General Affairs
Rs. 1 Crore In Scrapped Rs. 1,000 Notes Seized In Navi Mumbai, 4 Detained
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THANE: Rs. 1 crore, in demonetised Rs. 1,000 currency notes, was seized from a car at Vashi in Navi Mumbai and four persons were detained in this connection, police said today.
"Acting on a tip-off, police laid a trap. When the car came and halted near a housing complex at Sector 28 in Vashi last evening, the police team checked the vehicle and found two bags full of currency notes of Rs. 1,000 denomination," an official release by Navi Mumbai Police said.
The four occupants of the vehicle, Prasad R Patil, 36, an estate agent from Uran in Raigad district, Harishchandra Shinde, 60, builder from Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, Pramod Padle, 43, property agent and Avinash Jail, 31, a cloth merchant, both from Byculla in Mumbai, have been detained and are being interrogated, Inspector Ashok Rajput said.
During interrogation, the accused said they had come to Vashi to get the old notes exchanged, but did not reveal the source of the cash and where they planned to get the notes exchanged, police claimed.
"As the four persons did not provide any documentary evidence of the source of the cash, the Income Tax Department has been informed about it. Their car worth Rs. 10 lakh has also been seized," they added.
A case has been registered at Vashi Police Station today and further probe is on, police added.
"Acting on a tip-off, police laid a trap. When the car came and halted near a housing complex at Sector 28 in Vashi last evening, the police team checked the vehicle and found two bags full of currency notes of Rs. 1,000 denomination," an official release by Navi Mumbai Police said.
The four occupants of the vehicle, Prasad R Patil, 36, an estate agent from Uran in Raigad district, Harishchandra Shinde, 60, builder from Kharghar in Navi Mumbai, Pramod Padle, 43, property agent and Avinash Jail, 31, a cloth merchant, both from Byculla in Mumbai, have been detained and are being interrogated, Inspector Ashok Rajput said.
"As the four persons did not provide any documentary evidence of the source of the cash, the Income Tax Department has been informed about it. Their car worth Rs. 10 lakh has also been seized," they added.
A case has been registered at Vashi Police Station today and further probe is on, police added.
1 Terrorist Killed In Encounter In South Kashmir's Pulwama District
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SRINAGAR: An unidentified terrorist was today killed in an encounter with security forces in a village in Pulwama district of south Kashmir, police said.
Security forces this evening launched an anti-militancy operation after receiving a tip off about their presence at Begumbagh village in Kakapora area, 25 km from Srinagar, a police official said.
Hiding terrorists opened fire on noticing the security forces who retaliated, triggering a gunbattle, he said.
One terrorist was killed in the gunbattle, the official said, adding the identity and group affiliation of the terrorist killed is being ascertained.
Security forces this evening launched an anti-militancy operation after receiving a tip off about their presence at Begumbagh village in Kakapora area, 25 km from Srinagar, a police official said.
One terrorist was killed in the gunbattle, the official said, adding the identity and group affiliation of the terrorist killed is being ascertained.
Currency Ban: Income Tax Notices To Those Depositing Huge Cash
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NEW DELHI: Acting swiftly, the Income Tax department has issued hundreds of notices seeking "source" of funds from individuals and firms who have deposited huge amounts of cash in banks using the scrapped Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 currency notes after November 8.
Officials said the taxman has begun a country-wide enquiry in this regard and has issued notices under section 133 (6) of the Income Tax Act (power to call for information) in various cities and towns of the country.
They said the notices were issued after banks reported to it certain cases of "unusual or suspicious volumes of cash deposits" in their accounts, primarily beyond Rs. 2.5 lakh.
"The notices are being issued where the department feels the cash deposits made in the demonetised currency is suspect. This is part of the vigil that the taxman has deployed to check instances of tax evasion, money laundering and black money in the wake of the demonetisation of the two high denomination currencies on November 8," they said.
The notices issued by the department cite the date and amount deposited by an entity in the old currency in the bank as it goes on to seek "supporting documents, books of accounts and bills to explain the said cash deposits" from them.
"If you are assessed to Income Tax, then you shall also file the copy of Income Tax Return of last two years," an I-T department notice issued in this regard said.
In the wake of the demonetisation declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8, the department has also stepped up its survey operations against real estate players, bullion traders and suspected hawala operatives to check the illegal use of the scrapped currency and subsequent generation of black money.
The taxman has also deployed a similar check at cooperative banks and in one case in Mangalore it found that old currency worth Rs. 8 crore was exchanged by five societies which had accounts in a cooperative bank there.
The department has also recently issued notices to hundreds of charitable and religious organisations in the country enjoying exemptions on tax paid to inform it about their cash balances as of November 8 when the government demonetised Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 currency notes.
The notices were issued in order to keep a check on possible "accommodation" of black money in old currency by way of making charitable contributions or donations to these organisations.
Officials said the taxman has begun a country-wide enquiry in this regard and has issued notices under section 133 (6) of the Income Tax Act (power to call for information) in various cities and towns of the country.
"The notices are being issued where the department feels the cash deposits made in the demonetised currency is suspect. This is part of the vigil that the taxman has deployed to check instances of tax evasion, money laundering and black money in the wake of the demonetisation of the two high denomination currencies on November 8," they said.
The notices issued by the department cite the date and amount deposited by an entity in the old currency in the bank as it goes on to seek "supporting documents, books of accounts and bills to explain the said cash deposits" from them.
In the wake of the demonetisation declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 8, the department has also stepped up its survey operations against real estate players, bullion traders and suspected hawala operatives to check the illegal use of the scrapped currency and subsequent generation of black money.
The taxman has also deployed a similar check at cooperative banks and in one case in Mangalore it found that old currency worth Rs. 8 crore was exchanged by five societies which had accounts in a cooperative bank there.
The department has also recently issued notices to hundreds of charitable and religious organisations in the country enjoying exemptions on tax paid to inform it about their cash balances as of November 8 when the government demonetised Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000 currency notes.
The notices were issued in order to keep a check on possible "accommodation" of black money in old currency by way of making charitable contributions or donations to these organisations.
Demonetisation To Bring Probity In Politics, Government: Rajnath Singh
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NEW DELHI: Hailing the Centre's move to demonetise Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 500 notes, Home Minister Rajnath Singh today said the action will bring probity in political and administrative works besides reducing the gap between rich and poor.
There are some hardships being faced by the people following the demonetisation but this will continue for a short time only as the government is putting in all efforts with full sensitivity to normalise the situation, he said.
"Naturally, this decision will result in curbing economic sources of corrupt and terrorists. It will also increase probity in political and administrative works," Mr Singh said.
This move will also help in reducing the gap between rich and poor people, he said.
The Home Minister said the central government decided to demonetise Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 500 notes with an aim to rein in corruption, black money and terrorism.
"It is a historical and brave decision taken for national interest. Terrorism, extremism and naxalism will come down. Such decisions are taken by people who are doing politics not only for formation of government but also for society and nation building," he said.
Mr Singh said the way people have welcomed the decision of demonetisation and provided cooperation and support, it is commendable.
There are some hardships being faced by the people following the demonetisation but this will continue for a short time only as the government is putting in all efforts with full sensitivity to normalise the situation, he said.
"Naturally, this decision will result in curbing economic sources of corrupt and terrorists. It will also increase probity in political and administrative works," Mr Singh said.
This move will also help in reducing the gap between rich and poor people, he said.
The Home Minister said the central government decided to demonetise Rs. 1,000 and Rs. 500 notes with an aim to rein in corruption, black money and terrorism.
"It is a historical and brave decision taken for national interest. Terrorism, extremism and naxalism will come down. Such decisions are taken by people who are doing politics not only for formation of government but also for society and nation building," he said.
Mr Singh said the way people have welcomed the decision of demonetisation and provided cooperation and support, it is commendable.
Supreme Court Stays By Its Recommendations For Collegium
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday said that its collegiums has reiterated 43 names that were earlier recommended by it for appointment of judges to High Courts but were returned to it by the government for reconsideration.
These 43 names were part of 77 names recommended by the collegiums for appointment as judges in High Courts. While returning 43 names, the government had cleared 34 names.
"We (the Collegium) have already met. We have reiterated all the 43 names sent to us," the bench of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur and Justice Anil R. Dave told Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi in a brief hearing.
Attorney General Rohatgi said that he was not aware of it.
The reiteration of 43 names by the collegium has apparently put the government in a bind as under the prevailing Memorandum of Procedure (MoP), it was binding on the government to make the appointment of judges if the collegium reiterates its recommended names.
The government has said that until new MoP is put in place, the appointment of judges to higher judiciary would be on the basis of existing MoP.
The top court's constitution bench, after striking down the National Judicial Appointments Commission, had asked the government to prepare a new MoP laying down transparent procedure for the appointment of judges.
These 43 names were part of 77 names recommended by the collegiums for appointment as judges in High Courts. While returning 43 names, the government had cleared 34 names.
"We (the Collegium) have already met. We have reiterated all the 43 names sent to us," the bench of Chief Justice T.S. Thakur and Justice Anil R. Dave told Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi in a brief hearing.
The government has said that until new MoP is put in place, the appointment of judges to higher judiciary would be on the basis of existing MoP.
The top court's constitution bench, after striking down the National Judicial Appointments Commission, had asked the government to prepare a new MoP laying down transparent procedure for the appointment of judges.
Business Affairs
Demonetisation a bold and gutsy move, says US Industry Body
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The decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes is a very "bold and gutsy" action by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a top US industry body has said.
"We applaud this decision by the Prime Minister. I think this is a very gutsy, and a very bold move," Mukesh Aghi, president of the US India Business Council (USIBC), a representative body of top American businesses having a footprint in India, told PTI.
"A lot of countries...Europe have been looking at demonetising their 500 euro note, the US had been always thinking about 100-dollar bill. I think, what Prime Minister has done has taken the leadership and the rest of the world will follow in not too long term," said Aghi on the sidelines of the three-day World Hindu Economic Forum meeting that kicked off here yesterday.
The USIBC president said the Prime Minister took such a bold decision even at the risk of political capital.
"It is risky politically, but economically on a long-term basis given the wide spectrum of the Indian economy it is the right thing to do. And that is what he has done," Aghi said.
He said, however, the key thing is going to be able to bring in circulation of the new currency fast enough.
"It is going to be very critical. Because the longer you extend the inconvenience to people the more dissatisfied they would get. But overall we applaud. I think it will send a strong message," Aghi said in response to a question.
"I think it is fantastic, because suddenly India's black economy which different (people) estimate between 25 per cent and 40 per cent of the GDP, a lot of that money would come out into the white," he said, adding that this would have an impact on inflation and bringing interest rates down.
Eventually in the long term, Aghi asserted that it is the common consumer which is going to benefit.
"Because inflation on food for example would be much more controllable. I think, the interest rates in housing market will come down," he said.
Initially, however there is likely to be a slowdown, but then the economic growth would pick up, Aghi said.
Meanwhile, the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at its meeting in Paris over the weekend passed a resolution in support of demonetisation of the high- end Indian currency notes so as to curtail the black money and terrorism funding.
However, it called upon the Indian government to provide same opportunity for NRIs and PIOs as Indian nationals to deposit up to Rs 2.5 lakhs of Indian currencies in Indian banks in India or outside.
The Canada unit of the Overseas Friends of BJP in a statement hailed decision and described this as a decisive action taken against black money, corruption and fake currency circulation.
"Modi has demonstrated once again the ability to 'Think the Unthinkable'. He thought the unthinkable in the financial world and by demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes has acted decisively. It will deal a severe blow to the parallel economy and will disrupt the life tyles of the corrupt leaders, bureaucrats, businesses, anti-national who facilitate terror funding," a statement said.
The decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes is a very "bold and gutsy" action by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a top US industry body has said.
"We applaud this decision by the Prime Minister. I think this is a very gutsy, and a very bold move," Mukesh Aghi, president of the US India Business Council (USIBC), a representative body of top American businesses having a footprint in India, told PTI.
"A lot of countries...Europe have been looking at demonetising their 500 euro note, the US had been always thinking about 100-dollar bill. I think, what Prime Minister has done has taken the leadership and the rest of the world will follow in not too long term," said Aghi on the sidelines of the three-day World Hindu Economic Forum meeting that kicked off here yesterday.
The USIBC president said the Prime Minister took such a bold decision even at the risk of political capital.
"It is risky politically, but economically on a long-term basis given the wide spectrum of the Indian economy it is the right thing to do. And that is what he has done," Aghi said.
He said, however, the key thing is going to be able to bring in circulation of the new currency fast enough.
"It is going to be very critical. Because the longer you extend the inconvenience to people the more dissatisfied they would get. But overall we applaud. I think it will send a strong message," Aghi said in response to a question.
"I think it is fantastic, because suddenly India's black economy which different (people) estimate between 25 per cent and 40 per cent of the GDP, a lot of that money would come out into the white," he said, adding that this would have an impact on inflation and bringing interest rates down.
Eventually in the long term, Aghi asserted that it is the common consumer which is going to benefit.
"Because inflation on food for example would be much more controllable. I think, the interest rates in housing market will come down," he said.
Initially, however there is likely to be a slowdown, but then the economic growth would pick up, Aghi said.
Meanwhile, the Global Organisation of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) at its meeting in Paris over the weekend passed a resolution in support of demonetisation of the high- end Indian currency notes so as to curtail the black money and terrorism funding.
However, it called upon the Indian government to provide same opportunity for NRIs and PIOs as Indian nationals to deposit up to Rs 2.5 lakhs of Indian currencies in Indian banks in India or outside.
The Canada unit of the Overseas Friends of BJP in a statement hailed decision and described this as a decisive action taken against black money, corruption and fake currency circulation.
"Modi has demonstrated once again the ability to 'Think the Unthinkable'. He thought the unthinkable in the financial world and by demonetising Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes has acted decisively. It will deal a severe blow to the parallel economy and will disrupt the life tyles of the corrupt leaders, bureaucrats, businesses, anti-national who facilitate terror funding," a statement said.
Cannot disclose details on release of new Rs 500 notes due to security reasons: RB
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The Reserve Bank of India on Friday informed the Madras High Court that it cannot disclose details regarding the release of new Rs 500 denomination currency to the banks for distribution due to security reasons.
The submission was made by the counsel for RBI on a petition seeking a direction to the Registrar of Co-operative Societies to follow procedures laid down by RBI relating to demonetization and permit cash withdrawal and exchange of old currencies in the societies. After recording the submission, the court posted the matter for further hearing to November 28.
The High Court had on November 16 adjourned for today the hearing in the case after it sought to know from the RBI when new Rs 500 denomination currency would be made available in Tamil Nadu to ease the present cash crunch following demonetization. RBI had then submitted that it faced practical difficulties in transporting currency in view of seizure of over Rs 500 crore by poll authorities in Tamil Nadu two days before the 16 May Assembly election in three constituencies.
On permitting District Central Cooperative Banks to exchange the demonetised currencies, the counsel had submitted that "the decision to ban DCCBs from exchanging notes was made apprehending malpractices".
The Reserve Bank of India on Friday informed the Madras High Court that it cannot disclose details regarding the release of new Rs 500 denomination currency to the banks for distribution due to security reasons.
The submission was made by the counsel for RBI on a petition seeking a direction to the Registrar of Co-operative Societies to follow procedures laid down by RBI relating to demonetization and permit cash withdrawal and exchange of old currencies in the societies. After recording the submission, the court posted the matter for further hearing to November 28.
The High Court had on November 16 adjourned for today the hearing in the case after it sought to know from the RBI when new Rs 500 denomination currency would be made available in Tamil Nadu to ease the present cash crunch following demonetization. RBI had then submitted that it faced practical difficulties in transporting currency in view of seizure of over Rs 500 crore by poll authorities in Tamil Nadu two days before the 16 May Assembly election in three constituencies.
On permitting District Central Cooperative Banks to exchange the demonetised currencies, the counsel had submitted that "the decision to ban DCCBs from exchanging notes was made apprehending malpractices".
Why Delhi's jewellers are afraid of Income Tax department's survey
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Gold and jewellery establishments in the national capital remained shut for the 9th day today after Income Tax Department on November 10 carried out surveys following reports of alleged profiteering and tax evasion by traders as government demonetised high value currency note.
The survey operations were carried out in at least four locations, including the popular Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh.
The government last week demonetised high denomination of Rs 500 and 1,000 notes to flush out black money.
Most of the jewellery showrooms here have been closed since November 11.
According to sources, the officials of Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), an intelligence arm under the Finance Ministry, has sent notices to these jewellers seeking details of the gold sales.
They have been asked to give details like quantity of stock held by them and sales made during these days.
Gold and jewellery establishments in the national capital remained shut for the 9th day today after Income Tax Department on November 10 carried out surveys following reports of alleged profiteering and tax evasion by traders as government demonetised high value currency note.
The survey operations were carried out in at least four locations, including the popular Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh.
The government last week demonetised high denomination of Rs 500 and 1,000 notes to flush out black money.
Most of the jewellery showrooms here have been closed since November 11.
According to sources, the officials of Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI), an intelligence arm under the Finance Ministry, has sent notices to these jewellers seeking details of the gold sales.
They have been asked to give details like quantity of stock held by them and sales made during these days.
Will Modi be able to clear first 'demonetisation' test in these 5 states today?
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By-elections being held in Assam, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura and Tamil Nadu have assumed significance as the first major ground test for the ruling BJP after demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Voting is underway for bypolls in eight assembly and four Lok Sabha constituencies.
According to officials, elaborate arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the polls
AssamBypolls in Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency and Baithalanso assembly constituency in Assam will decide the electoral fate of eight contestants. An estimated 16,91,313 voters, including 8,21,199 women, are expected to cast their franchise in two seats.
In Lakhimpur, the five candidates included Amiya Kumar Handique (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), Dr Hema Hari Prasanna Pegu (Cong), Hem Kanta Miri (SUCI-Communist) and Dilip Moran (Independent). 15,11,110 voters are expected to exercise their franchise in 1954 polling stations spread across the Assembly constituencies of Majuli (ST), Naoboicha, Lakhimpur, Dhakuakhana (ST), Dhemaji (ST), Jonai (ST), Chabua, Doomdooma and Sadiya.
In Baithalanso (ST) - 20 three contestants are in fray including Dr Mansing Rongpi (BJP), Ruponsing Ronghang (Cong) and Rajen Timung (Independent), the Election office said. Boithalangso (ST) Assembly constituency, in West Karbi Anglong district, comprised 1,80,203 voters, including 86819 women and 246 polling stations.
Lakhimpur had earlier been represented by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal who was fielded as an MLA from Majuli in May last and winning.
Boithalangso had fallen vacant with the resignation of Mansing Rongpi from Congress who joined the BJP on July 12 last. Polling will be held from 7 am to 4 pm and the election shall be completed before November 24, according to the Election Commission of India notification of October 26 last.
West BengalBy-elections are underway in Cooch Behar and Tamluk Lok Sabha constituencies and in Monteswar Assembly constituency. Ruling Trinamool Congress, BJP, Left Front and Congress have fielded their candidates in all three seats. Although the Congress and CPI(M)-led Left Front had contested the Assembly polls held earlier this year, the two decided to part company in this round of by-elections.
Demonetization became a key issue in the last lap of campaign for the by-polls. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee did not campaign for the by-polls and left it to the other leaders of her party. Apart from state BJP president Dilip Ghosh, Union minister Babul Supriyo canvassed for his party. WBPCC chief Adhir Chowdhury and CPIM state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra spearheaded campaign for their party candidates.
TMC MLA and party candidate from Tamluk seat Dibyendu Adhikari told PTI, "Demonetization move has affected every citizen of this country. The common man is suffering."
"Demonetization has also impacted our campaign as we are unable to pay the decorators, sound organisers. In Tamluk, most of the rural areas still don't have proper banking facilities, what will the poor farmers do?" he asked.
According CPI(M) and Congress leaders, demonetization has all of a sudden come up as an issue for the polls as they are receiving feedback that people are inconvenienced due to the new decision. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said demonetization became a prominent issue as the people faced huge problems and added that the situation was much worse in rural areas.
The BJP, on the other hand, said that by-elections would be a litmus test for political parties. "What TMC, Congress and CPI(M) are saying is not right. People of Bengal are happy with the decision and will give a hands down victory to our candidates," state BJP president Dilip Ghosh said.
"It's not a question of black money or white money. All of a sudden if you scrap high value notes how will you meet various expenditures for the campaign," Congress candidate from Monteswar Bulbul Ahmed Sheikh said.
By-election in Cooch Behar was necessitated by the death of TMC MP Renuka Sinha while the by-election in Tamluk in East Medinipur district was caused by the resignation of TMC MP Suvendu Adhikari who also won the Assembly poll and joined the state cabinet as transport minister. The bypoll to Monteswar Assembly seat in Burdwan district is due to death of TMC MLA Sajal Panja.
Madhya PradeshBy-elections are being held in Shahdol Lok Sabha constituency and Nepanagar assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh. "Total 17 candidates are in the fray for the Shahdol LS seat, while four are trying their luck for Nepanagar," an election official said. Both the seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) category.
Thirty companies (15 each) of armed police forces have been deployed in the two constituencies to provide security during the polling. "Over 4,000 EVMs will be used to seal the fate of the candidates. The EVMs also carry the photographs of the candidates to facilitate the voters," the official said. In Shahdol, total 16,00,787 voters, whereas in Nepanagar, 2,30,420 people can exercise their franchise.
While Congress has fielded Himadri Singh, daughter of former union minister Dalbir Singh and ex-MP Rajesh Nandini Singh, from Shahdol Lok Sabha seat, the BJP has given ticket to tribal leader Gyan Singh, a senior minister in Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's cabinet from the reserved seat. The Shahdol bypoll was necessitated due to death of BJP MP Dalpat Singh Paraste. In 2014, Paraste had wrested the seat from Congress's Rajesh Nandini Singh by a margin of over 2.14 lakh votes. The present BJP candidate Gyan Singh had earlier won the Shahdol seat twice in 1996 and 1998.
In Nepanagar, Congress has reposed faith in tribal leader Antar Singh Barde, while BJP has fielded Manju Dadu, daughter of late MLA Rajendra Shyamlal Dadu, whose death caused by an accident, necessitated the by-poll to cash in on the sympathy vote. Besides these prominent names, several other candidates have also filed their nominations for the by-polls.
Communist Party of India's Parmeshwar Singh Porte, Lok Janshakti Party's Krishna Pal Singh Pavel, Gondwana Gantantra Party's Hirasingh Markm and Apna Dal's Sajjan Singh Paraste, among others are in the fray for the Shahdol LS seat. Besides them, total nine persons are contesting as independent candidates in Shahdol.
In Nepanagar, Republican Party of India (A) nominee Revanta and Lok Janshakti Party' Ber Singh are also trying their luck. However, there is no independent candidate in the fray, the official said. The counting of votes will take place on November 22 and the entire poll process will be completed by November 24.
Tamil NaduPolls for Thanjavur and Aravakkurichi and bypoll in Thirupparankundram and in Nellithope constituencies are being held on Saturday.
In Aravakkurichi constituency, V Senthil Balaji (AIADMK) and KC Palanisamy (DMK) and in Thanjavur, Anjugham Boopathy (DMK) and M Rengasamy (AIADMK) are among the candidates. In Thirupparankundram, AIADMK has fielded A K Bose, while P Saravanan is the DMK nominee.
Besides, the AIADMK and DMK candidates, PMK, BJP and DMDK and independents are also contesting the polls. PMK is not in the fray in Thirupparankundram as it did not get its mango symbol in that segment. The four-party combine, People's Welfare Front, comprising MDMK, CPI(M), CPI and VCK, has boycotted the polls.
In Nellithope assembly constituency, it will be a crucial test for Congress nominee and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, a non- member of the house, at tomorrow's bypoll tomorrow when he crosses swords with AIADMK candidate Om Sakthi Segar. Narayanasamy has the support of DMK and VCK while AINRC, whose founder N Narayanasamy is the leader of the opposition, is backing Segar. The bypoll is being held to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of Congress legislator A John Kumar on September 15 to facilitate Narayanasamy, a non-member of the house, to contest the poll and get elected to the assembly to fulfill the constitutional obligation.
Narayanasamy became Chief Minister on June 6 and formed a six member ministry under his leadership with the support of DMK (having two members) from outside. The strength of Congress in the 30 member assembly was 15 before John Kumar quit the post of MLA.
TripuraBy-polls in two Tripura Assembly seats - Barjala and Khowai - began on a peaceful note amidst tight security. For purposes of peaceful polling nine companies of central paramilitary forces, including Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed in the two constituencies and their adjoining areas. State forces, including Tripura State Rifles and state police have also been deployed. The Election Commission has appointed three central observes to oversee the polling in the two seats.
The Barjala (SC reserved) seat fell vacant following the resignation of Congress MLA Jitendra Sarkar due to internal squabble in the party, while the death of veteran CPI-M leader Samir Deb necessitated the by-poll in Khowai seat. At Barjala constituency a multi-cornered electoral battle is on with five candidates of BJP, CPI-M, Trinamool Congress, Congress and Amra Bangali in the fray. Khowai seat too has contestants from the same parties in the ring.
A total of 39,007 voters will exercise their franchise in 48 polling stations in Barjala assembly constituency, while in Khowai seat 39400 electorate will cast their votes in 52 polling stations.
By-elections being held in Assam, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura and Tamil Nadu have assumed significance as the first major ground test for the ruling BJP after demonetization of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Voting is underway for bypolls in eight assembly and four Lok Sabha constituencies.
According to officials, elaborate arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the polls
AssamBypolls in Lakhimpur Lok Sabha constituency and Baithalanso assembly constituency in Assam will decide the electoral fate of eight contestants. An estimated 16,91,313 voters, including 8,21,199 women, are expected to cast their franchise in two seats.
In Lakhimpur, the five candidates included Amiya Kumar Handique (CPI-M), Pradan Baruah (BJP), Dr Hema Hari Prasanna Pegu (Cong), Hem Kanta Miri (SUCI-Communist) and Dilip Moran (Independent). 15,11,110 voters are expected to exercise their franchise in 1954 polling stations spread across the Assembly constituencies of Majuli (ST), Naoboicha, Lakhimpur, Dhakuakhana (ST), Dhemaji (ST), Jonai (ST), Chabua, Doomdooma and Sadiya.
In Baithalanso (ST) - 20 three contestants are in fray including Dr Mansing Rongpi (BJP), Ruponsing Ronghang (Cong) and Rajen Timung (Independent), the Election office said. Boithalangso (ST) Assembly constituency, in West Karbi Anglong district, comprised 1,80,203 voters, including 86819 women and 246 polling stations.
Lakhimpur had earlier been represented by Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal who was fielded as an MLA from Majuli in May last and winning.
Boithalangso had fallen vacant with the resignation of Mansing Rongpi from Congress who joined the BJP on July 12 last. Polling will be held from 7 am to 4 pm and the election shall be completed before November 24, according to the Election Commission of India notification of October 26 last.
West BengalBy-elections are underway in Cooch Behar and Tamluk Lok Sabha constituencies and in Monteswar Assembly constituency. Ruling Trinamool Congress, BJP, Left Front and Congress have fielded their candidates in all three seats. Although the Congress and CPI(M)-led Left Front had contested the Assembly polls held earlier this year, the two decided to part company in this round of by-elections.
Demonetization became a key issue in the last lap of campaign for the by-polls. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee did not campaign for the by-polls and left it to the other leaders of her party. Apart from state BJP president Dilip Ghosh, Union minister Babul Supriyo canvassed for his party. WBPCC chief Adhir Chowdhury and CPIM state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra spearheaded campaign for their party candidates.
TMC MLA and party candidate from Tamluk seat Dibyendu Adhikari told PTI, "Demonetization move has affected every citizen of this country. The common man is suffering."
"Demonetization has also impacted our campaign as we are unable to pay the decorators, sound organisers. In Tamluk, most of the rural areas still don't have proper banking facilities, what will the poor farmers do?" he asked.
According CPI(M) and Congress leaders, demonetization has all of a sudden come up as an issue for the polls as they are receiving feedback that people are inconvenienced due to the new decision. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said demonetization became a prominent issue as the people faced huge problems and added that the situation was much worse in rural areas.
The BJP, on the other hand, said that by-elections would be a litmus test for political parties. "What TMC, Congress and CPI(M) are saying is not right. People of Bengal are happy with the decision and will give a hands down victory to our candidates," state BJP president Dilip Ghosh said.
"It's not a question of black money or white money. All of a sudden if you scrap high value notes how will you meet various expenditures for the campaign," Congress candidate from Monteswar Bulbul Ahmed Sheikh said.
By-election in Cooch Behar was necessitated by the death of TMC MP Renuka Sinha while the by-election in Tamluk in East Medinipur district was caused by the resignation of TMC MP Suvendu Adhikari who also won the Assembly poll and joined the state cabinet as transport minister. The bypoll to Monteswar Assembly seat in Burdwan district is due to death of TMC MLA Sajal Panja.
Madhya PradeshBy-elections are being held in Shahdol Lok Sabha constituency and Nepanagar assembly seats in Madhya Pradesh. "Total 17 candidates are in the fray for the Shahdol LS seat, while four are trying their luck for Nepanagar," an election official said. Both the seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) category.
Thirty companies (15 each) of armed police forces have been deployed in the two constituencies to provide security during the polling. "Over 4,000 EVMs will be used to seal the fate of the candidates. The EVMs also carry the photographs of the candidates to facilitate the voters," the official said. In Shahdol, total 16,00,787 voters, whereas in Nepanagar, 2,30,420 people can exercise their franchise.
While Congress has fielded Himadri Singh, daughter of former union minister Dalbir Singh and ex-MP Rajesh Nandini Singh, from Shahdol Lok Sabha seat, the BJP has given ticket to tribal leader Gyan Singh, a senior minister in Chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's cabinet from the reserved seat. The Shahdol bypoll was necessitated due to death of BJP MP Dalpat Singh Paraste. In 2014, Paraste had wrested the seat from Congress's Rajesh Nandini Singh by a margin of over 2.14 lakh votes. The present BJP candidate Gyan Singh had earlier won the Shahdol seat twice in 1996 and 1998.
In Nepanagar, Congress has reposed faith in tribal leader Antar Singh Barde, while BJP has fielded Manju Dadu, daughter of late MLA Rajendra Shyamlal Dadu, whose death caused by an accident, necessitated the by-poll to cash in on the sympathy vote. Besides these prominent names, several other candidates have also filed their nominations for the by-polls.
Communist Party of India's Parmeshwar Singh Porte, Lok Janshakti Party's Krishna Pal Singh Pavel, Gondwana Gantantra Party's Hirasingh Markm and Apna Dal's Sajjan Singh Paraste, among others are in the fray for the Shahdol LS seat. Besides them, total nine persons are contesting as independent candidates in Shahdol.
In Nepanagar, Republican Party of India (A) nominee Revanta and Lok Janshakti Party' Ber Singh are also trying their luck. However, there is no independent candidate in the fray, the official said. The counting of votes will take place on November 22 and the entire poll process will be completed by November 24.
Tamil NaduPolls for Thanjavur and Aravakkurichi and bypoll in Thirupparankundram and in Nellithope constituencies are being held on Saturday.
In Aravakkurichi constituency, V Senthil Balaji (AIADMK) and KC Palanisamy (DMK) and in Thanjavur, Anjugham Boopathy (DMK) and M Rengasamy (AIADMK) are among the candidates. In Thirupparankundram, AIADMK has fielded A K Bose, while P Saravanan is the DMK nominee.
Besides, the AIADMK and DMK candidates, PMK, BJP and DMDK and independents are also contesting the polls. PMK is not in the fray in Thirupparankundram as it did not get its mango symbol in that segment. The four-party combine, People's Welfare Front, comprising MDMK, CPI(M), CPI and VCK, has boycotted the polls.
In Nellithope assembly constituency, it will be a crucial test for Congress nominee and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, a non- member of the house, at tomorrow's bypoll tomorrow when he crosses swords with AIADMK candidate Om Sakthi Segar. Narayanasamy has the support of DMK and VCK while AINRC, whose founder N Narayanasamy is the leader of the opposition, is backing Segar. The bypoll is being held to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of Congress legislator A John Kumar on September 15 to facilitate Narayanasamy, a non-member of the house, to contest the poll and get elected to the assembly to fulfill the constitutional obligation.
Narayanasamy became Chief Minister on June 6 and formed a six member ministry under his leadership with the support of DMK (having two members) from outside. The strength of Congress in the 30 member assembly was 15 before John Kumar quit the post of MLA.
TripuraBy-polls in two Tripura Assembly seats - Barjala and Khowai - began on a peaceful note amidst tight security. For purposes of peaceful polling nine companies of central paramilitary forces, including Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed in the two constituencies and their adjoining areas. State forces, including Tripura State Rifles and state police have also been deployed. The Election Commission has appointed three central observes to oversee the polling in the two seats.
The Barjala (SC reserved) seat fell vacant following the resignation of Congress MLA Jitendra Sarkar due to internal squabble in the party, while the death of veteran CPI-M leader Samir Deb necessitated the by-poll in Khowai seat. At Barjala constituency a multi-cornered electoral battle is on with five candidates of BJP, CPI-M, Trinamool Congress, Congress and Amra Bangali in the fray. Khowai seat too has contestants from the same parties in the ring.
A total of 39,007 voters will exercise their franchise in 48 polling stations in Barjala assembly constituency, while in Khowai seat 39400 electorate will cast their votes in 52 polling stations.
Demonetisation: Banks may allow cash withdrawal for marriage from next week
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Banks may allow withdrawal of Rs 2.5 lakh by the families with upcoming weddings from next week only after receiving operational guidelines from the RBI, even though the Centre announced the relaxation earlier this week.
"In absence of operational guidelines from RBI, we are unable to give Rs 2.5 lakh for marriage purpose to each of the family (of bride and groom). We are awaiting direction from RBI," Punjab National Bank Managing Director Usha Ananthasubramanian said.
"We expect the norms by Monday and hopefully by Tuesday, branches should start disbursing for marriage. We understand that the amount can be drawn only by either parents or the person getting married. Only one of them will be permitted to draw this amount. The limit of Rs 2.5 lakh will apply separately to the girl's and the boy's family," she said.
Similarly, other banks are also not offering this facility in absence of directions from the RBI.
According to a senior Corporation Bank official, "Withdrawal for marriage purpose can be availed only after RBI's notification which will have clear direction about the various formalities needed to be furnished by the customers for withdrawal."
Earlier this week, the government had said it has been decided to permit families celebrating weddings to draw up to Rs 2.5 lakh in cash from their own bank accounts while encouraging families to incur wedding expenses through cheques or digital means.
Following the announcement, families where marriage ceremonies are due started making beeline before the branches only to return empty handed as bank officials turned them away saying there is no direction from their head office or RBI in this regard.
This being marriage season, people thronged the branches with all possible evidence for marriage and their identity proof to get much needed cash.
With regard to PNB ATMs, Ananthasubramanian said, 2,000 out of 9,000 cash vending machines have been recalibrated and they are dispensing money.
By next week, more ATMs would be recalibrated that will further ease the cash crunch.
Asked if the surge in low-cost deposits by banks would translate into lower interest rate, she said, the bank is reviewing the situation and probably there would be cut in fixed deposit rate as early as today.
The bank has got deposits of 47,000 crore since the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on November 8 surprised citizens by announcing demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes.
Banks may allow withdrawal of Rs 2.5 lakh by the families with upcoming weddings from next week only after receiving operational guidelines from the RBI, even though the Centre announced the relaxation earlier this week.
"In absence of operational guidelines from RBI, we are unable to give Rs 2.5 lakh for marriage purpose to each of the family (of bride and groom). We are awaiting direction from RBI," Punjab National Bank Managing Director Usha Ananthasubramanian said.
"We expect the norms by Monday and hopefully by Tuesday, branches should start disbursing for marriage. We understand that the amount can be drawn only by either parents or the person getting married. Only one of them will be permitted to draw this amount. The limit of Rs 2.5 lakh will apply separately to the girl's and the boy's family," she said.
Similarly, other banks are also not offering this facility in absence of directions from the RBI.
According to a senior Corporation Bank official, "Withdrawal for marriage purpose can be availed only after RBI's notification which will have clear direction about the various formalities needed to be furnished by the customers for withdrawal."
Earlier this week, the government had said it has been decided to permit families celebrating weddings to draw up to Rs 2.5 lakh in cash from their own bank accounts while encouraging families to incur wedding expenses through cheques or digital means.
Following the announcement, families where marriage ceremonies are due started making beeline before the branches only to return empty handed as bank officials turned them away saying there is no direction from their head office or RBI in this regard.
This being marriage season, people thronged the branches with all possible evidence for marriage and their identity proof to get much needed cash.
With regard to PNB ATMs, Ananthasubramanian said, 2,000 out of 9,000 cash vending machines have been recalibrated and they are dispensing money.
By next week, more ATMs would be recalibrated that will further ease the cash crunch.
Asked if the surge in low-cost deposits by banks would translate into lower interest rate, she said, the bank is reviewing the situation and probably there would be cut in fixed deposit rate as early as today.
The bank has got deposits of 47,000 crore since the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on November 8 surprised citizens by announcing demonetisation of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes.
General Awareness
National Student Startup Policy launched by President at the second Visitor’s Conference
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The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjeelaunched the National Student Startup Policy at the second Visitor’s Conference on November 16, 2016 at Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi.
- The three days conference, starting from November 16 and ending November 18, was attended by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Secretary to the President, Smt. Omita Paul and Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE.
The National Student Startup Policy
Formulated by AICTE, the National Student Startup Policy, aims at creating 100,000 technology based student start-ups and a million employment opportunities in the next 10 years.
- For achieving this mission, plans are being made on developing an ideal entrepreneurial ecosystem and promoting strong inter-institutional partnerships among technical institutions.
- The policy will enable the Indian youth to contribute to the nation’s socio-economic progress through promotion of technology-driven student start-ups.
- With an exposure to an entrepreneurship climate, the policy will impart crucial soft skills like decision-making in the students.
About the Conference
This is the second time such a conference has been organized thus, bringing together all the heads of higher education institutions including Vice Chancellors of Central Universities, Directors of NITs, IITs, IISERs and IISC under a single forum.Earlier, separate conferences were held for the different heads of different universities.
The agenda fixed for the Visitor’s Conference for discussion includes:
i.Creating world-class higher educational institutions.
ii.Creating global alliance of institutes for research, innovation and technology development.
iii.Making India a preferred destination for higher learning.
iv.Technology-induced models of teaching and
v. Funding options for higher education.
Eminent persons like Shri K.V. Kamath, President, New Development Bank; Smt. Ela Ramesh Bhatt, Founder, SEWA; Prof. Ramachandra Guha, Historian; Shri N.R. Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys also addressed the participants.
- An Industry-Academia session was also conducted in the Conference where eminent personalities from Industry and Academy participated.
- About 68 MOUs were exchanged between 32 Central Institutions and 65 industry organizations.
- On the second and third day of the Conference, there will be panel discussions and group work on agenda items of the Conference as well as a presentation on converting Rashtrapati Bhavan into a smart township and extending the experience to select villages through Smart Model Gram project.
- President Mukherjee is Visitor of 126 central institutes of higher learning. The Conferences at Rashtrapati Bhavan have provided an opportunity to heads of central institutions to share their views in this conference about the important issues that affect the higher education sector in India.
- With such conferences, recommendations and action points emerge that are pursued by the administrative ministries, regulatory bodies, the institutions of higher learning and others concerned. This results in significant improvements in the progress of the institutions and in the higher education system of our country.
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjeelaunched the National Student Startup Policy at the second Visitor’s Conference on November 16, 2016 at Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi.
- The three days conference, starting from November 16 and ending November 18, was attended by Shri Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Secretary to the President, Smt. Omita Paul and Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE.
The National Student Startup Policy
Formulated by AICTE, the National Student Startup Policy, aims at creating 100,000 technology based student start-ups and a million employment opportunities in the next 10 years.
- For achieving this mission, plans are being made on developing an ideal entrepreneurial ecosystem and promoting strong inter-institutional partnerships among technical institutions.
- The policy will enable the Indian youth to contribute to the nation’s socio-economic progress through promotion of technology-driven student start-ups.
- With an exposure to an entrepreneurship climate, the policy will impart crucial soft skills like decision-making in the students.
About the Conference
This is the second time such a conference has been organized thus, bringing together all the heads of higher education institutions including Vice Chancellors of Central Universities, Directors of NITs, IITs, IISERs and IISC under a single forum.Earlier, separate conferences were held for the different heads of different universities.
The agenda fixed for the Visitor’s Conference for discussion includes:
i.Creating world-class higher educational institutions.
ii.Creating global alliance of institutes for research, innovation and technology development.
iii.Making India a preferred destination for higher learning.
iv.Technology-induced models of teaching and
v. Funding options for higher education.
i.Creating world-class higher educational institutions.
ii.Creating global alliance of institutes for research, innovation and technology development.
iii.Making India a preferred destination for higher learning.
iv.Technology-induced models of teaching and
v. Funding options for higher education.
Eminent persons like Shri K.V. Kamath, President, New Development Bank; Smt. Ela Ramesh Bhatt, Founder, SEWA; Prof. Ramachandra Guha, Historian; Shri N.R. Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys also addressed the participants.
- An Industry-Academia session was also conducted in the Conference where eminent personalities from Industry and Academy participated.
- About 68 MOUs were exchanged between 32 Central Institutions and 65 industry organizations.
- On the second and third day of the Conference, there will be panel discussions and group work on agenda items of the Conference as well as a presentation on converting Rashtrapati Bhavan into a smart township and extending the experience to select villages through Smart Model Gram project.
- President Mukherjee is Visitor of 126 central institutes of higher learning. The Conferences at Rashtrapati Bhavan have provided an opportunity to heads of central institutions to share their views in this conference about the important issues that affect the higher education sector in India.
- With such conferences, recommendations and action points emerge that are pursued by the administrative ministries, regulatory bodies, the institutions of higher learning and others concerned. This results in significant improvements in the progress of the institutions and in the higher education system of our country.
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