Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

Here’s some bad news for the booze lovers. Soon you will have to loosen your purse strings more for a bottle of liquor or a pint of beer. After imposing multifold hike up to 75% in the license fees for liquor manufacturers, dealers and retailers, the state government’s Ministry of Excise is contemplating 20% hike in Excise Duty. The decision could be sealed by the second week of March. The move has been opposed by the city liquor businessmen who see this as detrimental to the trade.

Pradeep Pali, director of Garjana Group which runs chain of liquor serving restaurants and permit rooms reacted sharply to this move saying that the state government is out to shut liquor shops. “First the state hiked the license fee by one and half times and now it is contemplating to load extra burden of excise duty. This will not only affect the sale but also draw commoners’ ire towards the decision,” Pali told Nagpur Today.

It’s a government’s loss

Pali informed that Nagpur Liquor Association would be simultaneously filing the petition in High Court along with Mumbai Liquor Association against the license fee hike. The fee hike would largely affect the sale of country liquor as the people going for cheap liquor will switch to mahua liquor the sale of which is rampant here, he added. “Last year the license fee was Rs 3.42 lakh which has now been revised to Rs 5.12 lakh. Only three years back the excise duty was hiked by 100 per cent and the cost of liquor went up like nothing. A quarter of liquor which was priced at Rs 70 went up at Rs 160. Further hiking the duty would mean extreme loss to the government.” he reacted.

Pali said that the decision to revise the license fee and trashing the duty hike plan would have to be taken by March 3, after which code of conduct will come into effect in view of upcoming general elections.

Equation of revenue collection

The state government had passed an ordinance on February 10 in which it revised the license fee to almost double dealing a heavy blow to liquor businessmen across the state including Nagpur. The new ordinance will affect wine shop, liquor bars and country liquor establishments, making the customers to cough up for saying cheers. In Nagpur district last year, the excise department collected a total of Rs 27 crores against license fees from 11 liquor manufacturers, 27 wholesalers and 800 retailers here.

More bucks to say cheers

Another liquor trader informed that the state finance department is presently levying 20% excise duty on liquor and accordingly assigning maximum retail prices on various liquor labels. Now as per the revised price structure, it plans to apply 20% reduction on MRP and then loading 40% extra before stamping final price on foreign liquor bottles. Eventually this rounding off trick would make the buyers pay 20% more for their favorite drink. For instance a bottle of foreign liquor which presently costs Rs 500 would be first subjected to 20% reduction in its MRP which will make it for Rs 400. On this reduced amount, 40% excise duty would be levied then which would take the final price to Rs 560 (after adding 40% to Rs 400). This means for a bottle costing Rs 500, the buyers would have to shell out Rs 60 more after the new structure comes into effect.

Country liquor to be spared?

The existing duty on country liquor would continue to remain unchanged. The government apprehended that raising excise duty further on country made liquor would severely affect its sale as the buyers would eventually incline towards mahua liquor instead of paying up more for country liquor. The flourishing illegal trading of mahua liquor has only elevated government’s fears.

Hopes galore

Another wine shop owner here hoped that there are no chances the government would hike excise duty, however nothing can be said of its policy. He opined, “The excise duty on foreign liquor is currently 20% and further increasing it would prompt illegal sale.” He also expressed hope over the license fee reduction as he informed that a delegation has gone to meet the authorities and something concrete could come out. He informed, “The excise duty hike routinely stands at 10 per cent every year. The excise department did not go for any revision for the last 3 years and this year it suddenly revised it to whopping 40-50%. I hope this would be resolved soon and the government would roll it back partially, if not fully.”

Tough time for tipplers as State mulls 20% duty hike on liquor; City traders resent move

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

National Tourism Award for the year 2012-2013 was conferred upon Shreya Travels, Nagpur in the category of Tourist Transport Operators (Category III) second prize for outstanding achievement and contribution to the promotion of tourism in the country.

Shashi Tharoor Union Minister for HRD was the chief guest and he gave away the awards. Pravez Dewan Secretary Ministry of Tourism, presiding over the function.  Manisha Vijay Golchha properitor and Capt Vijay Kamal Golchha CEO Shreya Travels received the award on behalf of the company.

Shreya Travels, Nagpur is only company from Maharashtra to receive National Tourism Award from Travel Trade. Pune Heritage Walk, Maharashtra got award for Best Heritage walk.

This is the third award to Shreya Travels. Last year Shreya Travels, got National Tourism Award 2011-2012 at the hands of  President of India Pranab Mukerjee and Tourism Minister Dr K Chiranjeevi. For National Tourism Award 2010-2011 Shreya Travels got the award from the then President of India Pratibha Patil.

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India annually presents National Tourism Awards to various segments of the travel tourism and hospitality industry. These awards are presented to State Governments / Union Territories’ classified hotels, heritage hotels, approved travel agents, tour operators and tourist transport operators, individuals and other private organizations in recognition of their performance in their respective fields and also to encourage healthy competition with an aim to promoting tourism. The National Tourism Awards have over the years emerged as a prestigious recognition of achievements in the travel tourism and hospitality sectors.

Shreya Travels was founded by proprietor Manisha Vijay Golchha along with its CEO Capt. Vijay Kamal Golchha in the year 1994. Over the years Shreya Travels, Nagpur has grown to become one of the leading Tourist Transport Operators in Central India catering to the needs and requirements of each and every category of domestic, foreign tourists as well to corporates and multi-nationals companies.
Shreya Travels is approved Tourist Transport Operator by Ministry of Tourism since 2004. In 2011, Capt. Vijay Kamal Golchha has been appointed as Executive Committee Member of Indian Tourist Transporters Association.

Shreya Travels, Nagpur wins National Tourism Award, 2012-13

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News: The Income Tax Department has made changes in rules for issuing Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card. It has vide notification S.O. 3794 (E) dated 23.12.2013, amended Rule 114 of the Income-tax Rules, 1962 to provide , inter alia, that the application for allotment of PAN shall be accompanied by proof of date of birth of the applicant in addition to proof of identity (POI)/proof of address (POA). The notification has also amended the prescribed list of documents which can be furnished as POI/POA and Aadhar Card has been included as one of the POI and POA document.

The number of PAN Card holders in the country as on 17.2.2014 is 20.24 crores. So far, 9.73 lakhs PAN have been issued where Aadhar has been captured and seeded in PAN database for maintain uniqueness.

Identification of bogus/duplicate PAN Card is an integral part of the data management system. In order to ensure that bogus PAN cards are not issued, the Income-tax Department has started capturing Aadhar number, as mentioned in para above, in PAN application forms in cases where it is available so that the additional uniqueness is brought in PAN allotment process.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Finance, Shri J.D. Seelam in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

Income Tax Department notifies amended Rules for Issuing New Pan Card

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News: Recognising the achievements and acumen of D C Garg, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Western Coalfields Limited, distinguished panel of indiasgreatest.com awarded him with “The Greatest Corporate Leaders of India” award during World’s HR Congress at Taj Lands End Mumbai on 15 February, 2014. Delegates from organisations specialty in HR all around the country attended the programme.

Western Coalfields Limited with human resource strength of about 56000, contributes 8% of Indian coal production, and also takes initiative to improve the living conditions in about 500 villages in its command area.

D C Garg has been emphatic in his HR philosophy that “HR does not end within the corporate boundary but it extends to the other stake holders including suppliers, vendors, contractor and local populace as well.

WCL has initiated many projects on this count. World HRD congress has been tracking the evolutionary role the PSUs play in shaping the economic development of the country.

“The Greatest Corporate Leaders of India” – Award to D C Garg

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

The Vidarbha Economic Development Council, in an election atmosphere, is organizing a programme on March 1, 2014 at Vasantrao Deshpande Hall to present its Vision Document, “Nagpur Vision -2020” to the public. The presentation would be followed by a feedback from three political leaders of the region of three major political parties — Mr. Shivajirao Moghe, Congress, Guardian Minister, Nagpur District, Government of Maharashtra, Mr. Anil Deshmukh, NCP, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Government of Maharashtra and Mr. Nitin Gadkari, former National President of BJP.

Nagpur News.

The Vidarbha Economic Development Council (VED), the powerful engine that always rolls to push Vidarbha, the Second Capital City and its citizens ahead in all the spheres of development, sees Nagpur as the epicenter of Vidarbha and Vidarbha region is driven by this city which is growing. The VED, keeping in mind the supreme interests of the region, is creating a road-map for optimum development of Nagpur as a Model City up to 2020 and beyond. Devendra Parekh, President, VED, stressed that the citizens wish the city to be one of the outstanding cities of the country and since it is an election atmosphere, VED wishes to get the perspective of the political parties on this issue. Hence, VED has initiated the holding of a programme on March 1, 2014 at Vasantrao Deshpande Hall. Other associations of the city like the VIA, IMA, NVCC, CREDAI, MIA, BMA, ICAI, TIE, VTA, NCCL & LUB have come together with VED on this important issue of the city’s development in the future, informed Parekh.

At this event, VED would be presenting to the public a Vision Document, “Nagpur Vision -2020” which would be a road-map to a future Nagpur city. The presentation would be followed by a feedback from three political leaders of the region of three major political parties — Mr. Shivajirao Moghe, Congress, Guardian Minister, Nagpur District, Government of Maharashtra, Mr. Anil Deshmukh, NCP, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Government of Maharashtra and Mr. Nitin Gadkari, former National President of BJP.
About 40-50,000 people arrive in Nagpur daily for official or personal work either by road, rail or air. VED is looking for that perfect “Mantra” for growth that would create a feel-good factor, giving valid reasons for people coming here to recognize Nagpur as a model city and going back impressed and with happy memories. This would, of course, basically mean that the city actually lives up to the impression it wishes to create.
In connection with this concept, Parekh has invited citizens to give concrete and feasible ideas for this Vision Document that would usher in a systematic, civic and well organized Nagpur by 2020. Citizens could mail their ideas to VED’s email add: info@vedcouncil.org.
Shivkumar Rao, Vice-President, VED, elaborated that the Vision Document would necessarily address problems of urban infrastructure, traffic decongestion and road network, upgradation of NMC schools and imparting quality education through the possibility of outsourcing such facilities, tourism including eco-tourism and other aspects like the creation of satellite cities.
Rao further informed that not just in higher technical education, but upgradation is the dire necessity at the school level too, especially in the NMC-run schools so that quality education may be imparted to them. Along with this, a happy ambiance is also necessary which would be in the form of  renovation of their school buildings to create a clean, sanitary and inviting atmosphere so that students have an incentive for coming to school and not drop out half-way. The scope of work mainly involves permanent type of repairs, additional rooms, uniform appearance, modern furniture, latest electrical equipment as in computers, projectors etc. compound walls, proper drinking water facility and sanitation. Such education could be outsourced for improved facilities and, therefore, performance, he suggested.
Regarding higher education, Rahul Upganlawar, Secretary General, VED, informed that Nagpur can provide through its large number of engineering and medical colleges the skilled professionals but the quality education needs to be imparted for graduates to be on par with national/international standards. Nagpur is already an educational hub but the need of the hour and the future is for quality education and technical courses that would ensure good and maximum potential for employment. VED has been continuously and consistently trying to arrange for national level institutes to be set up in Nagpur/Vidarbha like an Indian Institute of Management, a National Law School, an Indian Institute of Information Technology, a National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, a National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training & Research etc.
One among VED’s ideas is that Nagpur could do with some sort of branding as in Nagpur — The Zero Mile City / Orange City / Gateway to Tiger Country and other branding ideas, informed Vilas Kale, IPP, VED. He further said that promotion of Nagpur as a Tourism Hub needs to be worked upon. Nagpur being “The Gateway to the Tiger Country” , the hub to the tiger-bearing central Indian forests,  surrounded by enchanting destinations for eco-tourism with several tiger reserves/national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, has a good number of tourists coming in for eco-tourism. The concept is that before or after park visits, such tourists could also check out the local sites of tourist interest like the nationally important landmark, the Zero-Mile Pillar, Mansar excavations nearby and sometime in the future the Gorewada Zoo & Biodiversity Park and the Gorewara Reserve as a walkers’ and bird-watchers’ paradise. These would be big tourist attractions nationally and internationally in the near future and so also would the Maharaj Bagh Zoo converted into a Bird Sanctuary and a garden. Nagpur also has local sites of importance in Religious, Archaeological, Historical and Heritage Tourism.
For all genres of tourism, of prime importance is the preservation of important monuments, heritage buildings, temples and very importantly the beautification of the Zero Mile Pillar.
Other areas that VED is interested in are Nagpur as a health-care hub which already caters to central India and spillovers from the metros. State-of-the-art medical care at reasonable costs is needed here to obviate the need for patients to go all the way to the metros to avail of such facilities. Of equal importance is the creation of good and advanced medical facilities for the common man through Primary Health Centres.
Nagpur as a MICE (Meetings-Incentives-Conventions-Exhibitions) Destination or a Convention Hub, with an international convention and a permanent exhibition centre is imperative as this would also generate employment and revenue. With an influx of people coming for work-related issues, local tourism would get a further boost. In fact, short local tourism circuits could be developed to show such people around during their leisure hours.
Nagpur can also be a Sports Hub with a Divisional Sports Complex and a Stadium by the
Nagpur Improvement Trust. The proposed Sports Complex would have facilities like Multi-Gym, Health Centre, Table Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball, Spectator Gallery, Running Track, Hockey, Football, Basketball, Swimming Pool etc.. There is also a dire need for excellent auditoria in east, west, north and south Nagpur for catering to the current, vibrant cultural scenario.
Work could be done in slum upgradation, development and regularization of unauthorized layouts, single-window system for Town Planning clearances, sanitation, municipal solid waste management, Bio Medical waste-disposal, Citizen Facilitation Centres, Sulabh Toilets, Bus Shelters and Pay-and-Park facilities and a Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS).
VED looks forward to positive ideas from the citizens on issues like health, education, infrastructure etc.
Citizens may send their ideas /suggestions by post or email. VED Office Address:
Vidarbha Economic Development Council (VED)
1st Floor, Mate Square, Gopal Nagar, Nagpur – 440022
(Behind Dr. Ambedkar Statue & Above Arun Electronics)
Ph – 0712-2240665 / 2240632
Email - info@vedcouncil.org WEB - www.vedcouncil.org

VED invites ideas, thoughts from citizens for “Nagpur Vision-2020” a roadmap to the future

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News.

Setting tone for the fresh round of development and adding wings to the dreams of hordes of future IT professionals in Nagpur, IT major Infosys performed stone laying foundation for its upcoming facility – Infosys IT Park in Mihan here on Saturday. After first phase of its completion it will create 5,000 jobs for IT aspirants. This will be third such Infosys facility in the state.

Besides, foundation was also laid for Concore Multi Modal Logistic Park in the vicinity.  Chief Minister Prithiviraj Chavan along with Founder and Executive Chairman of Infosys N R Narayan Murthy were in Nagpur on Saturday to lay the foundation for Infosys IT Park.

Member of Parliament Vilas Muttemwar, senior Congress leader Mukul Wasnik, State Minister for Employment Guarantee and Water Conservation Nitin Raut, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anil Deshmukh, CMD of Mihan India Ltd. Tanaji Sapre, Chairperson of NIT Pravin Darade, Senior Vice President of Infosys Ramdas Kamat were prominently resent on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion Narayan Murthy said, “Our investment in this third campus firmly establishes Maharashtra as a key region for Infosys.” Talking about the city he said, “Nagpur is a culturally vibrant city and with industry focus shifting to non-metros, the city is rightfully staking its claim in this new dispensation.”

Chavan specially mentioned the name of Nagpur MP Vilas Muttemwar and termed Mihan as city MP’s dream project. He said that the latest development on the iT front in Nagpur is like dream coming true.

Nagpur MP Vilas Muttemwar in his address extended thanks to Narayana Murthy on behalf of the people of Nagpur for bringing the ambitious project to the city. He also thanked the Chief Minister for getting Narayana Murthy to come to Nagpur. He said, “With the Infosys IT park, Orange City will now be called as Infosys City. Wherever Infosys has established, development prevailed and it served as the major attraction for other industries too.”

Muttemwar said that the first phase of the facility would be completed in three years which will generate direct jobs for 5,000 people while creating 10,000 indirect jobs.

Later, talking to Nagpur Today, Muttemwar said that the jobseekers of Nagpur would not be required to move to cities like Pune, Hyderabad, Noida and Gudgaon once Concore and Infosys gets functional. He also added that after Pune and Bangalore, Nagpur has bright prospects of being tagged as the next IT hub of the country. “After TCS has begun its work here, Infosys has only brightened the prospects of Nagpur being the IT hub,” he told Nagpur Today.

The new campus at Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN), SEZ will be spread over 142 acres of land allocated by the Government of Maharashtra and construction will be undertaken in phases.

In the first phase of construction, the company will make an investment of Rs. 475 crore to create a built ­up area of 9.5 lakh sq. ft. which will generate employment for 5,000 software professionals.

However the foundation stone has been laid, a section of IT experts was apprehensive about the pace of its progress.

Countering this contention, Muttemwar said, “We have taken up the onus to get it done in three years. When Narayana Murthy expressed some paper works to be done with Maharashtra government, CM has assured him that there would not be any hurdle from the state. As far any clearance from Delhi is required, I and Wasnik will leave no stone unturned in getting the things done as fast as possible.”

Former state minister Satish Chaturvedi viewed that Infosys is one of the world’s leading company and it will cater to the job requirements of all the IT engineering students of Nagpur. “Technical youth of Nagpur will be benefited the most,” he added.

When asked there were similar announcements made in the past but all suffered inordinate delay, Chaturvedi said, “This is not just an announcement but Narayana Murthy himself has come to lay the foundation stone of the facility and I am sure it would be completed in time.”

Infosys lays foundation of hopes in Nagpur; CM praises Muttemwar for his efforts

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Highlights

• No new tax sops or proposals to revise existing taxes
• Annual plan size proposed at Rs 51,222.54 cr for 2014-15
• District annual plan approved of Rs 5,902 crore
• Rs 2,500 cr provided for implementation of industrial incentive scheme
• 680 Cr for Nagpur Metro

Maharashtra Finance Minister and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar Tuesday tabled a Rs 5,417.28 crore revenue deficit interim budget for 2014-15 in the state legislative assembly.

The budget envisages revenue receipts of Rs 1,69,907.55 crore and expenditure of Rs 1,75,324.83 crore for the next financial year.

The government has decided to continue tax exemption on items like wheat, rice, pulses, their flours, jaggery, turmeric and tamarind till next fiscal.

Such exemptions would also continue on coriander seeds, fenugreek, chillies, parsley, coconut, papad, wet dates, currants and raisins, Solapuri chaddars, towels and the current concession on tea till March 31, 2015, Pawar said.

“We had expected a small revenue surplus in the year 2013-14. Though we achieved revenue targets, we had to incur very heavy expenditure for natural calamity relief, electricity bill subsidy and such other necessary expenses.

“As a result, the revenue surplus has become a revenue deficit of Rs 3,017.23 crore. The decision taken this year, like electricity bill subsidy, etc. Will also lead to substantial increase in revenue expenditure in 2014-15,” he said.

The draft plan of the state for 2014-15 has not yet been discussed with the Planning Commission, the Finance Minister said.

However, the plan size has been proposed at Rs 51,222.54 crore, keeping in mind the decisions taken by the cabinet, he added.

The Minister in his budget speech said: “I propose to obtain a vote on account to meet current expenditure of the state government on ongoing schemes for the first four months of the next financial year.

“I intend to present an additional budget to the House in the next session to be held after the Lok Sabha polls, which will include non-plan expenditure and new items of the plan for the next financial year.

Ajit Pawar presents Rs 5,417 cr revenue deficit interim budget

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News : J. P. Sharma, president and Tejinder Singh Renu, Secretary of Vidarbha Taxpayers Association (VTA) in their joint press release on State interim budget 2014-15 said that even after concluding that revenue collection had drastically dropped by shifting from Octroi to Local Body Tax (LBT), Maharashtra Government disappointed taxpayers by not withdrawing LBT against which traders across State had been agitating since almost a year and although Chief Minister had assured traders that appropriate remedy would be sought shortly has failed to address this grave situation suppressing State traders from growth, which is hitting extremely hard in existing global economy slow down.

Although for MIHAN Rs.250 Crores has been allotted by Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, which is considerable more as compared to last year’s allocation; however how much actually reaches its desired destination is a million dollar question. Still some positive developments towards MIHAN in recent past by Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan are appreciable. Likewise allocation of funds for Ramtek Temple is welcome.

While we are continuously reading news about sanction of Nagpur Metro Rail Project, still Finance Minister just informed about the project cost being of Rs. 8680 Crores for this 38 kms length two corridor project, but failed to allocate the requisite funds for the same. Vidarbha Taxpayers Association (VTA) had specifically requested in its pre budget memorandum to Government of Maharashtra that taxpayers are not ready accept any new tax, surcharge, fees, etc for any project including Nagpur Metro Rail Project.

Finance Minister also failed to address pending issue of MVAT on buildings under construction from 2006 to 2010, which shall lead to multiple litigations being filed by the assesses in various courts across the State.

Some relief in power sector is welcome step, however we fear that its additional load of expenditure would fall on other revenue departments and ultimately the taxpayers would be burdened more by such act.

Withdrawal of LBT was anticipated, State Budget disappoints – VTA

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News : The Nagpur Branch of Western India Chartered Accountants Students Association (WICASA) of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India was adjudged as the All India Best Branch amongst 128 Branches of ICAI at the 64^th Annual Function of the Institute. The Award was presented by Hon’ble Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology & Law and Justice, Kapil Sibal, Chairman WICASA, Nagpur Branch, in the Presence of National President, ICAI CA. Subodh Kumar Agrawal &  Vice President, CA. K. Raghu at a glittering function held at New Delhi. This grand gala function was held at Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi and was attended by large number of Chartered Accountants AND Students from all over the country.

Standing L to R-
CA Kirti Agrawal, CA Suren Durugkar, CA Ashwin Agrawal, CA Swapnil Agrawal, Branch Chairman, CA Julfesh Shah RCM, CA Sandeep Jotwani – WICASA Chairman, CA Kirit Kalyani, CA Umang Agrawal, CA Swapnil Ghate.
Seating L to R –
Tejas Suchak, Ganesh Motwani, Adil Ansari, Girishma Mehta, Harsh Deora, Prateek Sarda,

During the year 2013 Nagpur Branch of WICASA organized various programs in the year which includes National Convention for CA Students, Joint Seminar with various Universities, Lecture Meets, Industrial Visits, Residential Refresher Course, Seminars, Training Programmes, Workshops, Career Counseling Programmes, Chorus – Youth Festival, Vidarbha Level Indoor & Outdoor Sports, Fabulous Football, Cricket Tournament, Independence Day Rally & Blood Donation.

During the year the Branch revamped its Website with added features. The multicolor half yearly Branch news letter “WICASA VISION” with character building theme & rich contents was one of the highlights of the Branch. Thrust was given to organize various academic & non academic & social activities for the benefit of & overall personality development of Chartered Accountants Students.

Nagpur Branch of WICASA was an undisputed leader amongst all the branches all over India and has set its own standard by organizing varied mix of programmes of academics & others for students throughout the year uniformly which has made our orange city proud and added new feather in the Cap of Nagpur Branch.

CA. Sandeep Jotwani has thanked CA. Jaydeep Shah and CA. Ashok Chandak, Past President, ICAI, for their precious support and guidance. Also, he expressed his deep gratitude towards CA.Julfesh Shah, RCM for the all time motivation and guiding the path from time to time. He also expressed his gratefulness towards the  Managing Committee Members of Nagpur Branch of ICAI, Branch Chairman – CA. Swapnil Agrawal, CA. Ashwini Agrawal, CA. Kirti Agrawal, CA Swapnil Ghate, CA. Umang Agrawal, CA. Suren Duragkar, CA. Kirit Klayani, All Past Chairmen’s of Nagpur Branch of ICAI, Seniors Members, Managing Committee Members of Nagpur Branch of WICASA  Adil Ansari, Harsh Deora, Tejas Suchak, Ganesh Motlani, Grishma Mehta, Prateek Sarda & all the Students for the energetic participation and support throughout the year.  He also thanked the members of press and media for their overall support and wide coverage which was definitely helpful for the profession at large.

Nagpur WICASA Gets Top Honors At National And Regional Levels

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

India Pulses and Grains Association successfully hosted THE PULSES CONCLAVE 2014, a three day mega event for the global pulses trade and industry during February 19- 21 in Goa.  Former Union Minister   Suresh Prabhu; Minister   Lyle Stewart, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of Saskatchewan, Canada;   Hakan Bahceci, President, CICILS (Global Confederation);   Pravin Dongre, Chairman, IPGA and   Bimal Kothari, Vice-Chairman, IPGA graced the inaugural ceremony of the Pulses Conclave. Hon’ble   H. E. Dr. Perks Ligoya, High Commissioner, Malawi inaugurated the Exhibition at The Conclave.

Over 800 delegates from India and across 24 countries including Australia, USA, Canada, Russia, Spain, Pakistan, Kenya, Myanmar to name a few participated in the Conclave. Business worth over Rs. 500 crore was transacted.

Pravin Dongre, Chairman, India Pulses and Grains Association, speaking about the Conclave said, “We are overwhelmed by the stupendous response the Conclave has received from the trade and industry across India and the world. The Conclave has provided a huge opportunity for all participants to Converge-Connect-Capitalise through trade tie-ups and strategic alliances. India is the epicenter of global pulses trade; and through this endeavor we are trying to bring the trade across geographies closer.”

Minister of Agriculture,   Lyle Stewart, Govt. of Saskatchewan, Canada led a 10-member trade delegation to the Conclave which underscored the importance of India as a market and demonstrates the confidence and commitment the global pulses industry has for India as well as the association. Canada is also exploring a tie-up with ICRISAT, for transfer of R & D technology opportunities with India to boost the yield and quality of the pulses.

A key highlight of the Conclave was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between India Pulses and Grains Association (IPGA) and the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) to work in collaboration for increasing effectiveness of trade tools including lifting of trading restrictions through continuous dialogue with regulator and policymakers.

The Conclave also witnessed the presence of senior officials like   Ramesh Abhishek, IAS, Chairman, Forward Markets Commission, Govt. of India; Dr. Swapan Datta, Deputy Director General, ICAR; and Dr. C.L.L Gowda, DDG, ICRISAT.  Other key speakers included Mr Brian Clancey, VP, Marketing and Sales, STAT Communication Ltd, Canada, and   Gordon Bacon, CEO, Pulse Canada. The theme of The Pulses Conclave 2014 was “The Power of Pulses” and highlighted ‘Pulses Market & Price Outlook for 2014-2015’ and the role of pulses in global food security through various panel discussions by eminent industry experts.

The Pulses Conclave 2014 had three key components viz., a Seminar, an Exhibition and a series of B2B meetings between stakeholders. The seminar comprised of a series of stimulating presentations by speakers from India and abroad as well as insightful panel discussions by policymakers, domain experts and agri-business professionals who covered key areas like global agri-market drivers and price outlook. The origin presentations from America, Myanmar, Africa and Australia as well as market and price outlook for each pulse category such as Chick Peas, Lentils and others are expected to impart a renewed dynamism to international trade.

Some of the other key highlights of The Pulses Conclave 2014 were:

IPGA appealed to the Government to include Pulses in the National Food Security Act 2013 and the Public Distribution System (PDS) for advancing the nation’s nutrition security;  IPGA appealed to the Government to allow free import and export of Pulses to help the growth of the sector and ensure better earnings for pulse growers and allied industries.

Ramesh Abhishek, IAS, Chairman, Forward Markets Commission, Govt. of India announced that the Commission is considering withdrawal of the suspension imposed in 2007 on futures trading of key agricultural commodities such as tur (pigeon peas), urad (black gram) and rice.

Brian Clancey, STAT Communication declared that India is the largest producer of pulses in the world and the production of pulses in India has gone up by 37 per cent in the year between 2010 and 2014 and is expected to rise further, even as production of other countries was decreasing.

Presentations during the three day mega event included:

Indian Market Outlook by   Sudhakar Tomar, Hakan Agro DMCC, Dubai;  USA Pulses Crop by   Jeff van Pevenage – Senior Vice President, Columbia Grains;  Pulses in Canada by   Carl Potts, Executive Director, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers;  Pulses in Australia by   Peter Wilson, CEO, Australia Milling Group and Chairman, Pulse Australia;  Pulses in Myanmar by   Shyam Narsaria, Arvee International Pvt. Ltd;  Pulses outlook in Africa by   Jayesh Patel, ETG, Kenya;  Research advance in Pulses by Dr. C.L Gowda, Deputy Director General, ICRISAT; and  Pulses research Development in India by Dr. Swapan Kumar Datta, DDG (Crop Science), ICAR

The Pulses Conclave 2014 Is A Resounding Success

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News : In the recently held elections for the office bearers of Western India Regional Council of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India at its office at Mumbai, CA Julfesh Shah, Regional Council Member from Nagpur and the only representation at ICAI from Vidarbha, was unanimously elected as the Vice Chairman of the Western Region for the term 2014-15. Western India Regional Council, having its jurisdiction over 31 branches spread over at Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa states, consists of 22 elected representatives. It caters to as many as 80,000 odd Chartered Accountants and over 7Lac CA Students. The term of the Regional Council is for 3 years ie. 2013-2016.

CA Shah was elected to Regional Council for the first time for the term 2010-2013 and was re-elected for the term 2013-2016 with thumping majority votes. During his first term he was also elected as Treasurer of the region for the year 2011-12 and with his dedication and matchless approach he got appreciation from his team and members of the region.

Prior to this CA Julfesh Shah was elected as Managing Committee Member of Nagpur Branch of WIRC of ICAI for two terms 2004-2007 and 2007-2010. During this term he was elected unanimously as Treasurer for the term 2004-05, Secretary for the term 2005-06, Vice Chairman for the term 2006-07 and Chairman of Nagpur Branch of WIRC for the term 2007-08. During his term as Chairman of Nagpur Branch, host of activities were taken by the branch, with which he received all round appreciation from the members, students and society at large. His theme of working was “Passion to Perform” which was also depicted in his workings.

After assuming charge as Vice Chairman of WIRC of ICAI, CA Julfesh Shah said that he will continue to work for the profession with the same Passion to Perform and will take the profession to newer heights. “Nagpur and Vidarbha has given me a lot and I am committed to work for the members and students of Vidarbha. I will try my level best to resolve the issues of members and student at WIRC level and will leave no stone unturned to give best of my services for the profession”, he further added. He thanked the seniors, colleagues and all the well wishers for their blessings, guidance and support.

Nagpur Branch of WIRC of ICAI has felicitated him on his maiden return to Nagpur after assuming charge of Vice Chairman – WIRC. Chairman of the Branch CA Swapnil Agrawal said that, it is a matter of proud and privilege for Nagpur that Julfesh Shah Sir, with his dedication and commitment, has achieved milestone and once again brought laurels to Nagpur Branch. He said that the year started well for Nagpur, with All India First Rank from Nagpur, then Nagpur bagged Highest Performance Certificate and Best Branch of WICASA at All India level, then Best Branch for Members and Students at Regional Level, now our council member getting such big responsibility of the region. He further said that all the members of Vidarbha are eager to share the tasks given by him while discharging his duties as Vice Chairman – WIRC. Our best wishes and wholehearted support is always with him and we wish to see him shouldering bigger responsibilities in years to come – he further said.

Prominently present on the occasion were Imm. Past President ICAI CA Jaydeep Shah, CA Ashwini Agrawal, CA Kirti Agrawal, CA Swapnil Ghate, CA Sandeep Jotwani, CA Umang Agrawal, CA Suren Duragkar, CA Kirit Kalyani, CA P R Risbud, CA Pramod Jawandhiya, CA Jiten Saglani and large number of Members and Students.

CA Julfesh Shah Elected as Vice Chairman of Western India Regional Council of ICAI

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News : Recognizing the achievements and acumen of Rupak Dayal, Director (Personnel), Western Coalfields Limited, distinguished panel at World HRD Congress 2014 organized at Mumbai on the theme “Mining Human Potential for Creating Great Organizations” conferred him “ HR Leadership Award ” during World’s HR Congress at Taj Lands End Mumbai on 16 February, 2014, informed Press release.

HRD department of Western Coalfields Limited has taken many initiative for knowledge updation of its employees. World HRD Congress 2014 organized with collaboration of Institute of Public Enterprises, has been tracking the evolutionary role the PSUs play in shaping the economic development of the country. The congress was attended by experts in Human Resource development.

Rupak Dayal Director (Personnel), WCL conferred with HR Leadership Award

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News: A motivational talk on a very interesting topic – How to Leave a Legacy was organised by HRD forum of VIA in which two eminent faculties  Dr. Ravi Wankhede & Adv. Jagdish Agrawal spoke on importance of Organ Donation & Making a WILL respectively.

Dr. Ravi Wankhede Expert member of Zonal Transplant Coordination Centre, Nagpur and Director of Nagpur Centre of MOHAN Foundation spoke on the need & the importance of being aware of Organ Donation. He dealt in details about historic aspects, the law governing the Transplantation, types of organ donors such as live, after natural death and most important after brain death.

Dr. Wankhede highlighted on the huge number of patients who lead a miserable life for want of life sustaining organs most common being kidneys. Of the total requirement of about two lacs kidneys in a year only about six thousands kidney transplants are taking place. Only 300 are from brain dead donors. He said over 90% of organs are harvested from brain dead patients in the developed world. In India the number is dismal. This may be attributed to lack of awareness, religious taboos, superstitions pertaining to organ donation and lack of motivation among the masses towards this social cause. All these factors have been answered effectively in Tamil Nadu and gradually to other southern states, which has resulted in most transplants being carried out in these States, particularly in Chennai. Dr. Wankhede wanted to know why Maharashtra cannot achieve the same. With the Government controlled ZTCC in place in Nagpur and MOHAN Foundation Asia’s biggest NGO working towards the spreading the awareness of organ donation, opening it’s centre at Nagpur, Social organizations such as Rotary Club of Nagpur taking up the cause, it should not be very difficult to Nagpur becoming a hub for transplant activities in near future. He informed that the Governor of Maharashtra has made it now compulsory for pledging consent to donate organs while taking admission in Colleges and while applying for driving license’.

from Left to Right: Smita Dabholkar, Girish Deodhar, Dr. Ravi Wankhede, Akash Agrawal, Adv. Jagdish Agrawal & Ashit Sinha.

At the end of the talk, Dr. Ravi Wankhede distributed organ donation pledge forms. Some members signed immediately and received the organ donor cards. Some members of VIA have asked Dr. Wankhede to organize the talks in their Industries.

Advocate J. J. Agrawal, a Notary Public Govt. of India and Trained Mediator attached to Courts, gave very interesting talk on “WILL”, a wonderful document having force of law, which gives not only extra ordinary and multiple benefits, which no existing law of inheritance and conveyance can provide. Apart from multiple benefits, it gives peace of mind to the person making “Will” during his survival and also let the soul depart from body at the time of his death, for heavenly above with purity and without confusion. He explained how WILL i.e “Mratyu-Patra” gives double benefits, one Spiritual (Death) and other as Legal (Patra). On legal benefits he explained that, it is not necessary to use technical  words or terms of art while executing a WILL , but the wording of will shall be such that , the intention of the testator can be known there from. It can be executed on Plain paper and should be signed by at least two attesting witnesses. Registration of Will is not mandatory requirement. He explained that Although Will can be made for devolution of Movables and Immovable of Testator but can also be made for appointing Executors; for creating Trusts and for appointing Testamentary guardians of minor children of the Testator. He further explained that, Will can be made of the manner in which last rituals of the Testator, after his death should be performed and also for donation of his body parts. He explained how Will provides more room inter se the laws of inheritance, which sometimes do not cater to the special needs and requirements of the members of a family. For instance, a father has two sons. One is healthy but the other is handicapped due to any chronic disease since childhood. The laws of inheritance would treat both these children on an equal footing. But by means of a Will one can have somewhat greater provision for a handicapped son, a widowed daughter etc.. Not only that,  by means of a Will, one can make some provision for a faithful servant, a nurse a friend in need of money, and so on. All such people could never receive any benefit whatsoever under the laws of inheritance in the absence of a Will.

On Spiritual benefit side he explained giving reference to the Verses of Geeta,  that if person makes  a Will regarding manner of disposition of his properties  to his legal heirs and  loved ones , manner of his rituals , donation of his body parts to needy persons after his death, he is free from confusion and pains and is victorious over the evil of attachment  and reach the Divine experience and live a life enjoying a sense of supreme fulfilment  free from  pride and delusion and such   un deluded Soul  reach the  Goal Eternal.

Chairman of HRD forum Girish Deodhar conducted the proceedings. He said that there are two important words YOLO – You Only Live Once & YODO – You Only Die Once and in both the cases making a WILL and organ donation plays an important role. He said that even in corporate programmes on ‘Planning Your Retirement’s making a WILL is also emphasized.

The programme was largely attended by students, Industrialists, Young Entrepreneurs’ and members of VIA.

At the outset, the two speakers was welcomed by Akash Agrawal, Treasurer –VIA, Opening remarks was given by Girish Deodhar, Chairman, HRD Forum. Introduction of the speaker was given by Smita Dabholkar, faculty IMT Nagpur and Convener HRD Forum. Summing up and vote of thanks was given by Ashit Sinha, Advisor- VIA HRD Forum. The programme was conducted by Girish Deodhar, Chairman-HRD Forum.

Talk held on “How to leave a legacy” at VIA

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

A Panel discussion on “Opportunities for SME’s-Aspire, Export” was held by Federation of Indian Export Organization in association with Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce, today at Hotel TuliImprial, Ramdaspeth, Nagpur.Over 100 delegates from SME sector & Exporters attended the Panel discussion.

Paresh Mehta, Convener of FIEO Customs, Excise and Service tax set the tone for the evening with a brief introduction of FIEO and the initiatives undertaken by FIEO.

Dipen Agrawal, President of Nag Vidarbha Chamber of Commerce spoke on behalf of the SME sector and pronounced the immense potential of the SMEs.  He highlighted upon the contribution of the SME in the economy and the problems faced by them to take to exports. He further said that the SME’s have enormous potential for innovations and incremental development, which need to be nurtured for production of new goods and services at competitive costs.

Ashish Agrawal, Regional Sales Head (West), DHL Express India spoke elaborately on the importance of Logistics to the business of SMEs specifically for exports. His presentation went a long way to get an acknowledgement of the value, Logistics services can provide to the SME sector.

A panel discussion followed which had speakers   PrakashMehata,Convener of FIEO Customs, Excise and Service tax,Ashish Agrawal, Regional Sales Head (West), DHL Express India,  AbhishekJha, Convener, Exim Sub Committee, NVCC & Dr. AshimiArora, Director, CIBMRD, Nagpur, Krishkant, Editor Business Standard  where the SME’s asked questions and there issues were addressed & answered satisfactorily.

Ms. Padma Murthy, Deputy Director, FIEO proposed vote of thanks. states in a press note issued by  Hemant Gandhi, Hon Secretary of the Chamber.

Opportunities for SME’s-Aspire, Export

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News: Anil Tea Company that has been one of the major players in Tea trade and selling tea under the name of “Narmada Tea” in the entire Maharashtra is going to take out a lucky draw soon.

According to the Proprietor of Anil Tea Company, Anil Kumar Ahirkar, every year they have been sharing their profit with their esteemed customers. One of the major activities that they engage in is the lucky draw. The first prize of the lucky draw this year is the Hyundai i-10 car. The other prizes include Refrigerator, LCD TV, Symphony Water Cooler, Samsung Mobile and many other prizes.

In the past, for the last 35 years, they had given off 6 motorbikes, 150 grams of Gold, 1kilo Silver, 7 cars, 7 refrigerators and other prizes. Anil Ahirkar claimed that they do this as an act of gratitude to their esteemed customers.

Unlike other educated youth, who keep waiting to get a job, Anil Ahirkar had his concepts clear. He wanted to start up his own entrepreneur venture. This resulted in him starting a small tea vend which later on went on to become one of the most successful tea power distributor throughout the state of Maharahtra.

Apart from Tea, they have ventured out to other products which include Saoji Masala, property business, Hospitality industry and in Educational institution.

The company which was first dealing with tea from one business establishment, now has more than 40 franchisees.

Jeevika Rai daughter of Anil Kumar Ahirkar has also joined the family business and looking after the new business establishments and acquisitions.

The Lucky draw is said to be held on March 2, 2014 at 1 pm at Vasantrao Deshpande Hall. One of the leading Orchestra of the city Kader Orchestra is said to entertain the esteemed customers who will be present on that occasion.

Hyundai – i-10 car as prize in draw of Anil Tea Company

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Sanjay Saxena, Joint Commissioner of Police &  kantTarawade, Addl. Commissioner of Police (North Region) Nagpur visited NVCC for an interactive meet with the trading community of city on Friday the 28th February, 2014.

Dipen Agrawal, President of the Chamber accorded floral welcome to  Sanjay Saxena, Jt. Commissioner of Police and  kantTarawade, Addl. Commissioner of Police (North Region) and while addressing said that under the able and dynamic leadership of Commisioner of Police & Jt. Commissioner of Police,  department is doing their best of efforts to control the crime rate in the city of Nagpur. As an acknowledgement and contribution, he put forth few suggestions for the consideration of Police authorities. He briefly narrated the recent incident of dacoity held in Civil Lines at the residence of betel nut trader and dacoity&murder of Jeweller and his family at Tumser, Bhandara District, which has shaken the trading community resulting in a grip of fear and insecurity. A memorandum highlighting problems pertaining to law and order situation in the city of Nagpur was handed over to  Saxena and  Tarawade, viz; Failure on the intelligence front and suggested to improve on intelligence network on the top priority to avoid major incidents before it take place,Nagpur is developing day by day with it comes the negative of increase in crimes. It was suggested to have a mechanism of registration of new entrant in any locality. There has been number of incidents of chain snatching and it is observed that the soft targets are senior citizens and women. It was suggested that in the matter to have increase police patrolling in certain segments of the city in certain hours will surely help. Patrolling of Police personnel at important business locations, markets- precautionary measure, alternatively police chowki, positioning. Installation of CCTVs cameras in the 2nd capital of Maharashtra Nagpur in business areas like Itwari, Sarafaoli, Maskasath, Grain Market, Sitabuldi main road, Dharampeth, Sadar Residency road and residential colonies which are the soft targets of anti-social elements. Increase in number of Police stations and police personnel’s is a must visa-vis the population of the city.

It was suggested that for starting joint patrolling system during night hours in association with police and security guards engage by business community in busy markets and citizens in residential colonies to avoid breaking of shutters, lock & thefts.Smooth traffic is a major contribution for a city’s development it was suggested that police department, Nagpur Municipal Corporation & Nagpur Improvement Trust along with few members from the Trade Associations should form a Committee to finalize the infrastructure requirement and implement plan for maintaining better traffic in the city. Parking biggest challenge – clear city definition of parking, yellow line, no parking zones be prominently displayed. Traffic police focuses more on making challans on wrong side one way, passing through red signal, instead of preventing the same. Positioning should ensure prevention of crime at the beginning point rather than at end point Many signals are off throughout the day and many signals are on throughout 24 hours, making confusions in minds of people. Hence it was suggested that a comprehensive policy for traffic signals be provided and be informed to all citizens for forceful implementation. There were so many deaths due to car/bike hitting the road divider, which at night is not visible hence it was suggested to provide sodium light – sticker at the road dividers. Many electric poles are right in between the road since last so many years. Appealto take up jointly with N.M.C. and MSEDCL, as a safety measure in the interest of civilians. It was also suggested to form a committee with the trade representatives for better co-ordination, smooth functioning and monitoring law and order and traffic.

While addressing  Sanjay Saxena, Jt. Commissioner of Police said that  K.K. Pathak, Commissioner of Police could not come in to-day’s interactive meeting as he had to go to Mumbai for an urgent meeting and he directed me to attend the meeting.  Saxena further said that the business community of the city are very important citizens as they have sole responsibilities for the development of city. He further added if the traders are insecurethen no City, State or Nation can develop. He suggested that if problems arise traders as well as office bearers of trade Associationscould contact him or kantTaraware Addl. Police Commissioner (Nagpur North Zone) to ease the problems. He further said that the points/problems indicated in the Memorandum would be discussed with the Commissioner of Police and maximum relief would be given to the citizens.

During discussions  Hemant Gandhi, Hon. Secretary of the Chamber drew the attention of the officers towards during LBT agitation, some of the traders were arrested & cases were lodged against them by the police officials. Thepolice cases have not been withdrawn by the departmentinspite of the word of withdrawal given by the Chief Minister himself.

Saxena, Jt. Commissioner of Police said in this regard that shortly the cases would be withdrawn & he would insure that the report on this will be submitted to Home Minister within next 7 days.

Issues submitted in writing to the Jt. Commissioner of Police by Nagpur ItwariKirana Merchants Association, Hotel Owners Associations &Anaj Bazar were assured compliance.

While concluding the meet  Dipen Agrawal, President said that the members of trading community through Trade Associations would co-oprate with the Police Department as always.  Hemant Gandhi, Hon. Secretary proposed vote of thanks.

Prominent present were Sarva Dipen Agrawal, President, RameshkumarjiMantri, GovindlaljiSarda, NileshSuchak, Jagdishji V. Bang. Past Presidents, Mayur Panchmatia, PrakashMehadia, Ajaykumar Madan, Hemant Gandhi, Raju vyas, Manubhai Soni, Sachin A Puniyani, Ashok Sanghvi, Chunibhai Shah, ArjundasAhuja, Gajanand B. Gupta, Jaiprakash Parekh, ManojLaturia, Natwar Patel, PratapMotwani, RajubhaiMakhija, RamavtarTotla, ShabbarShakir, SuhashKshirsagar, SanjayrajModhSaraf, SantoshKabra, Suryakant Agrawal, Umesh Patel, Vijay kewalramani, ViranChandak, DhirajMaloo, HastimalKataria, Shankar Sugandh, ArvindKotecha, Kamlesh V. Samarth, Narayan D. Toshniwal, Bhavanishankar Dave, Harish Krishnani, Harish Dudeja, SayedNawab Ali, Rajesh Amte, Raju Vyas, BhaskarAmbade, AjitParulkar, Yogendrakumar Agrawal, Vijaykumar Puniyani, Zoeb Abbas Ali, PradipkumarPanjwani, Pyush V. Fattepuria, Bajranglal Agrawal, Dr. HargovindMurarka, Anil MantriHasmukh R. Patel, A.K. Deshpande, Harpreet Singh. states in a press note issued by  Hemant Gandhi, Hon Secretary of the Chamber.

IF TRADERS INSECURE, NO CITY OR STATE OR NATION CAN DEVELOP: JT. CP

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News : Commodity Awareness programme conducted by Nag-Vidarbha Chamber of Vidarbha (NVCC) and MCX in association with FMC on 1st March 2014 at hotel Airport Center Point received overwhelming response, large number of traders participated in the awareness programme.

Dipen Agrawal, President NVCC, opened the session with his valuable guidance by highlighting the importance of commodity market, briefly enlightening the audience about forward contract, future contracts, commodity exchange & energy market. He also explained in lucid manner the difference between speculation and hedging, citing day-to-day examples. He said forward contracts should not be misunderstood as a speculative business rather it should be used as a tool for price risk management.

Kavita Jha, the Sr. Manager (Business Development) MCX, briefed the participants about the need of commodity market with many exemplary past performance as a comparison with other investment avenues like stocks, real-estate, etc.

Rashmi Nihlani, Asst. VP – MCX, advised participants on using hedging as a tool to moderate the effect of spot market price volatility on their stock-in-trade & long term orders by taking suitable positions on commodity exchange. She also informed how traders can use hedging to improve their business yields through commodity futures.

Vikas Jain, Asst. VP (Retail Research) Religare Broking Ltd., discussed about the opportunities existing in commodity market. He also discussed various tools to understand the market trend and build acumen for scientific decisions for successful trades. He advised participants to visit Religare’s website “www.religareonline.com” for accessing host of technical and fundamental tools for market research & analysis.

The programe was concluded by Sanjay K. Agrawal, Project Co-ordinator, by presenting vote of thanks and inviting key speakers & all delegates to join for dinner.

Prominently present were, Mayur Panchmatia VP NVCC, Hemant Gandhi Hon. Secretary NVCC, Sachin Punyani Jt. Secretary NVCC, Arjundas Ahuja, Narayan Toshniwal, Suryakant Agrawal, Natwar Patel, Mod. Ahmad, Mod. Aslam, Assundas Balwani, Yogesh Golchha, Dharaveer Sharma, Sanotsh Kabra, Kamal Jain, A. K. Deshpande (CISDA), Chandak (SISDA), Nand Dudhani, Electronic Merchant (Shani Mandir), all executive members of NVCC and Rajesh Lakhotia, Gopal Goyal, Madhusudan Agrawal, Dinesh Agrawal, Manoj Asawa, Shailesh Ved, Harish Bhattad, Ajay Agrawal, Surabh Agrawal, Sharad Agrawal, Sanjay G. Agrawal & others. Also present were Praveen Bhaskar, Swapnil Munoth, Rajneesh Sharma, Vaibhav Srivastav & Digambar Selukar of Religare Broking. States in a press note issued by Shri Hemant Gandhi, Hon Secretary of the Chamber.

Overwhelming response to NVCC commodity awareness programme

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News : According to news published in several newspapers a few days back, the Shiv Sena has opposed the creation of a separate state of Vidarbha and has been opposing Vidarbha Statehood for a long time. Vidarbhaites feel it is important that this major political party soften its stand and accept the legitimate demand for a separate state of Vidarbha and show its sensitivity towards the development of 2.3 crore Marathi Manoos who live in Vidarbha. This would be the fair thing for Uddhavji and his party to do feels VED, informed Devendra Parekh, President, Vidarbha Economic Development Council (VED) in a Press release today.

According to release , IPP – VED, Vilas Kale, is deeply moved by the discrimination and bias of the Govt. against Vidarbha. According to Kale, the Shiv Sena should be aware of the fact that Vidarbhites are being denied their rightful place in the growth and development story of the Nation & the State. They are sure to be aware of what our GDP is and per capita income are. There is a glaring discrepancy for all to see. How many jobs does Vidarbha create every year? Why are our bright, educated young people forced to leave their home and seek jobs in Western Maharashtra, year in and year out?

The late Hon’ble Balasaheb Thakre had himself publicly stated at his huge rally at Ramtek in 1996, while releasing the Bhagavi Patrika that if in 4 years the YUTI government was unable to develop Vidarbha, he would himself see that it was made a separate state. The fact is that it could not do the promised development and hence there is no reason why Shiv Sena should now dither from its Solemn Affirmation made before the Public. Surely they were not merely hollow promises made by Hindu Hridaya Samrat? In fact, a commitment made by the Founder should now be honoured by being implemented by his son and present Leader, Shri Uddhav Thakre, as a true tribute to his memory.

VED appeals to Shiv Sena not to politicize this issue which is actually one of economic deprivation and poverty inflicted on the region and its people by failed governance of the state as a whole, in the last 60 yrs. The emotional sentiment of Marathi Manoos, is, at best, a convenient ploy. How can the ‘Marathiness’ of us, Vidarbhaites, be affected or lost if we become a separate state?

In spite of the huge and positive response to the Referendums held at Amravati, Nagpur, Chandrapur and Yavatmal, if the Shiv Sena leaders of Vidarbha fail to convince their Leadership about supporting this demand, it will be hard for Vidarbha to forgive them.

According to the Nagpur PACT (1953), it would be clear that after Vidarbha was merged into bi-lingual state in 1956 and then in Maharashtra in 1960, Vidarbha was never given its due share in development and Vidarbha continued to be underdeveloped in the regimes of various Governments and unfortunately in your Government of 1995-1999. During this period, all efforts were made to mobilize Krishna Valley Development Corporation in Western Maharashtra but not much was done to remove the irrigation backlog of Vidarbha which ultimately lead to creation of new backlog in this region. Neither were appropriate funds given to this region nor jobs created, ultimately leading to creation of more backlog in various sectors of this region.

Further, according to the Recommendations of Professor Dandekar Committee (1983) it clearly mentioned that there was a backlog of Rs. 8326 crores in Vidarbha which recommended that 85% of developmental funds should be spent on the underdeveloped regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada and the balance 15% funds on developed regions. The Government of Maharashtra never accepted this report in totality and no provision has been made for the developmental of Vidarbha.

It was also recommended to shift industries out of the Mumbai, Nashik, Pune, the Golden Triangle, to various other regions of the state by creating infrastructure there. Unfortunately, this was never followed so the status today is that Vidarbha region lacks badly in terms of industrialization and unemployment with just 382 employment per thousand against 570 of Marathwada and 781 of the rest of Maharastra.

The Fact is that those who oppose have no love lost for us Vidarbhites, they don’t live and work here, otherwise they would have known how frustrating it is to get even basic Infrastructure like Irrigation for the region, forget other development.

The Government of Maharashtra in the last 50 years has never ever given Vidarbha irrigation a proper thought. The 585 TMC water in Krishna Valley and Western Maharashtra gets a separate ministry with complete staff and 800 TMC water in Vidarbha is not even considered a potential to be explored. Needless to mention, the problems of forest and Vidarbha is adding more to the situation. In spite of the Governor of Maharashtra giving clear instructions to pay special attention for forest clearances for irrigation projects, the Government of Maharashtra has shown no interest in this and has made no provisions for afforestation and compensation, if any. It is noteworthy that the forest department state and central are taking 10-15 years to clear projects.
Out of the total irrigation backlog of the state 60% backlog is of Vidarbha 28% of Marathwada and 12% of rest of Maharashtra. The backlog of Pune Division is nil and whatever backlog is there is of Konkan and under-developed regions of Northern Maharashtra. The Government of Maharashtra’s irrigation department has not even made planning for 187 TMC of water in Vidarbha and this water is flowing into the neighbouring states without any benefit for Vidarbha. It is noteworthy that this Vidarbha region, reeling under great agrarian crisis and farmer suicides, is one of the most undeveloped regions of the sate and is the suicide capital of India.
As for the Maji Malgujari Tanks (MaMa Tanks) there are 6862 Mama tanks in Vidarbha in the four eastern districts of Bhandara, Gondia, Gadchiroli and Chandrapur. The irrigation potential of these Mama tanks is approximately 1.26 lacs hectares. These tanks not only help irrigation but are of immense use of fisheries, production of water weeds and production of rice in summer season. Unfortunately, after taking over these tanks in 1950 from their owners (Malgujars) the Government has not done anything for the operation and maintenance of these tanks. Most of these tanks are of not much use these days, thus, lowering the irrigation potential of this region.
We are glad that at least the leaders of BJP have reaffirmed their stand in support of Vidarbha State, but they also must take concrete steps and include it in their Manifesto, otherwise the people of Vidarbha will feel that it’s only another smart political trick played on us. Partners in an alliance can agree to disagree on an issue or two. The Shiv Sena should agree to take a reasonable stand in support while the BJP should now act decisively, and without any further delay.

VED urges Shiv Sena to take positive stand on Vidarbha

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News : Nagpur Branch of The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India felicitated R K Tiwari, Chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes, at National Academy of Direct Taxes recently on his maiden visit to Nagpur after assuming the charge. Delegation was led by CA Swapnil Agrawal Imm. Past Chairman and CA Julfesh Shah, RCM and Vice Chairman WIRC.

CA. Swapnil Agrawal, Imm Past Chairman of the Branch briefed about the activities of the branch. He informed that Nagpur branch which is catering to around 2000 members and more than 12000 students at Nagpur. It has been awarded as the best branch at All India level on several occasions. He said that the Branch organizes various events for updating its members and society at large. It also organizes number of programs jointly with the Income Tax Department, like seminar on TDS awareness, Appeals and Revision, etc., for creating awareness amongst the public. He elucidated various events organized by the Nagpur branch for the benefit of members and students.  He also requested CBDT Chairman to address the members of Nagpur ICAI on his next visit to Nagpur.

L to R-
CA Umang Agrawal, CA Suren Duragkar, CA Swapnil Ghate, CA Swapnil Agrawal, Imm. Past Chairman, CA Julfesh Shah, RCM, Shri R K Tiwari, CBDT Chairman, Shri R K Gupta – CCIT Vidarbha, Smt. K V Oberoi, Shri A K Choubey.

Regional Council Member and Vice Chairman WIRC CA Julfesh Shah said that professionals , Trade & Industry are facing problems regarding notices received under section 234E of the Income Tax Act, regarding Interest and Penalty provisions in TDS. He said that hardship is created even to the genuine cases. He requested CBDT Chairman to make certain relaxations under the act so as to benefit the small and medium assessees.

R K Tiwari reacting to the felicitation said he is very happy with the activities conducted by  Nagpur Branch of ICAI. He lauded the efforts of ICAI for acting as a trustworthy link between revenue and assessea. He informed the members present about various measures being taken by the Central Board of Direct Taxes to create assessee friendly atmosphere.  He assured to take up the matter related to section 234E and said that he will try to bring certain provisions in upcoming Budget which will help the genuine assessees.

Prominently present on the occasion were Smt. K V Oberoi Director General (Training),  A K Choubey Addl. Director General – I,  R K Gupta, CCIT – Vidarbha, CA. Swapnil Ghate, Secretary, CA Sandeep Jotwani, Treasurer, CA Suren Duragkar, CA Umang Agrawal.

ICAI Nagpur Felicitates R K Tiwari, CBDT Chairman

Nagpur Today : Nagpur News

Nagpur News : As part of its mission to promote Dalit entrepreneurship, Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI) in 2011 had strongly propagated for a procurement set off (reservation) in Government purchases for Indian micro and small enterprises (MSEs) and within that a special set-off of further 20 per cent for Dalit MSEs.

The efforts were successful with Ministry of MSME, Government of India bringing in a new procurement policy for MSE 2012 effective from April 1, 2012 in exercise of powers conferred in section 6 of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act 2006.

However, it has come to light that ministries, departments and public sector undertakings are not implementing the same in the true spirit of the said Act, specially in the following matter: Annual procurement goal setting for SC/ST MSE, as prescribed by the Act, initiate steps to enhance the procurement participation of SC/ST MSE as mandated by the Act, steps taken to disseminate tender information to SC/ST MSE , steps taken to reduce the transaction cost of business for SC/ST MSE, contact details of the nodal officer for implementation of the policy.

In order to facilitate the above DICCI, Nagpur Chapter is organising a one- day workshop in association with MSME-DI Nagpur to facilitate the implementation of the policy. The workshop is being organised on March 5, 2014 at Hotel Heritage, Civil Lines. It will be inaugurated at 10.30 am. The technical sessions will start from 12.00 noon to 2 pm and from 3 pm to 5 pm. The valedictory function will be held from 5.30 pm to 6 pm.

For the workshop Central Government undertakings and departments like WCL, MOIL, MECL, SECR, Central  Railway, NTPC, Powergrid, CMPDI, CPWD, Ordnance Factory, BHEL, SAIL, IOCL, HPCL, BPCL etc., have been invited to share their experience and problems in implementing the said Act in it’s true spirit. The workshop will also support the PSUs to identify SC/ST enterprises to be part of their procurement cycle and hence existing and large number of new entrepreneurs from SC/ST community have registered for the workshop, informs a press release jointly issued by Arunkumar Khobragade, Mentor- DICCI, Nagpur Chapter and Nishchay Shelke, President of DICCI, Nagpur Chapter.

DICCI, Nagpur Chapter’s workshop on MSME Procurement Policy on March 5