Understand New FTP 2009 – introduction of towns for export excellence,diamond bourses,EDI & more technology benefits apart from increase in duty scrips and extension of time limits

The New FTP Policy is released and shall come into force w.e.f. 27th August, 2009.  Kindly note, FTP is a Export Import (EXIM) policy published by Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)  under Ministry of Commerce under the powers of Foreign Trade (Development & Regulation) Act, 1992.  FTP is published for every 5 years.

Source : Foreign Trade Policy 2009-2014 & Foreign Trade Procedures 2009-2014 [Handbook of Procedures (Volume 1) & Appendices]

Erstwhile foreign trade policy (FTP) 2004-2009 had set two objectives, namely,

(i) to double our percentage share of global merchandize trade within 5 years and (ii) use trade expansion as an effective instrument of economic growth and employment generation.

Understand the basics of Policy from WTO - FTP - Understand this way ....

FOREIGN TRADE POLICY [FTP] 2009 – 2014

Understand the basic amendments,

• To make the environment conducive for foreign trade and it was decided to continue with the DEPB Scheme upto December 2010 and income tax benefits.
• Further under Section 10A for IT industry (STPI) and under Section 10B of Income Tax Act for 100% export oriented units for one additional year till 31st March 2011.
• To encourage value addition in our manufactured exports and towards this end, have stipulated a minimum 15% value addition on imported inputs under advance authorization scheme.
• The Government seeks to promote Brand India through 6 or more ‘Made in India’ shows to be organized across the world every year.
• Technological upgradation of exports is sought to be achieved by promoting imports of capital goods for certain sectors under EPCG at 0% duty.  Additional Duty Credit Scrips shall be given to Status Holders @ 1% of the FOB value of past exports.  The duty credit scrips can be used for procurement of capital goods with Actual User condition.  This Scheme will be available for engineering & electronic products, basic chemicals & pharmaceuticals, apparels & textiles, plastics, handicrafts, chemicals & allied products and leather & leather products (subject to exclusions of current beneficiaries under Technological Upgradation Fund Schemes (TUFS), administered by Ministry of Textiles and beneficiaries of Status Holder Incentive Scheme in that particular year). The scheme shall be in operation till 31.3.2011.
• For upgradation of export sector infrastructure, ‘Towns of Export Excellence’ and units located therein would be granted additional focused support and incentives.  For instance, Jaipur, Srinagar and Anantnag have been recognised as ‘Towns of Export Excellence’ for handicrafts; Kanpur, Dewas and Ambur have been recognised as ‘Towns of Export Excellence’ for leather products; and Malihabad
  for horticultural products.
• To enable support to Indian industry and exporters, especially the Micro Small & Medium Enterprises, in availing their rights through trade remedy instruments under the WTO framework, we propose to set up a Directorate of Trade Remedy Measures.
• In order to reduce the transaction cost and institutional bottlenecks, the e-trade project would be implemented in a time bound manner to bring all stake holders on a common platform.  Additional ports/locations would be enabled on the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) over the next few years.
• To further EDI initiatives, Export Promotion Councils/Commodity Boards have been advised to issue RCMC through a web based online system. It is expected that issuance of RCMC would become EDI enabled before the end of 2009. 
• An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been established to serve as a single window mechanism for resolution of trade related grievances.
• In an endeavour to make India a diamond international trading hub, it is planned to establish “Diamond Bourse(s)”.

Understand more highlights from Highlights of Foreign Trade Policy

What next after CS exam results August 2009, register for Executive or Professional program & finish NIIT, TOP, ADP, SMTP from ICSI

The results of the CS Foundation Course, Intermediate and Final (Old Syllabus) and Foundation Programme, Intermediate/Executive Programme, and Professional Programme (New Syllabus) examinations of the Company Secretaries held in June, 2009 are scheduled to be declared at 12.00 Noon on 25^th August, 2009 at www.icsi.edu and also try www.icsi.in

HEARTIEST WISHES FOR EVERY ONE WHO HAS WON & IN THE PROCESS OF WINNING COMPANY SECRETARY EXAMS

Candidates registered upto and including the month of August in a year are eligible for appearing in both the groups of the Executive Programme or all 4 modules of Professional Programme examination held in June of next year. So, its mandatory for you to submit prescribed forms before 31st August 2009 to appear for all modules in December 2009.  There is one another new requirement in lieu of TOP, SMTP, etc…which is called Student Induction Programme (SIP), Executive Development Programme (EDP)  and Professional Development Programme (PDP) from 1st September 2009 0nwards, so make your enrolment fast.

Before visiting the nearest ICSI office, make sure you are ready with following things:

For Foundation passed:

1. Click here to register online for CS Executive Program Application - http://www.icsi.edu:8888/registration/main_online.aspx and arrange for fees as per http://www.icsi.edu/LinkClick.aspx?link=http%3a%2f%2fwww.icsi.edu%2fwebmodules%2flinksofweeks%2fREVISION+OF+FEES.doc&tabid=528&mid=3166
2. Get to know your subjects and classes schedules at http://csexecutiveprogram.blogspot.com
3. Register for Computer Training with NIIT or produce your Certificates to write Exemption exam (Detailed FAQs) on or before February 2010
4. Get your Bcom degree too BCom CS Executive & MCom CS Professional programme is possible -IGNOU & ICSI offers this mutli-degrees for Company Secretaries
5. Get your scholarship based on your school marks from 10&12th Standard Marks for 100% Company Secretary Course fees, says ICSI by Students Education Fund Trust scheme-60/75/90%
6. Start writing CC papers for eligibility Just write 1 CC paper for CS Executive/Professional/Foundation programme, instead of 3 CC papers per subject but to secure 40% marks and submit on or before February 2010.
7. Enjoy reading CS Executive Programme books from http://onlythismuch.lawlabz.com

For Executive passed:

1. Click here to download & fill CS Professional Program Application - http://www.icsi.edu/webmodules/student/final.doc and arrange for fees as per Apply for Training Orientation Program (TOP) and find details from nearest ICSI - http://www.icsi.edu/webmodules/student/TopForm.doc (its a mandatory pre-requisite to commence CS Training). TOP is a 5 full day program offered at ICSI and your training will commence only on completion of this program
2. Then, start sending emails & applications of RESUME for CS Training to
1. List of Company Secretaries in Practice Registered for Imparting Training
2. Registered Companies for Training
3. For 15-month CS Training related information, you can click http://yehseeyes.blogspot.com/2008/05/icsi-15-months-managementapprentice.html
4. Start looking out for Academic Development Programs (ADP) as its mandatory to attend for 25 hours or you have the option to register for National Convention of ICSI.
5. Get your Mcom degree too BCom CS Executive & MCom CS Professional programme is possible -IGNOU & ICSI offers this mutli-degrees for Company Secretaries
6. Get your scholarship based on your school marks from 10&12th Standard Marks for 100% Company Secretary Course fees, says ICSI by Students Education Fund Trust scheme-60/75/90%
7. Get to know your subjects and classes schedules at http://csprofessionalprogram.blogspot.com
8. Start writing CC papers for eligibility Just write 1 CC paper for CS Executive/Professional/Foundation programme, instead of 3 CC papers per subject but to secure 40% marks and submit on or before February 2010.
9. Enjoy reading CS Professional books (coming sooooon), keep watchin…

For Professional passed:

1. Pending Training you are eligible for Licentiate Membership of ICSI - http://www.icsi.edu/webmodules/student/Licentiate.doc and you will get Chartered Secretary (Members magazine) free of cost.
2. Complete your CS Training or Claim exemption from it following http://yehseeyes.blogspot.com/2008/05/icsi-15-months-managementapprentice.html
3. Complete RoC Training or Stock Exchange training, if applicable. Send e-mail to training2@icsi.edu to get the sponsorship letter.
4. Complete ADP's, if applicable & pending
5. Then, apply for the esteemed membership of ICSI following, http://yehseeyes.blogspot.com/2009/01/checklistformsfeesguide-to-apply-for.html

Hope, I have not missed out anything. Of course, you can keep track of all updates, happenings and all about Company Secretaries by following http://yehseeyes.blogspot.com/ and Get See Yes -> Yes, ACS delivered by email

New 6.42 disclosures for rights issue & ASBA also made applicable & utilisation of funds only after finalisation of allotment, SEBI DIP amended

SEBI/CFD/DIL/DIP/38/2009/08/20 dated August 20, 2009

Download Amended SEBI (DIP) Guidelines, 2000 till date

1. Applications Supported by Blocked Amount (ASBA) in rights issues:

It has now been decided to make ASBA applicable to all rights issues. ASBA will co-exist with the current process, wherein cheque/demand draft is used as a mode of payment. Since the web enabled interface of stock exchanges is now operational [have a look at NSE’s Workstation] for the purpose of acceptance of the rights issue applications, self certified syndicate banks shall upload the application data in to the aforesaid interface of stock exchanges.  Understand about ASBA from [SEBI-ASBA] Lets Learn the Concept.

Conditions:

1. All applicants who desire to apply through ASBA should hold shares of the issuer company in a depository account.
2. The applicants shall indicate either in (i) in Part A of the composite application form of rights issue or (ii) in the plain paper application, as to whether they desire to avail of the ASBA option.
3. All other provisions shall apply mutatis mutandis (means, as like a Public Issue with such modification of the words as Rights issue).

2. Other Amendments numbered as A, B, C, D & E for reference

As you are aware that under clause 8.19 of the SEBI (DIP) Guidelines provides that in a rights issue, the issuer may utilise the issue proceeds collected after satisfying the designated stock exchange that minimum 90% subscription is received and also SEBI has reduced the time period taken for finalization of basis of allotment in the rights issues to 15 days from the date of closure of the issue.  In a public issue, in terms of section 73 of the Companies Act, 1956, the issuer company can access the issue proceeds only after allotment and listing is completed.  All the following Amendments shall be applicable for all rights issues where Draft letters of offer are filed or where Final Letter of Offer is yet to be filed with SEBI on or after the date of this circular.

A. In the clause 5.7.2: In the case of rights issues, lead merchant banker shall ensure that the abridged letters of offer ALONG WITH COMPOSITE APPLICATION are dispatched to all shareholders at least 3 days before the date of opening of the issue.

B. All the new clauses are using the word COMPOSITE application instead of STANDARD application as earlier (in case of rights issues).

C. In CHAPTER VI of the DIP Guidelines dealing with DISCLOSURES regarding rights issue, many amendments were made as below:

SECTION III – CONTENTS OF THE LETTER OF OFFER

There are 3 types of disclosures,

• 6.42 disclosures on satisfaction of certain conditions
• Partly Section I and Partly 6.42 disclosures
• Section I disclosures as like the existing provision

I. A listed issuer company making a rights issue shall make disclosures, as
specified in clause 6.42, in the letter of offer, if it satisfies the 6.39 conditions as mentioned below:
(a) the issuer company has been filing periodic reports, statements and
information in compliance with the listing agreement for the last 3 years immediately preceding the date of filing of the letter of offer with the designated stock exchange or SEBI.
(b) the information referred to in sub-clause (a) above are available on the website of any recognised stock exchange with nationwide trading terminals or on a common e-filing platform specified by the SEBI.

(c) the issuer company has investor grievance-handling mechanism which includes meeting of the Shareholders’ or Investors’ Grievance Committee at frequent intervals, appropriate delegation of power by the board of directors of the issuer company as regards share transfer and clearly laid systems and procedures for timely and satisfactory redressal of investor grievances.

As per 6.43, every such listed company shall also make a copy of offer document available to the public in the manner specified in sub-clause (ii) of clause 5.6.2 and shall also make such document available as a material document for inspection.

II. NON SATISFACTION OF ABOVE CONDITIONS

Clause 6.40: If the listed issuer company does not satisfy the ABOVE conditions, it shall make disclosures in the letter of offer as specified in Section I and as specified in sub-clauses (d), (e) and (f) of clause 6.42.16.2 of Section III.

III. SPECIFIC TYPE OF LISTED COMPANIES

Clause 6.41: Irrespective of whether the conditions specified in clause 6.39 are satisfied or not, the following listed issuer companies shall make disclosures, as specified in Section I, in the letter of offer:
(a) A listed issuer company whose management has undergone change pursuant to acquisition of control in accordance with the provisions of SEBI Takeover Code.
(b) An issuer company whose securities have been listed consequent to relaxation granted by the Board under sub-rule (7) of rule 19 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1957 for listing of its securities pursuant to a scheme sanctioned by a High Court under sections 391 to 394 of the Companies Act, 1956.

D. In chapter VI, Section IV shall be substituted with the following section as under:-
SECTION IV - CONTENTS OF THE ABRIDGED LETTER OF OFFER: In that clauses 6.44, 6.45 and 6.46 are SUBSTITUTED with new clauses.

E. Chapter VIII - OTHER ISSUE REQUIREMENTS
For clause 8.19.1, the following clause shall be substituted, namely:-
“The issuer company may utilise the funds collected in the rights issue only after the basis of allotment is finalized.”  Just remember, it is no more after minimum 90% subscription is received.

Same exit loads for all Mutual Fund (MF) holders irrespective of Subscription amounts, SEBI says

SEBI / IMD / CIR No. 6 /172445/ 2009 dated August 7, 2009 & SEBI / IMD / CIR No. 7 /173650 / 2009 dated August 17, 2009

It is observed that the mutual funds are making distinction between the unit
holders by charging differential exit loads based on the amount of subscription. In order to have parity among all classes of unit holders, it has now been decided that no distinction among unit holders should be made based on the amount of subscription while charging exit loads.

While complying with the aforesaid circular, it shall be ensured that:

1. The principle laid down in the SEBI circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 5/126096/08 dated May 23, 2008 (clause 16 of the standard observations) that “any imposition or enhancement in the load shall be applicable on prospective investments only” shall be followed.
2. The parity among all classes of unit holders in terms of charging exit load shall be made applicable at the portfolio level.

Further, you are aware that SEBI vide circular No. SEBI/IMD/CIR No. 5/126096/08 dated May 23, 2008 has simplified the formats for Offer Document and Key Information Memorandum of Mutual Funds Scheme [SEBI-Simplification of Offer Document and Key Information Memorandum of Mutual Funds Scheme]. The simplified Scheme Information Document format provides that “Wherever quantitative discounts are involved the following shall be disclosed – The Mutual Fund may charge the load within the stipulated limit of 7% and without any discrimination to any specific group of unit holders. However, any change at a later stage shall not affect the existing unit holders adversely”.

Saturday Sunday Crash Classes for CS, CA & CWA on Law, FM, Tax & Costing at Learnlabz, enjoy passing

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 CS, CA & CWA)

 

Crash Batches on Saturdays & Sundays of September & October 2009

 

1. “Company Secretary” – Crash Batch from 15^th September 2009 [Click here for Timetable - Executive & Professional]

2. “Chartered Accountant”- Crash Batch from 10^th September 2009 [Click here for Timetable]

3. “Cost & Works Accountant” - Crash Batch from 5^th September 2009 [Click here for Timetable]

 

For OTHER details http://learnlabz.lawlabz.com and learnlabz@lawlabz.com

           

ü       Faculties include CA Giridharan, CWA CS Baskaran & CS A.N.S. Vijay

ü       Subjects covered include LAW, FM, TAXES, COSTING

ü       Fees Rs.1000/- per subject

ü       Registrations closes on 5^th September 2009, Limited Seats

 

“Company Secretary” – Daily Batch for All subjects from 15^th August 2009

For Batch details http://csexecutiveprogram.blogspot.com & http://csprofessionalprogram.blogspot.com

 

For Registration/Enquiry Call:  93829 35598 

Registration venue - Learn Labz @

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Classes conducted at – MSN Business Centre, Nungambakkam (Near Ayappan Temple)     

 

“We make Learning an Exciting experience”

SEBI IPEF Aid for Legal Proceedings are issued as guidelines 2009 to enable reimbursement of 75% of expenses incurred by Investor Associations

As you are aware that SEBI has notified Securities and Exchange Board of India (Investor Protection and Education Fund) Regulations, 2009 (SEBI IEPF notified to protect investors with 14 regulations, 2009, which also amends forfeiture)

Regulation 5(1)(d) of SEBI IPEF Regulations, 2009 states that “aiding investors’ associations recognized by SEBI to undertake legal proceedings in the interest of investors in securities that are listed or proposed to be listed”.  To enable the aid, SEBI has now provided Securities and Exchange Board of India (Aid for Legal Proceedings) Guidelines, 2009.

1. The aid is for the ‘Legal proceedings’ (as defined in Reg 2(1)(g) of SEBI IPEF Regulation which) MEANS any proceedings before a court or tribunal where 1000 (one thousand) or more investors are affected or likely to be affected by:- (i), (ii), (iii), (iv), (v) & (vi) such other market misconduct which in the opinion of the Board may be deemed appropriate;
BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE any proceeding where the Board is a party or where SEBI has initiated any enforcement action.

2. The legal aid covers the ‘Expenses’ as defined u/3(1)(a) of this Legal Aid Guidelines as ‘expenses’ means the expenses incurred with respect to any or all of the following in connection with a legal proceedings:-
i. court fees, process fees and other fees/charges payable in the courts as per law;
ii. the bills of solicitors, advocates and senior advocates for professional services rendered by them ;
iii. the clerkage and other miscellaneous expenses charged by the counsels, senior counsels and solicitors, as applicable.

3. Any Investors’ Association may make an application with details as given under Guideline 4(3) to SEBI seeking aid for undertaking legal proceedings.  Kindly note, the application and SEBI approval to be sought at every stage of the proceeding before every Court.

4. In case legal proceedings relates to mis-statement, misrepresentation or
omission in connection with the issue, sale or purchase of securities, the
application shall establish that: the investors relied upon such mis-statement, misrepresentation or omission and such statements caused monetary loss to the investors.

5. The aid for the legal proceedings shall be granted at the discretion of the
SEBI if it is prima facie satisfied that the aid is in the best interest of the investors.  SEBI shall issue a letter conveying grant of aid for a particular legal proceedings.

6. Payments: The aid for a particular legal proceedings shall be

• UPTO Rs. 20 lakh if it is before the Supreme Court of India and
• UPTO Rs. 10 lakh before any other forum.

7. The bills submitted shall be certified by the Auditor of the Investors’
Association and UPTO 75% of the expenses actually incurred shall be
reimbursed WITHIN 15 days of the receipt of claims.

8. The Investor Association shall submit a periodical report of the legal proceedings to SEBI and on conclusion of proceedings, a detailed report statement to be submitted with a self-certified statement on the utilization of aid by it.

SEBI ASBA commission clarification that it shall be treated at par with other applications

SEBI/CFD/DIL/MB/IS/5/2009/05/08 dated 5th August, 2009

ASBA – Application Supported by Block Amount

It is, hereby, clarified that for the purpose of payment of commission,
both type of applications i.e. whether uploaded by Syndicate Members
(Non–ASBA) or by SCSBs (ASBA), shall be treated on par and the
commission shall be paid accordingly to Syndicate Members or SCSBs,
as the case may be.

Know all about ASBA from [SEBI-ASBA] Lets Learn the Concept

Takeover Code acquisition UPTO 5% through Open Market of Buy back, when holding is 55% – 75% - SEBI Clarification

CFD/DCR/TO/Cir-01/2009/06/08 dated 6th August 2009

• Acquisition in excess of 5% in a financial year by persons holding between 15% and 55%
  • UPTO 5% in a financial year could be acquired without an open offer (called creeping acquisition).  Thus, this limit gets renewed every financial year.
• Acquisition in excess of 5% by persons holding between 55% and 75%,
  • UPTO 5% could be acquired (without open offer) only through open market purchase or buy back by company and not through any other mode.  But this is a ONE-time limit till one reaches 5% when holding is between the prescribed limits.
  • Kindly note that, this 75% shall NOT be extended to 90%, irrespective of minimum public shareholding is 25% or 10%
  • Details in http://www.sebi.gov.in//circulars/2009/cfdcir012009.pdf

Applicability of certification under consortium lending & multiple banking arrangements for 5 crores by CS / CA / CWA for banks – RBI circular

All the banks may seek a declaration from their existing borrowers availing sanctioned limits of Rs.5.00 crore and above or wherever, it is in their knowledge that their borrowers are availing credit facilities from other banks, and introduce a system of exchange of information with other banks and obtain regular certification by a professional, preferably a practising Company Secretary or Chartered Accountant or Cost Accountant, regarding compliance of various statutory prescriptions.

Now, the applicability of the Certification for lending is extended.  Thus, it is now made mandatory (applicable) for

• All Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding RRBs and LABs)

• Select  All-India Term-lending and Refinancing Institutions
  (Exim Bank, NABARD, NHB and SIDBI)

The list of all RBI circulars regarding Lending under Consortium Arrangements/Multiple Banking Arrangements till date:

• DBOD.No.BP.BC.46/08.12.001/2008-09 [the first original circular] dated September 19, 2008 on the above subject along with
• subsequent circulars DBOD.No.BP.BC.94/ 08.12.001/2008-09 [revised formats] dated December 08, 2008 and
• DBOD No. BP. BC. 110 / 08. 12. 001 /2008-09 dated February 10, 2009 [clarification to include CA & CWA with CS] respectively and
• DBS.CO.FrMC.BC.No.8/23.04.001/2008-09 dated June 24, 2009 to exchange information on multilateral basis regarding incidents of fraud, legal actions taken and covert activities / operations of the borrower after the fraud, etc..

• RBI/2009-2010/116 DBOD.No.FID.FIC.2397/01.02.00/2009-10 dated 5th August 2009 by which it is advised that the above guidelines on consortium arrangements/multiple banking arrangements  issued to banks, shall mutatis mutandis apply to the select all-India Financial Institutions (AIFIs) for sharing of  information among the AIFIs and with banks.