Implementation of AICTE Initiatives on Quality Education

Ministry of Rural Development

Government committed to provide best teachers, best infrastructure and best scholarships to all the students – Shri Prakash Javadekar

Shri Prakash Javadekar presides over conference on ‘Quality Initiatives in Technical Education'

Shri Prakash Javadekar released Model Curriculum for Undergraduate & Postgraduate Degree courses in Engineering & Technology and Management courses

A one-day Conference on ‘Quality Initiatives in Technical Education’ was organized by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) here today. Union Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Prakash Javadekar was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Minister of State for HRD Dr. Satya Pal Singh also graced the occasion. The objective of the conference was to share experiences of Vice Chancellors, leading academicians and eminent policy makers from State Governments & Central Government and exchange ideas on issues and challenges in technical education. The valuable inputs from luminaries will help in strategic planning and effective implementation of various policy initiatives taken by AICTE.

The main agenda of the conference is:-

1.Implementation of AICTE Initiatives on Quality Education

2.Technical Education Quality Improvement Program (TEQIP) III – Action Plan

3.Launch of Model Curriculum & Plan of Action for Implementation

4.Action plan for Digital Campuses

5.Accreditation by NBA- Progress and Plan of Action

6.Teacher Training

The participants of the conference included Vice Chancellors of Technical Universities, Deemed Universities and Private Universities, Secretaries and Directors of Technical Education of State Governments, leading academicians, eminent experts who have developed the model curriculum for Undergraduate, Post Graduate engineering and Management disciplines. The senior officials of Ministry of Human Resource Development, University Grants Commission etc. also participated in the conference and shared their views.

In order to meet challenges in technical education and effective implementation of various policy initiatives taken by AICTE, the participants were divided into four groups:

Group I : Adoption of Model Curriculum

Group II : Modalities of Summer Internship

Group III: Teachers Orientation and Teacher Training

Group IV : Teaching Learning Processes :New Pedagogy (SWAYAM)

The Groups discussed and deliberated upon the theme and devised an action plan for implementation of the above initiatives.

Shri Prakash Javadekar also released the Model Curriculum for Undergraduate & Postgraduate Degree courses in Engineering & Technology and Management courses (MBA and PGDM).

Speaking on the occasion Shri Javadekar said that the higher education in India especially technical education has witnessed an exponential growth in last few years. He added that quality education is the only way to progress and we have taken various initiatives to give impetus to the growth of quality education. The minister said that existing syllabus has been revamped by preparing a model curriculum as an updated curriculum is the students’ right. He further added that the inclusion of mandatory internship, both industry and social, will help engineering graduates connect with the need of the industry and society at large.

He said the government is committed to provide best teachers, best infrastructure and best scholarships to all the students. He also advised that the teachers must have passion to teach and they should follow a comprehensive design of quality practice.

While addressing the conference Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shri Satyapal Singh said that providing quality education is our top priority as it will add value to students and society. He added that the aim of life should not be materialistic and one must learn the traditional values and our cultural ethos. He further suggested that lessons about happiness should be a part of the curriculum as students are pressurized due to tough competition. Shri Singh applauded the leadership of Union HRD Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar for taking transforming decisions in the ministry. He also congratulated the AICTE team for developing the model curriculum.

Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE, explained the various quality initiatives taken by AICTE including the Model Curriculum for UG & PG Courses in Engineering and Management, Induction Programme for Engineering Students, Industry readiness and Mandatory Internships for Students, start-ups and innovation etc. He informed that AICTE constituted subject-wise heads of the committees from IITs with respective team of 2-3 academic experts along with industry expert to develop the model curriculum of undergraduate engineering courses and faculty Induction program. He also mentioned that a three-week mandatory induction program for students has been introduced in the first year which will help the students to adjust in the new environment as they come with diverse thoughts, backgrounds and preparations. A novel concept of Virtual Laboratories has also been introduced in the model curriculum. A range of credits from 150 to 160 has been kept for a student to be eligible to get Under Graduate degree in Engineering. A student will be eligible to get Under Graduate degree with Honours or additional Minor Engineering, if he/she completes an additional 20 credits. These could be acquired through MOOCs. Similarly, model curriculum for Post Graduate courses in engineering shall have 68 credits. Model curriculum of 18 Post Graduate specializations was launched.

He further informed that the minimum number of credits for award of MBA/ PGDM course is 102 credits. The Chairman further emphasized that AICTE will ensure revision of the model curriculum on regular basis. Updation will certainly help students to achieve better employability, start-ups and other avenues for higher studies. The institutions/ universities in India are requested to adopt this “Model Curriculum” and depending on local needs may tweak the curriculum.

Prof. M.P. Poonia, Vice Chairman, AICTE, Prof. A.P. Mittal, Member Secretary, AICTE and Prof. Rajiv Kumar, Adviser-I, AICTE and other senior officials from the ministry were also present on the occasion.

Source: PIB

Tax Return Preparer (Amendment) Scheme, 2018

Amendment in Eligibility Qualification, Age, Fee and Remuneration for Tax Return Preparer (TRP)

MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(Department of Revenue)
(CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES)

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 19th January, 2018

G.S.R. 44(E). In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 139B of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), the Central Board of Direct Taxes hereby makes the following further amendments in the Tax Return Preparer Scheme, 2006, namely:-

Short title, commencement and application.

1. (1) This Scheme may be called the Tax Return Preparer (Amendment) Scheme, 2018.

(2) It shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

2. In the Tax Return Preparer Scheme, 2006 (hereinafter referred to as the said Scheme), for paragraph 3, the following paragraph shall be substituted, namely:-

"3. An individual, who holds a bachelor degree from a recognised Indian University or institution, or has passed the intermediate level examination conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India or the Institute of Company Secretaries of India or the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of India, shall be eligible to act as Tax Return Preparer".

3. In the said Scheme, in paragraph 4,
(1) for clause (i), the following clauses shall be substituted, namely:-

"(i) It shall invite application from persons,-

(a) having requisite educational qualifications specified in paragraph 3 or having appeared in the final year examination of the qualifying examination; and

(b) who is not below the age of twenty one years or more than forty-five years as on the 1st day of October of the year immediately preceding the date on which applications are invited.

(ia) It shall require that the application under clause (i) shall be accompanied by a fee of two hundred and fifty rupees, and failing which the application shall be invalid.".

(2) for clause (v), the following clauses shall be substituted, namely

"(v) It shall enrol the persons who qualify the test for enrolment for each training centre separately.

(va) It shall not enrol any person under clause (v), unless -

(a) he makes a deposit of an amount of seven hundred and fifty rupees, which shall be nonrefundable; and

(b) he produces a proof of having passed the qualifying examination as specified in paragraph 3".

(3) clause (ix) shall be omitted.".

4. In the said Scheme, in paragraph 9, for sub-paragraph (1), the following sub-paragraphs shall be substituted,
namely:-

"(1) The Board may authorise the Resource Centre or the Partner Organisation to disburse to a Tax Return preparer, the following amount, namely:-

(a) five per cent. of the tax paid on the income declared in the return of income for First Eligible Assessment Year which has been prepared and furnished by him;

(b) three per cent. of the tax paid on the income declared in the return of income for the Second Eligible Assessment Year which has been prepared and furnished by him;

(c) two per cent. of the tax paid on the income declared in the return of income for the Third Eligible Assessment Year which has been prepared and furnished by him.

(1A) The amount of disbursement for any eligible person in relation to an eligible year shall not exceed,-

(a) five thousand rupees in case of First Eligible Assessment Year;
(b) three thousand rupees in case of Second Eligible Assessment Year; and
(c) two thousand rupees in case of Third Eligible Assessment Year.".

[Notification No. 04/2018/F.No. 142/16/2010 (SO)-TPL(Part)]

Dr T.S.MAPWAL, Under Secy.

Note : The Tax Return Preparer Scheme, 2006 was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), vide notification number S.O. 2039(E), dated the 28th November, 2006 and last amended vide notification number S.O. 2819(E), dated the 22nd November, 2010.

Authority: http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/
Original Link: Click here

Scheme for Promotion of Adventure Sports & Similar Activities amongst Central Government Employees- Programmes to be organized by Garhwal Mandai Vikas Nigam Limited

No.125/1/2015-16-CCSCSB
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)

Dated: 18.01.2018

CIRCULAR

Sub: Scheme for Promotion of Adventure Sports & Similar Activities amongst Central Government Employees- Programmes to be organized by Garhwal Mandai Vikas Nigam Limited.

Please refer to the Department of Person nel & Training's Office Memorandum of even number dated 04.12.2015 regarding Scheme for Promotion of Adventure Sports & Simi lar Activities amongst Central Government Employees( copy enclosed).

2. The Garhwal Mandai Vikas Nigam Limited(GMVNL) has offered the follow ing programmes for Central Government Employees eligible under the Scheme:

S.No	Programme Name	Snow-Skiing Programme at Auli
1.	Duration	7 days
	Dates	30.01.2018 to 05 .02.2018
		07.02.2018 to 13.02.2018
		14.02.2018 to 20.02.2018
		22 .02.2018 to 28.02.2018
		01.03.2018 to 07.03.2018
		09.03 .2018 to 15.03.2018
		16.03.2018 to 22.03.2018
		24.03.2018 to 30.03.2018
	Course fee	17000/-per person
2.	Programme Name	River Rafting
	Duration	3 days
		10.02.2018 to 12.02.2018
		21.02 .2018 to 23.02 .2018
		10.03.2018 to 12.03.2018
		21.03.2018 to 23 .03.2018
		06.04.2018 to 08.04.2018
	Course fee	6011/-per person + 5% GST
3.	Programme Name	River Rafting
	Duration	5 days
		26.01.2018 to 30.01.2018
		15.02.2018 to 19.02.2018
		25.03 .2018 to 29.03.2018
		12.04.2018 to 16.04.2018
	Course fee	10028/-per person + 5% GST

Services Provided by GMVNL Fee includes boarding, lodging (sharing accommodation) rafting/ski equipments(Skies, Ski boot & Ski Pole) and training charges for skiing/rafting.

Note: Participants are required to bring heavy woollen clothings, cap(balaclave & P-Cap), socks woollen(min four pairs), dark sun glasses, gloves(woollen& leather), mufflers, pullovers, long john, wind proof jacket & trousers, anti sun burn cream, gum/snow boots, torch with spare batteries, personal medicines &
toiletries.

3. The interested and el igible Central Government Employees may submit his/her application to Secratry, CCSCSB, Roon mo. 361-B wing, Lok Nayak Bhawan,Khan Market, New Delhi or through e-mail atdoptsports@gmail.com.

The schedule for advance payment for the programme will be intimated later.

The reimbursement as admissible will be made after successfu l completion of programme. The applicant may submit expenditure details(fee receipt & Tickets in origina l) along with Aadhar Number and Bank Details(Name of Bank, Account Number, IFSC Code and Branch Code) for smooth reimbursement of claim.

4. If there is any query regarding the above mentioned programe applicant may contact Shri Rajpal Singh, PRO, GMVNL M.No.9312633180,011-
23350481,011-23326620,011-23327713(Fax).

(Kulbhushan Malhotra)
Secretary (CCSCSB)

Source: DoPT

KVS Rules: Recruitment Rules for KV Teachers

KVS Rules: Recruitment Rules for KV Teachers

How the applications for the post of teachers are invited … ?
The applications are invited through publication of advertisement in the Employment News (Weekly) followed by short advertisement in other National/local dailies.

Whether any application fee is to be remitted at the time of applying to the post of teacher … ?
Yes, non-refundable application fee as prescribed in the advertisement has to be remitted in the form of crossed Demand Draft at the time of applying to the post.

Who are exempted from payment of application fee … ?
Persons belonging to SC/ST categories, Ex-servicemen and Physically Challenged persons are exempted from payment of application fees subject to production of photocopy of certificate issued by the competent authority in proof that they belong to the category mentioned above.

What is the mode of selection … ?
The mode of selection includes written examination and personal interview.

What are the allowances the teachers are entitled on selection … ?
The selected candidates are entitled to various allowances as admissible under the Central Govt./KVS Rules

Where the selected candidates are posted … ?
Selected candidates are liable to be posted anywhere in India based on the vacancies available in specific region. No request for change of place of posting is entertained.

What is the eligibility & recruitment process … ?
The recruitment process is done through open advertisement in the print media which comprises of prelimnary and main examination followed by interview. The candidates who qualify the CTET examination are eligible to fill up the application form.

What is the reservation policy… ?
Selected candidates are liable to be posted anywhere in India based on the vacancies available in specific region. No request for change of place of posting is entertained.

Common mistakes by PAOs in processing of Revision of Pension under 7th CPC

Common mistakes by PAOs in processing of Revision of Pension under 7th CPC

1) DATE OF DEATH OF PENSIONER NOT MENTIONED IN COLUMN 3 [b]. (FAMILY PENSION CASE)

2) APPLICABILITY OF COMMUTED PENSION MAY BE CHECKED WHETHER IT IS APPLICABLE OR NOT.

3) CLASS/CATEGORY OF PENSION UNDER COLUMN 1 (g) MAY BE CHECKED.

4) NOTIONAL PAY SHOWN UNDER COLUMN 3 (e) MAY BE CHECKED.

5) PAY/NOTIONAL PAY SHOWN IN COLUMN 3 (e), DOES NOT MATCH WITH PAY FIXED UNDER 7TH CPC AS SHOWN IN COLUMN 4 (a).

6) LEVEL AND INDEX UNDER COLUMN 4 (a) MAY BE CHECKED.

7) BASIC PENSION IS NOT MATCHING WITH THE LAST PAY DRAWN AS PER 7TH CPC.

8) PAY MATRIX FOR LEVEL‐ 13 MAY BE CHECKED WITH REFERENCE TO REVISED PAY MATRIX IN TERMS OF MINISTRY OF FINANCE (DEPTT.OF EXPENDITURE) RESOLUTION DATED-16.05.2017.

9) PAY MATRIX FOR LEVEL-14 MAY BE CHECKED WITH REFERENCE TO REVISED PAY MATRIX IN TERMS OF DEPTT. OF PENSION & PENSIONERS WELFARE OM DATED – 13.09.2017.

Source: CPAO

Meeting with all Heads of CPPCs/Government Business Divisions to review the implementation of 7th CPC pension revision

CPAO/IT &Tech/Master data/14 (Vol-III)2017-18/183

17.01.2018

MEETING NOTICE

Subject: Meeting with all Heads of CPPCs/Government Business Divisions to review the implementation of 7th CPC pension revision.

It has been decided to hold a meeting with art Heads of CPPCs/Heads of Govt. Business Divisions of the Authorised Banks for pensions under the Chairmanship of Chief controller (Pension) on 30th January, 2018 at 3.00 PM at Conference Hall of central Pension Accounting Office, Trikoot-II, Bhikaji cama place, New Delhi – 110 066 to review the status of implementation of 7th cpc pension revision in the light of DP&PW OM No. 38/37/2016-P&PW [A) dated 12th May, 2017.

Agenda items of the meeting are as follows:
1. Monitoring of implementation of 7th CPC by Banks.
2. Reporting of revised cases to CPAO by Banks.
3. Master Data Reconciliation.
4. IT related issues w.r.t. e-Revision of pension and fresh pension.
5. Compliance of Internal Audit observations on 7th CPC revisions.
6. Timely commencement of family Pension.
7. Timely commencement of Additional Pension.
8. Timely restoration of commuted portion of pension.
9. Timely submission of life certificates.
10. Any other point with the permission of the chair.

All the Authorised Banks are requested to make it convenient to depute their sufficiently senior representatives (A.G.M. and above) to attend the meeting. A line in confirmation may be intimated on e-mail vijay.cpao@gmail.com or through Fax No. 26715108/ 26162326 (Kind Attn: Shri Vijay Singh,Consultant).

S/d,
(Md.Shahid Kamal Ansari)
(Assistant Controller of Accounts)

Ministry of Railways sets Zero scrap balance target for all Zonal Railways

Ministry of Railways
Ministry of Railways sets Zero scrap balance target for all Zonal Railways

​​​​​​​All General Managers of Zonal Railways have been advised to strictly monitor the e-auction of scrap.

Total scrap sales till December 2017 of current financial year has reached to Rs. 1837 crores which is 22% higher than the corresponding sales of Rs. 1503 crores upto December 2016 of the year 2016-17
Earnings from sale of Railway scrap not only augments Railways revenue but also helps in keeping the Railway track, stations, workshops, depots neat and tidy. In this regard, Ministry of Railways has directed all Zonal Railway & Production units to achieve Zero scrap balance by end of March 2018. General Managers of all the Zonal Railways/PUs have been advised to regularly monitor this activity and to intensify supervision at senior officers’ level so as to promptly identify scrap and offer it for e-auction.

With the concerted efforts by all the Railways, total scrap sales till December 2017 of current financial year has reached to Rs. 1837 crores which is 22% higher than the corresponding sales of Rs. 1503 crores upto December 2016 of the year 2016-17.

Indian Railways have been selling its internally generated scrap entirely through online e-auction. Majority of the scrap material comprises of worn-out rails and track fittings released from track renewal/gauge conversion, steel scrap generated in course of overhaul /repairs of rolling stocks, other non-ferrous and miscellaneous scrap.

The e-auction module is part of the IREPS (Indian Railways E-Procurement System) which is a single portal of Indian Railways handling all procurements tenders and e-auctions digitally. All the Zonal Railways and Production Units use this single platform for online sales of scrap. Monthly on an average, 200 e-auctions are conducted by Materials Managers in Divisions and Stores Depots spread all over Indian Railways. Auction schedules and details of saleable materials are published regularly on IREPS website & updated online. The endeavor shall be continued so as to achieve the task of Zero scrap balance by end of March 2018.

PIB