Union Minister
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Union Minister
UNION MINISTER
- PRAKASH JAVADEKAR
The Frontliner for the better country
Prakash Javadekar was inducted in the Union Council of Ministers when the Narendra Modi led NDA government came to power at the centre with a thumping majority in the 2014 general elections. He was entrusted with the responsibility as MoS (I/C) for Environment, Forest & Climate Change along with MoS (I/C) Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs. He was elevated as a Cabinet Minister on 5th July 2016 and given the charge of Human Resource Development Ministry which he handled till 30th May 2019. Prakash Javadekar was inducted as a Union Cabinet Minister in the second term of Narendra Modi led NDA government in May 2019. He is handling the charge for Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change along with Information & Broadcasting and Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises.
MAJOR ACHEIVEMENTS
- A large number of pending defence projects of strategic importance including infrastructure and border roads projects had accumulated till 2014 due to inordinate delay in grant of clearance by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. After coming to power, within the first week, the Modi government granted general approval to all the Defence strategic projects and roads within 100 Kms of LAC. Thus, a general approval was granted instantly and a new policy was adopted. Now, no file comes to the Ministry. This has paved a way for robust growth of roads and other infrastructure in the border areas. This was a landmark decision appreciated by one and all.
- During the period from 2014 to 2020, tree cover in forests and outside forests has increased by 15,000 Sq. Kms.. India is among the few countries where forest cover is increasing.
- The Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) Bill was passed and Rs. 47,000 crores were handed over to the States for more afforestation.
- Linear projects like road, rail, irrigation canal, drinking water canal, power transmission lines, etc., are accorded immediate approvals while also taking proper care of the environment.
- 70 % of the World’s tiger population are in India with a count of 2967 tigers. India is also recorded in the Guinness Book of Records for laying down more than 25,000 camera traps and having clicked more than 30 million photos to enable this head count.
- Robust wild life with 30,000 plus elephants, 3,000 single horned rhinos and 500 plus lions is in itself a certificate of the good work being done in conservation of wildlife in India.
- India is now producing 87 GWs of renewable energy through solar and wind sources and we have 37% of our energy mix from renewable sources.
- Despite India having only 2.5% of the world’s land mass, 4% of fresh rain water resources, 16% of the world’s human and cattle population, India has the world’s 8% biodiversity. The Bio Diversity Act is implemented and village-wise registers are being maintained.
- India is one of the few countries who are walking the talk on the Paris Agreement. India has two coalitions: (1) International Solar Alliance, and (2) Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
- India has up-scaled its target of restoration of land to 26 million hectares in the next 10 years.
- India is President of two CoPs. One, on Combating Desertification (UNCCD) and two, a Convention of Migratory Birds (CMB).
- National Air Quality Index (AQI) is now calculated in 122 cities giving 24 x 7 information on air pollution in each city. City specific National Clean Air Programme is under implementation.
- New six Waste Management Rules have been framed and are under implementation. The new Waste Management Rule for Construction and Demolition Waste has been notified.
- All environment approval processes are now made online through the Parivesh portal which is also used to track the file movement thus ensuring speedy disposal.
- 5,400 critically polluting industries are monitored 24 x 7 with the help of online meters on chimneys and water discharge units
- All environment approval processes are now made online through the Parivesh portal which is also used to track the file movement thus ensuring speedy disposal.
- Decentralisation of forest approvals up to 40 hectares has now been done through 19 regional centres.
- Time for grant of approval has been reduced from 640 days in 2014 to 100 days in 2020.
- Mangroves cover has increased by more than 200 Sq. Kms.
- High resolution Coastal Map and High Tideline has been drawn with great effort.
- Engaged with the world on all environmental issues.
MAJOR ACHEIVEMENTS
- Prasar Bharati’s app “News on Air” was launched which has become extremely popular. It provides the user with access to any Akashwani Kendra at any place.
- DD Free Dish has reached more than 40 million houses and has improved in ratings to a large extent. All the 104 channels on this Dish are shown free of cost.
- India and Bangladesh have started joint production of Indo-Bangladesh film “Banga Bandhu” has started to commemorate Banga Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rehman’s birth centenary.
- I & B Ministry has started various campaigns through social media platforms.
- PIB has started the Fact Check Unit which is functioning successfully. It checks the facts and brands wrong news as “Fake” news. This has created a very good impact on the media.
- Interactive digital multimedia exhibitions on Mahatma Gandhi and Guru Nanak Dev ji published by the Ministry have become very popular.
- Brought out a yearly book of speeches of the Prime Minister for the first five years. Also brought out a chronicle of the Vice President of India’s two years in office.
- On completion of one year of Modi 2.0 government, a special report card “Towards a Resurgent India” and a special booklet called “Transforming India: Six Years of Inclusive Governance” was published.
- Repeat telecasts of iconic serials like Ramayana during the COVID-19 period became an instant hit and broke the world record of viewership with 77 million viewers for Ramayana alone.
- 30,000 DD Set-top boxes were distributed in all border villages of Jammu & Kashmir so that they get complete access to Indian programmes.
- IFFI was held successfully as every year in Goa.
MAJOR ACHEIVEMENTS
- New Education Policy was conceived, prepared and is now ready for final decision.
- Started 34 educational channels through Swayam and Swayam Prabha programmes.
- New Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan has been launched in place of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan for providing facilities like KGBV hostels, libraries and sports equipment in each school as well as monthly stipend of Rs. 200 for girls with special needs.
- More than 2000 Atal Tinkering Labs have been established.
- Mid-Day Meals were served to millions of students in more than 11 lakh schools with an expenditure of Rs. 17,000 crores.
- Separate toilets for girl students and ramps for students with special needs have been constructed.
- Swachh Vidyalaya Puraskar has become popular with participation of more than 6 lakh public and private schools.
- Hackathon competition started 4 years ago has given a fillip to innovators.
- Higher Education Finance Agency with a provision of Rs. 1 lakh crore has been started.
- IIM Bill was passed giving full autonomy to all the IIMs.
- UGC has granted greater autonomy to more than 60 universities having NAAC scores of 2.26 and above.
- The National Digital Library has been established and is running successfully.
- The Technical Education Improvement Programme named as “TEQIP” has been successfully made.
- National Academic Depository has been launched to keep all Degree Certificates in DEMAT format.
- The National Testing Agency has been established to conduct all professional exams as per international standards with transparency.
