CBDT Circular - Further Amendments In The Tax Return Preparer Scheme

Amendment in Eligibility Qualification, Age, Fee and Remuneration for Tax Return Preparer (TRP)

MINISTRY OF FINANCE

(Department of Revenue)

(CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES)

NOTIFICATION

New Delhi, the 19th January, 2018

G.S.R. 44(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 139B of the Income-tax Act, 1961 (43 of 1961), the Central Board of Direct Taxes hereby makes the following further amendments in the Tax Return Preparer Scheme, 2006, namely:—

Short title, commencement and application.

1. (1) This Scheme may be called the Tax Return Preparer (Amendment) Scheme, 2018.

(2) It shall come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

2. In the Tax Return Preparer Scheme, 2006 (hereinafter referred to as the said Scheme), for paragraph 3, the following paragraph shall be substituted, namely:-

“3. An individual, who holds a bachelor degree from a recognised Indian University or institution, or has passed the intermediate level examination conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India or the Institute of Company Secretaries of India or the Institute of Certified Management Accountants of India, shall be eligible to act as Tax Return Preparer.”.

3. In the said Scheme, in paragraph 4,-

(1) for clause (i), the following clauses shall be substituted, namely:-

“(i) It shall invite application from persons,-

(a) having requisite educational qualifications specified in paragraph 3 or having appeared in the final year examination of the qualifying examination; and

(b) who is not below the age of twenty one years or more than forty-five years as on the 1st day of October of the year immediately preceding the date on which applications are invited.

(ia) It shall require that the application under clause (i) shall be accompanied by a fee of two hundred and fifty rupees, and failing which the application shall be invalid.”.

(2) for clause (v), the following clauses shall be substituted, namely

“(v) It shall enrol the persons who qualify the test for enrolment for each training centre separately.

(va) It shall not enrol any person under clause (v), unless –

(a) he makes a deposit of an amount of seven hundred and fifty rupees, which shall be nonrefundable; and

(b) he produces a proof of having passed the qualifying examination as specified in paragraph 3.”.

(3) clause (ix) shall be omitted.”.

4. In the said Scheme, in paragraph 9, for sub-paragraph (1), the following sub-paragraphs shall be substituted,

namely:-

“(1) The Board may authorise the Resource Centre or the Partner Organisation to disburse to a Tax Return preparer, the following amount, namely:-

(a) five per cent. of the tax paid on the income declared in the return of income for First Eligible Assessment Year which has been prepared and furnished by him;

(b) three per cent. of the tax paid on the income declared in the return of income for the Second Eligible Assessment Year which has been prepared and furnished by him;

(c) two per cent. of the tax paid on the income declared in the return of income for the Third Eligible Assessment Year which has been prepared and furnished by him.

(1A) The amount of disbursement for any eligible person in relation to an eligible year shall not exceed,-

(a) five thousand rupees in case of First Eligible Assessment Year;

(b) three thousand rupees in case of Second Eligible Assessment Year; and

(c) two thousand rupees in case of Third Eligible Assessment Year.”.

[Notification No. 04/2018/F.No. 142/16/2010 (SO)-TPL(Part)]

Dr T.S.MAPWAL, Under Secy.

Note : The Tax Return Preparer Scheme, 2006 was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), vide notification number S.O. 2039(E), dated the 28th November, 2006 and last amended vide notification number S.O. 2819(E), dated the 22nd November, 2010.

Authority: http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/

Circular Link: Click here

AICTE - Various Policy Initiatives Taken In One Day Conference

Implementation of AICTE Initiatives on Quality Education

Ministry of Rural Development

Government committed to provide best teachers, best infrastructure and best scholarships to all the students – Shri Prakash Javadekar

Shri Prakash Javadekar presides over conference on ‘Quality Initiatives in Technical Education’

Shri Prakash Javadekar released Model Curriculum for Undergraduate & Postgraduate Degree courses in Engineering & Technology and Management courses

A one-day Conference on ‘Quality Initiatives in Technical Education’ was organized by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) here today. Union Minister for Human Resource Development Shri Prakash Javadekar was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Minister of State for HRD Dr. Satya Pal Singh also graced the occasion. The objective of the conference was to share experiences of Vice Chancellors, leading academicians and eminent policy makers from State Governments & Central Government and exchange ideas on issues and challenges in technical education. The valuable inputs from luminaries will help in strategic planning and effective implementation of various policy initiatives taken by AICTE.

The main agenda of the conference is:-

• 1.Implementation of AICTE Initiatives on Quality Education
• 2.Technical Education Quality Improvement Program (TEQIP) III – Action Plan
• 3.Launch of Model Curriculum & Plan of Action for Implementation
• 4.Action plan for Digital Campuses
• 5.Accreditation by NBA- Progress and Plan of Action
• 6.Teacher Training

The participants of the conference included Vice Chancellors of Technical Universities, Deemed Universities and Private Universities, Secretaries and Directors of Technical Education of State Governments, leading academicians, eminent experts who have developed the model curriculum for Undergraduate, Post Graduate engineering and Management disciplines. The senior officials of Ministry of Human Resource Development, University Grants Commission etc. also participated in the conference and shared their views.

In order to meet challenges in technical education and effective implementation of various policy initiatives taken by AICTE, the participants were divided into four groups:

Group I : Adoption of Model Curriculum

Group II : Modalities of Summer Internship

Group III: Teachers Orientation and Teacher Training

Group IV : Teaching Learning Processes :New Pedagogy (SWAYAM) –

The Groups discussed and deliberated upon the theme and devised an action plan for implementation of the above initiatives.

Shri Prakash Javadekar also released the Model Curriculum for Undergraduate & Postgraduate Degree courses in Engineering & Technology and Management courses (MBA and PGDM).

Speaking on the occasion Shri Javadekar said that the higher education in India especially technical education has witnessed an exponential growth in last few years. He added that quality education is the only way to progress and we have taken various initiatives to give impetus to the growth of quality education. The minister said that existing syllabus has been revamped by preparing a model curriculum as an updated curriculum is the students’ right. He further added that the inclusion of mandatory internship, both industry and social, will help engineering graduates connect with the need of the industry and society at large.

He said the government is committed to provide best teachers, best infrastructure and best scholarships to all the students. He also advised that the teachers must have passion to teach and they should follow a comprehensive design of quality practice.

While addressing the conference Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shri Satyapal Singh said that providing quality education is our top priority as it will add value to students and society. He added that the aim of life should not be materialistic and one must learn the traditional values and our cultural ethos. He further suggested that lessons about happiness should be a part of the curriculum as students are pressurized due to tough competition. Shri Singh applauded the leadership of Union HRD Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar for taking transforming decisions in the ministry. He also congratulated the AICTE team for developing the model curriculum.

Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE, explained the various quality initiatives taken by AICTE including the Model Curriculum for UG & PG Courses in Engineering and Management, Induction Programme for Engineering Students, Industry readiness and Mandatory Internships for Students, start-ups and innovation etc. He informed that AICTE constituted subject-wise heads of the committees from IITs with respective team of 2-3 academic experts along with industry expert to develop the model curriculum of undergraduate engineering courses and faculty Induction program. He also mentioned that a three-week mandatory induction program for students has been introduced in the first year which will help the students to adjust in the new environment as they come with diverse thoughts, backgrounds and preparations. A novel concept of Virtual Laboratories has also been introduced in the model curriculum. A range of credits from 150 to 160 has been kept for a student to be eligible to get Under Graduate degree in Engineering. A student will be eligible to get Under Graduate degree with Honours or additional Minor Engineering, if he/she completes an additional 20 credits. These could be acquired through MOOCs. Similarly, model curriculum for Post Graduate courses in engineering shall have 68 credits. Model curriculum of 18 Post Graduate specializations was launched.

He further informed that the minimum number of credits for award of MBA/ PGDM course is 102 credits. The Chairman further emphasized that AICTE will ensure revision of the model curriculum on regular basis. Updation will certainly help students to achieve better employability, start-ups and other avenues for higher studies. The institutions/ universities in India are requested to adopt this “Model Curriculum” and depending on local needs may tweak the curriculum.

Prof. M.P. Poonia, Vice Chairman, AICTE, Prof. A.P. Mittal, Member Secretary, AICTE and Prof. Rajiv Kumar, Adviser-I, AICTE and other senior officials from the ministry were also present on the occasion.

Source: PIB

NC JCM Staff Side - New Pension Scheme Committee Report Finalised And Submitted To Government

NPS Committee Report Finalised and Submitted to Govt – NC JCM Staff Side

“New Contributory Pension Scheme setting up of the Committee – report”

Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary

Ph: 23382286

National Council (Staff Side)

Joint Consultation, Machinery

For Central Government Employees

13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001

E.Mail : nc.jcm.np@gmail.com.

No. NC-JCM-2017/Fin

January 16,2018

The Cabinet Secretary,
Government of India,
Cabiner Secretariate,
Rastrapati Bhawan,
New Delhi

Sub: New Contributory Pension Scheme setting up of the Committee – report reg.

Dear Sir,

As per the 7th CPC recommendations, Govt had set up a committee under the Chairmanship of the Secretary, to look into the various complaints received by the commission on the new contributory Pension Scheme. As the stake holders, we had interacted with the Committee. We have now come to know that the committee, having finalised its report, submitted the same to you.

We request that the Staff Side–JCM may be provided with a copy of the report and our views are heard and presented, before the Government takes a final view on the matter.

Thanking you,

sd/-

Yours faithfully,

Shiva Gopal Mishra

Source: Confederation

NC JCM Writes To DoPT - Allow To Revise Option Exercised Under Rule 6

Allow to Revise Option Exercised under Rule 6 – NC JCM writes to DoPT

“Allow the employees to revise their option once exercised under Rule 6 of the Revised Pay Rules 2016”.

Shiva Gopal Mishra

Secretary

Ph: 23382286

National Council (Staff Side)

Joint Consultation, Machinery

For Central Government Employees

13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001

E.Mail : nc.jcm.np@gmail.com.

No. NC-JCM-2017/Fin

January 16,2018

Shri Gyanendra Dev Tripathi,

Jt. Secretary (E)

Department of Personnel & Training,

North Block, New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Kinldy refer to the discussion, the Staff Side had with you on 12.1.2018 in the National Anomlay Committee meeting. During the discussion, over the admissibility or otherwise of the anomaly items, incidentally, we had represented to the request made by us to allow the employees to revise their option once exercised under Rule 6 of the Revised Pay Rules 2016. We send herewith copy of our communications sent to the Secretary Expenditure in this regard.

As has been pointed out by us, in our letter cited, the interpretation of the benefit of option had been at variance with consequent loss of emoluments to the employees. The intention of the Rules are often ambiguous. In similar situation both at the time of 5th CPC and 6th CPC on our request the Govt. had been good enough to permit revision of option. In the case of 6th CPC the Notification was issued in 2008 (in September 2008) and the option was allowed to be revised up to 31/12/2010, giving benefit for all employees who were promoted / granted ACP / MACP or granted increment up to 31/12/2010.

We therefore request you to kindly allow revision of option to switch over to 7th CPC pay scales / pay matrix to be exercised within three months of the issuance of the orders permitting such revision.

Yours faithfully,

sd/-

(Shiva Gopal Mishra)

Secretary

Source: Confederation

NC JCM Staff Side - MACP Scheme Effective From 1.1.2006 Instead Of 1.9.2008

MACP Scheme Effective from 1.1.2006 instead of 1.9.2008 – NC JCM Staff Side

“Item No.2, 10 and 48 of the Joint Committee of MACP – Agenda items of the Standing Committee”

Shiva Gopal Mishra

Secretary

Ph: 23382286

National Council (Staff Side)

Joint Consultation, Machinery

For Central Government Employees

13-C, Ferozshah Road, New Delhi – 110001

E.Mail : nc.jcm.np@gmail.com.

No. NC-JCM-2017/Fin

January 16,2018

The Secretary,

Department of Personnel & Training,

North Block,

New Delhi

Dear Sir,

Sub:- Item No. 2,10 and 48 of the Joint Committee of MACP – Agenda items of the Standing Committee:

Kindly refer to the above. All the three items, which were discussed together pertains to the date of effect of the MACP Scheme which was introduced by the Government on the basis of the recommendations of the 6th Central Pay Commission. The Staff Side demand to give effect to the revised promotional scheme from the date of the effect, the Report of the Commission itself i.e on 1.1.2006 was unfortunately not accepted by the official side and was not allowed to reach its logical conclusion i.e. either by an agreement or disagreement.

We now send herewith copy of the judgement of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the matter vide W.P 3744 of 2016 dated 08/12/2017.

The Hon’ble apex court has categorically stated that the Govt’s decision to make the scheme effective prospectively was wrong and the scheme has to be implemented with effective from 1.1.2006. We request that the Govt. may issue necessary orders making the MACP Scheme Effective from 1.1.2006 instead of 1.9.2008. While issuing such an order it may also be clarified that the employees who were granted the benefit of ACP between 1.1.2006 to 31.08.2008 are not adversely affected and no recovery is ordered I from them in this connection.

Thanking you

Yours faithfully,

sd/-

Shiva Gopal Mishra

Secretary

Source: Confederation

CPAO - Review The Implementation Of 7th CPC Pension Revision on Jan 30

Review Meeting on Pensioners’ Issues on Jan 30 – CPAO

Meeting with all Heads of CPPCs/Government Business Divisions to review the implementation of 7th CPC pension revision

CPAO/IT&Tech/Master data/14(Vol-III)2017-18/183

17.01.2018

MEETING NOTICE

Subject: Meeting with all Heads of CPPCs/Government Business Divisions to review the implementation of 7th CPC pension revision.

It has been decided to hold a meeting with art Heads of CPPCs/Heads of Govt. Business Divisions of the Authorised Banks for pensions under the Chairmanship of Chief controller (Pension) on 30th January, 2018 at 3.00 PM at Conference Hall of central Pension Accounting Office, Trikoot-II, Bhikaji cama place, New Delhi – 110 066 to review the status of implementation of 7th cpc pension revision in the light of DP&PW OM No. 38/37/2016-P&PW [A) dated 12th May, 2017.

Agenda items of the meeting are as follows:

1. Monitoring of implementation of 7th CPC by Banks.

2. Reporting of revised cases to CPAO by Banks.

3. Master Data Reconciliation.

4. IT related issues w.r.t. e-Revision of pension and fresh pension.

5. Compliance of Internal Audit observations on 7th CPC revisions.

6. Timely commencement of family Pension.

7. Timely commencement of Additional Pension.

8. Timely restoration of commuted portion of pension.

9. Timely submission of life certificates.

10. Any other point with the permission of the chair.

All the Authorised Banks are requested to make it convenient to depute their sufficiently senior representatives (A.G.M. and above) to attend the meeting. A line in confirmation may be intimated on e-mail vijay.cpao@gmail.com or through Fax No. 26715108/ 26162326 (Kind Attn: Shri Vijay Singh,Consultant).

sd/-

(Md.Shahid Kamal Ansari)

(Assistant Controller of Accounts)

Authority: http://cpao.nic.in/

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