PM Modi holds meeting regarding Extension of lockdown
On April 8, 2020, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a video conference with political leaders discussing the extension of lock down. Prime Minister has indicated that most of the suggestions he received was to extend the lock down.
Highlights
The GoI is trying on possible options to contain the spread of the virus. Following this meet with the political leaders, PM is to hold a video conferencing with the Chief Ministers of the states as well on April 11, 2020 to make the right decision over extending the lock down. The GoI is working on pros and cons of extending lock down till April 30, 2020.
The Central Government initially planned to go for a district wise lifting of lock down. However, the plan is considered highly challenging as the outbreak is spreading fast.
States
The states such as Telangana, Rajasthan, Assam and KArnataks have already raised concerns upon lifting the lock down. Around 15 districts in UP have been completely isolated as they were identified as hotspots.
Financial Assistance to Kaziranga National Park under CAMPA
On March 2, 2020, a Rajya Sabha Member of the ruling party replied about the financial assistance being provided to the Kaziranga National Park, Assam
Highlights
The Rajya Sabha MP Kamakhya Prasad Tasa said that Rs 94, 46,585 and Rs 51, 24,670 were sanctioned for Kaziranga National Park during the financial years 2018-19 and 2019-20. The funds were sanctioned under CAMPA. Apart from this, funds were also transferred under Project Tiger Scheme and Development of Wildlife Habitat Scheme
What were the steps taken withe funds?
The Assam Government has used the allocated fund to deploy Special Rhino Protection Force, Assam Forest Protection Force, Home Guards and front line forest staff. Many platforms and highlands have been constructed in the park. This helps the animals to stay safe during floods. Anti-poaching camps have been organized. Several smart technologies like “Electronic Eye” have been adopted.
The above steps were taken by the Assam State Government with the help of funds allocated
CAMPA
CAMPA is Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority. It was established in 2001 and is governed through CAMPA act.
Background
In 2003, the Supreme Court noticed that funds collected for afforestation were underutilized by the states. Therefore, the apex court set up CAMPA to manage the fund. Later in 2015, the act was constituted to regulate the afforestation funds.
Committee submits report on Clause 6 of Assam Accord
On February 25, 2020, a high-level committee submitted its report to the Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal over the implementation of Clause 6 of Assam Accord.
Highlights
The committee was headed by Retd Justice B K Sharma. The report is to be submitted by the CM to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
What is Clause 6 of Assam Accord?
The Clause provides constitutional, administrative and legislative safeguards to preserve and promote cultural, linguistic and heritage of Assamese people.
Actions taken under Clause 6
Several actions have been taken under Clause 6 to provide administrative, constitutional and legislative safeguards to the Assamese people. They include
- The Srimanta Sankardeva Kalakshetra Society was formed with funds from Ministry of HRD
- Jyoti Chitraban film Studio scheme was launched and in phase II, the studio was modernized.
- The Archaeological Survey of India took up preservation of 5 monuments namely Singri Temple ruins, Poa-Mecca, Urvashi Archaeological site, Kedar Temple and Hayagriva Madhava Temple.
What is Assam Accord?
Assam Accord was an agreement signed between the government of India and the leaders of Assam Movement in 1985. Under the agreement, the GoI agreed to accept all the migrants that entered before 1966 and GoI agreed to provide social, political, cultural and economic rights to the Assamese people.