Creating facilities for mass IT literacy

 By Haryananewswire
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29
 The Haryana Government has decided to establish Haryana Knowledge Corporation Limited (HKCL) with a view to creating facilities for mass IT literacy throughout the state.
          A decision to this effect was taken at the Cabinet Meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupinder Singh Hooda here today. Haryana Knowledge Corporation Limited will be established in joint collaboration with Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL) as the initiative taken up in the state of Maharashtra has proved highly successful in imparting IT skills on a mass scale through MKCL. The successful experience of Maharasthra is now proposed to be replicated in Haryana. The MKCL runs a basket of courses which are designed by the MKCL in their drive towards mass IT literacy and advanced level initiatives. Success of the MKCL initiative can be measured from the fact that it has so far (2002- 2012) imparted training and issued certificates to about eight million persons.     
          Haryana Knowledge Corporation Limited is envisaged be a Public Limited Company and not a Government Company. Except the initial equity support, its operations will be self sustaining and it will be carrying out its operations without any financial support or burden on the State Government. The Company’s professional operations such as the Certification of Authorized Learning Centres, recruitment of its professional staff, and e-Learning and continuous evaluation of the learners will be completely independent. The ‘Haryana State - Certificate in Information Technology’ (HS¬CIT) and other courses will be recognized by the Board of Technical Education Haryana as all Course certificates, based on online continuous learning assessment, would be issued with due certification and recognition from the Haryana Board of Technical Education.
Established in the state of Maharashtra in the year 2001-02, the MKCL has been carrying out its operations in the state since April 2002. The MKCL has been promoted by the Department of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, and 10 Universities in Maharashtra. It is a Public Limited Company managed by its Board of Directors. MKCL is not a Public Sector Company and is completely free from any direct or indirect government controls. The MKCL has been carrying out its operations without any government funding support, except the initial promoter equity. MKCL has paid off dividends and Certification fees amounting to more than Rs. 100 crore to its promoting agencies including the Government of Maharashtra.
The MKCL carries out its operations through a network of about 5000 Authorised Learning Centres (ALCs) set up throughout the state following a private enterprise business model. The “Maharasthra State - Certificate in Information Technology” (MS-CIT) course, which is the basic learning course, has been fully designed by the MKCL and the Course content is made available to the ALCs in an online mode. The MKCL has undertaken the complete end-to¬ end responsibility for the designing of course content, graphics, on-line assessment of every learner and the system is so robust that sitting in the head office, the MKCL officials are able to see the performance of each and every student as a part of the continuous learning assessment. Assured quality of the course remains its hallmark which is why the course is widely recognized as a basic qualification across the state.
MKCL has already established identical joint collaborations in the states of Rajasthan and Orissa. It has already established close to 2000 Authorized Learning Centres (ALCs) in the state of Rajasthan. Besides, its operations have also been established overseas in Egypt, Arab, Singapore, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Having seen its working and performance in Maharashtra, the team of officers strongly recommended incorporation of an identical Public Limited Company in Haryana in joint collaboration with the MKCL.
HS-CIT would be a recognized qualification regarding computer efficiency for all Government appointments and recruitments in Groups A, B, and C services in the state government and all its Boards and Corporations. The Government would make it compulsory for all its newly recruited employees and the in-service employees to obtain the HS-CIT within the period specified.
        The other benefits of the HKCL would be that the Government can use the HKCL support for managing and running the Computer Labs in ITIs, Polytechnics, Schools, Colleges and Universities and use the facilities created therein for optimal gains. It will throw open quality IT literacy across the state at mass level and augment a computer literate public base. It will create self employment opportunities for thousands of young entrepreneurs who opt to establish the Authorized Learning Centres under the aegis of HKCL. The Government would be able to source HKCL’s capacity for implementation of a number of e-Governance initiatives at the most competitive rates in areas of proven successes.
HKCL is proposed to be incorporated as a Public Limited Company with an authorized capital of Rs five crore and a paid-up capital of Rs. 2.00 crore. Besides State Government and MKCL, the other promoters of the Corporation would be HARTRON, Technical Education Society, HSIIDC  and independent directors from among industry leaders and educationists. 

Government levies VAT on sale of birids

 By Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29

 With a view to discourage the consumption of ‘bidis’ which leads to health problems in the consumers, Haryana Government today decided to levy VAT at a rate of five per cent (plus surcharge at a rate of five per cent) on the sale of ‘bidis’ with immediate effect.

          A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the State Cabinet which met under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda here today. Therefore, entry 9 of Schedule A and entry 55 of Schedule B of the Haryana Value Added Tax Act, 2003 will be suitably amended.

          The Cabinet also approved the proposal of the Excise and Taxation Department to change the upper financial limits of various officers who are competent to allow refund arising out of a single order passed under Haryana Value Added Tax Act, 2003. The decision would facilitate early refunds to the dealers under Haryana Value Added Tax Act, 2003.

          As per the decision, a Committee comprising three senior most Additional Excise and Taxation Commissioners posted at the headquarters from departmental side with the senior most Additional Excise and Taxation Commissioner as Chairman of the Committee and Joint Excise and Taxation Commissioner (Taxation) as Member Secretary of the Committee will be competent to allow refund of above Rs 25 lakh.

          The officer incharge of the range will be competent upto Rs 25 lakh. Similarly, officer incharge of the district will be competent to allow refund of upto Rs 10 lakh and Excise and Taxation Officer of Assistant Excise and Taxation Officer would be competent to allow refund upto Rs one lakh.

          The abovementioned Committee shall meet at least once in a week to decide the cases of refund sent by the field offices for approval. The lower authorities shall submit the record of the case alongwith their recommendations to the competent authority at the appropriate level at least 30 days before the time prescribed for issuing refund without interest lapses and the competent authority would intimate its decision to the lower authority well in time. It may, by order in writing, increase or decrease the amount of refund or may order that no refund is due, but no adverse order shall be passed without giving the affected person a reasonable opportunity of being heard.

Proposal to revise existing rates of road tax for vehicles personal purposes

 By Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29

The Haryana Cabinet which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda here today approved the proposal of the Transport Department to revise the existing rates of road tax for the vehicle used for personal purposes as the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has observed that there is a need to bring uniformity in the taxation structure regarding personal motor vehicles across various states in the country. 

          For two wheelers costing upto Rs 20,000, the rate of road tax will remain unchanged that is two per cent. For those having two wheelers  costing more than Rs 20,000 to Rs 60,000 will have to pay a tax of four per cent. Similarly,  it would be six per cent on the vehicles having cost above Rs 60,000 to Rs two lakh and eight per cent on the vehicles having cost above Rs two lakh. Similarly for cars etc., owners will have to pay a tax at a rate of three per cent for vehicles costing upto Rs six lakh. The rate of six per cent will be applicable for cars costing between Rs six lakh and Rs 10 lakh. For cars costing above Rs 20 lakh, the rate of tax will be nine per cent. The tax shall be levied on ex-showroom price of the vehicle including VAT.

          The Government of Punjab has already revised its rates and is charging a minimum motor vehicle tax of six per cent on four wheelers from the year 2012. A similar proposal is also under consideration of the Chandigarh Administration. The rates of road tax being charged by Delhi Government are also on higher side. The rates of road tax to be charged by Haryana Government after revision will continue to be on the lower side as compared to the rates prevalent in the adjoining states.

Priyadarshani Vivah Shagun Scheme expanded

By Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29

The Haryana Government today decided to expand the scope of ‘Indira Gandhi Priyadarshani Vivah Shagun Scheme’ by extending its benefit also to the beneficiaries of general categories that is non Scheduled Castes and non Backward Classes and the scheme would be effective from April 1, 2013. While the Department of Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes will continue to implement the scheme for beneficiaries of reserved categories, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment would cover the beneficiaries of only general categories.

          A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the State Cabinet held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda here today.     

          The scheme aims at providing financial assistance on the occasion of marriage of daughters of eligible beneficiaries which included the people of general categories living below poverty line, widows living below poverty line, families having land holding of less than 2.5 acres or income less than Rs one lakh per annum; woman who becomes widow or divorcee and wants remarriage provided she is otherwise eligible for the assistance and have not availed this assistance earlier for her own marriage.

            Other such beneficiaries included destitute girls living in Government or Government aided NGOs or institutions, orphan girls living with their guardians and the condition of Below Poverty Line will not be applicable in this case.

            As regards the criteria for eligibility is concerned, the beneficiary should be Haryana domicile, the girl must be at least 18 years of age that is the minimum legal age for the marriage of a girl on the date of marriage; the name of the beneficiary should be in the list of below poverty line, if assistance is being sought on this ground; this assistance will be given only up to the marriage of two daughters in a family; the beneficiary will provide a certificate regarding age proof of the girl such as birth certificate/ matric certificate/certificate issued by Doctor of Primary Health Centre; the beneficiary will provide a certificate regarding land holding issued by concerned Patwari; self attested declaration may be provided by the beneficiary in regards to his/her income.

            A financial assistance of Rs 31,000 will be given to the widow, orphans, and destitute girls. Similarly, Rs 10,000 would be given to the families having land holding of less than 2.5 acres or income less than Rs one lakh per annum. The other beneficiaries who are not covered in the above criteria would get Rs 11,000.

            The parents/guardians seeking this assistance will submit the application to respective District Social Welfare Officer at least one month prior to the marriage on the prescribed proforma.

            Application submitted after the completion of marriage ceremony (not later than 30 days) will be put up to concerned District Social Welfare Officer, application submitted after the completion of marriage ceremony (not later than 60 days) will be put up to concerned Deputy Commissioner and in exceptional circumstances, application submitted up to six months after the completion of marriage ceremony shall also be entertained and will be put up to concerned Principal Secretary.

            In case of destitute girls living in Government or Government aided NGOs/institutions, application form for the assistance under the scheme may be submitted by the Head of the institution. Besides this, an affidavit should be taken from the Head of the institution that they have not taken any type of grant/financial assistance from other source of the Government or Government institution.

Financial Restructuring Plan approved by Cabinet

 By Haryananewswire

CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29

The Haryana Cabinet which met under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda, here today approved the proposal of the Finance Department for financial restructuring of power distribution utilities.

          The Cabinet also authorized the State Level Monitoring Committee to take up the matter with the Central Government and finalise the Financial Restructuring Plan with amendments, wherever required.

          Under the scheme, as a part of the liability of the State Government, it will take over the liability of Rs 8162.09 crore of the two distribution power utilities by directly issuing bonds or infusion of funds for amount of 50 per cent of the liabilities calculated by March 31, 2012. These liabilities will be taken over in next two to five years when the fiscal space so allows, as provided in the FRP. The State Government will provide full support to the DISCOMS for repayment of interest and principal till the entire bonds corresponding to 50 per cent STL is taken over by the Government.

          The State Government shall also provide guarantees to the financial institutions on behalf of the distribution power utilities for their endeavour to access loans. The State Government has already provided guarantee for raising of loans by the distribution power utilities to the extent of Rs 19541.82 crore in financial year 2013-14.

          The State Government has already provided Rs 1246 crore in the second supplementary estimates to provide Rs 1256.18 crore for arrears of Rural Electrification Subsidy and the Fuel Surcharge Adjustment for the years 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13. The State Government intends to release this amount before March 31, 2013. The State Government also needs to constitute a State Level Monitoring Committee as per the guidelines of the FRP scheme. The Committee will be headed by Chief Secretary as its Chairman and would have three other members including Administrative Secretaries-in-charge of Power Department and Finance Department and any other person to be decided by the Government. The Committee would meet on a quarterly basis to examine various issues.

          Haryana Power DISCOMs would also require support from the Central Government which would include liquidity support by incentivizing the DISCOMs for accelerated Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT and C) loss reduction beyond three per cent annually for utilities with AT and C losses above 30 per cent and reduction beyond 1.5 per cent annually for utilities with AT and C losses below 30 per cent. It would be by payment of matching grant equivalent to the energy saved. As per the proposal for the turnaround action plan, the estimated amount works out to be Rs 216 crore.

          The Central Government will reimbursement support of 25 per cent of principal repayment of State Government for the liability taken over by it.

          In addition, the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission will issue the tariff orders by April 30 of each year to ensure that the revised tariffs are made applicable with effect from April 1 every year. The State Government would release the RE subsidy upfront to the distribution power utilities immediately thereafter.

          The distribution power utilities would exhibit maximum commitment in the discharge of its functions to bring about operational efficiency through professionalism and leveraging technology. The distribution power utilities need to reduce their AT and C losses progressively, besides 100 per cent metering of consumers.

Haryana to implement AABY insurance scheme

By Haryananewswire

 CHANDIGARH, MARCH 29

The Haryana Government today decided to implement a new Insurance Scheme known as Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana (AABY) to provide life insurance protection to the rural and urban persons living below poverty line and marginally above the poverty line and rural landless households.

          A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the State Cabinet held under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister, Mr Bhupinder Singh Hooda here today. The scheme would be implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India.

          Under the Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana, which is a scheme of the Central Government, death and disability cover would be provided by the LIC of India to rural/urban families living below poverty line or marginally above the poverty line and rural landless households. The Head of the family or one earning member of the family in the age group of 18-59 years in case of death or disability will be insured. The Central Government will bear 50 per cent of the premium of Rs.200 per year per person through Social Security fund and the remaining 50 per cent would be paid by State Government.

            To be eligible for the scheme, the members should be aged between 18 to 59 years, the member should normally be the head of the family or one earning member in the family of rural landless or rural or urban BPL or as defined by the Government of India/ Haryana.

            In case of natural death of a member, prior to terminal date, on admission of claim by the Corporation, the Sum Assured of Rs.30,000 under assurance, then in force, shall become payable to the nominee.

            In case of accidental death or disability benefits, Rs 75,000 would be paid on death due to accident and an equal amount in case of permanent total disability, due to accident. In case of loss of two eyes or two limbs or loss of one eye and one limb in an accident, Rs.75,000 would be given. Similarly, in case of loss of one eye or one limb, in an accident, Rs.37,500 would be given.

        Death or Total Permanent Disability due to Accident shall mean Death/Disability occurring within 180 days of the happening of bodily injury, resulting solely and directly from accident caused by violent, external and visible means, independently of any other cause which have occurred after commencement of the Policy. However, death or total permanent disability due to accident shall not include death or disability caused by intentional self-injury, suicide, or attempted suicide, insanity or immorality or whilst the member is under influence of intoxicating liquor, drug or narcotic; or caused by injuries resulting from riots, civil commotion, rebellion, war (whether war be declared or not), invasion, hunting, mountaineering, steeple chasing or racing of any kind; or resulting from member committing any breach of law. In respect of Physically Handicapped Persons the Accidental Cover would be restricted to death and disablement, excluding the existing disablement.

Scholarship as a free add-on benefit

            Scholarship as a Free Add-on benefit will be provided to a maximum of two children of the insured member, studying between 9th to 12th Standard at a rate of  Rs.100 per month for each child payable half yearly that is on July 1 and on January 1 each year, provided the insured member continues to be covered under AABY. In other words, the scheme must be renewed on each annual renewal date. A maximum of two half yearly scholarships only for each standard shall be paid. A child shall not be paid again for studying in the same standard.

            On the insured member reaching age of 60 years, the scholarship benefit under the scheme will be discontinued from the half year following the insured member reaching the terminal date that is insured member completing age of 60 years. On the death of the insured member before the terminal date, his eligible children will continue to receive the scholarship for that academic year only. On the member sustaining total partial disability or total permanent disability, the children will continue to get scholarship provided the member continues to be in the scheme.

          The Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) concerned will be the Nodal Officer for this scheme and shall furnish to LIC all the relevant particulars of the members as are required in connection with the administration of the scheme. The Nodal Officer will be assisted by District Social Welfare Officer and shall maintain a register and complete details of members covered under the scheme and furnish to the Corporation all the relevant particulars as may be called for by the Corporation.

            All the claim applications will be received in the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil) being Nodal officer, who in turn would forward the same to Life Insurance Corporation of India alongwith the documents like claim form duly completed in all respects, copy of death certificate duly attested.

            In case of accidental death benefit claim cases the additional requirements would include a copy of FIR, Post Mortem Report and Police Inquest Report (panchanama).             In case of claims due to snake bite and wild animals, the additional requirements included Medical Certificate given by Assistant Civil Surgeon and Panchanama.

        Death Claims should be preferred with the Corporation within six months of the date of death of the insured member. Claims delayed beyond six months will not be entertained by the Corporation.

In the event of death of the Insured Member whilst being covered under the scheme, the benefits under the Assurance on his life will be paid to the Nominee (through NEFT/ECS) by LIC on receipt of complete claim papers as per requirement of LIC.

        With the implementation of Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana, the existing scheme namely Rajiv Gandhi Pariwar Bima Yojana will thereafter cease to operate except for the payment of an amount of Rs.25,000 to the family members of the victims of accidental death (In addition to Rs.75,000 available under the Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana) which will be paid by the department on the receipt of intimation from LIC for settlement of claim.