NEW DELHI: Infosys has partnered with India Post for developing a service delivery platform that will allow more than 1,30,000 rural post offices to offer online services. The platform will also connect and manage more than 130,000 handheld devices used by rural postal workers for distribution of social benefits under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and process Electronic Money Orders, Infosys said in a statement

//times of india//

You've got mail... on foot power!

Read this real Story on  GDS / contingent  :

PURULIA: When was the last time you got mail? No, not the one your boss sent you five minutes ago that you checked on your smartphone, but mail of the paper variety, written with pen and paper - snail mail, in other words. In case you had forgotten, paper mail still exists and there are people who deliver them... on foot!

It's hard to believe in the age of Facebook and Gmail, but a dozen men still perform a job dating back to the days of the  runners, who deliver letters and parcels on the trot.
They are an anachronism (left over)  in this e-age but provide a crucial service in an area where cellphone signals are feeble and the Internet is unheard of. Come rain or cyclone or a cruel sun, these men deliver mail for the Baghmundi post office and 11 sub post offices under it in the Ayodhya Hills, about 50km from Purulia town.

                                                       Each sub post office has an average jurisdiction of 10 to 15 villages in the remotest corner of the Ayodhya Hills, which was, till recently, a hotbed of Maoist activities.

A typical working day for each of these 12 runners starts before the sun begins to shine. They take the letters in a bag on their shoulders and, armed with a lathi, deliver them to the recipients in the course of the day.

And if most postmen have only pet dogs to worry about, spare a thought for the runners, who have to take anything from bears to Maoists in their stride. "There are wild animals like python, cobra, hyena, wolf, wild dogs, wild boars , elephants and bears in the forest. Sometimes, we have also come across heavily armed Maoists. These days, we don't carry spears (javelin)  like our predecessors did, but still managed to deliver every single letter," said  a runner.

The tremendous hardship of their job is obvious, and since the runners are not full-time postal employees, all they want is a little understanding and better working conditions. They are paid about Rs 7,000 per month. "We don't get any retirement benefits as we are casual staff. The department should make all of us staffers as we are doing this crucial job where even mobile signals are not available,". "What will happen to our family if something happens to us while on duty,".

The runners have also demanded bicycles to make their job a little easier.

During extreme summer, winter and monsoon and never say no.
//source: times of india//

Extension of Banking Hours on Saturday, 30th March, 2013 and Opening of All Agency Banks Collecting Direct Taxes on Friday, 29th March and on Sunday, 31st March, 2013

In view of the ensuing holidays in several parts of the country and keeping in view the likely rush of taxpayers to deposit direct taxes in the last week of March, 2013, the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has directed all the agency banks receiving direct taxes from public to keep the counters of their designated bank branches collecting direct taxes open for transactions (full day with extended hours) on all the three days viz. Friday, 29th March, Saturday, 30th March as well as on Sunday, 31st March, 2013. All concerned may take advantage of the extended banking hours.

INTEREST RATES ON SMALL SAVINGS HAVE CHANGED WITH w.e.f 01.04.2013.

Small savings schemes including Public Provident Fund (PPF) will earn lower
interest from April 1 2013, the government announced on Monday.
The rate of interest across most schemes has been lowered by 0.1 percentage point. PPF which earned an annual interest of 8.8% in 2012-13, will now offer 8.7% from
the new financial year. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme would offer 9.2% against 9.3%
earlier, 10-year National Saving Certificate (NSC) would give 8.8% against 8.9% and 5-year NSC would return 8.5% instead of 8.6% last year.However, interest rate on
savings account and 1-year fixed deposits remain unchanged at 4% and 8.2% respectively.
Small savings schemes are central government schemes operated through a network of  post-offices and nationalized banks.The government, on the recommendations of the
Shyamala Gopinath Committee, has benchmarked interest rates on Small Savings schemes to yields on government securities of similar tenure, from April 2012.
The rates are revised once every year on 1st of April.

Scheme Rate of Interest w.e.f. 01.04.2012 Rate of Interest w.e.f. 01.04.2013
Savings Deposit 4.0     to 4.0
1 Year Time Deposit 8.2 8.2
2 Year Time Deposit 8.3 8.2
3 Year Time Deposit 8.4 8.3
5 Year Time Deposit 8.5 8.4
5 Year Recurring Deposit 8.4 8.3
5 Year SCSS 9.3  9.2
5 Year MIS 8.5  8.4
5 Year NSC 8.6  8.5 
10 Year NSC 8.9 8.8
PPF 8.8  8.7
//posted on 25.03.2013 at  17.10 hrs//

 

PM grade-I draft gradation list of A.P circle :-

 

 

Please visit the blog: 

 

 http://postmasters-dop.blogspot.in

Highlights of Fresh announcement of UPSC CS exam 2013

1 – English essay paper of 100 marks – Deleted

2- Essay paper would now be of 250 marks to be written in the medium or language of the candidate’s choice.

2- Two qualifying papers of 300 marks each in any modern Indian language & English restored

3- The candidate is allowed to use any one language from the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution or English as the medium of writing the examination.

4- Language as the medium of examination only if a minimum of 25 candidates wanted it has been dropped.

5- Candidate is allowed to take up literature as an optional subject “without the conditionality of having to do his/her graduation in that language’s literature.

GNH ( Gross national HAPPYNESS)   Over  GNP (Gross National Product) :

UN delclared March-20 as the “ International day of Happiness”

The United Nations on 20 March 2013 declared 20 March as the International Day of Happiness. This was the first edition of the happiness day observed by the world. 20 March was declared as the International Day of Happiness with an aim to acknowledge the importance of happiness and encourage Governments of different nations to consider well-being of its citizens as the common agenda other than focusing on the economic growth only.

All the 193 members of United Nations voted in favour of the International Day of Happiness.

Concept behind the making of the day :

20 March was declared as the day of International Happiness following a Bhutanese Concept that was coined by the fourth king of Bhutan JigmeSingyeWangchuck in 1970’s, when the country for the first time adopted Gross National Happiness (GNH) over Gross National Product (GNP) as its major goal. The initiative of 1970’s involved making holistic approach towards life.

Arunachal Pradesh became the First State to  introduce   e-GPF

Arunachal Pradesh in the month of March 2013 became the first state to introduce e-GPF or electronic GPF.

The state Finance Department facilitated the online access to 34000 GPF accounts through its redesigned Web site, which was launched by Chief Minister of Arunachal PardeshNabamTuki.

 Features of the websites :

• The Web site is meant to help the public in accessing all updated fiscal information including 34000 GPF accounts besides pensioners, who from anywhere in India could get information on their hard earned pension and fastest disposal of RTI cases.

• The Web site a has a number of features to make it citizen-friendly and to bring in more transparency and accountability in respect of works in the Finance Department.

• With all the information available on the Web site, citizens as well as government employees would not need to visit the Finance office for each and every work. Also, he felt applications seeking information under RTI would come down as all information needed are available on the site.

The Web site is developed by the department with technical assistance from NIC. It is interactive with facilities to download forms such as medical reimbursement, GPF Final Payment, which would be quite beneficial for Government employees, particularly pensioners.

Launching of   Electronic Indian Postal Order  eIPO :-

     Click the following link to get order:-

http://ccis.nic.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal/D2/D02rti/1_44_2009-IR-22032013.pdf

file// launching sale of Gold coins/HMT wathces

 Is “A man with mission “  will be the next chief of  A.P postal  circle  ???

An affable person with a genial smile, Mr. Sudhakur exuded a rare dynamism, which reflected in the string of novel schemes he introduced to lend the much-needed facelift to the drooping image of post offices. Besides successfully introducing some income-generating schemes, the enterprising PMG also changed the age-old grungy face of the Postal Department. A swanky structure with plush interiors today stands at the place where an old dilapidated building once housed,  all thanks to Mr. Sudhakur’s enterprising skills. A lot of staff expecting this heading may come true. 

.Fill Up of   Postmaster( Gr-III) in M.P circle   clarification:

        Obtained information from some reliable sources while contacting to M.P circle it was cleared that no such filled in up of   Postmaster  Grade – III  in their circle. 

CEPT , MYSORE – Recuritment -2013 on deputation :

Last date : 02.04.2013.

Post name	No of posts	Pay scale	Age	Education qualifications.
Dy.  Manager	04	9300-34800+  g.p 4800	Maximum age below 56 as on 02.April 2013.	1.      Bachelor degree in computers as subject. 2.      Any Bachelor degree + 1 yr Diploma in computer science.
Asst Manage	21	9300-34800+GP 4600
Technical  Supervisor	12	9300-34800+ G.P 4200

For full  details  visit CEPT, Mysore website.

IT     +     IT   =   IT       ( Modi’s New formula)

'Indian Talent' plus 'Information Technology' is equal to 'India Tomorrow'. 

New Delhi: Describing Internet as a "gamechanger", Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said politicians ought to use technology for bringing in good governance, accountability and transparency as well as reaching out to the people. 

"Internet is a game changer .Common citizens (can) now directly engage in policy making process," Modi said through video-conferencing at an event organised by Internet search giant Google here. 

He said Internet has empowered people and made communication with leaders and the government a two-way process.  Technology in itself is neither good nor bad. It all depends on how we harness it," Modi said.

Coining a new equation, Modi said 'Indian Talent' plus 'Information Technology' is equal to 'India Tomorrow'.


//pti//

Rotational transfer for the year 2013

Rotational transfer for the year 2013

The Rotational transfer for the year 2013 is due in March 2013. The officials those who have joined their present office on or before 30.09.2009 are due to be rotated during March 2013.

2.         All the officials who are completing tenure will  intimate three to five offices/ posts of their choice in the order of preference to which they would like to be posted.

3.         Posting of officials will be considered on seniority cum suitability.  Posts in the SB branch will be filled up by those officials who have qualified in SB aptitude test, to the extent possible.

4.         Where requests from officials for posting for a particular station are pending for a long time for one reason or other, their requests will be considered by transferring officials from the particular station who have been staying for a long time in that station to accommodate the officials whose requests are pending, in accordance with DG’s instructions.

5.         The officials are also informed that if they are transferred to any post office in the vicinity (within a reasonable distance of their choice) their requests will be treated as having been granted and they will have no further claim to have another transfer to the place of his/her original choice. Those who have already applied for a particular office or post are again required to apply in response to this circular.

6.         Letters of willingness should be forwarded so as to reach this office on or before              --------------  If no request is received from the tenure completed officials, it will be presumed that the official is willing to join any posts/offices.  Any requests after the last date will not be entertained.

7.         Those who seek extension of tenure may forward their representations addressed to the Postmaster General,  in duplicate, so as to reach this office on or before -------------------. They should also have given their request indicating places of choice for Rotational Transfer 2013 separately. This has to be furnished invariably to meet the situation, if the extension of tenure is not considered for any reason.

8.      The officials are informed that their requests will be considered to the extent possible. But it can not be guaranteed that an official will be transferred to any one of the office/ post of his/her choice only. He/ She can be transferred to any other office/ post also in the interest of service according to the exigencies of service. 

9.       For computerised offices and Divisional office, officials with adequate knowledge in operation of computer/typing will be given preference. Officials who have not completed tenure also can send their requests and it will be considered to the extent possible, without TA/TP. However this cannot be claimed as a matter of right if their requests are not considered.

10.       It is informed that as per Directorate order No.8-4/2005-INV dated 05.12.2012, in respect of single handed and double handed post offices, who had earlier served in the single/double handed office to be posted back to the same office or other single and double handed office in the Division, will be considered by the Divisional Heads subject to the following conditions:

i) The Divisional Heads will satisfy himself/herself about the antecedents and character of the officials for whom the proviso are being relaxed.

ii) No official will be posted back to the same single handed/double handed post offices on transfer before a break of full tenure period.

11.       All SPM vacancies are likely to be filled up. Filling up vacancies in PA cadre is subject to the availability of staff. 

POSTAL  ASSITANT / SORTING  ASSISTANT   (PA/ SA ) Direct Recruitment exam .  For 2011 & 2012  vacancies:

 Examination schedule:-

A.P Circle

PHASE- I

21st  April, 2013 Sunday.

Govt Jobs for Indians have had a significance since time immemorial.  For students from every class of the society there is some how some where a wish that they would one day get in to govt jobs in the country and have a secured career and life style.  From various departments which are sought by people  railways, Postal, health etc. having important status.

Selection process:- Written test 2 hours Marks : 100.  Topics: G.K, mathematics, analytical and reasoning ability, English  each having 25M. After passing  typing test 450 W in English (30minutes) or 375 w in Hindi.  Exam will be conducted by out sourcing agency. Wishing  all the best to aspirants.

To know Status of your application for Direct PA/SA Recruitment

Click here  

 http://www.eonlineapply.com/dop/pages/doplogin.aspx

Valley’s first: Post offices function on Sunday

For the first time in Kashmir, post offices in several areas functioned normally and delivered mails on 10 th March-2013  — despite it being a Sunday.

Employees of a post office in Kashmir zone at work on Sunday. A Tribune photo

As the Valley witnessed frequent shutdowns and imposition of curfew in the aftermath of the execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru last month, Chief Postmaster General, J&K circle, John Samuel said the department had kept all post offices open in Srinagar city and north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

“As a special case, we kept the post offices open in Srinagar and Baramulla today as work has remained affected in view of the curfew and restrictions. We have kept post offices open on a Sunday for the first time in the history of Kashmir,” Samuel told The Tribune.

“I don’t think if anywhere in India post offices have remained open on a Sunday,” Samuel said.

The old city areas and north Kashmir have remained the worst affected in the aftermath of Afzal’s execution. Afzal hailed from Jageer village in Baramulla.

Amid the recent protests, shutdowns and restrictions, the Department of Posts (DoP) also remained in news last month for delivering two mails to Afzal’s family from Tihar Jail, New Delhi, where he was executed and later buried. Meanwhile, Samuel said even though the General Post Office (GPO) remained open on Sundays for official work, the department would not deliver mails. “On Sundays usually, only the GPO remains open but we do not deliver mails while other post offices remain shut. However, we walked an extra mile today to tell people that the department can withstand difficulties as other post offices in Srinagar and Baramulla besides the GPO delivered mails today while other works like booking of speed posts and parcels was also done,” he said.

A ‘special’ case

* As the Valley has witnessed frequent shutdowns in the aftermath of the execution of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru last month, the postal department kept all post offices open in Srinagar city and north Kashmir’s Baramulla district “as a special case”

* It was probably for the first time in the country that post offices remained functional on a Sunday

Police come up with a ‘postal beat’:

Pre-addressed postcards for women to send complaints:

The city police will place pre-addressed postcards and envelopes at public places for women to mail their complaints and suggestions to them.

The Techno park campus, railway stations, bus terminals, bank counters, restaurants, textile shops, convenience stores, ATM kiosks, medical stores, and colleges will soon have containers holding the pre-stamped post cards and complaint boxes to drop them.

Source:// The Hindu-Tiruvanantapuram//

First All Women Post Office opened in New Delhi

 

 

Generally we have seen for Women rail , Lady Bus, SBI women  branch, Women Co-op societies, Ladies  colleges, Women Hospitals, Lady Hostels, etc..etc.  Postal Dept. also come forward to  open  first all women Post office in New delhi as a Women’s day gift.

The Union Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Shri Kapil Sibal launching the India’s first ALL WOMEN post office, in New Delhi on March 08, 2013. Now  banks are very fast with operating YUVA  ( for age below 40 years persons ) branches also.

Rotational Transfer Policy guidelines for 2012-13 :

R.T. to Postmaster Gr-I  through exam candidates have no rotation for this year because non completion of  four years of tenure. But from LSG opted Postmasters Gr-I may expect transfers in this year on the basis of post/station tenure basis. Please click to view R.T guidelines for Last year .  For this year 2013-14 orders awaited.

http://www.indiapost.gov.in/DOP/Pdf/Circulars/No.141-91-2012-SPB.II_02-04-2012.pdf

7^th Pay commission from 2016 only -  

Not considering proposal to set up 7th Pay Commission: Govt.

NEW DELHI (04/03/13): Admitting that there have been demands for setting up of 7th Pay Commission, government said that no such proposal is under consideration for such exercise, which would have been resulted in upward revision of centre's over 85 lakh employees' and pensioners' pay scales. 

"The recommendations of the previous .. 6th Central Pay Commission were given effect to from January 1, 2006. Therefore, at present no proposal to constitute the 7th Pay Commission is under consideration of the government," Minister of State for Finance Namo Narain Meena told Lok Sahba on Friday in a written reply. 

Meena further said, "There have been some demands received for setting up of the 7th Central Pay Commission. In the past, there has generally been a gap of a minimum 10 years between two successive Pay Commissions. 

According the information available, the central government employees had also gone for a day long token strike for their various demands including setting up of 7th Pay Commission in December last year. 

At present the number of central government employees and pensioners are about 50 lakh and 35 lakh respectively.

Read more: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/

Police use postal service to nab criminals :

 

India's oldest messenger is now acting as police informer, as the Mumbai police have adopted a unique strategy to locate absconding criminals. Instead of sending police teams to possible hideouts, they now send money orders to the addresses of these wanted men.  What an idea..???

//source: www.ndtv.com//

Govt to launch website for

“e-postal order “ by March end for RTI fee:-

Govt to launch website for e-postal order by March end . A website to help Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to pay the fee for filing RTI applications through e-postal order is all set to be launched by this month end.

The website will have an option for NRIs to pay the fee of Rs 10 via credit or debit cards to the government while exercising their Right to Information.  

The Department of Personnel and Training, which act as a nodal agency for the implementation of the RTI Act, has worked out all the modalities along with the Department of Posts for the purpose, sources said. The facility, which is likely to be made online by this month end, will also be extended for citizens living across the country.

The DoPT has already floated a tender for an RTI call centre and website project which will help an applicant to file applications online under the transparency law and receive the response.

//source: 4 Mar, 2013, 02.24AM IST, PTI //

  The DPS(Hq) Smt Mariamma Thomas conducted the meeting with Gr-I &  Gr-II on 27.02.2013at C.O, Hyderabad.  Mentioned that the meeting has been conducted  specially to review targets fixed under HCR. The Gr-I &  Gr-II under HCR participated in this meeting.  Performance of  various BD products, DB analyzer discrepancies, Minus balance status has been reviewed. Sec’bad Dn recorded 14 & GPO recorded 05, Hyd city dn – NIL -  MO videsh transactions noted for the F.Y 2013 up to Jan 2013.  The progress of  imo, MO videsh reviewed. Taget for PLI new business fixed to each Postmaster 50 Lakhs Sum.  Even targets fixed are more due to ending stage of  F.Y we take this an opportunity to Postmasters and  reach the Targets fixed.

//posted: 02.03.2013 , 08.55//

Key Features of Budget 2013-2014

THE ECONOMY AND THE CHALLENGES

􀂉 Getting back to potential growth rate of 8 percent is the challenge facing the

country.

􀂉 Slowdown in Indian economy has to be seen in the context of slowing global

economic growth from 3.9 per cent in 2011 to 3.2 per cent in 2012.

􀂉 However, no reason for gloom or pessimism. Of the large countries of the world

only China and Indonesia growing faster than India in 2012-13. In 2013-14, only

China projected to grow faster than India.

􀂉 Between 2004 and 2008, and again in 2009-10 and 2010-11 the growth rate was

over 8 per cent and crossed 9 per cent in four of those six years.

􀂉 11th Plan period had average growth rate of 8 percent, highest during any Plan

period, entirely under the UPA Government.

􀂉 High growth rate can again be achieved through cooperation.

􀂉 ‘Higher growth leading to inclusive and sustainable development’ to be the

mool mantra.

􀂉 Government believes in inclusive development with emphasis on improving

human development indicators specially of women, the scheduled castes, the

scheduled tribes, the minorities and some backward classes. This Budget to be a

testimony to that commitment.

Fiscal Deficit, Current Account Deficit and Inflation

􀂉 The purpose of Budget to create economic space and find resources to achieve

the objective of inclusive development.

􀂉 Dr Vijay Kelkar Committee made its recommendations to Government

in September 2012. A new fiscal consolidation path with fiscal deficit at

5.3 per cent of GDP this year and 4.8 per cent of GDP in 2013-14 announced by

the Government.

􀂉 Foreign investment in an imperative in view of the high current account deficit

(CAD). FII, FDI and ECB three main source of CAD Financing. Foreign

investment that is consistant with our economic objectives to be encouraged.

􀂉 Development must be economically and ecologically sustainable and

democratically legitimate.

􀂉 Battle against inflation must be fought on all fronts. Efforts in the past few months

have brought down headline WPI inflation to about 7 per cent and core inflation

to about 4.2 percent.

2

􀂉 Food inflation is worrying but all possible steps to be taken to augment the supply

side to meet the growing demand for food items.

􀂉 Government expenditure has both good and bad consequences and trick is to

find the correct level of Government expenditure.

􀂉 Faced with huge fiscal deficit, Government expenditure rationalised in 2012-13.

Some economic space retrieved. Space to be used to further Government’s socioeconomic

objectives.

THE PLAN AND BUDGETARY ALLOCATIONS

􀂉 Revised Estimates (RE) of the expenditure in 2012-13 at 96 per cent of the Budget

Estimates (BE) due to slowdown and austerity measures.

􀂉 During 2013-14, BE of total expenditure of ` 16,65,297 crore and of Plan

Expenditure at ` 5,55,322 crore.

􀂉 Plan Expenditure in 2013-14 to grow at 29.4 per cent over Revised Estimates for

the current year.

􀂉 All flagship programmes fully and adequately funded and sufficient funds

provided to each Ministry or Department consistent with their capacity to spend

funds.

􀂉 Budget for 2013-14 to have one overarching goal of creating opportunities for

our youth to acquire education and skills that will get them decent jobs or selfemployment.

SC, ST, Women and Children

􀂉 Allocations for Scheduled Caste Sub Plan and Tribal Sub Plan increased

substantially over the allocations of the current year. Funds allocated to these

Sub Plans cannot be diverted.

􀂉 ` 97,134 crore allocated for programmes relating to women and ` 77,236 crore

allocated for programmes relating to children.

􀂉 Ministry of Women and Child Development to design schemes that will address

the concerns of women belonging to the most vulnerable groups, including single

women and widows. An additional sum of ` 200 crore proposed to be provided

to the Ministry to begin work.

Minorities

􀂉 An increase of 12 per cent over the BE and 60 per cent over the RE of 2012-13 to

Ministry of Minority Affairs.

􀂉 Allocation of ` 160 crore to the corpus of Maulana Azad Education Foundation

to raise its corpus to ` 1,500 crore during 12th Plan period.

Disabled Persons

􀂉 A sum of ` 110 crore to the Department of Disablity Affairs for ADIP scheme in

2013-14 against RE 2012-13 of ` 75 crore.

Health and Education

􀂉 Health for all and education to all remains priority.

􀂉 ` 37,330 crore allocated to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

􀂉 New National Health Mission will get an allocation of ` 21,239 crore.

􀂉 ` 4,727 crore for medical education, training and research.

􀂉 ` 150 crore provided for National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly.

􀂉 Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy are being mainstreamed. Allocation

of ` 1,069 crore to Department of AYUSH.

􀂉 ` 1,650 crore allocated for six AIIMS-like institutions.

􀂉 Allocation of ` 65,867 crore to the Ministry of Human Resource Development,

an increase of 17 perent over the RE of the current year.

􀂉 ` 27,258 crore provided for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan (SSA).

􀂉 An increase of 25.6 per cent over RE of the current year for investments in

Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA).

􀂉 ` 5,284 crore allocated to Ministries/Departments in 2013-14 for scholarships to

students belonging to SC, ST, OBC, Minorities and girl children.

􀂉 Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDM) to be provided ` 13,215 crore.

􀂉 Government committed to the creation of Nalanda University as a centre of

educational excellence.

ICDS

􀂉 ` 17,700 crore allocated for ICDS in 2013-14 representing an increase of

11.7 per cent over 2012-13.

􀂉 Allocation of ` 300 crore in 2013-14 for a multi-sectoral programme aimed at

overcoming maternal and child malnutrition. Programme to be implemented in

100 districts during 2013-14 to be scaled to cover 200 districts the year after.

Drinking Water

􀂉 ` 15,260 crore allocated to Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

􀂉 ` 1,400 crore provided for setting-up of water purification plants in 2000 arsenic

- and 12000 fluoride-affected rural habitations.

Rural Development

􀂉 Allocation of ` 80,194 crore in 2013-14 for Ministry of Rural Development

marking an increase of 46% over RE 2012-13.

􀂉 Proposal to carve out PMGSY-II and allocate a portion of the funds to the new

programme that will benefit States such as Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka,

Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan.

4

JNNURM

􀂉 ` 14,873 crore for JNNURM in BE 13-14 as against RE of ` 7,383 crore. Out of

this, a significant portion will be used to support the purchase of upto 10,000

buses, especially by the hill States.

AGRICULTURE

􀂉 Average annual growth rate of agriculture and allied sector was 3.6% during XI

Plan against 2.5% and 2.4% in IX and X plans respectively.

􀂉 In 2012-13, total food-grain production will be over 250 million tonnes. Minimum

support price for every agricultural produce has increased significantly under the

UPA Government.

􀂉 ` 27,049 crore allocated to Ministry of Agriculture, an increase of 22 per cent

over the RE of current year.

􀂉 Agricultural research provided ` 3,415 crore.

Agricultural Credit

􀂉 For 2013-14, target of agricultural credit kept at ` 7 lakh crore.

􀂉 Interest subvention scheme for short-term crop loans to be continued scheme

extended for crop loans borrowed from private sector scheduled commercial

banks.

Green Revolution

􀂉 Bringing green revolution to eastern India a remarkable success. ` 1,000 crore

allocated in 2013-14.

􀂉 ` 500 crore allocated to start a programme of crop diversification that would

promote technological innovation and encourage farmers to choose crop

alternatives.

􀂉 Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and National Food Security Mission provided

` 9,954 crore and ` 2,250 crore respectively.

􀂉 Allocation for integrated watershed programme increased from ` 3,050 crore in

2012-13 (BE) to ` 5,387 crore.

􀂉 Allocation made for pilots programme on Nutri-Farms for introducing new crop

varieties that are rich in micro-nutrients.

􀂉 National Institute of Biotic Stress Management for addressing plant protection

issues will be established at Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

􀂉 The Indian Institute of Agricultural Bio-technology will be established at Ranchi,

Jharkhand.

􀂉 Pilot scheme to replant and rejuvenate coconut gardens implemented in some

districts of Kerala and the Andaman & Nicobar extended to entire State of Kerala.

Farmer Producer Organizations

􀂉 Matching equity grants to registered Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) upto

a maximum of ` 10 lakhs per FPO to enable them to leverage working capital

from financial institutons.

5

􀂉 Credit Guarantee Fund to be created in the Small Farmers’Agri Business

Corporation with an initial corpus of ` 100 crore.

National Livestock Mission

􀂉 National Livestock Mission to be set up.

􀂉 A provision of ` 307 crore made for the Mission.

Food Security

􀂉 Additional provision of Rs. 10,000 crore for National Food Security Act.

INVESTMENT, INFRASTRUCTURE AND INDUSTRY

􀂉 Communication with investors to be improved to remove any apprehension or

distrust, including fears about undue regulatory burden.

􀂉 Need of new and innovative instruments to mobilise funds for investment in

infrastructure sector. Measures such as:

* Infrastructure Debt Funds (IDF) to be encourged,

* IIFCL to offer credit enhancement.

* Infrastructure tax-free bond of ` 50,000 crore in 2013-14,

* Build roads in North eastern states and connect them to Myanmar with

assistance from WB & ADB,

* Raising corpus of Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to ` 20,000

crore and

* ` 5,000 crore to NABARD to finance construction for warehousing. Window

to Panchayats to finance construction of godowns.

Road Construction

􀂉 A regulatory authority for road sector.

􀂉 3000 kms of road projects in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan

and Uttar Pradesh will be awarded in the first six months of 2013-14.

Cabinet Committee on Investment

􀂉 The Cabinet Committee on Investment (CCI) has been set up. Decisions have

been taken in respect of a number of gas, power and coal projects.

New Investment

􀂉 Companies investing ` 100 crore or more in plant and machinery during the

period 1.4.2013 to 31.3.2015 will be entitled to deduct an investment allowance

of 15 per cent of the investment.

􀂉 Incentives to semiconductor wafer fab manufacturing facilities, including zero

customs duty for plant and machinery.

Savings

􀂉 Need to incentivise greater savings by household sector in financial instrumnets.

Following measures proposed:

􀂙 Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme to be liberalised.

􀂙 Additional deduction of interest upto ` 1 lakh for a person taking first

home loan upto ` 25 lakh during period 1.4.2013 to 31.3.2014

􀂙 In consultation with RBI, instruments protecting savings from inflation

to be introduced.

Industrial Corridors

􀂉 Plans for seven new cities have been finalised and work on two new smart

industrial cities at Dholera, Gujarat and Shendra Bidkin, Maharashtra will start

duing 2013-14

􀂉 Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) to be provided additional funds during

2013-14 within the share of the Government of India in the overall outlay, if

required.

􀂉 Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor to be developed.

􀂉 Preparatory work has started for Bengaluru Mumbai Industrial Corridor.

Leh-Kargil Transmission Line

􀂉 Government to construct a transmission system from Srinagar to Leh at a cost of

` 1,840 crore.

Ports

􀂉 Two new major ports will be established in Sagar, West Bengal and in Andhra

Pradesh to add 100 million tonnes of capacity.

􀂉 A new outer harbour to be developed in the VOC port at Thoothukkudi,

Tamil Nadu through PPP at an estimated cost of ` 7,500 crore.

National Waterways

􀂉 A bill to declare the Lakhipur-Bhanga stretch of river Barak in Assam as the

sixth national waterway to be moved in Parliament.

􀂉 Preparatory work underway to build a grid connecting waterways, roads and ports.

Oil and Gas

􀂉 A policy to encourage exploration and production of shale gas will be announced.

􀂉 The 5 MMTPA LNG terminal in Dabhol, Maharashtra will be fully operational

in 2013-14.

Coal

􀂉 In the medium to long term need to reduce our dependence on imported coal.

One way forward is to devise a PPP policy framework with Coal India Limited

as one of the partners.

7

􀂉 Ministry of Coal to announce Government’s policies in due course.

Power

􀂉 Guidelines regarding financial restructuring of DISCOMS have been announced.

State Government urged to prepare the financial restructuring plan, quickly sign

MoU and take advantage of the scheme.

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

􀂉 Benefits or preferences enjoyed by MSME to continue upto three years after they

grow out of this category.

􀂉 Refinancing capacity of SIDBI raised to ` 10,000 crore.

􀂉 Another sum of ` 100 crore provided to India Microfinance Equity Fund.

􀂉 A corpus of ` 500 crore to SIDBI to set up a Credit Guarantee Fund for factoring.

􀂉 A sum of ` 2,200 crore during the 12th Plan period to set up 15 additional Tool

Rooms and Technology Development Centres with World Bank assistance.

􀂉 Ministry of Corporate Affairs to notify that funds provided to technology

incubators located within academic Institutions and approved by the Ministry of

Science and Technology or Ministry of MSME will qualify as CSR expenditure.

Textiles

􀂉 Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS) to continue in 12th Plan with an

investment target of ` 1,51,000 crore.

􀂉 Allocation of ` 50 crore to Ministry of Textile to incentivise setting up Apparel

Parks within the SITPs to house apparel manufacturing units.

􀂉 A new scheme called the Integrated Processing Development Scheme will be

implemented in the 12th Plan to address the environmental concerns of the textile

industry.

􀂉 Working capital and term loans at a concessional interest of 6 per cent to handloom

sector.

􀂉 Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) extended

to 800 clusters during the 12th Plan.

Foreign Trade

􀂉 Support to measures to be taken to boost exports of goods and services.

FINANCIAL SECTOR

􀂉 A standing Council of Experts to be constituted in the Ministry of Finance to

analyse the international competitiveness of the Indian financial sector.

Banking

􀂉 Compliance of public sector banks with Basel III regulations to be ensured.

` 14,000 crore provided in BE 2013-14 for infusing capital.

8

􀂉 All branches of public sector banks to have ATM by 31.3.2014.

􀂉 Proposal to set up India’s first Women’s Bank as a public sector bank. Provision

of ` 1,000 crore as initial capital.

􀂉 ` 6,000 crore to Rural Housing Fund in 2013-14.

􀂉 National Housing Bank to set up Urban Housing Fund. ` 2,000 crore to be

provided to the fund in 2013-14.

Insurance

􀂉 A multi-pronged approach to increase the penetration of insurance, both life and

general, in the country.

􀂉 Number of proposals finalised, in consultation with IRDA such as empowering

insurance companies to open branches in Tier-II cities and below without prior

approval of IRDA, KYC of banks to be sufficient to acquire insurance policies,

banks to be permitted to act as insurance brokers, banking correspondent allowed

to sell micro-insurance products and achieving the goal of having an office of

LIC and an office of at least one public sector general insurance company in

towns with population of 10,000 or more.

􀂉 Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana to be extended to other categories such as

rickshaw, auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, sanitation workers, rag pickers and

mine workers.

􀂉 A comprehensive social security package to be evolved for unorganised sector

by facilitating convergence among different schemes.

Capital Market

􀂉 Proposal to amend the SEBI Act, to strengthen the regulator, under consideration.

􀂉 Number of proposal finalised in consultation with SEBI.

􀂙 Designatged depository participants, authorised by SEBI, may register

different classes of portfolio investors, subject to compliance with KYC

guidelines.

􀂙 SEBI will simplify the procedures and prescribe uniform registration and

other norms for entry for foreign portfolio investors.

􀂙 Rule that, where an investor has a stake of 10 per cent or less in a company,

it will be treated as FII and, where an investor has a stake of more than

10 per cent, it will be treated as FDI will be laid.

􀂙 FIIs will be permitted to participate in the exchange traded currency

derivative segment to the extent of their Indian rupee exposure in India.

􀂙 FIIs will also be permitted to use their investment in corporate bonds and

Government securities as collateral to meet their margin requirements.

􀂙 SEBI to prescribed requirement for angel investor pools by which they

can be recognised as Category I AIF venture capital funds.

􀂙 Small and medium enterprises, to be permitted to list on the SME exchange

without being required to make an initial public offer (IPO).

􀂙 Stock exchanges to be allowed to introduce a dedicated debt segment on

the exchange.

ENVIRONMENT

􀂉 Support to municipalities that will implement waste-to-energy projects.

􀂉 Government to provide low interest bearing fund from the National Clean Energy

Fund (NCEF) to IREDA to on-lend to viable renewable energy projects.

􀂉 ‘Generation-based incentive’ reintroduced for wind energy projects and ` 800

crore allocated for this purpose.

OTHER PROPOSALS

Backward Regions Grant Fund

􀂉 New criteria for determining backwardness to be evolved and reflect them in

future planning and devolution of funds.

Skill Development

􀂉 Target of skilling 50 million people in the 12th Plan period, including 9 million

in 2013-14.

Defence

􀂉 Allocation for Defence increased to ` 2,03,672 crore including ` 86,741 crore

for capital expenditure.

􀂉 Constraints not to come in the way of providing any addition requirement for the

security of nation.

Science and Technology

􀂉 Despite constraints substantial enhancements given to Science and Technology,

Space and Atomic Energy.

􀂉 ` 200 crore to be set apart to fund organisations that will scale up S&T innovations

and make these products available to the people.

Institutions of Excellence

􀂉 A grant of ` 100 crore each made to 4 institution of excellence.

Sports

􀂉 National Institute of Sports Coaching to be set up at Patiala at a cost of

` 250 crore over a period of three years.

Broadcasting

􀂉 All cities having a population of more than 1,00,000 will be covered by private

FM radio services.

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Panchayati Raj

􀂉 Augmentation in the Budget allocation of Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran

Abhiyan (RGPSA) to ` 455 crore in 2013-14. An additional ` 200 crore proposed

to be provided.

Post Offices

􀂉 An ambitious IT driven project to modernise the postal network at a cost of

Rs. 4,909 crore. Post offices to become part of the core banking solution and

offer real time banking services.

Ghadar Memorial

􀂉 Government to fund the conversion of the Ghadar Memorial in San Francisco

into a museum and library.

Central Schemes

􀂉 Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and Additional Central Assistance (ACA)

Schemes to be restructured into 70 schemes. Central fund for the schemes to be

given to the States as part of central plan assistance.

Three promises

􀂉 Promises made to woman, youth and poor.

􀂙 We stand in solidarity with our girl children and women. And we pledge

to do everything possible to empower them and to keep them safe and

secure. A fund - “Nirbhaya Fund” - to be setup with Government

contribution of ` 1,000 crore.

􀂙 Youth to be motivated to voluntarily join skill development programmes.

National Skill Development Corporation to set the curriculum and

standards for training in different skills. ` 1000 crore set apart for this

scheme.

􀂙 To the poor of India direct benefit transfer scheme will be rolled out

throughout the country during the term of the UPA Government with the

motive “Äapka paisa aapke haath”.

Budget Estimates

􀂉 Plan expenditure is placed at ` 5,55,322 crore.

􀂉 Non Plan Expenditure is estimated at ` 11,09,975 crore.

􀂉 Fiscal deficit for the current year contained at 5.2 per cent and for the year 2013-

14 at 4.8 per cent.

􀂉 Revenue deficit for the current year at 3.9 per cent and for the year 2013-14 at 3.3

per cent.

􀂉 By 2016-17 fiscal deficit to be brought down to 3 per cent, revenue deficit to 1.5

per cent and effective revenue deficit to zero per cent.

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PART B — TAX PROPOSALS

􀂉 Clarity in tax laws, a stable tax regime, a non-adversarial tax administration, a

fair mechanism for dispute resolution and independent judiciary for greater

assurance is underlying theme of tax proposals.

􀂉 Tax Administration Reforms Commission to be set up.

􀂉 In short term need to reclaim peak of 11.9 per cent of tax GDP ratio achieved in

2007-08.

DIRECT TAXES

􀂉 Little room to give away tax revenues or raise tax rates in a constrained economy.

􀂉 No case to revise either the slabs or the rates of Personal Income Tax. Even a

moderate increase in the threshold exemption will put hundreds of thousands of

Tax Payers outside Tax Net.

􀂉 However, relief for Tax Payers in the first bracket of `2 lakhs to ` 5 lakhs. A tax

credit of ` 2000 to every person with total income upto `5 lakhs.

􀂉 Surcharge of 10 percent on persons (other than companies) whose taxable income

exceed ` 1 crore to augment revenues.

􀂉 Increase surcharge from 5 to 10 percent on domestic companies whose taxable

income exceed ` 10 crore.

􀂉 In case of foreign companies who pay a higher rate of corporate tax, surcharge to

increase from 2 to 5 percent, if the taxabale income exceeds ` 10 crore.

􀂉 In all other cases such as dividend distribution tax or tax on distributed income,

current surcharge increased from 5 to 10 percent.

􀂉 Additional surcharges to be in force for only one year.

􀂉 Education cess to continue at 3 percent.

􀂉 Permissible premium rate increased from 10 percent to 15 percent of the sum

assured by relaxing eligibility conditions of life insurance policies for persons

suffering from disability and certain ailments.

􀂉 Contributions made to schemes of Central and State Governments similar to

Central Government Health Scheme, eligible for section 80D of the Income tax

Act.

􀂉 Donations made to National Children Fund eligible for 100 percent deduction.

12

􀂉 Investment allowance at the rate of 15 percent to manufacturing companies that

invest more than ` 100 crore in plant and machinery during the period 1.4.2013

to 31.3.2015.

􀂉 ‘Eligible date’ for projects in the power sector to avail benefit under Section 80-

IA extended from 31.3.2013 to 31.3.2014.

􀂉 Concessional rate of tax of 15 percent on dividend received by an Indian company

from its foreign subsidiary proposed to continue for one more year.

􀂉 Securitisation Trust to be exempted from Income Tax. Tax to be levied at specified

rates only at the time of distribution of income for companies, individual or HUF

etc. No further tax on income received by investors from the Trust.

􀂉 Investor Protection Fund of depositories exempt from Income-tax in some cases.

􀂉 Parity in taxation between IDF-Mutual Fund and IDF-NBFC.

􀂉 A Category I AIF set up as Venture capital fund allowed pass through status

under Income-tax Act.

􀂉 TDS at the rate of 1 percent on the value of the transfer of immovable properties

where consideration exceeds ` 50 lakhs. Agricultural land to be exempted.

􀂉 A final withholding tax at the rate of 20 percent on profits distributed by unlisted

companies to shareholders through buyback of shares.

􀂉 Proposal to increase the rate of tax on payments by way of royalty and fees for

technical services to non-residents from 10 percent to 25 percent.

􀂉 Reductions made in rates of Securities Transaction Tax in respect of certain

transaction.

􀂉 Proposal to introduce Commodity Transaction Tax (CTT) in a limited way.

Agricultural commodities will be exempted.

􀂉 Modified provisions of GAAR will come into effect from 1.4.2016.

􀂉 Rules on Safe Harbour will be issued after examing the reports of the Rangachary

Committee appointed to look into tax matters relating to Development Centres

& IT Sector and Safe Harbour rules for a number of sectors.

􀂉 Fifth large tax payer unit to open at Kolkata shortly.

􀂉 A number of administrative measures such as extension of refund banker system

to refund more than ` 50,000, technology based processing, extension of

e-payment through more banks and expansion in the scope of annual information

returns by Income-tax Department.

13

Indirect Taxes

􀂉 No change in the normal rates of 12 percent for excise duty and service tax.

􀂉 No change in the peak rate of basic customs duty of 10 perent for non-agricultural

products.

Customs

􀂉 Period of concession available for specified part of electric and hybrid vehicles

extended upto 31 March 2015.

􀂉 Duty on specified machinery for manufacture of leather and leather goods

including footwear reduced from 7.5 to 5 percent.

􀂉 Duty on pre-forms precious and semi-precious stones reduced from 10 to 2 perent.

􀂉 Export duty on de-oiled rice bran oil cake withdrawn.

􀂉 Duty of 10 percent on export of unprocessed ilmenite and 5 percent on export on

ungraded ilmenite.

􀂉 Concessions to air craft maintenaince, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry.

􀂉 Duty on Set Top Boxes increased from 5 to10 percent.

􀂉 Duty on raw silk increased from 5 to 15 percent.

􀂉 Duties on Steam Coal and Bituminous Coal equalised and 2 percent custom duty

and 2 percent CVD levied on both kinds coal.

􀂉 Duty on imported luxury goods such as high end motor vehicles, motor cycles,

yachts and similar vessels increased.

􀂉 Duty free gold limit increased to ` 50,000 in case of male passenger and `1,00,000

in case of a female passenger subject to conditions.

Excise duty

􀂉 Relief to readymade garment industry. In case of cotton, zero excise duty at fibre

stage also. In case of spun yarn made of man made fibre, duty of 12 percent at the

fibre stage.

􀂉 Handmade carpets and textile floor coverings of coir and jute totally exempted

from excise duty.

􀂉 To provide relief to ship building industry, ships and vessels exempted from

excise duty. No CVD on imported ships and vessels.

􀂉 Specific excise duty on cigarettes increased by about 18 percent. Similar increase

on cigars, cheroots and cigarillos.

14

􀂉 Excise duty on SUVs increased from 27 to 30 percent. Not applicable for SUVs

registered as taxies.

􀂉 Excise duty on marble increased from `30 per square meter to ` 60 per square

meter.

􀂉 Proposals to levy 4 percent excise duty on silver manufactured from smelting

zinc or lead.

􀂉 Duty on mobile phones priced at more than `2000 raised to 6 percent.

􀂉 MRP based assessment in respect of branded medicaments of Ayurveda, Unani,

Siddha, Homeopathy and bio-chemic systems of medicine to reduce valuation

disputes.

Service Tax

􀂉 Maintain stability in tax regime.

􀂉 Vocational courses offered by institutes affiliated to the State Council of Vocational

Training and testing activities in relation to agricultural produce also included in

the negative list for service tax.

􀂉 Exemption of Service Tax on copyright on cinematography limited to films

exhibited in cinema halls.

􀂉 Proposals to levy Service Tax on all air conditioned restaurant.

􀂉 For homes and flats with a carpet area of 2,000 sq.ft. or more or of a value of `1 crore

or more, which are high-end constructions, where the component of services is

greater, rate of abatement reduced from from 75 to 70 percent.

􀂉 Out of nearly 17 lakh registered assesses under Service Tax only 7 lakhs file

returns regularly. Need to motivate them to file returns and pay tax dues. A

onetime scheme called ‘Voluntary Compliance Encouragement Scheme’

proposed to be introduced. Defaulter may avail of the scheme on condition that

he files truthful declaration of Service Tax dues since 1st October 2007.

􀂉 Tax proposals on Direct Taxes side estimated to yield to `13,300 crore and on

the Indirect Tax side `4,700 crore.

Good and Services Tax

􀂉 A sum of ` 9,000 crore towards the first instalment of the balance of CST

compensation provided in the budget.

􀂉 Work on draft GST Constitutional amendment bill and GST law expected to be

taken forward.