DEVELOPMENT DIGEST

VOL.3 1-31 January 2002 NO.10

The Himachal Pradesh Government has launched a massive programme for boosting the vegetable production for upliftment of rural economy in the State. In the year 1999-2000, initially 25 vegetable projects were started in 10 districts of the State and encouraged by their good results, the number of these projects had been increased to 50. This year 100 more such projects were launched in different parts of the State. Under these projects, farmers are being given an assistance of Rs. 2,000 per hectare for the purchase of quality seeds, fertilisers and production materials. The efforts of the State Government to diversify crop pattern with special emphasis on vegetable cultivation in non-traditional areas, with a view to improve economy of the farmers, are yielding good results. The vegetable production, which was 5.20 lakh tons in the year 1999-2000, has gone up to 5.8 lakh tons in the year 2000-2001, generating economic activities of Rs. 300 crore annually.

The Minister for Communication and Information Technology inaugurated the SpeedNet Service of the Department of Posts (DoP). SpeedNet is the on-line track and trace service that combines reliability, speed and customer-friendly service that Speed Post offers. Using the thirteen digit barcode that identifies one’s Speed Post

consignment, this web-based technology will help keep track of one’s Post and Express Post consignment from booking to delivery. All one needs to do is to log onto www.indiapost.org or www.speedpost.org and enter the barcode number at the tracking page.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has commenced online customer service facility for its 1.2 million Bharatgas customers in Delhi and its satellite cities enabling them to book their refills online. The facility will also enable the customers to suggest the preferred time and the day for delivery. They can also track the delivery status of their refill bookings. The customer can even access past orders and refill consumption history through their own login identity and password. The online service was initially provided in Hyderabad and Secunderabad and has since been extended to Kolkata and Chennai. Also available on the web site would be health and beauty tips, recipes, household hints and information on LPG safety and conservation. The free service can be accessed at the company web site www.ebharatgas.com.

The Technical Teachers’ Training Institute (ITTI) for the western region established at Bhopal by the Union Government has taken some significant strides by developing

(Ministry of Information and Broadcasting)

innovative techniques for the optimum utilisation of rural resources under the community polytechnic scheme. Responding to the Gujarat Government’s demand, 92 geodesic domes have been constructed at different villages ravaged by the devastating earthquake last year. The material for constructing these domes was sent as a complete kit by the Government polytechnic at Khurai in Madhya Pradesh. These domes that can be constructed for Rs. 32,000, provide approximately 400 square feet of covered area that can be used for carrying out community related activities. These can also be used as houses by the people. These structures are very strong and earthquake-resistant as their semi-spherical body is most stable and the dome, which is formed by linking triangular frames, is also formed by the strongest polygon.

Delhi Police for the Capital’s mobile phone users, have introduce a multi-utility public service which will provide useful information at the press of a button. The Short Message Service (SMS), available on 9811599901, will answer all queries relating to stolen vehicles and firearms and passport verification details on cellpnones. The service is a "gift" by the Delhi police Crime Branch in coordination with Essar cellphones. The SMS would be of great use to citizens, especially when it comes to accessing information on stolen vehicles. All one has to do is punch a message to the SMS centre giving the vehicle’s registration, chassis or engine number. If match is found, the user will receive a message comprising details of the ‘stolen’ car, including the police station where a case is registered. Similarly, cellphone users can access data relating to unclaimed vehicles and find out details about the FIR and the police station where the vehicle is lying. The Delhi Police data bank has

information on over 38 lakh vehicles plying on the city roads. The service also offers background details of a firearm one might wish to buy. The user can know within minutes whether the firearm is a stolen one. The SMS centre essentially has been created for Investigating Officers who can access necessary information relating to a case. The "confidential" information would include details like ownership of vehicles, past records of criminals, and phone numbers of police stations.

A pilot project of e-governance and rural convergence, named "Gramdoot", was launched by the Rajasthan Chief Minsiter, at Dabri Rampura in Jaipur district. Developed by Aksh Optifibre Limited, which has four manufacturing facilities in Rajasthan, "Gramdoot" offers a variety of services and applications including e-governance, telephony, Internet access, cable TV, fax, hotline and conferencing. As such the concept of "Gramdoot" is a kiosk to be manned by a trained local villager and equipped with requisite hardware, software and fibre connectivity. Working through the optical technology Axciss, developed by Aksh, "Gramdoot" showcases the exciting world of convergence and with a little support – that seems to be forthcoming – from the State Government, can open up new horizons to the villagers. It is interesting to note that apart from single window facility with as many as 35 application forms to be submitted to the Government departments for various services, "Gramdoot" has a "Vaivahiki", providing information about potential brides and grooms. "Gram Daak", is a rural e-mail account while " Shikayat Online" being a complaint redressal facility. "Gram Haat" is an online market for auction of various products including cows and tractor.

COMBINATION VACCINE FOR RABIES.

The cost of rabies vaccine can be brought down nearly 600 times by using a unique combination vaccine. The path-breaking vaccine being tested on animals at the Indian Immunologicals Limited Hyderabad, is based on the principle of combining the conventional cell cultured inactivated virus vaccine with a DNA vaccine. This is first time in the world that such a combination vaccine has been developed. An international patent has already been filed. The highlight is that such a combination vaccine can be produced wherever an effective vaccine already exists but is prohibitively costly. The combination vaccine has been tested on mice, dogs and cattle. Further animal testing is bieng carried out in Indian Immunologicals Ltd which produces the cell cultured vaccine.

The first women exclusive cooperative of Himachal Pradesh, "Samridhi", which is operating at Palampur in Kangra district has brought a discernible change in the socio-economic condition of women of two districts of Kangra and Chamba. This pioneer women cooperative is active in this region for the past five years. Technical guidance and inputs worth Rs. 10 lakh have been provided by the Indo-German Changer Eco-Development Project to this cooperative society for creating an initial infrastructure. Two NGOs, "The New Hope" of Kangra and "Himalaya Bachao Samiti" of Chamba were involved in this project of eco-income generation programme. These NGOs and the German project lent their helping hand to the women groups in conceiving the concept of "Samridhi". The women from socio-economic weaker families formed the women protection groups and the federation comprising these groups is working to empower them in their struggle against the natural and social conditions.

The women bring in fresh and graded hand-picked wild fruits and do the initial processing in their production centres under stringent quality control norms. The production involves maximum manual labour and uses processes derived from the traditional skills of sun drying and natural preservations. The products of Samridhi include ‘chutneys’ and pickles of mango, amla, dhiun, garlic, gandhiali, chillies and sweetlime. Even candies of citrus and ginger are produced. Started with only 16 women and 375 kg production in 1995-96, there are now 182 women involved with 28,000 kgs of production. The products are marketed under the brand name of "Changer" and are receiving a positive response from the consumers.

In India, cancer of the cervical has become one of the main reasons for the death of women in the age group of 20-64 years. But now, there is some good news in the form of a new DNA test which can effectively be used for early detection of cervical cancer. By introducing a standardised, objective HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) detection test using the Hybrid Capture technique, the sensitivity and accuracy of cervical screening can be significantly enhanced. If HPV DNA testing is used, it is possible to pick up pre-cancer lesions at a very early stage which can then be treated with simple out-patient procedures rather than the radical surgical procedure needed to treat the late stages of cancer.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has signed a contract for physically challenged people-friendly elevators (lifts) with two Finland-based companies,. Initially, 48 lifts will be provided for the handicapped. These specially designed elevators will be available at every Metro station for physically challenged persons. The elevators will have Braille buttons, handrails, audio announcement systems and automatic rescue devices with

battery backup to ensure that the lift reaches the next floor in case of power failure. The lifts will be able to accommodate a commuter on wheelchair, along with his attendant and the control panel will be at a height convenient for the person on a wheelchair to operate it himself, if required. These state-of-the-art lifts would consume 30 per cent less energy and will have special facilities for safe evacuation of commuters.

New user-friendly bus stops compatible with any advanced transport system are coming up in Delhi. Built by the Delhi Transport Corporation in association with the Indian Institute of Technology, these modular shelters – three of which have already come up - take into account all possible aspects of traffic movement. A unique feature of these shelters is that they do not ignore the presence or movement of hawkers, cyclerickshaws or slow-moving vehicles. Rather, they address each issue independently. These shelters have been designed keeping in mind every possible detail. Even the angle at which the seats are placed has been finalised by IIT. While the shelters per se display information on bus routes, a map of the area, and a kiosk for the convenience of the passengers behind them runs a bicycle track laid out after a detailed analysis.

In an innovative move, the authorities of Gurgaon jail would make the inmates try their fingers on computer keyboards to do away with their habit of trying them on gun triggers. The jail authorities have decided to impart computer education to the inmates with the help of state owned Mewat Development Agency (MDA). The jail authorities have also been providing some other courses for its inmates. As many as 21 lady inmates have been receiving training on stitching course for which the MDA has provided the jail with 5 stitching machines and

a lady trainer. This would help the inmates in a great way in changing their lives.

Delhi Development Authority will now have a Bio-diversity Foundation for conservation of various species of flora and fauna, which are on the verge of extinction. The Foundation, which will be similar to the Delhi Urban Heritage Foundation, will encourage NGO’s and organisations involved in protecting the flora and fauna of the city which are under increased threat due to human population pressure. The Foundation will be dedicated to protecting and creating ecological bio-diversity assets of the Capital. The setting up of the Bio-diversity Foundation comes in the wake of the bio-diversity park being developed by the DDA along Yamuna river basin. The park, being developed in collaboration with Botany Department of Delhi University, wold have 5000 species of flora and fauna. It will be spread over 200 acres and is meant to protect the degraded river basin, its ground water and hydrological features.

The country’s first ‘smart’ card, replacing traditional printed one was launched in Kerala. Union food Minister inaugurated the project by handing over a ‘smart’ card to a representative of the ‘smart’ ration shop. The multi-application cards would reduce leaks and diversion of foodgrains from the Public Distribution System outlets to the open market. It could also help prevent bogus ration cards. In the first phase, the project would be implemented in four ration shops, covering 2,000 consumers. Based on the feedback from these centres, the system would be modified and implemented throughout the State in a phased manner. A sum of Rs 40 crore was required for extending the scheme to the entire state, covering more than seven million families. The project would be implemented with Central

The Department of Clinical Microbiology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi has for the first time, introduced a technique, Nuclisens (NASBA), which according to the hospital authorities would help in early diagnosis of infectious diseases including AIDS, Hepatitis C virus, Hepatitis B, dengue and 72 other diseases. With the help of this technique diagnosis of any sample will be possible the same day. According to doctors, diagnosis takes many weeks or months and this technique can be applied to nearly all samples like blood, body fluids, semen, tissue and pus.

In yet another boost to India’s space programme, a third generation communication satellite, Insat-3C, was successfully launched into space by European launch vehicle, Ariane-4. The launch will give a big push to the country’s communication services through enhanced telephony and television channels. Launched from the French Guyanese spaceport of Kauroau, Ariane-4 majestically soared into space carrying the 2,750 kg Insat-3C and hurtled it into space 21 minutes after the lift-off. Within half-an-hour after the satellite was placed into a geo-synchronous orbit, the master control facility at Hassan took control of the spacecraft.

The Apollo Hospital group in collaboration with Dr Morepen Laboratories has launched "3H 1066" Emergency Services. Much on the lines of the 911 concept in the Unite States, 3H 1066 is strictly a medical helpline. All a person has to do is to dial the number in case of an emergency and the ambulance will reach him in a matter of minutes. The service is nationwide, however at present it will be available in Delhi, Chennai and Hyderabad only. In the second phase this service will be in Coimbatore, Bangalore and Indore. The first hour after any medical emergency is the most crucial. Patients life can be lost or saved depending upon the medical attention given to him in that first hour. 3H 1066 is equipped with all the modern equipment and also has experienced para medico team to cater to the patient.

Haryana introduced tele-agriculture to enable the State’s farmers to refer their problems to experts in various fields in the department of agriculture and in Chaudhary Charan Singh’s Haryana agricultureal University, Hisar, over the phone. The cost of all such phone calls would be borne by the State government. Haryana is the first State to introduce tele-agriculture in the country.