Bill enabling NRIs to vote approved

Non-Resident Indians can hope to cast votes in their home country as the Rajya Sabha on passed a bill to provide them voting rights.

“We are not doing them any charity,” Law Minister M Veerappa Moily said, while replying to a brief debate on a billthat seeks to amend the Representation of Peoples Act.

He said by this amendment the country would be acknowledging their rights.

Referring to the proposed electoral reforms, Moily said the national consultations would be held in October-November.

Government, he said, would bring a bill in this regard, after consultations are completed and the report of an expert committee.

The bill, is aimed at providing Indians, who have not acquired the citizenship of any other country and are away, entitlements to have their names registered in the electoral rolls. The law minister clarified that the proposed legislation does not give NRIs right to contest elections.

Those having dual citizenship would also have no right to vote, he said.

Their names will figure in the constituencies in which their place of residence falls, as mentioned in the passport.

The Central government would specify, after consulting the Election Commission, the time within which the name of the persons shall be registered in the electoral rolls.

He said the right to vote, as demanded by citizens of India living abroad, is a legitimate one and conferring such rights will enable them to participate in the democratic process.

Earlier, participating in the debate, members raised doubts about how government would ensure that NRIs would be able to cast their votes.

The bill is yet to be introduced in Lok Sabha.

Weighted Deduction Increased to 175% W.E.F 1st April 2010 For Sum Paid out of Buisiness Income to University and other Educational Institutions for Sc

The Income Tax Act, 1961, before amendment by Finance Act, 1961, before amendment by Finance Act, 2010, allowed a weighted deduction of 125% for any sum paid out of business income to a university, college or other institution in case the amount is used for scientific research. Similar weighted deduction of 125% was also allowed for any sum paid out of business income to a national laboratory or a university or Indian Institute of Technology for the purpose of an approved scientific research programme. The Finance Act 2010 has increased the above-mentioned weighted deduction from 125% to 175% with effect from 1^st April, 2010. Any sum paid to a hospital does not qualify for weighted deduction under the Income Tax Act 1961.

The weighted deduction from business income is allowed for incentivising research and development in the country. Consequently, the weighted deduction is allowed with a condition that the donation received by the recipient organization will be used for scientific research and development. As an orphanage is not engaged in any research and development, it can not be included in the scheme specifically meant for encouraging research and development. However, donation to a hosptital approved under section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 qualifies for deduction at the rate of 50% of the donation.

New Rupee Symbol of India - How to use in computers - Font

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSfhzuU7Crw

Pre-Departure General Checklist for Students Going Abroad

he first thing that any study abroad student needs to do before leaving his or her homeland is to prepare a Pre-departure checklist. It will help you to remember everything and not forget anything that you might require in going to, during your prolonged stay or coming back from the foreign country. Your checklist should include:

Documents that you may require on your journey - You will need required documents to prove that you have adequate money to pay your fees and support yourself while studying such as recent bank statements, proof ofscholarships or any other financial support that you are eligible to get for your studies abroad program and letter of financial support from family members. Other papers that are compulsory are:

• Air-tickets,
• Address and telephone numbers of your final destination,
• Insurance documents,
• A valid passport that will not expire during your stay in the country abroad, and
• Letter of acceptance from your institute of study.

Other preparations - You will have to arrange for the required money to go and settle down well in the respective country and submit all the forms that are required by your college or school or university. Accommodation forms are especially considered very important to submit. Other things you need to do are:

• Obtain a letter of explanation from your doctor and an ample supply of the medication if you are currently using medication of any kind.
• Get the medical insurance.
• Make sure you know exactly when and where you are supposed to arrive at your place of study.
• Do not forget to have your student's identification card.
• Have at least three passport-size photographs with you.
• Label your entire luggage with your name and address.
• Make a list of what you have packed in each item of your main luggage, in case you need to make an insurance claim.
• Ensure that you are not carrying any of the 'prohibited and restricted goods' with your luggage such as steroids, firearms, weapons and any kind of illicit drugs.

Finally make a list of various queries you need to make regarding Housing, Communication and other important factors that you need to know about to make your study trip a perfect and problem-free one.