#Polity_current #PT2020
GST Council
- constitutional body (Article 279A)
- Makes recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related to Goods and Services Tax.
- It is chaired by the Union Finance Minister
- Members - Union State Minister of Revenue or Finance and Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the States.
It is a federal body where both the centre and the states get due representation.
News
Recently, the 41st GST council meeting was conveyed on the issue of compensating states on account of revenue loss due to implementation of GST and fall in cess collections.
(40% shortfall between the compensation paid and cess collected.)
Projections for 2020-21
- state’s GST revenue gap - expected to be about Rs. 3 lakh crore
- cess collections to be Rs. 65,000 crore,
- leaving a shortfall of Rs. 2.35 lakh crore
GST Council
- constitutional body (Article 279A)
- Makes recommendations to the Union and State Government on issues related to Goods and Services Tax.
- It is chaired by the Union Finance Minister
- Members - Union State Minister of Revenue or Finance and Ministers in-charge of Finance or Taxation of all the States.
It is a federal body where both the centre and the states get due representation.
News
Recently, the 41st GST council meeting was conveyed on the issue of compensating states on account of revenue loss due to implementation of GST and fall in cess collections.
(40% shortfall between the compensation paid and cess collected.)
Projections for 2020-21
- state’s GST revenue gap - expected to be about Rs. 3 lakh crore
- cess collections to be Rs. 65,000 crore,
- leaving a shortfall of Rs. 2.35 lakh crore
#Polity_current #PT2020
National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language
- Established in 1996
- an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education.
- Nodal Agency for Promotion of Urdu ( and also promotion of Arabic and Persian)
Objectives
- making available the knowledge of scientific and technological development in Urdu
- To advise the Government on issues connected with Urdu language.
News
World Urdu Conference 2020 was organised by the NCPUL from 27th-28th August.
National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language
- Established in 1996
- an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education.
- Nodal Agency for Promotion of Urdu ( and also promotion of Arabic and Persian)
Objectives
- making available the knowledge of scientific and technological development in Urdu
- To advise the Government on issues connected with Urdu language.
News
World Urdu Conference 2020 was organised by the NCPUL from 27th-28th August.
#Polity_current #PT2020
Supreme Court Judgement
- SC ruled that the states are empowered under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DM Act) to override UGC exam guidelines in order to protect human lives amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
- But, It also held that universities will have to conduct the final-year exams and cannot promote students on the basis of internal assessment.
University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Established in 1953
- became a statutory organization by the UGC Act, 1956, under the Ministry of Education.
Functions
- Promoting and coordinating university education.
- Determining and maintaining standards of teaching, examination and research in universities.
- disbursing grants to the universities and colleges.
- Advising the Central and State governments on the measures necessary for improvement of university.
Supreme Court Judgement
- SC ruled that the states are empowered under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DM Act) to override UGC exam guidelines in order to protect human lives amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
- But, It also held that universities will have to conduct the final-year exams and cannot promote students on the basis of internal assessment.
University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Established in 1953
- became a statutory organization by the UGC Act, 1956, under the Ministry of Education.
Functions
- Promoting and coordinating university education.
- Determining and maintaining standards of teaching, examination and research in universities.
- disbursing grants to the universities and colleges.
- Advising the Central and State governments on the measures necessary for improvement of university.
#Polity_current #PT2020
National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority
- set-up in 1997 as an independent regulator
- for pricing of drugs and to ensure availability and accessibility of medicines at affordable prices.
- under Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
Functions
- fixation and revision of prices of Scheduled drugs under Drug (Price Control) Orders issued from time to time.
- monitoring and enforcement of prices
- ensuring availability and accessibility of all medicines and medical devices.
News
Foundation day of NPPA was recently observed.
National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority
- set-up in 1997 as an independent regulator
- for pricing of drugs and to ensure availability and accessibility of medicines at affordable prices.
- under Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers.
Functions
- fixation and revision of prices of Scheduled drugs under Drug (Price Control) Orders issued from time to time.
- monitoring and enforcement of prices
- ensuring availability and accessibility of all medicines and medical devices.
News
Foundation day of NPPA was recently observed.
#PT2020 #Polity_current
National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj
- an autonomous organisation under the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
- located in Hyderabad
- national centre of excellence in rural development and Panchayati Raj.
- It builds capacities of rural development functionaries, elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, bankers, NGOs and other stakeholders through interrelated activities of training, research and consultancy.
National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj
- an autonomous organisation under the Union Ministry of Rural Development.
- located in Hyderabad
- national centre of excellence in rural development and Panchayati Raj.
- It builds capacities of rural development functionaries, elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions, bankers, NGOs and other stakeholders through interrelated activities of training, research and consultancy.
#Polity_current #PT2020
Mission Karmayogi
- Its - National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB).
- comprehensive post-recruitment reforms of the Centre’s human resource development.
- aimed at building a future-ready civil service with the right attitude, skills and knowledge.
Features
1. Tech-Aided:
The capacity building will be delivered through iGOT Karmayogi digital platform, with content drawn from global best practices.
2. Coverage:
covers 46 lakh central government employees, at all levels.
3. Budget
Rs. 510 crores over a five-year period.
4. It will support a transition from “rules-based to roles-based” Human Resource Management (HRM
Mission Karmayogi
- Its - National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB).
- comprehensive post-recruitment reforms of the Centre’s human resource development.
- aimed at building a future-ready civil service with the right attitude, skills and knowledge.
Features
1. Tech-Aided:
The capacity building will be delivered through iGOT Karmayogi digital platform, with content drawn from global best practices.
2. Coverage:
covers 46 lakh central government employees, at all levels.
3. Budget
Rs. 510 crores over a five-year period.
4. It will support a transition from “rules-based to roles-based” Human Resource Management (HRM
#Polity_current #PT2020
3 New official languages for J&K
- Kashmiri, Dogri and Hindi as official languages in the newly-created Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Only English and Urdu were official languages in the erstwhile State.
3 New official languages for J&K
- Kashmiri, Dogri and Hindi as official languages in the newly-created Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- Only English and Urdu were official languages in the erstwhile State.
#Polity_Current #PT2020
The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Act,2020
1. Companies having no prior coal mining experience can participate in the auction of coal/lignite blocks.
2. The government has lifted end-use restriction for coal mines to end the captive mining regime.
3. Allows prospecting licence-cum-mining lease (PL-cum-ML) for coal/lignite.
4. Will augment the exploration of the deep seated minerals and minerals of national interest by allowing Non Exclusive Reconnaissance Permit (NERP) holders.
The Mineral Laws (Amendment) Act,2020
1. Companies having no prior coal mining experience can participate in the auction of coal/lignite blocks.
2. The government has lifted end-use restriction for coal mines to end the captive mining regime.
3. Allows prospecting licence-cum-mining lease (PL-cum-ML) for coal/lignite.
4. Will augment the exploration of the deep seated minerals and minerals of national interest by allowing Non Exclusive Reconnaissance Permit (NERP) holders.
#Prelims #Polity
Narcotics Control Bureau
- It was constituted by the Government of India in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
- It is the apex coordinating agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Drug abuse control is the responsibility of the central government.
Narcotics Control Bureau
- It was constituted by the Government of India in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
- It is the apex coordinating agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Drug abuse control is the responsibility of the central government.
#Polity_Current
Indian Institutes of Information Technology laws Bill 2020
- Paased recently by Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
- The Bill seeks to declare following five IIITs as as institutions of national importance, under the PPP mode in
Surat,
Bhopal,
Bhagalpur,
Agartala,
Raichur.
On being declared institutions of national importance, the five institutes will be granted the power to grant degrees.
- The Bill seeks amendment to the Indian Institutes of Information Technology Act, 2014 and the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public-private Partnership) Act, 2017.
- The central government will contribute 50% towards the expenses of institutes functioning under the PPP mode.
Indian Institutes of Information Technology laws Bill 2020
- Paased recently by Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
- The Bill seeks to declare following five IIITs as as institutions of national importance, under the PPP mode in
Surat,
Bhopal,
Bhagalpur,
Agartala,
Raichur.
On being declared institutions of national importance, the five institutes will be granted the power to grant degrees.
- The Bill seeks amendment to the Indian Institutes of Information Technology Act, 2014 and the Indian Institutes of Information Technology (Public-private Partnership) Act, 2017.
- The central government will contribute 50% towards the expenses of institutes functioning under the PPP mode.
#Prelims #Polity_Current
National Crime Record Bureau
- headquarter - New Delhi
- set-up in 1986
- Under Ministry of Home Affairs
- to function as a repository of information on crime and criminals so as to assist the investigators in linking crime to the perpetrators.
- It was set up based on the recommendations of the National Police Commission (1977-81) and the MHA’s Task Force (1985).
National Crime Record Bureau
- headquarter - New Delhi
- set-up in 1986
- Under Ministry of Home Affairs
- to function as a repository of information on crime and criminals so as to assist the investigators in linking crime to the perpetrators.
- It was set up based on the recommendations of the National Police Commission (1977-81) and the MHA’s Task Force (1985).
#Polity_Basics #PT2021 #2MinRead
Lok Adalats
- to settle dispute through conciliation and compromise.
- First Lok Adalat in 1982(Gujarat)
- accepts the cases pending in the regular courts within their jurisdiction
- presided over by a sitting or retired judicial officer
- Members - a lawyer and a social worker.
Main condition - both parties in dispute should agree for settlement.
- No court fee.
- The procedural laws are not strictly followed
- The decision is binding on the parties and its order is capable of execution through legal process.
- No appeal lies against the order of the Lok Adalat.
Lok Adalats
- to settle dispute through conciliation and compromise.
- First Lok Adalat in 1982(Gujarat)
- accepts the cases pending in the regular courts within their jurisdiction
- presided over by a sitting or retired judicial officer
- Members - a lawyer and a social worker.
Main condition - both parties in dispute should agree for settlement.
- No court fee.
- The procedural laws are not strictly followed
- The decision is binding on the parties and its order is capable of execution through legal process.
- No appeal lies against the order of the Lok Adalat.
#PT2021 #Polity_Current
Electoral Bond
- It is a financial instrument for making donations to political parties.
- issued in multiples of Rs. 1,000, Rs. 10,000, Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore without any maximum limit.
- State Bank of India is authorised to issue and encash these bonds
- Bonds are valid for fifteen days from the date of issuance.
- The bonds are available for purchase by any person (who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India)
Electoral Bond
- It is a financial instrument for making donations to political parties.
- issued in multiples of Rs. 1,000, Rs. 10,000, Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore without any maximum limit.
- State Bank of India is authorised to issue and encash these bonds
- Bonds are valid for fifteen days from the date of issuance.
- The bonds are available for purchase by any person (who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India)
#polity
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Ordinance, 2021
News: The President promulgated it.
- The Cabinet had approved the proposal to make amendments in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Aim: to provide a Pre-Packaged alternative insolvency resolution framework for corporate persons - Classified as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the Code.
Key features :
-Based on a trust model the amendments honour the honest MSME owners.
- Seeks to amend the Code based on suggestions of the Insolvency Law Committee (ILC).
- Expected benefits of the amendment in Code Lesser burden on Adjudicating Authority.
- Assured continuity of business operations for Corporate Debtor
- Less process costs & maximum assets realization for financial creditors.
- Assurance of continued business relation with CD and
Rights protection for operational Creditors.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Ordinance, 2021
News: The President promulgated it.
- The Cabinet had approved the proposal to make amendments in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
Aim: to provide a Pre-Packaged alternative insolvency resolution framework for corporate persons - Classified as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the Code.
Key features :
-Based on a trust model the amendments honour the honest MSME owners.
- Seeks to amend the Code based on suggestions of the Insolvency Law Committee (ILC).
- Expected benefits of the amendment in Code Lesser burden on Adjudicating Authority.
- Assured continuity of business operations for Corporate Debtor
- Less process costs & maximum assets realization for financial creditors.
- Assurance of continued business relation with CD and
Rights protection for operational Creditors.
#Polity
Decriminalising Begging
News: The S C has asked the Centre and five States to file their response on a plea seeking a direction to repeal the provisions criminalising begging.
- Five states are: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar.
Key points:
- criminalising the act of begging were violative of constitutional rights, specifically Article 21.
- This act make an unreasonable choice between committing a crime or not and starving.
- It has referred to the 2018 verdict of the Delhi High Court which had decriminalised begging in the national capital.
- The petition has sought directions to declare as “illegal and void".
- All provisions, except some sections, of
1. Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959,
2. Punjab Prevention of Beggary Act, 1971,
3. Haryana Prevention of Begging Act, 1971
4. Bihar Prevention of Begging Act 1951.
Decriminalising Begging
News: The S C has asked the Centre and five States to file their response on a plea seeking a direction to repeal the provisions criminalising begging.
- Five states are: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar.
Key points:
- criminalising the act of begging were violative of constitutional rights, specifically Article 21.
- This act make an unreasonable choice between committing a crime or not and starving.
- It has referred to the 2018 verdict of the Delhi High Court which had decriminalised begging in the national capital.
- The petition has sought directions to declare as “illegal and void".
- All provisions, except some sections, of
1. Bombay Prevention of Begging Act, 1959,
2. Punjab Prevention of Beggary Act, 1971,
3. Haryana Prevention of Begging Act, 1971
4. Bihar Prevention of Begging Act 1951.
#Polity
Section 142 of the Social Security Code
- Section 142 of the Social Security Code, 2020 has been notified by Ministry of Labour & Employment.
Key points:
- It covers applicability of Aaadhar.
- It will enable Labour Ministry to collect Aadhar details for the database of beneficiaries.
- It comes under various social security schemes.
- National Data Base for Unorganised Workers is at an advanced stage of development by National Informatics Centre.
Aim: at collection of data for unorganised workers including migrant workers for the purpose of giving benefits of the various schemes of the Government.
Significance:
- An inter-state migrant worker can register himself on the portal on the basis of submission of Aadhar alone.
Section 142 of the Social Security Code
- Section 142 of the Social Security Code, 2020 has been notified by Ministry of Labour & Employment.
Key points:
- It covers applicability of Aaadhar.
- It will enable Labour Ministry to collect Aadhar details for the database of beneficiaries.
- It comes under various social security schemes.
- National Data Base for Unorganised Workers is at an advanced stage of development by National Informatics Centre.
Aim: at collection of data for unorganised workers including migrant workers for the purpose of giving benefits of the various schemes of the Government.
Significance:
- An inter-state migrant worker can register himself on the portal on the basis of submission of Aadhar alone.
#Polity_Current #PT2021
Electoral Bonds
- It is a financial instrument for making donations to political parties.
- issued in multiples of Rs. 1,000, Rs. 10,000, Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore without any maximum limit.
- State Bank of India is authorised to issue and encash these bonds.
- The bonds are available for purchase by any person (who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India)
- Donor’s name is not mentioned on the bond.
Electoral Bonds
- It is a financial instrument for making donations to political parties.
- issued in multiples of Rs. 1,000, Rs. 10,000, Rs. 1 lakh, Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore without any maximum limit.
- State Bank of India is authorised to issue and encash these bonds.
- The bonds are available for purchase by any person (who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India)
- Donor’s name is not mentioned on the bond.
#Polity_Current #PT2021
MPLAD scheme:
- Launched in December, 1993.
- Seeks to provide a mechanism for the Members of Parliament to recommend works of developmental nature for creation of durable community assets and for provision of basic facilities including community infrastructure, based on locally felt needs.
- It is a Plan Scheme fully funded by the Government of India.
- The annual MPLADS fund entitlement per MP constituency is Rs. 5 crore.
MPLAD scheme:
- Launched in December, 1993.
- Seeks to provide a mechanism for the Members of Parliament to recommend works of developmental nature for creation of durable community assets and for provision of basic facilities including community infrastructure, based on locally felt needs.
- It is a Plan Scheme fully funded by the Government of India.
- The annual MPLADS fund entitlement per MP constituency is Rs. 5 crore.
#Polity_Current #PT2021
National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT):
- It is a quasi-judicial body in India adjudicating issues concerning companies in the country.
- It was formed on June 1, 2016, as per the provisions of the Companies Act 2013.
- Formed based on the recommendations of the Justice Eradi Committee that was related to insolvency and winding up of companies in India.
- Appeals: Decisions taken by the NCLT can be appealed to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
- The decisions of the NCLAT can be appealed to the Supreme Court on a point of law.
National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT):
- It is a quasi-judicial body in India adjudicating issues concerning companies in the country.
- It was formed on June 1, 2016, as per the provisions of the Companies Act 2013.
- Formed based on the recommendations of the Justice Eradi Committee that was related to insolvency and winding up of companies in India.
- Appeals: Decisions taken by the NCLT can be appealed to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).
- The decisions of the NCLAT can be appealed to the Supreme Court on a point of law.
#PT2021 #Polity_Current
Inland Vessels Bill, 2021
- Introduced recently in Lok Sabha.
Features of the Bill:
- It provides for a unified law for the entire country, instead of separate rules framed by the States.
- The certificate of registration granted under the proposed law will be deemed to be valid in all States and Union Territories, and there will be no need to seek separate permissions from the States.
- The Bill provides for a central data base for recording the details of vessel, vessel registration, crew on an electronic portal.
- It requires all mechanically propelled vessels to be mandatorily registered.
- All non-mechanically propelled vessels will also have to be enrolled at district, taluk or panchayat or village level.
Inland Vessels Bill, 2021
- Introduced recently in Lok Sabha.
Features of the Bill:
- It provides for a unified law for the entire country, instead of separate rules framed by the States.
- The certificate of registration granted under the proposed law will be deemed to be valid in all States and Union Territories, and there will be no need to seek separate permissions from the States.
- The Bill provides for a central data base for recording the details of vessel, vessel registration, crew on an electronic portal.
- It requires all mechanically propelled vessels to be mandatorily registered.
- All non-mechanically propelled vessels will also have to be enrolled at district, taluk or panchayat or village level.