What if your cheque bounces? Check out the legal obligations
What if your cheque bounces? Check out the legal obligations
The idiom ‘cut the cloth to suit the purse’ or ‘cut your coat according to your cloth’ is timeless. Whether one is borrowing for buying a house or for business, or obtains credit card facilities or signs up for Electronic Clearance System (ECS) for the services one receives regularly should be aware that any failure to honour the payment commitments resulting in to the bouncing of a cheque or the ECS mandate is a criminal offence.
Section 138 of the Negotiable Instrument Act deals with the bouncing of cheque. Section 25 of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 accords the same rights and remedies to the payee (beneficiary) against the dishonour of electronic funds transfer instruction as are available to the payee under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
Consequently, whether one issues cheques or signs up for the ECS mandate, the obligations are similar and accordingly if the funds transfer initiated by a person from an account maintained by him cannot be executed on the ground that the amount of money standing to the credit of that account is insufficient to honour the transfer instruction or that it exceeds the amount arranged to be paid from that account by an agreement made with a bank, such person shall be deemed to have committed an offence. Therefore, the person shall without prejudice to any other provisions of this Act be punished with imprisonment for a term which may be extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to twice the amount of the cheque/ electronic funds transfer, or with both.
If for any reason, the individuals/ entities who have issued cheques (current dated or post dated) or given the ECS mandate and expect that the instrument will get dishonoured should approach the lender/ service or goods provider in time and seek further time or resolution. Closing one’s eyes thinking that it will take years before any legal action will be taken are sadly mistaken.
It is also important that if you are a partner or director of the entity, one is careful that sufficient fund arrangements are made before cheques are issued or the ECS mandate is given. The obligation under law will transverse both on the entity and the person who has signed the cheque. The payee (beneficiary) will also attempt to cover other partners / directors who though have not signed the instrument but in their opinion are equally liable.
In effect, it is essential that proper legal advice is sought if there are going to be dishonouring of obligations.
Similarly for payee/ beneficiary (lender or provider of service/goods), timely action is required as any lapses in commencing proceedings in time or filing of the proceedings under wrong jurisdiction or commencing proceedings against the person against whom the action should not have been taken can make the recovery proceedings lengthy and giving the opportunity to the borrower to take legal shelter.
It is essential that both the parties are fully aware of the legal obligations provided by the law. Failure of one party in honouring its obligation can result in a chain reaction as the receiving party in turn can also face a similar situation for want of adequate funds.
PF Interest To Be Credited Soon. How To Check EPF Balance, Passbook Online
Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) interest of 8.55 per cent for fiscal 2018 is set to be credited soon. If you are not aware of your EPF balance, there are many easy ways to check it. Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) provides an online facility on its website via which you can check your EPF passbook. EPF balance can also be checked via the missed call and SMS facilities of EPFO. The Umang app, which is a one-stop solution for a host of government services, also allows EPFO subscribers to check their EPF balance.
How to check EPF balance via EPFO’s website Go to EPFO website, epfindia.gov.in. Click on e-Passbook towards the right.
(Click on ‘e-Passbook’ towards the right on EPFO’s website.)
You will be asked to input your UAN number, password and a captcha code. UAN stands for Universal Account Number which is allotted by EPFO. The UAN acts as an umbrella for multiple member ids allotted to an individual by different establishments.
(UAN stands for Universal Account Number which is allotted by EPFO.)
Click on the member-id to view the e-passbook and know your EPF balance.
(Click on the member-id to view the e-passbook and know your EPF balance.)
How to check EPF balance via missed call facility of EPFO Subscribers registered on the UAN portal can dial 011-22901406 from their registered mobile number. In order to avail this facility, your mobile number must be activated with UAN at the official website of EPFO.
If you want to receive details of your last contribution and PF balance, your UAN must be seeded with any one of your bank account numbers, Aadhaar and permanent account numbers (PAN).
This service of EPFO is free.
How to check EPF balance via SMS Members whose UAN is activated may know their latest PF contribution and balance by sending an SMS to 7738299899 from their registered mobile number. The member has to type “EPFOHO UAN” to 7738299899. The facility is available in 10 languages viz. English (default), Hindi, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam and Bengali. For receiving SMS in any of the languages other than English, first three characters of the preferred language need to be added after UAN. For example, to receive the SMS in Hindi, you should send it as follows: “EPFOHO UAN HIN” to 7738299899.
How to check EPF balance via Umang app Open Umang app and click on EPFO. Members will be directed to a page which shows employee-centric services, general services, employer-centric services, eKYC services, and Jeevan Praman.
Click on ’employee centric services’, which will lead you to a page that lets you view the passbook and raise and track claim.
(Provident fund balance via Umang: Click on ‘view passbook’ and input your UAN.)
Click on ‘view passbook’ and input your UAN. Log in and type out the one time password (OTP) that will come on your registered mobile number. After this, you will be able to see your EPF balance.
EPFO, on Friday, asked its offices to credit 8.55 per cent rate of interest for 2017-18, which is the lowest rate since fiscal 2013.
EPFO has 5 crore subscribers. EPF is a mandatory contribution from individual salaries of employees for all companies that have more than 20 employees.
HYPERCONVERGENCE BREATHES NEW LIFE INTO DESKTOP VIRTUALIZATION
Virtual desktop infrastructure (or VDI) has been an intriguing idea for a long time. We look at the pros and cons of VDI and whether the emergence of hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) will finally make implementing virtual desktops feasible.
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is one of those tantalizing technologiesthat looks great on paper, but hasn’t gained much traction over the years for a variety of financial, technical, cultural, even philosophical reasons.
However, a relatively new framework called hyperconvergence, which combines compute, storage and networking in a single data center appliance, could breathe new life into VDI by reducing the cost and complexity associated with a VDI rollout.
The argument in favor of VDI, also known as desktop virtualization or thin-client computing, makes perfect sense.
What if enterprise IT could get off the expensive and time-consuming cycle of replacing desktops and laptops every two or three years, then constantly dealing with patching, updating and maintaining those devices?
With VDI, the operating system and all applications are hosted on virtual machines (VMs) running in a secure data center. Companies save on hardware costs by deploying inexpensive thin clients, repurposing old desktops or taking advantage of the BYOD movement and having employees buy their own devices.
Data is not at risk because the virtual desktop doesn’t have a hard drive. VDI offers the benefits of centralized management. And VDI enables employees to securely access their virtual desktops at any time from any location on any device.
How VDI works
VDI requires an end user device, network connection and VMs located in the data center. Typically, the virtualized desktop is equipped with nothing more than flash memory and a display protocol client like Microsoft’s RDP, VMware’s PCoIP or Citrix’s HDX.
In the data center, IT administrators create pools of identically configured VMs for specific job functions. When an end user establishes a session, the connection broker assigns the session to an available virtual desktop from the appropriate pool.
There are two ways to operate VDI. Persistent VDI provides each user with their own desktop image which is saved for future use. Non-persistent desktops revert to their original state each time a user logs out.
VDI Pros and Cons
VDI promised to be a huge money saver, but adopters discovered that VDI didn’t reduce costs, it just shifted them. Instead of spending money on new desktops, companies had to upgrade the network to provide the reliability and user experience that employees expected.
Companies then had to add expensive storage and compute power to the data center. And VDI required re-architecting data center assets in order to handle VDI-specific situations like the daily login storm at 9 a.m.
Management is another area where VDI’s purported benefits proved to be somewhat illusory. The notion that IT could create a “golden image” of the end user desktop and update or patch thousands of desktops with one click sounds great.
And it works in specific use cases, such as employees who can do their job entirely within the parameters of that standard desktop image, in call centers, warehouses and retail locations, or with contractors.
But in most other circumstances, real life is a lot messier and less controllable. You have employees with their own devices, running a variety of operating systems. Some employees rely on a legacy or customized app to get their job done. And even employees in the same department might have their own specific mix of applications.
There are two other big cons for VDI. If the VDI server goes down or if the connection to the VDI server is interrupted, nobody works. Second, with VDI, employees can’t work offline because nothing is stored on the device.
Technologically, VDI is easier to deploy today that it has ever been thanks to a range of factors including better graphics, faster chips, cheaper storage, reliable broadband and easier VM deployment and management.
But trying to impose centralized control runs counter to the personalization and customization that employees have come to expect. Imagine telling a Millennial that if they come to work for your company, they won’t be able to use their preferred cloud-based productivity apps or work offline while on a plane, even on their own device.
VDI and the Cloud
Cloud computing has cast a shadow over VDI in a number of ways. First, VDI was originally based on companies having an on-premises data center, but enterprises are increasingly moving their data centers to the cloud, or at least moving to a hybrid cloud model.
You could certainly run VDI from the cloud, but that creates new security, connectivity and cost issues.
And many applications don’t live in an on-premises data center or even in cloud-based servers. For example, for companies that have moved to or are thinking about moving to Office 365, those email and productivity apps live in Microsoft’s Azure cloud. So, how does that affect the golden image?
Beyond that, what makes cloud computing attractive to enterprises is that it’s all about agility and flexibility. Employees want the freedom to take out a credit card and quickly access a new cloud-based app or switch from one productivity app to another. And what about commonplace, on-the-fly situations where somebody wants you to join a WebEx and download a presentation or grab a document from their Dropbox folder?
So, there’s certainly a practical and philosophical side to the question of whether VDI is the right fit for your company or at least which subset of workers would be appropriate for a VDI scenario.
VDI vs. DaaS
One alternative to an enterprise IT department running its own VDI deployment is Desktop-as-a-Service or DaaS. In the DaaS scenario, companies hand control of their desktops to a cloud services provider.
With hosted desktops, you don’t need to own data-center servers or storage at all. And the DaaS provider takes care of patching, maintaining and updated applications. Outsourcing desktop virtualization to the cloud can provide flexibility, mobility and general ease-of-use for users and administrators.
Of course, DaaS has its own potential downsides. You’re giving up control over your data and trusting a third-party to protect your information. You’re relying on the cloud-services provider not to have an outage that prevents employees from working. And software licensing is an issue with DaaS.
VDI and HCI: Hyperconvergence may be the answer
VDI has been around in one form or another since the `90s, so it’s fair to ask: If VDI hasn’t taken off by now, when will it?
The answer may lie with a relatively new framework called hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI), which combines hypervisor, compute, storage and networking in modular building blocks. HCI can also include backup, replication, cloud gateway, caching, WAN optimization and real-time deduplication.
HCI can cut costs in several ways. First, buying an HCI appliance with all of the data center components already bundled is less expensive than buying those pieces individually. HCI delivers simpler management, automated updates, reduced maintenance costs and faster, easier scalability.
HCI vendors are specifically targeting their appliances at the VDI market and some are offering automated VDI deployments.
For companies concerned about the security of their endpoints or looking for an alternative to the traditional desktop lifecycle, VDI on HCI is something to consider.
This story, “Hyperconvergence breathes new life into desktop virtualization ” was originally published by Network World.
IRCTC ONLINE TICKET RESERVATION: FACILITIES, RULES AND CONDITIONS
IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) offers online reservation and cancellation of tickets, along with many other facilities. Commuters can book tatkal tickets, claim refund, check refund status and file TDR (ticket deposit receipt) via IRCTC’s official website (irctc.co.in) or IRCTC rail connect android app. Now, passengers can also change boarding station and name of e-ticket passenger. Boarding station can be changed both online and offline. For changing passenger’s name, customer can approach the nearest railway reservation office with ‘electronic reservation slip’ print out and photo identity proof in original of one of the passenger traveling in the ticket at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure of train.
Amendment in e-ticket scheme
According to IRCTC, the accommodation booked is not transferable and is valid only if one of the passenger booked on an e-ticket in a transaction presents any of the identity cards (voter identity card/passport/ pan card/driving license/photo I/d card of central/state government/student identity card with photograph issued by recognized school/college for their students/nationalised bank passbook with photograph/credit cards issued by banks with laminated photograph) during train journey in original and same will be accepted as proof of identity failing which the passengers will be treated as travelling without ticket and shall be dealt with as per extant railway rules.Tatkal quota e-tickets
1. Tatkal e-ticket can be booked one day in advance excluding the date of journey from the train originating station and the provision for specifying ID proof at the time of booking a Tatkal e-ticket has been started.
2. Entry of ID card details is not required at the time of booking for tatkal scheme.
3. One of the passengers has to produce any one of the prescribed identity in original during the journey, failing which all the passengers booked on that ticket will be treated as travelling without ticket and charged accordingly.
4. No refund will be granted on cancellation of confirmed Tatkal e-tickets.
General quota e-tickets:
There is no provision for specifying ID proof at the time of booking a general quota e-ticket.
ISRO Recruitment 2018 Technician B, Hindi Translator (07 Vacancies) Read more: ISRO Recruitment 2018 Technician B, Hindi Translator (07 Vacancies)
Department of Space, Government of India, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Headquarters invites applications for recruitment of Technician- B and Junior Hindi Translator. The last date for submission of online registration is 13th June 2018.
Name of the Post
No of Vacancy
Age Limit
Pay Scale
Technician B (Civil)
03
35 Years for UR, 40 Years for SC
Level – 03 in Pay Matrix
Technician B (Electrical)
01
35 Years for UR, 38 Years for OBC
Level – 03 in Pay Matrix
Junior Hindi Translator (JHT)
03
35 Years for UR, 38 Years for OBC
Level – 06 in Pay Matrix
Essential Qualifications:
Technician B (Civil) –>
SSLC / SSC pass with ITI/ NTC/ NAC in Civil Trade.
Technician B (Electrical) –>
SSLC / SSC pass with ITI/ NTC/ NAC in Electrical Trade.
JHT –>
Master’s degree / Post Graduate in Hindi with English as a compulsory or elective subject or as medium of examination at Degree level OR equivalent qualification.
Application Fee: ₹ 100/- for each application. The Candidates may make the payment ‘online’ using Internet Banking/ Debit Card or ‘Offline’ by visiting nearest SBI Branch. Candidates after submitting their application can pay application fee immediately or any day before the last date for fee payment 15th June 2018. The fee is exempted for all Women candidates/Scheduled Castes (SC)/ Scheduled Tribes (ST); Ex-serviceman [EX] and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) candidates.
Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates will be called for Written Test and Skill Test.
How to Apply: Eligible Interested candidates are required to apply online. The online registration will be open from 24th May 2018 and close on 13/06/2018. Upon registration, applicants will be provided with an on-line Registration Number, which should be carefully preserved for future reference. E-mail ID of the applicant will have to be given in the application compulsorily.
Notification and Apply Online >>
ISRO, Department of Space is looking for young, dynamic and dedicated candidates for recruitment of Junior Personal Assistants and Stenographers in various ISRO Centres/Units, across India. The last date for submission of online applications is 30th April 2018.
(1) Graduation / Degree in Arts/ Commerce/ Management/ Science/ Computer Applications with First Class, as declared by the University. (OR) Diploma in Commercial/ Secretarial Practice with First Class with one year experience as Steno-Typist/ Stenographer.
(2) A minimum speed of 80 w.p.m in English Stenography.
(3) Knowledge in the use of Computers.
Application Fee: ₹ 100/- for each application, The fee should be made through ‘Online’ payment using Internet Banking/ Debit Card or ‘Offline’ by visiting nearest SBI Branch. There is no fee for All Women candidates / SC / ST / Ex-s and PWD Candidates.
Selection Process:
Written Test
Skill Test
How to Apply: Eligible Interested candidates are required to fill Online application. The online registration of application will be open from 10th April 2018 and close on 30/04/2018.
Important Dates:
Opening date for online registration -> 10/04/2018
Closing date for online registration -> 30/04/2018 Last date for paying application fee -> 30/04/2018 Last date for receipt of hard copy of application -> 14/05/2018
Details and Apply Online >>
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) Recruitment for the post of Administrative Officer, Accounts Officer and Purchase and Stores Officer. The last date for submission of online applications is 25th April 2018.
Name of the Post
No of Vacancy
Administrative Officer
01
Accounts Officer
02
Purchase and Stores Officer
01
Age Limit: (As on 25/04/2018)
General
SC and ST
For Others
35 Years
40 Years
As per Govt. Rules
Educational Qualification and Experience:
Administrative Officer –>
MBA + 1 year experience in supervisory capacity (OR) Post Graduate + 3 years experience (1 year in supervisory capacity) (OR) Graduate with 5 years experience (2 years in supervisory capacity).
Accounts Officer –>
ACA/FCA or AICWA/FICWA or MBA + 1 year experience in supervisory capacity (OR) M.Com. + 3 years experience (1 year in supervisory capacity) (OR) B.Com/ BBA/ BBM with 5 years experience (2 years in supervisory capacity).
Purchase and Stores Officer –>
MBA in Marketing or Materials Management + 1 year experience in supervisory capacity. (OR) Graduate + Post Graduate Diploma in Materials Management [or any other subject relating to Purchase & Stores activity] with 3 years experience [1 year in supervisory capacity]. (OR) Post Graduate with 3 years experience [1 year in supervisory capacity]. (OR) Graduate with 5 years experience [2 years in supervisory capacity].
Application Fee: ₹ 100/- for each application. Candidates may make the payment ‘Online’ using Internet Banking/ Debit Card or ‘Offline’ by visiting nearest SBI Branch. Candidates after submitting their application can pay application fee immediately or any day before the last date for fee payment 27th April 2018.
How to Apply: Eligible Interested candidates are required to apply online through ISRO Website. The last date for submission of online registration is 25/04/2018.
ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) offers the position of Scientist/ Engineer ‘SC’ in Level 10 of Pay Matrix to the young graduates in Civil, Electrical, Architecture and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning engineering disciplines. The last date for registration of online applications is 12th March 2018.
ADVERTISEMENT No. ISRO HQ:ICRB:03:2018
Post Code
Name of Post
No of Vacancies
BE004
Scientist/ Engineer ‘SC’ (Civil)
11
BE005
Scientist/ Engineer ‘SC’ (Electrical)
05
BE006
Scientist/ Engineer ‘SC’ (Refrigeration & Air Conditioning)
06
Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad an autonomous institution under Department of Space Vacancy:
Post Code
Post Name
No. of Vacancies
BE007
Scientist/ Engineer ‘SC (Civil)
03
BE008
Scientist/ Engineer ‘SC (Electrical)
01
BE009
Scientist/ Engineer ‘SC (Architecture)
01
Semi-Conductor Laboratory, Chandigarh an autonomous institution under Department Of Space [Group ‘A’ Non-Gazetted post] Vacancy:
Post Code
Post Name
No. of Vacancy
BE010
Scientist/ Engineer ‘SC’ (Refrigeration & Air Conditioning)
01
Age Limit: 35 years as on 05th March 2018. 40 years in case of SC/ST candidates and 38 years for OBC candidates, against posts reserved for these categories). Ex-Serviceman and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) are eligible for age relaxation as per Govt. of India orders.
Pay and Allowances: Level 10 of Pay Matrix and will be paid minimum basic pay of ₹ 56100/- p.m.
Educational Qualification: BE/ B.Tech or equivalent in concerned Engineering discipline in First Class with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10.
Application Fee: ₹ 100/- for each application. Candidates may make the payment ‘online’ using Internet Banking/ Debit Card or ‘Offline’ by visiting nearest SBI Branch. All Women candidates/ Scheduled Castes (SC)/ Scheduled Tribes (ST); Ex-servicemen [EX] and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) candidates are exempted from payment of Application Fee.
Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates will be called for Written Test. The written test will be conducted on 22.04.2018 at twelve venues viz., Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram.
How to Apply: Eligible Interested candidates are required to submit their online application through ISRO Website. The last date for registration of online application is 12/03/2018.
Detailed Advertisement >>
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) invites Online applications from Young Engineering Graduates for recruitment position of Scientist/ Engineer ‘SC’ in various engineering disciplines (Electronics / Mechanical / Computer Science). The last date for submission of online applications is 20th February 2018.
Post Code
Name of Post
No of Vacancies
BE001
Scientist/ Engineer SC – Electronics
32
BE002
Scientist/ Engineer SC – Mechanical
45
BE003
Scientist/ Engineer SC – Computer Science
29
Age Limit: Maximum 35 Years as on 20th February 2018. Age Relaxation for Ex-Servicemen and Persons with Disabilities as per Govt. of India orders.
Pay Scale: Level 10 of Pay Matrix and will be paid minimum basic pay of ₹ 56100/- p.m.
Educational Qualification:
(1) First Class B.E / B.Tech Engineering Graduate or equivalent qualification in concerned discipline with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10 (average of all semesters for which results are available). (2) Candidates who are going to complete the above course in the academic year 2017-18 are also eligible to apply, provided final degree is available by 31/8/2018. (3) The qualification prescribed and the benchmark are only the MINIMUM requirement and fulfilling the same does not automatically make candidates eligible for Written Test.
Application Fee: ₹ 100/- for each application. The fee should be made through Online Mode using Internet Banking/ Debit Card OR Offline Mode by visiting nearest SBI Branch. This fee exempted for All Women candidates/ Scheduled Castes (SC)/ Scheduled Tribes (ST), Ex-servicemen [EX] and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) candidates.
Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates will be called for Written Test. The written test will be conducted on 22nd April 2018 at 12 venues viz., Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram.
How to Apply: Eligible Interested candidates may submit their applications through Online registration mode using ISRO Website. The last date for submitting online application is 20/02/2018. The candidates who are already employed under Central/State Govt/PSU/Autonomous Bodies have to send a ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the employer concerned, duly indicating their Registration Number and Post Code to the Administrative Officer [ICRB], ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru on or before 27/02/2018.
Government of India, Department of Space, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), ISRO Satellite Centre Bengaluru invites Online applications for engaging / offering Junior Research Fellow (JRF) at ISRO Satellite Centre Bengaluru, with Post Graduate Degree in Engineering/Post Graduate in Science. The last date for submission of online registration is 2nd February 2018.
Name of the Post
Total Vacancies
Age Limit
Emoluments
Junior Research Fellow (JRF)
20
Maximum 28 Years as on 2nd February 2018. Relaxation – 05 Years for SC / ST & 03 Years for OBC.
₹ 25000/- per month
Minimum Essential Qualification: M.E. / M.Tech / M.Sc. Engineering or equivalent Post Graduate Degree. The candidates who are qualified in NET or NET equivalent examination are only eligible to Apply.
Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates will be called for Interview. The call letter for the Interview for shortlisted applicants will be sent only by e-mail.
How to Apply: The Application for Online Registration will be hosted in the ISRO Website from 13/01/2018 to 02/02/2018. Upon online registration, the applicants will be provided with an online registration number, which should be carefully preserved for future reference. Email ID of the applicant will have to be provided in the application correctly and compulsorily (Hall tickets will be sent by email only).
Download Notification >>
ISRO invites online applications from young graduates offers the position of Scientist/ Engineer ‘SC’ in Electronics, Mechanical and Computer Science Discipline. The last date for submission of online application of ISRO Scientist / Engineer Vacancy 2017-18 registration close on 5th October 2017.
Advertisement No. ISRO HQ: ICRB: 05:2017
Post Code
Name of the Post
No of Vacancies
BE 001
Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ [Electronics]
35
BE 002
Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ [Mechanical]
35
BE 003
Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ [Computer Science]
10
Age Limit: 35 Years as on 5th October 2017. Age Relaxation as per Govt. Rules.
Pay and Allowances: Level 10 of Pay Matrix and will be paid minimum basic pay of ₹ 56100/- p.m. In addition, House Rent Allowance [HRA] and Transport Allowance at the prescribed rates in force at the place of posting will be paid for those who are not availing Departmental Housing and Transport facility, respectively.
Eligibility: BE/B.Tech Engineering Graduate or equivalent qualification in first class with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10 (average of all semesters for which results are available). The qualification prescribed and the benchmark are only the MINIMUM requirement and fulfilling the same does not automatically make candidates eligible for Written Test.
Application Fee: ₹ 100/- for each application. Candidates may make the payment ‘online’ using Internet Banking/ Debit card or ‘Offline’ by visiting nearest SBI Branch. Candidates after submitting their application can pay application fee immediately or any day before the last date for fee payment i.e. 06/10/2017. No fee for SC / ST / Ex-Serviceman (EX) and PWD Category Candidates.
Selection Process: Written Test and Interview. Shortlisted candidates based on the academic performance and bio-data, will be called for Written Test. The written test will be conducted on 24/12/2017 at twelve venues viz., Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram.
How to Apply: The application for on-line registration will be hosted in the ISRO website. Eligible Candidates are required to apply online through ISRO Portal to register their applications online between 15/09/2017 and 05/10/2017. Scanned copies of latest passport sized photograph and Signature of the candidates in the prescribed file size is required to be uploaded in the Application. The documents to be sent to :ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (RMT), ANTARIKSH BHAVAN, ISRO HEADQUARTERS, NEW BEL ROAD, BENGALURU – 560094 latest by 12/10/2017. For any queries email to icrb@isro.gov.in.
ISRO ICRB invites online applications for recruitment of Light Vehicle Driver ‘A’ (LVD), Heavy Vehicle Driver ‘A’ (HVD) and Staff Car Driver ‘A’ (SCD) at various DOS/ ISRO Centres/ Units. The last date for online registration of ISRO Driver Vacancy 2017 is 28th August 2017.
Age Limit: 35 years for General as on 28.08.2017 (40 years in case of SC/ST candidates and 38 years for OBC candidates, against posts reserved for these categories).
Pay and Allowances: Level 2 of Pay Matrix and will be paid minimum basic pay of ₹ 19,900/- p.m.
Educational Qualification: Pass in SSLC/ SSC/ Matric/ 10th Standard.
Experience:
Light Vehicle Driver ‘A’ (LVD) -> 3 years experience as Light Vehicle Driver. Must possess valid LVD licence and Public Service Badge.
Heavy Vehicle Driver ‘A’ (HVD) -> 5 years experience, out of which 3 years as HVD. Must possess HVD licence and Public Service Badge.
Staff Car Driver ‘A’ (SCD) -> 3 years experience as Light Vehicle Driver. Must possess valid LVD licence and Public Service Badge.
Application Fee: ₹ 100/- (Only General and OBC Candidates) for each application. Candidates may make the payment ‘online’ using Internet Banking/ Debit Card/ Credit Card or ‘Offline’ by visiting nearest SBI Branch. The last date for fee payment is 29th August 2017. Candidates can check Payment status and Print Receipt by visiting “Payment Status” link available in advertisement page. No other mode of payment will be acceptable. All Women candidates/ Scheduled Castes (SC)/ Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Ex-serviceman [EX] candidates are exempted from payment of Application Fee.
Selection Process: Written Test and Skill Test. The Initial screening will be conducted to short-list candidates for taking-up written test. The written test will be conducted on 26/11/2017 [Sunday] at nine venues viz., Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Dehradun, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram. Based on the performance in the written test, candidates will be shortlisted for skill test, depending on the number of vacancies notified. Skill Test will be purely go-no-go basis and marks obtained in the skill test shall not be considered for selection. From amongst candidates who qualify in the skill test with minimum 60% marks, empanelment shall be done in the order of marks obtained in the written test, subject to number of vacancies notified. In case, sufficient number of SC/ ST/ OBC/ PWD/ Ex-servicemen candidates are not available for filling-up the vacancies reserved for these categories, relaxation will be extended to candidates belonging to the respective category, to make good the short-fall.
How to Apply: Eligible Interested Candidates are required to Apply Online through ISRO Website. The closing date for submission of online registration is 28/08/2017. Scanned copies of latest passport sized Photograph and Signature of the candidates in the prescribed file size is required to be uploaded in the application. On successful submission of the on-line application, candidates have to make payment of application fee (in case applicable).
The Photo-copy of online application (Hard Copy) along with required documents to be sent to ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (RMT) ANTARIKSH BHAVAN, ISRO HEADQUARTERS, NEW BEL ROAD, BENGALURU -560094 on or before 04/09/2017.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) invites online applications from eligible Indian National candidates for recruitment of Assistants (Administrative Support Staff) and Upper Division Clerks (UDC) in various ISRO Centres/Units, and Autonomous Bodies/CPSUs under Department of Space across India. The last date for registration of online applications is 31st July 2017.
Upper Age Limit (as on 31/07/2017): 26 years for General, 31 years in case of SC/ST and 29 years for OBC candidates.
Educational Qualification:
(1) Graduate Degree in Arts/ Commerce/ Management/ Science/ Computer Applications with First Class as declared by the University. (The prescribed qualification to be acquired on or before 31/07/2017) (2) Knowledge in the use of Computers.
Application Fee: ₹ 100/- for each application. Candidates may make the payment ‘online’ using Internet Banking/ Debit Card/ Credit Card or ‘Offline’ by visiting nearest SBI Branch.
How to Apply: Eligible Interested candidates are required to apply online through ISRO Website. The closing date for registration of online applications is 31/07/2017. The candidates who are already employed under Central/State Govt/ PSU/ Autonomous Bodies have to send a ‘No Objection Certificate (NOC)’ from the employer concerned, duly indicating their Registration Number and Post Number to the Administrative Officer [RMT], Antariksh Bhavan, ISRO Headquarters, New BEL Road , Bengaluru- 560094 within 07 days of filing the applications on-line by the candidates and in any case not later than 07/08/2017.
Important Dates:
The Last date for submission of Online Application -> 31/07/2017 The Last date for payment of application fee (Online) -> 01/08/2017 up to 11:59 PM The Last date for payment of application fee (Offline) -> 31/07/2017’’
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Headquarters invites applications for recruitment post of Hindi Typist and Technician-B. The last date for submission of online applications is 21st July 2017.
Post Code
Name of the Post
No of Vacancy
Age Limit (as on 21/07/2017)
Pay Scale
01
Hindi Typist For filling up in ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru and MCF, Hassan
03
26 Years (31 Years in case of SC)
Level-04 in Pay Matrix
02
Hindi Typist For filling up in Department of Space
01
26 Years
Level-04 in Pay Matrix
03
Technician – B (Electrical) for filling up in ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru
01
35 Years
Level-03 in Pay Matrix
Educational Qualifications:
Hindi Typist ->
(1) Graduate degree in Arts/ Science/ Commerce/ Management/ Computer Applications with First Class as declared by the University. (2) The candidates should have studied Hindi as one of the subjects at Matriculation/ Degree level OR passed either of these examinations in Hindi medium. (3) Hindi Typewriting speed @ 25 w.p.m. on computer. (4) Knowledge in the use of Computers. (5) Knowledge in English Typewriting (desirable qualification).
Technician – B (Electrical) ->
(1) SSLC/SSC pass + ITI/ NTC/ NAC in Electrical Trade.
Selection Process: The shortlisted candidates will be called for Written Test and Skill Test.
How to Apply: Eligible Interested Persons apply in the prescribed application format. The Application form available till 21st July 2017. The duly filled in application, affixing a recent passport size colour photograph at the place provided in the application, along with self-attested copies of all certificates/testimonials may be sent to Administrative Officer (Recruitment), ISRO Headquarters, Antariksh Bhavan, New BEL Road, Bangalore- 560 094 on or before 28/07/2017. The postal cover superscripting on the envelope ‘Application for the post of Hindi Typist’/’Application for the post of Technician-B’.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) invites Online Applications from Young Engineering Graduates for recruitment of Scientist/Engineer ‘SC’ in Level 10 of Pay Matrix in various engineering disciplines. The Last date for submission of online applications is 14th March 2017.
ADVERTISEMENT No. ISRO HQ(CEPO):ICRB:02:2017
Post Code
Name of the Post
Total Vacancies
BE004
Scientist / Engineer ‘SC’ – Civil
08
BE005
Scientist / Engineer ‘SC’ – Electrical
06
BE006
Scientist / Engineer ‘SC’ – Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
06
BE007
Scientist / Engineer ‘SC’ – Architecture
02
BE008
Scientist / Engineer ‘SC’ – Civil
01
BE009
Scientist / Engineer ‘SC’ – Electrical
03
BE010
Scientist / Engineer ‘SC’ – Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
01
Age Limit: Maximum 35 Years as on 14th March 2017. Upper Age 40 years in case of SC/ST candidates and 38 years for OBC candidates. Age Relaxation for Ex-Serviceman and PWD candidates – as per Govt. of India Rules.
Pay and Allowances: Level 10 of Pay Matrix and will be paid minimum basic pay of ₹ 56100/- p.m.
Minimum Educational Qualification: B.E. / B.Tech or equivalent in Civil / Electrical / Refrigeration & A/C / Architecture Engineering in First Class with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10 (average of marks of all semesters for which results are available). Candidates applying with qualification of AMIE/Grad IETE should have 65% marks or CGPA 6.84 in Section ‘B’ alone.
Application Fee: ₹ 100/- for each application. The Candidates may make the payment ‘Online using Internet Banking/ Debit Card (OR) ‘Offline’ by visiting nearest SBI Branch (using SBI Challan). SC / ST / PWD / Ex-Servicem and and All Women candidates are exempted from payment of Application Fee.
Selection Process: Written Test and Interview.
Shortlisted candidates based on the academic performance and bio-data, will be called for Written Test. The written test will be conducted on 07/05/2017 at 12 venues viz., Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram. The call letters for the written test to the short- listed candidates will be sent only by e-mail during the third/last week of April 2017.
How to Apply: Eligible Interested Engineering Graduates Apply Online through ISRO Online Registration. The Last date for submission of online applications is 14/03/2017. For queries about online application email to onlinepayhq@isro.gov.in.
Important Dates:
Last date for filling Online Application -> 14/03/2017 Last Date for Fee Payment -> 15/03/2017 up to 11:59 PM Tentative date of Written Test -> 07/05/2017
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), ISRO Centralised Recruitment Board (ICRB) invites Online Applications for Recruitment to the post of Scientist / Engineer ‘SC’ in the disciplines of Electronics, Mechanical and Computer Science. The last date for submission of online applications is 7th March 2017.
Advertisement Number: ISRO HQ: ICRB: 01:2017
Post Code
Name of the Post
Total Vacancies
BE 001
Scientist / Engineer ‘SC’ (Electronics)
42 (12 Vacancy reserved for PWD)
BE 002
Scientist / Engineer ‘SC’ (Mechanical)
36 (10 Vacancy reserved for PWD)
BE 003
Scientist / Engineer ‘SC’ (Computer Science)
09 (01 Vacancy reserved for PWD)
Age Limit: 35 Years as on 7th March 2017. Age Relaxation as per Govt. Rules.
Pay and Allowances: Level 10 of Pay Matrix and will be paid minimum basic pay of ₹ 56100/- p.m.
Eligibility: BE/ B.Tech or equivalent qualification in first class with an aggregate minimum of 65% marks or CGPA 6.84/10 (average of all semesters for which results are available). Candidates applying with qualification of AMIE/Grad IETE should have 65% marks or CGPA 6.84 in Section ‘B’ alone. Candidates who are going to complete the above course in the academic year 2016-17 are also eligible to apply, provided final degree is available by 31/8/2017. The qualification prescribed and the benchmark are only the minimum requirement and fulfilling the same does not automatically make candidates eligible for Written Test.
Application Fee: ₹ 100/- for each application. Candidates may make the payment ‘online’ using Internet Banking/ Debit Card or ‘Offline’ by visiting nearest SBI Branch. All Women candidates/ Scheduled Castes (SC)/ Scheduled Tribes (ST) / Ex-serviceman [EX] and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) candidates are exempted from payment of Application Fee.
Selection Process: Written Test and Interview / Interview. The written test will be conducted on 7th May 2017 at twelve venues viz., Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, New Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram.
How to Apply: The application for on-line registration will be hosted in the ISRO website. The Last date for Online Registration is 07/03/2017.
Important Dates:
Last date for submission of Online Applications -> 07/03/2017 Last date for Fee Payment -> 08/03/2017 up to 11.59 pm. Tentative Date for Written Test -> 07/05/2017 Last date for receipt of NOC (already employed under Central/ State Govt/ PSU/ Autonomous Bodies) -> 15/03/2017
A majority of people invest in medical and life insurance policies, Provident Fund schemes and mutual funds, among others, to save tax. It may, however, be surprising to know that our Income Tax Act also allows tax benefits in respect of certain expenses incurred by an individual taxpayer. However, in order to claim this benefit, it is necessary that the amount is spent in the same financial year. Which are these expenses? Here is a list of some of such expenses:
Tuition fees
Incurring expensive tuition fees for your children? Don’t worry! Tuition fees paid to any university, college, school or other educational institution situated in India, whether at the time of admission or thereafter, are eligible for deduction under Section 80C of the IT Act. The tuition fees paid for up to 2 children can be claimed under this Section. The fees should be paid in connection with full-time education of the children and should exclude any development fees or donations or payment of similar nature. The benefit is subject to the ceiling of Rs 1,50,000.
Medical treatment of a dependent person with disability
If you have incurred any medical expenditure on the treatment of a dependent family member (i.e. spouse, children, parent, brothers and sister) suffering from specified disabilities, a deduction can be claimed under Section 80DD of the IT Act. The deduction is limited to Rs 75,000 under this Section, and if the dependent is suffering from severe disability, deduction up to an amount of Rs 1,25,000 is available. The deduction under this Section is only available to resident individuals. In case the resident individual himself is suffering from the disability, the above-mentioned amounts are eligible for deduction under Section 80U.
Medical treatment of specified diseases
In case a resident individual has incurred expenditure in connection with treatment of any specified diseases or ailments and has obtained prescription for such treatment from a specified medical specialist, the same can be claimed as a deduction subject to a maximum ceiling of Rs 40,000 as per Section 80DDB of the IT Act. The ceiling shall be Rs 60,000 in case the patient is a dependent senior citizen (i.e. above 60 years) and Rs 80,000 if he is a very senior citizen (i.e. above 80 years).
Interest on loan for higher education
An education loan, apart from funding the careers of aspiring individuals, offers tax benefits also. If you are repaying the installments of a loan taken for pursuing higher education for yourself or your relative (i.e. spouse, children or a student to whom you are a legal guardian), then the interest component shall be entitled to a deduction under Section 80E of the IT Act. The deduction under this Section starts from the year in which the payment of interest on loan is initiated and it continues up to 8 years or up to the year in which the loan is repaid, whichever is earlier. The loans should have been availed from a financial institution or any approved charitable institution for the purpose of higher education.
Principal repayment and interest on loan for residential house property
Taken a loan for buying a residential house in the financial year 2016-17? Home buyers can claim a tax deduction of the interest paid on such loan, subject to a maximum amount of Rs 50,000 under Section 80EE of the IT Act. The value of the house property should not exceed Rs 50 lakh and the amount of loan sanctioned should not exceed Rs 35 lakh. The benefit under this Section can be claimed only by individuals. In case the home buyer owns more than one residential house property on the date of sanction of the loan, benefit under this Section shall not be available.
The principal repayments of such loans can be claimed under Section 80C within the prescribed limit of Rs 1,50,000. This deduction is also applicable on stamp duty, registration fees and transfer expenses incurred in connection with the purchase of house property.
Deduction in respect of rent paid
In case your salary does not include a house rent allowance, then you are eligible to claim deduction of the rent expenditure incurred during the year under Section 80GG of the IT Act to the extent of lower of the following:
# Rent expenditure in excess of 10% of total income;
# 25% of the total income; or
# Rs 5,000 per month.
In order to claim benefit under this Section, it is necessary that no residential accommodation is held by you or your spouse or a minor child at the place where you ordinarily reside or carry out your business or profession.
Donations
Certain specific donations are eligible for a deduction under Section 80G of the IT Act. While some specified donations are eligible for 100% deduction, some are eligible for 50% deduction.
Also, deduction for certain donations (whether eligible for 100% or 50% deduction) is available only to the extent of 10% of the adjusted total income, as defined under the IT Act.
Further, in order to claim deduction in respect of donation exceeding Rs 10,000, it should be paid by any mode other than cash.
Please note that the above deductions are available subject to obtaining/furnishing of requisite documentary evidences as prescribed under the relevant provisions of the IT Act. Before claiming any deduction, it is advisable to confirm with your consultant about the eligibility of the expenditure incurred.
Xiaomi launches four new TVs including a curved 4K panel; price, specifications
Xiaomi launched the Mi TV series in India earlier this year. Similar to its smartphones, the TV series was an instant hit for the Chinese company, so much so that the company had to deal with an acute shortage of stock.
Xiaomi has now launched three new TVs in China, which could also make it to India in the near future. The company has launched the Mi TV 4S(55-inch and 43-inch), Mi TV 4X (55-inch) and and Mi TV 4C (43-inch).
Xiaomi Mi TV 4X The Mi TV 4X is a 55-inch TV that comes with ultra-narrow bezels and piano paint design. The TV also boasts a 4K HDR display and comes with a 64-bit quad-core processor. It has 2GB RAM and 8GB storage along with 8W speakers with Dolby Audio support. The TV is priced at RMB 2,799 in China (Rs 30,000 approximately).
Xiaomi Mi TV 4S There are two variants of the Mi TV 4S, the 43-inch and 55-inch panel. The 43-inch screen 4S comes with a 4K Ultra HD display with 8ms response time, 178-degree viewing angle and 60Hz refresh rate. The TV is powered by a quad-core processor and has 1GB RAM with 8GB in-built storage. The 43-inch TV has two HDMI ports when it comes to connectivity options. This TV is priced at RMB 1,799 (Rs 19,100 approximately).
The 55-inch screen Mi TV 4S comes with similar specifications as the 43-inch panel, a 178-degree viewing angle and 60Hz refresh rate. An added feature, however, is a curved 4K resolution display. Other specifications include a 64-bit quad-core processor, 2GB RAM with 8GB storage.
The Mi TV 4S 55-inch also features two 8W speakers with Dolby Audio support and H.264/265 decoding. The TV also flaunts an array of connectivity options like three HDMI ports, two USB ports and one AV, Ethernet, S/PDIF, analog signal DTMB port each. This Mi TV 4S 55-inch is priced at Rs RMB 3,299 (Rs 35,000 approximately).
Xiaomi Mi TV 4C This TV has a 32-inch screen and sports an HD (1366 x 768 pixels) panel with 6.5ms response time. It has 60Hz refresh time and 178-degree viewing angle. The TV comes with a 1.5GHz ARM Advance multi-core chipset, 1GB RAM and 4GB internal storage.
For connectivity, the TV has two HDMI ports, and one AV, USB, Ethernet, S/PDIF and analogue signal DTMB port each. The TV is the most affordable among the new smart TVs with a price tag of RMB 999 (Rs 10,600 approximately).
The four new Mi TVs launched by Xiaomi are available for pre-bookings in China and will go on sale from May 31. Xiaomi will also be conducting a launch event in China on May 31. The Chinese brand will be unveiling their new flagship Mi 8 during the event along with the Mi Band 3 that was spotted on chief Pete Lau’s wrist during the launch of the Black Shark gaming smartphone.
Electric Car Sales Set To Accelerate As Costs Fall And Production Scales Up
The Chinese-made $1.5million NIO EP9 at the Shanghai auto show. AP Photo/Ng Han Guan
The electrification of the transport system is set to accelerate in the late 2020s, with electric buses leading the way, a new report claims. Electric vehicle sales will surge thanks to tumbling battery costs and increasing scale in manufacturing.
Bloomberg New Energy Finance says that sales of electric vehicles (EVs) will reach 11 million by 2025 before racing to 30 million by 2030 as they become cheaper than petrol and diesel vehicles, up from just 1.1 million last year. By 2040, sales will have doubled once again to 60 million, which will be more than half of the market (55%). Electric cars will be 28% of the total market by 2030, while 84% of buses will be electric.
The transition will be led by China, which will account for half of sales in 2025, before falling back to 39% by 2030. Electric buses will dominate the market even earlier, by the late 2020s and here China is even more dominant – of the 300,000 e-buses on the road today, 99% are in China.
It will also lead to a significant increase in demand for lithium and cobalt, which are vital raw materials for battery production. Supply constraints for these two metals, along with the speed of the rollout of charging infrastructure and the rise of shared mobility – most of which will be electric – could slow the market’s growth.
Salim Morsy, senior transportation analyst, said: “While we’re optimistic on EV demand over the coming years, we see two important hurdles emerging. In the short term, we see a risk of cobalt shortages in the early 2020s that could slow down some of the rapid battery cost declines we have seen recently. Looking further out, charging infrastructure is still a challenge.”
Colin McKerracher, lead analyst on advanced transportation for BNEF, commented: “The big new feature of this forecast is electric buses. China has led this market in spectacular style, accounting for 99% of the world total last year. The rest of the world will follow, and by 2040 we expect 80% of the global municipal bus fleet to be electric.”
“Developments over the last 12 months, such as manufacturers’ plans for model roll-outs and new regulations on urban pollution, have bolstered our bullish view of the prospects for EVs,” McKerracher says.
Ali Izadi-Najafabadi, lead analyst for intelligent mobility at BNEF, added: “We predict that the global shared mobility fleet will swell from just under 5 million vehicles today to more than 20 million by 2040. By then over 90% of these cars will be electric, due to lower operating costs. Highly autonomous vehicles will account for 40% of the shared mobility fleet.”
The pace of electrification in transport will be fastest in Europe, where 44% of light vehicles will be electric by 2030, followed by China (41%) and the US (34%), while Japan will lag behind with just 17% of cars being electric. The market in India will be held back by a shortage of charging infrastructure and a lack of affordable models, so just 7% of cars will be EVs in 2030.
A day after Hindustan Times published a report that passports may no longer be valid proof of address as they may not have the last page, regional passport officer in Pune said that the changes will come into effect from June this year.
HT in its Friday edition had reported that passports may no longer be a valid proof of address for the reason that they may not have the current last page with the address of the passport holder. However, all the information will continue to be possessed by the passport office and the immigration department or security agencies.
JD Vaishampayan, regional passport officer, Pune said that the new passports will be issued from June 2018 once the existing lot is distributed.
“Basically at the time when the financial allocation is done, we decide an estimated number of passports that would be required for the entire year. So, by May 2018, the existing stock of passport will end. Consequently, by June we will start issuing new passports,” said Vaishampayan. The new passports will be printed at the India Security Press, Nashik, said Vaishampayan.
Earlier, confirming that changes could happen from “next series” of passport being issued, Surendra Kumar, under secretary of policy and legal matters and visa division at ministry of external affairs, said that the new decision has been taken to protect details of passport users. “The decision to keep the last page of passport blank has been taken to protect the details contained,” said Kumar.
According to officials, the details of the passport holders are in the back-end with the officials. Since 2012, all the passports have had a bar code and by simply scanning them, the information can be accessed. Currently the first page of passport has the photograph as well as other details of the passport holder; the address is printed on the last page.
Speaking about whether these changes in the passport are being done to make Aadhaar the only residence proof , Vibhuti Kumar Bhushan, regional passport officer, Kolkata said, “These changes have nothing to do with the importance of Aadhaar card. Passport is basically a travel document.”
Besides the changes in address, the MEA is also considering changes in colour of passport.
Currently, passports are issued in three colours: white for government officers or to those people who visit other countries for official work of the government; red for diplomats; and blue for all others across two categories — those who require emigration check (ECR) and those who do not (ECNR).
Soon, however, those in the ECR category will have orange passports, Kumar said. This will increase the speed of the process of emigration as the colour of the passport will make it clear whether the emigration check is required or not. The printing of the new ECR passports will be done at the India Security Press at Nashik. In this case too, existing ECR passports will be valid.
Reactions
Dr Kiran Shinde, paediatrician, a Pune resident who practices in Saudi Arabia said, “The decision by the Government of India should be welcomed. In peak hours when I travel to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from India, average time required to clear the process of emigration is one hour. Different queues should be made for the ECR and the ECNR category of passport holders to avoid any confusion. With proper planning and execution, this is certainly a good change and will be quite helpful for the passenger”.
Daud Khan, sales associate, Panasonic from Kuwait said, “In the larger context, the overall idea appears to be good. This will certainly help in crowd management and will save the time consumed in the immigration process. However, it will be too early to comment whether the decision is good or bad. What concerns me is the implementation of it and how well is it received by other countries. Government endeavors are infamous for grave mismanagement and preparation in India. The bearers of ECR Passports are uneducated people. Ergo, if anything goes wrong in another country or even in Indian airports people will panic which can invite some serious problem. Government of India should take such issues in cognizance while preparing the guidelines of implementation of this change”.
Pathan Atahar Khan, a resident of Beed said, “I visit Gulf countries quite often. This year I will be going to Haj Yatra. In this ‘Yatra’ many people belong to the ECR passport category. We are very happy with this customer friendly decision of the government of India. This decision will cut short the lengthy time taken for the process of emigration check. However, the government of India must ensure that for lacking the information of these changes, it does not create a chaos amongst the common man”.
RPO Pune said, “Now that the official decision regarding the changes in the passport have been taken, we will also formulate the policies regarding informing the same to our passengers. However, it will be very premature to speak on any decisions concerning the same.”
GSTN is tentatively planning Disaster Recovery Drill of GST System on Saturday, 02nd June 2018 between 09:00 to 15:00 Hrs. GST system services will NOT be available during this time.
You are requested to plan your GST related activities on GST portal accordingly. Inconvenience, if any, is regretted.
