The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh addressed a seminar on the subject “Transforming India” here today. Speaking on the subject, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has brought various pro-poor initiatives in the last three years, for instance, Jan-Dhan Yojana, Fasal Bima Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana etc. He said that the Government has lived up to its claim to provide maximum governance by doing away with many obsolete rules and laws. He said that soon after the formation of the Government in May 2014, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T) did away with the practice of getting certificates attested by Gazetted Officers and instead introduced the provision of self-attestation. He also said that from 1st January 2016, interviews were abolished for selection to junior level posts so that every young aspirant could be provided a level playing field.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that over the last 3 years, a number of changes have been made in the transfer policy, maternity leave period has been extended, LTC provision and General Provident Fund provisions made easier to ensure a work-friendly environment for Government officials. Similarly, pension portals have been introduced and various conditions have been made easy, he added. With respect to Northeast, the Minister said that the reach-out has not only been physical but also psychological. Now, there are regular visits by the Ministers to various parts of Northeast and the development projects are on fast track, he added. He expressed hope that in future, there will be broad-track railway line in most of the States of Northeast. He also said that the orphan roads of North east have been adopted under Special Road Development scheme by the Centre and the thrust is being given on Organic Farming to boost revenue and employment.