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Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> will review next week the implementation status of some key decisions taken by the Union Cabinet, including those taken way back in July 2014. 

	Scheduled for February 17, this will be the second such review meeting that Modi will undertake with the Council of Ministers in just about three weeks.
 

	The 27 decisions of the Cabinet and the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs whose implementation status would be reviewed include the amendments to the Factories Act and the Apprentices Act, which were cleared over one and a half years ago in July 2014, sources told PTI.
 

	PM Modi had chaired a similar meeting of the Council of Ministers on January 27 as well.
 Other decisions slated for implementation status review are setting up of a <keyword id="974618" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Credit-Guarantee-Fund">Credit Guarantee Fund</keyword> for providing guarantees to loans extended under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, operationalisation of Budget announcement of 2015-16 on the Atal Pension Yojana, the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. The prime minister will also check progress in the <keyword id="2473706" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Pradhan-Mantri-Jan-Dhan-Yojana">Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana</keyword>, the <keyword id="6562839" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Swacch-Bharat-Mission">Swacch Bharat Mission</keyword> for urban areas, the Housing for All by 2022 mission, the <keyword id="946830" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Skill-Development-Mission">National Skill Development Mission</keyword>, the National Health Mission and the Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana. 

	Other such decisions relate to the National Ayush Mission, amendment to the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2014, setting up three new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Mangalagiri, Nagpur and Kalyani and strengthening of the drug regulatory system.
 

	The decisions relating to setting up of six new IITs and IIMs, amendment to the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, and the nationwide celebration of 125th birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar will also figure in the status review.

PM Narendra Modi to review implementation status of Cabinet decisions for the second time in 3 weeks

Modi Government is about to complete one year in office and one year is a significant time for understanding the intent and to some extent the performance of any government. <keyword id="2403978" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="The-Modi-government">The Modi government</keyword> had won the election on the plank of development and its promise to bring ‘acche din’. The article tries to trace some of the promises that were made and the performance of the government during the previous year under various broad themes. 
 
Economy- The government has been helped by what a prominent editor termed ‘acche sitare’, ‘good luck’. It is no doubt true that fall in commodity prices in general and crude oil, in particular, helped the government reign in the <keyword id="6365485" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="fiscal-deficit">fiscal deficit</keyword> and give it headway to make fiscal policies for the country. The fiscal deficit target for 2015-16 has been the pegged by the budget to 3.9%. While this is little above than recommendations of the Fourteenth <keyword id="74136" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="finance-commission">Finance Commission</keyword> ( which recommended it to be 3.6 percent of the <keyword id="35050" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="gdp">GDP</keyword>), the government has understandably batted for growth. The government still is slowly but surely moving towards the limit set by FRBM (Fiscal Responsibility and Budgetary Management) Act, 2003 that pegged the target at a maximum level of 3% of the GDP. The government has also tried to help the <keyword id="34412" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="economy">economy</keyword> gain momentum by enabling legislation for reforms. These included trying to go in for a major reform in the indirect taxation regime as well as accepting the recommendations of Fourteenth <keyword id="25455" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="finance">Finance</keyword> Commission in respect to revenue sharing with states. It was ostensibly done to ensure a spirit of ‘cooperative federalism’ between states and center, as well as greater financial devolution to states. The figure now stands at 42% of the total revenue collection up from the earlier 32%. Also, the year saw growth forecasts been revised for India by a number of International Bodies and agencies. The IMF revised its forecasts to 7.5 % In 2015 in its WEO April 2015 forecast. It was up from the 6.4 projected for 2015 in the WEO April 2014 forecast. Similarly, the Asian Development Bank in its Asian Development Outlook 2015, indicated a bettering economy with less than 5 percent core <keyword id="22195" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Inflation">inflation</keyword>. They also alluded to the new monetary policy framework according to which RBI, India's central bank is to play the role of price stabilization primarily while being mindful of growth. With the policy framework in place, the central bank will be maintaining the inflation target of 4±2 % from FY 2016 onwards. Thus with an overall bettering situation a total score of 7.5 out of 10. 
 
Foreign Engagement and Defence- Foreign engagement was by far the area where the most vigorous activity and keen intent were observed. The sphere saw initiatives undertaken by the PM himself to make India more noticeable as well as more integrated with the International sphere. It included among many things, trips to foreign countries both in the neighbourhood as well as to countries like Germany, France, Australia, US, Canada and most recently beginning May 14, 2015 his trip to China. The engagement also saw a large number of foreign dignitaries coming to India from across the world. The engagement also saw bilateral agreements as well as plans to invest in India's development by countries and companies abroad, most notably by Japan, US and China. Also, steps to resolve contentious issues have been undertaken pertaining to the border areas with neighbours. It includes the recently passed Bangladesh Land Accord Bill that envisages transferring enclaves and demarcation of the boundary along the present porous borders. Also, in the broad sphere of defence the decision to acquire 36 Rafale fighter jets is a welcome step. More such acquisitions will have to be made since these 36 planes would add just two squadrons to thirty-five squadrons that IAF has. It is below an authorized strength of forty-two which will be down to twenty- five by 2022. It means we must speed up the process of defense acquisitions since there is urgent need to upgrade and modernize the armed forces and security apparatus in India. Overall a score of 8.5 out of 10 foreign engagement and 7.5 out of 10 on defence. 
 
 
Agriculture- Here the government has not been able to do that well, and it is understandable because there has been erratic weather accentuated by some mismanagement by the government. The sector is critical as most people are dependent on it for employment. Added to the weather were the issues of land acquisition and urea availability to farmers. Land Acquisition Bill though being blocked by the opposition on the farmer rights plank is linked directly to the development of clusters and employment of youth for especially rural areas. The focus of the government seems to be the development of irrigation facilities under its Pradhanmantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana. A fund was proposed to be set up for marginalized farmers with a corpus of Rs. 25000 crores in NABARD. An overall score of 6.5 on 10. 
 
Industrial policy and power- Industrial policy saw a continuity from the previous regime. The National Manufacturing Policy (NMP) was hailed by the 'Make in India' as the 'most comprehensive and significant policy initiative of the government'. The 'Make in India' is an initiative that is critically dependent on other factors. These include availability of land, ease of doing business as well as removal of inverse duty structures that make imports of finished products cheaper than finished products. Apart from this labour policies that favour flexibility in hiring and firing are also seen to be the main bottlenecks. While the government has taken some steps to rectify, these bottlenecks outcomes are yet to be seen. Similarly, the <keyword id="44528" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="FDI">FDI</keyword> policy has seen incremental reforms with the opening up of <keyword id="35450" type="COMPANY" weightage="80" keywordseo="insurance">insurance</keyword> and defence sectors further to 49% from the earlier limit of 26%. Both these are positive steps for the economy. Greater structural changes could have been undertaken in these spheres especially with the mandate, but nonetheless significant work is been done. In the power sector, much has been achieved. It included the successful auction of the coal mines, which is slated to rope in a massive 15 lakh crore over the 30-year timeframe if all the mines are auctioned and are working at optimum output. Apart from this coal production was at an all-time high as well as the government seems on track to meet the power requirements of the country. Overall a score of 6.5 for industries and a score of 8 for power out of 10. 
 
Education- The countries' education system can broadly be classified under two broad areas- higher education and school education. There are several schemes that are operational under these. The government in the past one-year has come up with several new initiatives including the Beti-Bachao Beti Padhao Abhiyan, Swachh Vidyalaya and GIS Mapping of schools and has opened several new institutions. However, the fact remains that despite all government’s initiatives most people if given a choice, prefer private schooling since it gives their children a competitive edge later on in their careers. The governments of the past have failed in this and correcting this anomaly will take time. Also, in respect to higher education the government seems keen to have holistic development with several new AIIMS, IIM and IIT like institutions being opened in states that have a paucity of these. What remains to seen is how quality and not just quantity is pursued within these institutions while ensuring regional development. An overall score of 6.5 on 10. 
 
Infrastructure- The primary focus of the government in this sphere is up-gradation of existing and quick development of new infrastructure. The first can be observed in the push for railway up-gradation and improvement in customer service. The second can be observed more in the highways sector with the minister setting himself a target of 30 km a day by 2017. In March this year 11 km of roads were being laid. The broad ambit of infrastructure covers the development of roads, highways, ports, airport, waterways, canals, and railways. It is too early to judge the government's progress on the same however the fact that there is clearance for projects worth close to Rs. 6 lakh Crore across 10 key sectors. It shows intent on the part of government for infrastructure development. Overall a score of 7.5 on 10. 
 
Social Schemes- The social schemes of the government have been particularly impressive. These include the <keyword id="2494045" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="jan-dhan">Jan Dhan</keyword> Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jivan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Atal Pension Yojana and many other social missions like the <keyword id="6562839" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Swacch-Bharat-Mission">Swacch Bharat Mission</keyword> and the Clean Ganga Mission. For the Jan Dhan Yojana already around 12.5 crore accounts have been opened along with a capital infusion of Rs 10,500 crore into the system. The three recently launched social security schemes (namely the (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana ) and Atal Pension Yojana) have got nearly 6.5 crore subscriptions. It is because (PMJJBY) scheme offers Rs. 2 lakh cover for a mere 330 Rs. Per year (provided bank account holders are from age 18-50). Under the (PMSBY), renewable one-year accident cum disability cover of Rs. 2 lakh is provided for Rs.12 premium every year. The Atal Pension Yojana is aimed at those people who work in the unorganised sector and do not fall under the ambit of regular pension. The scheme offers pension under various brackets depending on the contribution made over a period. The scheme is for people in the age bracket 18-40 years. The social focus of the government is also evident from the fact the government has continued with previous schemes and linked them with technology for targeted interventions. The JAM (Jan Dhan Account, Aadhaar Cards and Mobiles) number Trinity as mentioned in the budget speech is an example of the same. The government seems to have a social focus for benefit to poor. An overall score of 8 on 10. 
 
Urbanization and Urban development- The urbanization and urban development received an increased thrust under the 100 Smart City project. The thrust of the present government is not only on up gradation of brownfield cities but also development of new greenfield cities. Traditionally, India has been slow to urbanize, and at present 32 percent of people reside in urban areas. However, the quality of urban life has seen a precipitous decline in the past few decades. The government's smart city initiative is a step aimed at understanding and absorbing the migration of people from rural to urban areas. However, the implementation of the project holds the key. Success in greenfield development is critically linked to land acquisition. Also, will the 'smart cities' improve liveability for the ever-burgeoning population remains to be seen? The project is ambitious in scope and the past year has seen some activity with the launch of the GIFT city in Gujarat and work on cities of DMIDC. An overall score of 6.5 on 10. 
 
Health and Environment- Health along with education have been two areas where successive governments have faltered. The system in India needs a drastic overhaul and increased spending by the government. Also there is a severe shortage of trained personnel in the sector. Add to this the decrepit facilities in rural areas that forces one to look at ways and means to better delivery. The activity in the health ministry was seen to be rather subdued. However, the taxation on cigarettes ensures that a majority of population reconsiders decision to buy cigarettes. The quality of air and the general pollution levels in Indian cities pose serious health issues for all residents. Disease patterns are also changing and this calls for a comprehensive approach to healthcare access and delivery. Not much has been done in this regard. An overall score of 6 on 10. 
 
<keyword id="107737" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Entrepreneurship">Entrepreneurship</keyword> and Employment- For the first time a separate ministry for entrepreneurship has seen the light of the day. This fact along with the fact that skilling are the main thrust areas of the ministry make it clear that the government is in sync with the present ground reality. A million people will enter the workforce every month over the next decade. So it becomes imperative that India produces jobs for its burgeoning workforce. That will not just come from formal and informal sector but will require a thrust for entrepreneurship. Similarly, thrust for skilling is imperative. Further, a draft policy on skill development and entrepreneurship has already been made and put out for public consultation. Though much remains to be seen in terms of its impact the direction and intent, in this case, seems to be spot on. An overall score of 7.5 on 10. 
 
Overall, in assessing the performance, the government seems to have taken cognizance of the major challenges facing India in multiple spheres and taken requisite steps. It seems to be headed in the right direction. It augurs well for India in the medium to long term. Much will depend on the speed of legislation, decision-making and implementation over the next four years. 
 
(Dr. Amit Kapoor is President and CEO of India Council on Competitiveness and Honorary Chairman of Institute for Competitiveness, India. He tweets @kautiliya and can be contacted at <a href="mailto:amit.kapoor@competitiveness.in">amit.kapoor@competitiveness.in</a>. The article is co-authored with Sankalp Sharma who is Senior Researcher at Institute for Competitiveness)

Assessing one year of Modi
Government: 6/10 leaving scope for major improvement

India makes for a beautiful brooding country which seeps in history, culture, diversity as it struggles to shed its post-colonial garb and make those compromises with modern life. This is the very reason that India of today interests the west. The country is a galore of contradictions that coexist with clarity. There is an order in chaos and chaos in order. 
 
So when a country of its size with the population that it has struggles to feed and manage, lessons of hygiene have been lost somewhere. Because just as the rich live in their gated communities, the poor live indignant lives amidst filth and poverty. Lessons, if any, in creating an image for India, would require a mammoth effort to turn real. And the west will still stay engaged all through, training its lens on slums and cultural celebrations of India, as enamoured as always. 
 
But, there are a few occasions in the recent past that Indians have woken up to do something solid about their squalid state of affairs. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi wielded the broom, much to the chagrin of opposition parties, the nation watched and responded in awe. 
 After all, he was only trying to create a positive image of the tasks that lie ahead of India. Just as much as Indians take pride in <keyword id="1925476" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Mars-orbiter">Mars Orbiter</keyword> Mission, they also want their country to be free from garbage. Some responsibility has to start at their doorstep too. And PM Modi, even during his election campaigns had spoken of creating a ‘Bharat’ that was clean and free from garbage for a healthy living. 
 Former minister of <keyword id="26374" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="UPA-government">UPA government</keyword>, <keyword id="42332" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Jairam-Ramesh">Jairam Ramesh</keyword> and Modi had almost spoken on similar lines of creating a <keyword id="6390644" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="80" keywordseo="Clean-India">clean India</keyword> and had articulated well against the callousness of the citizens who didn’t take responsibility to keep their country clean. So, cutting across party lines, two things were clear. One was that the image of clean Bharat is aspirational and bankable to make the country dwell-worthy. And, second one is the cause needn’t be politicised. 
 When former minister and former UN official <keyword id="42749" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Shashi-Tharoor">Shashi Tharoor</keyword> spoke in appreciation of <keyword id="2543851" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Swacch-Bharat-Abhiyaan">Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan</keyword> by Modi, there were ripples within Congress about his leaning towards the BJP or Modi. Kerala Congress Unit, where Tharoor is the primary member, shot a letter to Congress High Command, seeking ‘suitable action’ against the man who had appreciated their political rival. 
 
Petty, did you call it? Well, it indeed was. What Modi speaks or does as far as Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan is concerned, is the feeling that exists in the pulse of every Indian citizen. When Congress wants to deride him for the sake of doing it, and habituated by the practice of criticising for the heck of it, Congress is actually digging its grave deeper. When an issue of public interest or general importance is simply run down, people react through mandate and that is exactly what has happened to Congress. 
 
The problem with Tharoor is that he is not a public politician who grew from the roots. He is that member of club of politicians who gained entry into Congress HQ through plum international postings through his career, and his image of an intellectual. 
 
He is certainly not among those movement-based politicians who will only find time to criticise. His praise of Modi on more occasions than just this one has ruffled a few feathers inside the Cong house. While the party itself has not said much about Tharoor’s ‘Modi-fied’ comments it is clear that the party also understands a swacch abhiyaan has been on people’s priority list since long. Trampling all over it, will only create more problems for the party.

Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan: Intent And Spirit Should Win Against Spite

<keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> is India’s new rockstar — and we named him the <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-most-impressive-people-of-2014-2014-12">Most Impressive Person of 2014</a>. 
The Prime Minister of India may have only been in office since May, but he's already made an impact all over India — and the rest of the world. 
 From his "love thy neighbor" policy for nearby countries and his Make In India and <keyword id="1929810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Digital-India">Digital India</keyword> campaigns to his <keyword id="2513096" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Swacch-Bharat">Swacch Bharat</keyword> Abhiyaan (Clean India drive) and robust foreign policies, Modi has managed to become the most popular man in India. 
 
What makes him the favorite of the Indian people is his gift of gab. With his charismatic elocution skills he can instantly connect with his audiences and instill hope by making people believe that things can change for the better. A testament of his oratory skills was clearly visible at the Madison Square, where he <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/NaMo-Fever-Grips-Indian-Americans-At-Madison-Square/articleshow/43754610.cms">delivered a speech to thousands of Indian-Americans — and everyone was spellbound.</a> 
 
He also proved his mettle as a bureaucrat and a visionary during his visits abroad. For instance: after his Japan visit, Japan pledged to invest <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/A-Sneak-Peak-At-The-Red-Carpet-That-Awaits-Modi/articleshow/43492967.cms">$35 billion in India over the next five years</a>; during his US visit, the two heads of states <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/ObamaModi-Resolve-To-Enhance-Mutual-Cooperation/articleshow/43991298.cms">discussed various issues and "pledged to establish enhance mutual corporation</a>"; and his Australian visit marked <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com.au/indian-pm-narendra-modis-australian-visit-marks-a-dramatic-turnaround-in-relations-between-the-two-nations-2014-11">a dramatic turnaround in relations between the two nations.</a> 
 
Ever since he entered politics, he has worked tirelessly to "Modi-fy" India’s image across the globe, with his pro-people governance, smarter cities, and red carpet (not red tape) business policies for investors. And this is just the beginning of a new, confident, secure and self-sufficient India. 
 
He seems to be saying the right things at the right places. While on the global front, he is advocating ‘pro-business’ and ‘collaboration between countries’ to make this world a better place to live, in India the man is brazenly using ‘role models’ of other political parties to start revolutions on the domestic front. 
 No wonder, he is The <keyword id="2655494" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Most-Impressive-Person">Most Impressive Person</keyword> Of 2014. Here are just a few reasons why Indians love Modi so much: 
 
Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan: Quoting the example of <keyword id="6355532" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mahatma-Gandhi">Mahatma Gandhi</keyword>, he flagged off the ‘Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan’ in India—<a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Swacch-Bharat-Abhiyaan-Intent-And-Spirit-Should-Win-Against-Spite/articleshow/44753753.cms">wielded the broom, much to the chagrin of opposition parties, as the entire nation watched and responded in awe</a>. 
 
He introduced transparency and accountability for government officials: The man means work and there’s no escaping that. Modi made his stance very clear soon after joining the PM office by implementing <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/Honeymoon-Period-Over-For-Central-Government-Employees-Theyd-Now-Be-Reporting-On-Time-Everyday/articleshow/44597839.cms">Aadhaar-based biometric attendance</a> to monitor and track the work of Central Government employees. He also launched the <a href="http://mygov.in/">mygov.in</a> portal that empowers people to connect with the government and contribute towards good governance. 
 
He is taking baby steps to build Digital India: The <keyword id="6360789" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi-Government">Modi government</keyword>'s Digital India mission has been touted as one of his biggest achievements. This is an attempt by the <keyword id="6377129" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Government-Of-India">Government of India</keyword> to integrate the government departments and the people of India to ensure effective governance. <a href="http://www.businessinsider.in/A-Step-Toward-Digital-India-10-Crore-Aadhaars-Linked-To-Bank-Accounts/articleshow/45523974.cms">After launching the initiative, the government has so far been able to link bank accounts of 10 crore people with their Aadhaar card numbers.</a> 
 
He made himself available and accessible to the people of India: In a bureaucratic political environment of India, he infused a new life—by connecting with people through a medium they are using the most in today’s digital age. The man maintains a blog, has a website that he regularly manages, and is also there on social media websites like Facebook, twitter and instagram. Not this, he is also leveraging the power of ‘radio’ to reach out to masses—he communicates his thoughts, visions and ideas with the common man every month through his radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’ (which means conversation from the heart).

Why India's New Prime Minister Is The Most Impressive Person Of 2014

PM Narendra Modi released the <keyword id="123247" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="commemorative-coins">commemorative coins</keyword> of Rs 150 denomination to celebrate Mahatma Gandhiji’s 150th birthday. The event took place in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on October 2, 2019 when the Prime Minister reached the Sabarmati Riverfront to participate in the proceedings of the Swacch Bharat Divas program. The event at Ahmedabad Dropping in at the Sabarmati Ashram, the holy seat from where the father of the nation launched most of his freedom fight related activities, Narendra Modi wrote in the visitor’s book, "I'm satisfied that on the occasion of #GandhiAt150, we're witnessing the fulfillment of his dream of 'Swachh Bharat'. I feel lucky that on this occasion when India has successfully stopped open defecation." During the occasion, Narendra Modi addressed 10,000 sarpanchs. He declared India ‘open defecation free’. The event also saw announcements about the war against plastic and the success of the Swach Bharat Mission. 
 
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 What are commemorative coins? Commemorative coins are released to mark some special events. These coins sport a distinct design to talk about the occasion on which they are issued. Most of the commemorative coins are treated as collectibles and they are in fact a bountiful treasure for the coin collectors. Some countries issue commemorative coins for regular circulation too. Some other commemorative coins by the Modi government The release of the new commemorative coin falls in line with two other commemorative coins released under the BJP government. In January 2019, Modi released a commemorative coin of Rs 350 denomination marking the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, one of the most prominent leaders of the Sikh community. In yet another important event that took place last year, PM Modi launched a commemorative coin of Rs 100 in honor of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former prime minister. Honoring the Mahatma A few days before the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma, the UN (United Nations) released a postal stamp to mark the event. The Indian government conveyed its respect to Gandhiji by releasing the commemorative stamps and coins in Ahmedabad. In a joint venture, India Embassy and LaPoste of France launched a postage stamp with the image of Mahatma Gandhi marking the 150th birthday of India’s legendary leader. 
 
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 Types of commemorative coins There are three different kinds of commemorative coins. The regular issue coins are meant for day to day commercial use and they are issued in the same design for many years. Circulating commemorative coins are also meant for day to day commerce use, but their design will be used only for a limited time. Usually the purpose of these coins is to draw the attention of the world to a particular person or event. Non-circulating legal tender (NCLT) are commemorative coins that are still legal tender and can be used to buy goods and services. However, they are not intended for this regular use. They are actually viewed as souvenirs. Often these coins are made in silver or gold. Commemorative coins are not legal tenders unless notified As per the general understanding, the lower denomination coins are used in general circulation. The higher denomination coins are meant for collection purposes and they usually contain some silver in them. Usually they are found with some coin dealers with marked up prices. As per the law, commemorative coins are not legal tenders unless notified. India’s first commemorative coin The first commemorative coin in India was issued in 1964 with the image of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India to commemorate his birth anniversary. See Also: <a data-type="tilCustomLink">Life Changing Quotes by Mahatama Gandhi</a>

Know everything about Commemorative Coin that PM Modi released on Mahatama Gandhi's 150 birth anniversary

I sat on a chair with a paper in my hand trying to help the girl solve a Class II level double digit multiplication problem. She was shy and did not say much. She tried solving it on the sheet but there was no progress. I gave her hints, patiently waited for her to respond to that. But after a couple of minutes she gave up. Her father kept a close watch on the proceedings, slightly amused at my attempts to draw her attention towards the task at hand. I could see her mother standing at the other end of the kutcha house not very pleased with her daughter’s performance. She had been very proud of the fact that her daughter was in Class VIII in the local government school. Very few girls in the village went to school at this age. This was Chitgunwa, a small village near Jhansi where I had been assigned to conduct a survey on the level of public <keyword id="6355445" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Education">education</keyword>. 
 As India gets ready for the <keyword id="3206186" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Union-Budget-2016">Union Budget 2016</keyword> amidst all the chaos that has preceded the Parliament session, it is necessary to look at budget from the perspective of that girl child or more importantly her mother. As a student of a business school, I am tempted to write on a number of issues pertaining to Indian fiscal policy which affects the business environment of the country or the startup ecosystem in India. But let me take a different route and list down few areas where adequate budgetary intervention could help the mother and her daughter regain their confidence in the system. 
 
Education is one of the key requirements to convert India’s demography into productive human capital. While enough emphasis has been laid on the access of education resulting in Gross Enrolment Ratio of 104.3% , the quality of education remains dismal. India has been consistently spending close to 4-5% of the total budget on education , but the proportion spent on primary education has been falling since last three years (Exhibit 1). The budgetary allocation for Mid-Day Meal Programme was reduced from INR 13,215 cr (2014-15) to INR 9,236 cr (2015-16) . The spend on the quality of education which includes ‘activities to improve learning, such as learning enhancement programmes and innovation grants’ in Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and teacher training is also extremely low (Exhibit 2). 
 
India needs a budget where adequate allocation is made to improve the quality of primary education. The first step would be determining the nature and magnitude of quality improvement required. This can be achieved through regular and sound measurement of outcomes. Another area which requires greater budgetary intervention is teacher training. Average teacher training spend was less than an appalling 3% of the elementary education budget over the past 6 years. This needs to change. India’s primary education curriculum has been severely criticised as being over ambitious and unrealistic. This must be reviewed through a comprehensive research exercise. The curriculum must have both academic and vocational components which could address the economics of retention in secondary and higher education. There must be emphasis on innovation and reasoning which could go a long way in eliminating 140 characters of opinion building process. The government started the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” scheme through a corpus fund of INR 100cr .There is also a Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme to save for girl child’s education. But we need to do more. A comprehensive action plan with regular evaluation of the outcomes will go a long way in proper implementation of the schemes. This must be backed with adequate financial support through the budgetary allocation. 
 The other area which would matter for the mother and her daughter would be access to <keyword id="6354525" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Healthcare">healthcare</keyword> and sanitation. The previous budget was disappointing in terms of allocation to the health sector. Public spending on health sector is paltry 1.3% of the total <keyword id="35050" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="gdp">GDP</keyword> in India . The budget for Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) was slashed by almost 50% last year3. India also tops the global list with 318 deaths per 1000 children under 5 years of age due to diarrhoea and pneumonia . This is unacceptable for a country that is looking to embark on a path of sustained growth. The government must realize the importance of public healthcare spending and act accordingly. 
 
The focus should be on preventive healthcare as it serves the twin purpose of decreasing the government spending on secondary and tertiary care and the out of the pocket expenditure which results in severe health shocks leading to acute financial distress. India ranks third in the world in the out of the pocket spending on healthcare. The government’s flagship programme Swacch Bharat was criticised by CAG recently for failing to achieve the desired targets due to weak implementation. “Audit clearly reveals the failure of the sanitation programmes in achieving the envisaged target” it pointed out. In FY 2015-2016 INR 3,265 cr was allocated for Swacch Bharat Mission which was 27% hike from the previous year . Although allocations had increased, a large sum of money remained unspent. There are issues at multiple levels – evaluating a scheme on the number of toilets built is flawed. The CAG report mentions “more than 30% of individual household latrines remain non-functional”10. Building toilets is not the solution until focus is shifted on solid waste management system and treatment plants. It is vital to understand the link between front end (toilets) and back end (collection and treatment) so that appropriate resource allocation can be made in the upcoming budget. 
 
India stands at a very crucial juncture in its journey. It has been doing well on certain fronts but a lot more needs to be done. A budget which brings the focus back on education and health is what will make this growth story truly sustainable. 
 
(The article has been authored by Rishabh Raj, Post Graduate student at IIM Bangalore. A Graduate from IIT Kanpur, he has worked for two years in a management consulting firm and one year in the public policy space under a Member of Parliament)

Here's what an IIM student feels the Budget should have, after he met a family in a village near Jhansi

<keyword id="6354814" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="prime-minister-Narendra-Modi">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</keyword> made a bold move and declared Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes as void starting midnight. 
 In his address to the entire nation, Modi said the decision was taken to clamp down on <keyword id="6356023" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Black-Money">black money</keyword>. 
 
He urged Indians to bear with temporary hardships in the implementation of the new rule. 
 
"We are No 1 in rate of economic growth. Despite some progress, India still ranks at No 76 in world rankings for perception of corruption,” said Modi. 
 
Modi said persons holding old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 can deposit these notes in their bank or post office accounts from November 10 till close of banking hours on December 30, 2016 without any limit. 
 
He also made other important points during his address to the nation. 
 
Here’s the full text of his speech 
 
 
My dear citizens 
 
I hope you ended the festive season of Diwali with joy and new hope. Today, I will be speaking to you about some critical issues and important decisions. Today I want to make a special request to all of you. You may recall the economic situation in May 2014 when you entrusted us with an onerous responsibility. In the context of BRICS, it was being said that the “I” in BRICS was shaky. Since then, we had two years of severe drought. Yet, in the last two and a half years with the support of 125 crore Indians, India has become the “bright spot” in the global economy. It is not just we who are saying this; it is being stated by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. 
 
In this effort for development, our motto has been ‘Sab Ka Saath Sab Ka Vikas’: We are with all citizens and for development of all citizens. This Government is dedicated to the poor. It will remain dedicated to them. In our fight against poverty, our main thrust has been to empower the poor, and make them active participants in the benefits of economic progress. 
 
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, 
 
the Jan Suraksha Yojana, 
 
the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana for small enterprises, 
 
the Stand-up India programme for Dalits, Adivasis and Women, 
 
the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Scheme for gas connections in the homes of the poor, 
 
the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Beema Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana to protect the income of farmers, 
 
the Soil Health Card Scheme to ensure the best possible yield from farmers’ fields, 
 
and the e-NAM National Market Place scheme to ensure farmers get the right price for their produce 
 
—these are all reflections of this approach. 
 
In the past decades, the spectre of corruption and black money has grown. It has weakened the effort to remove poverty. On the one hand, we are now No. 1 in the rate of economic growth. But on the other hand, we were ranked close to one hundred in the global corruption perceptions ranking two years back. In spite of many steps taken, we have only been able to reach a ranking of seventy-six now. Of course, there is improvement. This shows the extent to which corruption and black money have spread their tentacles. 
 
The evil of corruption has been spread by certain sections of society for their selfish interest. They have ignored the poor and cornered benefits. Some people have misused their office for personal gain. On the other hand, honest people have fought against this evil. Crores of common men and women have lived lives of integrity. We hear about poor auto-rickshaw drivers returning gold ornaments left in the vehicles to their rightful owners. We hear about taxi drivers who take pains to locate the owners of cell phones left behind. We hear of vegetable vendors who return excess money given by customers. 
 
There comes a time in the history of a country’s development when a need is felt for a strong and decisive step. For years, this country has felt that corruption, black money and terrorism are festering sores, holding us back in the race towards development. 
 
Terrorism is a frightening threat. So many have lost their lives because of it. But have you ever thought about how these terrorists get their money? Enemies from across the border run their operations using fake currency notes. This has been going on for years. Many times, those using fake five hundred and thousand rupee notes have been caught and many such notes have been seized. 
 
Brothers and sisters, 
 
On the one hand is the problem of terrorism; on the other is the challenge posed by corruption and black money. We began our battle against corruption by setting up an SIT headed by a retired Supreme Court judge, immediately upon taking office. Since then 
 
• a law was passed in 2015 for disclosure of foreign black money; 
 
• agreements with many countries, including the USA, have been made to add provisions for sharing banking information; 
 
• a strict law has come into force from August 2016 to curb benami transactions, which are used to deploy black money earned through corruption; 
 
• a scheme was introduced for declaring black money after paying a stiff penalty; 
 
My dear countrymen, 
 
Through all these efforts, in the last two and a half years, we have brought into the open nearly 1 lakh 25 thousand crore rupees of black money belonging to the corrupt. Honest citizens want this fight against corruption, black money, benami property, terrorism and counterfeiting to continue. Which honest citizen would not be pained by reports of crores worth of currency notes stashed under the beds of government officers? Or by reports of cash found in gunny bags? 
 
The magnitude of cash in circulation is directly linked to the level of corruption. Inflation becomes worse through the deployment of cash earned in corrupt ways. The poor have to bear the brunt of this. It has a direct effect on the purchasing power of the poor and the middle class. You may yourself have experienced when buying land or a house, that apart from the amount paid by cheque, a large amount is demanded in cash. This creates problems for an honest person in buying property. The misuse of cash has led to artificial increase in the cost of goods and services like houses, land, higher education, health care and so on. 
 
High circulation of cash also strengthens the hawala trade which is directly connected to black money and illegal trade in weapons. Debate on the role of black money in elections has been going on for years. 
 
Brothers and sisters, 
 
To break the grip of corruption and black money, we have decided that the five hundred rupee and thousand rupee currency notes presently in use will no longer be legal tender from midnight tonight, that is 8th November 2016. This means that these notes will not be acceptable for transactions from midnight onwards. The five hundred and thousand rupee notes hoarded by anti-national and anti-social elements will become just worthless pieces of paper. The rights and the interests of honest, hard-working people will be fully protected. Let me assure you that notes of one hundred, fifty, twenty, ten, five, two and one rupee and all coins will remain legal tender and will not be affected. 
 
This step will strengthen the hands of the common man in the fight against corruption, black money and fake currency. To minimise the difficulties of citizens in the coming days, several steps are being taken. 
 
1. Persons holding old notes of five hundred or one thousand rupees can deposit these notes in their bank or post office accounts from 10th November till close of banking hours on 30th December 2016 without any limit. 
 
2. Thus you will have 50 days to deposit your notes and there is no need for panic. 
 
3. Your money will remain yours. You need have no worry on this point. 
 
4. After depositing your money in your account, you can draw it when you need it. 
 
5. Keeping in mind the supply of new notes, in the first few days, there will be a limit of ten thousand rupees per day and twenty thousand rupees per week. This limit will be increased in the coming days. 
 
6. Apart from depositing your notes in your bank account, another facility will also be there. 
 
7. For your immediate needs, you can go to any bank, head post office or sub post office, show your identity proof like Aadhaar card, voter card, ration card, passport, PAN card or other approved proofs, and exchange your old five hundred or thousand rupee notes for new notes. 
 
8. From 10th November till 24th November the limit for such exchange will be four thousand rupees. From 25th November till 30th December, the limit will be increased. 
 
9. There may be some who, for some reason, are not able to deposit their old five hundred or thousand rupee notes by 30th December 2016. 
 
10. They can go to specified offices of the Reserve Bank of India up to 31st March 2017 and deposit the notes after submitting a declaration form. 
 
11. On 9th November and in some places on 10th November also, ATMs will not work. In the first few days, there will be a limit of two thousand rupees per day per card. 
 
12. This will be raised to four thousand rupees later. 
 
13. Five hundred and thousand rupee notes will not be legal tender from midnight. However for humanitarian reasons, to reduce hardship to citizens, some special arrangements have been made for the first 72 hours, that is till midnight on 11th November. 
 
14. During this period, government hospitals will continue to accept five hundred and thousand rupee notes for payment. 
 
15. This is for the benefit of those families whose members may be unwell. 
 
16. Pharmacies in government hospitals will also accept these notes for buying medicines with doctors’ prescription. 
 
17. For 72 hours, till midnight on 11th November, railway ticket booking counters, ticket counters of government buses and airline ticket counters at airports will accept the old notes for purchase of tickets. This is for the benefit of those who may be travelling at this time. 
 
18. For 72 hours, five hundred and thousand rupee notes will be accepted also at 
 
• Petrol, diesel and CNG gas stations authorised by public sector oil companies 
 
• Consumer co-operative stores authorised by State or Central Government 
 
• Milk booths authorised by State governments 
 
• Crematoria and burial grounds. 
 
These outlets will have to keep proper records of stock and collections. 
 
19. Arrangements will be made at international airports for arriving and departing passengers who have five hundred or thousand rupee notes of not more than five thousand rupees, to exchange them for new notes or other legal tender. 
 
20. Foreign tourists will be able to exchange foreign currency or old notes of not more than Rs 5000 into legal tender. 
 
21. One more thing I would like to mention, I want to stress that in this entire exercise, there is no restriction of any kind on non-cash payments by cheques, demand drafts, debit or credit cards and electronic fund transfer. 
 
Brothers and sisters, 
 
In spite of all these efforts there may be temporary hardships to be faced by honest citizens. Experience tells us that ordinary citizens are always ready to make sacrifices and face difficulties for the benefit of the nation. I see that spirit when a poor widow gives up her LPG subsidy, when a retired school teacher contributes his pension to the Swacch Bharat mission, when a poor Adivasi mother sells her goats to build a toilet, when a soldier contributes 57 thousand rupees to make his village clean. I have seen that the ordinary citizen has the determination to do anything, if it will lead to the country’s progress. 
 
So, in this fight against corruption, black money, fake notes and terrorism, in this movement for purifying our country, will our people not put up with difficulties for some days? I have full confidence that every citizen will stand up and participate in this ‘mahayagna’. My dear countrymen, after the festivity of Diwali, now join the nation and extend your hand in this Imandaari ka Utsav, this Pramanikta ka Parv, this celebration of integrity, this festival of credibility. 
 
I am sure that all political parties, all governments, social services organizations, the media and indeed all sections of the society will take part in this with enthusiasm and make it a success. 
 
My dear countrymen, 
 
Secrecy was essential for this action. It is only now, as I speak to you, that various agencies like banks, post offices, railways, hospitals and others are being informed. The Reserve Bank, banks and post offices have to make many arrangements at very short notice. Obviously, time will be needed. Therefore all banks will be closed to the public on 9th November. This may cause some hardship to you. I have full faith that banks and post offices will successfully carry out this great task of national importance. However, I appeal to all of you to help the banks and post offices to meet this challenge with poise and determination. 
 
My dear citizens, 
 
From time to time, based on currency needs, the Reserve Bank with the approval of the Central Government brings out new notes of higher value. In 2014, the Reserve Bank sent a recommendation for issue of five thousand and ten thousand rupee notes. After careful consideration, this was not accepted. Now as part of this exercise, RBI’s recommendation to issue two thousand rupee notes has been accepted. New notes of five hundred rupees and two thousand rupees, with completely new design will be introduced. Based on past experience, the Reserve Bank will hereafter make arrangements to limit the share of high denomination notes in the total currency in circulation. 
 
In a country’s history, there come moments when every person feels he too should be part of that moment, that he too should make his contribution to the country’s progress. Such moments come but rarely. Now, we again have an opportunity where every citizen can join this mahayajna against the ills of corruption, black money and fake notes. The more help you give in this campaign, the more successful it will be. 
 
It has been a matter of concern for all of us that corruption and black money tend to be accepted as part of life. This type of thinking has afflicted our politics, our administration and our society like an infestation of termites. None of our public institutions is free from these termites. 
 
Time and again, I have seen that when the average citizen has to choose between accepting dishonesty and bearing inconvenience, they always choose to put up with inconvenience. They will not support dishonesty. 
 
Once again, let me invite you to make your contribution to this grand sacrifice for cleansing our country, just as you cleaned up your surroundings during Diwali. 
 
Let us ignore the temporary hardship 
 
Let us join this festival of integrity and credibility 
 
Let us enable coming generations to live their lives with dignity 
 
Let us fight corruption and black money 
 
Let us ensure that the nation’s wealth benefits the poor 
 
Let us enable law-abiding citizens to get their due share. 
 
I am confident in the 125 crore people of India and I am sure country will get success. 
 
Thank you very much. Thanks a lot. 
 
Namaskar. 
 
Bharat Mata Ki Jai.

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