Environment Systems Branch (ESB)

●   DA in collaboration with Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation organised a workshop in Jaipur on 22nd and 23rd September on Clean Development Mechanism. The aim was to give an insight of various CDM issues to the various industries in Rajasthan.

● Detailed project report was prepared for setting up of renewable energy distributed electricity generation system for four villages in NTPC-Rihand region.

Institutions Systems Branch (ISB)

      The Projects Selection Committee (PSC) met on the 30th September and 1st October 2005 at Hotel Qutab, New Delhi.  Twenty two projects were presented to the PSC for consideration out of which fourteen projects were approved. The next meeting is scheduled for the 13th and 14th January 2006.  The National Conference on “Empowering Livelihoods – State Policy, Private Initiatives and Civic Action” scheduled for October 24-26, 2005 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi completed successfully.

       The day – 1 of the conference devoted to the Share Fare and inauguration of the three days conference.  Hon’ble Minister of State for Planning, Government of India, Shri M. V. Rajashekharan solemnized the occasion with his presence as Chief Guest. Ms. Sushila Zeitlyn, Senior Social Development Advisor, DFID was the Guest of Honour for ceremony. Dr. N. C. Saxena, Commissioner of the Supreme Court presented the Conference theme paper on Empowering Livelihoods: Policies, Issues and Approaches.

        The Day – II  was concentrated on the discussions of issues on five thematic areas on Women Empowerment, Self-Help Initiatives, Marginalisation, Disability and Governance & Panchayat Raj. The famous intellectuals working in the related issues from National & International developmental sectors, Government, Public and Private sector grace the discussion with sharing of their valuable experiences.

       In the Day – III  valedictory session, the recommendation in terms of challenges and opportunities for five thematic areas were presented by the group members.  Dr. B. N. Yugandhar, Member Planning Commission grace the session as chief guest.  The presentation by the Maharashtra Drought forum, sharing of the community voices by the Women from the grassroots, Films on issues of PACS states, photo exhibition and cultural programme were some of the attractions of the Conference during these three days.

TARAhaat

◘      Two new franchised TARAkendras were opened at Jandiala and Faridkot, Punjab.

◘      A new course titled ‘BIT Plus’ was introduced by TARAhaat. The course is the advanced version of BIT course and includes seven modules viz. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Computer Fundamentals, Digital Media and HTML. The duration of this course is six and a half months