Union Budget 2023-24
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  • Can the name and address of proprietor be changed in the design register?

    Name and address of the registered proprietor, or address for service can be altered in the register of designs provided this alteration is not made by way of change of ownership through conveyance i.e. deed of assignment, transmission, licence agreement or by any operation of law. Application in form-22 with prescribed fee should be filed to the Controller of Designs with all necessary documents in support of the application as required.

    For more information, click here

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  • What is the effect of registration of design?

    The registration of a design confers upon the registered proprietor ‘Copyright’ in the design for the period of registration. ‘Copyright’ means the exclusive right to apply a design to the article belonging to the class in which it is registered.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is meant by classification of goods mentioned in the Third Schedule of a design?

    The applications for registration of designs applied to articles are classified according to the Third Schedule of Designs Rules, 2001 for its classification. This is mainly based on the International Classification System for Industrial Designs known as Locarno Classification. Only one class number is to be mentioned in one particular application which is mandatory under the Rules. This classification has been made on the basis of Articles on which the design is applied.

    Subsequent application by the same proprietor for registration of same or similar design applied to any article of the same class is possible, but period of registration will be valid only up to period of previous registration of same design.

    For more information, click here.

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  • How can the lapsed design be restored owing to non-payment of extension within the stipulated time?

    A registration of design will cease to be effective on non-payment of extension fee for further term of five years if the same is not paid before the expiry of original period of 10 years. However, lapsed designs may be restored provided the following conditions are satisfied:

    • Application for restoration in Form-4 with prescribed fees is filed within one year from the date of lapse stating the ground for such non-payment of extension fee with sufficient reasons
    • If the application for restoration is allowed the proprietor is required to pay the prescribed extension fee and requisite additional fee and finally the lapsed registration is restored

    For more information, click here 

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  • When does the applicant for Registration of Design get the registration certificate?

    When an application for registration of a Design is in order, it is accepted and registered and then a certificate of registration is issued to the applicant. However, a separate request should be made to the Controller for obtaining a certified copy of the certificate for legal proceeding with requisite fee.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is a Register of Designs under the Designs Act of 2000?

    The Register of Designs is a document maintained by The Patent Office, Kolkata as a statutory requirement. It contains the design number, class number, date of filing (in this country) and reciprocity date (if any), name and address of Proprietor and such other matters as would affect the validity of proprietorship of the design and it is open for public inspection on payment of prescribed fee & extract from register may also be obtained on request with the prescribed fee. For further details please access following.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is meant by priority claim under the Designs Act, 2000?

    India is one of the countries party to the Paris Convention so the provisions for the right of priority are applicable. On the basis of a regular first application filed in one of the contracting state, the applicant may within the six months apply for protection in other contracting states, latter application will be regarded as if it had been filed on the same day as the first application.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Can stamps. Labels, tokens, cards be considered an article for the purpose of registration of Design?

    No. Because once the alleged Design i.e., ornamentation is removed only a piece of paper, metal or like material remains and the article referred ceases to exist. Article must have its existence independent of the Designs applied to it.

    For more information, click here.

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  • How does a registration of design stop other people from exploiting?

    Once a design is registered, it gives the legal right to bring an action against those persons (natural/legal entity) who infringe the design right, in the Court not lower than District Court in order to stop such exploitation and to claim any damage to which the registered proprietor is legally entitled.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Whether it is possible to transfer the right of ownership for a design under The Design Act 2000?

    Yes, it is possible to transfer the right through assignment, agreement, transmission with terms and condition in writing or by operation of law. However, certain restrictive conditions not being the subject matter of protection relating to registration of design should not be included in the terms and condition of the contract/agreement etc.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Does Indian Patent give protection worldwide?

    No. Patent protection is a territorial right and therefore, it is effective only within the territory of India. There is no concept of global patent. However, filing an application in India enables the applicant to file a corresponding application for same invention in convention countries or under PCT, within or before expiry of twelve months from the filing date in India. Patents should be obtained in each country where the applicant requires protection of his invention.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Does patent office help in finding users for patent? (Under The Patents Act 1970)

    The Patent Office has no role in the commercialization of patent. However, the information relating to patents is published in the e-journal of the Patent Office in the official website which is freely accessible to the public worldwide. This certainly helps the applicant to attract potential user or licensee. The Patent office also compiles a list of patents which have not been commercially worked in India.

    For further details please access following link.

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  • How can I apply for a patent?

    A patent application can be filed with Indian Patent Office either with provisional specification or with complete specification along with fee as prescribed in schedule I. In case the application is filed with provisional specification, then one has to file complete specification within 12 months from the date of filing of the provisional application.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Is there a possibility for early publication of patents?

    Yes, the applicant can make a request for early publication in Form 9 along with the prescribed fee.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is the term of patent? (Under The Patents Act 1970)

    Term of every patent in India is 20 years from the date of filing of patent application, irrespective of whether it is filed with provisional or complete specification. However, in case of applications filed under PCT, the term of 20 years begins from International filing date.

    For further details please access following link.

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  • Is there provision for filling patent application electronically by online system?

    Yes, one can file patent applications through comprehensive online filing system at https://ipindiaonline.gov.in/epatentfiling/goForLogin/doLogin.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Does patent office help in finding users for patent?

    The Patent Office has no role beyond grant of patent. Since patents are private rights the patent owner is responsible for commercializing the patent either himself or through licensee. However, the information relating to grant of patent is published in the Patent Office journal and also published on the Patent Office website which is accessible to the public worldwide.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Is there any difference in the amount of fees to be paid by an individual or a legal entity for filing a patent application?

    Yes, the Patent Rules provides for different fee for individuals/Startups, SME‘s and legal entity. Details can be seen in the First Schedule of the Patents Rules, 2003 as amended from time to time.

    For more information, click here.

     

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  • When should an application for a patent be filed?

    An application for a patent can be filed at the earliest possible date and should not be delayed. An application filed with provisional specification, disclosing the essence of the nature of the invention helps to register the priority of the invention. Further, the application for patent should be filed before the publication of the invention and until then it should not be disclosed or published.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Can any invention be patented after publication or display in the public exhibition?

    Generally, an invention which has been either published or publicly displayed cannot be patented as such publication or public display leads to lack of novelty. However, under certain circumstances, the Patents Act provides a grace period of 12 months for filing of patent application from the date of its publication in a journal or its public display in an exhibition organised by the Government or disclosure before any learned society or published by applicant.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is the type of return to be submitted by small establishments and very small establishments?

    In both Establishments, a core return in ‘Form A’ is required to be submitted.

    For more information, click here.

     

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  • How can the fees be paid under the building and construction workers act?

    Payment can be made online through shram Suvidha Portal.

    For more information,click here.

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  • Who can file Claim application under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948?

    An employee, any legal practitioner or any official of a registered trade union authorized in writing to act, any inspector under the Act or any person with permission of the authority can file claim under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.


    For further details please access following link.

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  • What are the welfare provisions that need to be made for the workers under the Indian labour laws?

    As per the Indian labour laws, employers need to ensure that following amenities are available to their employees:

    • Canteen (if 250 or more Contract Labour were/are working)
    • Restroom /Shelters/Lunch Rooms (If 150 or more Contract Labour were/are working)
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets/ Urinal/ Washroom
    • First Aid Facility
    • Creche (if 50 or more women workers are ordinarily employed)
    • Washing facilities

    For more information, click here.

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  • Who all are covered under the exemption from furnishing return component of labour laws?

    Establishments which are covered under the exemption from furnishing return component of labour laws:

    • Small Establishment
    • Very Small Establishment

    For more information, click here

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  • Are industrial tribunals allowed to adjudicate upon wage disputes of employees under the act?

    Section 24 of the Industrial disputes Act does not bar the jurisdiction of an Industrial Tribunal to adjudicate upon a dispute relating to the fixation of wages of employees covered under the Act.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What should be done when employer pays less than the prescribed Minimum Wage?

    An aggrieved employee can file a claim application requesting relief before the Authority under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.


    For further details please access following link.

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  • What is the list of occupations that a child cannot be employed in?

    No child shall be employed or permitted to work in any of the occupations set forth in Part A of the Schedule or in any workshop wherein any of the processes set forth in Part B of the Schedule is carried on.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Is the employer obliged to employ people sponsored by employment exchanges under the act?

    No, the employer is not obliged to select or employ a person sponsored by the Employment Exchanges Act, 1959.

    For more information, click here.

     

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  • Earlier I employed 22 Labourers, now I have reduced to 18 workmen, whether my establishment has to continue with the Labour license or surrender under the Contract Labour (R&A) Act, 1970?

    Yes, your establishment will continue to be covered under the provisions of the Contract Labour (R&A) Act, 1970 for a period of one year from the day on which 20 or more workmen were lastly employed.


    For further details please access following link.

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  • What is the defined size for an open offer to be made under SEBI takeover code?

    An open offer, other than a voluntary open offer under Regulation 6, must be made for a minimum of 26% of the target company’s share capital. The size of voluntary open offer under Regulation 6 must be for at least 10% of the target company’s share capital. Further the offer size percentage is calculated on the fully diluted share capital of the target company taking into account potential increase in the number of outstanding shares as on 10th working day from the closure of the open offer.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What does the term control entail as per the guidelines of CCI?

    “Control” means controlling the affairs or management of a target enterprise or group.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What are hostile bids under SEBI takeover code?

    Officially, there is no such term as hostile bid in the regulations. Hostile bid is generally understood to be an unsolicited bid by a person, without any arrangement or MOU with persons currently in control. Any person with or without holding any shares in a target company, can make an offer to acquire shares of a listed company subject to minimum offer size of 26%.

    For more information, click here.

     

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  • Who will collect the stamp duty in case of private placements/ e-IPOs through Stock Exchange platform?

    As per section 9A(1)(c), stamp duty shall be collected by the Depository on any creation or change in the records of a Depository, pursuant to issue of securities. This should be followed even in case of private placements/ e-IPOs through stock exchange platform.

    For more information on Indian Stamp Act, 1899, click here. For more details about the amendments, refer here.

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  • What is tax audit?

    Section 44AB gives the provisions relating to the class of taxpayers who are required to get their accounts audited from a chartered accountant. The audit under section 44AB aims to ascertain the compliance of various provisions of the Income Tax Law and the fulfilment of other requirements of the Income Tax Law. The audit conducted by the chartered accountant of the accounts of the taxpayer in pursuance of the requirement of section 44AB is called tax audit.
    The chartered accountant conducting the tax audit is required to give his findings, observation, etc., in the form of audit report. The report of tax audit is to be given by the chartered accountant in Form Nos. 3CA/3CB and 3CD. 
    As per section 44AB, following persons are compulsorily required to get their accounts audited :
    1) A person carrying on business, if his total sales, turnover or gross receipts (as the case may be) in business for the year exceed or exceeds US$ 145,050. This provision is not applicable to the person, who opts for presumptive taxation scheme under section 44AD and his total sales or turnover does not exceed US$ 290,100.
    2) A person carrying on profession, if his gross receipts in profession for the year exceed US$ 72,525. 
    3) A person who is eligible to opt for the presumptive taxation scheme of section 44AD  but claims the profits or gains for such business to be lower than the profits and gains computed as per the presumptive taxation scheme of section 44AD and his income exceeds the amount which is not chargeable to tax.
    4) If an eligible assesse opts out of the presumptive taxation scheme, after specified period, he cannot choose to revert back to the presumptive taxation scheme for a period of five assessment years thereafter.
    5) A person who is eligible to opt for the presumptive taxation scheme of section 44ADA but he claims the profits or gains for such profession to be lower than the profit and gains computed as per the presumptive taxation scheme and his income exceeds the amount which is not chargeable to tax.
    6) This provision is not applicable to the person, who opts for presumptive taxation scheme under section 44AD and his total sales or turnover does not exceed US$ 290,100.
    7) A person who is eligible to opt for the presumptive taxation scheme of sections 44AE but he claims the profits or gains for such business to be lower than the profits and gains computed as per the presumptive taxation scheme of sections 44AE.
    8) A person who is eligible to opt for the taxation scheme prescribed under section 44BB or section 44BBB but he claims the profits or gains for such business to be lower than the profits and gains computed as per the taxation scheme of these sections.
     
    Section 44BB is applicable to non-resident taxpayers engaged in the business of providing services or facilities in connection with or supplying plant and machinery on hire basis to be used in exploration of mineral oils. Section 44BBB is applicable to foreign companies engaged in the business of civil construction, erection of plant or machinery, or testing or commissioning thereof, in connection with a turnkey power project. 

    For detailed provision of 44AD, 44AE, 44ADA, 44BB and 44BBE, refer Sec 44 AB on the link.
     

     

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  • How will I know how much Income-tax I have to pay?

    ​​​The rates of Income-tax and corporate taxes are available in the Finance Act passed by the Parliament every year. You can also check your tax liability by using the free online tax calculator available at link.

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  • Who are the persons liable to take registration under the GST Law?

    Every supplier (including his agent) who makes a taxable supply, i.e., supply of goods and / or services which are leviable to tax under GST law and whose aggregate turn over in a financial year exceeds the threshold limit of INR 4 million is liable to register himself in the state or the union territory of Delhi or Puducherry from where he makes the taxable supply.

    In case of eleven special category states, this threshold limit for registration liability is INR 2 million.

    Besides, GST provisions mentions certain categories of suppliers who shall be liable to take registration even if their aggregate turnover is below the said threshold limit of INR 4 million.

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  • How are the applicable tax rates decided?

    The rates of Income-tax and corporate taxes are decided by the Finance Act passed by the Parliament every year. There is a free online tax calculator present at www.incometaxindia.gov.in where once can check his/her tax liability.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Is stamp duty applicable at multiple levels of a single transaction (on account of procedural requirements) and to which state government should the stamp duty amount be transferred in such cases?

    It should be ensured that a double incidence of stamp duty doesn’t occur on any transaction. Where, before being credited in the buyer’s Demat account, the securities were transferred from the Demat accounts of an issuer to the clearing corporation, member, etc., the stamp duty shall be transferred to the state government where the residence of the buyer is located.

    For more information on Indian Stamp Act, 1899, click here. For more details about the amendments, refer here.

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  • How early does one need to register under Goods and Service Tax?

    Time Limit for GST Registration:

    a) 30 days for Regular Person

    b) 5 days for Casual Person

    c) Territorial Waters: Supplier from the territorial waters of India shall obtain registration in the coastal State or Union territory where the nearest point of baseline is located.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What are the relevant tax registration under the Indian tax laws?

    All taxpayers in India are required to apply for and obtain their tax registration number, known as a Permanent Account Number (PAN). PAN is a pre-requisite to file income-tax returns and to open a bank account. PAN is also reported by the person withholding the tax in the withholding tax returns and thereafter issues withholding certificates enabling them to claim the credit of tax so deducted while filing the income-tax return in India.

    Further, every person liable to withhold tax at source or collect tax at source is also required to obtain Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN).

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  • What is transitional relaxation on tax on buybacks by listed companies?

    The Finance (No.2) Act 2019 has been extended to listed companies with effect from 5 July 2019. This created hardships for listed companies who had publicly announced buy-backs before 5 July 2019 but not completed it by that date. The Ordinance relaxes the applicability in respect of buy-backs by listed companies in reference of which public announcement of buyback as per regulatory norms has been made before 5 July 2019. Thus, the buy-back tax will apply in case of listed companies where public announcement of buyback is made on or after 5 July 2019.

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  • The amended provisions of the Stamp Act and Rules made thereunder will come into force from which date?

    The amended provisions of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 brought through Finance Act, 2019 and Rules made thereunder shall come into force w.e.f 1st July, 2020.

    For more information on Indian Stamp Act, 1899, click here. For more details about the amendments, refer here.

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  • Can an Indian company invoice in Indian Rupees? Will such a company be eligible for exports benefits?

    As per para 2.52 FTP 2015-20, all export contracts and invoices shall be denominated either in freely convertible currency or Indian rupees but export proceeds shall be realized in freely convertible currency. However, export proceeds against specific exports may also be realized in rupees, provided it is through a freely convertible Vostro account of a non resident bank situated in any country other than a member country of Asian Clearing Union (ACU) or Nepal or Bhutan. Additionally, rupee payment through Vostro account must be against payment in free foreign currency by buyer in his non-resident bank account. Free foreign exchange remitted by buyer to his non-resident bank (after deducting bank service charges) on account of this transaction would be taken as export realization under export promotion schemes of FTP.

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  • Does my product fall under the restricted list of export or import regulations?

    The Directorate General of Foreign Trade publishes a general list of restricted imports that can be accessed from this link.

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  • What are ITC(HS) Codes?

    ITC(HS) Code or better known as Indian Trade Classification (Harmonized System) Code was adopted in India for import – export operations. ITC (HS) is a compilation of codes for all merchandise / goods for export/ import. Goods are classified based on their group or sub-group at 2/4/6/8 digits. ITC (HS) is aligned at 6 digit level with international Harmonized System goods nomenclature maintained by World Customs Organization Link. However, India maintains national Harmonized System of goods at 8 digit level which may be viewed through the following Link

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  • Can we avail benefit of basic customs duty under post Exports EPCG if I am not availing CENVAT. How will the export obligation under EPCG would be fixed under post export EPCG Scheme?

    Duty credit scrips issued under Post Export EPCG Scheme will be issued only in respect of basic customs duty, even when you are not availing CENVAT.  Since the concession under post exports EPCG is confined to basic customs duty, the Export Obligation shall be fixed with reference to the basic customs duty paid by you. However, you will be required to furnish a certificate from Central Excise regarding non-availment of CENVAT credit. Such certificate from central excise regarding non-availing of CENVAT credit will not be required where the unit is not registered with central excise.

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  • What is the duration to get an IEC after filing application for Import Export Code number?

    Normally IEC number is issued within two to three days, if all documents are in order.  

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  • What is provisional assessment?

    When an importer/ exporter is unable to produce necessary  documents or information for assessment of duty on goods, or when the necessary documents are needed to produce but the proper officer of customs may deem it necessary to make further enquiry for assessing the duty, he may resort to provisional assessment, pending such enquiry a provisional assessment of goods maybe be requested. 

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  • How to set up an import export unit in India?

    For an individual/ business unit to avail incentives under the Foreign Trade Policy, it must first register itself as an EXIM unit. Following are the broad steps to register as an EXIM unit:

    1. Incorporation of Company
    2.  To open a current account
    3. Obtain Import export code/PAN
    4. Obtain registration cum membership certificate
    5. Get risk coverage policy

    For more information, click here

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  • Can a Public Limited Co. / Private Limited Co./ Partnership obtain different IECs for different concerns owned by it ?

    No. However, the name of each concern owned by such a company may be included in the IEC of the firm in whose name PAN exists, as a branch.

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  • Can we discharge export obligation under EPCG by selling ITA 1 products in the domestic market?

    Supply of ITA-1 items to Domestic Tariff Area, provided realization is in free foreign exchange, is considered for meeting the export obligation under EPCG Scheme and thus you can do it.

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  • Is PAN Number / PAN card essential for IEC? What are the alternatives?

    After introduction of GST, PAN is the IEC. 

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  • Are there any specific restriction on BOEs to conduct third-party inspections?

    There are no restrictions on BOE if they are authorized under section 34(3) of the Boilers Act 1923.

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  • What is the process for integration of the data pertaining to cases pending/resolved before the Civil Courts?

    Data pertaining to cases pending/resolved before the Civil Courts is available with the Court Registry or respective filing section(s) of the Revenue/District Courts and High Court in the State. The same falls within the purview of the State and should be integrated/ linked with the record of each parcel of land.

    Further, it has been represented by some States that integration of land records and civil court case data is under consideration of the Supreme Court ecommittee. The Case Information Management System will include details of land in relation to civil court case data. In this regard, the States/UT's are advised to pursue the same for implementation with the Supreme Court e-committee. DIPP will assist States/UTs in this regard, as is required.

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  • Whether both registration and renewal feature required to be developed?

    The State shall develop feature only for registration under Shops and Establishments Act. The “Registration and renewal under The Shops and Establishments Act” refers only to the main heading of the reforms.

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  • When a user enters the survey number/property identification number on the website, the information like land transaction deed, property tax, revenue court case details and civil court case data can be shown on a single web-page of the website?

    Details of land transaction deed, property tax etc. must be displayed on a single web page on one website in a consolidated format.

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  • .Should requirement for renewal of registration under Shops and Establishments Act be eliminated?

    Yes. The State should encourage voluntary update of information by the establishment and remove requirement for renewal of registration under Shops and Establishments Act

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  • Which Departments would fall under the term “Departments involved” as Stated in reform action plan point 1-sub point number (iii)?

    The “Departments involved” means the Departments whose clearances/ approvals/ NOCs are required prior to applying for a particular service.

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  • Does mapping of civil court case data with survey number or property identification number, fall under the purview of the State Government as this data is with Hon’ble Supreme Court for all the States/UTs?

    The State should coordinate with their respective High Courts and in case of any concern, DIPP shall discuss the same with the D/o Justice.

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  • Whether State can exempt any Act under which returns are not to be filed?

    The State may exclude the Act(s) under which there is no requirement to file return. However, the State should submit necessary evidence for nonapplicability of the reform point.

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  • What are “links to online application forms” that have to be provided in the Information Wizards?

    The link should be provided for the Single Window System or the online portal where the applicant can apply for the permission against which it is listed.

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