Page 7 - NIS English 1-15 June 2023

News Briefs
100 HEALTHY AND CLEAN
FOOD STREETS WILL BE BUILT
ACROSS THE COUNTRY
treet food is an integral part of the food
Sculture of India. It has played a very
important role in shaping the Indian food
economy. It is a source of affordable and
tasty food for millions of Indians and a
major contributor to the country's economic
development. With rapid urbanization, street
food hubs have provided easy access to food
but food safety and hygiene remain a concern
in these hubs. Keeping this in mind, the Central
Government has started the 'Food Street
Project', in which assistance will be given to
make 100 healthy and clean food streets. The
Food Street Project aims to promote safe and
healthy eating among food businesses and
community members to reduce foodborne
illness. Union Health and Family Welfare
Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed
the project. National Health Mission (NHM)
will provide financial assistance in the ratio of
60:40 or 90:10 of Rs.1 crore per food street as a
pilot project. The branding of these food streets
will be done as per the guidelines of FSSAI.
Financial assistance, safe drinking water, hand
washing and toilet facilities, tiled floors in
common areas, proper liquid and solid waste
disposal, provision of dustbins and signage of
a permanent nature, common storage space,
and lighting will be made available for activities
like exclusive cart, branding etc.
APPLY FOR PADMA AWARDS 2024
BY SEPTEMBER 15, 2023
he central government led by Prime Minister
TNarendra Modi is determined to start and take
forward new and transparent systems. A similar new
beginning was made for the Padma Awards, which
are now being extended as Padma for the common
man. Online nominations and recommendations for
the Padma Awards to be announced on the occasion
of Republic Day in the year 2024 have been started
from May 1, 2023. The last date is September 15,
2023. Nominations/recommendations for the
Padma Awards are being taken online at the National
Awards Portal https://awards.gov.in. The Rules are
available at the website https://padmaawards.gov.
in/AboutAwards.aspx. Padma Vibhushan, Padma
Bhushan, and Padma Shri, the three subsequent
awards after the Bharat Ratna, were introduced
in the year 1954. Awarded for distinguished and
exceptional achievements/service in the fields of
arts, literature and education, sports, medicine,
social service, science and engineering, public
works, civil service, trade, industry, etc. All people
are eligible for these awards irrespective of their
creed, occupation, position, or gender. Others can
also make a recommendation for someone, while
citizens can also nominate themselves.
EPFO EXTENDS THE DATE OF
APPLICATION FOR PENSION ON A
HIGHER SALARY, APPLY TILL JUNE 26
PFO had started the online application process
Efor verification of options or combined options
from pensioners and members on the orders of
the Hon'ble Supreme Court with the deadline of
3rd May. Now this date has been extended to 26
June. Till May 1, more than 12 lakh applications
had been received. The time limit is being extended
to facilitate and provide adequate opportunity
for the pensioners/members to overcome any
difficulties faced by them. The Supreme Court
had held that the employees who retired before
September 1, 2014, and who exercised the option
under para 11(3) before their retirement, would
be eligible for pension on higher pay.
New India Samachar June 1-15, 2023 5