WTO REGIME

The World Trade Organization (WTO) deals with the rules of trade among nations, as negotiated and agreed among its member countries, and inter alia, also settles trade disputes between its members. Its fundamental principles include non-discrimination in trade matters, freer trade, predictability and transparency. Decision-making is largely based on the principle of consensus. However, the impact of the rules on different member countries and sectors would depend on several factors, both external and internal to a member country, and would consequently vary across countries. Negotiations in a multilateral forum such as the WTO require some give and take, so that the best possible outcomes are achieved. The Government is pushing for outcomes in the priority areas of India’s interest, such as in the area of agriculture negotiations. 

Under the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), for the year 2017-18, out of a total allocation of Rs. 1720.00 Crore Government has allocated an amount of Rs. 1069.87 Crore for pulses as central share to increase the production of pulses in the country. A programme on Additional Area coverage of Pulses is operational since 2013-14 under the NFSM to increase the production of rabi/ summer pulses through area expansion of rabi pigeon pea, gram, pea and lentil during rabi and, moong and urad during summer in NFSM-Pulses implementing States. 

The Government believes that a rules-based, non-discriminatory multilateral trading system is necessary for bringing transparency, equity and fair play into global trade relations. The multilateral trading system potentially offers a suitable institutional architecture for a developing country. While framing trade-related policies, the Government is mindful of the need to ensure that these are aligned with India’s obligations and commitments under various WTO Agreements. Internal economic and market reforms are an ongoing autonomous process based on national goals and priorities. These include strengthening and upgradation of trade-related infrastructure, steps to enhance the ease of doing business, steps to improve India’s export competitiveness and deepen engagements with new markets, deepen and widen the export basket and promote product standards, packaging and branding of Indian products. 

India has a long standing position on the need to prioritize the agreed mandate of the Doha Round, in particular, the Ministerial decision to find a permanent solution by December 2017 on public stockholding for food security purposes, which relates to protection of our food-grain procurement programme at Minimum Support Prices and subsidized distribution to economically weaker sections. The Government is committed to pursuing this issue in the WTO in order to take forward the mandate given in the Bali and Nairobi Ministerial Conferences of the WTO in 2013 and 2015 respectively. India is seeking to implement the decisions on the issue through active and constructive engagement with Member countries. 

Further, India’s proposal for facilitating trade in services in the WTO was made with the objective of imparting much needed momentum to the discussion on services. The proposal provides a framework to address the various impediments to trade in services in a comprehensive and holistic manner. The proposal has been discussed in the relevant services bodies of the WTO. 

This information was given by the Commerce and Industry Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Lok Sabha today

Cong parades MLAs, claims BJP tried to bribe them

Bengaluru/Ahmedabad, Jul 30 (PTI) The Congress today paraded its 44 MLAs lodged in a resort on Bengaluru outskirts before media to scotch reports of disunity in their ranks, and accused the BJP of trying to poach them by offering a bribe of Rs 15 crore each to cross-vote in the Rajya Sabha polls.

Apparently rattled by the desertion of its six MLAs since Thursday, the party has shifted over 40 of them to the resort to keep its flock together ahead of the August 8 RS poll for which it has fielded Ahmed Patel, the high-profile political secretary to Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

The resignation by the six MLAs, including Balwantsinh Rajput, Congress chief whip in the Assembly, followed the exit of party stalwart and former chief minister Shankarsinh Vaghela. The resignations brought down the Congress's strength in the Assembly from 57 to 51. Three of the six later joined the BJP.

Rajput, a relative of Vaghela, has now been fielded by BJP to take on Patel, who is seeking a fifth Rajya Sabha term.

"Our legislators have not come here to enjoy. We brought them here to save democracy as they were being poached by BJP, using money and muscle power," AICC Spokesperson Shaktisinh Gohil told reporters at the resort as the MLAs sat behind him.

"BJP tried to buy 22 of our MLAs before the Rajya Sabha polls for cross-voting by offering them Rs 15 crore each," he alleged.

The BJP, however, rejected the allegation that it was behind Congress MLAs walking out of the party. Union minister Prakash Javadekar also wondered if Congress lawmakers quitting the organisation were "purchasable".

The BJP also took a swipe at Congress over the lavish stay of its MLAs at a resort when people were reeling under floods back home in Gujart.

There were reports that several MLAs supporting Vaghela, who has still not resigned from the Assembly, were among those staying at Egleton Golf Resort.

With 51 MLAs on his side, the Congress candidate would easily sail through the vote, but more desertions could put his chances into jeopardy.

The presidential election had seen cross-voting by Congress legislators with the joint opposition candidate Meira Kumar garnering votes of only 49 MLAs against the Congress's then strength of 57 in the state Assembly.

Gohil claimed Congress has the assured support of 60 MLAs and BJP should not even dream to get Patel defeated.

"We have 44 legislators here and we are also in touch with seven legislators, who are not here with us. A few others from other parties including NCP are also voting for us. In all, we have 60 legislators voting for our candidate," he asserted.

Union minister Prakash Javadekar rejected the charge of the BJP poaching and bribing Congress MLAs.

"Gujarat Congress leaders are levelling allegations at the BJP in Bengaluru. It is like a thief criticising a cop. If their leaders are leaving them, it has nothing to do with us," Javadekar told PTI in New Delhi.

He said those who quit the Congress included leaders like Vaghela, a former chief minister and the leader of opposition, its chief whip Balwantsinh Rajput and its spokesperson Tejashreeben Patel.

"They are all strong leaders. Nobody can purchase them.

The Congress should look inwards and think why such senior leaders are leaving it. The truth is that its only goal is to save Rahul Gandhi in the country and Ahmed Patel in Gujarat," he said.

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who reached flood- hit Banaskantha today, said the decision to fly Congress MLAs out of the state was taken by Ahmed Patel out of his "greed" to win the poll.

"Sonia Gandhi's love for her son Rahul has drowned the Congress across the country. Similarly, Patel's greed to save his Rajya Sabha seat will sink Congress in Gujarat," he said.

Rupani claimed Patel "forced" Congress MLAs from areas hit by floods to fly to Bengaluru.

Patel, who also visited flood-affected Banaskantha district today, mounted a counteroffensive against Rupani, alleging, "Our MLAs were forced to leave Gujarat as they and their family members were being tortured by the state government." 

The Congress heavyweight said before the MLAs from flood ravaged areas flew out of the state they had started relief camps and were still keeping a close watch on the situation from Bengaluru.

Of the total 11 RS members from the state, the term of three--Smriti Irani and Dilipbhai Pandya (both BJP) and Ahmed Patel--is ending on August 18. BJP has fielded party chief Amit Shah and renominated Union minister Smriti Irani for two seats and put up Balwantsinh Rajput for the third which is held by Patel.

Doval calls on President Xi along with other BRICS NSAs

 

Beijing, Jul 28 (PTI) National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other top security czars of the BRICS nations today called on Chinese President Xi Jinping, who praised their efforts in enhancing mutual trust and cooperation despite the vast geographical distance among the member nations.

The meeting comes amid a standoff between China and India in Dokalam area in the Sikkim sector.

After day-long deliberations over improving cooperation in a number of areas, the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) NSAs met Xi and interacted with him.

Xi, in his address to the BRICS NSAs, praised them for building a mutual trust and cooperation among the member nations.

"Every minister has done a great job for improving our mutual trust and security cooperation. I sincerely thank for all your efforts," Xi who is heading the BRICS group this year said about the deliberations by the NSAs today on host of security related issues.

"I think the meeting was carried out well. In order to promote the strategic mutual trust of the BRICS countries, security cooperation, all of you have made a lot of effort," he said.

The BRICS cooperation has 10 years of history and the five-member group of emerging countries have carried on meaningful cooperation despite geographical distance and different political systems establishing a new type of international relations, the Chinese president said.

While the starting point of BRICS cooperation is in the economic and financial field in its first decade, in view of the complex international political and economic security situation, the member countries should expand cooperation with more people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges and coordinate on security issues, he said.

The BRICS NSAs meeting focussed on global governance, counter-terrorism, cyber security and energy security, international and regional hotspots, and national security and development.

China yesterday acknowledged that Doval and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi met on the sidelines of the BRICS NSAs meet during which they discussed "major problems" in bilateral ties. However, China made no mention of the Doklam standoff.

Since the standoff began on June 16, China has been maintaining that there will not be a meaningful dialogue without the unconditional withdrawal of Indian troops.

In today's meetings, there were no hand shakes in front of the media between Chinese officials and the BRICS NSAs.

Consumer Grievance Redressal System in the Country

Under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, there is a three–tier quasi-judicial mechanism in place for redressal of consumer grievances. These are District Fora at the districts, State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in States and the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission at the Centre.

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission holds circuit bench sitting from time to time at different state capitals to expedite the process of adjudication.

As an alternative means of redressal, consumers can also lodge complaints with the National Consumer Helplines (NCH). There are around 250 companies which have partnered with NCH for redressal of consumer grievances. Complaints received against these companies are referred to them for redressal.

In terms of the BIS Act, 1986, the Bureau of Indian Standards has been established for the harmonious development of the activities of standardisation, and marking and quality certification of goods etc. The Bureau has powers to grant, renew, suspend or cancel a licence for use of the standard mark and inter alia, make inspections and collect samples to see conformity with the Indian standard as also whether the standard mark has been improperly used.

The Department has introduced Consumer Protection Bill, 2015 in the Lok Sabha in August, 2015, which contains a number of provisions for strengthening the consumer grievance redressal mechanism. A new BIS Act, 2016 has also been notified.

This information was given by Shri C. R. Chaudhary, the Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, today. 

Nitish Kumar was sworn in as the chief minister along with BJP's Sushil Kumar Modi as his deputy

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar to seek trust vote on Friday

Bihar Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi administers oath to JD(U) National President Nitish Kumar as Bihar Chief MInister at Raj Bhawan, in Patna on Thursday. (Source: PTI photo)


NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi scored a major political victory on Thursday when Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar joined forces with his ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), further weakening the field of credible opposition candidates.

Kumar, once seen as a potential challenger in the 2019 general election, was sworn in as chief minister a day after quitting - ostensibly over a row with his coalition ally - and will govern with the BJP.

The sudden political realignment in Bihar, home to more than 100 million people, means that Modi's party now rules - either alone or in coalition - in 17 of India's 29 states, representing close to two thirds of India's 1.3 billion people.

Modi has led his party to a string of state election wins since he stormed to power in 2014, expanding the BJP's base across the northern heartlands and into the remote northeast, and cementing his claim to a second term.

"Modi's road to power in 2019 is smoother with Nitish on his side," said Sankarshan Thakur, an editor at The Telegraph newspaper and author of a book on Kumar.

What had been broken, he said, was not merely an alliance but an attempt at building a credible counter-narrative to Modi's "stunning grab on the national imagination" after 2014.

Bihar had been a rare blot on Modi's electoral record, after a three-party alliance led by Kumar handed the BJP a heavy defeat in late 2015.

Kumar's collapsed coalition, which included the once-mighty Congress party, held out the possibility that opposition leaders could form some sort of national bloc to fight Modi.

His return to the fold, having served as a minister in the last BJP-led government, underscores Modi's political dominance and tactical acumen in either defeating or co-opting his rivals.
Backing Modi


Kumar's abrupt resignation on Wednesday followed a row with his coalition partner, Lalu Prasad Yadav, a charismatic and colourful former chief minister of Bihar who has previously been jailed for corruption.

The resignation centred on a disagreement around the role of Yadav's son as a regional minister, but some analysts said Kumar, 66, clearly saw a better political future by cutting his losses and aligning himself with Modi.

"The BJP has its strategy in place and the systematic assault on Lalu's family in corruption cases by federal agencies was not a coincidence. It was all well-timed and planned to ensure Nitish gets a smooth exit to join hands with the BJP," said Shekhar Gupta, founder and editor-in-chief of The Print.

Bhupender Yadav, BJP national general secretary, denied the BJP was to blame for any fallout between Lalu and Kumar.

"We are proud of the fact that the BJP has been successful in defeating the corrupt political party and will be able to serve the people of Bihar," he said.

Kumar, who broke with the BJP before the 2014 general election, had in recent months begun openly to support some of Modi's policies.

In contrast with other opponents, he had backed the prime minister's shock decision in November to ban high-denomination bank notes to fight "black money" and threw his weight behind Modi's recent choice for India's new president.

Following the resignation, Modi quickly praised Kumar for fighting corruption in one of India's poorest states. The prime minister said on Thursday that he was "looking forward to working together for Bihar's progress and prosperity".

Kumar's regional JDU party and Modi's BJP have enough seats to secure a narrow majority in the state legislature, although Yadav's party is the largest. Yadav said he had the right to form the next government and accused Kumar of "surrendering as per needs".

The BJP's Sushil Kumar Modi will serve as Kumar's deputy in the state.

Amit Shah to contest Rajya Sabha polls from Guj

New Delhi, Jul 26 (PTI) BJP president Amit Shah is set to make his debut as a member of Parliament with the BJP parliamentary board today announcing that he will contest the August 8 Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat.

Union minister Smriti Irani will also contest the Rajya Sabha polls from Gujarat from where she is already an MP and her term ends on August 18.

Shah at present is an MLA from Gujarat, where BJP has a government.

Their names were announced by senior party leader J P Nadda after the meeting of the party panel.

The terms of nine Rajya Sabha members from Gujarat and West Bengal are ending on August 18. These include Irani, CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury and Trinamool Congress leader Derek O'Brien.

Out of the 9 retiring members, four are from the Trinamool Congress, two from the Congress, two from the BJP and one from the CPI-M.

The retirement of Ahmed Patel (Cong), Dilipbhai Pandya (BJP) and Irani (BJP) -- all from Gujarat -- is due on August 18.

The tenure of members from West Bengal -- O'Brien (TMC), Debabrata Bandhopadhyay (TMC), Pradip Bhattacharya (Cong), Yechury (CPM), Sukhenduhakhar Roy (TMC) and Dola Sen (TMC) ends on August 18.

Modi congratulates Nitish after resignation

New Delhi, Jul 26 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hailed the resignation of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, saying in doing so he has joined the fight against corruption.

Immediately after Kumar announced his resignation, Modi tweeted: "Congratulations! Mr Nitish Kumar for joining the fight against corruption." 

"1.25 crore people are welcoming and supporting his honesty," he said in a series of tweets.

"For the bright future of the country, and especially Bihar, it is the need of the hour to rise above political differences and join the fight against corruption," Modi said.

Kumar today resigned as chief minister, citing differences with ally RJD over corruption charges against Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav, son of Lalu Prasad.

English rendering of Speech by Shri Ram Nath Kovind on his Assumption of office as President of India

Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressing after taking oath of the office of the President of India, at a swearing-in ceremony in the central hall of Parliament, in New Delhi on July 25, 2017.

Respected Shri Pranab Mukherjee ji,

Shri Hamid Ansari ji,

Shri Narendra Modi ji,

Shrimati Sumitra Mahajan ji,

Shri Justice J. S. Khehar ji,

Excellencies,

Hon’ble Members of Parliament,

Ladies and Gentlemen, and

Fellow Citizens

I thank you for electing me to the responsibility of the President of India, and I enter this office with all humility. Coming here to Central Hall has brought back so many memories. I have been a Member of Parliament and here, in this very Central Hall, have had discussions with many of you. Often we agreed, sometimes we disagreed. But we learnt to respect each other. And that is the beauty of democracy.

I grew up in a mud house, in a small village. My journey has been a long one, and yet this journey is hardly mine alone. It is so telling of our nation and our society also. For all its problems, it follows that basic mantra given to us in the Preamble to the Constitution – of ensuring Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and I will always continue to follow this basic mantra.

I bow to the 125 crore citizens of this great nation and promise to stay true to the trust they have bestowed on me. I am conscious I am following in the footsteps of stalwarts such as Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, and my immediate predecessor, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, whom we address out of affection as ‘Pranab Da’.

Our Independence was the result of efforts by thousands of patriotic freedom fighters led by Mahatma Gandhi. Later, Sardar Patel integrated our nation. Principal architect of our Constitution Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar instilled in us the value of human dignity and of the republican ethic.

These leaders did not believe that simply political freedom was enough. For them, it was crucial to also achieve economic and social freedom for millions of our people.

We would be completing 70 years of our Independence soon. We are also well into the second decade of the 21st century, a century that so many of us intuitively believe will be an Indian century, guided and shaped by India and its accomplishments. We need to build an India that is an economic leader as well as a moral exemplar. For us, those two touchstones can never be separate. They are and must forever be linked.

The key to India’s success is its diversity. Our diversity is the core that makes us so unique. In this land we find a mix of states and regions, religions, languages, cultures, lifestyles and much more. We are so different and yet so similar and united.

The India of the 21st century will be one that is in conformity with our ancient values as well as compliant with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. There is no dichotomy there, no question of choice. We must combine tradition and technology, the wisdom of an age-old Bharat and the science of a contemporary India.

As the gram panchayat must determine our consultative and community based problem solving, the Digital Republic must help us leapfrog developmental milestones. These are the twin pillars of our national endeavour.

Nations are not built by governments alone. The government can at best be a facilitator, and a trigger for society’s innate entrepreneurial and creative instincts. Nation building requires national pride:

— We take pride in the soil and water of India;

— We take pride in the diversity, religious harmony and inclusive ethos of India;

— We take pride in the culture, heritage and spirituality of India;

— We take pride in our fellow citizens;

— We take pride in our work; and

— We take pride in the little things we do every day.

Each citizen of India is a nation builder. Each one of us is a custodian of India’s well-being and of the legacy that we will pass on to coming generations.

— The armed forces that protect our borders and keep us safe are nation builders.

— Those police and paramilitary forces that fight terrorism and crime are nation builders.

— That farmer toiling in the blazing sun to feed fellow citizens is a nation builder. And we must never forget that so much of our farm labour comprises women.

— That scientist concentrating tirelessly and 24 x 7 to send an Indian space mission to Mars, or invent a vaccine, is a nation builder.

— That nurse or doctor helping the sick to recover and fighting disease in a remote village, is a nation builder.

— That young person who founds a start-up and becomes a job creator is a nation builder. The start-up could be on a small farm, converting mangoes to pickles. Or in an artisans’ village, weaving carpets. Or at a laboratory lit up by giant screens.

— That tribal and ordinary citizen striving to preserve our ecology, our forests, our wildlife, to push back climate change and to advance the cause of renewable energy, is a nation builder.

— That committed and driven public servant who works beyond the call of duty, whether on a flooded road, directing traffic; or in a quiet room, poring over detailed files, is a nation builder.

— That self-less teacher who equips young children and shapes their destinies, is a nation builder.

— Those countless women who take care of families with so many other responsibilities, at home and work, and raise children to become ideal citizens, are nation builders.

People elect their representatives from the Gram Panchayat to Parliament. They vest their will and hopes in these representatives. In turn, the people’s representatives devote their lives to the service of nation.

But, our endeavours are not for ourselves alone. Down the ages, India has believed in the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (वसुधैव कुटुंबकम) – the World is My Family. It is appropriate that the land of Lord Buddha should lead the world in its search for peace, tranquility and ecological balance.

India’s voice counts in today’s world. The entire planet is drawn to Indian culture and soft power. The global community looks to us for solutions to international problems – whether terrorism, money laundering or climate change. In a globalised world, our responsibilities are also global.

This links us to our global family, our friends and partners abroad, and our diaspora, that contributes in so many ways across the world. It brings us to the support of other nations, whether by extending the umbrella of the International Solar Alliance or being first responders following natural disasters.

We have achieved a lot as a nation, but the effort to do more, to do better and to do faster should be relentless. This is especially so as we approach the 75th Year of our independence in 2022. What must also bother us is our ability to enhance access and opportunity for the last person and the last girl-child from an under-privileged family if I may put it so, in the last house in the last village. This must include a quick and affordable justice delivery system in all judicial forums.

The citizens of this country are the real source of strength to me. I am confident that they will continue to give me the energy to serve the nation.

We need to sculpt a robust, high growth economy, an educated, ethical and shared community, and an egalitarian society, as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi and Deen Dayal Upadhyay ji. These are integral to our sense of humanism. This is the India of our dreams, an India that will provide equality of opportunities. This will be the India of the 21st century.



Thank you very much!

Jai Hind

Vande Mataram 

Profile of President Shri Ram Nath Kovind

The Chief Justice of India, Shri Justice J.S. Khehar administering the oath of the office of the President of India to Shri Ram Nath Kovind, at a swearing-in ceremony in the central hall of Parliament, in New Delhi on July 25, 2017

A lawyer, veteran political representative and long-time advocate of egalitarianism and integrity in Indian public life and society, Shri Ram Nath Kovind was born on October 1, 1945, in Paraunkh, near Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. His parents were Shri Maiku Lal and Smt Kalawati.

Before assuming charge of the office of the 14th President of India on July 25, 2017, Shri Kovind served as the 36th Governor of the state of Bihar from August 16, 2015, to June 20, 2017.

Educational and Professional Background

Shri Kovind completed his school education in Kanpur and obtained the degrees of B.Com and L.L.B. from Kanpur University. In 1971, he enrolled as an Advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi.

Shri Kovind was Union Government Advocate in the Delhi High Court from 1977 to 1979 and Union Government Standing Counsel in the Supreme Court from 1980 to 1993. He became Advocate-on-Record of the Supreme Court of India in 1978. He practised at the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court for 16 years till 1993.

Parliamentary and Public Life 

Shri Kovind was elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh in April 1994. He served for two consecutive terms of six years each till March 2006. Shri Kovind served on various Parliamentary Committees like Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes/Tribes; Parliamentary Committee on Home Affairs; Parliamentary Committee on Petroleum and Natural Gas; Parliamentary Committee on Social Justice and Empowerment; and Parliamentary Committee on Law and Justice. He was Chairman of the Rajya Sabha House Committee.

Shri Kovind also served as Member of the Board of Management of the Dr B.R Ambedkar University, Lucknow, and Member of the Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata. He was part of the Indian delegation at the United Nations and addressed the United Nations General Assembly in October 2002.

Positions Held

2015-17: Governor of Bihar

1994-2006: Member of the Rajya Sabha, representing the state of Uttar Pradesh

1971-75 and 1981: General Secretary, Akhil Bharatiya Koli Samaj

1977-79: Union Government Advocate at the Delhi High Court

1982-84: Union Government Junior Counsel in the Supreme Court

Personal Details

Shri Kovind married Smt Savita Kovind on May 30, 1974. They have a son, Shri Prashant Kumar, and a daughter, Miss Swati. An avid reader, the President has keen interest in reading books on politics and social change, law and history, and religion.

During his long public career, Shri Kovind has travelled widely across the country. He has also visited Thailand, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Germany, Switzerland, France, the United Kingdom and the United States in his capacity as a Member of Parliament. 

I have received much more from the country than what I have given, says President

The President of India, Shri Mukherjee received books and reports related to Rashtrapati Bhavan today (July 24, 2017) at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the eve of demitting office as the 13th President of India.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that he was overwhelmed by a deep sense of gratitude to the people of India for the trust and confidence they reposed in him. He was humbled by their kindness and affection. He stated that he had received much more from the country than he had given.

The President congratulated and extended a warm welcome to Shri Ram Nath Kovind, the President-Elect and wished him success and happiness in the years to come.

The President said that in Rashtrapati Bhavan, we tried to build a humane and happy township. He stated that in last five years he learnt from his travels across the length and breadth of the country. The President said that he learnt from his conversations with young and bright minds in colleges and universities, scientists, innovators, scholars, jurists, authors, artists and leaders from across the spectrum. These interactions kept him focused and inspired.

The books presented today to the President were (1) ‘The Innovation President’ by the Vice President of India, Mohd. Hamid Ansari and (2) ‘Selected Speeches of the President (Volume-IV) by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. The reports presented were 'Conserving and Upgrading of the President’s Estate – Select Projects: The Mukherjee Years 2012-2017’ by Dr. Thomas Mathew, Additional Secretary to the President; ‘Health Status and Age Assessment of the Trees of Rashtrapati Bhavan’ by Dr. Savita, Director, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun and ‘Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan Phase –II’ by Dr. AGK Menon and Ms. Swapna Liddle from INTACH.

The book presentation function was followed by a cultural programme and dinner which was attended by the President-elect, Vice President, Prime Minister, Union Ministers and other dignitaries. Details of books and reports released: The book ‘The Innovation President’ provides a summary of efforts made by the President in reinforcing close coordination between public programmes and policies and inclusive innovation ecosystem. This book contains the speeches of the President dealing with innovations at different levels and sectors in the country. Lessons from other countries have also been incorporated as also the examples of innovations in innovation clubs in various universities. The glimpses of awards given to creative communities and grassroots innovators, technology students add to the content of the inclusive innovation system.

‘Selected Speeches of President’- (Volume-IV) is the final volume of the four part series containing important speeches delivered by President Pranab Mukherjee in the fourth and fifth years of his Presidency. The first three volumes had selected speeches from President Mukherjee’s first three years in Office. The speeches included in this volume are into five sections: (i) The Nation, Parliament, Constitutional Bodies and Armed Forces; (ii) Important Days and Events, eminent personalities and commemorative events; (iii) Banquet Speeches and Foreign Visits; (iv) Award Functions, and (v) Education and Conferences. All four volumes of speeches of the President have been brought out by Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The report “Conserving and Upgrading of the President’s Estate – Select Projects: The Mukherjee Years: 2012-2017” chronicles select conservation, preservation and development projects undertaken in the last five years by the President’s Secretariat. This covers 27 conservation and development works undertaken in the 13th Presidency. It details the steps taken for the conservation and restoration of several buildings in the President’s Estate and at “Ashiana” (The Presidential Retreat located at Dehradun).

‘Health Status and Age Assessment of the Trees of Rashtrapati Bhavan’ was conducted by the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun between July 2016 to June 2017 to determine the age of important trees as per requirement; to record pathological and entomological problems on the trees of Rashtrapati Bhavan and to identify trees having physiological and related stress including edaphic causes.

‘Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan Phase –II’ was drafted by INTACH after carrying out detailed documentation and it provides reasoned recommendations for the efficient future management of the Rashtrapati Bhavan building. Proposals for the conservation of the Rashtrapati Bhavan was drawn up based on this detailed documentation and on its heritage value and prevalent conditions, taking into account the specific characteristics and requirement of the building as the residence and office of the President of India. 

Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi launches Sexual Harassment electronic-Box (SHe-Box) for registering complaints related to sexual harassment at workplace

WCD ministry to conduct an all India survey to assess the magnitude of problem related to sexual harassment of women at workplace

The Minister of Women & Child Development, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi launched an online complaint management system titled Sexual Harassment electronic–Box (SHe-Box) for registering complaints related to sexual harassment at workplace in New Delhi today. The complaint management system has been developed to ensure the effective implementation of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (the SH Act), 2013.

This portal is an initiative to provide a platform to women working or visiting any office of Central Government (Central Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Undertakings, Autonomous Bodies and Institutions etc.) to file complaints related to sexual harassment at workplace under the SH Act. Those who had already filed a written complaint with the concerned Internal Complaint Committee (ICC) constituted under the SH Act are also eligible to file their complaint through this portal. The SHe-Box portal can be accessed at the link given below:

http://www.wcd-sh.nic.in/

Speaking at the launch, Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi said that though currently this facility has been extended to employees of Central Government, the scope of the portal will soon be extended to women employees of private sector also.

The WCD Minister said that there are some surveys, which give the extent of sexual harassment of women at workplace. However, the WCD Ministry will carry out a national level survey to asses and understand the magnitude of the problem.

This portal (SHe-Box) is an effort to provide speedier remedy to women facing sexual harassment at workplace as envisaged under the SH Act. Once a complaint is submitted to the portal, it will be directly sent to the ICC of the concerned Ministry/Department/PSU/Autonomous Body etc. having jurisdiction to inquire into the complaint. Through this portal, WCD as well as complainant can monitor the progress of inquiry conducted by the ICC.

Government of India is the largest employer in the country employing 30.87 lakh people to carry out its various functions. As per the Census of Central Government employees, 2011, women constitute 10.93% (3.37 lakhs) of the total regular Central Government employees.

The WCD Ministry has taken several measures to ensure implementation of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act. The Ministry has published a Handbook on the SH Act with the objective to provide information about the provisions of the Act in an easy to use practical manner. Further, the Ministry in collaboration with Institute of Statistical Training and Management (ISTM), New Delhi has prepared a training module to build the capacity of government officials above the provisions of the SH Act and develop in them professional competence to implement the same. Recently, on 5^th May, 2017, the Ministry in collaboration withISTM organised a day long workshop for chairpersons of Internal Complaint Committee constituted in various Ministries/Departments of Central Government.

Besides, in order to create wide spread awareness about the Act across the country both in organized and unorganized sector, MWCD has identified a pool of 29 resource institutions willing to provide capacity building programs i.e. training, workshops etc on the SH Act. The list of these institutions is available at the link given below:

Link:http://wcd.nic.in/act/recommended-panel-institutes-or-organizations-under-sexual-harassment-women-workplace

Link to Training Module for Two Day Workshop on Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013: http://wcd.nic.in/act/training-module-two-day-workshop-sexual-harassment-women-workplace-prevention-prohibition-and

The SHe-Box will provide a platform to these empanelled institutes/organisations to share their capacity building activities with the Ministry which in turn will be able to monitor the activities of these institutes/organizations so empanelled from across the country. As of now, as per the reports received, in the past 5 months, the empanelled institutes/organisations/companies have organised 35 capacity building exercises which were attended by approximately 1700 people.

Ensuring the dignity and safety of women must be first priority for any digital society. Towards realisation of the vision of the Digital India programme, the Ministry is promoting utilisation of information and communication technology to achieve the goal of gender equality and women empowerment. It is an effort to utilise the digital space to enable speedier response to the complaints of women against sexual harassment at workplace.        

The Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt Krishna Raj; Secretary WCD, Shri Rakesh Srivastava and senior officers of the Ministry as well as  its associated organizations were present at today’s launch event.

Doval's visit key to ease Sikkim standoff: Chinese analyst

Beijing, Jul 22 (PTI) Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval's visit to Beijing for a meeting of NSAs from BRICS countries may be key to ease tensions between India and China over the military standoff in Dokalam, a Chinese analyst said.

Doval is scheduled to visit China for the meeting on July 27-28.

The meeting is hosted by his Chinese counterpart and State Councillor Yang Jiechi. It is part of a series of meetings of officials from BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa - ahead of this year's summit of the five-member bloc of emerging countries in Xiamen city in September.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the summit.

Ma Jiali, a research fellow at the China Reform Forum thinktank, said Doval's visit may be key and would serve as an opportunity to ease India-China tensions.

His comments came in a piece in The Global Times, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party media group, which generally reflects the views of the ruling party, today. The tabloid has unleashed a barrage of anti-India rhetoric in recent weeks amid tensions between the two countries.

Chinese and Indian soldiers have been locked in a face- off in Dokalam area in the southernmost part of Tibet in an area also claimed by Indian ally Bhutan for over a month after Indian troops stopped the Chinese army from building a road in the disputed area.

Both Doval and Yang are also the Special Representatives for India-China boundary talks. The two sides have held 19 rounds of boundary talks to resolve their differences.

Chinese officials say Doval and Yang may have informal talks to resolve the standoff in Dokalam in the Sikkim sector.

"China would lodge solemn representation with the Indian side during Doval's visit, hoping it could take measures to ease the tension. India may make some requests as a bargaining chip for its pulling out troops," Ma, who specialises in India-China studies, said.

He, however, cautioned that if the two sides failed to reach an agreement on the issue, the China-India ties would be severely damaged.

Ram temple should be constructed in legal manner: Shah

Jaipur, Jul 22 (PTI) BJP President Amit Shah today said his party wants the Ram temple in Ayodhya to be constructed in a legal manner after mutual dialogue.

"The party's stand is clear and mentioned in the last four Lok Sabha election manifestos. The temple should be constructed in a legal manner and there should be mutual dialogue," he said at a press conference here.

On suggestions that the creamy layer among SCs/STs should be excluded from reservation benefits, the BJP supremo said a decision can only be taken after discussion with all parties in Parliament.

Shah, who is a on a three-day visit to the state, said that all political parties should discuss the issue of holding Lok Sabha and assembly elections simultaneously and take it up with the Election Commission.

"We definitely want that Lok Sabha and state assembly elections should be held together.

"The BJP believes in the concept and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also expressed his desire with all political parties for discussion," he said.

Addressing the press conference, Shah referred to major steps by the BJP-led government in Centre, including demonetisation, GST implementation and shutting down shell companies.

He said the BJP was never against GST implementation by UPA-led government but it was against the way it was sought to be implemented.

"The states were demanding that losses incurred by them should be fully compensated by the Centre. We accepted their demands while implementing the GST and now the states are with us, Shah said in reply to a question.

"There were apprehensions raised by the Opposition, but people of the country have accepted it," he said.

Asked whether the government intends to bring any legislation on cow protection, Shah said that such laws already exist in BJP-ruled states.

Ram Nath Kovind is India's 14th President

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi congratulates the President-elect, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, in New Delhi on July 20, 2017.

New Delhi, Jul 20 (PTI) Ram Nath Kovind, a low-key lawyer-turned-politician, was elected today as India's 14th President, the first BJP member and the second Dalit to occupy the country's highest office.

The 71-year-old Kovind defeated joint opposition candidate Meira Kumar, a former Lok Sabha speaker, after garnering 65.65 percent of the votes in the electoral college.

Expressing happiness over the "extensive" support Kovind got from the electoral college, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "Congratulations to Shri Ram Nath Kovind Ji on being elected the President of India! Best wishes for a fruitful & inspiring tenure."

A former Bihar governor, Kovind received 2930 votes with a value of 7,02,044, said election Returning Officer Anoop Mishra. Kumar got 1844 votes with a value of 3,67,314.

The winning margin was not as big as forecast by the BJP, which had projected a 70 per cent vote for Kovind. Outgoing President Pranab Mukherjee had received votes valued at 7,13,763.

"I never aspired to be the president. My win is a message to those discharging their duties with integrity. My election as the President is an evidence of the greatness of Indian democracy," Kovind told the media after his victory was announced. "I am feeling emotional."

Kovind is the first BJP member to be elected president.

He will take oath of office on July 25 for a five-year term.

He is also the second Dalit to occupy Rashtrapati Bhavan after K.R. Narayanan. Previous presidents have included a Sikh and two Muslims.

As soon as the results were formally announced, the sounds of firecrackers going off reverberated in Kalyanpur in Kanpur Dehat in Uttar Pradesh, where Kovind hails from.

The teachers of DAV College, where Kovind had studied, said they were proud of his achievement.

"For us it is indeed a glorious moment, as one of the proud alumnus of our college is now going to occupy the top constitutional post of the country," said Amit Kumar Srivastava, principal of the college.

Kovind's victory is partly due to the BJP's massive victory in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections earlier this year. This gave the party a big boost in the electoral college numbers.

Even after the U.P. victory, the BJP-led NDA was slightly short of majority and had to rely on the support of non-NDA parties such as TRS in Telangana, AIADMK factions and DMK in Tamil Nadu, the JD(U) in Bihar, and BJD in Odisha.

But the party played a masterstroke by fielding a Dalit candidate as part of its outreach to woo the backward communities, which several opposition parties found difficult to oppose given the political sensitivites. This forced the opposition to follow suit and put up Kumar, a diplomat- turned-politician, in a Dalit vs Dalit fight.

Congratulating her poll rival, Kumar said it has now fallen on Kovind to uphold the Constitution in letter and spirit in "these challenging times".

Kumar said that her fight for secularism, the oppressed and the marginalised will continue.

Modi also congratulated Kumar for her campaign, saying it was "in the spirit of democratic ethos and values we all are proud of".

Among those who congratulated Kovind were Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, a host of chief ministers and other politician.

Soon after, the president-elect met with Modi, who put a piece of sweetmeat in his mouth after putting a stole around his neck, as BJP President Amit Shah looked on.

Hailing as "historic" Kovind's election, Shah said it is a "victory for the poor, downtrodden and marginalised and their aspirations".

A total of 768 out of 771 eligible MPs cast votes.

Likewise, 4083 out of 4109 eligible MLAs cast their votes, registering a turnout of nearly 100 percent.

While 522 MPs voted for Kovind, Kumar secured support of 225 parliamentarians.

The electoral college comprises of Members of Parliament and members of legislative assemblies of all states.

While the value of an MLA's vote depends on the population of his or her state, the value of an MP's vote remains the same at 708.

The polling was marked by cross-voting in various states where many opposition members favoured Kovind.

The vice-presidential election will be held on August 5.

While BJP has nominated a former party president, Venkaiah Naidu, the opposition has fielded former West Bengal governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi.

I regret it: Karan Johar on Kangana joke at IIFA

Mumbai, Jul 19 (PTI) Filmmaker Karan Johar has admitted the nepotism joke targeting Kangana Ranaut at the IIFA Awards stage was his idea and it is something that he regrets now.

Johar, Saif Ali Khan and Varun Dhawan raked up the nepotism debate during the award ceremony on July 15, where the trio chanted "nepotism rocks", mocking Kangana for calling the "Ae Dil Hai Mushkil" director the "flag-bearer of nepotism" on his chat show earlier this year.

Varun apologised on Tuesday, while Johar in an interview with NDTV on Wednesday said it was a case of a joke gone wrong and his intention was never to hurt anyone.

"What we said was meant to be a joke, which I think has been misplaced, misunderstood and I think it went wrong. I regret it. The idea of that joke was entirely mine, so I take onus of the idea of what we said. And I think we went a bit far by the Kangana mention.

"No matter what I say or feel about my issues with what Kangana said on my talk show... I think I was raised to be dignified, chivalrous and a decent person. That's the upbringing that I was given and I feel that I failed on those accounts," he said, adding that he is closing the chapter once and for all.

Kangana's comment on Johar's show had kicked up the nepotism storm in Bollywood, where family connections often lead to better career opportunities.

Johar had taken umbrage to the actress' remark, which led to a verbal duel between him and Kangana after the show aired.

The topic cropped once again at the recently-concluded awards ceremony.

When Varun went up to the stage to receive the best comic actor award, Saif joked, "You are here because of your papa." 

To which Varun replied, "You are here because of your mummy (referring to Sharmila Tagore)." 

Soon, Johar joined them and said he too was in the industry because of his father, filmmaker Yash Johar. The trio then shouted, "Nepotism rocks".

Saif and Varun then sang "Bole chudiyaan" from Johar's film "Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham..." But the director twisted the second part of the song to take a potshot at Kangana, saying, 'Kangana na hi bole toh achha hai' (It would be better if Kangana did not speak).

The actress, known for her outspoken nature, is yet to respond but the joke has backfired for the trio with netizens criticising them for their sense of entitlement.

Comedian Tanmay Bhat posted, "I just realised they legit yelled 'Nepotism rocks' at the end of it and I cannot stop facepalming." 

"I don't know what kind of entitlement you need to actually find 'nepotism rocks' funny. Like yeah, it did for you and that makes you a loser," a Twitter user said.

Jaitley defamation case: HC chides Kejriwal's lawyers over conduct

New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) The Delhi High Court today said that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was "not being reasonable" in the civil defamation case against him by Union minister Arun Jaitley, and cautioned his lawyers over their conduct.

"You (defendant 1 - Kejriwal) are not being reasonable.

Your conduct is not reasonable. It cannot be like this. We cannot have proceedings go on in this manner. Otherwise tomorrow we will have fist fight in court. Whole system is on the brink of collapse," Justice Manmohan said.

"I am cautioning you. Give good advice," the judge said to the lawyer representing Kejriwal.

The oral observations by the court came on an application moved by Jaitley to expedite the recording of evidence in an orderly and fair manner in a Rs 10-crore defamation suit filed by him against Kejriwal and five other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders for allegations of corruption made by them against the BJP leader.

When the application came up for hearing, senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, appearing for Jaitley, said the Union minister has been compelled to move the plea "as every hearing before the Joint Registrar cannot prompt a fresh defamation case".

Advocate Ramesh Singh, appearing for Kejriwal, sought time to file his reply to the application and, thereafter, the court listed the matter for further hearing on July 24.

The application, filed through advocate Manik Dogra, was moved subsequent to the use of an objectionable word against Jaitley by the Delhi Chief Minister's lawyer Ram Jethmalani during the Union minister's cross examination in the suit.

The use of the objectionable word had led to Jaitley filing another Rs 10-crore defamation suit against Kejriwal.

The application for expedited hearing claims that "numerous irrelevant and scandalous questions have been asked during the cross examination" of the Union minister and that "abusive and defamatory statements have been made" on the instructions of Kejriwal.

The application further contends that the intention of the defendants (Kejriwal and others) was to "delay the conclusion of recording of evidence by posing questions which are designed to be insulting and annoying".

In the first defamation case, besides Kejriwal, the five other accused are AAP leaders Raghav Chadha, Kumar Vishwas, Ashutosh, Sanjay Singh and Deepak Bajpai.

They had accused the BJP leader of corruption as the President of the DDCA, a post he had held from 2000 to 2013.

Jaitley, who had denied all the allegations levelled by the AAP leaders in December 2015, had claimed that they had made "false and defamatory" statements in the case involving DDCA, thereby harming his reputation.

The AAP leaders had allegedly attacked Jaitley and his family members in various fora including social media over the alleged irregularities and financial bungling in the DDCA.

Justice Manmohan had earlier termed as "scandalous" the remarks made by Jethmalani against Jaitley before the Joint Registrar during the cross-examination.

Terming the word as not only "false, baseless, malicious and abusive, but per se defamatory", Jaitley in his fresh suit has stated that he was "subjected to numerous questions, terminologies/statements that are ex-facie abusive, malicious, offensive, irrelevant and slanderous".

Sensex sinks 364 pts, ITC crashes 13 per cent

Mumbai, Jul 18 (PTI) Benchmark Sensex today slipped from life highs to end sharply lower at 31,710.99 by falling 364 points following a steep plunge in ITC Ltd stocks after the GST Council yesterday hiked tax on cigarettes.

Besides, the broader Nifty also cracked below the 9,900- mark.

Sentiment was hurt after the GST Council raised the tax on cigarettes to take away an estimated Rs 5,000 crore annual "windfall" manufacturers could have reaped from lower GST rates.

The market was also pulled down by negative European and mixed Asian peers as setbacks for a health care overhaul in the US raised doubts over prospects for a range of reforms backed by President Donald Trump.

Shares of ITC Ltd emerged worst performer among the Sensex and Nifty components by crashing 12.63 per cent to Rs 284.60 on the BSE.

Other cigarette stocks, Godfrey Phillips and VST Industries, also tanked by up to 7.83 per cent.

Venkaiah Naidu is NDA's vice presidential candidate: Shah

New Delhi, Jul 17 (PTI) Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, a veteran BJP leader from Andhra Pradesh, will be NDA's vice presidential candidate, party president Amit Shah said today.

Naidu was chosen at the BJP Parliamentary board meeting here attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior party leaders.

The 68-year old Naidu currently holds the portfolios of Information and Broadcasting and Housing and Urban Affairs.

The former BJP president is pitted against Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who was chosen by an alliance of 18 opposition parties, including the Congress.

The electoral college for the August 5 election consists of 790 MPs of the two chambers of Parliament.

Naidu will file his nomination tomorrow at 11 AM, Shah said.

Tomorrow is the last day for the filing of nominations.

Modi asks state govts to come down hard on cow vigilantes

New Delhi, Jul 16 (PTI) Seeking to blunt the opposition attack over cow vigilantism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today sought to put the onus for checking such "hooliganism" on state governments, insisting that they take "stringent action" against them.

The prime minister also sought the support of opposition parties in tackling "communal violence" in the name of cow protection, and deprecated attempts at giving political or communal colour to the issue.

"All political parties should collectively denounce hooliganism in the name of cow protection. The state governments should take stringent action against such anti- social elements," Modi said in a series of tweets.

Earlier in the day, he told an all-party meeting on the eve of the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament tomorrow that maintaining law and order was the responsibility of state governments, which should take strict action against perpetrators of such incidents.

"Cow is treated as a mother and it is an emotive issue.

But we have to understand that there are laws governing cow protection and breaking it is not an alternative," Modi tweeted after the meeting.

He said some anti-social elements were using cow protection as "a tool to spread anarchy. Some people who want to damage the social fabric of the country are also taking advantage of it.

Modi said such incidents sullied the image of the country.

"State governments must ensure the maintenance of law and order and strict action must be taken against those who break the law," an official statement quoted Modi having told the meeting.

The statements assume significance in context of the recent incidents of violence in different parts of the country in the name of cow protection.

Opposition parties have attacked the BJP over the cases of cow vigilantism in which Muslims and Dalits have often been targeted. These parties have also planned to raise the issue during the Parliament session starting tomorrow.

The prime minister also urged all parties to extend their support to the government in fighting corruption.

Apparently hinting at Trinamool Congress and RJD on the issue of corruption, the prime minister said the political class should join hands against those who seek an escape route by dubbing action against them in graft cases as a political conspiracy.

"When law takes its course against those who loot the nation, we have to unite against those who seek an escape route by dubbing such an action as a political conspiracy," the Prime Minister tweeted.

In his speech, Modi also referred to the presidential poll to be held tomorrow and said it would have been better had there been a consensus on the candidate.

He, however, said "high level of dignity" has been maintained by both sides during the campaign and there was no ill will and foul language was not used. He also called upon all political parties to ensure that everyone votes and no vote is wasted.

While the ruling BJP-led NDA has named Ram Nath Kovind its candidate, the Congress-led group of opposition parties has fielded former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar. Kovind has a big numerical advantage over his rival.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar told reporters after the meeting that Modi also noted that 75th anniversary of the Quit India movement falls on August 9 and all parties should celebrate it.

He also thanked everyone for the implementation of the GST, calling it a "shining example of co-operative federalism".

On the issue of Kashmir and tensions with China, Kumar said the government had a meeting with opposition leaders who said they were with the government on matters of national security.

To preserve institutions of democracy, Modi said, it was important that all political parties support the government in conducting the business in Parliament without disruption so constructive discussion can take place on issues of national importance.

"The Prime Minister in one voice with the leaders of all parties also asserted that all political parties stand united to ensure the nation's safety and security, after such concerns were raised by many leaders on recent developments," he said.

There was a consensus on ensuring the smooth functioning of Parliament and that deadlocks should be resolved through constructive discussion, he said.

Among opposition leaders who attended the meeting were Ghulam Nabi Azad (Congress), Sharad Pawar (NCP), Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M), Mulayam Singh Yadav (SP), Farooq Abdullah (NC) and D Raja (CPI).

However, no one from the JD(U) or the Trinamool Congress was present. TMC had announced it would boycott the meeting amid recriminations between it and the BJP over the recent violence in West Bengal.