In view of the threat posed by the outbreak of Corona Virus (COVID-19), and the complete lockdown across India, Central/State Governments have issued several advisories and imposed restrictions on the movement of general public. Postal Life Insurance/Rural Postal Life Insurance customers are facing difficulty in approaching post offices for payment of premia inspite of the fact that many Post Offices are functional as part of essential services.
As a measure of convenience to all the PLI / RPLI customers, Directorate of Postal Life Insurance, Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications has given an extension of period for payment of their due premium of March 2020, April 2020 & May 2020 upto 30th June 2020 without charging any penalty/default fee. The decision has been taken because The Department has advised Customers registered on portal to pay premium online using PLI customer Portal.
F.No. 275/25/2020-IT(B)
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Direct Taxes
North Block, New Delhi
09 April 2020
Sub: Clarification on orders dated 31.03.2020 and 03.04.2020 issued under section 119 of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (the Act) by CBDT vide F. No. 275/25/2020-IT(B) regarding issuance of certificate for lower rate/nil deduction/collection of TDS/TCS u/s 195,197 and 206C (9) of the Income-tax Act. 1961-reg
Representations have been received, seeking further clarifications on orders dated 3103.2020 and 03.04.2020 issued under section 119 of the Act by CBDT vide F. No. 275/25/2020-IT(B) regarding issuance of certificate for lower rate/nil deduction/collection of TDS,TCS u/s 195.197 and 206C (9) of the Act. The matter has been examined in the Board and following clarifications w.r.t. above are issued:
(i) Issue of validity period of lower/nil deduction/collection certificates of F.Y. 2019-20:
For the purpose of Para 2 (a ) and 2 (h) of the order dated 31,03.2020, the lower/nil deduction/collection certificates will be valid for the particular period for which these were issued for F.Y. 2019-20 and also for further period from 01.04.2020 to 30.06.2020 for F.Y. 2020-21 subject to conditions as mentioned in the order dated 3 L03.2020. For example, if a certificate was issued for a period from 01.10.2019 to 15.12.2019, the same shall be valid for F.Y. 2019-20 for the period from 01.10.2019 to 15.12.2019, and for F.Y. 2020-21 the same shall be valid from 01.04.2020 to 30.06.2020 subject to conditions as mentioned in the order dated 31.03.2020.
(ii) Issue of threshold/transaction limit for lower/nil deduction/collection certificates of F.Y. 2019-20:
For the purpose of Para 2 (a) and 2 (b) of the order dated 31.03.2020, threshold/transaction limit mentioned in lower/nil deduction /collection certificate issued for F.Y. 2019-20 will be taken fresh for period from 01.04.2020 to 30.06.2020 for F.Y. 2020-21 and the amount of threshold limit will be the same as was assigned for these certificates for F.Y. 2019-20 subject to other conditions mentioned in the order dated 31.03.2010.
(iii) Issue of approval and communication of lower/nil deduction/collection certificates:
Official entails or other electronic communication may be used by field authorities of Income Tax Department for internal approval for issue of lower/nil deduction/collection certificates and for communication of the same.
(iv ) Issue of new/different TAN mentioned for lower/nil deduction/collection application for FY 2020-21 or revision of rates mentioned in certificates of FY 2019-20:
In case the payee or buyer/licensee/lessee taxpayer had a certificate for lower deduction for FY 2019-20 and an application has been made for FY 2020-21 for a new ( different TAN mentioned in the application, the relaxation as provided in Para 2(a) and 2(b) of the order dated 31.03.2020 shall nut apply to such cases and they have to apply afresh as per procedure, mentioned in annexure of the above mentioned order. Similarly, if the rates of TDS/TCS mentioned in old certificates are higher and the taxpayer wants revision of the rates in view of impact of Covid-19 outbreak on its business, the relaxation as provided in Para 2(a) and 2(3) of the order dated 31.03.2020 shall not apply to such cases and they will have to follow the procedure mentioned in the annexure of the above mentioned order and apply afresh.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA (BHARAT SARKAR )
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (RAIL MANTRALAYA )
(RAILWAY BOARD)
No. F(E)III/2003/PF1/1
New Delhi, Dated: 09.4.2020
The GMs/Principal Financial Advisers,
All Zone Railways/Production Units etc.,
(As per mailing list)
Subject : State Railway Provident Fund : Rate of interest during the year 2020-2021 (1st April 2020 to 30th June 2020)
A copy of Government of India’s Resolution No.5 (2)-B(PD)/2020 dated 7th April 2020 issued by the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) prescribing interest at the rate of 7.1% (Seven point one percent) w.e.f. 1st April, 2020 to 30 th June, 2020 on accumulation at the credit of the subscribers to State Railway Provident Fund, is enclosed, for information and necessary action.
(PUBLISHED IN PART I SECTION 1 OF GAZETTE OF INDIA)
F.NO.5(2)-B(PD)/2020
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Economic Affairs
(Budget Division)
New Delhi, the 7th April, 2020
RESOLUTION
It is announced for general information that during the year 2020-2021, accumulations at the credit of subscribers to the General Provident Fund and other similar funds shall carry interest at the rate of 7.1% (Seven point one percent) w.e.f. 1st April, 2020 to 30th June, 2020. This rate will be in force w.e.f. 1st April, 2020. The funds concerned are:
The General Provident Fund (Central Services).
The Contributory Provident Fund (India).
The All India Services Provident Fund.
The State Railway Provident Fund.
The General Provident Fund (Defence Services).
The Indian Ordnance Department Provident Fund.
The Indian Ordnance Factories Workmen’s Provident Fund.
The Indian Naval Dockyard Workmen’s Provident Fund.
The Defence Services Officers Provident Fund.
The Armed Forces Personnel Provident Fund.
2. Ordered that the Resolution be published in Gazette of India.
No.17-23/2016-GDS-Vo1-(IV)
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts
(GDS Section)
Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,
New Delhi – 110001
Dated:08.04.2020
To
All Chief Postmasters General/ Postmasters General
The Director PTCs Saharanpur/Darbhanga/Guwahati/Vadodara/ Mysuru/Madurai.
Subject : Standard format for issue of offer of engagement (Provisional), order of Provisional Engagement and Final Engagement order for engagement to the GDS posts.
The undersigned is directed to refer to para 5(b) (ix) of minutes of 8th meeting of the Postal Service Board for the year 2018 regarding preparing a Standard Format for issue of offer of engagement (Provisional), order of Provisional Engagement and Final Engagement order for engagement to the GDS posts.
2. The Competent Authority has approved separate Standard Formats for issue of offer of engagement (Provisional), order of Provisional Engagement and Final Engagement order for engagement to the GDS posts as given in Annexure I, Annexure II and Annexure III.
3. The above prescribed separate Standard Format for issue of offer of engagement (Provisional), order of Provisional Engagement and Final Engagement order for engagement to the GDS posts may be circulated to all concerned. The concerned engaging authorities to ensure to follow strictly the standard format while issuing of engagement order to GDS under proper designation.
4. Hindi version will follow.
(S.B.Vyaiahare)
Assistant Director General (GDS/PCC)
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
No.2016/M(L)/467/1
New Delhi, Dated 01.04.2020
Director (Operations),
CRIS,
Chanakya Puri,
New Delhi.
Sub: Booking of Crew due for Periodic Medical Examination (PME).
Ref: ED/Health(Planning)’s letter No. 202041-1/7/5 dated 01.04.2020.
In view of the complete Iockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 virus, Health dte. of Railway Board vide letter referred above has decided that the staff due for PME need not be sent for it till 30.04.2020.
It is therefore advised that booking of such running staff becoming due for PME may be permitted through CMS application as a special case. This relaxation is being permitted for a limited period considering the critical situation prevailing. This will be applicable till 30.04.2020 or till fresh orders by Board’s office, whichever is earlier. Exception reports should be generated for such booking by CMS for record.
CRIS may issue procedural instructions to ZRs for its implementation as necessary.
IT Department to release all pending income tax refunds up to Rs 5 lakhs immediately ; Around 14 lakh taxpayers to benefit
All GST & CUSTOM refunds also to be released ; to provide benefit to around 1 lakh business entities including MSMEs Rs 18,000 crore of total refund granted immediately
In the context of the COVID-19 situation and with a view to provide immediate relief to the business entities and individuals, it has been decided to issue all the pending income-tax refunds up to Rs. 5 lakh, immediately. This would benefit around 14 lakh taxpayers.
It has also been decided to issue all pending GST and Custom refunds which would provide benefit to around 1 lakh business entities, including MSME. Thus, the total refund granted will be approximately Rs. 18,000 crore.
No.36/3/2020-EO(SM-I)
Government of India
Secretariat of the
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
New Delhi
Dated, the 7th April 2020
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : Extension of tenure of all the officers working as Deputy Secretary / Director / Joint Secretary or at equivalent level who have been appointed under the Central Staffing Scheme or through CSB procedure – regarding.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the extension of tenure (except on completion of tenure/extended tenure on superannuation) of all the officers working as Deputy Secretary / Director /Joint Secretary or at equivalent level (appointed under the Central Staffing Scheme or through CSB procedure) and completing their regular/extended tenure between the period from 25.03.2020 to 30.04.2020 for a period up to 30.06.2020, or until further orders, whichever is earlier
F.No. 12/4/2020-JCA2
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance & Pensions
(Department of Personnel & Training)
Establishment (JCA-2)Section
North Block, New Delhi
Dated the 08th April, 2020.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : Declaration of Holiday on 14thApril, 2020 – Birthday of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
It has been decided to declare Tuesday, the 14th April, 2020, as a Closed Holiday on account of the birthday of Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, for all Central Government offices, including Industrial Establishment throughout India.
2. The above holiday is also being notified in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 (26 of 1881).
3. All Ministries/ Departments of Government of India may bring the above decision to the notice of all concerned.
(A. Bhattacharya)
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India
No: T-16017/5/2020-iGOT
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
D/o Personnel & Training
(Training Division)
Old JNU Campus, New Delhi
Dated: 07th April, 2020
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : iGOT (Integrated Govt. Online Training) courses on DIKSHA platform on COVID-19 pandemic.
The undersigned is directed to say that as all are aware, India faces a significantly higher threat from COVID-19 pandemic. It will be pertinent to take note of the fact that India’s first line of workers is already engaged in COVID relief and doing commendable job. However, a larger force will be needed to replace the first line and to tackle the exponential or geometric increase in positive COVID cases in the subsequent stages of the pandemic.
2. Accordingly, to take care of the training needs of the frontline workers, the launch of the iGOT platform has been fast-forwarded, and using the MoHRD DIKSHA as a host, has been retro-fitted to the purpose requested by the Empowered Group of Officers led by Shri Arun Panda.
3. A version of iGOT fitted to these needs has been launched with the following URL link – https://igot.gov.in . The platform will provide the training modules on flexitime and on site basis so that the COVID response can be delivered at scale for the workforce needed to tackle the pandemic.
4. Courses on iGOT have been launched for Doctors, Nurses, Paramedics, Hygiene Workers, Technicians, Auxiliary Nursing Midwives (ANMs), State Govt. Officers, Civil Defence Officials, various Police Organisations, National Cadet Corps (NM, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan NYKS), National Service Scheme (NSS), Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Bharat Scouts & Guides (Bsq and other volunteers at this stage. The details are as under:
(i) The URL link is https://igot.gov.in (QR Code is at Annexure-V).
(ii) User Instructions Manual is at Annexure-I.
(iii) Pamphlet of courses alongwith. the Course QR Code is at Annexure-II.
(iv) Instructions for content creation are at Annexure- III.
(v) Launch Advertisements are at Annexure – IV & V.
5. It is requested that wide publicity be made and more and more members of the organisations concerned be encouraged to onboard the iGOT platform and undergo online training so that the pandemic may be handled efficiently.
(Manoj Gupta)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
