Filing of Income Tax Returns registers an upsurge of 71% upto 31st August,2018
There has been a marked improvement in the number of Income Tax Returns(ITRs) filed during FY 2018 (upto 31/08/2018, the extended due date of filing) compared to the corresponding period in the preceding year. The total number of ITRs e-filed upto 31/08/2018 was 5.42 crore as against 3.17 crore upto 31/08/2017, marking an
increase of 70.86%. Almost 34.95 lakh returns were uploaded on 31/08/2018 itself, being the last date of the extended due date of filing of ITRs.
A remarkable increase is seen in the number of ITRs in 2 categories ie ITRs filed by salaried Individuals (ITR-1& 2) as also those availing the benefit of the Presumptive Taxation Scheme(ITR-4).
The total number of e-returns of salaried Individual taxpayers filed till 31/08/2018 increased to 3.37 crore from 2.19 crore returns filed during the corresponding period of 2017, registering an increase of 1.18 crore returns translating into a growth of almost 54%.
A stupendous growth has been witnessed in the number of returns e-filed by persons availing the benefit of Presumptive Tax, with 1.17 crore returns having been filed upto 31st August, 2018 compared to 14.93 lakh returns upto 31st August, 2017 registering a massive increase of 681.69%.
The increase in the number of returns reveals a marked improvement in the level of voluntary compliance of taxpayers which can be attributed to several factors, including the impact of demonetisation, enhanced persuasion & education of taxpayers as also the impending provision of late fee which would be effective on late filing of
returns. This is indicative of an India moving steadily towards a more tax compliant society & reflects the impact of continuous leveraging of technology to improve taxpayer service delivery.
PM launches India Post Payments Bank – a major initiative towards financial inclusion
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today launched the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi. The function was witnessed at over 3000 locations across the country, which were connected to the main event in Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that through the India Post Payments Bank, banking services will conveniently reach the remotest places in the country, and the people living there.
He recalled that the Union Government had earlier rolled out the Jan Dhan Yojana to establish financial inclusion. He said that today’s launch of IPPB is one more step to achieve this objective. He said IPPB branches have opened across 650 districts today.
The Prime Minister said that the postman has long been a respected and accepted person in the villages. He said the trust on the postman remains, despite the advent of modern technology. He said that the Government’s approach is to reform existing frameworks and structures, and hence, transform them in accordance with the changing times. He said that there are over 1.5 lakh post offices and over three lakh postmen or “grameen dak sevaks” who are connected to the people of the country. Now they shall be empowered with smartphones and digital devices to provide financial services.
Enumerating the benefits of IPPB, he said it will enable money transfer, transfer of government benefits, bill payments and other services such as investment and insurance. He added that postmen would deliver these services at the doorstep. He said that IPPB will also facilitate digital transactions, and help deliver the benefits of schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, which provide assistance to farmers.
The Prime Minister said that since 2014, the Union Government has been dealing firmly with the distortions and problems that had arisen in India’s banking sector due to indiscriminate loan advances. He said existing loans have been reviewed and a professional approach has been taken with regard to the banking sector. He mentioned other measures such as the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, which have been taken to ensure that the guilty are punished.
The Prime Minister said that now Mudra loans worth over 13 lakh crore rupees have been given to the poor and middle class, for creating self-employment opportunities. He said that today, as India achieves its best ever Asian Games performance, and the economy shows excellent growth numbers, the entire country is full of new self-confidence. He said this is the result of the collective efforts of the people. He said today India is not just the fastest growing economy in the world, but also the country that is eradicating poverty the fastest.
The Prime Minister said that 3 lakh “dak sevaks” would be the key to provide financial services to every home, every farmer and every small enterprise in the villages. He mentioned that in recent months, several steps have been taken for the welfare of “dak sevaks” and to meet their long pending demand. These have led to a substantial increase in their salary, he added. He expressed confidence that IPPB shall reach over 1.5 lakh post offices across the country within the next few months.
Scheme of Promotion of Adventure Sports & Similar Activities amongst Central Government Employees
No.125/1/2015-16/CCSCSB
Government of India
Central Civil Services Cultural & Sports Board
Department of Personnel & Training
Dated 30th August, 2018
CIRCULAR
Sub: Scheme of Promotion of Adventure Sports & Similar Activities amongst Central Government Employees -Programmes to be organized by Youth Hostel Association of India.
Please refer to this Department’s Circular of even number dated 2.2.2018 on the above mentioned subject. According to recent judgement of Uttarakhand High Court, YHAI will not be able to organize National Himalayan Trekking & Training Programme, Roop Kund in Bugyal area of Uttarakhand during this year (Sr. No. 19 of the circular of even number dated 2.2.2018).
2. Accordingly YHAI is shifting all participants, who have enrolled for this programme to the following programmes, after their confirmation.
I. National Himalayan Trekking Expedition-2018, Valley of Flowers
II. National Himalayan Trekking Expedition-2018 Hampta Pass & Chandertal
NJCA decided to observe an “All India Demands Day” on 19th September, 2018 – Charter of Demands
NJCA
National Joind Council of Action
4, State Entry Road, New Delhi — 110055
No.NJCA/2018
Dated: August 18, 2018
To,
All Constituents of NJCA,
Dear Comrades,
The NJCA met on 18.08.2018 and has taken a serious note of the indifferent and anti-labour attitude of the government, in not fulfilling its assurances held out to the NJCA on 30th June, 2016 and 6th July, 2016 and decided to revive the decision of the “Indefinite Strike” to compel the government to come to a negotiated settlement on the “Charter of Demands“, forwarded to the Cabinet Secretary vide NJCA’s letter dated 03.07.2018, which includes – (i) Upward Revision of Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula, (ii) Scrapping the New Contributory Pension Scheme, (iii) Allow Option No.1 as one of the Pension Fitment Formula.
The NJCA decided to observe an “All India Demands Day” on 19th September, 2018 through massive demonstrations all over the country. The meeting also decided to forge unity with the State Government Employees, Organizations of the Teachers etc., to compel the governments to retrace their anti-labour steps and to settle all the contentious issues.
The NJCA also decided to start grassroots level preparations, by organizing dhamas, demonstrations, meetings etc., to prepare them for an “Indefinite Strike” to compel the government for settlement of our long pending demands.
NJCA writes to Cabinet Secretary, GOI for Revision of Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula
NJCA
National Joind Council of Action
4, State Entry Road, New Delhi — 110055
No.NJCA/2018
Dated: August 18, 2018
To, The Cabinet Secretary, Government of India and Chairman, National Council/JCM
Dear Sir,
The NJCA of the Constituent Organizations of the JCM met on 18.08.2018 at Delhi and adopted the enclosed Resolution.
The NJCA noted that there is serious agitation amongst the Central Government Employees as the issues of – (i) Upward Revision of Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula, (ii) Scrapping the New Contributory Pension Scheme, (iii) Allow Option No.1 as one of the Pension Fitment Formula, have not yet been resolved and the government is not in a mood to administer justice to those demands.
The NJCA has taken a serious note of the government’s indifferent attitude towards the demands of the Central Government Employees by going back from its assurances, held out to the NJCA, through the Group of Ministers, on 30.06.2016 and 06.07.2016.
Considering the indifferent and anti-labour attitude of the government in not settling the three major demands, mentioned above, the NJCA has decided to revive the decision of an “Indefinite Strike” in all the Central Government Organizations, responsibility of which shall squarely fall on the government.
It is urged upon the government to come to a negotiated settlement on the following issues:-
(a) Upward Revision of Minimum Wage and Fitment Formula
(b) Scrapping the New Contributory Pension Scheme,
(c) Allow Option No.1 as one of the Pension Fitment Formula,
Procedure to process cases to accord exemption for air travel in airlines other than Air India
F.No.9-21/2017-Fin. (Pt-II)
Government of India
Ministry of Communications
Department of Telecommunications
(Finance Branch)
New Delhi, the 20th August, 2018
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Procedure to process cases to accord exemption for air travel in airlines other than Air India in individual cases – Regarding.
Reference is invited to Department of Expenditure O.M. No.19024/1/2009-E.IV dated 07.06.2016 on the ‘subject ‘cited above. In this context it is observed that a considerable number of cases in connection With travelling on official tour/LTC in private airlines (other than Air India) are being received for according post-facto approval. Availing the services of private airlines and subsequently seeking post-facto relaxation/approval is not a healthy practice.
2. With a view to avoid the following procedure is prescribed for travelling on official tour/LTC:-
(a)Officers should prepare tour programme sufficiently in advance and tickets for Air India be booked.
(b) The guidelines issued by the Ministry of Finance for relaxation to travel by airlines other than Air India must be adhered to and request for relaxation be Submitted at least seven (7) working days in advance from the date of travel.
(c) The tickets in either case should be booked either from the website of the Airlines or through the authorized agents nominated by the Ministry of
(d) Proposals for according post-facto approvals will not be entertained. However, in deserving cases, the proposal may be submitted with full justification for not obtaining prior approval.
3. The contents of this Circular may be brought to the notice of all concerned.
Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) — July, 2018
The All-India CPI-IW for July, 2018 increased by 10 points and pegged at 301 (three hundred and one) On 1-month percentage change, it increased by (+) 3.44 per cent between June, 2018 and July, 2018 when compared with the increase of (+) 1.79 per cent between the corresponding months of previous year.
The maximum upward pressure to the change in current index came from Housing group contributing (+) 8.23 percentage points to the total change. The Food index further accentuated the overall index by (+) 1.30 percentage points. At item level, Eggs (Hen), Goat Meat, Chillies Green, Onion, Brinjal, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Gourd, Lady Finger, Mango (Ripe), Tomato, Sugar, Cooking Gas, Electricity Charges, Medicine (Allopathic), Primary School Books, etc. are responsible for the increase in index. However, this increase was checked by Rice, Coconut Oil, Fish Fresh, Poultry (Chicken), Banana, Coconut, Lemon, Secondary School Books, etc., putting downward pressure on the index.
The year-on-year inflation based on CPI-IW stood at 5.61 per cent for July, 2018 as compared to 3.93 per cent for the previous month and 1.79 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year. Similarly, the Food inflation stood at (-) 0.32 per cent against 0.97 per cent of the previous month and (-) 0.32 per cent during the corresponding month of the previous year.
At centre level Nagpur reported the maximum increase of 32 points followed by Nasik (28 points) and Ghaziabad, Agra, Lucknow (26 points each). Among others, 23 points increase was observed in 3 centres, 21 points in 2 centres, 20 points in 1 centre, 18 points in 1 centre, 17 points in 2 centres, 15 points in 4 centres, 14 points in 2 centres, 13 points in 2 centres, 12 points in 3 centres, 11 points in 2 centres, 10 points in 3 centres, 9 points in 4 centres, 8 points in 5 centres, 7 points in 1 centre, 6 points in 6 centres, 5 points in 5 centres, 4 points in 3 centres, 3′ points in 8 centres, 2 points in 7 centres and 1 point in 6 centres. On the contrary, Coimbatore recorded a decrease of 2 points. Rest of the 2 centres’ indices remained stationary. The indices of 37 centres are above All-India Index and 41 centres’ indices are below national average.
The next issue of CPI-IW for the month of August, 2018 will be released on Friday, 28th September, 2018. The same will also be available on the office website www.labourbureaunew.gov.in.
