Inviting Applications for Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellows Scheme (PMRDF)

Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellows Scheme (PMRDF) is an excellent opportunity to create a resource pool of high quality development professionals ready to be deployed as Prime Minister Rural Development Fellows (PMRDFs) in the IAP districts by Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, New Delhi

Applications are invited from the committed young people to contribute to enhancing development and welfare of the people in rural and tribal areas of the country:

Post: Prime Minister Rural Development Fellows (PMRDFs)

Number of Positions: The final number of PMRDFs to be posted in the IAP districts will be 180. The recruitment of PMRDFs will be done in two phases. In each phase, 90 candidates will be finally selected after the training programme. This will assist in ascertaining the efficacy of the placement of the batch.

Duration of Posting: The fellows will be appointed for a period of two years on a fixed contract, extendable for one more year based on performance. The PMRDF will be offered an attractive compensation that would include HRA, health insurance and other support.

Eligibility Criteria:

- Must be 25-30 years old

- Must be a postgraduate in Social Science / Science / Management or a graduate in Law / Engineering / Medicine

- Knowledge of hindi and a local language used in an IAP district is desirable.

- Work experiemce is preferred

Method of Selection: Selection will be through an open advertisement process. Respondents will be asked to submit an application in a pre-designed form with supporting documents on academic and extra-curricular activities, particularly in social work and relevant fields. They would need to provide three recommendations, one of which should be from an academic institution.

- Fill the application and submit it online. The applicant will receive an acknowledgement of its receipt. All information asked for must be provided. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

- Assessment of the applicant’s intention to apply for the position will be based on the write up they submit with the application.

- Indicate knowledge of local languages and district preferences.

Candidates will be shortlisted on the basis of their qualifications and experience. Selection will be on the basis of the written synopsis; group discussions and interviews will be used to test the candidate’s motivation, leadership, social and negotiating skills.
 
Last date for Submitting Applications - Dec 4th, 2011

For more information about this announcement, visit this link: http://rural.nic.in/pmrdfs/

Introduction to Interest Subsidy Scheme for Housing the Urban Poor (ISHUP)

Interest Subsidy Scheme for Housing the Urban Poor (ISHUP) has been designed for providing interest subsidy on housing urban poor to make the housing affordable and within the repaying capacity of EWS/LIG. The scheme encourages poor sections to avail of loan facilities through Commercial Banks for the purposes of construction of houses and avail 5% subsidy in interest payment for loans upto Rs. 1 lakh.

Loan will be available for construction of new houses. Loan repayment periods will be permissible generally ranging form 15-20 years. The subsidy will be 5% p.a. for EWS and LIG, admissible for a maximum loan amount of Rs. 1 lakh over the full period of the loan. Beneficiary borrowers may choose fixed or floating rates (the consequences clearly explained to the borrowers by PLIs).

Under the scheme, preference (subject to beneficiaries being from EWS/LIG segments) will be given to Scheduled Caste, Schedule Tribe, Minorities, Person with disabilities and women beneficiaries in accordance with their proportion in the total population of city/urban agglomerate during the 2001 census.

ISHUP Guidelines:

Introduction to Integrated Low Cost Sanitation (ILCS) Scheme

The “Integrated Low Cost Sanitation” Scheme aims at conversion of individual dry latrine into pour flush latrine thereby liberating manual scavengers from the age old, obnoxious practice of manually carrying night soil.

ILCS scheme was initially started in 1980-81 through the Ministry of Home Affairs and later through Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. The scheme was transferred in 1989-90 to Ministry of Urban Development & Poverty Alleviation and from 2003-2004 onwards to Ministry of UEPA/HUPA. The scheme has helped in constructing/converting over 28 lakh latrines to liberate over 60000 scavengers so far. While implementing the ILCS scheme, it was observed that the scheme did not perform well due to various reasons. To make the scheme more attractive and implementable the Guidelines have been revised w.e.f. 17th January, 2008.

The main objective of the Scheme is to convert low cost sanitation units through sanitary two pit pour flush latrines with superstructures and appropriate variations to suit local conditions (area specific latrines), but 25% of the funds of the scheme are also made available for construction of new latrines where EWS households have no latrines.

The Scheme, as revised with effect from January 2008, envisages conversion of dry latrines into low cost twin pit pour flush latrines and construction of new individual toilets to Economically Weaker Section (EWS) house holds who have no latrines in the urban areas of the country.

Under the scheme the pattern of assistance is 75% Central Subsidy, 15% State Subsidy and 10% beneficiary share. An Upper ceiling cost of Rs.10,000/- is provided for the complete unit of a two pit pour flush individual latrine with superstructure (excluding States falling in difficult / hilly areas). For the States falling in the category of difficult and hilly areas, 25% extra cost is provided for each two pit pour flush latrine. The Scheme is limited to Economically Weaker Section (EWS) households only and does not entail a loan component. The Scheme is implemented by Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation directly.

The States have to select NGOs having adequate experience in this field who will be funded to a maximum extent of 15% over and above the total project cost to be borne by the Centre and States based on the ratio of 5:1 at different stages of implementation. 1% of total Central allocation is retained by the Ministry every year, to be utilized for Management Information System (MIS), Monitoring System, Capacity Building and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) components.

The urban local bodies or the state agencies designated/selected by the State Governments may send their proposals to the State Government, who after approval of the proposals by the State Coordination Committee will forward the same to the Regional Offices of HUDCO. Regional Offices of HUDCO after appraisal of the same will send the same to the HUDCO Headquarters. HUDCO Headquarters will scrutinize the proposals and send them to the Central Coordination Committee.

Integrated Low Cost Sanitation (ILCS) Scheme revised Guidelines:

Introduction to Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY)

With a view to provide gainful employment to the urban unemployed or underemployed through encouraging the setting up of self-employment ventures or provision of wage employment, a new urban poverty alleviation programme, namely, Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) was launched on 01.12.1997 after subsuming the earlier three Urban Poverty Alleviation Schemes, namely Urban Basic Services for the Poor (UBSP), Nehru Rozgar Yojana (NRY) and Prime Minister’s Integrated Urban Poverty Eradication Programme (PMI UPEP).

The Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) seeks to provide gainful employment to the urban unemployed or underemployed poor through encouraging the setting up of self-employment ventures (Individual of Group) or provision of wage employment. This programme relies upon creation of suitable community structures like Community Development Society (CDS), Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs), Neighbourhood Committees (NHC) etc. and delivery of inputs under this programme shall be through the medium of urban local bodies and such community structures.

The three key objectives of the revised Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) are:

• Addressing urban poverty alleviation through gainful employment to the urban unemployed or underemployed poor;

• Supporting skill development and training to enable the urban poor have access to employment opportunities provided by the market or undertake self-employment; and

• Empowering the community to tackle the issues of urban poverty through suitable self-managed community structures and capacity building programmes.

The revamped SJSRY has five major components,namely-

(i). Urban Self Employment Programme (USEP)

(ii). Urban Women Self-help Programme (UWSP)

(iii). Skill Training for Employment Promotion amongst Urban Poor (STEP-UP)

(iv). Urban Wage Employment Programme (UWEP)

(v). Urban Community Development Network (UCDN)

The above programmes have to be implemented in convergence with other programmes relating to slum development/urban poverty alleviation such as Jawharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission(JNNURM), Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY), Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Mid-day Meals Scheme (MMS), Integrated Child Development Scheme(ICDS), Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSS), National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), Skill Development Initiative Scheme (SDIS) – Modular Employable Skills (MES), etc.

Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY)revised Guidelines:

Introduction to Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY)

With an aim of creating a slum-free India, the Government of India has launched the phase-1 of Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) to facilitate affordable housing for slum dwellers.

The Centre would provide financial assistance to States willing to assign property rights to slum dwellers for provision of shelter and basic civic and social services for slum re-development and for creation of affordable housing stock under the RAY scheme.

The scheme has been designed on the basis of experience of the Jawaharlal National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) sub-mission of Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) and the Integrated Housing and Urban Development Programme (IHSDP).

Under these schemes, government had sought to take action for inclusive urban growth by enabling re—development of slums with basic amenities and decent housing with security of tenure.

The foundation laid by the JNNURM is now being built upon by aiming at creation of a slum—free India through assignment of property rights to slum dwellers with greater inflow of additional Central assistance for slum re-development and creation of new affordable housing stock.

As in JNNURM, the Central assistance is conditional to reforms by the States. The reforms required here are directly linked to the objectives of the scheme and necessary for the scheme to be successful.

These reforms include the enactment of law and the assigning of property rights as also reforms in the policy to ease the land and affordable housing shortages.

The scheme is expected to begin in 250 cities which have an estimated 32.10 million people living in slums. They will benefit by way of property rights and access to decent shelter, basic amenities and a dignified life.

The inclusive city growth process will lead to enactment of productivity at the bottom of the pyramid and will sustain the contribution of cities to the Gross Domestic Product.

Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) Guidelines

E-Waste (Management & Handling) Rules 2011

Guidelines to Ethical Practice for Social Workers - CASW

Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is providing a national leadership role in strengthening and advancing the social work profession in Canada. They have developed this "guidelines to ethical practice for Social Workers" in 2005.

Guidelines for Social Workers_CASW

Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act - 2009

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, provides for free and mandatory education only up to primary level — from Class I to VIII.

Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act - 2009

On the World Environment Day - Love from Nature

Love From Nature

Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulbs versus Incandescent bulbs

A compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), also known as a compact fluorescent light or energy saving light (or less commonly as a compact fluorescent tube), is a type of fluorescent lamp. Many CFLs are designed to replace an incandescent lamp and can fit into most existing light fixtures formerly used for incandescents.  The typical household still uses incandescent light bulbs, spending more amount on electricity bills. Use of compact fluorescent light (CFL) can reduce this expense markedly.  Moreover, replacing energy-hogging incandescents with energy-saving fluorescents (CFLs) is a simple, effective way to slow the rate of global climate change while saving money. It's good for the environment, it's economical, it's efficient, and it's easy

How is light produced in CFLs?

CFL bulbs emit light that is a mixture of three phosphors exposed to ultraviolet light produced by mercury atoms. This process is unlike incandescent bulbs, which use filaments. Though CFLs cost more at the onset, they are tested to provide 8,000 hours of light as against the 500-2,000 hours from incandescent bulbs.  Here is the math—an 18-watt CFL saves you from purchasing ten ordinary 75-watt incandescent bulbs.  Mercury is used in many household items: thermostats, thermometers, fluorescent lights, batteries and switches for appliances, lights and automobiles. Exposure to large quantities of mercury in our air, water and fish we eat is a documented risk to human health. An extremely small amount of mercury-an average of four milligrams-is sealed within the glass tubing of a CFL. This is said to be about the size of the period at the end of this sentence. It is an essential, irreplaceable element in CFLs, and it's what allows the bulb to be such an efficient light source. The mercury in a CFL is no threat to the environment unless the glass is broken. For a basis of comparison, there are about one to three grams of mercury in your average home thermometer. It would take between 250 to 1000 CFLs to equal that same amount. Ironically, a regular incandescent light bulb actually releases much more mercury into the environment than a CFL.

Why are CFLs more cost-efficient than incandescent bulbs?

Incandescent bulbs manage to convert only 10% of electricity to visible light, with the remaining 90% converting to heat. Hence, using more efficient lighting can substantially curtail electricity consumption. Replacing the commonly used incandescent bulbs with CFLs is expected to cut electricity use for lighting by half, further reducing the annual carbon dioxide emissions by about 125 billion pounds.

Different types of CFLs

• CFLs can be used in various types of light fixtures like table lamps, ceiling lights, spotlights, etc. and they come in a variety of styles too.
• Twin Tube Lamps have two tubes in the lamp, aligned in a parallel manner. Also called Biax or Dulux, they fit into lamps, recessed ceiling lights, and wall lights.
• Quad Tube Lamps are the same as twin tubes of similar wattage at half the length. These bulbs fit better in smaller fixtures like lamps. They are also called double Biax, PL Clusters or PLC lamps.
• Triple Biax Lamps generate more light in a shorter body. Providing a high amount of light output in a small-sized bulb shape, they easily fit into fixtures meant for incandescent bulbs.
• Spiral Lamps are a spirally-shaped continuous tube lamp. In shape and light output qualities, it equals a standard incandescent bulb. Therefore, it is the most popular model of CFLs.
• F lamps are similar to quad tubes except that their two tubes are aligned from top to bottom instead of side to side. Therefore, the shape resembles an F. They are frequently used as task lights and in low-profile recessed fixtures.
• Circular (Circline) lamps are usually designed for reading lamps. They come in two types: one giving the 'cool white' light, like the common bulbs, and the other having the warm light.
• As substitutes to the prevalently used bulbs, CFLs are available in various sizes and shapes, and produce warm light similar to that produced by an incandescent bulb. Earlier, CFLs were larger than ordinary light bulbs. Now they are getting smaller and fit in most light fixtures. Newer models are fitted with electronic circuitry, making them lighter and more compact.
• CFLs use only up to one-fourth to one-third of the electric requirement of incandescent bulbs while having ten times the life of the latter. Their regular use can have tremendous environmental benefits. Since electricity is usually produced from coal, and each CFL cuts down carbon dioxide emissions by about 1,300 pounds over its lifetime, using CFLs amounts to a lot of energy savings in the environment.

Tips to get the most out of your CFLs

• Avoid turning off the bulbs too frequently as that shortens their lifespan and wastes energy.
• Check the packaging to learn about the intended functionality of the bulb and use it accordingly. If you use a CFL that does not work well in conditions of high heat or humidity like bathrooms, then you will not get the maximum output from your CFL.
• Using dimmers is a very effective way to reduce power consumption for all bulbs.
• Look for appropriate certification products for guaranteed quality and performance.

Source(s):  

1. http://www.concernergy.com/residential_lighting_compact-fluorescent-light-bulbs_8#more  
2. http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3585_30068_30172-90210--,00.html

Introduction to iVolunteer Overseas (IVO)

iVolunteer Overseas (IVO) is a joint initiative of MITRA and VSO. It is programme that gives qualified and experienced Indian professionals the unique opportunity to work in countries that have a great need for their skills. The remuneration is modest that’s why the term used to describe these placements is “volunteering assignments”.

IVO is currently looking for volunteers in the professional areas of non-governmental organisation management, business management, health (doctors, nurses, midwives, health managers), education, microfinance, fundraising and IT training.

For more information about the Volunteering opportunities, visit the below given sites:

1. IVO INDIA

2. VSO INDIA

World Health day 2011

World Health Day is being observed on 7 April  every year to mark the founding of WHO. Each year, the Organization selects a key health issue, and encourages people from all ages and all backgrounds to hold events that highlight the significance of this issue for good health and well-being. World Health Day provides a unique opportunity for communities from across the world to come together for one day to promote actions that can improve our health.

The theme of the current World Health Day, marked on 7 April 2011, is "Antimicrobial resistance and its global spread" and focuses on the need for governments and stakeholders to implement the policies and practices needed to prevent and counter the emergence of highly resistant microorganisms.

When infections caused by resistant microorganisms fail to respond to standard treatments, including antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines - also known as drug resistance - this may result in prolonged illness and greater risk of death. For World Health Day 2011, WHO is calling for intensified global commitment to safeguard antimicrobial medicines for future generations.

To know more about the activities carried out during the day, visit this site

Introduction to Euthanasia

Recently, we might have heard a case of Mercy Killing or Euthanasia (Greek: good death),which was turned down by Supreme Court of India through its judgment in the Aruna Shanbaug case.  Aruna Shanbaug was a nurse working in KEM hospital in Mumbai who was sexually assaulted by a sweeper. The incidence left the nurse in a vegetative state since 1973.

Euthanasia Definition:

 

• Euthanasia: the intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit. (The key word here is "intentional". If death is not intended, it is not an act of euthanasia)

• Voluntary euthanasia: When the person who is killed has requested to be killed.

• Non-voluntary: When the person who is killed made no request and gave no consent.

• Involuntary euthanasia: When the person who is killed made an expressed wish to the contrary.

• Assisted suicide: Someone provides an individual with the information, guidance, and means to take his or her own life with the intention that they will be used for this purpose. When it is a doctor who helps another person to kill themselves it is called "physician assisted suicide."

• Euthanasia By Action: Intentionally causing a person's death by performing an action such as by giving a lethal injection.

• Euthanasia By Omission: Intentionally causing death by not providing necessary and ordinary (usual and customary) care or food and water.

What Euthanasia is NOT: There is no euthanasia unless the death is intentionally caused by what was done or not done. Thus, some medical actions that are often labeled "passive euthanasia" are no form of euthanasia, since the intention to take life is lacking. These acts include not commencing treatment that would not provide a benefit to the patient, withdrawing treatment that has been shown to be ineffective, too burdensome or is unwanted, and the giving of high doses of pain-killers that may endanger life, when they have been shown to be necessary. All those are part of good medical practice, endorsed by law, when they are properly carried out.

To know more about Euthanasia and debates revolving mercy killing, visit this link: http://www.euthanasia.com/

Related links:

1.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Law_panel_backs_mercy_killing_for_terminally_ill/rssarticleshow/3176245.cms

2.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euthanasia_in_India

3.http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-india-euthanasia-20110308,0,1497102.story 

4.http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/SC-rejects-petition-for-mercy-killing-of-Aruna-Shanbaug/articleshow/7644557.cms

Introduction to Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD)

Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) is an autonomous organization of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, registered as a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, fully funded by the Government of India.

The Institute is located at Sriperumbudur only 40 minutes away from Chennai, the commercial and cultural capital and a buoyant metropolis of the third most idustrialised State in India

RGNIYD endeavours to facilitate our nation’s youth with a conducive environment and tools that will enable them to make the most of their natural potential to realize their aspirations.

RGNIYD functions as vital resource centre coordinating Training, Orientation, Research, Extension and Outreach initiatives for State, Central Governments and national level youth organizations.

To know more about this Institute and their programmes, visit this link: RGNIYD

Contact Details:

Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development
(An Autonomous Organization of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, GOI)
Sriperumbudur – 602 105, Tamil Nadu.
Phone : (091)044 - 27162741, 27162612
Fax : (091)044 - 27162705
E-Mail : info@rgniyd.gov.in

Introduction to Census of India 2011

India has started one of the world's greatest exercises in population counting which began on May 1, 2010 and is going to end on February 28, 2011. This has been named as Census India 2011. The Census in our country is a statutory requirement under the provisions of the Census Act 1948 and rules made there under. The history of the census in India started in 1872. The Census India 2011 is the 15th National Census since then. The Census India 2011 will be different from the earlier censuses since it would help compile a National Population Register (NPR) for all the usually resident Indians, in addition to the routine census work.

Census India 2011 will be the most reliable source of information on population data, the economic activities of its people, literacy and education, housing and household amenities, urbanisation, fertility and morality, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes, languages, religions, migration, disability etc. The purpose of the census will be to provide valuable information to country's planners, who would then formulate the policies to be followed by the central and state governments. The data from the census will also be used by many other national and international agencies. The demographic data of the country would also help in making changes in the delimitation and reservation of constituencies at all levels of governance i.e. parliamentary, assembly and local bodies. The slogan of the Census 2011 has been chosen be: "Our Census, Our Future". This would lay guidelines for the authorities to make efforts for the future development of India for the coming decade.

The task involving the census operation will be a gigantic one. The process would involve enumerating more than hundred crores persons by about twenty seven lakh enumerators through the length and breadth of of this vast country. They would be required to visit over 240 millions households. Let us all cooperate with them and welcome them to our houses with a smiling face and give them all the information they need to complete this mammoth task.

The Census India 2011 will give us an NPR, the National Population Register of the usual residents of the country, which is an exciting feature of the census India 2011. This register would provide to the authorities a complete and comprehensive identity database of the country's population. It would help the government to target the particular sectors of the society. It would help the government to review its economic decisions. The Census India 2011 would enable the Government to formulate schemes and programmes for the welfare of its people. The Planning Commission would make improvements in its planning strategy. The National Population Register prepared by the census India 2011, would help strengthen security of the country. The information collected by the enumerators will be kept absolutely confidential,. Even the law courts would not have access to this information. After the enumerators complete their field work, the data will be sent to the data processing centres located at 15 cities of India. Here the data will be processed using the world's most modern software called Intelligent Character Recognition Software (ICR),. We should feel proud of our scientists who enabled us to use this technology in our last census. Since then it is beig used in the census operations of many other countries of the world. This technolgy has helped to make such huge process of counting of the country's population at a low cost saving much of our labour and time.

In the Census India 2011, the data collected will be used for making and issuing unique ID Numbers. to all Indian citizens. The identity cards will be prepared for all the people aged 15 years and above on the basis of the biometric data collected by the enumerators. The UID number of persons under 15 will be linked to their parents. The government has planned to issue the National Identity Cards in a phased manner. It is reported that these cards will be first in the coastal villages of the country. Then after covering the coastal areas, the rest of the country will be gradually covered for the issue of these unique identity cards which would replace the multitude of IDs cards used by the country men to prove their idenity for various purposes.

The first phase of the census has been completed and the second phase has started on 9 February 2011 with the Hon'ble President of India releasing a special postage stamp on census India 2011 on 8 February 2011. This gigantic task is scheduled to be completed by 28 February 2011. Providing wrong information will attract a fine of Rs.1000 and a jail term of three years, under the Census rules.

Some of the new features introduced in Census 2011 are:

• Question on date of birth and age is added in place of age in 2001 census.

• Separate codes are assigned to 'separated' and divorced women.

• Placement of question on disability is changed and more types of disability including multiple disorders have been added.

• Category 'other' has been introduced to cover the transgender population.

• For the first time the marital status of women will be taken by assigning separate codes to 'separate' and 'divorced' women.

• Literacy status for 'other' sex has been introduced besides the existing 'male' and 'female'.

Special Thanks: India Study Channel 

To know more about Census of India 2011, visit this link:  CENSUS INDIA

Introduction to Contingency Plan Live website

Contingency Plan Live - As its name suggests, the most important objective of this website is to assist the readers with easy access to a plan and information that will help them to launch rapid and effective humanitarian response in the event of a disaster in their work area. The second objective is to make this plan live with latest and update information. This site is exclusively designed keeping in view of the response management needs and response systems of Oxfam and its partners.

The contingency plan information in this site was developed over a period of six months between 2006-2007 by experts from RedR India and updated by Oxfam team in 2008. Currently, this site contains contingency plan information for South Indian states only.

To visit this site, Click here. The visit the Resources page, click here.

History of Social Work

History of Social Work

Thanks: Thiru. S. Rengasamy, Lecturer, MISS, Tamil Nadu, India