19 % import duty likely on power equipment for mega projects

Power generation equipment for projects above 1000 MW may attract import duty at the rate of 19%. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) is expected to take a call on the issue in next two weeks. If the proposal is approved, it will give domestic equipment manufacturers such as BHEL, L&T and Bharat Forge a major boost. At present, power generation equipment for projects below 1000 MW bears a duty of 5% while there is almost nil duty for equipments for projects above 1000 MW.

EPFO may fix minimum pension at Rs. 1000 per month

Retirement fund body EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund of India) may take a final decision on fixing the minimum pension for its subscribers at Rs. 1000 per month, at a meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) scheduled on Feb. 22.

Golden Jubilee convocation of the IARI

The annual farm growth rate was expected to be 3.5 % in the 12^th plan period ending this year. Prime Minister who was awarded a honorary doctorate by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute(IARI) said 3.5 % per annum growth rate is commendable. But we must improve upon it to reach 4 % or even higher in the 12^th plan. For this our Government is committed to raising Research and Development spending as a whole to at least 2% of the GDP by the end of the 12^th plan from the current level of about 1%.