Incentives to Central Government employees working in Kashmir Valley as per 7th CPC – DoPT

Incentives to Central Government employees working in Kashmir Valley as per 7th CPC – DoPT

No.18016/ 3/ 2018 -Estt.(L)
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)

New Delhi, the 14th October, 2020

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Special concessions to Central Government employees working in Kashmir Valley in attached/ subordinate offices or PSUs falling under the control of Central Government.

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s O.M. of even number dated 08th January, 2019 on the subject mentioned above and to state that it has been decided by the competent authority to extend the package of concessions / incentives to Central Government employees working in Kashmir Valley for a further period from 01.01.2020 to 31.07.2021. The package for the period from 01.01.2020 to 31.07.202 1 is as per Annexure.

2. The package of incentives is uniformly applicable to all Ministries/ Departments and PSUs under the Government of India and they should ensure strict adherence to the rates prescribed in the The concerned Ministry/ Department may ensure implementation and monitoring of the package in conformity with the approved package, and therefore, all court cases in which verdicts are given contrary to the package would have to be contested by the Ministries/ Departments concerned.

(Rajendra Prasad Tewari)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
011-26164316

Encl. As above.

To
All Ministries/ Departments of the Govt. of India. (as per mailing list)

Also check: Kashmir Valley Special Concession – Additional HRA, Messing Facilities, Incentive (as per 7th CPC) to CGE and Monthly Pension to Pensioners: DoPT Order

---

ANNEXURE

ANNEXURE to DOPT’s 0.M. No.18016/ 3/ 2018-Estt.(L) dated the 14th October, 2020.

DETAILS OF PACKAGE OF CONCESSIONS/ INCENTIVES TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES WORKING IN KASHMIR VALLEY IN ATTACHED/ SUBORDINATE COFFEES OR PSUs FALLING UNDER THE CONTROL OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT.

[Kashmir Valley comprises of ten districts namely Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Srinagar, Kulgam, Shopian, Ganderbal and Bandipora]

1. a) Extension of Special concessions/ incentives for a further period from 01.2020 to 31.07.2021 to Central Government employees working in the 10 districts of Kashmir Valley.

I. ADDITIONAL HOUSE RENT ALLOWANCE AND OTHER CONCESSIONS:

(A) EMPLOYEES POSTED IN KASHMIR VALLEY:

(i) The employees shall have an option to move their families to a selected place of their choice in India at Government expenses and the transport allowance for the families are proposed to be allowed as admissible in anent transfer inclusive of the Composite Transfer Grant at the rate of 80 per cent of the last month’s basic pay;

(ii) Departmental arrangements for stay, security and transportation to the place of work for employees;

(iii) Additional house rent allowance at the rate of Class ‘Y’ city (16 per cent of basic pay) for employees who leave their family at their last place of posting, except officials who have retained Government accommodation to accommodate their families and these employees shall be eligible for drawing the normal house rent allowance as well as at their place of posting if the Departmental arrangement is not made for his stay;

(B) EMPLOYEES POSTED TO KASHMIR VALLEY WHO DO NOT WISH TO MOVE THEIR FAMILIES TO A SELECTED PLACE OF

The per diem allowance of Rs. 113/ – per day is paid for each day of attendance to compensate for any additional expense in transportation from to and from office etc. in terms of the Department of Expenditure OM No. 19030/11/ 2017-E.N, dated 13.07.2017.

(C) THE PERIOD OF TEMPORARY DUTY EXTENDED TO SIX Months

For period of temporary duty, an incentive known as the Kashmir Valley Special Incentive will be paid at the following rates along with food charges (as per 7th Pay Commission norms), apart from departmental arrangements for stay, security and transportation:

Pay Range	Rate Per month (on pro rata)
(i) Level 14 and above	Rs.9000
(ii) Level 12 and 13	Rs.8000
(iii) Level 9 to 11	Rs.7000
(iv) Level 6 to 8	Rs.6000
(v) Level 5 and below	Rs.4500

7th Pay Commission Special Incentive

II. MESSING FACILITIES:

• Messing allowance is paid @ Rs.97.85/- per day.

III. PAYMENT OF MONTHLY PENSION:

The pensioners of Kashmir Valley who are unable to draw their monthly pensions through either Public Sector Banks or Pay and Accounts Office treasuries from which they were receiving their pensions, are given pensions outside the Valley, where they have settled, in relaxation of relevant provisions.

NOTE :-

i. The package of concessions / incentives shall be admissible in Kashmir Valley comprising of ten Districts namely, Anantna Baramulla, Budgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Srinagar, Kulgam, Shopian, Ganderbal and Bandipora.

ii The Package of concessions / incentives shall be admissible to Temporary Status Casual Laborers working in Kashmir Valley in terms of Para 5(i) of the Casual Laborers (Grant of Temporary Status and Regularization) Scheme of Government of India, 1993.

iii. The benefit of additional house rent allowance admissible under the Kashmir Valley package shall be admissible to all Central Government employees posted in Kashmir Valley irrespective of whether they are natives of Kashmir Valley, if they choose to move their families anywhere in India subject to the conditions governing the grant of these allowances.

The facilities of Messing Allowance and Per Diem Allowances shall also be allowed to natives of Kashmir Valley in terms of the Kashmir Valley package.

 

Incentives to Sports persons

Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports

Incentives to Sports persons

20 DEC 2018

Incentives in the form of Cash awards are given to medal winners in international sports events of various sports disciplines including those of Football, Hockey, Badminton, Lawn Tennis.  Cash awards are given in accordance with the provisions of the Scheme of 'Special Awards to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches'. As Cricket is at present not included in Olympic Games/Asian Games/Commonwealth Games, no cash award is given to sportspersons belonging to cricket. However, Blind Cricket World Cup (held in four years) is included in the Scheme of Special Awards and medal winners in Blind Cricket World Cup have been given cash award.

A statement indicating the amount of cash award given to sportspersons in different international sports events is at Annexure.

Responsibility for promotion and development of specific sports disciplines is that of concerned National Sports Federations (NSF). Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) supplement the efforts of the NSFs.

This information was given by Minister of State (Independent Charge) forYouth Affairs and Sports Shri Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore Retd in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.

Annexure

Statement indicating the amount of cash award given to medal winners in international sports events as per the Scheme of 'Special Awards to Medal Winners in International Sports Events and their Coaches'

I. Individual Events at Senior Level :

(a) : Category : Open Category Sports

S. No.	Name of Event	Amount of Award Money (In rupees)
		Gold Medal	Silver Medal	Bronze Medal
1.	Olympic Games (Summer & Winter)	75 lakh	50 lakh	30 lakh
2.	Asian Games	30 lakh	20 lakh	10 lakh
3.	Commonwealth Games	30 lakh	20 lakh	10 lakh
4.	World Championships or World Cup  (conducted in four year cycle)	40 lakh	25 lakh	15 lakh
5.	World Championship/ World Cup (held once in two years)	20 lakh	14 lakh	8 lakh
6.	World Championship/ World Cup(held annually) /All England Badminton Championship	10 lakh	7 lakh	4 lakh
7.	Asian Championships(held once in four years)	15 lakh	10 lakh	5 lakh
8.	Asian Championships(held once in two years)	7.5 lakh	5 lakh	2.5 lakh
9.	Asian Championships (held annually)	3.75 lakh	2.5 lakh	1.25 lakh
10.	Commonwealth Championships(held once in four years)	15 lakh	10 lakh	5 lakh
11.	Commonwealth Championships(held once in two years)	7.5 lakh	5 lakh	2.5 lakh
12.	Commonwealth Championships(held annually)	3.75 lakh	2.5 lakh	1.25 lakh
13.	World University Games	3.75 lakh	2.5 lakh	lakh

(b) : Category : Para-Sports

S. No.	Name of Event	Amount of Award Money (In rupees)
		Gold Medal	Silver Medal	Bronze Medal
1.	Paralympic Games (Summer & Winter)	75 lakh	50 lakh	30 lakh
2.	Para Asian Games	30 lakh	20 lakh	10 lakh
3.	Commonwealth Games(Para Athletes)	30 lakh	20 lakh	10 lakh
4.	IPC World Cup/ Championship(held biennially)	20 lakh	14 lakh	8 lakh
5.	IPC World Cup/ Championship(held annually)	10 lakh	7 lakh	lakh

(c): Category : Blind Sports

S. No.	Name of Event	Amount of Award Money (In rupees)
		Gold Medal	Silver Medal	Bronze Medal
1.	IBSA World Championship	10 lakh	7 lakh	lakh

(d) : Category : Deaf-Sports

S. No.	Name of Event	Amount of Award Money (In rupees)
		Gold Medal	Silver Medal	Bronze Medal
1.	Deaflympics	15 lakh	10 lakh	lakh

(e) : Category : Special Olympic- Sports

S. No.	Name of Event	Amount of Award Money (In rupees)
		Gold Medal	Silver Medal	Bronze Medal
1.	Special Olympics (Summer / Winter)	5 lakh	3 lakh	1 lakh

(f) Category : Blind Cricket World Cup

S. No.	Name of Event	Amount of Award Money (In Rupees) Winner
1.	Blind Cricket World Cup (held in four years)	5 lakh

II. Individual Events of Junior Level for sports competitions stated above :In case of Junior Level, the amount will be one third of the amount stated in tables above rounded off to nearest tens of thousand of Rupees.

III. Individual Events of Sub Junior Level for sports competitions stated above :In case of Sub Junior Level, the amount will be one sixth of the amount stated in tables above rounded off to nearest tens of thousand of Rupees.

IV. Team Events :For Team events, the amount of cash award is computed taking into account the number of members of the team.  However, no member of team gets less than 50% of the award amount corresponding individual event, medal, level and category of participation.

PIB

Incentives to Industries in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and North Eastern States

Ministry of Commerce & Industry

Incentives to Industries in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and North Eastern States

17 DEC 2018

Twenty-one projects are under implementation or have been completed in the States of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and North Eastern States including six projects in the States of Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Mizoram and Tripura.This information was given by Minister of State for Commerce & Industry C. R. Chaudhary in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has been implementing many schemes for providing incentives to industries in the States of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and North Eastern States including Sikkim.

The scheme for Jammu & Kashmir provides Central Capital Investment Incentive at the rate of 30% of the investment in plant & machinery with an upper limit of Rs. 5 crore). Central Interest Incentive at the rate 3% interest on working capital for 5 years and Central Comprehensive Insurance Incentive (Reimbursement of 100% insurance premium for 5 years are also available. The scheme is in force from 15.6.2017 to 31.3.2022.

The scheme for Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand provides Central Capital Investment Incentive at the 30% of the investment in plant & machinery with an upper limit of Rs. 5 crore and Central Comprehensive Insurance Incentive (Reimbursement of 100% insurance premium for 5 years). The scheme is in force from 1.4.2017 to 31.3.2022.

The scheme for North Eastern states including Sikkim provides (i) Central Capital Investment Incentive (30% of the investment in plant & machinery with an upper limit of Rs. 5 crore), (ii) Central Interest Incentive (3% interest on working capital for 5 years), (iii) Central Comprehensive Insurance Incentive (Reimbursement of 100% insurance premium for 5 years), (iv) Income Tax Reimbursement of centre's share for 5 years, (v) GST reimbursement of Central Govt. share of CGST & IGST for 5 years, (vi) Employment Incentive under which additional 3.67% of the employer's contribution to EPF in addition to Govt. bearing 8.33% Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) contribution of the employer in PMRPY and (vii) Transport incentive on finished goods movement by Railways(20% cost of the transportation), by Inland Waterways Authority (20% of the cost of transportation) & by air (33% of cost transportation of air freight) from the station/port/airport nearest to unit to the station/port/airport nearest to the destination point.

Under this scheme a single unit can avail overall benefits up to Rs. 200 crore.

Scheme of Budgetary Support to the eligible units located in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and North Eastern States including Sikkim under Goods and Service Tax Regime extends benefits of GST reimbursement of central government share of CGST&IGST to the industrial units for the residual period to them which were earlier availing excise exemption in the pre-GST regime. The scheme is in force from 01.07.2017 till 30.06.2027.

In addition, under this scheme, DIPP is implementing Modified Industrial Infrastructure Up-gradation Scheme (MIIUS) to upgrade common industrial infrastructure in industrial parks, estates and areas in the country including green field projects in backward areas including NER.

PIB

PFRDA takes a new initiative to increase pension coverage by increasing the incentives payable to Points of Presence (POPs), the principal distributive points for NPS

PFRDA takes a new initiative to increase pension coverage by increasing the incentives payable to Points of Presence (POPs), the principal distributive points for NPS

Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has taken several initiatives in the past few years to increase pension coverage in the country, notably introducing e-NPS, reducing minimum contribution levels, new investment instruments, aggressive life cycle funds etc.

PFRDA has now taken a further step in this direction by increasing the incentives payable to Points of Presence (POPs), the principal distributive points for National Pension System (NPS).

The following Table gives the details of increase in incentives:

Principal Distribution Point	Services offered	Current Charge	New Charge
POP	Initial Subscriber Registration*	Rs. 125/-	Rs. 200/-
	Initial Contribution	0.25% of the contribution Min: Rs. 20/- & Max : Rs.25,000/-	0.25% of the contribution Min: Rs. 20/- & Max : Rs.25,000/-
	All Subsequent Contribution
	All Non-Financial Transaction	Rs. 20/-	Rs. 20/-
	Persistency*	-----	> Rs. 50/- per annum (only for NPS-All Citizen)
	e-NPS* (for subsequent contributions)	0.05% of the contribution Min Rs 5/- & Max Rs 5000/- (Only for NPS- All Citizen and Tier-II Accounts)	0.10% of the contribution Min Rs 10/- & Max Rs 10000/- (Only for NPS- All Citizen and Tier-II Accounts)

*Changes effected A new incentive towards increasing persistency has been introduced under which POPs will receive an incentive of Rs. 50/- per account per annum for every account which continues to contribute a minimum of Rs 1000/- in a financial year.

PFRDA believes that the renewed incentive will help in increasing the reach of pensions in India, through the efforts of Points of presence (POPs).

PIB

Indian Railways Measures to Promote Digital Payments

Indian Railways Measures to Promote Digital Payments

In pursuance of this announcement made by Government of India for promotion of Digital & Cashless Economy, Ministry of Railways has initiated some additional following package of incentives and measures. This shall be made effective from 1st January 2017.

1. Ministry of Railways has decided to instruct Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendras (YTSKs) to install POS machines and accept payments through all banks debit/credit cards for issuing both reserved and unreserved tickets. They are encouraged to accept payments through other modes also like UPI, USSD, e-wallet, Aadhar enabled payments system.

2. Ministry of Railways has decided to instruct Jan Sadharan Ticket Booking Seva (JTBs) are also instructed to accept payments through other modes like UPI, USSD, e-wallets, Aadhar enabled payments system to issue unreserved tickets.

3. Ministry Of Railways have decided to allow 5% Discount for booking of Retiring Room through digital means like using debit/credit cards.

4. Ministry of Railways have decided that 0.5% discount in the base fare of season tickets (Monthly, quarterly, Half yearly, yearly) over suburban section shall be granted in case the payment is made through digital means through debit card, credit card etc.. Other charges like MUTP surcharge, Mela surcharge, service tax etc., if applicable shall be levied separately on the base fare arrived at after giving the 0.5% concession.

PIB

Incentives to High Performing Railway Employees

Incentives to High Performing Railways Employees: Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO: 174
ANSWERED ON: 16.11.2016

Incentives to High Performing Employees

T. RADHAKRISHNAN
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the Indian Railways proposes to offer incentives to high performing employees;
(b) if so, the aims and objectives of the said proposal along with the criteria/ modalities fixed by the Government in this regard;
(c) the measures taken by the Government to avoid discrimination while incentives are given to the best eligible employees;
(d) the time by which the decision is likely to be taken in this regard; and
(e) the other steps taken to improve efficiency and motivation level of the Railway employees?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)

(a) There is no such proposal at present.
(b) to (d): Do not arise.
(e)  There is a system to prepare Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR), wherein the employees are evaluated and such evaluation is used while deciding promotions etc. Further, to improve efficiency and motivation levels, Productivity Linked Bonus is also given to non-gazetted Railway Employees excluding RPF/RPSF personnel who instead are given ad-hoc bonus.

PDF/WORD(Hindi) PDF/WORD

FinMin sets up panel to suggest steps to promote card payments

New Delhi: With an aim to discourage cash transactions, the Finance Ministry has set up a high-level committee to suggest steps to promote card payments through incentives like tax rebates and cash back schemes.

The 11-member committee, headed by former Finance Secretary Ratan P Watal, will recommend various measures to “incentivise transactions through cards and digital means, e.G., through tax rebates/incentives, introduction of cash back/lottery,” the ministry said.

The panel, which will review the payments system in the country and recommend measures for encouraging digital payments, has been set up following a decision taken by the Cabinet in February.

It will also study feasibility of creating a payments history of all card/digital payments and ensure that merchants/consumers can leverage the data to access “instant, low cost micro-credit” through digital means and create necessary linkage between the payment history and credit information.

The panel will also study and recommend need for changes, if any, in the regulatory mechanism under various laws, relevant for the purpose of promotion of payments by digital modes.

“To study and recommend ways for leveraging Unique Identification Number or any other proof of identity for authentication of card/digital transactions and setting up of a centralised KYC Registry” is another key task given to it.

The committee will study introduction of single window system of payment gateway to accept all types of cards/digital payments of government receipts and enable settlements via NPCI or other agencies within specified timelines.

Another task assigned to the panel is to identify regulatory bottlenecks and suggest changes.
It will also look into the scope of integration of all government systems like Public Finance Management System, PayGov, Bharatkosh and eKuber.

The Union Cabinet in February had approved withdrawal of surcharge, service charge and convenience fee on card and digital payments.

It also approved mandating payments beyond a prescribed threshold only through a card or digital mode.
The panel has been asked to submit its report in one year.

The Watal panel will also study global best practices in payments and identify possible market failures, along with suitable interventions.

The committee members include former RBI Deputy Governor H R Khan, Chairman of Indian Banks Association, President of Nasscom and CBDT Chairperson.

PTI

Incentives announced for textiles will help create jobs

Incentives announced for textiles will help create jobs

The “extra push” given to the textiles industry through an incentive package will help create more jobs and push exports, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said today.

“It is a sector where India has gained a lot of advantage … It has a great potential for job creation,” the minister told reporters here.

This “extra push” was given to the sector due to various global developments, she said.

The Union Cabinet yesterday approved a Rs 6,000 crore package for textiles and apparel sector with an aim to create one crore new jobs in three years and attract investments of USD 11 billion while eyeing USD 30 billion in exports.

Textiles exports contribute significantly to the country’s total exports at about USD 17 billion in 2014-15. The sector is witnessing huge competition from small countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam, which have access to developed markets at lower tariffs.

When asked about the impact of Brexit (possible exit of Britain from European Union) on India, Sitharaman said that the government is “watching the situation”.

“We will be observing the developments. It is too early for me to comment (on its impact),” she added.
Talking about the stalled India-EU free trade agreement, the minister said India is waiting for the dates to resume the talks.

“We are waiting for the dates. It is my doubt that if because they are waiting for the outcome of Brexit, they have not yet given the dates as yet. The moment they give the dates, we will be keenly wanting to continue the talks to reach the conclusion at the earliest,” she added.

Launched in June 2007, the negotiations for the proposed agreement have witnessed many hurdles with both sides having major differences on crucial issues like intellectual property rights, duty cut in automobile and spirits, and liberal visa regime.

The pact is aimed at reducing or significantly eliminating tariffs on goods, facilitating trade in services and boosting investments between the two sides.

When asked about Apple Inc’s proposal to open single brand retail stores in the country after announcement of the tweaked FDI policy in the sector, Sitharaman said: “We have announced the policy. We will wait to hear from them”.

The ministry has stated that it will give exemption to foreign firms such as Apple Inc coming with state-of-the-art technology from the mandatory local sourcing norms in the single-brand retail sector for up to three years.

PTI

Central government employees getting 4th place in non-athletic events to get incentives

Central government employees getting 4th place in non-athletic events to get incentives

Central government employees achieving even the fourth position in a non-athletic sporting event will now be entitled to special incentives.

The Ministry of Personnel has changed a six-year-old rule in this regard ahead of Rio Olympics 2016, scheduled to begin in August 5.

In the case of non-athletic or equivalent sporting events, individuals or members of teams achieving first and second positions in the finals and both the losing semi-finalists achieving third and fourth places shall be said to have achieved excellence for the purpose of grant of incentives or increment, it said in a new order.

However, the grant of incentives to those achieving third and fourth positions is subject to a condition that more than three individuals or teams have participated in the sporting event.

“This benefit, however, is allowable to only one individual or team, if the number of individuals or teams that participate in a sporting event is less than three,” the ministry said.

The period of participation in a national or international sporting event, including the time spent in travelling to and fro, by central government employees are considered as working days and they are entitled to salary.
They also get special casual leave of 30 days in a year.

As per a 2010 rule, sports persons participating in sporting events (both individual and team events) of national and international importance would be treated as having achieved excellence for the purpose of grant of increment if he or she achieves first, second or third position in the finals of the events.

PTI

Reassessment of CVO positions in CPSEs and the pay, incentives, allowances etc. related issues

Reassessment of CVO positions in CPSEs and the pay, incentives, allowances etc. related issues.

No.325/10/2015-AVD-III
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
*****

North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 7th July, 2015

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject: Reassessment of CVO positions in CPSEs and the pay, incentives, allowances etc. related issues.

The undersigned is directed to refer to the minutes of the meeting of the Selection Committee held on 24 th June, 2015 and to say that a Committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary (S&V) to consider the issues related to reassessment of CVO positions in CPSEs and review of the extra pay, incentives, pay structure and allowances etc. of CVOs in CPSEs.

2. All Ministries/Departments are requested to furnish the following information about the CPSEs under their control within 15 days of receipt of this O.M.:-

i. Whether full time CVO is required in particular organization.
ii. Whether the post of CVOs of two or more organizations can be clubbed together.
iii. Whether the post of CVOs is required to continue with the current

posts or wishes to upgrade/downgrade or to abolish the posts in view of the workload and requirement of vigilance related matters.

iv. Staff strength and volume of vigilance work involved in the CPSEs, turnover of organizations in last 5 years etc.

(M. M. Maurya)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
Tel. No. 23094541

To
All Ministries/Departments of Government of India.
Copy to:-
1. The Secretary, Central Vigilance Commission, Satarkata Bhawan, GPO
Com , INA, New Delhi-110023.
2. NIC Section with the request to upload on public domain/Guard file.

Click to check the original order

Incentives to Food Processing Units

Incentives to Food Processing Units
The Ministry has launched a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) in 12th Plan (2012-17) through State/UT Governments. The mission has, interalia, one of the schemes namely scheme of Technology Upgradation/ Establishment/ Modernization of Food Processing Industries. Under the above scheme of the mission, all the eligible Small and Medium entrepreneurs interested to set up food processing units are provided financial assistance @25 per cent of the cost of Plant & Machinery and Technical Civil Works, subject to a maximum of Rs. 50 lakh in general areas; 33.33 per cent of the cost of Plant & Machinery and Technical Civil Works, subject to a maximum of Rs. 75 lakh in difficult areas (i.e. Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep) and Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) areas; and 50 per cent of the cost of Plant & Machinery and Technical Civil Works, subject to a maximum of Rs.100 lakh for North-Eastern States including Sikkim.
The applications for the above scheme of the mission are received, sanctioned and funds are released by the respective State/UT Governments, for setting up of Food Processing Units in the country.

In addition, Government of India provides various tax incentives to the Food Processing Industries set up by Small and Medium entrepreneurs and their units in the country including Uttar Pradesh.

1. Income Tax:
1.1. Deduction of expenditure: These incentives are allowed for the following businesses for the investment made in the previous year and prior to commencement of its operations:

1.1.1. Businesses allowed 100% deduction:
(a) Setting up and operating a cold chain facility.
(b) Setting up and operating warehousing facility for storage of agricultural produce.
 
1.1.2. Businesses allowed 150% deduction (provided the taxpayer has commenced its business on or after 01.04.2012):
(a) Bee-keeping and production of honey and bees wax.
(b) Setting up and operating a warehousing facility for storage of sugar.

1.2. Deduction of Tax from profit: This tax incentive is available at the rate of 100% tax exemption for the first 5 years of operations. After 5 years, it is at the rate of 25% of the profits. However, in case of a company, rate of tax is 30% of profits, after 5 years of operations. This benefit is available only for ten years provided that such business had commenced with effect from 01.04.2001. This incentive is provided for new units in the business of processing, preservation & packaging of fruits or vegetables, meat & meat Products, poultry, marine or dairy products. However, in case of business relating to meat, meat products, poultry, marine products or dairy products, the above incentive is available to only those units who have started their production after 01.04.2009.
 
2. Service Tax:

2.1. Negative list: Service tax is not leviable on items contained in the negative list. These are services including processes carried out at an agricultural farm including tending, pruning, cutting, harvesting, drying, cleaning, trimming, sun drying, fumigating, curing, sorting, grading, cooling or bulk packaging and such operations which do not alter the essential characteristics of agricultural produce but make it only marketable for the primary market.

2.2. Exempted category: Exemption from Service Tax is allowed for following services:
(i) Construction, Erection, Commissioning or installation of original works pertaining to post-harvest storage infrastructure for agricultural produce including Cold storages for such purposes.
(ii) Mechanized Food grain handling system, machinery or equipment for units processing agricultural produce as food stuff excluding alcoholic beverages; and
(iii) Services provided by a goods transport agency by way of transportation of fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, food grains or pulses in a goods carriage.
(iv) Services of Loading, unloading, packing, storage or warehousing of agricultural produce.
 
3. Customs Duty:

3.1. Government has provided following Project Import benefits:
(i) Projects for the installation of mechanized food grain handling systems and pallet racking systems in ‘Mandis’ and Warehouses for food grains and sugar;
(ii) Cold storage, cold room (including for farm level pre-cooling) or industrial projects for preservation, storage or processing of agricultural, apiary, horticultural, dairy, poultry, aquatic and marine produce and meat.
Consequently, all goods related to Food Processing, imported as part of the project, irrespective of their tariff classification, would be entitled to uniform assessment at concessional customs duty of 5% plus CVD as applicable.

3.2. Customs duty on Hazelnuts has been reduced from 30% to 10%.

3.3. Customs Duty on De-hulled Oat grains has been reduced from 30% to 15%.

4. Central Excise Duty:
In order to promote food processing industry, the Government has given following concessions in Central Excise Duty from time to time:

4.1. Food Products:
(i) Nil excise duty in milk, milk products (Chapter 4), vegetables (Chapter 7), nuts & fruits, fresh & dried (Chapter 8).
(ii) As against standard excise duty of 12%, Processed Fruits & Vegetables (Chapter 20) carries a merit rate of 2% without CENVAT or 6% with CENVAT.
(iii) Soya Milk Drinks, Flavoured Milk of Animal origin also carry a duty of 2% without CENVAT or 6% with CENVAT.
(iv) Excise duty on “Tapioca Starch manufactured and captively consumed within the factory of their production, in the manufacture of Tapioca Sago (Sabudana)” and excise duty on Tapioca Sago (Sabudana) has been reduced to nil in the Budget 2013-14.

4.2. Food Processing Machineries:
(i) All Refrigeration Machineries and parts used for installation of Cold storage, Cold room or Refrigerated Vehicle, for the preservation, storage , transport or processing of agricultural, apiary, horticultural, dairy, poultry, aquatic and marine produce and meat are exempted from Excise Duty.

(ii) Pasteurising, drying, evaporating, etc. machinery used in Dairy sector is exempted from Excise Duty.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

Source: PIB

Additional Incentives to women to join the para-military forces

Additional Incentives to women to join the para-military forces
The steps taken by the Government to provide additional incentives to women to join the para-military forces are as under:-

(i)    ‘Creches’ and ‘Day Care Centres’ have been provided by the CAPFs to women employees.

(ii)    Separate accommodation for women personnel with basic amenities.

(iii)    Toilet facilities are made available for the use of women employees by pitching of proper tents with commode in areas where appropriate locations are not available.

(iv)    Vehicles fitted with mobile toilets for women personnel during movement from one place to another and during picketing duties.

(v)    Facilities already available under the Central Government like Maternity Leave, Child Care Leave, are also applicable to CAPFs women personnel.

(vi)    Medical facilities with special care to the pregnant women. Lady Doctors are available to provide medical coverage.


(vii)    Education facilities to their children in KendriyaVidyalaya have been provided wherever available.

(viii)    Facilities have been provided to women personnel at par with their male counter parts at work place without any gender bias.

 (ix)    In case of married women, generally husband and wife are posted in same station as far as possible.

(x)    Instructions issued vide Department of Personnel and Training’s OM No.35021/2/2009-Estt (C), dated 3.7.2009, regarding concerted effort to increase representation of Women in Central Government jobs are strictly adhered to while conducting recruitment to ensure adequate women candidates are attracted to join CAPFs.

(xi)    One female member is detailed as member of the board for making recruitment of women personnel.

(xii)    The Programme on Gender Sensitization in Govt. Service has been conducted by all CAPFs to educate their personnel. This has also been made part of the Basic Training Programme.

(xiii)    Committees have been constituted at all levels to check sexual harassment and to deal with the complaints of women personnel.  All CAPFs have included the NGOs in the Complaint Committees to enquire into complaints of sexual harassment.

(xiv)    There is proper mechanism established for redressal of Grievances of women employees of CAPFs.

(xv)    Ministry of Home Affairs have issued order suggesting time-limits for processing of the disciplinary proceedings on the complaints of Sexual Harassment at work place so that proceedings are concluded expeditiously by CAPFs.

(xvi)    Ministry of Home Affairs have directed all CAPFs to amend their respective Act/Rules suitably to make necessary provisions as per the guidelines and norms emanating from the Judgment of Supreme Court in the case of Vishaka and Ors Vs. State of Rajasthan and Ors. (JT 1997(7) SC 384).

(xvii)    Women personnel are given equal opportunity in their career progression i.e. promotion/seniority at par with male counter parts.

(xviii)    Women personnel are encouraged to be self-dependent by imparting proper training and talks during various courses.

(xix)    Separate General Pool Accommodation for women employees available to Central Government employees are also applicable to women employees in CAPFs.

(xx)    Women personnel are generally not being posted in units located in very remote and hostile areas.

Source: R.S.USQ No. 992 FOR 14.08.2013

Mileage points Utilisation / Earning Incentives on tickets purchased for official travel by CPSE employees

Mileage points Utilisation / Earning Incentives on tickets purchased for official travel by CPSE employees

F. No DPE/3(4)/08-Fin.
Government of India
Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises
Department of Public Enterprises

Public Enterprises Bhavan
Block No. 14, CGO Complex
Lodhi Road New Delhi-110003
Dated: 20th February, 2013

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Subject : Utilisation of mileage points / other incentives earned by CPSE employees on tickets purchased for official travel.

Ministry of Petroleum & Nature Gas vide 0.M. No. C-13014/23/2009-Vig dated 18th January, 2013 has made a reference to DPE regarding the advice of Central Vigilance Commission to ensure the observance of instructions issued by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance in its O.M. No 7(1)/E.Coord/2008 dated 1st October, 2008) on utilization of mileage points earned by CPSEs employees.

2. After due consideration, it has been decided that all mileage points earned by employees of CPSEs on tickets purchased for official travel shall be utilized by the concerned CPSEs for other official travel by their employees.

3. It is the responsibility of the employees concerned to ensure that free mileage points are used only for official travel and not for personal trips. Any other incentives and similar packages such as free companion etc. should be negotiated by CPSES so that benefits come to the CPSEs.

4. These orders will be applicable in the case of mileage points earned after the date of issue of this O.M.

5. All administrative Ministries / Departments are requested to advise all CPSES under their administrative control to comply with the above instructions strictly.

6. This has approval of Minister (Hl & PE).

sd/-
(V. K.Jindal)
Director

Source : www.dpe.nic.in
[http://www.dpe.nic.in/sites/upload_files/dpe/files/glch0355_20022013.pdf]