Counting of training period towards calculation of increment and regarding pay fixation as on 01.07.2006

            Please click on the following linkhttps://docs.google.com/file/d/0B5yGFnHHvknubEYyQmpBd2RoVmM/edit

Timely Issue of TDS Certificate to Customers

RBI/2013-14/361 DBOD.No.Leg.BC.65/09.07.005/2013-14 November 6, 2013 All Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding RRBs) Dear Sir/Madam, Timely Issue of TDS Certificate to Customers It has been brought to our notice that, some banks are not providing TDS Certificate in Form 16A to their customers in time, causing inconvenience to customers in filing income-tax returns timely. 2. The matter has been examined and with a view to protect interest of the depositors and for rendering better customer service, banks are advised to provide to their customers from whose income tax has been deducted at source, TDS Certificate in Form 16A. Banks are advised to put in place systems that will enable them to provide Form 16A to the customers within the time-frame prescribed under the Income Tax Rules. Banks should avoid waiting till the last moment. 3. This advice is issued under Section 36 (1) (a) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (10 of 1949). Yours faithfully, (Rajesh Verma) Chief General Manager

National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2013 to be introduced in the winter session of Parliament

So far, about 47 crore 85 lakh Aadhaars have been issued and the enrollment process is in full swing to meet the target. Enroll for Aadhaar is done at designated centres only and appointment for the same can be obtained online at the following link https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/easearch.aspx. However, for actual enrollment process, physical presence of the resident is a must. It is also clarified that certain agencies are falsely circulating e-mails offering online registration forAadhaar. It is stressed that UIDAI does not currently offer online enrollment.

Meanwhile, all necessary steps have been taken for introduction of the National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2013 in the winter session of  Parliament likely to commence from the 1^st week of the next month. The Union Cabinet has already approved the proposal submitted by the Ministry of Planning

for moving official amendments to the Bill last month.

The National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha on 3rd December. The Speaker, Lok Sabha in consultation with the

Chairman, Rajya Sabha referred the Bill to e Standing Committee on Finance. The

Standing Committee presented the Report to the Lok Sabha and laid it in Rajya Sabha on 13th December 2011.

In the meantime, the UIDAIhas been functioning under an executive order issued by the Government in January 2009, establishing UIDAI as an Attached Office of the Planning Commission. The Bill proposes to constitute a statutory authority to be called the National Identification Authority of India and lay down the powers and functions of the Authority, the framework for issuing Aadhaar numbers, defines offences and penalties and matters incidental thereto through an Act of Parliament.

PROVISIONS OF THE BILL

The National Identification Authority of India Bill, 2010, inter alia, seeks to provide-

(a) for issue of Aadhaar numbers to every resident by the Authority on providing his demographic information and biometric information to it in such manner as may be specified by regulations;

(b) for authentication of the Aadhaar number of an Aadhaar number holder in

relation to his biometric information and demographic information subject to such

conditions and on payment of such fees as may be specified by regulations;

(c) for establishment of the National Identification Authority of India consisting of a Chairperson and two part-time Members;

(d) that the Authority to exercise powers and discharge functions which, inter alia,

include-

(i) Specifying the demographic information and biometric information for

enrolment for an Aadhaar number and the processes for collection and

verification thereof; 1 service delivery organizations/Ministries. The Aadhaar letter clearly spells out that it is only a proo,fof identity and not citizenship.

b) The Committee had also, stated that pending the issuance of Aadhaar numbers

was "unethical" and "violative" of Parliament prerogatives when the bill has yet

to passed. The issuance of Aadhaar was based on the opinion of the Ministry of

Law and Justice and the opinion of the Attorney General of India which had

clearly stated that the UIDAIcan continue to function under the executive order

issued by the Government and there is nothing in the law, or otherwise, which

prevents the Authority from functioning under the executive authorization.

c) With respect to the concern of the Standing Committee on unauthorised access

and misuse of personal information, it has been stated that UIDAI recognizes that

the right to privacy must be protected and provisions have been made in the Bill

for protection of information.

d) As regards the apprehension that service/benefits might be denied to individual

who do not have Aadhaar, it has been clarified that Aadhaar number is an

enabler, with a purpose of effective delivery and benefits by establishing identity

of the resident. All schemes have some prequalification and there is no reason

why possession of Aadhaar should not be one, especially if efforts are made to

ensure availability of Aadhaar to all who want it. The actual requirement and the

use of Aadhaar will be determined by the implementing ministries/agencies.

e) Among the procedural issues .raised by the Committee are untested and

unreliable technology, global experience of identity projects, high cost, absence

of study on financial implication, duplication of effort with National Population

Register exercise and inability to in covering full or near full the marginalised

sections. The following points may be noted in this regard:

• UIDAI, in terms of technology has already generated more than 44 Crore

Aadhaar and is currently processing over 1 million Aadhaar per day with a

capacity to undertake 180 trillion biometric matches per day. This makes it

the largest Database of its kind in the world.

• Aadhaar is aimed at building a basic Identity and Verification infrastructure

for welfare and inclusive growth.

• It is important to note that the cost projections for the UIDAIproject has also

been earlier approved by the Government of India for total amount of

Rs 12,398.22 crore as compared to Rs. 150,000 Crore as reported in some

media reports some time back. The total cumulative expenditure incurred by

UIDAI,since inception ofthe Project, is Rs. 3490 Crore as on 30th Sept, 2013.

• A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Aadhaar Project conducted by the National

Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) shows that the Internal Rate of

Return (IRR), in real terms, generated by Aadhaar would be 52.85%.

• In January 2012, it was decided with the approval of the Cabinet Committee

on UIDAI, that NPR and UIDAI enrolments should proceed simultaneously,

3 ii) Nationwide portability - the Aadhaar ID is valid throughout the

country and is thus very convenient and useful for people moving from

say rural India to urban India.

(b) On-line verification (also called as authentication) - the Aadhaar platform

allows on-line verification of a person`s identity anywhere in the country by

various means (Biometric - Fingerprint and Iris, demographic, and One Time

Password to mobile phone or email id).

Benefit to Government:

i) Can verify that a genuine beneficiary is claiming the benefit (at a

Banking Correspondent for money or at a PDSoutlet for grain); and,

ii) Reach - can provide services in every nook and corner of the country as

long as connectivity is there.

Benefit to individual:

i) Convenience - a resident can get access to services close to where they

are;

ii) Mobility - a resident can access services throughout the country; and,

iii) Empowerment - since the resident has a choice of outlets for a particular

service (go to any BCto withdraw money or any PDS outlet to withdraw

grain), the bargaining power shifts to the resident. This also reduces

corruption

(c) Electronic-Know Your Customer (e-KYC) - resident authorized provision

of Government photo ID consisting of Proof of Identity (POI) and Proof of Address

(POA) to an authorized agency

Benefit to Government:

i) Productivity - instant paperless provisioning of services has great

impact and productivity benefit for the economy;

ii) Inclusion - can provide access to services like bank accounts and

mobile connections anywhere easily; and,

iii) Audit - every KYCrequest has a unique transaction code, cannot be

repudiated, and can be easily investigated.

Benefit to resident:

i) Instant access - provides instant access to services just with his Aadhaar

number; and,

ii) Convenience - these services can offered anywhere there is

connectivity.

(d) Aadhaar as a Financial Address - an Aadhaar-linked Bank account that can

receive money just with the Aadhaar number as the address.

Post Offices should become the Front Offices of the Government of India - Cabinet Secretary

Shri Ajit Seth, Union Cabinet Secretary, has said that Post Offices should become the Front Offices of the Government of India, enlarging their role in communication, distribution and financial services. Quoting models from other countries, he said that the post office plays a significant role in the development of the nation. Shri Seth said this here today while interacting with senior officers of the Department of Posts as part of off-campus talks on ‘Good Governance’ organized by the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai National Postal Academy. 

“With a large network of 1, 55,000 Post Offices spread across the country, the Post Office touches the life of everyone. There is a joy in visiting the Post Office”, the Cabinet Secretary said. He expressed his satisfaction on the implementation of the IT modernization project of the Department. With a large outlay of Rs 4,900 crore, the IT project of India Post will bring substantial benefits to the citizens of India. Shri Seth wanted the Department to be prepared to manage the massive changes that would arise on introduction of the IT modernization project. He felt that with this kind of technology initiative, the Post Office will be in a position to become the front office of the Government to the citizens. 

Declaration of Bhubaneswar and Imphal airports as international airports

The Union Cabinet today gave its approval for declaring the Bhubaneswar and Imphal airports as international airports to fulfill the long pending demand of people as well as the State Governments of Odisha and Manipur.

Declaration of these airports as international airports will offer improved connectivity, wider choice of services at competitive cost to the air travelers resulting in boosting international tourism and economic development of the region and the country.

Background:

Biju Patnaik Airport or Bhubaneswar Airport belongs to Airport Authority of India and is suitable for operation of Code `D` aircraft of type B-767-400. The airport is also equipped with facilities for night operations, runway 14/32 of dimension 2743m X 45m, apron to park six aircrafts and navigational aids. A new domestic terminal building with all modern amenities for handling 400 arriving and 400 departing passengers has been constructed and inaugurated in March 2013. The modification/renovation of the existing domestic terminal building into international terminal building with an area of 6264 sqm. suitable for handling international operations has been completed. Six check-in-counters, custom counters and immigration counters are being provided and the requisite facilities of customs, immigration, health services and animal and plant quarantine at the airport have also completed.

Imphal Airport belongs to Airports Authority of India and is suitable for `C` type (A-320/321) of aircrafts operations in all weather conditions. Major facilities including night operations, runway of dimension 2746m X 45m, Apron to park 3 nos. A-320 and 1 No. ATR-72 at a time, terminal building having an area of 6592 sqm. modified to integrated terminal building, navigational aids, nineteen check-in-counters, custom counters, immigration and sufficient space for health services and animal and plant quarantine are being provided at the airport.

7TH CPC- TERMS OF REFERENCE- LATEST POSITION

Dear Comrades,

                         The Government of India had convened a meeting of the staff side representatives on 24.10.2013 to discuss the terms of reference. The meeting took place at 3.00 PM on 24th under the chairmanship of Secretary, Personnel. Besides the points mentioned above the staffs raised many other matters connected with the setting up the CPC. viz the inclusionof labour Representative as  a member of the commission; the anamalous situation brought about by the Grade pay based MACP scheme; the requirement of a mechanism to settle the 6th CPC related anomalies; the need to allow the proposals of Cadre review to be examined by the Government independently without referring it to CPC; to have membersin the Commission who have gained expertise to impart to the Commission the nuances and functional requirements of various Departments; to relook at the new Pay Structure brought in by the 6th CPC in the light of the experience between 2008 to 2013 etc.

Sd/-

Sri Sarada Prasad Das

Divl Secretary

KYC/AML Standards/Combating Financing of Terrorism/Obligation of Banks under PMLA, 2002 - ‘At par’ cheque facility extended to Cooperative Banks/RRBs by Scheduled Commercial Banks

RBI/2013-14/344 RPCD.CO.RRB.RCB.BC.No. Cir.No. 48/07.51.010//2013-14 October 29, 2013 The Chairman All Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) All State and Central Co-operative Banks (StCBs and CCBs) Dear Sir, Know Your Customer (KYC)/Anti Money Laundering (AML) Standards/Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT)/ Obligation of banks under Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 ‘At par’ cheque facility extended to Cooperative Banks / Regional Rural Banks by Scheduled Commercial Banks It has been observed that some banks are utilizing ‘at par’ cheque facility extended by Scheduled Commercial Banks not only for their own use but also for their customers, including walk-in customers for facilitating their remittances and payments. 2. Keeping in view the systemic and supervisory concerns that emanate from such an arrangement, RRBs/StCBs/CCBs are advised to utilize the ‘at par’ cheque facility only for: i) their own use, ii) their account holders who are KYC compliant provided that all transactions of `50,000.00 or more should be strictly by debit to the customer’s account, iii) walk-in customers against cash for less than `50,000.00 per individual. 3. In order to utilise the ‘at par’ cheque facility in the above manner, RRBs/ StCBs/ CCBs should maintain i) records pertaining to issuance of ‘at par’ cheques covering inter alia applicant’s name and account number, beneficiary’s details and date of issuance of the ‘at par’ cheque. ii) sufficient balances/drawing arrangements with the commercial bank extending such facility for purpose of honouring such instruments. RRBs/StCBs/CCBs should also ensure that all ‘at par’ cheques issued by them are crossed ‘account payee’ irrespective of the amount involved. 4. RRBs/StCBs/CCBs are advised to make use of more efficient means of remittances for the customers like NEFT or RTGS by providing such services directly or by becoming sub-members of banks providing such services as per regulations in this regard issued by RBI from time to time. Yours faithfully, (A.G. Ray) General Manager

Railway Minister Launches High Speed Rail Corporation of India Limited (HSRC) HSRC to Develop High Speed Rail Corridors in India Two-Day International Technical Conference on - “High Speed Rail Travel: Low Cost Solutions” Inaugurated

The Minister of Railways Shri Mallikarjun inaugurated a two day international technical conference on “High Speed Rail Travel; Low Cost Solution” in New Delhi today. While addressing the conference, the Railway Minister said that India’s primary focus has been to provide a mass mode of safe, reliable and affordable transport, being the largest passenger Railway in the world, it is a natural aspiration of the people of this country that Indian Railways provide them high speed rail travel. Shri Kharge said that most countries consider high speed capability to be in the range of 250 to 300 kmph which requires a dedicated track with fencing and can be prohibitively costly. For a country like ours track fencing also has its own set of associated issues. Thus, leveraging Rolling stock technologies may provide a lower cost solution to meet the immediate needs of achieving speeds of 160 to 200 kmph and that too on the existing track. For speeds above 200 kmph the costlier and time consuming solution of providing a separate dedicated track with fencing becomes inescapable. Therefore, the focus of this conference is to consider achieving higher speed trains in the range of 160 to 200 kmph with marginal inputs in the existing infrastructure, besides given the financial constraints and issues related to land acquisition and track fencing, as an interim step, the Railway Minister said. Wishing all the success to Conference, Shri Kharge said that the deliberations in this conference between the various stakeholders will bring about a better understanding of the underlying technology issues and make higher speed rail travel in India a reality. The Railway Minister formerly launched High Speed Rail Corporation of India Ltd. (HSRC), a subsidiary of Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd. (RVNL) and also revealed the logo of HSRC that has been designed by National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. Addressing the conference, Shri Arunendra Kumar, Chairman, Railway Board, said that Indian Railways has undertaken pre-feasibility studies of seven high speed corridors. A preliminary study for Mumbai-Ahemdabad route has estimated its cost to be around Rs. 65,000 crore. He said that towards this purpose the Institute of Rolling Stock Engineers (IRSE) with support from Indian Railways and RITES is organising this International Technical Conference. The themes of the conference will include: World overview of High Speed technologies, High speed Bogie Technologies, Importance of Train Dynamics for high speed operation, Wheel sets for high speed operation, Lightweight coach Technologies, Track & infrastructure, Signalling technologies, Traction related issues, brake systems, Crashworthiness Manufacturing and maintenance aspects specific to High Speed operation and Safety. Speaking on the occasion Shri Satish Agnihotri, Chairman of HSRC and CMD of RVNL said that HSRC has been formed to develop High Speed Rail (HSR) Corridors in India to run passenger trains at speeds upto 350 km per hour. It will undertake the project activities such as preparation of project related studies, preparation of the technical standards for HSR Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor and any other corridor decided by the Government. It will provide support to Ministry of Railways and Government of India in finalizing the financial and implementation models. The conference is being attended by policy makers, senior administrators, rolling stock manufacturers, research institutions, consultants and industry professionals from India and abroad. This will provide networking opportunities with senior railway officials as well as other stakeholders. There are opportunities for displaying capabilities through advertisements and exhibition stalls. For helping in better understanding of High Speed rail travel implementation challenges and their solutions, many equipment manufacturers are also present who will be presenting the latest development in high speed technology and the benefits thereof. Many international consulting experts as well as universities are also participating in the conference sharing their rich project experience in the field of high speed travel. Total of 49 papers will be presented in the conference, which include 25 papers by foreign delegates, 13 papers by Research Design and Standard Organisation and Indian Railways, and balance by the Industry and case-studies for high speed network from Australia, and SPAIN will be discussed during this two day conference. Eleven Countries representing the Conference are Germany, Spain, Australia, USA, UK, Japan, France, South Africa, Switzerland, Italy and China. Major rolling stock ‘manufactures such as Bombardier, Talgo, CAF, Alstom and Siemens will be among those participating in the Conference. They will share their knowledge in high speed technology as well as experience in various parts of the world and also in providing low cost solutions. Shri Arvind Khare, Additional member, Production Unit, Railway Board who is also Chairman of IRSE and Chairman Organising Committee of the Conference proposed a vote of thanks on the occasion. It is expected that low cost solutions would emerge at the end of the deliberations to make high speed a reality for the developing world, where the demand is high, yet cost-effective solutions are evasive.

Take 100% benefit out of the welfare schemes of the government - GK Vasan

People should take full benefit out of the welfare schemes of the government, Shri G.K. Vasan, Union Minister of Shipping, urged the people. The Minister was addressing after inaugurating the three-day-long Bharat Nirman Public Information Campaign at Medavakkam near Chennai today, organised by PIB. 

People should visit such awareness campaigns and know about all the welfare schemes and the ways & means to get full benefits, Shri Vasan asked the gathering. In this direction, the Minister commended the Public Information Campaigns that have been organized for the past seven years with the aim of enlightening the people about the various welfare/developmental schemes. For the benefits of the schemes to reach the common people, every one, right from Ministers to Panchayat leaders and the common people, should be involved, he noted. The exhibition that had been put up on the sidelines of the Campaign with more than 40 stalls highlights the priority schemes of the government. People should visit each and every stall, ask questions, and know about the schemes thoroughly. 

The UPA government at the Centre has been implementing various welfare schemes for the common people for the past nine years, for both rural and urban people, Shri Vasan pointed out. The Bharat Nirman schemes are implemented under the direct supervision of the Prime Minister. These schemes provide all the basic facilities in the rural areas, like drinking water, irrigation, electricity, telecommunication, medical, housing, etc. The government wants the rural areas to have same basic facilities like in cities, he added. 

Some of the priority schemes of the government are Right to Information, PM`s 15-point programme for the welfare of the minorities, Jawaharlal Nehru New Urban Renewal Mission, etc., the Minister highlighted. 

Shri Vasan noted with pride the implementation of MGNREA out of which 4.8 crore families are benefited. Since 2006 till 2013, Rs. 2, 38,400 cr. has been spent on the programme. He pointed out that the mid-day meal scheme, the world`s biggest such scheme, was thought of and implemented some 60 years back itself by the visionary leader, Shri K. Kamaraj, who also introduced the uniform system for students so that there will not be any social differences among the students while studying. 

This mid-day meal scheme has now been implemented throughout India by the UPA government. During 2013-14, Rs. 13,215 cr. has been allocated for this, out of which 12.5 crore students are benefited. Another important scheme is Food Security Scheme, which benefits 63% of rural population and 37% of urban population. Rs. 1, 27,000 cr. is the fund allocated for this, Shri Vasan said. 

For education, Rs.27, 258 Crore has been allocated to ensure education for all, which has benefited 20 Crore students and drastically reduced non-school going number. Similarly for the welfare of SC/ST, Rs. 66,158 crore has been allocated, which is 12% more than last years. For minorities, the fund allocated is Rs. 3,514 crore, which is again 14% more. The government is also focusing on the welfare on women & children, for which Rs. 1, 74,370 cr. has been allotted, The opening of all-women bank is a step in this direction, Shri Vasan pointed out. 

Shri Vasan noted that such campaigns are conducted for creating awareness about the schemes for which huge sums are allocated by the government. So people should fully utilise such opportunities and know about the schemes to reap full benefits out of the schemes. 

Later, Shri Vasan observed that all the sections of the society, cutting across narrow political interests, must join the efforts of the government in implementing welfare schemes. The Minister also released 12 booklets brought out by PIB on the welfare schemes. He also handed over loan benefits to various groups/students, organised by Indian Bank. 

Earlier, Shri K.M. Ravindran, Addl. Director General, PIB, Chennai, welcomed the gathering. Thousands of people from various sections of the society, including Women SHG members, students, etc., participated in the event. 

.***********

KSP
(Release ID :100266)

Indian Railways Restores Regular Meal and Quantity in Revised Menu for Rajdhani, Shatabdi & Duronto Trains.

As the cost of raw material, Whole Price Index, cost of services etc., have increased manifold since last decade, the Indian Railways has introduced revised menu and tariff for Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto trains with effect for 17th October 2013. A new concept of Combo Meal was also introduced as an every alternate meal on long distance Rajdhani/Duronto trains which was priced at half the cost of the regular Lunch/Dinner so as to reduce wastage/excess items. However, due to some feedback that these changes were not appreciated by some sections of travelling passengers, senior officers were deputed in all such trains for on the spot study. Based on the feedback received from passengers, regular Meal, in place of Combo Meal has been restored now. Quantities reduced in certain dishes have also been restored. Cyclic Menu has also been introduced to give variety. Railways are making all out efforts to ensure wholesome, quality meal to the travelling passengers. Supervision & monitoring have been strengthened by deploying Railway Personnel’s /Sr. Officers for inspections to check quality & hygiene. Passenger’s feedback will now be a regular exercise. 

There will be no increase in ticket fare on this account.
The Menu and tariff of Rajdhani/Shatabdi/Duronto trains is included in the ticket fare and had not been revised since 1999. With a view to arrive at the realistic prices as well as redraw the menu more rationally, Committees had been nominated by the Board to recommend the revised rates. The committees have scientifically examined all aspects of costing keeping the objectives to provide hygiene and affordable meals with varieties to the travelling passengers on the premium trains. Based on the reports of the committee, the revised menu & tariff had been introduced from 17.10.2013 hoping to bring positive changes.

Further, keeping the objectives to provide hygiene and affordable meals with varieties to the travelling passengers on the premium trains, following major steps have also been taken in this regard: 

• Stringent quality parameters like supply of branded products in hygienic condition. FPO/AGMARK approved items and compliance of instructions of Food Safety & Standard Authority of India (FSSAI) are to be made mandatory. 

• Provision for external audit (Third Party Audit) by reputed and independent agency appointed by zonal railways to undertake audit of quality of services periodically to ensure the quality has been made mandatory. 

Delhi Postal Circle Makes Special Arrangements for Diwali Greetings Mail

Delhi Postal Circle has made special arrangements for acceptance of Diwali Greetings Mail at 34 Post Offices and 2 RMS Offices at Railway Stations as given below from coming Monday i.e. 28.10.2013 to 06.11.2013.  Separate reception counters are being set up at these Post Offices.  Members of public are Welcome to post their Diwali Greetings mail at these collection centers.  These centers are made available in addition to the normal facilities provided:

1.	Ashok Vihar PO	19.	New Delhi GPO
2.	Civil Lines PO	20.	New Subzi Mandi PO
3.	Chankyapuri PO	21.	Naraina Ind.Estate PO
4.	Delhi GPO	22.	Patel Nagar PO
5.	Delhi Cantt.PO	23.	Paschim Vihar PO
6.	Hauz Khas PO	24.	Ramesh Nagar PO
7.	IPHO	25.	Rohini PO
8.	Janakpuri PO	26.	R.K. Puram V PO
9.	Krishna Nagar PO	27.	R.P. Bhawan PO
10.	Karol Bagh PO	28.	Sansad Marg PO
11.	Keshav Puram PO	29.	Sarojini Nagar HO
12.	Kalkaji PO	30.	SRT Nagar PO
13.	Lodi Road HO	31.	Seelampur PO
14.	Lajpat Nagar PO	32.	Sriniwaspuri PO
15.	Malviya Nagar PO	33.	Saraswati Vihar PO
16.	Malka Ganj PO	34.	R.K. Puram (Main) PO
17.	Mehrauli PO	35.	Delhi R.S. TMO(Delhi Rly Station)
18.	Mayapuri PO	36.	New Delhi R.S. TMO (New Delhi Rly Station)

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