News for 'finance-ministry'

Centre may bring PSBs under Companies Act to enable sale

Centre may bring PSBs under Companies Act to enable sale

Rediff.com24 Apr 2021

The government can also individually exempt the PSBs, that are to be privatisated from the two Bank Nationalisation Acts. This will bring such lenders under Banking Regulation Act, and make them companies, reports Nikunj Ohri.

Note ban: RBI guv to appear before Parliament panel on Jan 20

Note ban: RBI guv to appear before Parliament panel on Jan 20

Rediff.com16 Jan 2017

The chairman of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, K V Thomas, on Monday said a meeting with finance ministry officials has been deferred to February 10 in view of the Budget preparations.

GST collections cross Rs 1 trillion in October for first time in 8 months

GST collections cross Rs 1 trillion in October for first time in 8 months

Rediff.com2 Nov 2020

Mop up grows 10% y-o-y at Rs 1.05 trillion, almost equal to levels in February before a nationwide lockdown to contain the coronavirus pandemic

As things turn sour, Jalan panel hopes to pacify FinMin

As things turn sour, Jalan panel hopes to pacify FinMin

Rediff.com2 Jul 2019

The main difference of opinion between RBI and FinMin is over the transfer of the RBI's 'excess' capital reserves. The Jalan panel seeks to convince finance secretary Subhash Garg to soften his dissent note language. The move is aimed at maintaining the now-cordial relations between the RBI and the finance ministry.

Dear Nirmalaji, what services do we get for our taxes?

Dear Nirmalaji, what services do we get for our taxes?

Rediff.com25 Jan 2021

Navarino Narah, a travel and luxury boutique hotels consultant from Arunachal Pradesh, tells Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar what he would like to see in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget.

FinMin lowers EPF rate to 8.7% for FY16, trade unions protest

FinMin lowers EPF rate to 8.7% for FY16, trade unions protest

Rediff.com25 Apr 2016

The EPFO pays rate of return to its subscribers on the basis of returns it generates from its investments.

Ramping up vax cover key to restoring economic activity: FinMin

Ramping up vax cover key to restoring economic activity: FinMin

Rediff.com10 Jul 2021

Maintaining a rapid pace of the vaccination drive and quickly bridging healthcare infrastructure gaps across both urban and rural areas would emerge as the most sustainable stimulus for durable recovery of the Indian economy, says a report by the department of economic affairs.

Centre orders ministries, PSUs to use MTNL/BSNL services

Centre orders ministries, PSUs to use MTNL/BSNL services

Rediff.com14 Oct 2020

The central government has mandated all ministries, public departments and public sector units to use the telecom services of State-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL).

Dear Nirmalaji, please control rising prices

Dear Nirmalaji, please control rising prices

Rediff.com19 Jan 2021

Mudasir Ahmed, a businessman from Kashmir, tells Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar what he would like to see in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget.

PNB is at it again! Buys 3 Audi cars for top management

PNB is at it again! Buys 3 Audi cars for top management

Rediff.com9 Jun 2020

PNB took the delivery of these high-end luxury cars worth approximately Rs 1.34 crore last month, unmindful of the coronavirus outbreak, subsequent nation-wide lockdown and its crippling effect on the financial sector as well as the economy. The annual depreciation on this purchase will be around about Rs 20 lakh.

Forget tax cuts, Sitharaman advised against Budget sops

Forget tax cuts, Sitharaman advised against Budget sops

Rediff.com11 Jun 2019

FinMin does not expect tax or non-tax revenue to reach anywhere close to the targets set in the interim Budget. Sources say that the challenge before the new government will be either to accept the reduced projection and tailor the Budget accordingly or set a more ambitious target.

'Markets won't see a blind rally post Budget'

'Markets won't see a blind rally post Budget'

Rediff.com27 Jan 2022

'The markets seem apprehensive and that explains why the markets have been feeling slightly uncomfortable ahead of the Budget.' 'After the event, when all the concerns are resolved and clarity emerges, markets will decide what to do next.'

Industry wants natural gas brought under GST

Industry wants natural gas brought under GST

Rediff.com26 Jan 2022

The government should bring natural gas under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a gas-based economy and raising the share of the environment-friendly fuel in India's energy basket, an industry body that represents the likes of Reliance Industries as well as state-owned firms, has said. Natural gas is currently outside the ambit of GST, and existing legacy taxes -- central excise duty, state VAT, central sales tax -- continue to be applicable on the fuel. In its pre-Budget memorandum to the finance ministry, Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI), which boasts of members from across the oil and gas spectrum, also demanded rationalisation of GST on transportation of natural gas through pipeline as well as on re-gasification of imported LNG to help bring down cost of the environment friendly fuel.

On the govt's table: PSU general insurance consolidation

On the govt's table: PSU general insurance consolidation

Rediff.com8 Jun 2019

'The plan is to secure nod of the Union Cabinet and other relevant regulatory approvals within the next three months,' a senior finance ministry official said, requesting anonymity.

Time to END Bank Nationalisation

Time to END Bank Nationalisation

Rediff.com30 Jul 2021

Nationalisation has served its purpose. It's time to move ahead, keeping majority ownership of the government in a few banks to serve the people, argues Tamal Bandyopadhyay.

Budget: FinMin starts meeting industry bodies

Budget: FinMin starts meeting industry bodies

Rediff.com22 May 2019

The final Budget for the fiscal is likely to be tabled in July after formation of the new government.

Dear Nirmalaji, please boost private investment

Dear Nirmalaji, please boost private investment

Rediff.com12 Jan 2021

Tanvi Dubey, a supreme Court lawyer, tells Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar what she would like to see in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget.

Dear Nirmalaji, please consider affordable housing

Dear Nirmalaji, please consider affordable housing

Rediff.com11 Jan 2021

Akansha Dixit, who works in a firm in Mumbai, tells Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar what she would like to see in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget.

Govt releases Rs 14,103 cr GST compensation to states, more soon

Govt releases Rs 14,103 cr GST compensation to states, more soon

Rediff.com8 Apr 2020

GST collections in March slipped below the psychological Rs 1-lakh crore mark for the first time in four months to Rs 97,597 crore as the COVID-19 lockdown that shut most businesses compounded tax collections in an already sluggish economy.

LTC cash voucher scheme: Govt further clarifies the rules

LTC cash voucher scheme: Govt further clarifies the rules

Rediff.com11 Nov 2020

Central government employees availing the LTC cash voucher scheme can purchase goods or services in the name of spouse or other family members eligible for LTC fare. The second set of FAQ issued by the Department of Expenditure also clarified that an employee can claim reimbursement for the purchase of goods and services, attracting GST of 12 per cent or more, on or after October 12 even if he/she has not formally exercised the option of availing the scheme.

Tax parity with ULIPs tops Afmi's wish list ahead of Union Budget

Tax parity with ULIPs tops Afmi's wish list ahead of Union Budget

Rediff.com5 Jan 2021

The pre-Budget proposals sent to the finance ministry aim to bring uniformity in tax treatment for investments in different financial sectors, mitigate hardship to retail taxpayers, and encourage participation in mutual funds.

Tatas top bidder for Air India, but no govt nod yet

Tatas top bidder for Air India, but no govt nod yet

Rediff.com1 Oct 2021

Tata Sons has emerged as the top bidder for the takeover of debt-laden State-run airline Air India but the bid is yet to be approved by a group of ministers headed by Home Minister Amit Shah, sources said.

Serum, Bharat Biotech to get Rs 45 bn for 300 mn vaccines

Serum, Bharat Biotech to get Rs 45 bn for 300 mn vaccines

Rediff.com20 Apr 2021

This will be an upfront payment for the vaccine doses that these two companies will supply to the government.

Why LIC IPO is unlikely this fiscal

Why LIC IPO is unlikely this fiscal

Rediff.com22 Sep 2020

A lot of work is needed to be done on the part of the insurance sector behemoth, and the government, before it is ready for its market debut.

Cong, govt spar in LS over donations to PM Cares Fund

Cong, govt spar in LS over donations to PM Cares Fund

Rediff.com15 Mar 2021

The Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund was established in March last year with the primary objective to deal with any kind of emergency situation like the one currently posed by the COVID-19 outbreak and provide relief to those affected.

Don't tweak inflation target range: Economists tell FM in pre-Budget talks

Don't tweak inflation target range: Economists tell FM in pre-Budget talks

Rediff.com24 Dec 2020

They have also called for giving cash to the poor, so that demand is generated in the economy.

Retro tax settlement with Cairn may hinge on Vedanta case

Retro tax settlement with Cairn may hinge on Vedanta case

Rediff.com20 Aug 2021

The Union government's offer of settling the retrospective taxation case with Cairn Energy may hinge on Vedanta withdrawing the ongoing arbitration from the Singapore Tribunal on the same issue. The government has offered to refund Cairn Energy Rs 7,900 crore that it had collected under the retrospective tax demand on fulfilment of certain conditions, including withdrawal of pending litigation and furnishing of an undertaking to the effect that no claim for cost, damages, interest, etc., would be filed. This condition is also part of the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021, passed by Parliament recently.

Slow progress at debt recovery tribunals irks banks

Slow progress at debt recovery tribunals irks banks

Rediff.com27 Mar 2019

Lenders send 'SOS' to the finance ministry on the tardy decision making and pile-up of cases at the Debt Recovery Tribunals and its appellate forum the Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal.

Many challenges await new FinMin secretary

Many challenges await new FinMin secretary

Rediff.com2 May 2020

The finance minister is ready to present a second financial package. The Centre has ruled out a mega stimulus and will rely on targeted, incremental packages. Industry is clamouring for a bailout, the liquidity upheaval in capital markets is nowhere close to being sorted out, and all budgetary forecasts now stand irrelevant, reports Arup Roychoudhury.

Infosys admits to continuing tax portal glitches, says work is on

Infosys admits to continuing tax portal glitches, says work is on

Rediff.com23 Sep 2021

IT major Infosys on Thursday acknowledged that some users continue to experience difficulties in accessing the income tax portal and assured that it is working expeditiously, in collaboration with the income tax department to further streamline end-user experience.

Dear Nirmalaji: Reduce taxes on medicine, insurance

Dear Nirmalaji: Reduce taxes on medicine, insurance

Rediff.com28 Jan 2021

Archana Ramanan, a homemaker from Tamil Nadu, tells Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar what she would like to see in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget.

Divestment's Tough Climate Call: The hurdle in govt's fund-raising path

Divestment's Tough Climate Call: The hurdle in govt's fund-raising path

Rediff.com4 Jan 2022

There is money to buy the central public sector enterprises, but buyers will need a firm assurance that the disvestment programme will keep environment issues front and centre of their corporate plans.

Jaitley on life support; several politicians visit AIIMS

Jaitley on life support; several politicians visit AIIMS

Rediff.com17 Aug 2019

Vardhan had said on Friday, "Doctors at AIIMS are doing the best they can."

Ministry urges Covid-19 insurance cover for foreign tourists

Ministry urges Covid-19 insurance cover for foreign tourists

Rediff.com8 Dec 2020

Indian and global airlines such as SpiceJet, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic among others too are marketing Covid-19 insurance products to attract passengers.

Now on all private banks can collect tax, pay pension

Now on all private banks can collect tax, pay pension

Rediff.com24 Feb 2021

The finance ministry on Wednesday allowed all private sector banks to participate in government-related business, like collection of taxes. pension payments and small savings schemes. At the moment, only few large private sector are allowed to conduct government-related business.

$3-4 billion worth sovereign bonds likely to be issued in 1st phase

$3-4 billion worth sovereign bonds likely to be issued in 1st phase

Rediff.com23 Jul 2019

The bonds will likely be simultaneously launched in major financial centres such as London, Singapore, Hong Kong, New York for a term of no less than 20 years.

Dilution norms for large IPOs tweaked

Dilution norms for large IPOs tweaked

Rediff.com21 Jun 2021

Easier dilution norms for mega initial public offerings (IPOs) have come into effect. Companies with post-listing market capitalisation (m-cap) of more than Rs 1 trillion will not be required to dilute a minimum of 10 per cent. The move to relax dilution norms is seen as a precursor to Life Insurance Corporation's IPO. The central government has said companies with an m-cap exceeding Rs 1 trillion will have to dilute Rs 5,000 crore and at least 5 per cent of their m-cap. Experts said the earlier framework discouraged large companies from listing since they were forced to offload a large volume of shares during the time of their IPO.

Dear Nirmalaji, please incentivise savings

Dear Nirmalaji, please incentivise savings

Rediff.com14 Jan 2021

Esha Wali, who is the vice president of technology at a Mumbai bank, tells Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar what she would like to see in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget.

CEA Subramanian to return to academia after three-year stint

CEA Subramanian to return to academia after three-year stint

Rediff.com8 Oct 2021

Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) K V Subramanian will be leaving the finance ministry and returning to academia on completion of his three-year term. The government had appointed Subramanian, an ISB Hyderabad professor, as the CEA in December 2018. He had succeeded Arvind Subramanian, who quit the position close to a year ahead of his extended tenure. Subramanian's three-year term would have come up for renewal in December but he decided to return to academia.

Dear Nirmalaji, increase home loan deduction limit

Dear Nirmalaji, increase home loan deduction limit

Rediff.com8 Jan 2021

A businesswoman from Gujarat tells Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar what she would like to see in Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's Budget.