• MINISTRY OF FINANCE

CBEC Customs

Circular No. 08/2011 Dated 28.01.2011 - Modification to Circular No. 6/2007- Customs dated 22.01.2007 - Procedure to be adopted for International transhipment of cargo arriving from a foreign destination and proceeding to a foreign destination via an airport in India from one flight to another

In order to simplify the procedures regarding international transhipment of cargo arriving from a foreign destination and proceeding to a foreign destination via an airport in India from one flight to another, it has been decided that in case of international transhipped cargo (Foreign to Foreign), for the pre-sorted containers wherein Cargo does not require segregation, ramp to ramp or tail to tail transfer of cargo can be effected, provided the same is carried out under preventive supervision on payment of MOT and Observance of Cargo Transfer Manifest (CTM) procedure. In these cases, transhipment Cargo meant for destination abroad need not be sent to Cargo warehouses. In the case of containers other than pre - sorted containers, the existing procedure for transhipment of Cargo (Foreign to Foreign) would continue to apply.

Notification No. 3/2011 Dated 24.01.2011 - Amendments to Notification No.153/2009-Customs Dated 31.12.2009 - In the Appendix I after serial number 7 and the entries relating thereto serial number 8 and entry as specified to be inserted

Further amendments in the Notification No.153/2009 - Customs, dated 31.12.2009 namely. In the said notification, in the Appendix I, after serial number 7 and the entries relating thereto, the serial number and entry as specified shall be inserted.

Corrigendum From file No. 354/108/2010 -TRU Dated 24.01.2011 - Amendment to Notification No.79/2010-Customs, Dated 30.07.2010 - For "PVC films and tarpaulins" read "tarpaulins"; and for "PVC Rigid Films" read "PVC films"

In the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), No.79/2010-Customs, Dated 30.07.2010, in the Note:-

(i) for the letters and words, "PVC films and tarpaulins" read "tarpaulins"; and

(ii) for the letters and words, "PVC Rigid Films" read "PVC films".

Instruction From File No 609/119/2010-DBK Dated 18.01.2011 - Verification Mechanism of Duty Credit Scrips issued under Reward Schemes and Monitoring of Export Obligations (EO) in respect of Advance Authorization/Duty Free Import Authorization (DFIA)/ Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Schemes with Shipping Bills

Rigorous implementation of Circular No.5/2010-Customs by all field formations. For past EPCG cases where the exporter had not come forward for verification after the 1st Block and has submitted the final Export Obligation Discharge Certificate (EODC), the EODCs / Scrips issued by the DGFT should normally be accepted unless there is a reason for detailed verification; the AC / DC shall record the reasons in writing in file for such verification. However, random verification of at least 5% of EODCs issued in such past cases may be carried out.

Circular No. 06/2011 Dated 18.01.2011- Norms for Exemption from Bank Guarantee in respect of Advance Authorization / Duty Free Import Authorization (DFIA) / Export Promotion Capital Goods(EPCG) Schemes- Relaxation of the criteria for accreditation of importers under the Accredited Clients Programme (ACP) vide circular No.29/2010-Cus. dated 20.8.2010.

According to the said circular, the importer for availing the facility under ACP should not have any cases of Customs, Central Excise or Service Tax, booked against them, in the previous three financial years. This criteria may be adopted and para 3.2( c) of Circular No. 58/2004-Cus.modified to this extent. Thus offences, other than those stipulated would not result in denial of the benefit of Circular No.58/2004-Cus. In order to verify whether the Authorization holder meets the above criteria, he may be asked to furnish an affidavit stating whether any case(s) involving mis-declaration, suppression etc. have been booked against him during the previous three Financial years under the provisions of the Custom Act, 1962,Central Excise Act, 1944, the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999, the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act,1992 and the Service Tax (Finance Act,1994).In case the details reveal violation(s) of the type mentioned above under the provisions of the above mentioned Acts then the benefit of Circular No. 58/2004-Cus. will not be extended.

CBEC Customs Non-Tariff

Notification No. 6/2011 Customs (N.T.) Dated 27.01.2011 - Rate of exchange of conversion of foreign currency specified in column (2) of each of Schedule I and Schedule II into Indian currency or vice versa to be the rate mentioned against it in the corresponding entry in column (3) thereof, for the purpose of the said section, relating to imported and export goods from 01.02.2011

In supersession of the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue)No.102/2010-Customs (N.T.), dated 29.12.2010, the Central Board of Excise and Customs hereby determines that the rate of exchange of conversion of each of the foreign currency specified in column (2) of each ofSchedule I and Schedule II hereto into Indian currency or vice versa shall, with effect from 1st February, 2011 be the rate mentioned against it in the corresponding entry in column (3) thereof, for the purpose of the said section, relating to imported and export goods.

Notification No. 2/2011 Customs (N.T.) Dated 20.01.2011 - Award of appreciation certificate for rendering exceptionally meritorious service and specially distinguished record of service to officers of the Customs & Central Excise Department and the Directorate of Enforcement

President is pleased to award an Appreciation Certificate as stated above on the occasion of Republic Day, 2011. These awards are made under clause (a) (ii) of para 1 of the Scheme governing the grant of awards to the officers and staff of the Customs & Central Excise Department, Central Bureau of Narcotics, Narcotics Control Bureau and Directorate of Enforcement, as per Notification No.12/139/59-Ad.III (B) dated 5th November, 1962, as amended from time to time.

Notification No. 1/2011 Customs (N.T.) Dated 14.01.2011 - Amendments to notification No. 36/2001-Cus (N.T.) Dated 03.08.2001

In the said Notification, a new Table has been Inserted for the Previous one.

Revenue

Notification No.GSR12(E) Dated 10.01.2011 - Amendment to Notification No. 135/2010 - Customs, Dated 31.12.2010

In the above notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue in the Table, against S. No. 264, in column (4), read "6.0".

Notification No. SO3021(E) Dated 23.12.2010 - Notification of the institutions approved by the National Committee for Promotion of Social and Economic Welfare for deduction u/s 35AC of the IT Act, 1961

Central Government, on the recommendations of the National Committee for Promotion of Social and Economic Welfare, hereby notifies the institutions approved by the said National Committee, mentioned in column (2) of the Table, and approves the eligible projects or schemes specified to be carried on by the said institutions and the estimated cost thereof as mentioned in column (3) of the said Table, and also specifies in the column (4) of the Table the maximum amount of such cost which may be allowed as deduction under the said section 35AC of the IT Act, 1961 for the period of approval.

Economic Affairs

Notification No. GSR42(E) Dated 19.01.2011- Amendment to Notification No.G.S.R.5(E), dated 06.01.2011 - Under Column 14 the words "Not Applicable" substituted by "Consultation with UPSC necessary when an officer is in the field of consideration for appointment on absorption basis"

In the notification of the Government of India, Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) number G.S.R.5(E) dated 06.01.2011 relating to the Department of Economic Affairs, Controller of Aid, Accounts and Audit Recruitment Rules, 2011, under Column 14 the words "Not Applicable" may be substituted by "Consultation with UPSC necessary when an officer is in the field of consideration for appointment on absorption basis".

Notification No. GSR5(E) Dated 06.01.2011 - Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs, Controller of Aid, Accounts and Audit Recruitment Rules, 2011

In supersession of the Ministry of Finance, Department of Economic Affairs, Controller of Aid, Accounts and Audit Recruitment Rules, 2002 except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, President Rules made rules regulating the method of recruitment to the post of Controller of Aid, Accounts and Audit in the Department of Economic Affairs.

Financial Services

Notification No. GSR3(E) Dated 04.01.2011 - Debts Recovery Tribunal (Procedure for Appointment as Presiding Officer of the Tribunal) Amendment Rules, 2010

New rules have been introduce to further amend the Debts Recovery Tribunal (Procedure for appointment as Presiding Officer of the Tribunal) Rules, 1998.

• MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

DGFT

Notification No. 18(RE-2010)/2009-2014 Dated 24.01.2011 - Restriction on export of Cotton yarn- Exemption for export of cotton yarn manufactured out of imported raw material- regarding

Amendments in Notification No. 14(RE-2010)/2009-14 dated 22.12.2010 read with Notification No. 15(RE-2010)/2009-14 dated 29.12.2010 - The following shall be exempted from the restriction imposed on export of cotton yarn vide above notifications :

"Export of cotton yarn by manufacturers who manufacture and export cotton yarn exclusively out of imported raw cotton shall be exempted from the restriction imposed on export of cotton yarn vide above notifications, subject to a certificate from the jurisdictional Central Excise Authority certifying that the yarn has been manufactured exclusively out of the imported raw cotton."

Notification No. 17(RE-2010)/2009-2014 Dated 18.01.2011 - Amendments in the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14 - Eligibility and Entitlement under SFIS scheme

In Para 3.12.2 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2009-14 (Updated as on 23.8.2010) the word 'All' and the phrase 'preceding financial year /' are being deleted; while the phrase 'Appendix 10 of HBPv1' is being replaced by the phrase 'Appendix 41 of HBPv1'. Appendix 41 of HBPv1 is being notified by Public Notice No. 25 (RE2010)/2009-14 dated 18.01.2011.

Public Notice No. 26/(RE-2010)/2009-2014 Dated 24.01.2011 - Withdrawal of DEPB benefit on export of Skimmed Milk Product (SMP), Casein and any other Milk Product

Amendment made in the Schedule of DEPB Rates (as stated in paragraph 1.1 of HPB v1). Effect of this amendment is that the DEPB benefit stands withdrawn for milk products for shipments with effect from 25.01.2011.

Public Notice No 25/(RE-2010)/2009-2014 Dated 18.01.2011 - Modification of the Handbook of Procedures, Vol. 1 (HBPv1) to incorporate a list of services (Appendix 41) eligible to receive benefit under Served From India Scheme (SFIS)

Modification of Handbook of Procedures, Vol. 1 (HBPv1) to incorporate a list of services, which are eligible to receive benefit under Served From India Scheme. This list would be Appendix 41 of HBPv1 and is described in the Annexure 1 to this Public Notice.

Commerce

Notification No. SO110(E) Dated 19.01.2011 - Special Economic Zone for textiles at villages Bans Hariya, Jhund Saral and Bangrolla, District Gurgaon in The State of Haryana - Notification of an area of 6.8290 hectares as part of the above Special Economic Zone, thereby making total area of the Special Economic Zone as 142.1031 hectare

M/s. Orient Craft Infrastructure Limited, has proposed to include an area of 6.8290 hectares to set up a sector Special Economic Zone for textiles at villages Bans Hariya, Jhund Saral and Bangrolla, District Gurgaon in The State of Haryana. The Central Government hereby notifies an area of 6.8290 hectares as part of the above Special Economic Zone, thereby making total area of the Special Economic Zone as 142.1031 hectares, comprising the survey numbers and the area as specified in the table.

Notification No. SO103(E) Dated 18.01.2011 - Special Economic Zone for Information Technology and Information Technology Enabled Services at Village Behrampur, District-Gurgaon, in the State of Haryana - Area of 21.59023 hectares comprising of the Survey numbers and the area as specified in table to be included as a part thereof

Central Government is satisfied that the requirements under sub- section (8) of section 3 of the said Act and other related requirements are fulfilled; Now, therefore the Central Government de-notified an area of 2.1601 hectares and notified an additional area of 4.8817 hectares, thereby making resultant area as 21.59023 hectares at Village Behrampur. District (Gurgaon, in the State of Haryana, comprising of the Survey numbers and the area as specified in the Table below, to be included as a part of sector specific Special Economic Zone for Information Technology and Information Technology Enabled Services

Notification No. 14/43/2010-DGAD Dated 11.01.2011 - Initiation of Anti Dumping Investigation concerning imports of "Pentaerythritol" originating in or Exported from European Union (excluding Sweden)

Authority finds that sufficient evidence of dumping of the Pentaerythritol originating in or exported from from European Union (excluding Sweden), 'injury' to the domestic industry and causal link between the alleged dumping and 'injury' exist to justify initiation of an anti-dumping investigation; the Authority hereby initiates an investigation into the alleged dumping, and consequent injury to the domestic industry in terms of the Rules 5 of the AD Rules, to determine the existence, degree and effect of any alleged dumping and to recommend the amount of antidumping duty, which if levied would be adequate to remove the 'injury' to the domestic industry.

• RESERVE BANK OF INDIA 

Third Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2010-11

On the basis of the current assessment and in line with the policy stance as outlined in Section III of the Review, the following monetary policy measures are announced.

Bank Rate - The Bank Rate has been retained at 6.0 per cent.

Repo Rate - It has been decided to increase the repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25 basis points from 6.25 per cent to 6.5 per cent with immediate effect.

Reverse Repo Rate - It has been decided to increase the reverse repo rate under the LAF by 25 basis points from 5.25 per cent to 5.50 per cent with immediate effect.

Cash Reserve Ratio - The cash reserve ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks has been retained at 6.0 per cent of their net demand and time liabilities (NDTL).

DNBS

Circular No. DNBS.CC.PD.No.208/03.10.01/2010-11 Dated 27.01.2011 - Loan facilities to the physically / visually challenged by NBFCs - Inclusion of module containingrights of persons with disabilities and NBFCs to ensure redressal of grievances under Grievance Redressal Mechanism

In terms of DNBS.CC.PD.No. 191/03.10.01/2010-11 dated 27.07.2010 NBFCs were advised that there shall be no discrimination in extending products and facilities including loan facilities to the physically/visually challenged applicants on grounds of disability and that they may also advise their branches to render all possible assistance to such persons for availing of the various business facilities.

In continuation to the above, NBFCs are advised that they may include a suitable module containing the rights of persons with disabilities guaranteed to them by the law and international conventions, in all the training programmes conducted for their employees at all levels. Further, NBFCs may ensure redressal of grievances of persons with disabilities under the Grievance Redressal Mechanism already set up by them.

MPD

Circular No. REF.No.MPD.BC.340/07.01.279/2010-11 Dated 25.01.2011 - Standing Liquidity Facilities for Banks and Primary Dealers to be available at the revised repo rate

In reference to the Third Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2010-11 dated January 25, 2011, in terms of which the repo rate under the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF) has been increased by 25 basis points from 6.25 per cent to 6.50 per cent with immediate effect.

Accordingly, the Standing Liquidity Facilities provided to banks (export credit refinance) and Primary Dealers (PDs) (collateralised liquidity support) from the Reserve Bank will be available at the revised repo rate, i.e., at 6.50 per cent with effect from January 25, 2011.

A.P. DIR (Series)

Circular No. A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 40, A.P (FL Series) Circular No. 10 Dated 25.01.2011 - Directions to Full Fledged Money Changers (FFMCs) and Authorised Dealers Category-II (ADs Category-II) to participate in the designated Currency Futures and and currency options on exchanges recognized by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as clients

Attention of all the Authorized Persons, who are Full Fledged Money Changers (FFMCs) and Authorised Dealers Category-II (ADs Category-II) is invited to the A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 5 dated August 6, 2008 and A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No. 5 dated July 30, 2010 enumerating the guidelines on trading of currency options contracts on recognized stock / new Exchanges.

It has now been decided that the FFMCs and the ADs Category-II [which are not Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Local Area Banks (LABs), Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)], having a minimum net worth of Rs. 5 crore, may participate in the designated currency futures and currency options on exchanges recognized by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) as clients only for the purpose of hedging their underlying foreign exchange exposures.

FFMCs and the ADs Category-II which are RRBs, LABs, UCBs and NBFCs, may be guided by the instructions issued by the respective regulatory Departments of the Reserve Bank in this regard.

Circular No. A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 39 Dated 21.01.2011 - Exim Bank's Line of Credit of USD 213.31 million to the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia forfinancing eligible goods and services including machinery and equipment from India for the purpose of financing development of sugar industry in Ethiopia

The goods and services including consultancy services from India for exports under this Agreement are those which are eligible for export under the Foreign Trade Policy of the Government of India and whose purchase may be agreed to be financed by the Exim Bank under this Agreement. Out of the total credit by Exim Bank under this Agreement, the goods and services including consultancy services of the value of at least 75 per cent of the contract price shall be supplied by the seller from India, and the remaining 25 percent goods and services (other than consultancy services) may be procured by the seller for the purpose of Eligible Contract from outside India. Credit Agreement under the LOC is effective from January 10, 2011 and the date of execution of Agreement is December 1, 2010.

DBOD

Circular No. DBOD.AML.No. 77/14.01.001/2010-11 Dated 27.01.2011 - Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records of the Nature and Value of Transactions, the Procedure and Manner of Maintaining and Time for Furnishing Information and Verification and Maintenance of Records of the Identity of the Clients of the Banking Companies, Financial Institutions and Intermediaries) Third Amendment Rules, 2010

Central Government makes the amendments as specified to the Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records of the Nature and Value of Transactions, the Procedure and Manner of Maintaining and Time for Furnishing Information and Verification and Maintenance of Records of the Identity of the Clients of the Banking Companies, Financial Institutions and Intermediaries) Rules, 2005.

Circular No. DBOD.No.BL.BC. 78/22.01.001/2010-11 Dated 27.01.2011 - Opening of branches under general permission - Non applicability of distance criteria envisaged in paragraph 6.3(b) of the Master Circular on Branch Authorisation DBOD.No. BL.BC. 8/22.01.001/2010-11 dated 01.07.2010

Circular DBOD.No.BL.BC. 65/22.01.001/2009-10 dated 01.12.2009 general permission was granted to domestic scheduled commercial banks (other than RRBs) to open branches in Tier -3 to Tier- 6 centres (with population upto 49,999 as per Census 2001) and in rural, semi urban and urban centres in the North Eastern States and Sikkim, subject to reporting.

On receiving queries from banks regarding applicability of distance criteria envisaged in paragraph 6.3(b) of the Master Circular on Branch Authorisation DBOD.No. BL.BC. 8/22.01.001/2010-11 dated July 1, 2010 for opening of branches under general permission. It is clarified that conditions mentioned at paragraph 6.3 (b) of the Master Circular referred to above is not applicable to opening of branches under general permission.

Circular No DBOD.No.Ret.BC. 76 /12.02.001/2010-11 Dated 25.01.2011 - Shortfall in Maintenance of Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) arising from additional liquidity support under Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF)- waiver of penal interest on ad hoc basis

As set out in the Third Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2010-11 announced on 25.01. 2011, the additional liquidity support to Scheduled Commercial Banks under the LAF to the extent of one per cent of their NDTL, currently set to expire on 28.01.2011, is now extended up to 08.04.2011. For any shortfall in maintenance of the SLR arising out of availment of this facility, banks may seek waiver of penal interest purely as an ad hoc, temporary measure. The liquidity support availed under this facility would, however, need to be reported on a daily basis.

Circular No. DBOD.FID.FIC.No.10 /01.02.00/2010-11 Dated 25.01.2011 - Prudential Guidelines on Restructuring of Advances on credit Support to MFIs to apply mutatis mutandis to select All-India Financial Institutions (AIFIs)

In continuation of letter DBOD.No.FID.FIC.6 /01.02.00/2010-11 dated October 14, 2010 on the captioned subject, DBOD.BP.BC.No. 74 /21.04.132/2010-11 dated January 19, 2011 on `Credit Support to Micro Finance Institutions ( MFIs) ' issued to scheduled commercial banks is enclosed. In this connection, it is advised that these guidelines, shall apply mutatis mutandis to the select All-India Financial Institutions (AIFIs).

However, certain activities are generally not undertaken by FIs, such as extending working capital, overdrafts and personal loans, etc. The provision of the circular relating to such activities shall not be applicable to the AIFIs.

Circular No. DBOD. AML.No.11449/14.06.001/2010-11 Dated 20.01.2011 - Updating of consolidated list of individuals/entities and entities linked to Al-Qaida and Talibanas circulated by Reserve Bank before opening any new account - Procedure laid down in the UAPA Order dated 27.08.2009 to be followed

Banks/All India Financial Institutions are required to update the consolidated list of individuals/entities as circulated by Reserve Bank and before opening any new account, it should be ensured that the name/s of the proposed customer does not appear in the list. Further, banks should scan all existing accounts to ensure that no account is held by or linked to any of the entities or individuals included in the list. Banks are advised to strictly follow the procedure laid down in the UAPA Order dated August 27, 2009 enclosed to circular DBOD.AML.BC. No. 44/14.01.001/2009-10 dated September 17, 2009 and ensure meticulous compliance to the Order issued by the Government.

Circular No. DBOD.BP.BC.No.75/21.06.001/2010-11 Dated 20.01.2011 - Issue of Capital Instruments with Step up option

In terms of extant instructions, banks have been permitted to issue capital instruments with a 'step-up' option viz.

i. Innovative Perpetual Debt Instruments (IPDI) and Upper Tier 2 debt capital instruments (vide circular DBOD.No.BP.BC.57 /21.01.002/2005-2006 dated January 25, 2006)

ii. Perpetual Cumulative Preference Shares (PCPS), Redeemable Non-Cumulative Preference Shares (RNCPS) and Redeemable Cumulative Preference Shares (RCPS) as part of Upper Tier 2 preference shares (vide circular DBOD. No. BP. BC.42/21.01.002/2007-2008 dated October 29, 2007) and;

iii. Subordinated debt as Tier 2 capital (vide circular DBOD.No.BP.BC.38/21.01.002/2009-10 dated September 7, 2009).

Circular No. DBOD.BP.BC.No. 74 /21.04.132/2010-11 Dated 19.01.2011- Extension of special regulatory asset classification benefit to restructured Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) accounts

Special regulatory asset classification benefit to be extended to restructured MFI accounts, which are standard at the time of restructuring, even if they are not fully secured. This relaxation is granted purely as a temporary measure and would be applicable to Standard MFI accounts restructured by banks up to March 31, 2011. The other conditions specified in the circular No. DBOD. No.BP.BC.No.37/21.04.132/2008-09 dated August 27, 2008 for getting the special asset classification benefits would remain unchanged.

Others - Misc

Circular No. FMD.MOAG. No. 56/01.01.01/2010-11 Dated 25.01.2011 - Liquidity Adjustment Facility - Repo and Reverse Repo Rates

As announced in the Third Quarter Review of Monetary Policy 2010-11, it has been decided to increase the repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25 basis points from 6.25 per cent to 6.50 per cent and the reverse repo rate by 25 basis points from 5.25 per cent to 5.50 per cent with immediate effect.

All other terms and conditions of the current LAF Scheme will remain unchanged.

Circular No. DPSS.CO.CHD.No. 1671 / 03.06.01 / 2010-11 Dated 19.01.2011 - Review of Service Charges for Cheque Collection - Local, Outstation and Speed Clearing

On a review of the developments in regard to circulars DPSS.Co.No.611/03.01.03(P)/2008-09 dated October 8, 2008 and DPSS.Co.No.829/03.01.03(P)/2008-09 dated November 17,2008 in terms of which, charges for Outstation Cheque Collection as also cheques collected under the Speed Clearing arrangement were mandated by the Reserve Bank for different value bands, it has been decided to revise the charges structure. While Reserve Bank would continue to mandate charges for smaller value transactions relating to savings account customers, greater freedom is being accorded to banks to determine charges for larger value transactions, subject to such charges being levied by the banks in a fair and transparent manner. Serrvice charge structure to come into effect from 01.04.2011.

RPCD

Circular No. RPCD.CO.RRB.No.47/ 03.05.33/2010-11 Dated 20.01.2010 - Meeting of Committee on Investor Education and Protection Fund

Banks to make 'investor awareness' as one of the agenda items in their periodical meetings with their customers at semi urban/rural branches so that more people are covered under the programme.

Circular No. RPCD.CO.RCBD.BC. No. 48/03.03.01/2010-11 Dated 20.01.2011 - Exposure of State Co-operative Banks (StCBs) & Central Co-operative Banks (CCBs) to housing finance to be limited to 5 percent of their total assets, as against 10 percent of their total loans and advances

The total assets may be reckoned based on the audited balance sheet as on March 31 of the preceding financial year.The above limits of credit exposure for housing would be applicable with immediate effect. StCBs and CCBs having exposure in excess of the above limits may initiate steps to bring it down to the revised limits within a period of six months from the date of this circular.

• Securities and Exchange Board of India

Press Release No. 17/2011 Dated 19.01.2011 - Discussion Paper on outsourcing of activities related to Intermediation Services

SEBI has prepared a discussion paper on outsourcing of activities related to the intermediation services. The paper proposes certain principles for outsourcing, and indicates activities presently being outsourced by the intermediaries along with the suggested list of activities which should not be outsourced by them.

The discussion paper is available for public comments on SEBI's website www.sebi.gov.in under the heading "Reports for Public Comments".

Notification No. LAD-NRO/GN/2010-11/24/741 Dated 07.01.2011 - Renewal of recognition to Jaipur Stock Exchange under Section 4 of Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 for one year commencing on the 09.01. 2011 and ending on the 08.01. 2012 subject to specified conditions

Grant of renewal of recognition to the Jaipur Stock Exchange under Section 4 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 for a period of one year commencing on the 9th day of January, 2011 and ending on the 8th day of January, 2012 in respect of contracts in securities subject to the conditions stated herein below or as prescribed or imposed hereafter :

The Exchange can commence trading in securities only after complying with all the regulatory requirements imposed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India.

• Department of Atomic Energy

Notification No. SO2932(E) Dated 08.12.2010 - Norms governing the tariff for sale of electricity by Atomic Power Stations to the State Electricity Boards and to other persons

Norms specified in accordance with which the tariff for sale of electricity by the Atomic Power Stations to the State Electricity Boards and to other persons shall be determined - Technical, Financial and General norms

• MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

Notification No.GSR11(E) Dated 10. 01.2011 - Aircraft (Amendment) Rules, 2011

The draft of Aircraft (Amendment) Rules, 2010 further to amend the Aircraft Rules, 1937, was published, vide notification No. G.S.R.922(E) dated 23.11.2010, for inviting objections and suggestions. The objections or suggestions received in respect of the draft rules within the period specified have been taken into consideration. Now, therefore, the Central Government hereby makes rules further to amend the Aircraft Rules, 1937, namely the Aircraft (Amendment) Rules, 2011.

• MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS

Environment, Forests and Wildlife

Notification No. SO19(E) Dated 06.01.2011 - Declaration of specified areas as Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) - Restrictions on the setting up and expansion of industries, operations or processes and the like in the CRZ

In supersession of the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment and Forests, number S.O.114(E) dated 19.02.1991, the Central Government hereby declares the areas as specified as CRZ and imposes with effect from the date of the notification restrictions as specified on the setting up and expansion of industries, operations or processes and the like in the CRZ.

Notification No. SO20(E) Dated 06.01.2011 - Declaration of areas as Island Protection Zone (IPZ) - Restrictions on the setting up and expansion of industries, operations or processes

In supersession of the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment and Forests, number S.O.114(E) dated 19.02.1991, the Central Government hereby declares the areas specified as Island Protection Zone and imposes with effect from the date of the notification the restrictions as specified on the setting up and expansion of industries, operations or processes.

Notification No. GSR1(E) Dated 23.12.2010 - Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-organism/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells (Amendment) Rules, 2010

The above stated rules are to further amend the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-organisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells Rules, 1989.

• MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

Notification No. SO3047(E) Dated 27.12.2010 - Appointment of Senior Immigration Officer, Bureau of Immigration, JNPT Nhava Sheva Seaport Immigration Check Post at Mumbai "Civil Authority" for the purpose of Foreigners Order, 1948 for the Immigration Check Post located at Nhava Sheva Seaport at Mumbai in Maharashtra

Senior Immigration Officer, Bureau of Immigration, JNPT Nhava Sheva Seaport Immigration Check Post at Mumbaihas been appointed "Civil Authority" for the purpose of Foreigners Order, 1948 for the Immigration Check Post located at Nhava Sheva Seaport at Mumbai in Maharashtra.

Notification No. SO3046(E) Dated 27.12.2010 - Appointment of Senior Immigration Officer, Bureau of Immigration, Cochin Seaport Immigration Check Post as "Civil Authority" for the purpose of Foreigners Order, 1948 for the Seaport Immigration Check Post located at Cochin seaport at Cochin in Kerala

Senior Immigration Officer, Bureau of Immigration, Cochin Seaport Immigration Check Post has been appointed as "Civil Authority" for the purpose of Foreigners Order, 1948 for the Seaport Immigration Check Post located at Cochin seaport at Cochin in Kerala, with effect from 01.01.2011

Notification No. GSR1011(E) Dated 22.12.2010 - Declaration of Loharinag Pala Hydro Power project, District Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand as Prohibited place for the purposes of Official Secrets Act, 1923

Loharinag Pala Hydro Power project, District Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand has been declared as Prohibited place for the purposes of Official Secrets Act, 1923.

Notification No. SO2958(E) Dated 15.12.2010 - Procedure for issuance of summons and warrants in criminal matters by a court in India on any person in the United Mexican States

Central government specifies the procedure to be adopted for the issuance of summons and warrants in criminal matters by a court in India on any person in the United Mexican States. Such summons or warrant shall be sent to Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India for transmission to the Central Authority in the United Mexican States.

Notification No. SO2963(E) Dated 15.12.2010 - Provisions of Chapter VII A of Code of Criminal Procedure to apply without any condition, exception or qualification in relation to the United Mexican States

Central government hereby directs that the Provisions of Chapter VII A of Code of Criminal Procedure to apply without any condition, exception or qualification in relation to the United Mexican States.

• Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas

Notification No. GSR987(E) Dated 20.12.2010 - Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Determination of Petroleum and Petroleum Products Pipeline Transportation Tariff) Regulations, 2010

These regulations shall apply to an entity authorized by the Central Government and accepted by the Board for laying, building, operating or expanding a petroleum or petroleum products pipelines before the appointed day under the relevant regulations. The pipeline transportation tariff shall be determined by benchmarking against alternate mode of transport, that is rail at a level of 75% except LPG where it will be 100% on a train load basis for equivalent rail distance.

• MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE

Legislative

Notification No. SO2936(E) Dated 13.12.2010 - Smt. Sharda Jain Additional Legislative Counsel in the Legislative Department is designated as the Central Public Information Officer for the said Department

In supersession of this Department's earlier Notification of even number dated 16th October, 2009 the Legislative Department hereby designates Smt. Sharda Jain Additional Legislative Counsel in the said Department as the Central Public Information Officer for the said Department for the purposes of the said Act.

Notification No SO2937(E)Dated 13.12.2010 - Dr. Sanjay Singh, Joint Secretary and Legislative Counsel in the Legislative Department is designated as the Appellate Authority for the said Department

In supersession of the Government of India in the Ministry of Law and Justice (Legislative Department) notification number S.O.698 dated the 9th February, 2010, the Legislative Department being a Public Authority within the meaning of clause (h) of Section 2 of the said Act, hereby designates Dr. Sanjay Singh, Joint Secretary and Legislative Counsel in the said Department, as the Appellate Authority for the said Department for the purposes of the said Act.

Notification No. GSR969(E) Dated 13.12.2010 - Members of Parliament (Travelling and Daily Allowances) (Amendment) Rules, 2010

In the Members of Parliament (Travelling and Daily Allowances) Rules, 1957 in rule 4A, for the words "rupees thirteen per kilometer", the words "rupees sixteen per kilometer shall be substituted.

In the said rules, in rule 5, in the Note, for the words "one thousand rupees per diem", the words "rupees two thousand per diem" shall be substituted.

Notification No. GSR970(E) Dated 13.12.2010 - Members of Parliament (Constituency Allowance) (Amendment) Rules, 2010

In rule 2 of the Members of Parliament (Constituency Allowance) Rules, 1986, for the words "rupees twenty thousand per mensem", the words "rupees forty-five thousand per mensem" shall be substituted.

Notification No. GSR971(E) Dated 13.12.2010 - Members of Parliament (Advance for the Purchase of Conveyance) (Amendment) Rules, 2010

In rule 2 of the Members of Parliament (Advance for the Purchase of Conveyance) Rules, 1986, in sub-rule (1) for the words "shall not exceed rupees one lakh", the words "shall not exceed rupees four lakhs" shall be substituted.

Notification No. GSR972(E) Dated 13.12.2010 - Members of Parliament (Office Expense Allowance) (Amendment) Rules, 2010

Amendment in the Members of Parliament (Office Expense Allowance) Rules, 1988, for rule 3.

• MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

Notification No.GSR25(E) Dated 15.01.2011 - Employees' Provident Funds (Amendment) Scheme, 2011

The Central Government makes the following Scheme, further to amend the Employees' Provident Funds Scheme, 1952, namely :--The Employees' Provident Funds (Amendment) Scheme, 2011. It shall come into force from the 1st day of April, 2011.

Notification No. SO30(E) Dated 08.01.2011 - Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 to be applicable to Municipal Councils and Municipal Corporations

Central Government specified the establishments employing twenty or more persons as the class of establishments to which the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 shall apply, with effect from the date of publications of this notification in the Official Gazette.

Notification No.12/13/2/2010-P&D Dated 09.12.2010 - Employees' State Insurance (General) (Amendment) Regulations, 2010

No objection or suggestion having been received from any personwith regard to draft regulations dated 30.10.2010 further to amend the Employees' State Insurance (General) Regulations, 1950, the Employees' State Insurance Corporation, hereby makes the following regulations namely: - The Employees' State Insurance (General) (Amendment) Regulations, 2010. They have come into force from 1st January, 2011.

• PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU

Dated 27.01.2011 - Shri Pullukatte Sanku Gopinathan - Appointment as Additional Judge of Kerala High Court

The President is pleased to appoint Shri Pullukatte Sanku Gopinathan, to be an Additional Judge of the Kerala High Court, for a period of two years, with effect from the 6th February,2011.

• Ministry of Power

Notification No. L-1/18/2010-CERC Dated 14.01.2011 - Clauses (5) and (7) of Annexure-I of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Indian Electricity Grid Code) Regulations, 2010 to come into force with effect from 01.01.2012 instead of 01.01.11

Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Indian Electricity Grid Code) Regulations, 2010 was notified on 28.4.2010 in the Gazette of India Extraordinary (Part-III, Section-IV No. 115) and the said regulations came into force with effect from 3.5.2010 except the provisions where it was specified that Clauses (5) and (7) of Annexure-I of the said regulations were to come into force w.e.f. 1.1.2011

Now, it is notified for the information of all concerned that Clauses (5) and (7) of Annexure-I of Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Indian Electricity Grid Code) Regulations, 2010 shall come into force with effect from 1.1.2012.

• MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

Agriculture and Co-operation

Notification No. SO3052(E) Dated 28.12.2010 - Plant Quarantine (Regulation of Import into India )(Sixth Amendment), Order, 2010

Amendment to Schedule VI - Insertion of entries against serial number 41, in column (4), after item (i) and the entries relating thereto in column (5) and (6) the item and entries as specified shall respectively be inserted.

Notification No. SO2976(E) Dated 16.12.2010 - Prohibition on the import into India of birds, livestock and livestock products from specified countries for a period of six months

Government has prohibited import into India from all the countries, of wild birds except those reared in captivity; and import of domestic and wild birds, unprocessed meat and meat products, ducks, turkeys and newly hatched chicks, egg and egg products etc. from the countries reporting Notifiable Avian Influenza for a period of six months.

• MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Department of Post/Telecommunications

Notification No. SO10(E) Dated 04.01.2011 - Indian Post Office (1st Amendment) Rules, 2011

The Central Government makes rules further to amend the Indian Post Office Rules, 1933, namely the Indian Post Office (1st Amendment) Rules, 2011.They have come into force on the 15th day of January, 2011.

• MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS

Personnel and Training

Resolution No. 39018/01/1998 Dated 14.01.2011 - Constitution and functions of the Staff Selection Commission - Supersession of Resolution No.46/1(S)/74-Estt.(B) dated 04.11.1975

Government of India, vide its Resolution No. 46/1(S)/74-Estt.(B) dated 04.11.1975 constituted a Commission called the Subordinate Services Commission which has subsequently been re-designated as Staff Selection Commission with effect from 26.09.1977 to make recruitment to various Class III (now Group 'C') non-technical) posts in the various Ministries/Departments of the Government of India and its subordinate offices. The functions of the Commission were enlarged from time to time to include recruitment to Group 'B' (Non-Gazetted) posts upto the pay scale of Rs.6500-10500/-. Now it has become necessary to redefine the functions and role of the Commission. Therefore, in supersession of Resolution No.46/1(S)/74-Estt.(B) dated 04.11.1975 and subsequent Resolutions on the subject, the constitution and functions of the Staff Selection Commission will be as specified with immediate effect.