Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and Teen...

Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and Tenn Parents The American Public never loved social welfare programs, but it did not necessarily want them dismantled. In fact, by the early 1990s, nearly 50 percent of all households drew on government benefits from Food stamps to social security to mortgage interest tax deductions. To convince the public that it stood to gain from smaller government and weaker social programs, the reformers had to undermine the longstanding belief that government should play a large role in society. Abramovitz (1996) suggest that Civil rights gains were called reverse discrimination and the victories of the women’s and gay rights movement were seen as a threat to â€Å"family values.† Having set†¦show more content†¦The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act also shifted the spotlight of welfare from family maintenance through government-supported financial assistance to family economic self-sufficiency through paid employment. This federal welfare reform policy known as TANF encourages employment and personal responsibility by mandating states to provide financial benefits to families on a temporary basis, having recipients participate in a work requirement while receiving aid, and providing incentives for recipients to transition off welfare. The programs name indicated its purpose and the social message to the recipient. Under federal law, families are required to: (1) Work after two years on financial assistance, (2) Adhere to particular behavioral criteria in order to continue receiving benefits, and (3) Only be eligible for aid for up to five years. The state’s new approach to welfare replaced AFDC program with the California Work Opportunities and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) program. CalWORKs consist of a cash aid component and a CalWORKs Welfare-to-Work program. The new public assistance program did retain many of the eligibility standards, benefits, services and requirements of the former program. All an indication of the national change in objectives from welfare to work for CalWORKs recipients Exemptions fromShow MoreRelatedTeen Pregnancy And Birth Rates861 Words   |  4 Pagesactive teens from 50 percent to 70 percent users between 1971 through 1979 (Kohli, 1995). This increase in contraceptive use was not enough to outweigh the increase in premarital sexual activity. This only increased the rate of pregnancies in teenage girls. There has still been a decrease in actual teenage births as a result of an increasing amount of pregnancies being terminated from abortions (Kohli, 1995). According to Clemmit(2010), although there is still a lot of hype surrounding teen pregnancyRead MoreA Review Of Tanf Assistance Programs1394 Words   |  6 PagesA Review of the TANF Cash Assistance Programs Roughly 20% of the United States’ children are living in families suffering from poverty (National Center for Education Statistics, 2015). According to Yeung, Linver and Brooks-Gunn (2002); Pungello et al., (2010); and Evans (2004), economic hardships increase the likelihood of â€Å"maladaptive† behaviors while decreasing school performance and poor cognitive-behavioral development. (1861-1879; 410-426; 77-92). To prevent this, lawmakers were spurred intoRead MoreTemporary Assistance For Needy Families Essay1175 Words   |  5 Pageswould go about identifying eligible families for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, benefits by using what the requirements are for Pennsylvania residents on the TANF website. According to the TANF Program (n.d.a), â€Å"you must be a United States citizen and a resident of Pennsylvania† (para. 8) to apply for TANF benefits. If you are a â€Å"non-citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residency, you may be eligibleà ¢â‚¬  (TANF Program, n.d.a, para. 8) for TANF benefits. â€Å"You also must provide youRead MoreMandatory Drug Testing For Welfare Recipients1526 Words   |  7 Pagesrelieve the burdens of the one-fourth of American families who were unemployed, and struggling financially. President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Social Security Act in 1935, then amended it in 1939 to create programs to assist families with unemployment compensation, and to create government agencies to oversee these programs, including Health and Human Services. The purpose of the welfare program was to provide short-term assistance to families in need while they got back on their feet, andRead MoreThe Welfare System2768 Words   |  12 Pagesunderemployed (Welfare Info, n.d.). It went from just helping those two groups and branched significantly into helping low income families, disabled, and single parent families be able to live the best life possible. Some of the programs include Medicaid, Food Stamps , Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Head Start, Work Study, and Medicare (Welfare Info, n.d.). Another very commonly known one is Social Security which isRead MoreThe Age Of The Pill1530 Words   |  7 Pagescontrol were made available. By the 20th Century, teen pregnancy was the norm. The prevention of unintended adolescent pregnancy has become an important goal of our society. Although adolescent pregnancy and birth rates have been steadily decreasing, many adolescents still become pregnant. The purpose of this research paper is to review the history, current status, programs and the future of teen pregnancy. History In the early 20th Century, teen pregnancy was the norm. Women were lucky to get anRead More Childhood Poverty Essay1574 Words   |  7 Pageshomelessness, family stress, sickness, and too-early parenthood. The sad truth is that living in poverty lowers a child’s chance to grow into a healthy, well-adjusted adult who will contribute to society. The number of people who are classified as the working class poor has increased. It has also been proven that work by itself will not keep a family out of poverty. As for government assistance for families in poverty, it has been decreasing. The government argued that families were not usingRead MorePersonal Responsibility And Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act1624 Words   |  7 Pagespercentage, and the government has no way to stop it. However, the government can control what happens afterwards, when the baby is born. Obviously, teens would have trouble in raising a baby on their own because they are not yet adults so they need both financial and supportive help. So the government created Acts to help and states carried out assistance programs as well. However, there has been controversy in whether or not teenage mothers deserve all of this help. Teenage mothers should be able toRead MorePrograms to Take Families Off the Welfare System Essay example2179 Words   |  9 Page s101, 716,000 people who worked full time year around in 2011 which only allowed one member of the family to work year round. The system is meant to help low income families, however; they don’t want to be not allowed to grow by becoming more independent and have opportunities to rise above poverty. The quest to change the welfare system is to ensure the welfare and the rights of children, their parents and taxpayers are not ignored. Programs have been developed to ensure welfare recipients are employableRead More Welfare Reform Essay2746 Words   |  11 Pagesrecipients are required to look for work as a condition of benefits. http://www.detnews.com/1997/newsx/welfare/rules/rules.htm. Originally, the welfare system was created to help poor men, women, and children who are in need of financial and medical assistance. Over the years, welfare has become a way of life for its recipients and has created a culture of dependency. Currently, the government is in the process of ref orming the welfare system. The welfare reform system’s objective was to get people off

My Learning Plan For The Future - 979 Words

Leadership Forward Continuous learning and professional development are necessary parts of staying abreast of current leadership topics and practical applications. This is especially the case in the context of the dynamic world of today’s organizations and global economy. My learning plan for the future includes taking advantage of free online courses in leadership and human resources and reading related periodical and journal articles online. In particular, I desire to learn more about the following leadership topics and further incorporate them into my practice as a leader. Transformational Leadership As mentioned earlier, although I currently practice many aspects of transformational leadership, this leadership approach is one I want to continue to develop in myself. I am striving to learn more about how to truly influence and motivate followers to go above and beyond the minimum in their organizational performance. As Bottomley et al. (2014) stated, transformational leaders must â€Å"act as a vision-builder who can cast the vision, define it, align personal and organizational values, and most of all build trust† (p. 5). Leaders must be aware of their own beliefs and emotions in order to continually engage followers on a personal level (Bottomley et al., 2014). Since I have had a tendency to be task-focused and grounded in my own beliefs, as opposed to relationship-focused, I realize that I need to tap into my own emotions and that of other people more. Engaging withShow MoreRelatedDevelopment Plan For The Professional And The Academic Field1521 Words   |  7 Pagesd evelopment plan is defined as a structured and supported process commenced by learners to consider their own learning, performance and achievement and to plan for their personal, educational and career development. In another words, a development plan is an inclusive process, which is opened to all learners, in all higher education provision settings, and at all levels. An effective development plan can improve the ability of learners to re-examine, arrange and take responsibility for our learning and toRead MoreEssay about Philosophy of Teaching Statement1058 Words   |  5 PagesIn My Classroom Every teacher has a different method of teaching. The teachers that I have had in my school career have been no exception. In this way, each teacher has set an example for me, as a future teacher, to follow or not to follow as I see fit. With the examples from my teachers and in continuing my education, I am developing my own method of teaching. I plan to use a combination of teaching methods in my own classroom. My method will be an eclectic approach because I will be usingRead MoreGraduation Speech : Elementary Classroom1235 Words   |  5 Pages As a senior here at UNI, I am very anxious to start my student teaching experience next fall. I hope to be placed in an elementary classroom because I am an Elementary Education major with minors in Literacy and Educational Technology. I hope to incorporate both literacy and technology into my lessons and prepare my students for the future. I have always wanted to be a teacher because I loved school as a child and even played teacher when I wasn’t in school. I enjoy being around children and loveRead MoreMy Experience At The Director Position933 Words   |  4 Pagesopportunity to share my experience and background with you for the director position. My experience over the last 17 years has afforded me the skills necessary to excel in this role. In planning for my interview, I have created a 30-60-90 day plan to highlight my understanding of the role. I truly believe that I am capable of succeeding through consistent relationship building, strong communication both internally and externally and creating effective marketing strategies and plans. My knowledge andRead MorePersonal Statement : Elementary Education With A Mild Intervention Licensure1389 Words   |  6 PagesPersonal Statement My continual yearning for knowledge and understanding of children’s development led me to complete an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with a Mild Intervention Licensure. A deep commitment to improving children’s lives and a passion for teaching, learning, and student success, has led to my decision to apply to graduate school to earn a Master’s Degree in Education. During the last two and a half years, my preservice teaching provided me with invaluable experience inRead MoreReasons Behind The Paul Simon851 Words   |  4 PagesProgram, well, they began with my interest in the United States Air Force as well as my desire to progress my knowledge, and be able to support my wife and family in the future. My biggest struggle in the ACT Program would more than likely be dealing with time constraints and what solutions I will probably have. One of the bigger reasons I wish to join the Paul Simon ACT Program would be my plans for the United States Air Force. For many generations men in both of my families have served in the UnitedRead MoreCu744 - Evaluate and Improve Own Performance in a Business Environment.700 Words   |  3 PagesOwn performance in a Business Environment. 1.1 Explain the purpose and benefits of continuously improving own performance in a business environment. This improves the quality of my work which in turn proves that I am capable of further responsibility. More experience and responsibility could be useful in gaining future job roles. 1.2 Explain the purpose and value of encouraging and accepting feedback from others. The purpose of feedback is to let me know what I am doing is correct or indeedRead MoreI Am Learning Interview Techniques From Wicklander Zulawski Associates, Inc.965 Words   |  4 PagesSelf-Regulated Learning Describe one topic that you are currently attempting to learn. Explain your motivation for learning about this topic. Currently I am learning interview techniques from Wicklander-Zulawski Associates, Inc. This course teaches me how to conduct interviews and interrogations leading to admissions from the guilty while eliminating the innocent from suspicion. I will learn to identify truthful and untruthful behavior along with powerful new ideas to obtain confessions fromRead MoreWhy I Don t Be A Professional1592 Words   |  7 Pagesaccountablilty and holding yourself up to those same standards later in learning. In general information in life is always changing. Things are different now then when I was a child. Being able to consistently be learning about policies, procedures, and learning of young children is going to help make you a successful teacher. It is through this learning that you will grow and be able to help children learn to their full potential. Learning all there is to know about policies and procedures and then takingRead MoreThe Importance Of Building A Year 1 Classroom Essay1122 Words   |  5 Pagesyear 1 classroom. These relationships are essential in providing the best possible learning opportunities for the students. Through developing these relationships with students and teachers, I have broadened my knowledge and understanding about the children’s individual learning styles, interests and the effect positive acknowledgement has on their participation and motivation levels. When walking in day one, it was my goal to know the name of each individual child by the end of week one. Even in a

Global Rise of Religious Violence System †Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Global Rise of Religious Violence System. Answer: Introduction Christianity has faced many criticisms and many philosophical arguments as to what they believe or even into their actions. Among them is the statement claim that Christianity is false because most Christians are hypocrites, violent and intolerant. However, this statement may be analyzed from the different lens by understanding the rational part of the report, the logical understanding as well as the biblical account or the Christian apologetic lens. According to the philosophical lens this statement may be considered to be a fallacious statement or an ad hominem. It presents an argument where the discussion of the topic of concern is usually avoided but instead attacks the character or even the motive and attributes of the person making the case or associated with the argument management. It is therefore essential to have a distinction of the subject under discussion in any state with the character of the person making the case. Most critics of Christianity and even philosophers such as Karl Marx used this fallacy to criticize Christianity and specifically religion by saying that religion is the opium of the people. Therefore it is of no essential proving to hold a statement that Christianity is false because Christians are hypocrites. This may be considered as an ad hominem fallacy statement as well as a generalization statement[2]. Logically hypocrisy can be understood as having a behavior that is contrary or does not agree with what someone claims or believes in or even feels. This implies that Christians have somethings they think in and its logically for anyone to refer to them as hypocrites if according to them they behave in a manner that speaks different of them or their actions do not reflect of what they believe[3]. However, this does not account for the generalization fallacy that Christianity false based on an individuals behavior which does not provide sufficient evidence. For instance, John 8:11 speak of Christian believers being urged to go and sin no more. From this biblical account, it is the Christian faith that they should uphold a holy life and stay away from sin. However, the scripture does not stop there but continues to give them a quick reassurance of having a God who understands their weaknesses for it is not possible to them to live a life free of sin. Hypocrisy can only result in this verse when a group of Christians behaves like they are better than the non-Christians[4]. But again other than attacking the issue of hypocrisy most critics will go about criticizing Christianity on account of the behavior of one person or a character of an individual without necessarily understanding the scriptures say. Therefore the statement is more of battle cry man used by non-believers to poke holes in Christianity. The lack of understanding of the Bible has brought about these criticisms, and somehow Christians have allowed the criticisms come their way in their way of living. Most Christians believe that yes Christ did everything for them which are right according to the scriptures in 1st Peter 2:21-22. However, it is hypocritical for them to say that they have nothing to do as Christ did everything (4). The Bible in James 2:17 give an account of Faith which Christians should have, and its said to be dead if it does not have any actions. It implies to the fact that Christians have a responsibility to play; having faith alone is not enough to justify their actions. Also 1st Peter 1:14 provide an account of Christian living which requires them to be holy in all their conduct. Therefore there is more to the understanding of the scriptures and what they say that listening to preachers and what they have to say[5]. This also translates to the fact that it is inappropriate to conclude a statement th at Christianity is false just because some Christians have a hypocritical behavior. Philosophers would love to generalize the accounts but do not hold any truth centrally to what is written in the scriptures. It is also important to dispose of the stamen that Christianity is false because some Christians are violent management. Violence is a character of a human being. Anyone can be violent whereas on the other hand violence can result as a result of different factors. However, most philosophers have provided some research ideas claiming that Christianity plays a more significant role in enhancing violence in society[6]. This is popularly advanced in a research writing entitled the violent legacy of monotheism. The main argument in this contest is the claim that Christianity believes in monotheism despite having other religions such as Hindu, Islam as well as Judaism is a dividing factor in society. Further argues that Christianity through the birth of the new creation has divided people into us and refers to the other non-believers to them and terms this as the source of conflict and violence in the society[7]. However, this is not a justification of the claim states that Christianity is false. It only depicts ignorance fallacy and significant lack of understanding. Believe in monotheism by Christians is a command to them and everyone is given a free will to choose to believe or not. Just like any other religion like Islam believes in the account of Mohammed and does not account or recognize the Birth of Christ Jesus. Christian faith is therefore misused when it is used to underwrite violence but does not give a justification of Christianity being false. Christianity cannot be false based on the statement claim that most Christians are intolerable. The basis for this claim is usually due to their strict belief in the scripture that no one comes to me except through the father as found in John 14.6 in the account of Jesus words[8]. The main criticisms, in this case, are not even believed to be religious but have been found to be ethical. When Christians firmly believe in monotheism and against the worship of other gods they are criticized for being intolerant haters. The basis for this criticism is based on their faith and therefore does not justify the claim that Christianity is false. How would one find or establish the foundation of finding a doctrine to be false, I believe if it does not ascribe to think in that doctrine[9]. Therefore logical reasoning of the word intolerance is the acceptance of belief in an action of something in which one does not agree. Christian faith is self-will, and neither do Christians force each other t o believe in things they do not consider. This statement is, therefore, a fallacy of ignorance and doesnt form any basis not an even philosophical basis to claim that Christianity is false because Christians are intolerable[10]. Yes, indeed they are unacceptable into what they believe in and forms part of Christian faith but dont justify any reason to claim that Christianity is false. The basis of Christian apologetic lens was as a result of the many criticisms of Christianity faith. And therefore many have used it as a basis for protecting their religion and reaffirming their beliefs. However, the doctrine of apologetics is centered on understanding the truth, and that truth is the word of God. Just as Christians view the reality that is how Christianity should be seen through the lens of truth[11]. No one can run from the truth, and therefore the criticism of Christianity has been used by Christians to grow their faith with the belief that only the fact can be criticized as no one would bother criticizing something which is false to them since they dont believe in it[12]. The claim states that Christianity is wrong based on the accounts of some Christians being hypocrites; intolerable or even violent is an ad hominem aimed at avoiding the critical issues of discussion and focusing on attacking the character of Christianity faith or poking holes to believers by m ost non-believers. Bibliography Eaton, John. The Honey-Combe of Free Justification by Christ Alone. Lulu. com, 2016. Nokes, David. Jonathan Swift: a hypocrite reversed. Faber Faber, 2014. Yancey, G. (2015). Hostile environment: Understanding and responding to anti-Christian bias. InterVarsity Press. Praet, Danny. "Violence against Christians and violence by Christians in the first three centuries: direct violence, cultural violence and the debate about Christian exclusiveness." In Violence in ancient Christianity: victims and perpetrators, vol. 125, pp. 31-55. Brill, 2014. Juergensmeyer, Mark. Terror in the mind of God: The global rise of religious violence. Vol. 13. Univ of California Press, 2017. Syed, Jawad, Edwina Pio, Tahir Kamran, and Abbas Zaidi, eds. Faith-based violence and Deobandi militancy in Pakistan. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2016. Griffith, Sidney H. "Disputes with Muslims in Syriac Christian texts: from patriarch John (d. 648) to Bar Hebraeus (d. 1286)." In Doctrine and Debate in the East Christian World, 3001500, pp. 173-196. Routledge, 2017. Frame, John M. Apologetics: A Justification of Christian Belief. P R Publishing, 2015. Moser, Paul K. "New Testament Apologetics, Arguments, and the End of Christian Apologetics as We Know It.." Philosophia Christi 17, no. 2 (2015). Craig, William Lane. "How Can Christ Be the Only Way to God?." Reasonable Faith (2016). Hitchcock, David. "Is There an Argumentum ad Hominem Fallacy?." In On Reasoning and Argument, pp. 409-419. Springer, Cham, 2017. Hitchcock, David. "The practice of argumentative discussion." In On Reasoning and Argument, pp. 323-334. Springer, Cham, 2017.

Closing Case Barrett Farm Food free essay sample

Do you see any problems with Mr. Austin’s plan for European expansion? Do you support his entrepreneurial approach to exporting? What should be the features of a more systematic approach to exporting? Answer: Philip Austin could have two of the following issues in the European market. First, BBF had little experience in export. Secondly, BBF has to solve many export sector problems. Europe also has many differences in national tastes, regulations, and market structures. While Australians love Vegemite-a brown, salty breakfast spread made from yeast-the product enjoys little popularity outside Australia. 2. Why did Barrett choose exporting as its entry strategy for Europe, as opposed to foreign direct investment or licensing? What advantages does exporting provide to Barrett? What are the potential drawbacks/weaknesses of exporting for Barrett? Answer: Physical characteristics should be considered when developing an export-strategy. BBF sells nuts, cereal bars, garlic, ginger, dried fruits, and honey. (They do not goes bad easily). We will write a custom essay sample on Closing Case Barrett Farm Food or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page They weights less. BBF made the right choice in this respect. The export-strategy of BBF for entry into foreign markets may have several problems. First, they have poor opportunity for experiencing local markets. Second, export-strategy is sensitive on the trade barriers such as tariffs or exchange rates. 3. What challenges can Barrett expect in its export drive? What types of new capabilities does the firm need to acquire to manage its export transactions? Answer: BBF has to consider packing, insurance, tariffs, taxes, storage and decide what profit margin they want. BBF needs to understand the foreign market. Comprehensive market data and insightful market analysis help BBF make informed, intelligent decisions. BBF might have to hire market research firm or Austrade to analyze the European markets. 4. How should Barrett choose between direct and indirect exporting? What are the ideal characteristics of European intermediaries for Barrett? Where can Barrett turn for financing its export sales? Answer: Indirect exporting could be better. BBF has little experience in exporting products. They have to learn how to selling goods overseas successfully. In the long run, BBF should show its exporting competence such as exporting department. 5. There are already numerous companies selling processed foods in Europe. What can Barrett do to compete successfully against these firms? Answer: BBF should modify its own products considering the European markets. BBF has focused on Australian markets. There is no guarantee that BBF could be a successful company in the European markets. They have to plan new marketing strategies for the European markets. The fact is that BBF have new competition to face in the European markets. BBF should build a long term relationship with the consumer. 6. Why does Austrade want Australian firms to focus on exporting processed foods? Why is exporting high value-added products good for Australia? Answer: Processed foods can create significant added value by creating jobs for Australians. Much of current exports are primarily raw foods, not processed foods. Just 10 percent value adding were done (The county’s balance of trade would improve). And Austrade believes meat, cereal, sugar, dairy commodities, and marine products have the most potential for food processing.

Genderrelationships In Love Jones Essays - English-language Films

Genderrelationships In Love Jones Using the movie Love Jones I will talk about the characteristics of male/male and female/female relationship as they are portrayed in the film. Then I will talk about how different the female/male relationship is and focus primarily on their communication styles. There is some harsh vocabulary included in my essay but only in quotations that I have taken from the movie itself to communicate what was going on in the scenes I have chose to talk about. Female/female relationship Josie and Nina Nina is one of the main characters in this movie and Josie is her best friend. A scene where their friendship is characterized is one where Josie and Nina are riding in a cab. Josie gets upset with Nina (briefly) when she finds out that Nina has had sex with Darius (the other main character) on the first night they went out. The haste in which they have had sex does not bother her as much as the fact that Nina does not tell her. This example is a direct correlation to one of the themes of women's friendship that intimacy is cultivated through dialogue. This suggest that women build closeness in their friendships dialogue and by Nina not telling, it breaks the code of intimacy in a way. The establishment of a new relationship something like this that is an important part of Nina's life, and excluding Josie from that is what is troubling her. Even though I do not believe that to be true in this example, that can be argued as a reason Nina doesn't share. So, once Josie gets over the initial shock of the news, she wants Nina to tell all the details ?how big, how long, everything!? The two women then begin to discuss the sexual relationship as only women can do. Nina says, ?It was like? his *censored* just? talked to me!? Josie replies with a sigh, ?What'd it say Only true friends can talk like that ! There was another theme of women's friendships in this example that women serve a therapeutic function for each other. Josie apparently has had some bad relationships in her life so she seems to live through the experiences that Nina has. I'm not sure how healthy that is in real life, but it seems to be comforting to Josie in this movie. Even the closest women friends do not talk about everything. Nina has just gotten out of a long and unproductive relationship with another man and the thought of jumping right back into that is too much for her. So when she says that ?This is no love thang; me and Darius are just kickin it.? I think she means it. She does not want to contradict something she said earlier in the movie to Josie. She said she isn't going to make the same mistake twice. And that mistake is falling in love because as Nina says, ?it is as played out as the A-track?. In another scene the two women are at the Sanctuary, which is the club where Nina met Darius. They come to the club straight from the train station because Nina wants to see if Darius is there. Darius and Nina have gone through a separation period so she is anxious to see him but doesn't want to call him this soon so she just hopes to run into him. He isn't there and Nina is really tired and wants to go home. She never comes out and says that is her motivation but her girl knows her and she knows her motivation. Josie just validates Nina wanting to leave by saying ?Yeah, and there is NOT ONE cutie, in the house anyway!? It doesn't seem like Josie really wants to leave but she will because her friend is ready to go. Then when they are leaving the club, Hollywood runs outside and stops them. He offers them a ride in his car (which happens to be a hearse) and the two friends can not help looking and each other in agreement and burst out in laughter. They are laughing even harder as they walk away and do not pay him any attention. One theme of women's friendships is that it is talk centered.

Ap Biology Pill Bug Lab Discussion Essay Example

Ap Biology Pill Bug Lab Discussion Essay Example Ap Biology Pill Bug Lab Discussion Paper Ap Biology Pill Bug Lab Discussion Paper Essay Topic: Discussion This lab felt very â€Å"slow† because there was not a lot of action going on. The pill bugs would either walk around in circles or stay put. However, it was both fun and annoying when my group tried to put the pill bugs in the chamber and take them out. We had to put a lot of effort to get the pill bugs on to the paint brushes because they would scurry around and it would take a while to find them. Also, it was cool to see the pill bugs use their defense mechanism (it only happened once) by going into a hard circular shape when being prodded at by a paintbrush. This lab had a lot of experimental areas. The amount of water or basic or acidic solution to the paper may have affected results. For the first part of the lab, outside factors could have contributed to the results, such as lighting, vibration, or chemical residue. Also, as soon as we put all the pill bugs in the chamber, we started the lab. If we had given five minutes or so for the pill bugs to be attributed to the environment, the results would have changed. For the second part of the lab, the strength of the pH values were a big factor in forming the results, and a change in strength could be a major alteration. In addition, my group did not use the same pill bugs in the second part as we had used in the first part. Different pill bugs would have been subject to different things, and so their learned behaviors may be different, which would change the results. No two animals are the same.

Comparing two records of a significant event in history Essay

Comparing two records of a significant event in history - Essay Example As such, Polybius is very aware of the time and place at which the events took place. Polybius journeyed to the site not long after the actual crossing of the Alps, and is more trustworthy than a modern day historian. The account is a prose form of chronology in that it just tells the story, like a story. It is not interspersed with facts- it is represented as all fact - which is typical of early histories. They did not have many other writers to reference, and the reader most likely wouldn't have been able to access the other books regardless. The only major discrepancy between Polybius' accounting and that of Livy is that Polybius mentioned they could see Italy from the pass and Livy stated they could not see Italy until they had started the descent. Titus Livy (59 BCE- 17 CE) is the author of the authorized version of the history of the Roman republic. His writings do betray that he knew little of military matters which would affect the believability of his account of the military operations of Hannibal.2 Again, there is no attempt to evaluate the sources of evidence and it is quite likely that he may have even used Polybius' writings as a possible reference. As he lived 100 years or so after Hannibal crossed the Alps, this accounting is more subject to inaccuracies due to the passage of time.

Managed Healtcare Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Managed Healtcare - Assignment Example His may lead to misinformation on the various aspects of disease management that require more or urgent attention There have been important changes in the quality of management movement since the 1970s to current day. The evolvement has led to more comprehensive views of diseases management and one that offers an accurate account of what it represents and encompasses. In the past, quality providers felt that making significant improvement in the health status of Americans meant addressing chronic disease for large groups of people, not single patients one at a time. However, the managed care system in this era is more focused on ensuring that each patient gets high quality. The managed care organizations then started looking as patients as individuals and not as a group of individuals suffering from a certain chronic disease that needs to be eliminated. This way, the care system became more patient-centered. This was how the improvement generated to the managed care system that we have in today’s

Different Moral Standards Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Different Moral Standards - Essay Example They took advantage of the changing social norms and values. Since women were entering employment, they believed that they could sell packaged food very well. GMC was concerned only with increasing profits and this was communicated to the Pillsbury-Green Giant Group. Green Giant would have to relocate to Mexico in order to ensure profits. Pillsbury accepted the deal against a payment. In this case, the moral standards of three groups differ with each other and the fourth to be considered is that of the local people of Mexico. It is difficult for Green Giant not to take any action because of remaining passive they would be harming the interests of the stakeholders. The conflict has to be understood and resolved by all parties involved. The goal of GMC was profiting no matter how it was achieved. They were least concerned if the personal values of any group would have to be compromised with. They valued profits and they could apply the management style of ‘light but firm hand on the throat’ to achieve this end. Using this style would not make them feel guilty of committing a wrong. This clearly demonstrates that they give priority to profits over any other values. The goals of Giant Green had to undergo a change to swim along with the demands of the new company. The cultural and religious traditions of both the groups differ which affects the decision making process. GMC is a British company while Green Giant has its roots in Minnesota and California. Since the economic situation of GMC had deteriorated, they were willing to compromise on their values as this gained priority. Thus an ethical solution becomes imperative which causes the least harm and maximum good to the different groups of people involved in this case. The goal of Green Giant-Pillsbury was to maximize profits but their norms differed. The values of the executives of the Pillsbury group differed from the GMC.  

Hereditary Component Analysis for MS

Hereditary Component Analysis for MS The family and twin studies provide evidence of the presence of an important hereditary component in the etiology of MS, with percentages of heritability ranging from 24% to 31.6% (Bellia et al., 2009; Lin et al. ., 2005; Oneill et al., 2015). Among the etiopathogenic models to explain the origin of MS, partial lipodystrophy, which results from mutations in the LAMINA A / C (LMNA) genes or the peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor (PPARg) gene, is a paradigm of genetic processes Involved (Hegele and Pollex, 2005). The PPARg gene, which is involved in the processes of differentiation and functioning of adipocytes, is believed to be related to the etiopathogenesis of obesity (Ristow et al., 1998; Moustafa and Froguel, 2013). Specifically, the ÃŽ ±-form of PPAR is believed to play an essential role in the origin of MS, since it regulates the oxidation and transport of fatty acids and the generation of lipoproteins (Guan and Breyer 2001, Tan, Zhuang and Wahli, 2017). PPARÃŽ ³ is a key regulator in the process of adipogenesis and its increased function results in increased body mass, whereas decreased activity induces weight loss and the development of IR ( Deeb et al., 1998, Majid et al., 2016). The adiponectin regulatory gene (APN gene), a hormone involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis, and glucose and lipid metabolism, could induce IR by reducing the synthesis of this hormone (Maeda et al. , 2002; Yamauchi et al., 2003). Plasma adiponectin levels are inversely related to body mass and may have an important protective role against MS because of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiatherogenic effects (Esfahani et al., 2015). In addition, certain genetic polymorphisms have been identified for this gene that are related to the synthesis of insulin, IR and DM (Filippi et al., 2004). The CD36 receptor gene for thrombospondin, whose function is to bind and capture fatty acids to be used by other tissues, is also a candidate in the etiopathogenesis of MS (Love-Gregory et al., 2008; Zhou et al., 2016 ), Since we know that fatty acids induce IR, obesity and inflammation (Roden, 2007). It is described that CD36 deficiency causes an imbalance in glucose levels in response to insulin, as well as higher levels of fatty acids, TR, fasting glucose and blood pressure (MA) (Ma et al., 2004: Pioltine et al. Al., 2017). The enzyme 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11ÃŽ ²-HSD1), whose function is to interconvert 11-inert ketosteroids, cortisone and 11-dehydrocorticosterone (11-DHC), to its 11-hydroxy active forms, cortisol and corticosterone. 11ÃŽ ²-HSD1 is considered to have an important etiological factor in obesity. Although circulating concentrations of glucocorticoids are not elevated in prevalent forms of human obesity, locally enhanced glucocorticoid response in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue has been implicated in MS (Walker, 2007; Cai et al., 2016) . Clinically, RI and HT are associated with increased messenger RNA alpha glucocorticoid receptors (GRÃŽ ±) and the number of receptors in skeletal muscle, and a positive association between messenger RNA levels for both GR Such as 11ÃŽ ²-HSD1 in skeletal muscle for the condition of insulin resistance (Seckl, Morton and Chapman 2004; Freude et al., 2016). Î’-adrenergic receptors regulate the lipolysis and metabolism of free fatty acids. The ÃŽ ²3-adrenergic receptor (ÃŽ ²3AR) is a candidate gene for abdominal obesity and is related to visceral fat (Krief et al., 1993; Chen et al., 2015). Increased ÃŽ ²3AR function leads to increased catecholamine-induced lipolysis in the visceral fat of subjects with abdominal obesity, as well as to a lower metabolic rate and a lower activity of the resting sympathetic nervous system, all of them characteristics of MS (Shihara et al. Groop and Orho-Melander, 2001, Luglio, Sulistyoningrum and Susilowati, 2015) The Calpain-10 gene (CAPN10), which encodes the corresponding protein, has been associated with an increased risk of DM and RI becoming a strong candidate in the pathogenesis of MS (Orho-Melander et al., 2002; Loya Mà ©ndez Et al., 2014). It is also related to hypertension (Chen et al., 2007), overweight and obesity (Orozco et al., 2014), high cholesterol (Wu et al., 2005) and elevated triglyceride levels (Carlsson, Fredriksson et al. Groop, 2004), all components of the syndrome being analyzed. Another scientific work found in a haplotype of the polymorphism of this gene a risk factor for MS in patients with DM (Kang et al., 2006). It also establishes association with two indicators of the presence of IR, such as high glucose levels after a tolerance test and with HOMA values of RI (Saez et al., 2008). Other genes possibly implicated are those that encode the C-reactive protein, the best inflammatory biomarker, a characteristic of MS and also a predictor of CVR (Devaraj, Singh and Jialal, 2009), as well as the encoder of substrate 1 Of the insulin receptor (IRS1), whose mutations are associated with DM and IR (Kubota et al., 2000). In any case, the genetic ethiopatology leaves unresolved the controversy regarding the predisposing causative factor of MS, since in the scientific community there are defenders of the IR as the main factor involved, while others are inclined to obesity and metabolic dysfunction Of lipids as the most important agent (Alberti et al., 2009; Dragsbà ¦k et al., 2016; Gluvic et al., 2017).

Analysing the Portrayal of Eddie Carbone as a Tragic Hero Essay

Analysing the Portrayal of Eddie Carbone as a Tragic Hero A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller is a dramatically tense tragedy that presents the story of the downfall of an ordinary man. The play examines the tragic consequences of Eddie Carbone's inability to understand himself and his actions. This predominantly takes the form of his prejudice towards his cousin and his inappropriate attraction to his niece. It is set in the 1950s and was written while Miller had become interested in the lives and work of Brooklyn's dockworkers and longshoremen. Miller uses the character of Eddie to express his viewpoint that the tragedy of the ruined life of an ordinary workingman is just as significant a subject for tragedy as that of any ancient king, God or "Caesar from Syracuse or Calabria". He presents Eddie as an equally valid antihero. Antiheroes, or Tragic heroes, are as Aristotle wrote neither wholly good nor wholly evil but a mixture of both. Eddie is not an evil man, but he acts selfishly, inappropriately and recklessly. Antiheros, unlike heroes, have fatal flaws. These enable a contemporary audience to empathise and identify with his fatally flawed relationships and disastrous choices. Being able to relate to Eddie will let the audience feel the dramatic tension of the situations he is placed in. According to Aristotle a traditional tragic hero is a person who finds himself in a situation where he seems deprived of all outward help and is forced to rely entirely on himself. A View from the Bridge is recognisable as a tragedy because Eddie is a tragic hero even though he is a stereotypical 1950s ordinary American. He is tragic because he refuses to take the help and advice offered by his lawyer, Alf... ...f instead of trying to gain control of the other characters, he would have perhaps succeeded rather than causing complete destruction. By the end of the play, Eddie cannot see any view from the bridges of Brooklyn; he only has eyes for Catherine. Unfortunately, Catherine, like Rodolpho, sees all number of possibilities and dreams that lie ahead of her. Although bridges connect things, they are also a symbol of the way things are divided. Catherine needs to move across these bridges, but Eddie dies fighting to hold onto her. Eddies story is a tragedy because it is about how he handles his hubristic character, the result of his disastrous choices and his drastic change in fortune. It takes the audience on a roller coaster of dramatic tension, ending up with his unfortunate and unnecessary death, leaving the audience in mourning for such a tragic hero.

Environment Impact Assessment Process in India

ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS IN INDIA AND THE DRAWBACKS Prepared by – Environment Conservation Team (Aruna Murthy, Himansu Sekhar Patra) September 2005 Vasundhara, 15, Sahid Nagar Bhubaneshwar – 751 007 1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS IN INDIA AND THE DRAW BACKS INTRODUCTION EIA is an exercise to be carried out before any project or major activity is undertaken to ensure that it will not in any way harm the environment on a short term or long term basis.Any developmental endeavor requires not only the analysis of the need of such a project, the monetary costs and benefits involved but most important, it requires a consideration and detailed assessment of the effect of a proposed development on the environment. The environment impact process was introduced with the purpose of identifying /evaluating the potential beneficial and adverse impacts of development projects on the environment, taking in to account environmental, social, cultural and aesthetic considerations.All of these considerations are critical to determine the viability of a project and to decide if a project should be granted environmental clearance. An EIA concentrate on problems, conflicts and natural resource constraints which might affect the viability of a project. It also predicts how the project could harm to people, their homeland, their livelihoods, and the other nearby developmental activities. After predicting potential impacts, the EIA identifies measures to minimize the impacts and suggests ways to improve the project viability.The aim of an EIA is to ensure that potential impacts are identified and addressed at an early stage in the projects planning and design. To achieve this aim, the assessment finding are communicated to all the relevant groups who will make decisions about the proposed projects, the project developers and their investors as well as regulators , planners and the politicians. Having read the conclusions of an environmental impact a ssessment, project planners and engineers can shape the project so that its benefits can be achieved and sustained with out causing adverse impacts.In recent years, major projects have encountered serious difficulties because insufficient account has been taken of their relationship with the surrounding environment. Some projects have been found to be unsustainable because of resource depletion. Others have been abandoned because of public opposition, financially encumbered by unforeseen costs, held liable for damages to natural resources and even been the cause of disastrous accidents.Given this experience, it is very risky to undertake finance, or approve a major project without first taking in to account its environmental consequences and then siting and designing the project so as to minimize adverse impacts. Due to public pressure on the government to accept accountability for the activities of its agencies the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was formed in USA during 1 970. This was the basis for the development of a mechanism which came to be known as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). THE EIA PROCESS IN INDIA The role for EIA was formally recognized at the earth summit held at Rio conference in 1992. Principle 17 of the Rio declaration states that – â€Å"EIA as a national instrument shall be undertaken for the proposed activities that are likely to have significant adverse impact on the environment and are subject to a decision of a competent national authority†. In India many of the developmental projects till as recently as the 1980s were implemented with very little or no environmental concerns.The environmental issues began receiving attention when a national committee on environmental planning and coordination was set up under the 4th five year plan (19691978). Till 1980, the subjects of environment and forests were the concern of the Dept of Science and Technology and Ministry of Agriculture respectively. Later, the issu es were formally attended by the Dept of Environment which was established in 1980. This was then upgraded to the Ministry of Environment & Forest in 1985.In 1980, clearance of large projects from the environmental angle became an administrative requirement to the extent that the planning commission and the central investment board sought proof of such clearance before according financial sanction. Five year later, the Dept of Environment and Forests, Government of India, issued guidelines for Environmental Assessment of river valley projects. These guidelines require various studies such as impacts on forests and wild life in the submergence zone, water logging potential, upstream and down stream aquatic ecosystems and fisheries, water related diseases, climatic changes and sesmicity.A major legislative measures for the purpose of environmental clearance was in 1994 when specific notification was issued under section 3 and rule 5 of the environment protection Act , 1986 called the â€Å"Environment impact Assessment Notification 1994†. The first step in seeking environmental clearance for a development project is to determine what statutory legislations apply to the particular project. The MOEF has brought out several notifications restricting the development of industries in specified ecologically sensitive areas.In addition there are also draft rules framed for the siting of industries. Environmental clearance for development projects can be obtained either at the state level or at the central level depending on certain criteria concerning the characteristics of the project. However (regardless of where the final environmental clearance is obtained from), for most projects the consent must first be taken from the state pollution control board or pollution control committees in the case of union territories. 3RESPONSIBILITY OF PREPARATION OF EIA STATEMENT The project proponent is responsible for the preparation of the EIA statement, with the help of e xternal consultant or institution. THE IMPACT ASSESSEMENT AGENCY The MOEF is the agency for environmental clearance. If necessary, it may consult a committee of experts with a composition specified in schedule III of notification. TIMING OF EIA Ideally EIA should provide information to decision makers at early stage of the project planning cycle. It should be initiated as early as possible before the commencement of projects.If the projects secure approval, EIA should include a provision to cover the audit of the project. COST The amount allocated and spent for preparation of EIA by the project proponents are usually abysmally low compared to the overall project costs (often less than 1% of over all projects). 4 LIST OF PROJECTS REQUIRING ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE FROM THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT 1. Nuclear Power and related projects such as Heavy Water Plants, nuclear fuel complex, Rare Earths. 2. River Valley projects including hydel power, major Irrigation & their combination including flood control. . Ports, Harbours, Airports (except minor ports and harbours). 4. Petroleum Refineries including crude and product pipelines. 5. Chemical Fertilizers (Nitrogenous and Phosphatic other than single superphosphate). 6. Pesticides (Technical). 7. Petrochemical complexes (Both Olefinic and Aromatic) and Petro-chemical intermediates such as DMT, Caprolactam, LAB etc. and production of basic plastics such as LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PVC. 8. Bulk drugs and pharmaceuticals. 9. Exploration for oil and gas and their production, transportation and storage. 10.Synthetic Rubber. 11. Asbestos and Asbestos products. 12. Hydrocyanic acid and its derivatives. 13 (a) Primary metallurgical industries (such as production of Iron and Steel, Aluminium, Copper, Zinc, Lead and Ferro Alloys). (b) Electric arc furnaces (Mini Steel Plants). 14. Chlor alkali industry. 15. Integrated paint complex including manufacture of resins and basic raw materials required in the manufacture of paints. 16. Viscose St aple fibre and filament yarn. 17. Storage batteries integrated with manufacture of oxides of lead and lead antimony alloys. 18.All tourism projects between 200m—500 metres of High Water Line and at locations with an elevation of more than 1000 metres with investment of more than Rs. 5 crores. 19. Thermal Power Plants. 20. Mining projects *(major minerals)* with leases more than 5 hectares. 21. Highway Projects **except projects relating to improvement work including widening and strengthening of roads with marginal land acquisition along the existing alignments provided it does not pass through ecologically sensitive areas such as National Parks, Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, Reserve Forests** 22.Tarred Roads in the Himalayas and or Forest areas. 23. Distilleries. 24. Raw Skins and Hides 25. Pulp, paper and newsprint. 26. Dyes. 27. Cement. 28. Foundries (individual) 29. Electroplating 30. Meta amino phenol 5 PROCESS There are two ‘tiers’ of assessment which should be applied to the project before proceeding with a full scale EIA, Screening and preliminary assessment. Where these first tiers of assessment are a regulatory requirement, the developer normally does the work and submits the results to the regulatory agency.The agency may then decide that either there is nothing to be concerned about or the evaluation should proceed to the next tier. The most important step in the process of obtaining environmental clearance under the EIA notification is for the project proponent to conduct an environmental impact assessment of the project. For this purpose the project proponent engages an environmental consultant to prepare an EIA report. The EIA report must be prepared by incorporation of data during all the four seasons of the year.Such an EIA is termed a â€Å"comprehensive EIA†. How ever, there is provision for a single season collection of data, but this should not be done during the monsoon season. Such an EIA reports is termed a â⠂¬Å"Rapid EIA†. There are two tiers of assessment which should be applied to the project before proceeding with a full scale EIA – Screening and Preliminary Assessment. Wherever these first tiers of assessment are a regulatory requirement, the developer normally does the work and submits the results to the regulatory agency.The agency may then decide whether there is anything to be concerned about or whether the evaluation should proceed to the next tier. BEFORE STARTING THE EIA SCREENING: The screening is the first and simplest tier in project evaluation. Screening helps to clear those types of projects, which from past experience are not likely to cause significant environmental problems. The activity may take one of the following several forms: 1- Measurements using simple criteria such as size or location. 2- Comparing the proposal with list of projects rarely needing an EIA (e. g. chools) or definitely needing one (e. g. coal mines). 3- Estimating general impacts ( e. g. increased in infrastructure needed) and comparing these impacts against set thresholds. 4- Doing complex analyses, but using readily available data. Draw back in the Indian system: 1- Even though some of the industrial set ups do not require EIA as per the statutory norms, they might involve certain technological processes which could be harmful to the environment, as a result of which such enlisted industries could have potential impacts on the environment and on public health. – Exempting industries from the EIA requirements based on the investment value of specific projects is not acceptable. There are no specific studies conducted till now which demonstrate that environmental impacts are always inconsequential for projects under a given value. It is a well established fact that the small scale industries are contributing more pollution with respect to the major industry. 6 PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT: If screening does not clear a project, the developer may be required t o undertake a preliminary Assessment.This involves sufficient research, review of available data and expert advice in order to identify the key impacts of the project on the local environment, predict the extent of the impacts and briefly evaluate their importance to decision makers. The preliminary assessment can be used to assist early project planning (for instance, to narrow the discussion of possible sites) and it can serve as an early warning to the serious environmental problems that the project may cause. It is in the developer’s interest to do a preliminary assessment since, in practice, this step can clear projects of the need for a full EIA.If after reviewing a preliminary assessment the competent authority deems that a full EIA is needed, the next step for the project developer is the preparation of the EIA report. This entails 1- Commissioning and briefing an independent co-coordinator and expert study team. 2- Identifying the key decision makers who will plan, f inance, permit and control the proposed project, so as to characterize the audience for the EIA. 3- Researching laws and regulations that will affect these decisions. 4- Making contact with each of various decision makers. – Determining how and when the EIAs finding will be communicated. Draw back in the Indian system: It is being found that the team formed for conducting EIA studies is lacking the expertise in various fields such as Anthropologists and Social Scientists (to study the social impact of the project) or even wild life experts. FORMATION OF AN EIA TEAM: SCOPING: The first task of the EIA study team is scoping the EIA. The aim of scoping is to ensure that the study address all the issues of importance to the decision makers.First of all the team’s outlook is broadened by the discussions (with the project proponents , decision makers, the regulatory agency, scientific institutions , local community representative and others) to include all the possible issue s and concerns raises by various groups. Then the study team selects primary impacts for the EIA to focus upon depending on the basis of magnitude, geographical extent, significance to decision makers or because the area is special locally (e. g. soil erosion, the presence of an endangered species, or a near by historical sites) or is an eco-sensitive area.Draw back in the Indian system: 1- There is a lack of exhaustive ecological and socio-economic indicators for impact assessment. 2- Public comments are not taken into account at the early stage, which often leads to conflict at the later stage of project clearance. 7 MAIN EIA: After â€Å"scoping† the main EIA begins. The EIA attempts to answer five questions basically: 1- What will happen as a result of the project? 2- What will be the extent of the changes? 3- Do the changes matter? 4- What can be done about them? 5- How can decision makers be informed of what needs to be done?The EIA becomes a cyclic process of asking an d further asking the first four questions until decision makers can be offered workable solutions. IDENTIFICATION: Identification means the answer to the first question, i. e. â€Å"what will happen as result of the project? † If a preliminary assessment has been done it will have broadly reviewed the projects effect, also scoping will have focused the study on the most important issues for decision makers. Taking these findings in to account the full EIA study now formally identifies those impacts which should be assessed in detail.This identification phase of the study may use these or other methods 1- Compile a list of key impacts (e. g. changes in air quality, noise levels, wild life habitats, species diversity, landscape views, social and cultural systems, settlement patterns and employment levels from other EIA s for similar projects) 2- Name all the projects sources of impacts (e. g. smoke emissions, water consumption, construction jobs) using checklists of questionnai res, then list possible receptors in the environment (e. g. rops, communities using same water for drinking, migrant of labour) by surveying the existing environment and consulting with interested parties. 3- Identify impacts themselves through the use of checklist, matrices, networks, overlays, models and simulations. Draw back in the Indian system: 1- There is always a lack of reliable data sources. 2- The secondary data is also not reliable. 3- The data collectors do not pay respect to the indigenous knowledge of local people. 4- The credibility of the primary data collected by the data collectors is doubtful.The next step called predictions answers the EIA’s second question: â€Å"what will be the extent of the changes†. As far as is practicable, prediction scientifically characterizes the impacts causes and effects and its secondary and synergetic consequences for the environment and the local community. Prediction follows an impact within a single environmental p arameter (e. g. toxic liquid effluents) in to its subsequent effects in many disciplines (e. g. reduced water quality, adverse impacts on fisheries, economic effects on fishing villages, and resulting socio-cultural changes).Prediction draws on physical, biological, socioeconomic and anthropological data techniques . In quantifying impacts, it may employ mathematical models, physical models, socio cultural models, economic models, experiments or expert judgments. PREDICTION: 8 All prediction techniques by their nature involve some degree of uncertainty. So along with each attempt to quantify an impact, the study team should also quantify the predictions uncertainty in terms of probabilities or margins of error. Draw back in the Indian system: 1- The detail method used for the prediction and evaluation of the project is not mentioned in the report.Limited explanations are given both to quantitative estimation of magnitude of impact and to the assumptions and judgments used in the eva luation of impacts. 2- The limited coverage of scoping is confined mainly to direct impacts. The third question addressed by the EIA – do the changes matter is answered in the next step. Evaluation is so called because it evaluates the predicated adverse impacts to determine whether they are significant enough to warrant mitigation. Thus judgment of significance can be based on one or more of the followings. 1234Comparison with laws, regulations or accepted standards.Consultation with the relevant decision makers. Reference to pre set criteria such as protected sites features of species. Acceptability to the local community or the general public. EVALUATION: MITIGATION: In this phase the study team formally analyses mitigation. A wide range of measures are proposed to prevent, reduce, remedy or compensate for each of the adverse impacts evaluated as significant. Possible mitigation measures include: 1- Changing project sites, routes, processes, raw materials, operating method s, disposal methods, disposal routes or locations, timing or engineering designs. – Introducing pollution controls, waste treatment monitoring, phased implementation, landscaping, personal training, special social services or public education. 3- Offering (as compensation) restoration of damaged resources, money to affected persons , concessions on other issues, or off site programmes to enhance some other aspects of the environment or quality of life for the community. All mitigation measures cost something and this cost must be quantified too.These various measures are then compared, trade-offs between alternative measures are weighed, and the EIA study team proposes one or more action plans, usually combining a number of measures. The action plan may include technical control measures, an integrated management scheme (for a major project) monitoring, contingency plans, operating practices, project scheduling, or even joint management (with affected groups). The study team should explicitly analyze the implications of adopting different alternatives, to help make the choices clearer for the decision makers. Several analytical techniques are available for this purpose as given below: 1- Cost benefit analysis in which all quantifiable factors are converted to monetary values , and actions are assessed for their effect on project costs and benefits 2- Explaining what course of action would follow from various broad ‘value judgments’(e. g. that social impacts are more important than resources) 3- A simple matrix of environmental parameters versus mitigation measures, contain brief description of the effects of each measure. – Pair wise comparisons, whereby the effects of an action are briefly compared with the effects of each of the alternative actions are briefly compared with the effects of each of the alternative actions, one pair at a time. Draw back in the Indian system: 1- Details regarding the effectiveness and implementation of mitigation measures are often not provided. 2- Often, and more so for strategic industries such as nuclear energy projected, the EMP s are kept confidential for political and administrative reasons 3- Emergency preparedness plans are not discussed in sufficient details and the information not disseminated to the communities.DOCUMENTATION: The last step in the EIA process, which answers the question – how decision makers be informed of what needs to be done? In documenting an EIA, this means identifying the key decisions makers, perceiving the question they will be asking and providing them with straight forward answers formatted for easy interpretation in relation to their decision making (e. g. tables, graphs, summary, points). Successful EIA documentation is more readily produced if the audience and their needs are established at the start of the EIA, and then made to affect how the research is focused and reported.It is the job of the study team’s communications ex pert to make this happen. An EIA report should contains: 1234An executive summary of the EIA findings. A description of the proposed development projects. The major environmental and natural resource issues that needed clarification and elaboration. The projects impacts on the environment (in comparison with a base line were identified and predicated. ). 5- A discussion of options for mitigating adverse impacts and for shaping the project to suit its proposed environment, and an analysis of the trade offs involved in choosing between alternative actions. – An over view of gaps or uncertainties in the information. 7- A summary of the EIA for the general public. 10 Once the EIA reports has been completed, the project proponent needs to submit 20 copies of the copy of executive summary of the proposed proposal containing the salient features of the project, the form XII prescribed under water rules, 1975, form I prescribed under Air rules,1983 and other information or documents to the SPCB for getting the non clearance certificate(NOC). On receiving the required documents from the project proponents it is the responsibility of the SPCB to conduct the public hearing.After completion of the public hearing the project proponents has to submit to the secretary of MOEF for the environmental clearance Draw back in the Indian system: One of the biggest concerns with the environmental clearance process is related to the quality of EIA report that are being carried out. The reports are generally incomplete and provided with false data. EIA reports ignore several aspects while carrying out assessments and significant information is found to omitted. Many EIA report are based on single season data and are not adequate to determine whether environmental clearance should be granted.All this makes the entire exercise contrary to its very intent. As things stand today, it is the responsibility of the project proponent to commission the preparation of the EIA for its proj ect. The EIA is actually funded by an agency or individual whose primary interest is to procure clearance for the project proposed. There is little chance that the final assessment presented is un biased, even if the consultant may provide an unbiased assessment that is critical of the proposed project. Some times it is found that a consultancy which is working in the project area has no specialization in the concerned subject.For example for the preparation of EIA report of the proposed oil exploration in coast of Orissa by the reliance group has been given to the life science Dept of Berhampur university which has no expertise on the study of turtles and its life cycle. The EIA document in itself is so bulky and technical, which makes it very difficult to decipher so as to aid in the decision making process. There are so many cases of fraudulent EIA studies where erroneous data has been used, same facts used for two totally different places etc.This is due to the lack of a central ized baseline data bank, where such data can be crosschecked. There is no accreditation of EIA consultants, therefore any such consultant with a track record of fraudulent cases cannot be held liable for discrepancies. It is hard to imagine any consultant after being paid lakh of rupees, preparing a report for the project proponents, indicating that the project is not viable. In nearly every case, the consultants try to interpret and tailor the information looking for ways and means to provide their clients with a report that gives them their moneys worth.ENVIRONMENTAL APPRAISAL PROCEDURE The MOEF is the nodal agency for environmental clearance. The environmental division plays a key role, but the forest and wild life divisions are consulted when projects involve diversion of forestland or the alignment of roads and highways along or within the wild life areas. The project proponents of new projects must submit an application to the secretary, ministry of Environment and Forests, Ne w Delhi in the standard Performa specified in the EIA notification. The application should be accompanied by a feasibility/ project report, including: 11 Environmental Appraisal questionnaire developed by MOEF. 2 Environment Impact Assessment Report. 3 Environment Management Plan and disaster Management plan 4 Details of public Hearing as in schedule IV of the notification (where ever necessary) 5 Rehabilitation plans (where ever necessary) 6 Forest clearance certificate (where ever necessary) 7 NOC from the state pollution control board (SPCB) The application is evaluated and assessed by the Impact Assessment Agency (IAA). The IAA may consult a committee of experts constituted by it or other body authorized by it in this regard, if necessary.The composition of the expert team is described in the box no-2 The committee has full right of entry and inspection of the site or factory premises prior to, during or after the commencement of the project . The IAA prepares a set of recommend ations based on technical assessment of documents and data , furnished by the project authorities or collected during visits to sites or factories and details of public hearing. The assessment shall be completed with in 90 days from receipt of documents and data from the project authorities and completion of public hearing and decision conveyed within 30 days there after.If granted the clearance shall be valid for a period of five years for commencement of the construction or operation of the project. Draw back in the Indian system: There are several concerns with reference to the granting of environmental clearance of projects. Firstly, for projects that require site clearance it is often assumed by project proponents that once site clearance is granted, environmental clearance will follow. As a result, many project proponents begin construction of the project components (like housing colonies, roads), even before the environmental clearance is granted.This is despite the fact that it has been specified in the EIA notification that this should not be done. At another level, when environmental clearance is granted despite public objection / rejection , the reasons for the same are not conveyed to all those who have sent in written objections and/or attended the public hearing. There are very few ways to get information regarding project clearances. For those with access to the internet, the MOEF website seems to be of some help. However, very often the information on the website is updated much after the decision is taken. 12For citizens and communities who do not have access to the internet, this information is not available. The availability of this information immediately after a decision on the clearance is taken is of crucial importance, in case it needs to be challenged before the National Environment Appellate Authority. The environmental clearance process after the public hearing appears to be a closed door secretive process as far as the public is con cerned. In cases of environmental clearance being granted, the public have no access to the rational behind which the clearance was given.All that emits from the ministry are the conditions and recommendations based on which clearance is granted which often does not address the whole gamut of concerns and issues raised during public hearing. PUBLIC HEARING PROCESS IN INDIA A fully informed public participation has been recognized as an essential element in EIA. However, it was noted that public participation was a difficult exercise particularly if it led to a conflict between government policies and the public. Public hearing is not just an administrative exercise wherein a hearing is conducted to meet the requirements of the legislations.It is a measure to disclose all the relevant information regarding a developmental project to various sections of society, which are either affected by its implementation or have interests in project. In India public hearing of development project s has been made mandatory for environmental clearance by the Amendment to the EIA Notification of April 10, 1997 (Box no-3). The salient features of the public hearings notification are as follows: Notice for public hearing: The SPCB must issue notice for environmental public hearing by publishing it in at least two newspapers circulated in the region around the project.One of the publications must be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned. The date, time and place of public hearing should be mentioned in the newspaper article. The notice must be given at least 30 days prior to the public hearing. Involvement of the public: Written suggestions, views, comments and objection by the public can be handed over to the SPCB within 30 days from the date of publication of the notice. Oral /written suggestions can be made to the SPCB during the public hearing. Who can participate?All the affected person, including residents residing in and around the project site or the site of displacement or site of alleged adverse environmental impact. It also includes environmental groups and any association of persons whether incorporated or not, likely to be affected by the project and/or functioning in the field of environment. Persons who own or have control over the project can also participate. Access to the documents: The public are entitled to have access to the executive summary containing the salient features of the project, both in English as well as the local language.They 13 are also entitled to the Environmental Impact Assessment Report. These documents can be obtained from the following places: Office of the district collector, District industry centre. Office of the zila parisad CEO of municipal corporation commissioner /local body. SPCB head office and its concerned regional office. State government department dealing with environment. Public hearing panel and its members: panel for the public hearing: The following persons may include in the SPCB rep resentative. District collector/ nominee.State government representative dealing with the project. Representative of concerned department of the state government. Not more than 3 representative of the local bodies like panchayat/ municipality. Not more than 3 senior citizens of the area nominated by the district collector. Note: According to a Gujarat high court judgment 15 the quorum for a public hearing should be at least half of the member specified i. e. three members. Also, at least the following members should present viz. The officer from the pollution control board.The officer from the Department of Environment and Forest of the state government. One of three citizens nominated by the collector. Projects exempted from public hearing Public hearing is not required for the following projects: Small scale industrial undertakings located in a) Notified or designed industrial areas/ industrial estates. b) Areas marked for industries under the jurisdiction of industrial developmen t authorities. Widening and strengthening of highways Mining projects (major minerals) with lease areas upto 25 hectares 14Units located in export processing zones and special economic zones and Modernization of existing irrigation projects. Note: off sore exploration activities beyond 10 km from the nearest inhabited village boundaries, Gothans , and ecologically sensitive areas, such as mangroves ( minimum of 1000sq. m. ), corals, coral reefs , national parks, marine parks, sanctuaries, reserve forests and breeding and spawning grounds of fish and other marine life have been proposed by the MOEF to be exempted from the public hearing )Draw back in the Indian system: A number of projects with significant environmental and social impacts have been excluded from the mandatory public hearing process. There are also concerns on how much value is given to opinions expressed during the public hearing. Most projects are located in the resource rich tribal and rural areas. Due to the inher ent social conditions in such areas, such as lack of literacy and the simple nature of Tribals, people are easily convinced and lured by the prospect of money and jobs.The local environmental and social groups face a uphill task educating the people about the true nature and impacts of the project and getting them to forcefully raise objections and issues of concern. Similarly the affected peoples are informed just few days before the stipulated date of public hearing. In many cases it is found out that the owners of the project employs antisocial peoples to suppress the voices of people during the public hearing. The local administration also supports the projects owner. The SPCB which are responsible for conducting the public hearings are not equipped in terms of manpower or infrastructure.The notification does not prescribe clear and well defined guidelines for conducting the public hearing. The bearing of the expenses involved in conducting the public hearing are not dealt with by the notification. This is another problem with no clear answers. The documents which the public are entitled to are seldom available on time. The notification prescribes a number of places where one can access these documents , but does not stipulated who is responsible for ensuring that the documents are made available at these locations.The mentioned websites are not updated. The result is that one seldom finds the documents available at the designed locations. In many cases minutes of public hearing or recommendations of the public hearing panels do not reflect the actual proceedings and objections raised. Further the recommendations of the public hearing panel are only advisory and it is not mandatory for the impact assessment agency to even consider these while granting environmental clearance to projects. 15 SOME OTHER DRAW BACKS IN THE INDIAN SYSTEMA-APPLICABILITY OF THE EIA NOTIFICATION: As it stands today, there are several projects with significant environmental impacts that are exempted from the notification either because they are not listed in schedule1, or their investments are less than what is provided for in the notification. Importantly, several projects located in zones covered by other notifications such as CRZ notification are exempted from the provisions of the EIA notification. Other projects such as defence-related road construction and railway projects are explicitly exempted from the EIA notification altogether.The amendment in EIA notification, 1994 made on 4th July 2005 in gazette no. s. o. 942(E) has provision that any expansion or modernization project of item 1,2,3,19,20,- nuclear, river valley, ports and harbors, thermal power plant and mining projects may obtain temporary working permission of max two years till it gets environmental condition. Box no-4 shows the details of the 12 amendments that has been brought up in last 11 years to dilute the EIA notification. B- MONITORING, COMPLIANCE AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS. Pro jects are granted clearances based on certain conditions, which the project authorities need to comply with.These are both related to the construction phase and post construction phase of a project. For instance, conditions may be imposed on muck disposal of effluent discharge to be confined to certain areas and within specified limits. The regional offices of the MOEF are to monitor the compliance of these conditions and prepare the reports. However the local population does not even know of these conditions and are not a part of its monitoring. It is not known if project authorities reflect the true status of compliance in their reports to the MOEF. Access to these compliance reports is only subject to public interest.The lack of access to compliance reports has severe repercussions on the rights of people who were opposed to the project and for whose benefits some conditions may have been laid out for the project to follow. While monitoring compliance with conditions imposed for environmental clearance, it is found that pollution control boards have their own standards, whereas the standards under the EPA, which the MOEF and the regional offices follow, are quite different. Another problem in monitoring is the location of the regional offices and their large jurisdictions, which make it difficult for them to discharge their functions effectively.While the increased threat to the environment is matched by the enactment of an increasing amount of legislation, the responsibilities and capacities of the various agencies, including the regional offices of the MOEF, to monitor compliance has not been appropriately defined and strengthened. C- CAPACITY BUILDING: There is an urgent need to build capacities of government agencies, communities, NGOs and the judiciary with regard to the implementation of the existing EIA notification.Even in the instances where the provisions allow for peoples participation or monitoring, the lack of information and capacity are great hindrances in implementation. For instances, the public hearing panel often has no clue on the scope of 16 their role in environmental clearance process. Judiciary, which is involved in the redressal , is comprised of judges who may not be clued into the environmental issues and their interface with laws. No matter how good the provisions of the law are, their implementation hinges on the capacities of official who are meant to do it.D- REDRESSAL: The present redressal mechanism meant exclusively for the challenging environmental clearance is extremely weak and limited in its scope. The National Environmental Appellate Authority has heard only 15 cases in the last eight years. The process of seeking redressal from courts requires a fair amount of energy and financial allocation. It is not possible for all those with grievances to take on legal battles against large and powerful project proponents. RECOMMENDATIONS Independent EIA Authority: Civil society groups have suggested the ne ed for an independent Environmental Impact Assessment authority headed by a udicial officer and comprising of representatives from communities, peoples group, scientists, sociologists and environmentalists. Such body would be independent of the ministry of environment and forests. The decision of this authority would be binding on the MOEF. Sector wide EIA s needed: There is a need to conduct policy-level and sector-wide EIAs in the form of strategic impact assessments ( for various sectors including mining , power and so on). This is critical to judge the impacts of macro- economic, developmental and other policies, schemes and programmes.Conduct options Assessment: EIA s should follow only after an options assessment and a least cost plan for a project is done by the state or central government. For this the following steps are of relevance for both public and private sector projects: aIn case of projects proposed by PSU s and the state/central governments, the options assessment preceding the EIA should provide information on the best strategies to meet the need of the region, be it power , irrigation , employment or some other stated benefit.In case of private sector projects, the project proponents project justification statement should be accompanied by a mandatory project justification report prepared by the state or central governments. This project justification report would provide information assessing the need for the project and the benefits accruing from it for the state / nation and the people of the area. The options Assessment or project justification reports should also state how the proposed project fixes in to the existing developmental plans of the state or the state or the region. – c- 17 d- e- The information should be included in a computation of environmental and social costs, apart from the other projects costs such as technical and financial costs. Based on this, a set of options should be put forth from which the least expens ive and least damaging option is selected. The EIA for the projects should follow only after this options is decided. Creation of an information desk: An information dissemination desk may be assigned within the MOEF which anyone can write to regarding the status of clearance of projects.This desk should be mandated to respond within a maximum of ten days by post/ courier and a maximum of two days by email, to the contact information that has been furnished by the person seeking the information. Since all meetings and discussion are documented as electronic data, the officers should furnish this information regarding the status of clearance, with a record of the discussions in the Expert committee on the projects. Environmental Risk Assessment: New approaches such as Environmental Risk Assessment which enable more flexible and dynamic assessments of direct and indirect impacts must be explored.As part of this process, recognized Safety and Environmental Auditors must compulsorily me et local populations and submit a detailed report of potential risks due to the project. Issue a complete notification: The MOEF must issue and maintain on its website at all times a consolidated notification incorporating all the amendments till date. As of now what is available on the MOEF website is the notification updated up to 2003 and copies of subsequent amendments, which are not incorporated within the main text of the notification.In the absence of this critical document, it is difficult for implementing agencies and stakeholders in general to understand the position of the law. Following is a set of recommendations towards ensuring applicability of the environmental clearance process to all categories of projects. It can be described in different chapter wise as follows: Applicability of EIA notification: The provisions of the EIA notification, including public hearings should be applicable to all hitherto exempt categories of projects ( including large scale agriculture/ monoculture plantation projects) which have environmental impacts.As an immediate measure, it needs to be ensured that all those projects where there is likely to be a significant alternation of ecosystems like rivers, lakes, wetlands, forests , grasslands ,coastal and marine ecosystems, need to go through the process of environmental clearance, without exception. This should apply if they are likely to reduce the biodiversity of the region( both wild and cultivated) , if they are likely to affect regions that have not been 18 studied adequately for flora, fauna, or socially/ culturally fragile human communities, of if they are likely to displace people or disrupt live hoods , temporarily or permanently.No industrial or large scale developmental activity should be permitted in ecologically sensitive areas. Only developmental activities / processes which do not alter the basic ecological characteristics of such an area or do not cause destruction of the fragile ecosystems should be allowed. Separate and specific notifications issued for each of these clearly listing would help in effective implementation of this clause. Quality of EIA reports : preparation and content The focus of EIA needs to shift from utilization and exploitation of natural resources to conservation of natural resources.Many EIA reports tend to justify the need for the project, shifting the focus of the EIA from a process that provides insights in to the viability and desirability of the project, to one that finds justification for the projects and on rare occasions one that offers simplistic solutions on minimizing impacts of projects already declared important. At present EIA reports are extremely weak when it comes to assessment of biological diversity of a project area and the consequent impacts on it.This is particularly so when it comes to domesticated ( both live stock and agricultural ) biodiversity, aquatic biodiversity other than commercial fish lesser or non endangered plants and animals ( i. e. those other than mega fauna like tigers and elephant of charismatic plants like orchid species) , ecosystem benefits and services ( including supporting live hood needs of communities , essential hydrological functions , soil conservation etc), and flora- fauna inter relationships. This gap needs to be plugged through a specific guidelines and if necessary through amendments to the EIA notification.The checklist needs to include impacts on agricultural biodiversity, biodiversity related traditional knowledge and live hoods . Further, cumulative impacts of projects that are technically linked or located in the same ecological region, and impacts of the eventual closure of the project or components of the project should also be incorporated in to the checklist. Finally the list should contain details on a full exploration of alternatives , especially decentralized alternatives, to mega projects . the checklist also needs to cover various kinds of impacts resulting fro m a particular activity.Comprehensive EIA s needs to be undertaken for industries and operations working in clusters such as in zones identified for chemical industries or export oriented units. For instance, the present EIA notification states that assessments do not need to be conducted for mining up to 5 hectares, and do not need to hold public hearings for mining up to 25 hectares. How ever , it is recognized that many mining activities take place in clusters (several leases for small mining projects allowed in close proximity to each other in one geographical area) and that EIA s need to assess their cumulative impacts on the environment and biodiversity. 9 All EIA reports should clearly state what are the adverse impacts that a proposed projects will have. This should be a separate chapter and not hidden within technical details. Based upon this the EMP plan should be also be drawn which should integrate a specific set of measures , which are to identified to mitigate these im pacts with costs and time frame included .EIA should contain details of the assessment process as annexure such as 1- Full information regarding all the parties involved in assessments including sub consultants so that there is no scope for anonymity and parties can be held accountable for their findings and recommendations. 2- The terms of reference of every group/ individual involved in any aspect of the assessment process. 3- Full reference of all information sourced from secondary sources so that they can be independently verified by any one interested in doing so. – Details of the time spent and activities, number of days spent in each area, names of villages , name of interviewers should be mentioned. 5- Details of expenses incurred for various activities for preparing the EIA report, including who was paid and for what activities. The sub components or subsidiary reports of EIA reports ( e. g. Assessments of Biodiversity impacts done by a sub consultant) should be made publicly accessible as stand alone reports with the EIA. This should be available on the websites of the MOEF. EIA s should be based on full studies carried out over at least one year.Single season data on environmental parameters like biodiversity, as is being done for several rapid assessments is not adequate to gain understanding of the full impact of the proposed project. It is critical that the preparation of an EIA is completely independent of the project proponent. One option for this could be the creation of a central fund for the EIA s which contains fees deposited by project proponents while seeking that an EIA be done for their proposed project. State and central governments should maintain a list of credible, independent and competent agencies that can carry out EIA s. imilarly the EIA consultant those are making false reports should be black listed. A national level accreditation to environment consultancy should be adopted. Public hearings: The public hearing should b e held for all projects which are likely to have environmental and social impacts. This should be strictly implemented. The scope of the public hearings needs to be widened to at least those projects which require forest clearance under the forest conservation act,1980. Public hearing should be done in at least three phases or stages. 20 – The preliminary hearing may be required to explain the process of conducting the assessment so that the scope of the assessment is decided with the participation of the public. The local level NGO can also participate in this. 2- The second can be with a purpose of presenting and discussing all aspects of the assessments findings, with the help of booklets presentation in local languages. Some of the aspects can also include environmental impacts, costs and benefit of the project, displacement and rehabilitation aspects. 3- The third hearing can be held after a week but no later than a month following the second meetings.This period being i ntended to give people a chance to analyze the information and points they have at the earlier hearing. This can be primarily to record the views and objections of the people. It needs to be ensured that full information related to the EIA is provided to all the concerned citizens. For this it is critical to provide translation of the EIA and relevant documents in the local languages, to conduct the hearing process in local language and to proactively advertise the public hearing to as many people as possible. The gram panchayat office can be used for these purposes.A video recording of the proceedings could be made mandatory and the local activist should be allowed for video recording. Accountability should be built in to the public hearing procedure. The minutes of the public hearing should be compulsorily available at designed places to be specified in schedule 1 of the EIA notification. The project proponents should be asked to explain during and after the hearing as to how they propose to deal with the concerns raised at the public hearings. It should be ensured that the three representatives of the local people should have demonstrated commitment towards social and environmental concerns.The local communities, NGO s and civil society groups must be allowed a chance to place their opinions and concerns directly to the expert committee and the MOEF. Although this is partly possible since anyone is allowed to write to the MOEF after the public hearing is announced , an opportunity to make a presentation before the MOEF and the expert committee should be given to these constituencies just as it is given to project proponents and consultants . This would also help the MOEF and expert committees to understand the concerns directly from these parties rather than indirectly from the minutes of a public hearing or from a letter.MOEF should incorporate the above points and any others in to asset of guidelines on conducting public hearings to be issued to all state governments, district collectors, and other relevant agencies. 21 Grant of clearance: The notification needs to make it clear that the provision for site clearance does not imply any commitment on the part of the impact Assessment agency to grant full environmental clearance. The prior informed consent of local communities and urban wards or residents association needs to be made mandatory before the grant of environmental clearance.The consent should be from the full general body, not from the Sarpanch or the head. Minutes of the experts committees meeting and other related documents indicating the rationale for grant of clearance must be made available on request to civil society, at the concerned district head quarters and at the concerned sub divisional head quarters. The language used for specifying conditions of clearance must be clear and specific. Composition of expert committees: The present executive committees should be replaced by experts people from various stakeholder groups , who are reputed in environmental and other relevant fields.The process of selection of those committees should be open and transparent , the minutes of the committee meetings , decisions and advice by these committee should be open to public. Monitoring, compliance and institutional arrangements: The EIA notification needs to build within it an automatic withdrawal of clearance if the conditions of clearance are being violated, and introduce more stringent punishment for noncompliance. At present the EIA notification limits itself to the stage when environmental clearance is granted.The MOEF should set up more regional offices, each with smaller areas of jurisdiction, to effectively monitor the compliance of clearance conditions. It would be useful to have advisory Expert committees at the MOEF regional offices, comprising of ecologists, sociologists, local community members, government officials and representative of local institutions to help with the clearance of projec ts at the regional levels and monitoring of compliance of conditions. A robust monitoring mechanism should be established by the state department where the central projects involving forest clearance is given out.Such a monitoring body should be given powers to address compliance of both sets of clearance conditions together and to take punitive action against the project proponent in case of non compliance of any of the conditions. Local communities should be brought in to the formal monitoring and reporting process of the compliance of conditions presently done by the regional offices of the MOEF. This would help 22 the regional office as well since the geographical areas and number of project that comes under each office is vast which affects the efficiency and regularity of the monitoring process.Redressal: The scope of the National Environment Appellate Authority ( NEAA) needs to be expanded to deal with more than just challenging environmental clearance of projects. Citizen sh ould be able to access the authority for redressal of all violation of the EIA notification as well as issues relating to non-compliance. The composition of the NEAA needs to be changed to include more NGO and civil society representatives as well as as professionals from the field of environment.It may thus be necessary to increase the number of representatives that is presently allowed for the authority. The duration of the authority can be three years, after which it can be reconstituted. Capacity building: NGO s, civil society groups and local communities need to build their capacities to use the EIA notification towards better decision making on projects that can impact their local environments and live hoods. Capacities can be built to proactively and effectively use the notification rather than respond in a manner that is seen as negative or unproductive. 23 Box no -1Acts, Rules and Notifications referred while granting clearance Water The water ( prevention and control of po llution) Act,1974, The water ( prevention and control of pollution) Rules,1975 Air The Air (prevention and control of pollution) act 1981 The Air (prevention and control of pollution) Rules,1982 The Air (prevention and control of pollution) (union territories) Rules, 1983 Environmental protection The Environment ( protection) Act,1986, The Environment ( protection) Rules,1986, Environment ( siting for industrial projects) Rules,1999 Coastal stretches Declaration of coastal stretches as coastal Regulation zone (CRZ) Hazardous process and organisms The rules for the manufacture , use , import, export and storage of Hazardous micro organisims genetically engineered organisms or cells1989 The manufacture , storage and import of Hazardous chemical rules,1989 The Hazardous wastes ( management and handling)rules,1989 Dumping and disposal of fly ash discharged from coal of lignite based thermal power plants on land,1999. Noise pollution The noise pollution ( Regulation and control) ( Amendm ent) Rules, Noise pollution (Regulation and control ) Rules,2000 Wild life and forests The Indian wildlife ( protection) acts,1972 The wildlife( protection) rules,1995 Forest ( conservation),acts,1980 The Indian forest act,1927 Guidelines for diversion of forests lands for non forest purposes under the forest (conservation) act,1980 Ecologically sensitive zones Prohibiting industries in Murud- Janjra area of Raigadh district of Maharashtra, 1989. Restricting location of industries, mining and other activities in Doon valley, 1989.Dhaanu Taluka , district Thane to declare as ecologically fragile area, amended 1999 Restricting certain activities causing environmental degradation at Aravallli Range,1992. No development zone at Numalilgarh , East of Kaziranga,1996 Order constituting the Taj Trapezium zone pollution( prevention and control) authority 1998 Pachmarhi Region as an eco sensitive zone, 1998 Mahabaleswar panchgani region as an ecological sensitive region. 2001 Matheran and sur rounding region as an eco sensitive zone,2003 24 Box no-2 COMPOSITION OF THE EXPERT COMMITTEES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 1. *The Committees will consist of experts in the following disciplines:* (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) (vii) (viii) (ix) (x) (xi) 2.Eco-system Management Air/Water Pollution Control Water Resource Management Flora/Fauna conservation and management Land Use Planning Social Sciences/Rehabilitation Project Appraisal Ecology Environmental Health Subject Area Specialists Representatives of NGOs/persons concerned with environmental issues. The Chairman will be an outstanding and experienced ecologist or environmentalist or technical professional with wide managerial experience in the relevant development sector. The representative of Impact Assessment Agency will act as a Member-Secretary. Chairman and Members will serve in their individual capacities except those specifically nominated as representatives. The Membership of a Committee shall not exceed 15. 3. 4. 5. 25 Box No – 3 SCHEDULE-IV (1)Process of Public Hearing: – Whoever apply for environmental clearance of projects, shall submit to the concerned StatePollution Control Board twenty sets of the following documents namely: (i) An executive summary containing the salient features of the project both in English as well as local language. (ii)Form XIII prescribed under Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1975 where discharge of sewage, trade effluents, treatment of water in any form, is required. (iii)Form I prescribed under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Under Territory Rules, 1983 where discharge of emissions are involved in any process, operation or industry. (iv)Any other information or document, which is necessary in the opinion of the Board for their final disposal of the application. 2)Notice of Public Hearing: (i) The State Pollution Control Board shall cause a notice for environmental public hearing which shall be published in at least two newspapers widely circulated in the region around the project, one of which shall be in the vernacular language of the locality concerned. State Pollution Control Board shall mention the date, time and place of public hearing. Suggestions, views, comments and objections of the public shall be invited within thirty days from the date of publication of the notification. (ii)All persons including bona fide residents, environmental groups and others located at the project site/sites of displacement/sites likely to be affected can participate in the public hearing. They can also make oral/written suggestions to the State Pollution Control Board.Explanation: – For the purpose of the paragraph person means: (a) Any person who is likely to be affected by the grant of environmental clearance; (b) Any person who owns or has control over the project with respect to which an application has been submitted for environmental clearance; (c) Any association of persons whether incorporat ed or not like to be affected by the project and/or functioning in the filed of environment; (d) Any local authority within any part of whose local limits is within the neighbourhood, wherein the project is proposed to be located. (3)Composition of public hearing panel: – The composition of Public Hearing Panel may consist of the following, namely: (i) Representative of State Pollution Control Board; (ii)District Collector or his nominee; (iii)Representative of State Government dealing with the subject; (iv)Representative of Department of the State Government d