Highlights of this Issue
Subjects identified by Standing Committees for examination in 2018-19
Various Departmentally Related Standing Committees of Parliament have identified subjects that they will examine, in detail, during 2018-19.
Retail inflation at 3.9% in Q2 of 2018-19
Consumer Price Index inflation decreased marginally from 4.2% in July 2018 to 3.8% in September 2018. Food inflation decreased from 1.3% to 0.5% during the quarter.
Repo and reverse repo rates remain unchanged
The Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo and reverse repo rates unchanged at 6.5% and 6.25% respectively. The RBI changed the stance of its monetary policy from “neutral” to “calibrated tightening”.
Draft amendments to Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007 released for feedback
The draft amendments propose that broadcasters must share signals of sporting events of national importance with Prasar Bharti and networks where it is mandatory to show Doordarshan Channels.
Draft River Basin Management Bill, 2018 released for consultation
The Bill proposes to establish 13 River Basin Authorities to facilitate coordination between states for development of inter-state rivers. It also seeks to repeal the River Boards Act, 1956.
Draft Cape Town Convention Bill, 2018 released
The draft Bill seeks to implement the Cape Town Convention, and Protocol, 2001. The Convention/Protocol seeks to achieve efficient financing of high value aircraft and equipment, to make operations cost effective and affordable.
Ministry of Civil Aviation released the Digi Yatri policy
The policy introduces a Digi Yatra system with a digital ID backed by a government issued identity like Aadhaar, and passport. Creation and use of the Digi Yatra ID by a passenger will be completely voluntary.
Draft National Policy on Electronics 2018 released
Key objectives of the policy include: (i) promoting manufacturing of electronics to achieve turnover of USD 400 billion by 2025, (ii) improving ease of doing business, and (iii) encouraging research and innovation.
Insolvency Law Committee submits report on cross-border insolvency
The Committee provided recommendations on adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, 1997 for cross-border insolvency proceedings. The amendments will only apply to corporate debtors.
CCI releases note on ‘Making Markets Work for Affordable Healthcare’
The Competition Commission of India released a policy note on issues in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector which may restrict competition and consumer choice.
CCEA approves Minimum Support Prices for Rabi crops for the 2019-20 season
MSPs have been notified for Wheat, Barley, Gram, Masoor, Rapeseed and Mustard, and Safflower for the 2019-20 Rabi marketing season. The MSP for wheat has been increased by 6% and fixed at Rs 1,840 per quintal.
Committees constituted to examine various issues
These issues include: (i) sexual harassment of women at the workplace, (ii) framing of a draft National Road Safety Code, and (iii) review of guidelines granting authorisation to oil companies for marketing of transportation fuels.
Parliament
Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)
Various Departmentally Related Standing Committees of the Parliament have identified subjects for detailed examination in the year 2018-19. The subjects chosen by these Committees are listed in the Annexure.
Macroeconomic Development
Ahita Paul (ahita@prsindia.org)
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation (base year: 2011-12, year-on-year) marginally decreased from 4.2% in July 2018 to 3.8% in September 2018.[1] Food inflation decreased from 1.3% in July 2018 to 0.5% in September 2018.1
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation (base year: 2011-12, year-on-year) decreased slightly from 5.3% in July 2018 to 5.1% in September 2018.[2] Trends in inflation during the second quarter of 2018-19 are shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Inflation trends in Q2 2018-19 (% change, year-on-year)
Sources: Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation; Ministry of Commerce and Industry; PRS.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) released its Fourth Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement of 2018-19.[3] The policy repo rate (the rate at which the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lends money to banks) remained unchanged at 6.5%. Other decisions of the MPC include:
The RBI changed the stance of its monetary policy from “neutral” to “calibrated tightening”, indicating a focus on a contractionary monetary policy to curb inflation rates.
Finance
Ahita Paul (ahita@prsindia.org)
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released operational guidelines to facilitate transfer of funds between different prepaid payment instruments (such as wallets and prepaid cards).[4] This inter-operability is to be facilitated for KYC-compliant instruments through (i) the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for wallets, and (ii) authorised card networks for cards.
Inter-operability will be enabled in three phases: (i) between different wallets, (ii) between wallets and bank accounts, and (iii) between cards.
Information and Broadcasting
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has released draft amendments to the Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharti) Act, 2007 for feedback.[5] According to the Act, no television or radio broadcasting service provider can broadcast sporting events of national importance, unless it simultaneously shares the broadcasting signal with Prasar Bharti.
Under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, it is mandatory for networks to carry DD National and DD Sports.5 However, the Sports Broadcasting Signals Act, 2007, enables Prasar Bharti to re-transmit signals of important national sporting events only on Doordarshan’s own terrestrial or Direct-to-Home networks. Therefore, viewers who do not have access to Doordarshan’s networks are unable to watch these sporting events or must watch them on highly priced sports channels.5
The draft amendments propose that in addition to Prasar Bharti, the broadcasters must share signals for these events with other networks where it is mandatory to broadcast Doordarshan Channels. According to the Ministry, this will allow larger number of viewers to access such sporting events.5
Water Resources
Roopal Suhag (roopal@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation released the draft River Basin Management Bill, 2018.[6] The Bill proposes to establish 13 River Basin Authorities to facilitate coordination between states for development of inter-state rivers. It also seeks to repeal the River Boards Act, 1956. Key features of the draft Bill are:
The Ministry is seeking comments on the draft Bill till November 5, 2018.
Transport
Prachee Mishra (prachee@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Civil Aviation released the draft Cape Town Convention Bill, 2018.[7] The draft Bill seeks to implement the Cape Town Convention (Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment), and Protocol (Protocol to the Convention on Matters Specific to Aircraft Equipment) in India. The Cape Town Convention/Protocol were adopted in Cape Town in November, 2001. India became a party to the Convention/Protocol in July, 2008.
The Convention/Protocol primarily seeks to achieve efficient financing of high value mobile equipment, like airframes, helicopters and engines, in order to make the operations cost effective and affordable. Objectives of the Convention/Protocol include:
Need for the legislation: Certain provisions of the Convention/ Protocol are in conflict with certain provisions of other laws such as the Civil Procedure Code, 2008, the Specific Relief Act, 1963, the Companies Act, 2013 and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. Further, international financial institutions are not giving due weightage to accession to the Convention/Protocol by any country unless it is accompanied by an implementing law. For example, OECD provides 10% discount in the processing fee of a loan to acquire aircraft to airlines of any country that has enacted a law implementing the Convention/Protocol.
Comments on the draft Bill are invited within 30 days from the date of its publication (i.e., 6th November, 2018).
The Ministry of Civil Aviation released the Digi Yatri Policy.[8] The policy seeks to deliver a seamless, paperless and hassle-free experience to all passengers across all check-points at Indian airports. Key features of the policy include:
The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) provides norms for the reporting and investigation of airline incidents.[9] The objective of such reporting and investigation is to: (i) enable assessment of safety implications of each occurrence, including previous similar occurrences, so that any necessary action is initiated to prevent similar occurrences in future, and (ii) ensure dissemination of such information. The DGCA released revised norms for the protection of data (cockpit voice recordings, images) with regard to airline incidents and investigations. The revised norms provide that:
The Group of Transport Ministers of States had decided to frame a comprehensive road safety policy on April 19, 2018.10 Following this decision, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has constituted a Committee to frame a draft National Road Safety Code with the objective to reduce fatalities and road accidents.[10] The Committee will also suggest: (i) measures to improve the infrastructure to assist road accident victims, and (ii) strategies for road safety advocacy programmes.
The Committee will comprise five members. These are transport commissioners of the states of Kerala, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, and Delhi, and the Deputy Secretary (road safety) as the Convener. The Committee may co-opt any other member of the state or an expert.
The Committee will submit its report and draft policy within three months. The draft policy will then be presented to the Group of Transport Ministers for their consideration.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has mandated vehicle location tracking (VLT) with emergency buttons for all new public service vehicles (such as taxis and public buses) registered on or after January 1, 2019.[11] Auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws have been exempted from this rule. The VLT device manufacturers would assist in providing the back end services for monitoring.
With regard to older public service vehicles (those registered up to December 31, 2018), the respective state/UT governments will notify the date by which these vehicles have to install these devices and emergency buttons. State/UT governments also have to ensure the execution of the rule, and the functional status of these VLT devices.
The details of each VLT device will be uploaded on the VAHAN database by the device manufacturer. The vehicle owners will have to ensure that the VLT devices installed in their vehicles are in working condition. They will also regularly send required data to the backend system through cellular connectivity.
The state governments or VLT manufacturers, or any other agency authorised by the state government, will set up command and control centres. These centres will provide an interface to various stakeholders such as (i) the state emergency response centre, (ii) the Regional Transport Offices, (iii) the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and its designated agencies, and (iv) device manufacturers and their authorised dealers.
The Union Cabinet approved the Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Limited (IRSDC) as the nodal agency and the main project development agency for redevelopment of railway stations.[12] The lease tenure period for such projects will be 99 years. IRSDC will prepare the overall strategic plan and business plans for redevelopment of individual or a group of stations. Upon approval of business plans by the Ministry of Railways, IRSDC or other project development agencies will take up the work of station redevelopment.
The Indian Railways, Rail Land Development Authority, or IRSDC will plan and develop Railway land. This will be done in consultation with urban local bodies, local development authorities or other union territories, to transfer land on free hold basis to Indian Railways.
The Union Cabinet had approved the development of certain categories of stations by Zonal Railways on June 24, 2015. However, insufficient interest was shown by bidders on such projects, and issues such as multiple sub leasing were raised. Allowing a specialized executing agency (IRSDC) for such projects seeks to address these issues.
The Indian Railways has rationalised: (i) the flexi-fare scheme, and (ii) freight fares.[13],[14] The changes in fares include:
Flexi-fare scheme: Flexi-fare will be discontinued in trains with average monthly occupancy less than 50% throughout the previous year. It will also be discontinued in lean traffic period of three months, in trains with average monthly occupancy between 50-75% throughout the previous year. Certain discounts in flexi-fares have also been introduced in less patronised classes (such as 2A, 3A, and CC) to increase their occupancy.
The flexi-fare scheme was launched on September 9, 2016. These changes have been introduced based on the recommendations of a committee that was set up to review the scheme, recommendations of the CAG, and representation from passengers.
Freight rates: Indian Railways has rationalised its freight rates to ensure additional revenue generation across the network. An additional revenue of Rs 3,344 crore is expected from such rationalisation. This revenue will be utilised to improve passenger amenities. This rationalisation will result in an 8.75% increase in freight rates for major commodities such as coal, iron and steel, iron ore, and raw materials for steel plants. In addition, the haulage charge of containers has been increased by 5% and the freight rates of other small goods have been increased by 8.75%. Freight rates have not been increased for goods such as food grains, flours, pulses, fertilizers, salt, and sugar, cement, petroleum, and diesel.
Information Technology
Vinayak Krishnan (vinayak@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology released a draft National Policy on Electronics 2018.[15] The draft policy aims to position India as a global hub for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM), by enabling the industry to compete globally. Key features of the draft policy include:
Corporate Affairs
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
For a PRS report summary, please see here.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs constituted the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).[17] The Union Cabinet had approved its establishment earlier this year.[18] The NFRA is established as an independent regulator for auditors. Its powers to investigate chartered accountants and their firms will extend to listed companies, and large unlisted companies (threshold will be notified).
An Expert Committee submitted its report to the government on “Regulating Audit Firms and Networks”.[19] The Committee was constituted in April, 2018 pursuant to the directions of the Supreme Court. The report examined the legal regime of auditors and recommended measures to promote development of the audit profession in India. The Committee consisted of: (i) Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, (ii) Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, and (iii) Joint Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.
The Committee scrutinised the networking arrangements adopted by the big four audit firms to understand their legal structure and method of operation. The Committee also addressed issues concerning conflict of interest and transparency arising out of non-audit services provided by auditors and their network, and recommended necessary checks and balances. In addition, the report also dealt with issues of concentration of market power in the audit services market.
Further, the Committee found the establishment of the National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) as a necessary institutional reform, which would align the Indian audit landscape with the global position on having an independent regulator for auditors. The NFRA is established as an independent regulator for auditors. The Committee recommended measures to further strengthen the operation of NFRA to address contemporary challenges in relation to auditors, audit firms and networks operating in India. The report also dealt with issues concerning advertising, multi-disciplinary practice firms, and branding, and suggested measures to rationalise the existing laws.
Health and Family Welfare
Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)
The Competition Commission of India released a policy note on ‘Making Markets Work for Affordable Healthcare’.[20] The note examines issues in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sector which may restrict competition and consumer choice. Key observations and recommendations of the Commission include:
Agriculture
Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for Rabi crops for the 2019-20 marketing season.[21] Table 1 shows the change in MSPs for the Rabi crops as compared to the 2018-19 marketing season.
Table 1: MSPs notified for Rabi crops for the 2019-20 marketing season (in Rs/quintal)
Crop |
2018-19 |
2019-20 |
Change |
Wheat |
1,735 |
1,840 |
6.1 % |
Barley |
1,410 |
1,440 |
2.1 % |
Gram |
4,400 |
4,620 |
5.0 % |
Masoor |
4,250 |
4,475 |
5.3 % |
Rapeseed and Mustard |
4,000 |
4,200 |
5.0 % |
Safflower |
4,100 |
4,945 |
20.6 % |
Sources: Press Information Bureau; PRS.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the creation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund.[22] The Fund will provide concessional finance for investment in fisheries development to (i) state and union territory governments and entities, (ii) cooperatives, and (iii) entrepreneurs, among others. The loans will be provided for a period of five years from 2018-19 to 2022-23 with repayments to be made over a period of 12 years.
The fund is estimated to be worth Rs 7,522 crore, funded by the following sources: (i) Rs 5,266 crore from the Nodal Loaning Entities (NLEs), (ii) Rs 1,317 crore through contribution from beneficiaries, and (iii) Rs 939 crore through budgetary support from the central government. NLEs consist of NABARD, National Cooperatives Development Corporation, and all the scheduled banks.
Women and Child Development
Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)
The government constituted a Group of Ministers (Chair: Mr. Rajnath Singh, Minister of Home Affairs) to address issues of sexual harassment of women at the workplace.[23] In addition to the chairperson, the Group comprises Union Ministries of: (i) Defence, (ii) Women and Child Development, and (iii) Road Transport and Highways. The Group of Ministers will examine the existing legal and institutional framework for dealing with matters of sexual harassment of women at the workplace. Further, it will recommend the necessary action required for effective implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The Group of Ministers will submit their recommendations on measures required to strengthen safety of women within three months.
Petroleum and Natural Gas
Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has constituted an Expert Committee to review the existing guidelines for granting authorisation to oil companies for marketing of transportation fuels.[24] These transportation fuels are motor spirit (commonly known as petrol), high speed diesel, and aviation turbine fuel. As per the existing guidelines, companies investing or proposing to invest at least Rs 2,000 crore in exploration and production, refining, pipelines, or terminals are eligible to get authorisation for marketing of such fuels.
The Terms of Reference of the Committee are:
The Committee includes the following members: (i) Dr. Kirit Parikh, (ii) Mr. G. C. Chaturvedi, former Secretary, Petroleum, (iii) Mr. M. A. Pathan, former Chairman, Indian Oil Corporation, (iv) Director, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, and (v) Joint Secretary (Marketing). The Committee is required to submit its report within two months.
Skill Development
Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)
The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training, which seeks to regulate skill development and vocation training.[25] It subsumes two existing regulatory institutions: (i) the National Council for Vocational Training, and (ii) the National Skill Development Agency. Functions of the Council will include: (i) recognition and regulation of entities engaged in vocational education and training, and (ii) approval of qualifications developed by awarding bodies and Sector Skill Councils.
Home Affairs
Vinayak Krishnan (vinayak@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification under the Citizenship Act, 1955. Under the Act, the central government can register a person as a citizen or grant a certificate of naturalisation, on receipt of an application. The notification delegates these powers to the District Collector or Secretary of the Home Department, in case of persons belonging to minority communities in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. These include Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians. The notification is applicable to such individuals residing in the states of Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Union Territory of Delhi.
External Affairs
Vinayak Krishnan (vinayak@prsindia.org)
Presidents of Russia and Uzbekistan visit India
The Presidents of Russia and Uzbekistan visited India.[26],[27] Key agreements signed with the two countries are mentioned below:
Russia: India and Russia signed eight agreements for cooperation in various sectors including: (i) railways, (ii) fertilizers, and (iii) micro, small and medium industries.[28]
The Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, visited Japan.[30] India and Japan signed 32 agreements for cooperation in various areas including: (i) exchange of information in maritime domain awareness, (ii) artificial intelligence technologies, (iii) primary healthcare, (iv) developing food processing industry, (v) renewable energy, (vi) environment protection, and (vii) electronics.[31]
Annexure
Table 2: Subjects identified by the Parliamentary Standing Committees for examination in 2018-19
Agriculture |
Department of Agriculture, Co-operation and Farmers Welfare 1. Production and Availability of Certified Seeds in the Country. 2. GM crops – Prospects and Challenges. 3. Agriculture Marketing and Role of Weekly Gramin Haats. 4. Impact of Mining Activities on Agriculture and Allied Sectors. 5. Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayi Yojana (PMKSY) – A Review. 6. Functioning of Agricultural Credit System in the Country. 7. Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage – A Performance Review. 8. Multidimensional Contribution of Krishi Vigyan Kendra and Agricultural Technology Management Agency for Training, Extension and Experimentation. 9. Doubling Farmers Income by 2022. 10. Role of Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) in Comprehensive Development of Agriculture in the Country – An Evaluation. 11. Participation of Farmers in Formulation, Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation of Schemes for the Agriculture Sector in the Country. 12. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana – An Evaluation. 13. Production and Availability of Oil Seeds and Pulses in the Country. 14. International Cooperation in Agriculture Sector – A Review. Department of Agricultural Research and Education 1. Awareness and Training on Intellectual Property Laws and Intellectual Portfolio Management in ICAR Institutes. 2. Research Collaborations and Coordination by Indian Council of Agricultural Research with International and National Research Agencies. 3. Contribution of ICAR Institutes in Development of High Yielding Varieties of Rice – A Performance Review. 4. Research Initiatives for Development of Agriculture and Allied Sectors in Coastal and Island Regions in the Country. 5. National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal – A Performance Review. Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries 1. Role of National Dairy Development Board for Protection and Development of Indigenous Cattle Breeds. 2. Safeguarding Deep Sea Fisheries from External Exploitation. 3. Status of Veterinary Services and Availability of Animal Vaccine in the Country. 4. Ensuring Quality of Milk and Consumer Grievance Redressal Mechanism in Dairy Sector. 5. Implementation of National Scheme on Welfare of Fishermen – An Evaluation. Ministry of Food Processing Industries 1. Research and Development Initiatives and Achievements in Food Processing Sector. 2. Scheme for Creation/Expansion of Food Processing Preservation Capacities – An Evaluation. |
Chemicals and Fertilizers |
Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals 1. Demand and Availability of Petrochemicals including imports and exports. 2. Setting up of Plastic Parks. 3. Insecticides – Promotion and development including its safe usage. Department of Fertilizers 1. Administration of Fertilizers (Movement Control) Order, 1973. 2. Role of public, cooperative and private sectors in production and distribution of fertilizers. 3. Fertilizer Education Projects. Department of Pharmaceuticals 1. Pricing of Drugs with special reference to Drug (Prices Control) Order 2013. 2. Promotion of Medical Device Industry. 3. Review of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). |
Coal and Steel |
Ministry of Coal 1. Land Acquisition and issues of Rehabilitation and Resettlement in Coal/Lignite Mining Areas. 2. Development of Transport Infrastructure for Evacuation of Coal from Coalfield Areas. 3. Implementation of Information Technology and Vigilance Activities to curb Illegal Coal Mining and Theft of Coal. 4. Coal Conservation, research and development in Coal Sector. 5. Compliance of Environmental Norms by Coal/Lignite Companies. 6. Skill Development in Coal Sector. 7. Performance of Coal Controller's office. 8. Production of Lignite – Projections and Planning. 9. CSR activities of Coal/Lignite Companies. 10. Pricing of Coal and issues related to Coal Royalty. 11. Modernisation of infrastructure and Inventory/Stock maintained by coal companies. 12. Non-utilisation of allocated/leased out coal blocks by Public/Private Sector Companies. 13. Safety and security in Coal/Lignite sector including overburden management. 14. Role and responsibilities of Coal India Ltd. in respect of its subsidiary companies and exploration of Coal reserves in North Eastern regions. 15. Issues related to quality of Coal including sampling methodology. 16. Need for Clean Coal Technology including commercialisation of Coal Bed Methane. Ministry of Mines 1. Self-Reliance in Minerals and Mineral based products. 2. Mineral Exploration Activities in the North Eastern States of the Country. 3. Development of Aluminium and Copper Industries in India. 4. Organisational Structure and Performance of Geological Survey of India (GSI) – A Review. 5. Organisational Structure and Performance of Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) – A Review. 6. CSR Activities by PSUs under Ministry of Mines. 7. Illegal Mining of Iron Ore, Manganese and Bauxite in the Country. 8. Implementation of District Mineral Foundation and Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKY). Ministry of Steel 1. Safety Management and Practices in Steel PSUs. 2. The Indian Steel Sector: Development and Potential. 3. Development of Manganese Ore Industry in India. 4. CSR Activities in Steel PSUs. 5. Modernisation and Expansion Plans of Steel Sector. 6. Skill Development in Steel Sector. 7. Development of Leased Out Iron Ore Mines and optimum capacity utilisation. 8. Promotion of Steel Usage. 9. Physical and Financial Performance of Steel Sector Companies. 10. Status of Integrated Steel Plants of NMDC Ltd. |
Commerce |
1. Impact of Floods on Plantation Sector in Kerala and Karnataka. 2. Import of Crude Oil: Effect on Trade and Industry. |
Defence |
1. Provision of all-weather road connectivity under Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and other agencies up to International borders as well as the strategic areas including approach roads – An appraisal. 2. Grievances Redressal Mechanism in Defence Services. 3. Provision and Monitoring of quality of Ration and Livery items to the Defence Forces, especially in border areas. 4. Assessment of the major Research & Development initiatives including by way of private participation leading to innovation and Import substitution during the last ten years. 5. Accidents involving Defence Assets – A Critical Review. 6. Eco-Task Force System – Measures to strengthen including raising of additional Territorial Army Battalions. 7. New Unified Structure pertaining to Cyber Space, Space and Special Operations. 8. Make in India with special reference to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises(MSMEs). 9. Critical Review of National Cadet Corps. |
Energy |
Ministry of Power 1. Role of Regulators in the Electricity Sector – An Evaluation. 2. Energy Audit – An Evaluation. 3. Integrated Power Development Scheme – An Evaluation. 4. Functioning of POSOCO in Grid management. 5. Development of the Power Sector. 6. Evaluation of Power Transmission System – Performance Efficiency in Matching Evacuation Demands. 7. Review of Power Tariff Policy – Making Electricity Affordable. 8. Contribution of Central Electricity Authority in the balanced development of the Electricity Sector. 9. Operations of Load Dispatch Centres and Power Exchanges. 10. Performance of Power Plants of Thermal and Hydro Sectors. 11. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY). 12. Saubhagya – Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana. 13. Role and Significance of UDAY in financial turnaround of Discoms. 14. Hydro Power. 15. Stressed/Non-Performing Assets in Gas based Power Plants. 16. Carbon Footprints of Power Generation in India. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy 1. Role of PSUs/Institutions under MNRE in Development of Renewable Energy. 2. Grid Connectivity – Grid connection for Renewable Energy including Captive Renewable Power Plants. 3. Action Plan for achievement of 175 GW Renewable Energy Target. 4. Measures to make distribution/marketing of Renewable Energy affordable and effective. 5. Need for long term Renewable Energy Policy and Legal Reforms. 6. Research, Design and Development in Renewable Energy Sector. 7. Tidal Power Development in India. 8. Renewable Energy – Potential and Harnessing. 9. Evaluation of the role of Renewable Energy in the Electricity Sector. 10. Reasons for lack of manufacturing base for Renewable Components/Equipment. 11. Financial constraints in the Renewable Energy Sector. 12. Evaluation of Wind Energy in India. |
External Affairs |
1. Issues relating to migrant workers including appropriate legislative framework and skill development initiatives for prospective emigrants. 2. Performance of Passport Issuance System including issuance of e-passports. 3. India-USA Relations – a critical review. 4. India-Sri Lanka relations – Trade and Security including issues of fishermen. 5. India’s Extended Neighbourhood: From Look East to Act East. 6. India’s position in the ongoing Climate Change Negotiations. 7. India’s engagement with the African countries. 8. India’s strengthening ties with Japan: possibilities ahead. 9. India and International Law, including its Extradition Treaties with foreign countries, asylum issues, international cyber-security and issues of financial crimes. 10. Indo-Pak Relations in view of new regime in Pakistan. 11. India-Bangladesh Relations in post-elections era in Bangladesh. 12. Progress in restructuring and strengthening of IFS Cadre. |
Finance |
1. Impending Reforms relating to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Resolution of Non-Performing Assets/Stressed Assets in Banks/Financial Institutions including critical appraisal of implementation of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. 2. Status of unaccounted income/wealth both inside and outside the country – A critical analysis. 3. Insurance Sector in India – A Review, including performance appraisal of Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and evaluation of Crop and Health Insurance Schemes. 4. Impact of Influx of Global MNCs into country's Financial Technology Space. 5. State of Indian Economy: Pitfalls and Challenges. 6. Central Assistance for disaster management and relief. 7. Demonetisation of Indian Currency notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 and ramifications thereof. 8. Role of banks, cooperatives and NABARD in addressing issues concerning agricultural/rural credit. 9. Road map for Comprehensive Tax Reforms in India – including measures to increase tax-GDP ratio. 10. Corporate Governance in India – Issues and Challenges. 11. Issues relating to CSR compliance. 12. Implementation of SC and ST sub-plans/component. 13. Growth and Regulation of Micro Finance Sector in India and role of SIDBI/MUDRA. |
Food, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution |
Department of Food and Public Distribution 1. Procurement, storage and distribution of food grains. 2. Payment of sugarcane arrears to sugarcane farmers. 3. Functioning of Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA). 4. Quality Control Cells (QCCs). 5. Construction of Godowns by FCI. 6. Food subsidy and its utilisation. 7. Development/Promotion of Sugar Industry. 8. Edible Oils. Department of Consumer Affairs 1. Programmes for Consumer Protection. 2. Regulation of Packaged Commodities. 3. Problem of supply and distribution of adulterated milk and measures taken to check it. 4. Mechanism of Price Monitoring System. 5. Price rise of Essential Commodities – Causes & Effects. 6. BIS – Hallmarking & Jewellery. 7. Initiatives in the North-East in the field of Consumer Rights Protection. 8. Regulation of Weights and Measures. |
Health and Family Welfare |
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 1. Functioning of AIIMS-like Institutions. 2. Medical Devices: Regulation & Control. 3. Affordability of Cancer and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) treatment. 4. Promotion of Generic Drugs. 5. Manufacturing and availability of vaccines for Universal Immunisation Programme. 6. Functioning of Autonomous Bodies/PSUs under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 7. Right to Health. 8. Implementation of Ayushman Bharat. Ministry of AYUSH 1. Quality Control and Standardisation of Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy Drugs. |
Home Affairs |
1. Worsening Traffic Management in Delhi. 2. Implementation of Article 371-J pertaining to special status of Hyderabad-Karnataka region. 3. Administration and development of UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. 4. Crimes against SC, ST, minorities, women, children and increasing mob lynching incidents. 5. Police encounters across the country. |
Information Technology |
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting 1. Review of functioning of Prasar Bharati Organisation. 2. Ethical standards in media coverage. 3. Film Industry: Problems and Challenges. 4. Review of the Licensing Guidelines for TV News Channels and Publications. 5. Review of uplinking and downlinking guidelines for Media Channels. 6. Review of functioning of Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology 1. Digital India Programme. 2. Review of National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) – Problems and Challenges. 3. Citizens’ data security and privacy. 4. Digital Payment and Online Security measures for data Protection. 5. Review of functioning of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Department of Posts 1. Real Estate Management in the Department of Posts. 2. Setting up of Post Bank of India as a payments Bank – Scope, Objectives and Framework. 3. Department of Posts in e-Commerce – Initiatives and Challenges. Department of Telecommunications 1. Review of functioning of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). 2. Plan for enhancing the performance of MTNL and BSNL. 3. Review of the functioning of Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL). 4. Setting up of Public Wi-Fi Networks. |
Labour |
Ministry of Labour and Employment 1. Review of ILO Conventions binding on India and the measures taken by the Government to implement them. 2. Working conditions and welfare of Mine workers, and review of working of Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). 3. Deployment of Contract/Casual Workers/ Sanitation workers for perennial nature of jobs in Government/PSU offices/Establishments, including at Railway Stations. 4. Status and Welfare Measures for Workers employed by the Agencies/Companies providing outsourced services. 5. Welfare of Tea, Coffee, Rubber Plantation Workers. 6. Employees Provident Fund Organisation – Functioning, Coverage of Establishments, Recovery of Arrears including Administration of Provident Funds Act, 1925 and All Other PF Related Acts. 7. Welfare of workers of Un-Organised Sector, including traditional occupations. 8. Implementation of Social Security and Welfare/ Protection Schemes for Domestic workers/ Drivers/ Maids/ Housekeeping workers/ Agricultural labourers. 9. Review/Functioning of Central Board for Workers Education. 10. Review of Centrally Sponsored Schemes implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. 11. Review of National Policy on Child Labour. 12. Identification and Rehabilitation of Bonded Labour. 13. Status of and Welfare Measures for Security Guards deployed in various Organisations by Security Agencies. 14. Implementation of Social Security and Welfare/ Protection Scheme for Construction Workers deployed in various Construction Activities/Infrastructure Projects/Real Estate. 15. Compliance with the prescribed provisions of deduction and deposit of PF and ESI by the Employers. 16. Review and Expansion of Present Categories of Scheduled Employment. 17. Examination and review of Service Conditions of Workers/Journalists Engaged in Print and Electronic Media. 18. Social Security and Welfare/Protection Scheme for Workers Engaged by NGOs. 19. Review/Status and Implementation of Labour Laws. 20. Safety, Security, Protection & Welfare of TV/ Broadcasting/Digital Entertainment/ Advertisement Industry Workers. 21. Scheduled/Non-Scheduled/Test Flying Air Operators/Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) companies/Air Ports Operators - Safety, Social Security Measures and norms for their Workers/Employees especially in the context of those who are associated with flying the Aircraft in Civil Aviation Sector. 22. Status of implementation of Social Security Measures for Workers in IT Sector like BPOs/Call Centres and Telecom Sector such as those Employed for Work Associated with Mobile Towers, etc. 23. Review of Central Government Gazette Notification for Minimum Wages in Scheduled Employment Sector – Status, Implementation, Programme and Scope for Expansion. Ministry of Textiles 1. Development and promotion of Jute Industry. 2. Skill Development vis-à-vis Manufacturing and Upgradation in Textiles Sector. 3. Review of various Welfare Schemes of the Ministry of Textiles. 4. Status, Performance & Challenges before Indian Textile Industry. 5. Development of Cotton Sector. 6. Review of Schemes/Programmes of Central Silk Board in Development and Promotion of Silk Industry. 7. Functioning of NTC vis-à-vis Revival/Relocation/ Status/Upgradation/Modernisation of NTC Mills and future course of action of closed NTC Mills. 8. Status/Performance of Handloom Sector. 9. Reforms and Status of Powerloom Sector. 10. Review of Share of Textile Sector in India's Export Basket. 11. Review of performance of Marketing Agencies of Handloom and Handicraft. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana. 2. National Skills Qualifications Framework. 3. Review of functioning of Directorate General of Training. 4. Functioning of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). |
Petroleum and Natural Gas |
1. Energy Security with specific reference to Hydrocarbon Resources and Electric Vehicles. 2. Allotment of Retail Outlets and LPG Distributorships. 3. Pricing, Marketing and Supply of Petroleum Products including Natural Gas. 4. Oil Refineries – A Review. 5. Litigations involving Oil PSUs. 6. Contract Management and Transparency in Procurement Procedures in Oil PSUs. 7. CSR activities of oil PSUs. 8. A Review of Performance of Petroleum Sector related Installations and Organisation under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. |
Railways |
1. Human Resource Management in Indian Railways. 2. Passenger Amenities including Modernisation of Railway Stations. 3. National Projects and Strategic Lines of Indian Railways. 4. Expansion of Rail Network. 5. Last Mile Port Connectivity with Indian Railways. 6. Introduction of High Speed Trains. 7. Dedicated Freight Corridor Projects of Indian Railways. 8. Passenger Reservation System of Indian Railways. 9. Digitalisation in Indian Railways. 10. Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) related activities of PSUs of Indian Railways. 11. Sub-urban Train Services of Indian Railways. 12. National Rail Vikas Yojna – A Review. 13. Performance of Production Units of Indian Railways. 14. Protection and Usage of Surplus Railway Land. 15. Safety measures in Railway Operations. 16. Reconstitution and Restructuring of Railway Zones. 17. Maintenance of Bridges in Indian Railways: A Review. 18. Infrastructural Needs of Indian Railways. 19. Scrap Disposal in Indian Railways including need to contain leakages. 20. Accounting system in Indian Railways. |
Rural Development |
Department of Rural Development 1. Review of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (Gramin). 2. Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY). 3. Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) 'Aajeevika'. 4. Impact of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) on employment and empowerment of rural population. 5. Review of Performance of rural road connectivity under PMGSY in the country including North Eastern States and the States affected by natural calamities. 6. National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). 7. National Rurban Mission (NRUM). Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation 1. Availability of Drinking Water in drought prone areas of the country. 2. Contamination of underground water resources in the country. 3. Review of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) – SBM(G) for attaining ODF status in Northern States of the country. Department of Land Resources 1. Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme. Ministry of Panchayati Raj 1. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan. |
Science & Technology, Environment and Forests |
1. Status of Forest in India. 2. Pollution in major rivers of the Country. 3. Functioning of CSIR laboratories including R&D Promotion Activities. 4. Role of CPCB and coordination with other Ministries/Departments/SPCBs in controlling pollution. 5. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Policy and related matters. |
Social Justice and Empowerment |
1. Priority Sector lending by Banks to SCs, STs, OBCs, Persons with Disabilities and the Minorities. 2. Grants-in-aid to NGOs working for social welfare and evaluation of their functioning. Department of Social Justice and Empowerment 1. Assessment of the working of scheme of Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCA to SCSP). 2. Babu Jagjivan Ram Chhatrawas Yojana for SC boys and girls. 3. Review of the Self Employment Scheme for the Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers (SRMS). Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 1. Review/functioning of Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI). 2. Assessment of Scheme for Implementation of Persons with Disabilities Act (SIPDA). 3. Review of the functioning of National Institutes established for different types of disabilities. Ministry of Tribal Affairs 1. Development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). 2. Implementation of Scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 vis-à-vis displacement of tribals. 3. Assessment of the working of Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP). Ministry of Minority Affairs 1. Review of the functioning of the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC). 2. Implementation of Prime Minister's New 15-Point Programme for the Welfare of Minorities. 3. Status of implementation of Sachar Committee recommendations, findings/suggestions of Kundu Committee and working of Assessment and Monitoring Authority (AMA) for the Socio-Religious Groups (SRGs). |
Urban Development |
1. Solid Waste Management including Hazardous Waste, Medical Waste and E-waste. 2. Development of Smart Cities. 3. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U). 4. Rainwater Harvesting in Metropolitan Cities. 5. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and Heritage Cities Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY). 6. Delay in Phase IV of Delhi Metro. |
Water Resources |
1. Conservation, Development, Management and Abatement of pollution in River Ganga and its Tributaries. 2. Review of Major and Medium Irrigation Projects in India along with the Status and Progress of Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) and Water Users Associations (WUAs). 3. Micro Irrigation – New approach towards Conservation and Management of Water with special emphasis on Drip Irrigation / Sprinklers. 4. Review of Inter-Linking of Rivers with reference to Irrigation, Drinking Water, Flood Control and Soil Erosion, etc. 5. Flood Management in the Country and evolving a Decision Support System for release of water from the Dams. 6. Maintenance and Creation of Water Bodies – Role of the (I) Government and Local Bodies; and (II) Industries under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). 7. Change in Water Consumption Pattern with rise in population of the country with special emphasis on Drinking Water scarcity and challenges in future. 8. Rain Water Harvesting in India. 9. Review of the Working of National Projects Construction Corporation Limited (NPCC). |
Sources: Various issues of Bulletin-II, Lok Sabha; PRS.
[1]“Consumer Price Index Numbers on Base 2012=100 for Rural, Urban and Combined for the month of September 2018”, Press Release, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, October 12, 2018, http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/CPI_PR_12oct18f.pdf.
[2] “Index Numbers of Wholesale Price in India (Base: 2011-12=100): Review for the month of September, 2018”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, October 15, 2018.
[3] “Fourth Bi-Monthly Policy Statement 2018-19”, Press Release, Reserve Bank of India, October 5, 2018, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PressRelease/PDFs/PR795F23744EF408341E18684D24B464FADDF.PDF.
[4] “Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) – Guidelines for Interoperability”, DPSS.CO.PD.No.808/02.14.006/2018-19, Reserve Bank of India, October 16, 2018, https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/notification/PDFs/NOTI61724025FD07FE407D8796EC6C97A17A8E.PDF.
[5] “Feedback/comments on Draft Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharti) (Amendment) Bill, 2018”, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, October 17, 2018, https://mib.gov.in/sites/default/files/Noticedated17october2018onwebsite.pdf.
[6] Circulation of Draft River Basin Management Bill, 2018 for Public Consultation, Ministry of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, http://mowr.gov.in/sites/default/files/RBM_DraftBill.pdf.
[7] “Proposal for enactment of the Cape Town Convention Act, 2018 for implementation of the Cape Town Convention/Cape Town Protocol in India”, AV.11012/1/2014-A (Vol.I), Ministry of Civil Aviation, October 8, 2018, www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/Cape%20Town.pdf.
[8] “Digi-Yatra – Reimagining Air Travel in India”, Ministry of Civil Aviation, August 9, 2018, www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/Digi%20Yatra%20Policy%2009%20Aug%2018.pdf.
[9] “Notification of Incidents and Investigation thereof.”, F. No.A.15011/2//2016/-AS(Pt.), Office of the Director General of Civil Aviation, http://dgca.nic.in/cars/D5C-C1.pdf.
[10] No. RT-19021/3/2018-T, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Transport Section), http://morth.nic.in/showfile.asp?lid=3370.
[11] “Vehicle Location Tracking Devices and Emergency Buttons Mandatory for all New Public Service Vehicles Registered After 1st January 2019”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, October 31, 2018.
[12] “Cabinet approves Redevelopment of Railway Stations by IRSDC as Nodal Agency, through simplified procedures and longer lease tenure”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways, October 3, 2018.
[13] “Rationalisation of Flexi Fare Scheme”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways, October 31, 2018.
[14] “To Improve Passenger Amenities Railways Increases Freight Rates”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Railways, October 31, 2018.
[15] Draft National Policy on Electronics 2018, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, October 10, 2018, http://meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/Draft_NPE_2018_10thOct2018.pdf.
[16] Report of Insolvency Law Committee on Cross Border Insolvency, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, October, 2018, http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/CrossBorderInsolvencyReport_22102018.pdf.
[17] S.O. 5099(E), Ministry of Corporate Affair, October 1, 2018, file:///C:/Users/user%206/Downloads/190358%20(2).pdf.
[18] “Cabinet approves Establishment of National Financial Reporting Authority”, Press Information Bureau, Cabinet, March 1, 2018.
[19] “Committee of Experts submits its report on Regulating audit firms and the Networks”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, October 31, 2018.
[20] “Making Markets Work for Affordable Healthcare”, Press Release, Competition Commission of India, October 24, 2018, https://www.cci.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/PressRelease.pdf.
[21] “Cabinet approves enhanced Minimum Support
Prices (MSP) for Rabi Crops of 2018-19 Season to
be marketed in 2019-20 Season.”, Press Information Bureau, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, October 3, 2018.
[22] “Creation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)”, Press Information Bureau, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, October 24, 2018.
[23] “Government constitutes GoM to strengthen legal & institutional frameworks to deal with & prevent sexual harassment at workplace”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Women and Child Development, October 24, 2018.
[24] No. M-12029(11)/2/2018-OMC-PNG, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, October 5, 2018, http://petroleum.nic.in/sites/default/files/petrlatest.pdf.
[25] “Cabinet approves merger of National Council for Vocational Training, NCVT and National Skill Development Agency, NSDA to establish National Council for Vocational Education and Training”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, October 10, 2018.
[26] “State Visit of H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to India (September 30- October 01, 2018)”, Ministry of External Affairs, September 28, 2018, https://www.mea.gov.in/incoming-visit-detail.htm?30443/State+Visit+of+HE+Shavkat+Mirziyoyev+President+of+the+Republic+of+Uzbekistan+to+India+September+30++October+01+2018.
[27] “Visit of President of the Russian Federation, H.E. Vladimir V. Putin to India (October 04-05, 2018)”, Ministry of External Affairs, September 28, 2018, https://www.mea.gov.in/incoming-visit-detail.htm?30444/Visit+of+President+of+the+Russian+Federation+HE+Mr+Vladimir+V+Putin+to+India+October+0405+2018.
[28] “List of Agreements/MOUs Exchanged between India and Russia during Visit of President of Russia to India”, Ministry of External Affairs, October 5, 2018, https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/30467/List_of_AgreementsMoUs_Exchanged_between_India_and_Russia_during_Visit_of_President_of_Russia_to_India.
[29] “List of Documents signed between India and the Republic of Uzbekistan during the State Visit of President of Uzbekistan to India”, Ministry of External Affairs, October 1, 2018, https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/30452/List_of_Documents_signed_between_India_and_the_Republic_of_Uzbekistan_during_the_State_Visit_of_President_of_Uzbekistan_to_India.
[30] “Transcript of Media Briefing by Foreign Secretary on upcoming visit of Prime Minister to Japan”, Ministry of External Affairs, October 26, 2018, https://www.mea.gov.in/outoging-visit-detail.htm?30534/Transcript+of+Media+Briefing+by+Foreign+Secretary+on+upcoming+visit+of+Prime+Minister+to+Japan.
[31] “List of Announcements/Agreements signed between India and Japan during visit of Prime Minister to Japan”, Ministry of External Affairs, October 29, 2018, https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/30542/List_of_AnnouncementsAgreements_signed_between_India_and_Japan_during_visit_of_Prime_Minister_to_Japan.
DISCLAIMER: This document is being furnished to you for your information. You may choose to reproduce or redistribute this report for non-commercial purposes in part or in full to any other person with due acknowledgement of PRS Legislative Research (“PRS”). The opinions expressed herein are entirely those of the author(s). PRS makes every effort to use reliable and comprehensive information, but PRS does not represent that the contents of the report are accurate or complete. PRS is an independent, not-for-profit group. This document has been prepared without regard to the objectives or opinions of those who may receive it.