Nayanima Basu &Amp; Vrishti Beniwal In New Delhi

Stories by Nayanima Basu &Amp; Vrishti Beniwal In New Delhi

Government to woo retail investors

Government to woo retail investors

Rediff.com   31 Mar 2010

Discounts for retail investors may become a part of the government's disinvestment policy, instead of being offered on a case-to-case basis. The discount offered could be up to 10 per cent of the issue price.

Govt divestment target falls short

Govt divestment target falls short

Rediff.com   30 Mar 2010

The government got Rs 9,930 crore from its follow-on offer of NMDC shares, leaving it short by Rs 1,448 crore for its year's disinvestment target of Rs 25,000 crore. In addition, it got about Rs 2.5 crore by way of interest income on the issue money from banks.

India to showcase SEZ success story in Singapore

India to showcase SEZ success story in Singapore

Rediff.com   23 Mar 2010

Notwithstanding the widespread protest against the proliferation of special economic zones in the country, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is organising a seminar on the tax-free conclaves in Singapore on Wednesday in order to rope in global investors.

FinMin list ready for CMDs, EDs at 11 banks

FinMin list ready for CMDs, EDs at 11 banks

Rediff.com   22 Mar 2010

PSB may get its first non-Sikh at the helm, vigilance clearances are awaited.

More stimulus for export sector: Govt

More stimulus for export sector: Govt

Rediff.com   19 Mar 2010

New foreign trade policy likely by May.

Direct tax mop-up to fall short of revised target

Direct tax mop-up to fall short of revised target

Rediff.com   18 Mar 2010

The government would fall short of its target for direct tax collections for the second consecutive year, with the revenue department estimating its direct tax receipts at Rs 3,70,000 crore (Rs 3700 billion) for 2009-10.

Govt may earn Rs 25,000 cr from disinvestment

Govt may earn Rs 25,000 cr from disinvestment

Rediff.com   5 Mar 2010

Disinvestment proceeds of the government could be higher than the estimate of Rs 25,000 crore for 2009-10. The government has already raised Rs 13,621 crore through disinvestment in four public sector companies.Dilution of stake in National Mineral Development Corporation, the fifth public sector undertaking to come out with a public offer this year, is likely to fetch the government more than the remaining Rs 11,388 crore, thereby exceeding even the revised target.

Govt drops bank M&A plans

Govt drops bank M&A plans

Rediff.com   8 Feb 2010

In December last year, the finance ministry had asked five state-run banks -- Punjab National Bank, Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Bank of India -- to explore merger opportunities in the banking industry.

12 per cent service tax likely to return

12 per cent service tax likely to return

Rediff.com   1 Feb 2010

The government may take the first step towards fiscal consolidation in Budget 2010-11 by partially rolling back tax cuts given to the industry last year. The service tax rate may be restored to 12 per cent, while excise duty could be increased marginally.

FinMin considers lowering duty on buses

FinMin considers lowering duty on buses

Rediff.com   27 Jan 2010

The ministry of urban development has asked the finance ministry to lower the duty in order to promote the public transportation system in the country.

Interest subsidy for exporters may be extended

Interest subsidy for exporters may be extended

Rediff.com   27 Jan 2010

Although India's exports have started growing again after several months of decline, commerce ministry sources told Business Standard that the extension is being considered to sustain growth and stabilise it at 15 to 20 per cent.

Govt to relax FDI norms

Govt to relax FDI norms

Rediff.com   21 Jan 2010

Another roadblock to be removed from FDI path; Load on insurance chest.

Budget may scrap DEPB scheme

Budget may scrap DEPB scheme

Rediff.com   19 Jan 2010

One of the most favoured duty reimbursement schemes among exporters - the Duty Entitlement Passbook (DEPB) scheme - is likely to be scrapped, as the government gears up to introduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from April 1.

12 per cent service tax likely to return

12 per cent service tax likely to return

Rediff.com   19 Jan 2010

The government may take the first step towards fiscal consolidation in Budget 2010-11 by partially rolling back tax cuts given to the industry last year. The service tax rate may be restored to 12 per cent, while excise duty could be increased marginally.

GMAT model finds favour with banks

GMAT model finds favour with banks

Rediff.com   14 Jan 2010

The Indian Banks' Association recently mooted a proposal for a centralised admission test for commercial banks in the country.

PSU banks need to fill 40,000 vacancies

PSU banks need to fill 40,000 vacancies

Rediff.com   4 Jan 2010

The current employee strength of all state-run banks is about 672,000.

PSU banks score on customer care

PSU banks score on customer care

Rediff.com   28 Dec 2009

Public sector banks have performed better than their private sector counterparts in customer service.

Despite GDP cue, indirect tax kitty down 21%

Despite GDP cue, indirect tax kitty down 21%

Rediff.com   22 Dec 2009

Centre likely to miss collection target for '09-10

The rupee symbol: 5 designs shortlisted

The rupee symbol: 5 designs shortlisted

Rediff.com   17 Dec 2009

The long wait for a symbol of the rupee is expected to end by March next year. A committee headed by Reserve Bank of India Deputy Governor Usha Thorat has shortlisted five symbols from 4,000 entries for a public competition to select a design for the symbol.

Infra firms may get MAT relief

Infra firms may get MAT relief

Rediff.com   15 Dec 2009

The government is likely to ease the incidence of minimum alternate tax, or MAT, on infrastructure companies.