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Seed certification is a systematic and legally sanctioned process that ensures the production, processing, and distribution of high-quality seeds of known genetic identity and purity. It encompasses a series of inspections, testing, and documentation to verify that seeds meet specific standards regarding genetic purity, physical purity, and seed health. Seed certification seed certification is a process designed to maintain and make available to the general public continuous supply of high quality seeds and propagating materials of notified kinds and varieties of crops, so grown and distributed to ensure the physical identity and genetic purity. Seed certification is a legally sanctioned system for quality control of seed multiplication and production. History of Seed Certification in India The field evaluation of the seed crop and its certification started with the establishment of National Seeds Corporation in 1963. A legal status was given to seed certification with the enactment of first Indian Seed Act in the year 1966 and formulation of Seed Rules in 1968. The Seed Act of 1966 provided the required impetus for the establishment of official Seed Certification Agencies by the States. Maharashtra was the first State to establish an official Seed Certification Agency during 1970 as a part of the Department of Agriculture, whereas Karnataka was the first State to establish the Seed Certification Agency as an autonomous body during 1974. At present 22 States in the country have their own Seed Certification Agencies established under the Seed Act, 1966. In India, seed certification is voluntary and labelling is compulsory. The Concept of Seed Certification Maintaining genetic purity and varietal identity: Seed certification ensures that seeds are true to their labeled variety, preserving desirable traits and preventing the spread of genetic contamination. Ensuring seed health: Seed certification involves testing for the presence of pests, diseases, and weeds, safeguarding crops from potential damage and ensuring healthy, productive plants. Facilitating fair trade: Seed certification provides a reliable system for seed quality assurance, enabling fair trade practices and consumer confidence. Different Steps of Seed Certification Foundation Seed Production: The production of foundation seed, the purest and most genetically uniform seed stock, involves strict isolation and controlled pollination practices. Registered Seed Production: Registered seed is produced from foundation seed under controlled conditions to maintain genetic purity. Certified Seed Production: Certified seed is produced from registered seed, adhering to specific field standards and maintaining varietal identity. Labeling and Distribution: Certified seeds are labeled with specific information, including variety, certification number, and production year, ensuring traceability and consumer confidence. Eligibility Criteria for Seed Certification General Specifications  Should be a notified variety under Section 5 of the Indian Seed Act. Should be in the production chain and its pedigree must be identifiable. Field standards  Should possess minimum field standards which include the selection of site, isolation requirements, spacing, planting ratio, border rows etc. Specific requirements  Presence of off-types in seed crop, pollen-shedders in Sorghum, Bajra, Sunflower etc., Shedding tassels in maize crosses, the disease affected plants, objectionable weed plants should be within the permissible levels while applying for seed certification. Seed standards  Maximum seed certification standards are required for each crop. Steps involved in Seed Certification Evaluation of the origin Step 1: The source seed verification is the first level process in the Seed Certification Programme. Unless the seed is from an approved source and designated class, the certification agency will not permit the seed field for certification, thereby ensuring the use of high quality will recommend the seed for sowing crops. Field Inspection Step 2: Field inspection is the evaluation of the crop in the field for varietal purity, isolation of seed crop to prevent out-cross, disease dissemination and also ensure crop condition about the presence of objectionable weed plants and designated diseases etc. Sample inspection Step 3: Through laboratory tests, the value of the seeds for planting will be assessed. Then the certification agency holds samples from the seeds provided under certification programme and allows them to undergo germination and other purity tests required for conforming to varietal purity. Bulk Inspection Step 4: Under certification programme provision has been made for bulk inspection. Hence, the evaluation to check homogeneity of the bulk seed produced as compared with the standard sample is carried out. Control plot testing Step 5: The samples were drawn from the source and final seed produced are allowed to grow along with the standard samples of the variety. By comparing the above two, the results can be determined whether the varietal purity and health of the seed produced are equal to the results on field inspection. Grow-out test Step 6: Evaluation of the seeds for their genuineness to species or varieties or any seed got infected is identified. Here the samples drawn from the fields are grown along with the regular checks. Growing plants are observed for varietal purity. This grow-out test helps in the elimination of the sub-standard seed lots. Grant of Certificate by Certificate Agency According to Section 9 and 10 of the Seeds Act, any person selling, keeping for sale, offering to sell, bartering or supplying any seed is eligible to have seed certification. The person can approach the certifying agency with the prescribed application form by remitting the specified fee for the grant of seed certificate. On receipt of such application, the certification agency will verify that the seed conforms to the minimum limits of germination and purity as notified under section 6 will issue the seed certificate within the specified time limit. Benefits of Seed Certification Ensures genetic purity and identity: Certified seed comes from crops meeting standards for varietal purity and freedom from mixing with other varieties. This preserves crop varieties. Maintains quality: Certification includes tests for varietal purity, physical purity, germination etc. ensuring high physiological quality of seed lots. Provides quality assurance to farmers: Farmers can trust that certified seeds are true-to-type and of acceptable standards. This gives reliability and uniformity in crop performance. Promotes use of improved varieties: Certified seed programs encourage widespread cultivation of high yielding and stress-tolerant seeded varieties. This enhances productivity. Prevent spread of diseases and weeds: Using certified seed helps curb the

On 29th March, the press information bureau (PIB) issued an unusual press release about a Supreme Court (SC) order in a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking refund of money deposited with four cooperative societies set up by the notorious Sahara Pariwar. The release declared that the SC has “ordered the refund to about 10 crore investors of four cooperative societies of Sahara Group.” It hailed this as a ‘historic decision’ by the SC, and gave credit to the prime minister (PM) and the ministry of cooperation for protecting “the interests of the poor and underprivileged.” The Sahara Refund portal was created to refund depositors of the Sahara Group of Cooperative Societies within 45 days of claiming. The Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation unveiled this portal in New Delhi. This portal was formed upon an order from the Supreme Court on 29 March 2023.  What is Sahara Refund Portal? The Sahara Refund portal was launched on 18 July 2023. Sahara Refund portal lets depositors of four well-known cooperative societies submit legitimate refund claims. The cooperative societies are:  Humara India Credit Cooperative Society Limited, Kolkata Sahara Credit Cooperative Society Limited, Lucknow Saharayan Universal Multipurpose Society Limited, Bhopal Stars Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited, Hyderabad This portal is easily accessible for users, maintaining efficiency and transparency.  Sahara India Refund 2023 Sahara India Refund is a process of refunding money to investors who made deposits and have outstanding dues with the Sahara Group. Sahara, which belongs to the Sahara India Pariwar, is a major conglomerate in India. Over the last few years, Sahara India Refund portal has been involved in the refunding process for genuine investors.  Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies Since the creation of the Sahara Refund portal, the Ministry of Cooperation has undertaken measures to protect the interests of depositors of the Sahara Group of Cooperative Societies. To address the investment issues of genuine depositors, the Honourable Supreme Court of India ordered the transfer of Rs. 5,000 crores from the ‘Sahara SEBI Refund Account’ to the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS). This amount is for disbursing dues of genuine members of the Sahara Group of Cooperative Societies. However, to get their money back directly in their respective bank accounts, the depositors must submit proof of identity along with proof of their claims. They must also have their Aadhaar linked with their mobile number and keep all necessary documents ready in hand.  Genuine members who claim a refund are charged no additional fees. The Sahara Group of Cooperative Societies will verify the claim application within 30 days of submission. Depositors will receive the claim decision via SMS within 15 days after verification, i.e. 45 days after the claim application form.  Eligibility Depositors must have deposited before 22 March 2022 and have outstanding dues receivable from Humara India Credit Cooperative Society Limited, Sahara Credit Cooperative Society Limited, and Saharayan Universal Multipurpose Society Limited. Depositors must have deposited before 29 March 2023 and have outstanding dues receivable from Stars Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited. Documents Required Membership number Deposit account number Aadhaar card linked with a mobile number and bank account  PAN card if the claim amount exceeds Rs. 50,000 Passbook/Deposit certificates Register on Sahara India Refund Step 1: Visit the Sahara Refund portal.  Step 2: Click on the ‘Depositor Registration’ tab. Step 3: Enter the last 4-digits of your Aadhaar number, mobile number and captcha code and click on ‘Get OTP’. Step 4: Enter the OTP and click on ‘Verify OTP’. FAQs How to apply online for a Sahara refund? Visit the Sahara Refund portal.  Click on the ‘Depositor Registration’ tab. Enter the the last 4-digits of your Aadhaar number, mobile number, and OTP received on your mobile number. Once you log in, accept the UIDAI conditions and click ‘I Agree’. Enter the required details and add your claim. Click on ‘Generate Claim Request Form’. The claim form will be displayed on the screen. Download the form and add your photograph and signature. Log in to the Sahara Refund portal and upload the filled claim form and documents. Can Sahara money be refunded? Yes, depositors of the Sahara Group of Cooperative Societies can get a refund of their money by applying for it in the Sahara Refund portal.

Bihar, a culturally diverse state in India, has a population consisting of several castes, each holding its unique socio-economic status. The Indian Government provides certain reservations and benefits to the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) to bridge socio-economic gaps. Caste certificate Bihar, a legal document, plays a pivotal role in this context. A Caste Certificate in Bihar is a crucial government document that certifies an individual belongs to a particular caste. Issued to citizens falling under reserve category, it serves as proof of caste identity. This certificate is a gateway to avail of various government benefits aimed at uplifting these communities, such as reserved quotas in educational institutions and government jobs. It also enables access to different welfare schemes and scholarships offered by the government. With digital advancements, the Bihar government has facilitated an online platform for citizens to apply, verify, and download their caste certificates. Caste Certificate Bihar A caste certificate in Bihar is an official document issued by the government that certifies an individual’s caste or community. It is primarily used to avail of various benefits and reservations provided to specific caste groups. To obtain a caste certificate in Bihar, one needs to submit the necessary documents and follow the prescribed application process, as outlined by the concerned authorities. Purpose of Caste Certificate Bihar A caste certificate is a government-issued document certifying an individual’s belonging to a particular caste. For Bihar, this Caste certificate Bihar online is predominantly for those identified under SC, ST, and OBC categories. The purpose of a Caste Certificate is to validate the caste status of individuals belonging to the reserved categories in India. It acts as an essential document to access certain benefits provided by the government, which include reservations in educational institutions, government employment, and legislative bodies. It also facilitates access to various welfare schemes such as scholarships, loans at concessional rates, and other forms of financial assistance designed to uplift the socio-economically disadvantaged. Essentially, the Caste Certificate serves to ensure social justice and equal opportunity for marginalized communities. Importance of Caste Certificate in Bihar Caste certificate Bihar serves a significant purpose. It enables eligible individuals to avail benefits from government schemes. Additionally, it facilitates reservations in educational institutions and job quotas. In Bihar, the Caste Certificate holds immense importance as a critical legal document. It authenticates an individual’s caste, helping them access numerous government-provided benefits. Those belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) can access reserved seats in educational institutions and secure job reservations in government sectors through this certificate. It also enables them to avail welfare schemes, scholarships, and financial aid provided by the Bihar government. By facilitating the path to socioeconomic upliftment, the Caste Certificate plays a significant role in reducing social disparities and promoting equality within the state. Need for the Document To avail admission in schools and colleges. To apply for competitive examinations. To obtain scholarships to pursue education. To avail employment in reserved categories. To obtain government subsidies. To apply for housing and self-employment schemes. To allot house sites to citizens. To assign or to grant land. To stand as a candidate in elections. Eligibility The applicant should belong to any reserved category such as Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe or Other Backward Classes. The applicant should be an Indian citizen. The applicant should be residing in Bihar. The applicant should be above 3 years of age. Documents Required Ration Card Self-declaration of the applicant Identity Card Aadhaar Card Passport size photographs Caste Certificate Bihar Apply Online Obtain the application form Visit the nearest Block Development Office (BDO) or Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) office and request the application form for a caste certificate. Alternatively, you can check the official website of the Bihar government for online application forms, if available. Fill in the application form Provide accurate and complete information in the application form. You will need to provide details such as your name, address, caste, family details, income details, and any supporting documents as required. Gather supporting documents Along with the application form, you will need to submit certain documents to support your caste claim. These may include:a. Caste certificate of the parents or blood relatives.  Birth certificate or school leaving certificate.  Address proof (ration card, voter ID card, electricity bill, etc.).  Affidavit declaring caste, issued by the applicant or the parent.  Any other documents specified by the authorities. Affix photograph and sign Attach a recent passport-sized photograph to the application form and sign it as required. Submit the application Once you have completed the application form and gathered all the necessary documents, submit them to the Block Development Office (BDO) or Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) office in your area. Ensure that you submit the application within the designated office hours. Verification and processing After submitting the application, the authorities will verify the details provided and conduct a thorough examination. They may also conduct a field inquiry to verify the authenticity of the information provided. This process may take some time, and you will be given an acknowledgment slip for reference. Collect the caste certificate Once the verification process is complete, you will be notified to collect your caste certificate from the issuing authority. Visit the concerned office and collect the certificate in person, providing the acknowledgment slip and any other documents as instructed. Online Application Process for Caste Certificate in Bihar The Caste certificate Bihar apply online process includes: Visit to the concerned authority or online application: Bihar government’s online portal, RTPS Bihar. Required forms and documents: Application form, identification proof, address proof, and caste declaration. Verification process and timeline: Once submitted, the verification process usually takes 10-15 days. Fees: There’s no fee required for this process. FAQs What is a Caste Certificate in Bihar? A Caste Certificate is a document issued by the Bihar Government that certifies an individual’s caste status. It’s primarily given to those belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). How long does it take to

In order to safeguard the interest of creditors or depositors, the Central Government in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India notified the amendment in the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules 2014 through Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Amendment Rules 2019. DPT-3 form is a one-time return form of loans that has to be filed by a company that has outstanding loans not treated as deposits. According to the latest Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) Amendments, it is mandatory for all companies excluding the Government Companies to file a one-time return for the outstanding receipts of money which are loans of the company but are not considered deposits. Introduction MCA vide its notification dated 22nd January 2019 notified that every company other than a government company must file a one time return in DPT 3. It is also required to be filed annually. Accordingly, a sub-rule (3) was inserted after sub-rule (2) in Rule 16A of the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014 which reads as follows:  Every company other than Government company shall file a onetime return of outstanding receipt of money or loan by a company but not considered as deposits, in terms of clause (c) of sub-rule 1 of rule 2 from the 01st April, 2014 to 31st March, 2019, as specified in Form DPT-3 within “ninety days from 31st March, 2019” along with a fee as provided in the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014.  On 22nd January 2019, the MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs) rolled out a new rule in the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits), Rules, 2014 and that new rule is DPT-3 form. Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Amendment Rules, 2019 MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 22nd January 2019 G.S.R. 42(E).—In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (31) of section 2 and section 73 read with sub-sections (1) and (2) of section 469 of the Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013), the Central Government, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India, hereby makes the following rules further to amend the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014, namely:- 1. (1) These rules may be called the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Amendment Rules, 2019. (2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. 2. In the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014 (hereinafter referred to as the said rules), in rule 2, in sub-rule (1), in clause (c), in sub-clause(xviii), after the words “Infrastructure Investment Trusts,” the words “Real Estate Investment Trusts” shall be inserted. 3. In the said rules, in rule 16, the following Explanation shall be inserted, namely:- “Explanation.- It is hereby clarified that Form DPT-3 shall be used for filing return of deposit or particulars of transaction not considered as a deposit or both by every company other than Government company.”. 4. In the said rules, in rule 16(A), after sub-rule (2), the following sub-rule shall be inserted, namely:- “ (3) Every company other than Government company shall file a onetime return of outstanding receipt of money or loan by a company but not considered as deposits, in terms of clause (c) of sub-rule 1 of rule 2 from the 01st April, 2014 to the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, as specified in Form DPT-3 within ninety days from the date of said publication of this notification along with fee as provided in the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014.”. Who has to File The DPT-3 Form? Except for the Government companies, all other companies which include all private limited companies, OPC, limited companies or Section 8 Company have to mandatorily file this form. Filing of DPT 3 DPT-3 may be of two varieties, as follows: One time return Annual return  What is the Last Date (Due Date) to File the DPT-3 Form? As per the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Amendment Rules, 2019, all the companies have to compulsorily file the one-time deposit return in E-form DPT-3 within 90 days from the end of the Financial Year. Note: Purpose of Form Periodicity Last Date to File Return of Deposit & Particular not considered as Deposit Yearly Yearly 30th June 2025 for FY 2024-25 Transactions not considered as deposits Any amount received from the government or guaranteed by the government, foreign government/foreign bank. Any amount received as a loan or facility from any Public Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies or Banks Any amount received from a company by a company. Subscription to securities and call in advance. Any amount received from the director of the company or a relative of the director of the Private company, who held the positions at the time of lending.   Any amount received by the company from an employee, not exceeding his annual salary under the employee contract such as non-interest bearing security deposit. Any amount received in the course of, or for the purposes of, the business of the company as an advance for the supply of goods or provision of services or as a security deposit for the performance of the contract for the supply of goods or provision of services. Receipt of Rs 25 lakh or more by a startup company in the form of a convertible note, in a single tranche. Amount raised by the issuing secured bonds or debentures with first charge, non-convertible debentures not having a charge on the assets of the company. Unsecured loans from promoters. Any amount received by the company from Nidhi Company or by way of subscription in respect of chit under the Chit Funds Act, 1982. Any amount received by the company from a collective investment scheme, alternate investment funds or mutual funds registered with SEBI. Any other amount which is not considered as a deposit under Rule 2(1)(c). Hence any amount whether secured or unsecured and which is outstanding money or loan not considered as deposits must be reported.  Which Period Loans Must be Covered Under the Form DPT-03? All Outstanding receipts of Money or Loans by the company that prevailed from

Akshaya is an Information Communication Technology (ICT) project which started with a great mission to bridge the digital divide in Kerala. It was the first district-wide e-literacy project in India which was inaugurated by his Excellency Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, then President of India on 18th November 2002. This project was started with the unique goal as to make one person in every family to be computer literate. Now more than 75 per cent of Population of Kerala is the beneficiaries of this project. The Government of india has sanctioned the request of Government of Kerala to integrate the Akshaya centres with the Common Service Centres scheme under the National e-Governance Programme (NeGP). Accordingly all Akshaya centres are now Akshaya Common Service Centres. Akshaya is acting as an instrument in rural empowerment and economic development. The project is a catalyst in creating massive economic growth and creation of direct and indirect employment in the State by focusing on the various facts of e-learning, e-transaction, e-governance etc. Akshaya Common Akshaya is an ambitious endeavour that was initiated in the State of Kerala in the presence of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on the 18th of November, 2002. The Government of Kerala focussed on the digitisation of the State through the reinvention of service delivery channels. This bought about a revolutionary transformation in the design and the operation of public services within the State. Better opportunities to meet a citizen’s need for increased social inclusion were seen with the emergence of digital organisations to create services. Akshaya Centres have emerged out to be a success with the most exceptional network of active Common Service Centres that are designed to deliver various Government to Citizen, Government to Business and even, Business to Citizen services to the public under one single solid roof. Currently, there are over 2,650 Akshaya e-Centers throughout the state of Kerala with a minimum of 2 centres in each Panchayat. Akshaya acts a vehicle by digitising people towards an improved quality of life, ease in accessibility to information, complete transparency in governance and overall socio-economic growth. Mission Akshaya has a strategic mission to transform public services across all sectors of the State of Kerala. Akshaya plays a pivot role as ‘Agents of Change’ for the sustained, socio-economic development through Kerala and the impact of its activities result in enormous gains for public participation and social inclusion. The following are the critical points of the mission Akshaya works towards to achieve in the State of Kerala. To bridge the gap between the “Information Rich” and the “Information Poor”. To transform the governance in the State in order to provide efficient, transparent and convenient services for the citizens of the State through Information and Communication Technologies. To improve public service delivery by increasing the accessibility of service to the common man in their own locality. To bring up the rate of e-literacy in underserved areas and to offer a platform for the “Government to Citizen” services through the advantage of a public-private partnership. Vision The vision of Akshaya is as follows. To achieve 100% social and digital inclusion through the “Connecting the Unconnected”. To improve the services at the base of the delivery chain. To build collaborative relationships among citizens and other communities. To restructure the programs in order to leverage Government assets for the purpose of enhancing the mission productivity. To disseminate information to improve public communication and to promote the shared understanding of general issues. To strengthen and promote entrepreneurship by means of digital interventions. Services Offered Aadhaar enrolment Utility bill payment e-District services Motor 2 wheeler and 4 wheeler insurances Universal Health Insurance Personal Accident or Mediclaim Insurance Overseas Mediclaim Insurance Ration card applications Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana / Comprehensive Health Insurance Agency of Kerala enrolments Motor vehicle license payments Labour welfare boards Aadhaar seeding SC/ST pre-metric scholarship applications Farmer’s data entry Commercial tax e-filing Pharmacist registrations Food Business Operator (FBO) registration Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence (KASE) registration University Fee Payment Haj registration Impact of Akshaya The Government services in rural areas are not so accessible and are of lower quality when compared to those in the urban areas. Factors such as the cost of transportation can affect rural service delivery and may impede access and the utilisation of services and information. The very key to democracy is access to information and services. The public access to Government-held information would allow its citizens to understand better the role of the Government and the decisions made on their behalf. The Government of Kerala has initiated an essential stream of studies on this matter which finally led to the implementation of Akshaya. The following are the impacts of Akshaya in various fields. Socio-Economic Development Tool Akshaya is a giant leap towards making the Government more accessible to its citizens. It would potentially empower individual citizens by offering them with a responsive channel for accessing services and information as well as interacting with the Government. By reinforcing the monopoly over Government-Citizen relationship with transparency and security, Akshaya e-Centres have made an excellent performance by being the front end delivery network for Government Services. Citizen Empowerment Tool Akshaya was envisaged to offer training to at least one member in a family for the purpose of being e-literate. During the rollout period, basic training was provided to the selected individuals to familiarise themselves with the basics and the scope of IT with the support of relevant hands-on. This was the most significant rural e-literacy training project worldwide ever by organising and concluding by the transformation of 32.8 Lakh citizens benefitting from the initiative. e-Governance Tool In the State of Kerala, Akshaya is considered the ambassador of the Government for all Aadhaar related issues and assistance provided to the citizens of the State. More than 1.81 Crore citizens have come forward to enrol themselves under the UID with the help of Akshaya Centres in Kerala. The State has opted Akshaya centres as a one-stop service delivery gateway for its people. Being a social partnership business

The Employees’ Provident Fund or EPF is a popular savings scheme that has been introduced by the EPFO under the supervision of the Government of India. The employee and employer each contribute 12% of the employee’s basic salary and dearness allowance towards EPF. The current rate of interest on EPF deposits is 8.15% p.a. The accrued interest on the EPF is tax-free and can be withdrawn without paying for the same. Employees avail of a lump-sum amount on their retirement, which is inclusive of the accrued interest. EPFO – Employee Provident Fund Organization EPFO or Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation is a non-constitutional body that promotes employees to save funds for retirement. EPFO was launched in 1951 and is governed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. It offers schemes that cover Indian and international workers. The Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme Act, 1952, the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme Act, 1976, and the Employees’ Pension Scheme Act, 1995 are the three Acts that govern the EPF programme, which has served more than 5 billion people. The fund is accumulated by monthly monetary contributions made by both employees and their employers. As their respective portion of the EPF contribution, each party contributes 12% of the employees’ monthly salaries. The interest earned on the fund as a result is pre-fixed and established by the Employees Provident Fund Organization. The interest that has accrued in the EPF is tax-free and may be withdrawn without being charged. When an employee retires, they get a lump sum payment that includes all accumulated interest. Schemes Offered Under EPFO Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme 1952 (EPF) Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS) Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme 1976 (EDLI) Objectives of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) In order to guarantee that each employee has a single EPF account. It must be as easy as feasible to comply. Make sure businesses consistently abide with all EPFO laws and regulations. To improve their infrastructure and ensure the dependability of internet services. Online access should be available for all member accounts. The 20-day claim settlement period will be cut to 3 days. Promotion and encouragement of voluntarily compliance UAN and EPFO Portal All EPF subscribers have online access to their PF accounts and can execute operations such as withdrawal and checking their EPF balance. EPFO assigns each member a 12-digit number known as the UAN. Even if an employee changes employers, his or her UAN remains the same.  The Universal Account Number (UAN) simplifies access to the EPFO member portal. When a member’s job changes, his or her member ID changes, and the new ID is linked to the UAN. Employees must, however, activate their UAN to use the services online. Application Eligibility for Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Employees in both the public and private sectors are eligible for the Employee Provident Fund; therefore any employee can apply to join EPF India. A company is also considered responsible for providing EPF benefits to its employees if it employs at least 20 people. When an employee joins the programme actively, they are deemed qualified to receive a number of advantages, including pension benefits, insurance benefits, and Employees Provident Fund benefits. Interest of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Only the active PF accounts of employees who have not yet retired receive this interest. However, the interest that accumulates on these accounts is taxed according to the tax bracket of an EPF employee member. It should be mentioned as well that the Employees Pension Scheme share does not earn interest. However, after they reach the age of 58, members are qualified to receive a pension from this cumulative amount. Employee Provident Fund Calculation (EPF) You may simulate how much money will accumulate in your EPF account when you retire with the EPF calculator. You may calculate the lump-sum amount, which includes the interest that has accumulated on the investment as well as your contribution and the employer’s contribution. You can input your current age, basic monthly salary, dearness allowance, EPF contribution, and retirement age up to 58 years in the formula box that is included. You may also input the current EPF balance if you are familiar with the numbers. After you provide the essential information, the calculator will display the EPF funds that will be available to you when you retire. Advantages of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) Advances and withdrawals are both permitted for employees. The nominees or legal heirs are entitled to the PF amount of a dead member. In addition to contributing to the PF, the company also makes the appropriate payments into the employee’s pension, which the employee may access after retirement. Employees are appropriately insured under the EDLI Scheme in order to receive the lump sum payment in the event of death while on the job. Employees are entitled to get tax-free returns thanks to the EEE (Exempt, Exempt, Exempt) tax advantage under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Special advantages are given to employees in the form of interest-bearing income added to their savings. If a member transfers from one establishment where the Provident Fund system is applicable to another, their PF account may be transportable. How is Interest on EPF Calculated? The interest extended on EPF schemes is calculated each month and is calculated by dividing the rate p.a. by 12. Such a method helps to calculate the specific interest that is offered to member employees for a given month.  For example – If the rate of interest is 8.5% p.a., the rate for each month would be (8.5/12) %, i.e. 0.7125%.  Now, 12% of an individual’s salary is directed towards their EPF account. Assuming that the salary of an individual is Rs. 15,000 per month – 12% of Rs. 15,000 would accrue Rs. 18, 00 by month-end which would be transferred to the individual’s EPF account. Now, employers contribute 3.67% towards their EPF account, while 8.5% is contributed towards their EPS account. The contribution towards the EPF account would be –3.67% of Rs. 15,000 = Rs. 550. The total contribution towards the EPF

Large organisations have different levels of hierarchy and multiple managers to handle numerous business functionalities. Top managers are the senior-most employees in a company and play a critical role in the overall functioning of an organisation. Knowing the responsibilities of top managers can help you decide whether a senior managerial role suits your interests and skills. With reference to company management there are various stakeholders like directors, officers, managers and shareholders who guide a company towards the fulfilment of its business objectives. Management has been defined as “the process of planning, organizing, leading and controlling the efforts of company members and of using all company resources to achieve stated company goals.” Hence, the occupation of management is to maintain control over the company’s actions and performance, and simultaneously to lead, inspire and direct the people working in the company. Need for management and control of a company To achieve this goal, every company needs strong and effective management. There are different levels of management that aim to organise and coordinate the business of the Company. Literally, management means the process of planning and organising the resources and activities of a business to achieve a goal. Efficient management can complete the task with minimal cost; in this respect, it can be said that efficient management is the primary need of a company. Most of the management team supervises a company, its service, or its production. However, an efficient body of management should be multidimensional. It will influence their team members to apply their strengths towards achieving the company’s goal. A dynamic body of management adapts to new market requirements by implying updated technology. An intangible body of management consists of ideology, policies, and human interaction; it helps to improve a company’s target achievement ratios, employee satisfaction levels, and overall ease of operation. Management and control of a company Management of the company means the process of planning, organising, leading, and controlling all the efforts of the company members and using all the resources of the company to achieve the company’s goal. To fulfil the goal or objective of the company, there are a number of stakeholders, like directors, managers, officers, and shareholders. In a simple sentence, it can be said that forming such bodies of members and, accordingly, proper planning to achieve goals is the responsibility of the management of the company in general. In the management of companies, every individual, whether legal or natural, has a specific role and responsibilities to achieve the goals of the company. Maintaining such roles and responsibilities towards every individual attached to the company and the proper distribution of such roles and responsibilities in view of the ultimate development of the company is the main goal of the management of any company. Body of management to control a company The body of management comprises various stakeholders, as said earlier, like directors, managers, officers, shareholders or partners, and executive workers. The entire body of management has specific roles and responsibilities to achieve the ultimate goal of the company. We can define the body of management like owners, partners, or shareholders; at the top they may be called the board directors, or the directors may appoint in the form of managerial, executive, sales, etc.; then come officers like CEO, COO, CTO, CLO, CMO, etc.; then come other executive managers and workers. Arranging funds or accumulating material resources is the main objective or role of the owners, partners, or shareholders; developing ideas with resources and investment to achieve the goal of the company is controlled by chief officers like the CEO, COO, CLO, CMO, etc.; and executing such ideas and making them happen in the real world is the responsibility of the executive managers and workers. Role of Shareholders Shareholders hold shares making them entitled to a share in the profits and the right to be represented by directors at board meetings. Directors are considered the elected representatives of shareholders. Executive directors are made responsible for continuous decision making in the business. Non-executive directors offer regular advice to the company but are not directly involved in the everyday company management. Role of Directors In company management the shareholders will select a board of directors to represent the company’s interests. The following conditions will be observed when selecting the director specifically: A minimum of three directors in the case of a Limited Company Two directors in the case of a Private Limited Company One director in the case of a One Person Company A Managing Director will be selected who has general responsibility for managing the company’s affairs. The managing director with aid and assistance from other directors will select and employ senior managers or officers related to the domain of company management.  Role of Officers Officers of a company are appointed by the Board to Directors to hold various top level roles and responsibilities within the company.  There is no statutory requirement for appointment of officers in a company. However, Directors are statutorily required to be appointed for all company by its shareholders. Some of the most popular types of officers of a company are: Chief Executive Officer Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking person in a company who is ultimately responsible for taking managerial decisions for the day to day operation of the company. Chief Operating Officer Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior executive who oversees ongoing business operations within the company. COO reports to the CEO (Chief Executive Officer) and is usually second-in-command within the company. Chief Financial Officer Chief financial officer (CFO) is a senior financial executive with responsibility for the financial affairs of a company. Typical responsibilities of the CFO include planning, budgeting, bookkeeping, accounting, setting up of internal controls, fund raising and other accounting/financial matters. Chief Technology Officer Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is a senior technology executive within a company who oversees current technology development and maintenance aspects. Typical responsibilities of a CT include aligning of technology-related decisions with the company’s goals, managing technology development, maintaining technology assets and create technology policies. Chief Marketing Officer Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is a senior marketing executive

Employee Provident Fund (EPF)  is a fund meant for employee welfare. Every month, 12% of the employee’s basic salary and dearness allowance is contributed to this fund account. Besides the employee, the employer also contributes an equal amount in EPF. An employee can withdraw this PF balance according to the PF withdrawal rules. If the amount withdrawn exceeds Rs. 50,000 in a year, the government deducts TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) under section 192A of the Income Tax Act. It means you will receive only the balance amount after deduction on withdrawal Form 15G Form 15G is a declaration that can be filled out by fixed deposit holders (individuals less than 60 years of age and HUFs) to ensure that no TDS (tax deduction at source) is deducted from their interest income in a year. As per the income tax rules, it’s mandatory for banks to deduct tax at source (TDS) in case the interest earned on your fixed deposit, recurring deposit, etc. It is more than Rs. 40,000 in a financial year and Rs. 50,000 for senior citizens (form 15H). Form 15G or EPF Form 15G is a document people submit to ensure no TDS is deducted on the interest you earn from your EPF, RD or FD. This form can be filled out by individuals below 60 years of age and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs). For individuals aged 60 years and above have a different form- Form 15H.  Recently, the EPFO Unified portal launched a facility to submit EPF Form 15G for PF, which allows EPF members to withdraw PF online. Also, you can avoid TDS, which is a great benefit. Where to Get Form 15G? Form 15G can be easily found and downloaded for free from the website of all major banks in India, as well as the official EPFO portal. Additionally, this form can also be easily downloaded from the Income Tax Department website. Moreover, you also have the facility to submit form 15G online on the website of most major banks in India. Is Form 15G Mandatory for PF Withdrawal? Yes, Form 15G is mandatory if you don’t want TDS to be deducted from the PF withdrawal amount. Section 192A of the Finance Act 2015 states that PF withdrawal will attract TDS if the withdrawal amount is more than Rs.50,000 and your employment tenure is of less than 5 years. Keeping these above conditions in view, these are the PF withdrawal rules that will be applicable: 10% TDS: if you submit your PAN card but fail to submit Form 15G 20% TDS: if you fail to submit both your PAN card and Form 15G No TDS if you submit Form 15G. Can We Submit Form 15G Online for PF Withdrawal? Firstly, log in to the EPFO UAN portal Then, select ‘Online Services’ and click on ‘Claim’ For verification, enter your bank account number and click on ‘Verify’ Press on ‘Upload Form 15G’ below the ‘I want to apply for’ option How to Fill Form 15G for PF Withdrawal? Login to EPFO UAN Unified Portal for members. Click on the Online Services option. Verify the last 4 digit Bank account. You are required to fill out only Part I of Form 15G for PF withdrawal. Follow these instructions to fill up the other fields in Form 15G: Name of the Assessee (Declarant) – Name must be as per your PAN Card PAN of the Assessee: Form 15G can be submitted only by an individual and not by any firm or company. Enter your valid PAN card number and make sure the fourth letter of the PAN card number is ‘P’ otherwise your declaration will be treated as invalid.  Status: Your applicable income tax status ,i.e Individual in this case. Previous Year: You have to select the financial year in which you are claiming the non-deduction of TDS. Residential Status: Mention ‘Resident’ as your residential status because NRI is not allowed to submit Form 15G. Address: Mention your address, preferably the one mentioned in the Aadhaar card along with your PIN code. Email ID and phone number: Provide a valid email ID and your contact number for further communications. (a) Whether assessed to tax under the Income-tax Act, 1961: Place a tick in the ‘’Yes’’ box if you filed an ITR in any of the last few years.(b) If yes, latest assessment year for which assessed: Look at the assessment year from the latest ITR and mention the same. Estimated income for which this declaration is made: In this field, mention the estimated withdrawal amount. Estimated total income of the P.Y. in which income mentioned in column 16 to be included: Mention the total estimated income of the financial year in which you plan to withdraw the PF amount. Details of Form No. 15G other than this form filed during the previous year, if any: If you have filed another Form 15G anytime during the financial year, then mention the total number of Form 15Gs filled and the total of income amount of all these forms, i.e. total up the amount in filed (16) of all the forms. Details of income for which the declaration is filed: In the last part you need to provide the following income details:  Investment identification number Nature of Income Section under which tax is deductible Amount of Income TDS on EPF Withdrawal Rules According to section 192A of the Finance Act, 2015, EPF withdrawal will attract TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) if the withdrawal amount is more than Rs.50,000 and you worked for less than 5 years. One can also use Form 15H to fill the TDS exemption, the only difference is Form 15G is for those who are below 60 years of age, whereas Form 15H is for those whose age is more than 60 years. When is the TDS Applicable? In case the employee wishes to withdraw his/her EPF amount, which is more than or equal to Rs.50 000 with less than 5 years of service. 1) TDS is deducted at 10% if an employee submits the PAN Card (But the 15G form for EPF/15H is not

Halal is an Arabic term which means ‘permissible or lawful’. Halal is related to Islam and its dietary laws an is specifically related to meat processed and prepared as per the requirements of the laws.  On the other hand, Haram is an Arabic term which means ‘prohibited or forbidden’. As per the Quran, there are several products which are haram for the followers of Islam. These are– Alcohol, dead animal before its slaughter, blood and its by-products, pork and stunned meat (without halal process). Halal Certification in India Halal Certification is predominantly obtained for food and food-related products, and it is essential in Islamic countries. The term “Halal” is derived from the Quran, which means “permitted” or “lawful.” Therefore, according to Islamic law, the Shariah, the Certification is used for Food and other consumables permissible for consumption. Halal Certification emphasizes cleanliness in all aspects of a person’s life, and Halal foods ensure that the Food consumed by individuals is clean, hygienic, and does not harm their health or well-being. The Certification guarantees that the food product is safe for consumption. With the increasing awareness of Halal foods, more businesses are seeking Halal Certification for their products, restaurants, premises, etc. In India, a Halal Certificate is a document issued by a Halal certification body or authority confirming that a product or service complies with Islamic dietary laws and guidelines and is permissible or “Halal” for consumption by Muslims. Halal Certification in India is significant for food and beverage products, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. Still, it can also apply to other non-food products or services. Businesses seeking Halal Certification in India must comply with the relevant standards and guidelines set forth by the certification body or authority and undergo a rigorous inspection and audit process to ensure compliance. What does Halal law states? 1- Only a Muslim man can slaughter the animal. In many texts, it is also mentioned that if Jews and Christians slaughter the animals following the rest of the steps (Halal procedure), the meat is halal as per the Islamic dietary laws.  2- The animal must be slaughtered with the help of a sharp knife with a cut to the jugular vein, carotid artery and windpipe.  3- The Quranic verse must be read while slaughtering the animal and is known as Tasmiya or Shahada.  4- At the time of slaughter, the animal must be alive and healthy.  The maximum amount of blood must be drained from the veins of the carcass.  5- Consuming meat of an animal which is already dead or other than the halal process is prohibited in Islam.  Types of Halal Certification The type of Halal Certification varies depending on the nature of the business. Typically, restaurants, hotels, slaughterhouses, and packaging and labeling materials seek Halal Certification to ensure they meet the requirements of Muslim consumers. However, Halal Certification is not limited to food production alone. Other products, such as non-alcoholic beverages, raw materials for food processing, pharmaceutical and healthcare products, traditional herbal products, cosmetics, personal care products, cleaning products, and everyday consumer goods, can also obtain Halal Certification. Halal Certification Bodies offer Certification under various schemes, including the Food, and Catering Scheme, Restaurant Scheme, Industrial Scheme, Abattoir Scheme, Warehouse or Storage Scheme, and Product Endorsement Scheme Halal Certification halal certification is given by the government. In India, FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) certification can be seen on almost all the processed foods but this authority doesn’t give halal certification in India.  Halal certification is given by many private companies in India which marks the food or products permissible for the followers of Islam. Important halal certification companies in India are:1- Halal India Private Limited.2- Halal Certification Services India Private Limited.3- Jamiat Ulama-E-Maharashtra- A state unit of Jamiat Ulama-E-Hind. 4- Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust.  Advantages of expanding your business, the Halal way Access to a growing market: By obtaining a Halal Certificate, businesses can tap into this growing market and reach a wider audience. Increased consumer trust and confidence: By obtaining a Halal Certificate, businesses can demonstrate to Muslim consumers that their products or services meet these standards, which can help build trust and confidence in the brand. Compliance with regulatory requirements: Some states in India, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, require Halal Certification for specific products or services to be sold in their markets. By obtaining a Halal Certificate, businesses can ensure that their products or services meet regulatory requirements and avoid legal or regulatory issues. Global recognition: Halal Certification in India is recognized worldwide, and obtaining this Certification can help businesses expand into international markets where Halal products and services are in high demand. Competitive advantage: A Halal Certificate can give businesses a competitive edge over other companies that do not have this Certification. Businesses having this Certification can make a business more appealing to them. Validity of Halal Certificate The validity of a Halal Certificate typically lasts for one year. Still, it is subject to certain conditions and may be revoked if the product or process no longer meets the Halal Certification requirements. Requirements of Halal Certificate Ingredients: All ingredients used in the product must be Halal. This means that the ingredients must not come from non-Halal animals or contain any non-Halal additives or preservatives. Manufacturing Process: The manufacturing process used to produce the product must also be Halal. This includes the use of equipment and utensils that are free from non-Halal substances and the use of Halal-certified cleaning products. Packaging: The packaging material used for the product must also be Halal. This means it must not contain any non-Halal substances or come into contact with non-Halal substances during manufacturing. Storage and Transportation: The product must be stored and transported to ensure it remains Halal. This includes using dedicated storage areas and vehicles free from non-Halal substances. Certification: The business must obtain a Halal Certificate from a recognized Halal Certification Body that verifies that the product and manufacturing process meet Halal standards. In India, Halal certification bodies must be registered with the Halal Board of India. Compliance: The business must comply with

Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 is the Act that regulates the labour laws as it concerns all the workmen or all the people employed on the Indian mainland. It came into force on 1 April 1947. The capitalists or the employer and the workers always had a difference of opinion and thus, it leads to lots of conflicts among and within both of these groups. So, these issues were brought to the attention of the government and so they decided to pass this Act. This Act was formed with the main objective of bringing peace and harmony to industrial disputes between parties and solving their issues in a peaceful manner.  Scope and Object This is an Act made for the examination and settlement of industrial disputes, and for different purposes too. This Act centers around any industry carried on by or under the authority of the Central Government, or by a railway organization or concerning any such controlled industry as might be indicated for this benefit by the Central Government.  Main features of the Act This Act furnishes us with specific guidelines and guidelines in regards to the works committee for both the businesses and all the workmen to advance measures for good working relations and comprehension among the workmen and the businesses later on, and to end that, it additionally vows to resolve any material difference in views of opinion in regard to such issues. Definition of Industrial Dispute Industrial dispute implies any distinction of conclusion, contest, injury between the business and the representatives, or between the laborers and bosses, or between the labourers or workers itself which is all concerned with the work or non-business terms or terms of business dependent on the terms of state of work of any person. Workman The expression “workman” signifies any individual (counting a student or apprentice) who works in an industry who needs to do any manual, skilled/unskilled, incompetent, specialized, operational, administrative, supervisory and so forth work for contract or reward, regardless of whether the terms of business are communicated or inferred, and for motivations behind any procedure under this Act in connection to an industrial dispute, incorporates any person who has been expelled, released or saved regarding, or as an outcome of the case, or who’s rejection, release or conservation has prompted that dispute, however, does exclude any such individual-  who is dependent upon the Air Force Act 1950, or the Army Act 1950, or the Navy Act 1957; who is employed in the police administration or as an official or other representative of a jail; who is employed primarily in an administrative or managerial limit. An individual, being underemployed in a supervisory limit draws compensation surpassing Rs. 10000 for every month or activities, either by the idea of the obligations to the workplace or by reason of forces vested in him, works fundamentally of an administrative sort.  Lay-off  Layoff or “Cutback” signifies the refusal or lack of power to refuse, disappointment or failure of a business by virtue of lack of coal, power or crude material, etc. or the aggregation of stocks or the breakdown of apparatus to offer work to a workman whose name is on the muster rolls of his industrial foundation and who has not been retrenched. Objectives of the Industrial Disputes Act To support measures for securing and preserving good relations between employers and employees. To provide suitable machinery for the equitable and peaceful settlement of industrial disputes. To prevent illegal strikes and lockouts. To afford relief to workers against layoffs, retrenchment, wrongful dismissal and victimisation. To promote collective bargaining. To improve the conditions of workers. To avoid unfair labour practices. Features of the Act The act applies to entire India also includes the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It favours arbitration over the disputes between employers and workers. It affords for setting up of works committees as machinery for mutual discussion between employers and workers to promote friendly relation. The act paved the way for creating permanent conciliation machinery at various stages having definite time limits for conciliation and arbitration. This act emphasis on compulsory adjudication apart from the conciliation and voluntary arbitration of Industrial Disputes. The Act empowers the Government to refer the dispute to an appropriate authority, i.e., Labour Court, Industrial tribunal and National tribunal depending upon the nature of the dispute either on its own or on the request of the parties. Authorities under the Act Section 3: Works board of trustees  If there should be an occurrence in any industrial foundation wherein one hundred or more workers are employed in a day or in the previous year, the concerned government may be a general or an exceptional offer require the business to do in the endorsed way, a works advisory group comprising of delegates of representatives and workers occupied with the foundation so that the quantity of agents of workers on the Committee will not be not exactly the quantity of agents of the business. The delegates of the workers will be picked in the recommended way from among the workers occupied with the foundation and in counsel with their worker’s guild, assuming any, enrolled under the Indian Trade Unions Act.  It is the obligation of the works advisory group to advance proportions of verifying and saving great and serene relations between the businesses and the workers and the end that, to finalise upon the issues of their normal intrigue or attempt to make any material contrast out of perspectives in such issues.  Section 4: Conciliation Officer The fitting government may, by seeing in the authority, name such people as it believes fit to be conciliation officials, delegated of the obligation of intervening and advancing the settlement of industrial audits.  An appeasement official might be designated for a predetermined zone or for explicit industries in a predefined region or for at least one explicit industry and either for all time or for a constrained period.  Section 5: Boards of Conciliation The reasonable Government may as an event emerges by notice in the Official