooth customer experience. Additionally, the expansion of warehousing space in key Indian states signifies a strategic move to strengthen Flipkart’s storage and distribution capabilities. With this expansion and a well-trained workforce, Flipkart is poised for growth and enhanced efficiency as it continues to compete in the online retail landscape.