In a major reform aimed at improving the ease of doing business in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has approved perpetual validity for registrations and licences issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). This change means food businesses will no longer need to renew their licences repeatedly. The reform is part of broader regulatory improvements based on recommendations of the NITI Aayog to simplify compliance and reduce administrative burden.

Perpetual Validity for FSSAI Registration and Licenses

Previously, food business operators had to renew their FSSAI registration or licence periodically, which involved paperwork, fees and interaction with authorities.

Under the new framework, FSSAI licences and registrations will now have perpetual validity. This means once a business obtains the licence, it will remain valid indefinitely unless cancelled or suspended due to violations.

Key Benefits

• No need for repeated licence renewals
• Lower compliance costs for businesses
• Less paperwork and administrative procedures
• Improved continuity of operations for food businesses

This reform will allow regulators to focus more on monitoring, enforcement and improving food safety standards rather than handling routine licence renewals.

Higher Turnover Limits for Registration and Licensing

The government has also revised the turnover thresholds for FSSAI registration and licensing, effective from April 1, 2026.

New Turnover Limits

• Basic Registration: Increased from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore
• State Licence: Applicable for businesses with turnover up to ₹50 crore
• Central Licence: Required for businesses with turnover above ₹50 crore

This rationalisation will strengthen the role of State authorities and simplify regulatory oversight.

Simplified Compliance for Food Business Operations

The reforms aim to make compliance much easier for food business operators (FBOs).

Key Simplification Measures

• Reduced paperwork and documentation
• Lower compliance fees
• Instant registration in many cases
• Removal of pre-inspection requirements for certain categories

These changes will especially benefit small and medium food businesses, enabling them to operate more efficiently.

Relief for Street Food Vendors

In another important decision, the government has addressed the issue of dual registrations faced by street food vendors.

Street vendors already registered with Municipal Corporations or Town Vending Committees under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 will now be considered automatically registered under FSSAI.

Impact of the Decision

• Benefits over 10 lakh street food vendors
• Eliminates multiple registrations with different departments
• Reduces compliance burden
• Allows vendors to focus on hygiene and business growth

Risk-Based Food Safety Inspections

The government is also introducing a technology-enabled risk-based inspection system to improve food safety monitoring.

Inspections will be based on:

• Nature and risk level of the food product
• Past compliance record of the business
• Results of third-party audits
• Data from enforcement and surveillance activities

This system will ensure targeted inspections of high-risk businesses, while compliant businesses face fewer unnecessary inspections.

Child marriage is a serious social issue in India, affecting the rights, health, and education of children, especially girls. The Government of India has taken strong steps to prevent child marriage and protect children through laws, campaigns, and awareness programs. These efforts aim to create a child-marriage-free India and empower young girls to live safe and fulfilling lives.

Legal Framework to Prevent Child Marriage

The Indian government has enacted specific laws to prohibit child marriage:

• The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA) – This law bans child marriages and defines punishments for those who arrange or participate in them.
• Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 – Though mainly focused on child labour, this Act supports child protection by empowering officials to take action against violations.

Role of Officials

1. District Magistrates: Appointed under the Labour Act, they supervise enforcement and designate District Nodal Officers (DNOs).

2. Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs): Appointed under PCMA, they:

• Prevent child marriages
• Collect evidence for legal cases
• Advise and counsel communities
• Raise awareness about the harms of child marriage

All these officials work under the supervision of State Governments and Union Territories.

National Campaign: Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat

To strengthen efforts, the government launched “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat” on 27th November 2024. The campaign focuses on:

• Awareness generation and community mobilization
• Strengthening the role of CMPOs
• Encouraging timely reporting of child marriage cases
• Identifying girls at risk and ensuring their education, skill development, and empowerment

100 Days Special Campaign

On 4th December 2025, a 100 Days Special Campaign under Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat was launched to accelerate results. It includes:

• Targeted outreach to schools, community leaders, and marriage-related service providers
• Mobilizing Gram Panchayats and Municipal Wards to declare their areas child-marriage-free
• Uploading CMPO details on the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal

Digital Tools for Monitoring and Reporting

The government has created a dedicated platform to support reporting and awareness: Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Portal (https://stopchildmarriage.wcd.gov.in)

Key features:

• Reporting of child marriage incidents
• Information dissemination and awareness campaigns
• Registration of pledges against child marriage
• Database of over 66,000 CMPOs across India

Achievements as of March 2026

• Over 11.81 crore citizens reached through awareness programs
• More than 40 lakh pledges registered against child marriage

Other Government Initiatives

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

• Launched on 22nd January 2015 under Mission Shakti
• Focuses on girl child empowerment and addressing gender discrimination

Legal Aid and Helplines

• National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) – Provides free legal aid through helpline 15100
• Child Helpline (1098) – 24×7 emergency support for children in distress
• Women Helpline (181) – Provides assistance to women and girls

The Child Helpline is integrated with the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112) for round-the-clock response.

Role of State Government and UT Administrations

• Implementation is primarily the responsibility of State Governments and Union Territories, as ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects.
• States work with CMPOs, DNOs, and community organizations to prevent child marriages effectively.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently dedicated a modern elevated road corridor connecting Pandu Port to National Highway-27 and laid the foundation for several key inland waterway projects. These initiatives aim to boost tourism, trade, and employment in Assam while strengthening the Brahmaputra River (NW-2) as a major transport and economic corridor.

Four Major Projects Worth Rs.526 Crore Launched

The Prime Minister inaugurated and initiated four significant projects under the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI):

• Elevated Road Corridor from Pandu Port to NH-27 – ₹180 crore investment
• Cruise Terminal at Biswanath Ghat – foundation stone laid
• Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) at Bogibeel, Dibrugarh – Bhoomi Pujan performed, ₹188 crore investment
• Cruise Terminal at Neamati – Bhoomi Pujan performed

Together, these projects aim to:

• Improve logistics and port connectivity
• Promote river cruise tourism
• Create new employment opportunities
• Develop skilled manpower for inland waterway operations

Boosting Tourism and Local Economy

PM Modi highlighted that these projects are not just infrastructure works, but key steps to grow tourism and local businesses in Assam:

• Cruise tourism on the Brahmaputra River will expand significantly
• Local artisans, shopkeepers, boatmen, and hotel owners will benefit from increased tourist activity
• Tourism is becoming a new engine for employment, development, and prosperity

Elevating Connectivity: Pandu Port to NH-27 Corridor

The elevated road corridor solves the last-mile connectivity issue between Pandu Port and the national highway network. Key highlights:

• Built with an investment of ₹180 crore
• Bypasses Guwahati’s urban congestion
• Ensures smooth access to Pandu Port
• Reduces logistics cost for cargo and passenger transport

Modern Cruise Terminals at Biswanath Ghat and Neamati

The cruise terminals will enhance passenger amenities and support river cruise operations along NW-2:

• Facilitate organized tourist movement along the Brahmaputra
• Open new markets for local handicrafts and businesses
• Encourage sustainable water tourism growth in Assam

Combined investment for the two cruise terminals is ₹158 crore.

Regional Centre of Excellence (RCoE) at Bogibeel

The RCoE in Dibrugarh is the first maritime skill development hub in Northeast India. Key features include:

• Annual training for over 5,000 students in vessel operations, inland navigation, and maritime logistics
• Research and development infrastructure for trainees
• Supports a skilled workforce for India’s growing inland waterways sector

Inland Waterways

PM Modi has emphasized inland waterways as:

• Environment-friendly and sustainable transport mode
• Cost-effective for passenger and cargo movement
• Key to enhancing India’s Act East Policy by connecting Assam to Southeast Asia

Assam as a Model for North East Development

PM Modi noted that Assam’s progress is giving momentum to the entire Northeast:

• Projects create employment for youth
• Promote tourism and local businesses
• Strengthen regional and global connectivity
• Develop skilled manpower for the next generation

The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti is taking big steps under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0 to provide safe drinking water to every rural household in India. With the government extending the mission till December 2028 and increasing the financial outlay, JJM 2.0 focuses on digital reforms, quality infrastructure, community participation, and long-term sustainability.

Key Meeting on Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0

Union Minister Shri C.R. Paatil chaired a meeting with State and UT Ministers from the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Rural Water Supply (RWS), and Panchayati Raj Departments. Shri V. Somanna, Minister of State, Ministry of Jal Shakti, also participated.

The meeting discussed the implementation roadmap of JJM 2.0, following the Cabinet approval for its extension with an increased budget and structural reforms.

Launch of Sujal Gaon ID: Digital Mapping of Rural Water

Shri C.R. Paatil launched the Sujal Gaon ID, a unique digital identifier for every rural drinking water scheme in India. This initiative is a first of its kind, bringing all rural water supply systems onto a unified national digital platform.

• 1.64 lakh Sujal Gaon IDs created across 31 States/UTs
• Linked to 67,000 Sujalam Bharat IDs
• Integrates scheme infrastructure ID + service area ID
• Enables real-time monitoring, transparency, and evidence-based decision-making

This digital reform aims to support the vision of a technologically empowered Viksit Bharat @2047.

Focus on Timely Completion and Quality

Shri C.R. Paatil urged States to:

• Complete schemes on time
• Strengthen on-ground monitoring
• Avoid technical shortcomings
• Bear responsibility for any overspending or non-compliant works

He emphasized that quality of work is as important as quality of water. States must adhere to approved technical standards and ensure long-term sustainability of rural water supply systems.

Role of Panchayati Raj and Community Participation

Shri V. Somanna highlighted the importance of:

• Citizen-centric service delivery
• Strengthening source sustainability and operations
• Empowering Panchayati Raj Institutions in asset management

JJM 2.0 will continue to focus on Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation) through programs like Jal Arpan and Jal Utsav, bringing socio-economic benefits such as:

• Reducing women’s drudgery
• Improving public health
• Creating rural employment
• Achieving universal tap water coverage by 2028

Mission Governance and Digital Reforms

Shri Ashok K.K. Meena, Secretary, DDWS, highlighted key governance measures:

• Extension till December 2028 with Gram Panchayat-led governance
• Operation & Maintenance (O&M) systems strengthened
• Implementation through State/UT-specific MoUs
• Sujalam Bharat digital architecture enables source-to-tap mapping
• Jal Seva Aankalan for village-level service assessment
• Meri Panchayat app strengthens citizen oversight

Gram Panchayats will certify ‘Har Ghar Jal’ status only after sustainable O&M arrangements are ensured.

Funding and Financial Reforms

Shri Kamal Kishore Soan, AS&MD, NJJM, shared details about fund release:

1. Total outlay increased from ₹3.60 lakh crore to ₹8.69 lakh crore

2. Central funds released only after meeting four compliance requirements:

• Signing the MoU
• Creation of Sujal Gaon IDs
• Timely financial reconciliation
• Notification of State O&M Policies

Modes of Fund Release

• Upfront Payment Mode: For small and non-PWS systems in quality-affected areas
• Reimbursement Mode: For ongoing medium and bulk water supply schemes
• VGF Mode: For PPP-based bulk water schemes
• No central funding for retrofitting schemes

Key Areas of Focus in JJM 2.0

The MoU for States and UTs emphasizes reforms and responsibilities in:

• Policy, Institutional, and Governance Reforms
• Asset Ownership, Management, and Technical Support
• Planning, Financing, and Programme Implementation
• Digital Systems, Data Governance, and Monitoring
• Skilling and Capacity Building of Rural Water Workforce
• Water Quality Monitoring and Surveillance
• Communication, Community Engagement, and Public Confidence

Community Engagement and Jal Mahotsav

States and districts are encouraged to participate actively in Jal Mahotsav activities:

• Celebrate Jal Arpan and Jal Utsav
• Conduct DWSM meetings and prepare service improvement plans
• Form District Technical Units (DTUs)
• Create Rajya Jal Utsav Calendar
• Organize Lok Jal Utsav at Gram Panchayat level
• DM/CEO Zila Parishad to attend at least 2 Jal Arpan events

The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) hosted the AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, celebrating the remarkable contribution of women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) – known as AMRUT Mitras – in improving urban water services under AMRUT 2.0. Over 1,000 women and 300 officials from 30 States and Union Territories participated in this national-level event.

Women Leading Change in Urban Water Serives

AMRUT Mitras from states like Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka shared their inspiring stories. These women showcased how their involvement in urban water services has improved their livelihoods and benefited their communities.

Their contributions include:

• Water quality testing at local levels
• Billing and collection for urban water supply
• Community mobilization and awareness campaigns
• Operations & Maintenance (O&M) of water assets
• FSM (Faecal Sludge Management) operations

These efforts have made women active partners in urban service delivery, improving transparency and citizen engagement.

Minister’s Address: Water as a People’s Movement

Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal emphasized that water management is more than just service delivery – it is a movement driven by Jan Bhagidari (people’s participation). Key points from his speech:

• Women are central to India’s water systems as primary managers of household and community water
• SHG involvement strengthens urban water governance, community ownership, and sustainable service delivery
• Empowering women improves transparency, efficiency, and citizen connection with local authorities

Expanding Opportunities for SHG Women

The Minister highlighted government initiatives to include women in emerging urban water services, including:

• Reuse and recycling of treated wastewater
• Digital water management systems and smart metering
• Data-driven monitoring for better decision-making
• Leading Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns on water conservation

Treated wastewater reuse is a major focus under AMRUT 2.0, promoting a circular and sustainable water economy. AMRUT Mitras will help communities monitor systems and raise awareness for responsible water use.

Expanding the AMRUT Mitra Model

Currently, 45,000+ SHG members are engaged across 1910 cities in 34 States and UTs. The Ministry plans to expand this model to 5000 cities, ensuring deeper women-led governance in urban water and sanitation. This expansion will:

• Create more livelihood opportunities for SHG women
• Promote strong community participation in water security
• Strengthen women’s leadership in urban governance

Key Highlights of AMRUT Mitra Mahotsav

• Photo Exhibition: Showcasing state-led SHG innovations
• Panel Discussions: Scaling women-led resilience in water & sanitation
• Testimonial Sessions: Sharing AMRUT Mitras’ inspiring journeys
• Launch of AMRUT Mitra Best Practices Compendium by Shri Manohar Lal

The Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, inaugurated a modern Common Incubation Centre at Tezpur University in Sonitpur district on 13 March 2026. The centre has been set up with full financial support from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME). This initiative aims to strengthen food processing innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development in the North-Eastern region of India.

What is Common Incubation Centre?

The newly inaugurated Common Incubation Centre is designed as a state-of-the-art facility that will support micro food processing enterprises and promote innovation in the sector. It will provide technical assistance, training and infrastructure for entrepreneurs to develop and test new food products.

The centre will benefit Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, startups and aspiring entrepreneurs. By providing access to modern food processing technologies, the facility will help them improve product quality and market competitiveness.

Presence of the Dignitaries

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Prithiraj Rabha and senior officials from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the Government of Assam.

During the event, the minister interacted with beneficiaries of the PMFME Scheme, entrepreneurs, start-ups, faculty members of Tezpur University and other stakeholders from the food processing ecosystem.

Technical Support from Tezpur University

During the welcome address, Prof. Amarendra Kumar Das, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University, highlighted the importance of the incubation centre for promoting entrepreneurship. He thanked the Ministry of Food Processing Industries for providing financial support for the project.

The Department of Food Engineering and Technology at the university will offer technical mentorship to entrepreneurs. Guidance will be provided in key areas such as food processing technology, packaging, branding, labelling and compliance with food safety standards.

Government Support for the Project

Shri D. Praveen, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, emphasised the importance of collaboration between government institutions, universities and entrepreneurs to strengthen the food processing sector.

He also informed that the ministry has provided financial assistance of ₹2.35 crore for the establishment of the incubation centre under the PMFME Scheme.

Encouraging Youth Entrepreneurship

During the event, MLA Prithiraj Rabha encouraged students to explore career opportunities in food processing and skill development programmes. He urged young people to become entrepreneurs and contribute to economic growth and employment generation in the region.

The centre will help students and young innovators turn their ideas into successful businesses.

Boosting Food Processing in the North-East

xIn his inaugural address, Union Minister Chirag Paswan highlighted the government’s vision to strengthen the food processing ecosystem in the North-Eastern region through innovation, entrepreneurship and value addition to agricultural products.

The incubation centre includes seven specialised processing and support lines for fruits, grains, spices, bakery products and other segments. These facilities will help entrepreneurs develop, test and commercialise new products.

The centre is expected to benefit entrepreneurs from several districts including Darrang, Udalguri, Biswanath, Nagaon and Golaghat.

Impact of the PMFME Scheme

The PMFME Scheme is a key initiative under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to support micro food processing enterprises across India. According to the minister, loans have been sanctioned to more than 1.87 lakh micro food processing units in the country.

The scheme provides financial assistance, capacity building and market linkages to farmers, Self-Help Groups, cooperatives and small entrepreneurs.

Vision of ”Farm to Fork” and Global Food Basket

Chirag Paswan stressed the importance of a “Farm to Fork” approach to reduce food wastage and strengthen the agricultural value chain. This approach also supports the vision of Narendra Modi to increase farmers’ income.

He stated that India has the potential to become a “Global Food Basket” by improving production quality, boosting exports and promoting regional food products.

A special celebration called Purple Fest was organised at Rashtrapati Bhavan on March 13, 2026 to recognise the talent, achievements, and dreams of Divyangjan (persons with disabilities). The event aimed to promote inclusion, respect, and awareness about the abilities of Divyangjan. Thousands of participants joined the celebration and enjoyed various activities designed especially for them.

Thousands of Divyangjan Visit Amrit Udyan

During the day-long event, more than 8,000 Divyangjan visited Amrit Udyan. The beautiful garden was opened exclusively for them on this special day.

Participants enjoyed many activities, including:

• Fun and interactive games
• Learning sessions and awareness stalls
• Exhibitions organised by groups working for Divyangjan
• Social interaction and entertainment programs

Several organisations working for persons with disabilities set up stalls to provide useful information, guidance, and support.

Cultural Performances in the Evening

In the evening, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, attended the festival at the Open Air Theatre in the President’s Estate. She watched cultural performances presented by talented Divyangjan artists.

These performances included music, dance, and creative acts that showcased their confidence and abilities. The audience appreciated the inspiring performances and the spirit of the participants.

President’s Message on Inclusion and Equality

While speaking at the event, President Droupadi Murmu said that a country is not judged only by the progress of its privileged people. Instead, it is measured by how much it supports and cares for its marginalized and vulnerable sections.

She highlighted that Indian culture has always valued:

• Sensitivity and compassion
• Inclusiveness in society
• Harmony among people

She also mentioned that the Constitution of India ensures social justice, equality, and dignity for every citizen, including Divyangjan.

Importance of Empowering Divyangjan

The President emphasized that empowering persons with disabilities is essential for building an inclusive and strong society. However, she noted that this goal cannot be achieved by the government alone.

According to her, the participation of every citizen, organisation, and institution is necessary to create equal opportunities for Divyangjan.

Divyangjan and the Vision of Viksit Bharat 2047

President Murmu said that India is moving forward with the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”, a goal to make the country fully developed by the year 2047.

She stated that Divyangjan are equal partners in this journey. Society must ensure that they receive equal chances to grow, succeed, and live with dignity.

Encouragement for Self-Confidence

The President encouraged Divyangjan to move ahead with confidence and determination. She assured them that both the government and society will continue to support their progress.

She added that their hard work, dedication, and perseverance will not only bring success to their lives but also inspire other citizens of the country.

Purpose of Purple Fest

The Purple Fest, organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, focuses on promoting awareness about different types of disabilities and their impact on people’s lives.

The festival aims to:

• Increase understanding about disabilities
• Encourage acceptance and respect
• Promote equal opportunities
• Build an inclusive society for everyone