Money Laundering Amendment 2010 with insertion of explanation along with updated Master Circular

Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records of the Nature and Value of Transactions, the Procedure and Manner of Maintaining and Time for Furnishing Information and Verification and Maintenance of Records of the Identity of the Clients of the Banking Companies, Financial Institutions and Intermediaries) Second Amendment Rules, 2010- Obligation of banks as per DBOD. AML. BC. No. 113 /14 .01.001/2009-10 dated 29th June 2010.

In the Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records of the Nature and Value of Transactions, the Procedure and Manner of Maintaining and Time for Furnishing Information and Verification and Maintenance of Records of the Identity of the Clients of the Banking Companies, Financial Institutions and Intermediaries) Rules, 2005:-

An explanation is added to "suspicious transaction" definition: In rule 2 in sub-rule (1), after clause (g), the following Explanation shall be inserted, namely:-
"Explanation:- Transaction involving financing of the activities relating to terrorism includes transaction involving funds suspected to be linked or related to, or to be used for terrorism, terrorist act or by a terrorist.

 

Further, in Rule 9, the existing sub-rules (1A,B,C,D) are replaced and some Explanation in added in Rule 10.

For full details, kindly refer the Updated Master Circular – Know Your Customer (KYC) norms / Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards/Combating of Financing of Terrorism (CFT)/Obligation of banks under PMLA, 2002

No surrender of the proportionate export incentives under FTP Export Schemes even if proceeds are not realised within 6/12 months

Export of Goods and Services - Unrealised export bills –Write-off - Surrender of export incentives
Attention of Authorised Dealer Category – I (AD Category –I) banks is invited to A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 12 dated September 09, 2000, A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 30 dated April 04, 2001, A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 61 dated December 14, 2002, A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 40 dated December 05, 2003 and A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 33 dated February 28, 2007, in terms of which the AD Category –I banks have been permitted to accede to the requests for "write-off" made by the exporters, subject to the conditions, inter alia, that the exporter had to surrender proportionate export incentives, if availed of, in respect of the relative shipments.

 

It has since been announced in the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2009-14 and specified in Para. 2.25.4 of Handbook of Procedures – Vol. I (2009-2014) (extracts annexed), issued by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry that realisation of export proceeds shall not be insisted upon, under any of the Export Promotion Schemes under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), subject to the following conditions:-
i) the write-off on the basis of merits is allowed by the Reserve Bank or by the AD Category – I banks on behalf of the Reserve Bank, as per the extant guidelines;
ii) the exporter produces a certificate from the Foreign Mission of India concerned, about the fact of non-recovery of export proceeds from the buyer; and
iii) this would not be applicable in self-write-off cases.
The above relaxation is applicable for the exports made with effect from August 27, 2009.

It is clarified that since the Drawback scheme is governed by the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and the Rules made there under, the provisions contained in para. 2.25.4 of the Handbook of Procedure – Vol. I. of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) (2009-2014) would not be applicable to the Duty Drawback scheme. Therefore, the drawback amount has to be recovered even if the claim is settled by the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India Limited (ECGC) or the write –off is allowed by the Reserve Bank.

Accordingly, the AD Category –I banks are advised not to insist on the surrender of the proportionate export incentives, other than under the Duty Drawback scheme, if availed of, by the exporter under any of the Export Promotion Schemes under the FTP 2009-14, subject to the fulfilment of conditions as stated above.

 

Source: A.P. (DIR Series) Circular No.03 dated 22nd July 2010

Takeout Financing: refinancing of domestic Rupee loans with ECB under RBI approval route

As per the extant norms, refinancing of domestic Rupee loans with External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) is not permitted. However, keeping in view the special funding needs of the infrastructure sector, it has been decided to review the ECB policy and put in place a scheme of take-out finance. Accordingly, it has been decided to permit take-out financing arrangement through ECB, under the approval route, for refinancing of Rupee loans availed of from the domestic banks by eligible borrowers in the sea port and airport, roads including bridges and power sectors for the development of new projects, subject to the following conditions:

1. The corporate developing the infrastructure project should have a tripartite agreement with domestic banks and overseas recognized lenders for take-out of the loan within three years of the scheduled Commercial Operation Date (COD). The scheduled date of occurrence of the take-out should be clearly mentioned in the agreement.
2. The loan should have a minimum average maturity period of 7 years.
3. The domestic bank financing the infrastructure project should comply with the extant prudential norms relating to take-out financing.
4. The fee payable to the overseas lender until the take-out shall not exceed 100 bps per annum.
5. On take-out, the residual loan agreed to be taken- out by the overseas lender would be considered as ECB and the loan should be designated in a convertible foreign currency and all extant norms relating to ECB should be complied with, including the reporting arrangements.
6. Domestic banks / Financial Institutions will not be permitted to guarantee the take-out finance and further it will not be allowed to carry any obligation on its balance sheet after the occurrence of the take-out event.

Source: A.P.(DIR Series) Circular No.04 dated 22nd July 2010

Demat Account Suspension for Debit & Credit without PAN - SEBI mandates & enforces strictly now for all electronic shareholdings

Sub: Mandatory requirement of Permanent Account Number (PAN)

1. Please refer to SEBI circular No.MRD/DoP/Cir-05/2007 dated April 27, 2007 making PAN mandatory for all transactions in the securities market.

2. As you are aware, the demat accounts for which PAN details have not been verified are “suspended for debit” until the same is verified with the Depository Participant (DP). However, it has come to our notice that despite follow up, investors are not furnishing the PAN details.

3. In order to ensure better compliance with the Know Your Client (KYC) norms it has been decided that with effect from August 16, 2010 such PAN non-compliant demat accounts shall also be "suspended for credit" other than the credits arising out of automatic corporate actions. It is clarified that other credits including credits from IPO/FPO/Rights issue, off-market transactions or any secondary market transactions shall not be allowed into such accounts.

Source: CIR/MRD/DP/ 22 /2010 dated 29th July 2010

Mutual Fund (MF) ASBA mandatory from 1st October 2010 and not from 1st July

Sub: Additional mode of payment through Applications Supported by Blocked Amount (hereinafter referred to as “ASBA”) in Mutual Funds

ASBA is already available for subscription to public  issue & rights issue of equity and now it is extended to the investors subscribing to New Fund Offers (NFOs) of mutual fund schemes. It shall co-exist with the current process, wherein cheques/ demand drafts are used as a mode of payment. The banks which are in SEBI’s list shall extend the same facility in case of NFOs of mutual fund schemes to all eligible investors in Mutual Fund units. Mutual Funds shall ensure that adequate arrangements are made by Registrar and Transfer Agents (RTA) for the implementation of ASBA. Mutual Funds/AMCs shall make all relevant disclosures in this regard in the SAI. Also read [SEBI-ASBA] Lets Learn the Concept.

Please refer to circular SEBI / IMD / Cir / No 18 / 198647 / 2010 dated March 15, 2010 regarding additional mode of payments through ASBA in Mutual Funds. The circular indicated that the Mutual Funds/AMCs have to compulsorily provide ASBA facility to the investors for all NFOs launched on or after July 01, 2010.

In partial modification of the above circular, it has been decided that Mutual Funds / AMCs shall provide ASBA facility to investors for all NFOs launched on or after October 1, 2010.

 

Source: Cir / IMD / DF / 6 / 2010 dated 28th July 2010

Lawlabz Group 2nd Year Celebrations this July 2010 with Learnlabz & OnlyThisMuch, the video way, hope you will make it

Lawlabz Biennial Day Xperiments 2010
In our 2 year long journey we have serviced more than 350 clients, 200 company secretary students passed out, 2500 copies of books sold but more importantly we enjoyed all of your support, well wishes & faith.

On this special day, commemorating Law Labz's 2nd anniversary we would like to share our joy with everyone who has made this possible.  We are also taking this opportunity to inaugurate lawlabz.com, an online portal offering corporate legal services in real-time with video based solutions. 

We have created a personalized invite for you here.

• What: Lawlabz, Learnlabz & OnlyThisMuch turns two
• When: 7pm onwards, July 28th 2010 (Wednesday)
• Where: RYA Metro (12, Saravana Mudali Street, Off South Boag Road, T.Nagar)
• Guest of Honour: Mr. K. Pandiarajan, Managing Director Mafoi Randstand
  

Agenda

1. Website & Video Release (by guest of honour)
2. Award Distribution
3. Dinner (8.30 PM onwards)
   

Looking forward to meeting you and hoping for your continued support & motivation.
A.N.S. Vijay on behalf of Lawlabz, Learnlabz & OnlyThisMuch Group

Email & Informal agreement is valid, even an Arbitration can be enforced-Supreme Court on Trimex case - Formalty not required under Contract Act

The Indian Contract Act, 1872: ss.4, 7 – Concluded contract containing arbitration clause - Valid

The  Hon’ble Supreme Court (SC) in a recent judgment in the case of “Trimex International FZE Limited, Dubai vs. Vedanta Aluminium Limited, India” in Re (2010) 3 SCC 1”. It was held that in the absence of signed agreement between the parties, it would be possible to infer from   various documents duly approved and signed by the parties in the form of exchange of emails, letter, telex, telegram and other means of communication. The Hon’ble Supreme Court has accepted the unconditional acceptance through emails and held the same to be a valid contract which satisfies the requirements of Section 4 and 7 of the Contract Act 1872 and further it satisfies Section 2(1)(b), 7 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996.  In the absence of a signed agreement inference can be from documents approved and signed by the parties in the form of exchange emails, letters, telegrams which come within Section 10 and 2(e) of the Contract Act 1972.

As per Section 4: The communication of a proposal is complete when it becomes to the knowledge of the person to whom it is made.

As per Section 7: In order to convert a proposal into a promise the acceptance must - be absolute and unqualified; and be expressed in some usual and reasonable manner, unless the proposal prescribes the manner in which it is to be accepted.

If respondent accepts the offer of petitioner following a very strict time schedule, he cannot escape from the obligations that flowed from such an action -

• Arbitration clause can be inferred from various documents duly approved and signed by the parties in the form of exchange of e-mails, letter, telex, telegrams and other means of tele-communication even in the absence of signed agreement -
• If no inference can be drawn from the facts that the parties intended to be bound only when a formal agreement had been executed, the validity of the agreement would not be affected by its lack of formality -
• On facts, the Commercial Offer carried no clause making the conclusion of the contract incumbent upon the Purchase Order -Therefore, the moment commercial offer was accepted by the respondent, the contract came into existence - Since the contract contained arbitration clause, petitioner made out case for appointment of arbitrator - Arbitration.

Petitioner's case was that on 15.10.2007, it submitted a commercial offer through e-mail for supply of Bauxite to the respondent. After exchange of several e-mails, respondent conveyed acceptance of offer through e-mail on 16.10.2007 confirming the supply of 5 shipments of Bauxite. Dispute arose and petitioner served arbitration notice on the respondent. Respondent rejected the arbitration notice stating that there was no concluded contract between them. Petitioner filed arbitration petition for appointment of arbitrator.

Click here to download the Supreme Court Judgment 2010 on Trimex case.

Thus, Once a contract is concluded orally or in writing, the mere fact that a formal contract has to be prepared and initialed by the parties would not affect either the acceptance of the contract so entered into or implementation thereof, even if the formal contract has never been initialed. The Court reiterated its stand that one of the main objectives of the Act is to
minimize the supervisory role of the courts. In holding this, the Court observed that if a number of extra requirements such as seals and originals, stamps etc. are added in considering an arbitration agreement, it would amount to increasing the role of courts and not minimizing it. Relying upon UNCITRAL Model Law, the Court concluded it would be improper and undesirable for the courts to add a number of extra formalities not envisaged
by the legislation. The court’s objective should be to achieve the legislative intent.  Accordingly, the Court held in favor of the Petitioner and appointed a former judge to arbitrate the matter.  Thus, no more stamp papers & its execution of contracts just for the purpose of enforceability!!!

Keep contractin…

Website link thru BSE/NSE to download ASBA forms online with UIN for making public issue applications - SEBI

SEBI is taking steps forward to make a public issue process completely online.

1. It has been decided to make ASBA bid-cum application forms available for download and printing, from websites of the Stock Exchanges which provide electronic interface for ASBA facility i.e. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE). The ASBA forms so downloaded shall have a unique application number and can be used for making ASBA applications in public issues. A sample of the form is enclosed at Annexure A. 

Understand all about ASBA - in public issues, rights issues, by Mutual Funds, by QIB's - an alternate way of investing, SEBI

2. In order that the Stock Exchanges fill up essential details of an issue, the Merchant Banker to the issue shall ensure that the following details are provided to the Stock Exchanges at least 2 days before opening of the public issue:
a. Company Name
b. Type of issue
c. Issue opening date
d. Issue closing date
e. Price/ price band
f. Bid lot
g. Other relevant details
h. Soft copy of prospectus/abridged prospectus
3. The Stock Exchanges shall ensure the following :
a. The details furnished by the Merchant Banker to the issue are duly filled in the ASBA form for a specific public issue, before making the same available on websites.
b. The ASBA form for a specific public issue is made available on the websites of the Stock Exchanges at least one day before opening of the public issue.
c. A unique application number for an issue is generated for every ASBA form downloaded and printed from the websites.  Therefore application made using photocopy of the downloaded form shall not be accepted.
d. Investors have online access to soft copy of the abridged prospectus/prospectus of the public issue.
e. For revisions of bids, investors can take print of a bid revision form.
4. Merchant Bankers and SCSBs are directed to provide a hyperlink to BSE or NSE websites for this facility on their websites.  Links are expected in http://www.nseindia.com/content/ipo/ipo_asba_procedures.htm & http://www.bseindia.com/bookbuilding/asba.asp
5. All intermediaries are directed to comply with the instructions contained in this circular.
6. This circular shall be applicable to all public issues opening on or after July 19, 2010.

Ministry of labour turns accountable & release First Annual Report of Employment - is it a hint for labour law reforms [also contains recent updates]

Ministry of Labour & Employment presents to the People of India

the First Annual Report on Employment

with the objective of generating a healthy public debate on the issue of creating quality employment with distributive justice. We solicit valuable comments and suggestions from the people on major issues highlighted in this Report specially those relating to the employment of youth, women and the disadvantaged groups.

Though the report contains most of old statistics with few recent statistics, it was good effort by the Ministry to consolidate as Ministry is accountable to labour by all means, and it is expected that there will be regular reports released to people atleast on yearly basis.  Few excerpts from the report are under:

There are three important categories of employed persons:
1. Regular Salaried/Wage Employees are those who work in others’ farm or non-farm enterprises (both household and non household) and in turn receive salary or wage on a regular basis. This category includes not only persons getting time wage but also persons receiving piece wage or salary and paid apprentices, both full time and part-time.
2. Casual Wage Labour: A person who is casually engaged in others’ farm or non-farm enterprises (both household and non-household) and, who in return, receives wages according to the terms of the daily or periodic work contract.
3. Self Employed: Persons who operate their own farm or non-farm enterprises or are engaged independently in a profession or trade on their own account or with one or a few partners are deemed to be self-employed. Self-employed persons are further categorised as follows:
a) Own-account Workers: Those self-employed persons who operate their enterprises on their own account or with one or a few partners and who, during the reference period, by and large, run their enterprise without hiring any labour.
b) Employers: Those self-employed persons who work on their own account or with one or a few partners and, who, by and large, run their enterprise by hiring labour.
c) Helpers in household enterprises: Those self-employed persons (mostly family members) who are engaged in their household enterprises, working full or part time and who do not receive any regular salary or wages in return for the work performed. They do not run the household enterprise on their own but assist the related person living in the same household in running the household enterprise

 

Recent Amendments in Labour Laws: Promoting Equity and Welfare

• The Payment of Wages Act, 1936 amended to enhance the wage ceiling for its applicability. It is presently fixed at Rs. 10,000/- per month.
• The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 amended to enhance the eligibility limit from Rs. 3,500/- per month to Rs. 10,000/- and calculation ceiling from Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,500/- per month while making employees employed through contractors on building operations eligible for payment of bonus under the Act.
• The Apprentices Act, 1961 amended, inter alia, to provide for reservation for other Backward Classes.
• The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 amended to enhance the medical bonus from Rs. 250/- to Rs. 2,500/-and also empowering the Central Government to increase it from time to time before every three years, by way of notification in the Official Gazette, subject to a maximum of Rs. 20,000/-.
• The Employees State Insurance Act, 1948 amended to improve the quality of delivery of benefits under the scheme and also to enable ESI infrastructure to be used to provide health care to workers of the unorganised sector.
• The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 amended for raising the ceiling of Gratuity for employees in the private sector to Rs. 10 lakh from Rs. 3.5 lakh.
• The Plantations Labour Act, 1951 amended to provide safety and occupational health care to plantations workers.

 

VISION FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT IN INDIA

Against the various challenges, a National Skill Development Policy has been formulated in February, 2009 which targets creating 500 million skilled people by 2022 with the following vision: Skill development should harness inclusivity and reduce economic and social divisions among Indian workforce particularly across rural-urban, male-female, organized- unorganized and traditional/ contemporary. Matching the emerging demands for skills across various industries and economic enterprises. Evolving National Vocational Qualification Framework comparable with international standards. Developing standard certification system by recognizing and including quality skills acquired through any informal system of learning. Greater and more active role for workers‟ organizations, industry, civil society, Panchayati Raj Institutions and other professional bodies. Greater reduction of poverty through enhanced earnings of skilled workers.

Download the First Report of Employment (Report to People)

Download FEMA Master Circulars on FDI/ODI, etc...issued by RBI & updated on 1st July of every year 2010 with foreign exchange law of India up to date

 Note: Master Circulars are a one-point reference of instructions issued by the Reserve Bank of India on a particular subject between July-June. These are issued on July 1 every year and automatically expire on June 30 next year. You can access the Master Circulars issued in previous years by using the Archives. For printing of these circulars please use the PDF version.

Foreign Exchange
Jul 01, 2010
	Master Circular on Establishment of Liaison / Branch / Project Offices in India by Foreign Entities	110 kb
	Master Circular on Acquisition and Transfer of Immovable Property in India by NRIs/PIOs/Foreign Nationals of Non-Indian Origin	97 kb
	Master Circular on Import of Goods and Services	298 kb
	Master Circular on Risk Management and Inter-Bank Dealings	346 kb
	Master Circular on Foreign Investment in India	368 kb
	Master Circular on Memorandum of Instructions governing money changing activities	324 kb
	Master Circular on External Commercial Borrowings and Trade Credits	220 kb
	Master Circular on Export of Goods and Services	351 kb
	Master Circular on Memorandum of Instructions for Opening and Maintenance of Rupee/ Foreign Currency Vostro Accounts of Non-resident Exchange Houses	217 kb
	Master Circular on Money Transfer Service Scheme	123 kb
	Master Circular on Compounding of Contraventions under FEMA, 1999	65 kb
	Master Circular on Direct Investment by Residents in Joint Venture (JV) /Wholly Owned Subsidiary (WOS) Abroad	362 kb
	Master Circular on Non-Resident Ordinary Rupee (NRO) Account	95 kb
	Master Circular on Remittance Facilities for Non-Resident Indians /Persons of Indian Origin / Foreign Nationals	80 kb
	Master Circular on Miscellaneous Remittances from India – Facilities for Residents	266 kb

  

Source: Click here to download updated RBI Master Circular

Life insurance benefits to Provident Fund employees increased to Rs.1lakh under Deposit linked Insurance scheme (EDLI)

EDLI Scheme amended:  In effect, on death during employment, Family member/nominee will get the following:

• if Average balance is more than Rs.50,000/-
• then Insurance Amount = Rs. 50,000/- + 40% (Excess), subject to a maximum of Rs. 1,00,000/-

Paragraph 22 of Employees Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 1974

22.       Scales of assurance benefit and the minimum average balance to be maintained by an employee. – (1)  On the death of an employee, who is a member of the Fund or of a provident fund exempted under section 17 of the Act, as the case may be, the persons entitled to receive the provident fund accumulations of the deceased shall, in addition to such accumulations be paid an amount, equal to the average  balance in the account of the deceased in the Fund or of a Provident Fund exempted under Section 17 of the Act, as the case may be, during preceding twelve months or during the period of his membership, whichever is less, except where the average balance exceeds Rs.50,000 (erstwhile limit was Rs.25,000/-), the amount payable shall be Rs.50,000 (erstwhile Rs.25,000/-)plus 40% (earlier limit was 25%) of the amount in excess of Rs.50,000 (erstwhile Rs.25,000/-) subject to a ceiling of Rs. 1 lakh (earlier Rs. 35,000).

Download Notification No. GSR 523(E) dated 18th June 2010.

Revised monthly wage ceiling limit of 50% of Rs.4000 increased to Rs.8000-Employees Compensation Act for maximum compensation calculation

As you are aware, Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923 becomes Employees with enhanced compensation limits, full medical expenses reimbursement, case disposal within 3 months, etc..& also applicable to casual & clericals, the said amendment which has removed the ceiling of monthly wage limit of Rs.4,000 for the purpose of calculation of Maximum Compensation under the Act is now amended again.

 

Now, a new monthly wage ceiling limit of Rs. 8000 is introduced for the purpose of calculation of 50% of it during computation of Maximum compensation under the Act.  Hence, the maximum compensation can go UPTO 50% of 8000 which comes to Rs. 4000/- that shall be multiplied by Age factor. Thus, effectively it was erstwhile 50% of Rs.4000 and now it is 50% of Rs.8000/-. This amendment is notified vide Central Government Notification No. S.O. 1258(E) vide Ministry of Labour & Employment dated 31st May 2010.

New Scheme to close down Company & comply for non-compliances done under Companies Act, 1956 like non-filing of annual returns, accounts, compliance certificate,etc...Lawlabz Website link

Closure of defunct companies by ROC

COMPANY LAW SETTLEMENT/EASY EXIT SCHEME under The Companies Act, 1956:

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has announced an EASY EXIT SCHEME to facilitate the defunct company to get rid of it. The scheme has made very simple for the exit of the defunct company without much effort.

In the normal circumstances closing of a company may take several years and may need to spent lakhs of rupees.

Please contact us immediately for filing the application, for closure of your defunct company, if any at the earliest and avail this golden opportunity.

The opportunity may come once in blue moon. So do ACT IMMEDIATELY and get rid of your defunct company once for all without any future litigation for non compliances.

After the closure of the scheme, it is expected that ROC may take actions on those companies who continue to default the compliances.

Take the opportunity immediately … 

• http://settlementscheme.lawlabz.com/
• http://easyexitscheme.lawlabz.com/

OR call us now @ 044-24340416

Reach us @ 7/13, South Boag Road, T.Nagar, Chennai, 600017

Mail us: solutions@lawlabz.com

Keep closing & enjoy complying!!!

Thank You,

LawLabz

360^o

  Personalised Corporate Solutions

Preserve/Lost your Mark sheets as NO more CS Pass Certificates for Foundation & Executive will be issued by ICSI on passing Company Secretary Exams but for Professional Program

Don’t panic after your CS Results this 25th August 2010 onwards! when you don’t receive your Company Secretary Exam pass certificates, ICSI has resolved not to send the same (may be a cost cutting measure or an environment friendly measure) as it serves no purpose. 

 

I have passed CS Executive Program but I have not received my Certificate, where can I approach? Now, you can feel relaxed!!!, ICSI says.

 

The mark statement (mark sheet) hereon will serve as the proof that you have cleared CS.  The first of its kind PASS certificates, you can receive after finishing your CS Final exams. 

 

Have you lost your CS Marksheet???

Again, not to panic.  You have to shell out Rs.50/- + Rs.25/- to ICSI and apply in Application for issue of Duplicate Result-cum-Mark sheet to get a duplicate copy for further reference & usage.

 

ATTENTION STUDENTS !!

DISCONTINUATION OF ISSUE OF PASS CERTIFICATES  TO FOUNDATION/ EXECUTIVE/INTER PROGRAMME PASS STUDENTS

In accordance with the decision taken by the Council of the Institute recently, it is brought to the notice of  the student community that  henceforth (i.e. from June, 2010 Examination Session onwards),   Pass Certificates will  be issued only to such students who pass Final Course/ Professional Programme. However, Mark Sheets  will continue to be issued to students of  all stages viz. Foundation, Executive/Intermediate and Professional/Final Programmes as per existing practice.

Source:http://www.icsi.edu/webmodules/student/ss_j14.htm

New Rule 19(2)(b) & 19A for initial & continuous listing requirement of 25% of capital with public as per SCRR amendment 2010 [for all companies]: 10% for 4000 crores to be increased@5% every year

The Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules 1957 provide for the requirements which have to be satisfied by companies for the purpose of getting their securities listed on any stock exchange in India. A dispersed shareholding structure is essential for the sustenance of a continuous market for listed securities to provide liquidity to the investors and to discover fair prices. Further, the larger the number of shareholders, the less is the scope for price manipulation. Accordingly, the Finance Minister in his Budget speech for 2009-10, inter- alia, proposed to raise the threshold for non- promoter, public shareholding for all listed companies. To implement the Budget announcement the Securities Contracts(Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2010 has been notified vide Press Release F.No.5/35/2006-CM dated 4th June 2010 through

this Notification. [download now]

a) The minimum threshold level of public holding will be 25% for all listed companies.

b) Existing listed companies having less than 25% public holding have to reach the minimum 25% level by an annual addition of not less than 5% to public holding.

c) For new listing, if the post issue capital of the company calculated at offer price is more than Rs. 4000 crore, the company may be allowed to go public with 10% public shareholding and comply with the 25% public shareholding requirement by increasing its public shareholding by at least 5% per annum.

d) For companies whose draft offer document is pending with Securities and Exchange Board of India on or before these amendments are required to comply with 25% public shareholding requirement by increasing its public shareholding by at least 5% per annum, irrespective of the amount of post issue capital of the company calculated at offer price.

e) A company may increase its public shareholding by less than 5% in a year if such increase brings its public shareholding to the level of 25% in that year.

f) The requirement for continuous listing will be the same as the conditions for initial listing.

g) Every listed company shall maintain public shareholding of at least 25%. If the public shareholding in a listed company falls below 25% at any time, such company shall bring the public shareholding to 25% within a maximum period of 12 months from the date of such fall.

New definitions in Rule 2 of SCRR:

(d) “public” means persons other than – (i) the promoter and promoter group; (ii) subsidiaries and associates of the company. Explanation: For the purpose of this clause the words “promoter‟ and “promoter group‟ shall have the same meaning as assigned to them under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements-ICDR) Regulations, 2009.

(e) “public shareholding” means equity shares of the company held by public and shall exclude shares which are held by custodian against depository receipts issued overseas”.

New Rule 19(2)(b) of SCRR:

(i) At least 25% of each class or kind of equity shares or debentures convertible into equity shares issued by the company was offered and allotted to public in terms of an offer document; or
(ii) At least 10% of each class or kind of equity shares or debentures convertible into equity shares issued by the company was offered and allotted to public in terms of an offer document if the post issue capital of the company calculated at offer price is more than Rs. 4000 crores;

Provided that the requirement of post issue capital being more than Rs. 4000 crores shall not apply to a company whose draft offer document is pending with SEBI on or before the commencement of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2010, if it satisfies the conditions prescribed in clause (b) of sub-rule 2 of rule 19 of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Rules, 1956 as existed prior to the date of such commencement (which is: offering atleast 10% if there are 20 lakh in number of securities, Rs.100 crores of offer size is given to public and follows bookbuilding by offering 60% to QIB)
Provided further that the company, referred in sub-clause (ii), shall bring the public shareholding to the level of at least 25% by increasing its public shareholding to the extent of at least 5% per annum beginning from the date of listing of the securities, in the manner specified by the Securities and Exchange Board of India .
Provided further that the company may increase its public shareholding by less than 5% in a year if such increase brings its public shareholding to the level of 25% in that year.

 

New Rule 19(4) of SCRR – fresh application in all cases now!!!

An application for listing shall be necessary in respect of the following: (a) all new issues of any class or kind of securities of a company to be offered to the public; (b) all further issues of any class or kind of securities of a company if such class or kind of securities of the company are already listed on a recognised stock exchange.

 

New Rule 19(6A) – taking away the power from Clause 40A of Listing Agreement of stock exchanges as there is no more Provisio!!!

All the requirements with respect to listing or continuous listing requirement prescribed by these rules, shall, so far as they may be, also apply to a body corporate constituted by an Act of Parliament or any State Legislature. [Old Provisio deleted]

Note: SEBI’s power to relax listing requirements under SCRR is withdrawn.  Also note, there is no more Clause 40A continuous listing requirement of 10% if the company has 2 crores of listed shares with a market capitalisation of Rs.1000 crore or more.

Clause 40A is now Rule 19A mandating 25% as CONTINUOUS LISTING REQUIREMENT for all Companies:

Every listed company shall maintain public shareholding of at least 25%

Provided that any listed company which has public shareholding below 25% on the commencement of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2010, shall bring the public shareholding to the level of at least 25% by increasing its public shareholding to the extent of at least 5% per annum beginning from the date of such commencement, in the manner specified by SEBI.

Provided further that the company may increase its public sharholding by less than 5% in a year if such increase brings its public shareholding to the level of 25% in that year.

(2) Where the public shareholding in a listed company falls below 25% at any time, such company shall bring the public shareholding to 25%within a maximum period of 12 months from the date of such fall in the manner specified by the Securities and Exchange Board of India.”

Learnlabz Activity outside Company Secretary exam centres @ Chennai, Free DVDs for CS students on classes & books

Catching up the heat outside Company Secretary Exam centres at Chennai.  Learnlabz stall was crowded with CS students availing their free DVD’s with lots of excitement & sincerity.  Many were out of the exam halls too early winning their first law exam and found it interesting!!!

 

You can also enjoy our Youtube releases from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OO-tKh9Ptrw&feature=player_embedded

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Effective Date for Revision of Gratuity Amendment Act to Rs. 10 lakhs: Notification in Official Gazette as on 24th May 2010

As you are aware Gratuity Amendment Act 2010 is notified in Official Gazette with Rs.10 lakhs as limit replacing Rs.3,50,000

The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Act, 2010 is notified in Official Gazette on 18^th May 2010, amending the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 with revision in maximum ceiling from Rs. 3.5 lac to Rs. 10 lakhs.

The said Act shall come into force with effect from 24th May 2010 as per the Notification S.O. 1217(E) published in the Official Gazette.

Money laundering transaction records & definition of beneficial owner in Amendment Rules 2010 - RBI

Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records of the Nature and Value of Transactions, the Procedure and Manner of Maintaining and Time for Furnishing Information and Verification and Maintenance of Records of the Identity of the Clients of the Banking Companies, Financial Institutions and Intermediaries) Amendment Rules, 2010 - Obligation of banks/All India Financial institutions

 

Government of India vide its Notification No. 7/2010-E.S.F.No.6/8/2009-E.S dated February 12, 2010 has amended the Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records of the Nature and Value of Transactions, the Procedure and Manner of Maintaining and Time for Furnishing Information and Verification and Maintenance of Records of the Identity of the Clients of the Banking Companies, Financial Institutions and Intermediaries) Rules, 2005. A copy of the Notification is enclosed for ready reference in DBOD. AML.BC. No. 95 /14.01.001/2009-10 dated 23rd April 2010.

The salient features of the amendment inter alia require banks and All India
Financial Institutions:
• to maintain the records of all transactions including the records of transactions detailed in rule 3 sub-rule (1).
• the records referred to in rule 3 should contain all necessary information specified by the Regulator to permit reconstruction of individual transactions including the information detailed in rule 4.

Further, in rule 9 in sub-rule (1A) an explanation of 'beneficial owner' has been inserted in terms of which " ' Beneficial Owner' shall mean the natural person who ultimately owns or controls a client and or the person on whose behalf a transaction is being conducted, and includes a person who exercise ultimate effective control over a juridical person".

NBFC investment in Joint Venture or subsidiary abroad shall 'No Objection' (NoC) of the Department of Non-Banking Supervision of RBI

Overseas Investment by NBFCs- No Objection (NoC) from DNBS, RBI
Please refer to Regulation No. 7 of the Foreign Exchange Management (Transfer or Issue of Any Foreign Security) (Amendment) Regulations, 2004, dated July 07, 2004, in terms of which an Indian party requires prior approval of the concerned regulatory authorities both in India and abroad, to make an investment in an entity outside India engaged in financial services activities. Further in terms of para B.5.3 of the Master Circular on Direct Investment in Joint Venture (JV) / Wholly owned subsidiary (WOS) abroad dated July 01, 2009 issued by Foreign Exchange Department, RBI, regulated entities in the financial sector making investments in any activity overseas are required to comply with the above regulation.
2. Instances have been observed where NBFCs have made overseas investments without regulatory clearance of the Department of Non-Banking Supervision, Reserve Bank of India. Any investments made by NBFCs without regulatory clearance is a violation of FEMA 2004 and attracts penal provisions.
3. In this regard, it is emphasised that all Non Banking Finance Companies desirous of making any overseas investment must obtain 'No Objection' (NoC) of the Department of Non-Banking Supervision of RBI before making such investment, from the Regional Office in whose jurisdiction the head office of the company is registered.
4. Applications in this regard shall clearly state the activities intended to be undertaken by the overseas entity. NBFCs may also note that in terms of the Regulations ibid, they are not permitted to make direct investment in a foreign entity engaged in activities not approved under FEMA.

Source: DNBS (PD).CC. No.173/03.10.01 /2009-10 dated 3rd May 2010

ECB by IFC now under Automatic route UPTO 50% of owned funds, RBI

As a measure of liberalisation of the existing procedures, it has been decided to permit the IFCs to avail of ECBs, including the outstanding ECBs,

• up to 50% of owned funds under the automatic route, subject to their compliance with the prudential guidelines already in places.
• above 50% of their owned funds would require the approval of the Reserve Bank and will, therefore, be considered under the approval route.

Source: A. P. (DIR Series) Circular No. 51 dated 11th May 2010

Gratuity Amendment Act 2010 is notified in Official Gazette with Rs.10 lakhs as limit replacing Rs.3,50,000

The Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Act, 2010 is notified in Official Gazette on 18^th May 2010, amending the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 with revision in maximum ceiling from Rs. 3.5 lac to Rs. 10 lakhs. Whereas the date of effect of the revised ceiling may be decided by the Central Government through Official Gazette as per THE PAYMENT OF GRATUITY (AMENDMENT) ACT 2010

Notification in Effective Date for Revision of Gratuity Amendment Act to Rs. 10 lakhs: Notification in Official Gazette as on 24th May 2010

Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923 becomes Employees with enhanced compensation limits, full medical expenses reimbursement, case disposal within 3 months, etc..& also applicable to casual & clericals

Workmen’s Compensation Act is now Employees Compensation Act, 1923 and the definition of employee includes clerical employees & casual employees also.  Further,

• the minimum compensation limits on no-fault basis are increased to Rs.1,20,000 & 1,40,000 (erstwhile limits being Rs. 80,000 & 90,000).
• under the maximum compensation limit, the monthly wage limit of Rs.4,000/ is removed. hence, the maximum compensation can go UPTO 50% of Total Monthly Wages now, irrespective of limits [now a new ceiling of Rs.8000/- is introduced].
• Funeral expenses limit extended to Rs.5000 (from Rs.2,500)
• The employee shall be reimbursed the actual (full) medical expenditure incurred by him for treatment of injuries caused during the course of employment.
• Time limit for disposal of cases relating to compensation introduced- The Commissioner shall dispose of the matter relating to compensation within 3 months of reference.

Old definition: "workman" means any person (other than a person whose employment is of a casual nature and who is employed otherwise than for the purposes of the employer's trade or business) who is….

New definition: Section 2

“(dd) “employee” means a person, who is—

(i) a railway servant as defined in clause (34) of section 2 of the Railways Act, 1989 (24 of 1989), not permanently employed in any administrative district or sub-divisional office of a railway and not employed in any such capacity as is specified in Schedule II; or

(ii) (a) a master, seaman or other members of the crew of a ship,

(b) a captain or other member of the crew of an aircraft,

(c) a person recruited as driver, helper, mechanic, cleaner or in any other capacity in connection with a motor vehicle.

(d) a person recruited for work abroad by a company,

and who is employed outside India in any such capacity as is specified in Schedule II and the ship, aircraft or motor vehicle, or company, as the case may be, is registered in India; or

(iii) employed in any such capacity as is specified in Schedule II, whether the contract of employment was made before or after the passing of this Act and whether such contract is expressed or implied, oral or in writing; but does not include any person working in the capacity of a member of the Armed Forces of the Union; and any reference to any employee who has been” injured shall, where the employee is dead, include a reference to his dependants or any of them;’;

Source: The Workmen’s Compensation (Amendment) Act, 2009

Employees definition under Gratuity Act amended to included all types of works irrespective of salary limits

The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 definition of the term “employee” under Section 2 got widened.  It is no more the old definition of persons employed in administrative or managerial capacity.

 

The new definition is as follows,

Employees means any persons [NOT being an Apprentice] employed for wages in any kind of work (manual or otherwise) or in connection with work of factory, mine, plantation, oilfield, railway company, port or other establishment.

So, even teachers are eligible for gratuity now overriding the famous Ahmedabad Private Primary Teachers Association case.

Source: Payment of Gratuity (Amendment) Act, 2009

Revised ESI limit Rs.15000 (not Rs.10000) for employees/workers w.e.f 1st May 2010 - as amended by the Act [extended]

Ministry of Labour & Employment vide G.S.R. 394(E), dated 20th April, 2010 has made Employees State Insurance Act, 1948 read with ESI (Central) (Amendment) Rules, 2010 applicable to employees whose wages does not exceed Rs. 15,000/- (Fifteen Thousand Only).

 

The said notification shall come into effect from 1st May 2010.

Old SEBI circular on revised Trading hours in Stock Exchanges

Sub: Trading Hours on Stock Exchanges
In consultation with the Stock Exchanges and other market participants, it has been decided to permit the Stock Exchanges to set their trading hours (in the cash and derivatives segments) subject to the condition that

a. The trading hours are between 9 AM and 5 PM, and
b. The Exchange has in place risk management system and infrastructure
commensurate to the trading hours.

Source: SEBI/DNPD/Cir-47/2009 dated 23rd October 2009

SEBI master ciruclar on Stock Exchange, Depository, etc...updated as on 31st March 2010

SEBI Master Circulars on Stock Exchange/Depositories

Annexure 1 – Master Circular for Stock Exchange/ Cash Market – Trading Part- I. It contains the following,

SECTION – 1: BULK DEALS AND BLOCK DEALS ............................................... 5
1.1 Bulk Deal ............................................................................................................. 5
1.2 Block Deal ........................................................................................................... 5
SECTION – 2: CIRCUIT FILTER / PRICE BANDS ................................................. 7
2.1 Index based Market wide circuit filter ................................................................. 7
2.2 Scrip wise price bands ......................................................................................... 7
SECTION – 3 : IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIFORM SECURITY SPECIFIC
ACTION IN STOCK EXCHANGES........................................................................... 8
3.1 Uniform security specific measure ...................................................................... 8
SECTION – 4 : MARGIN TRADING.......................................................................... 9
4.1 Margin trading ..................................................................................................... 9
4.2 Securities eligible for margin trading .................................................................. 9
4.3 Eligibility requirements for brokers to provide margin trading facility to clients9
4.4 No-objection certificate .................................................................................. 10
4.5 Agreement.......................................................................................................... 10
4.6 Source of Funds for the broker for providing margin trading facility to his
clients and maximum permissible borrowing by any broker............................. 10
4.7 Margin requirements.......................................................................................... 11
4.8 Liquidation of securities by the broker in case of default by the client............. 11
4.9 Maintenance of Records .................................................................................... 12
4.10 Disclosure of exposure to the Margin Trading Facility ..................................... 12
4.11 Arbitration.......................................................................................................... 13
4.12 Usage of Investor Protection Fund and Trade/Settlement Guarantee Fund ...... 13
4.13 General provisions ............................................................................................. 13
SECTION – 5 : MARKET MAKER............................................................................ 15
5.1 Guidelines for Market Maker............................................................................. 15
5.1.1 Criterion for selection of scrips for Market Making.......................................... 16
5.1.2 Exclusivity of Market Makers ........................................................................... 16
5.1.3 Number of Market Makers for each share ......................................................... 17
5.1.4 Qualifications for a registered Market Maker.................................................... 17
5.1.5 The obligations and responsibilities of Market Makers..................................... 17
5.1.6 Rights of the Market Maker............................................................................... 18
5.1.7 Voluntary De-registration .................................................................................. 18
5.1.8 Compulsory De-registration............................................................................... 18
5.1.9 Dissemination of Information ............................................................................ 18
5.1.10 Number of Shares per Market Maker ................................................................ 18
5.1.11 Risk Containment Measures and monitoring for Market Makers ..................... 18
SECTION – 6: NEGOTIATED DEALS..................................................................... 20
6.1 Negotiated Deals................................................................................................ 20
SECTION – 7 : ODD LOT .......................................................................................... 21
7.1 Trading and Settlement of trades in dematerialised securities ................ 21
SECTION – 8: PERMANENT ACCOUNT NUMBER ........................................... 22
8.1 Mandatory PAN requirement for transaction in Cash Market........................... 22
8.2 PAN as a sole identification number for all transactions in the securities market
………………………………………………………………………………….22
8.3 Incase of Central and State Govt., and officials appointed by courts ................ 22
8.4. Exemptions for Investors in Sikkim .................................................................. 23
8.5 Incase of FIIs/Institutional Clients..................................................................... 23
8.6 Incase of UN entities and multilateral agencies which are exempted from paying
taxes/ filling tax returns in India ........................................................................ 23
8.7 Incase of HUF, Association of Persons (AoP), Partnership Firm, unregistered
Trust, Registered Trust, Corporate Bodies, minors, etc..................................... 24
8.8 Incase of Slight mismatch in PAN card details as well as difference in maiden
name and current name (predominantly in the case of married women) of the
investors.............................................................................................................24
8.9 Incase of NRI/PIOs ............................................................................................ 24
8.10 PAN requirement for transfer of shares in physical form.................................. 24
SECTION – 9: PROPRIETARY TRADING.............................................................. 26
9.1 Disclosure of Proprietary Trading by Broker to Client ..................................... 26

9.2 Pro-account Trading Terminal........................................................................... 26
SECTION – 10 : SHORT SELLING AND SECURITIES LENDING AND
BORROWING SCHEME............................................................................................ 28
10.1 Broad Framework for Short Selling and Securities Lending and Borrowing.... 28
10.2 Annexure 1 – Broad framework for short selling .............................................. 28
10.3 Annexure 2 - Broad framework for securities lending and borrowing .. 29
SECTION – 11: SPOT AND OFF-THE-FLOOR TRANSACTIONS..................... 34
SECTION – 12: SECURITIES TRANSACTION TAX............................................. 35
12.1 Implementation of Securities Transaction Tax .................................................. 35
SECTION – 13 : TIME STAMPING OF ORDERS................................................... 35
13.1 Time Stamping of Orders................................................................................... 35
SECTION – 14 : TRADING IN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES............................ 36
14.1 Government Securities....................................................................................... 36
SECTION – 15: UNIQUE CLIENT CODE............................................................... 37
SECTION - 16: TRANSACTION CHARGES BY THE STOCK EXCHANGES.. 38
SECTION 17 - PRESERVATION OF RECORDS .................................................... 39
SECTION 18 - DISCLOSURE OF INVESTOR COMPLAINTS AND
ARBITRATION DETAILS ON STOCK EXCHANGE WEBSITE......................... 40

Annexure 2 – Master Circular for Stock Exchange/ Cash Market – Trading Part- II

Annexure 3 – Master Circular for Stock Exchange/ Cash Market – Settlement

Annexure 4 – Master Circular for Stock Exchange/ Cash Market – Comprehensive Risk Management

Annexure 5 – Master Circular for Stock Exchange - Companies shifted from Trade for trade to Rolling Settlement

Annexure 6 – Master Circular on allotment of codes to Stock Exchanges, Subsidiary management by Stock Exchanges, Governance of recognised Stock Exchanges and Arbitration in recognised Stock Exchanges.

Annexure 7 - Master Circular for Depositories:

It contains the following,

Section-1 - Beneficial Owner (BO) Accounts
1.1 Opening of BO Account by non-body corporates
1.1.1 Proof of Identity (PoI)
1.1.2 Proof of Address (PoA)
1.2 Exemptions from and clarifications relating to mandatory requirement
of PAN
1.3 Fees/Charges to be paid by BO
1.4 Transfer of funds and securities from Clearing Member pool account to
BO Account
1.5 Printing of Grievances Redressal Mechanism on Delivery Instruction
Form Book
1.6 Exemption to Depository Participants (DPs) from providing hard
copies of transaction statements to BOs
1.7 Safeguards on transfer of securities in dematerialized mode
Section-2 - Issuer related
2.1 Charges to be paid by Issuers
2.2 Activation of International Securities Identification Number (ISIN) in
case of IPO
2.3 Registrar and Transfer Agents
2.4 Mandatory admission of debt instruments on both the Depositories
2.5 American Depository Receipts (ADRs)/Global Depository Receipts
(GDRs)
2.6 Electronic Clearing System (ECS) facility
2.6.1 Dividend Distribution
2.6.2 Refund in public/rights issues
Section-3 – Depositories/ Depository Participant (DP) Related
3.1 Designated e-mail ID for redressal of investor complaints
3.2 Approval of amendments to Bye Laws / Rules of Stock Exchanges and
Depositories
3.3 Preservation of Records
3.4 Foreign investments in infrastructure companies in securities markets
3.5 Activity schedule for depositories for T+2 rolling Settlement
3.6 Settlement of transactions in case of holidays
3.7 Supervision of branches of depository participants
3.8 Designated e-mail ID for regulatory communication with SEBI
3.9 Disclosure of investor complaints and arbitration details on Depository
website

Learnlabz Promotional Videos on Company Secretary (CS) Executive & Professional Programme Coaching Classes & Only This Much books released on Youtube today to make learning an interesting experience!!! [can also fetch you UPTO 50 marks in exams]

Learnlabz Promotional Videos on Company Secretary Executive & Professional Programme Coaching Classes & Only This Much books.  It covers Topics which are important for last minute revisions during CS Exams.  Enjoy passing.  Do give your critical comments on the video.

 

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This exams, appear with Confidence!!! Be thorough with whatsoever you have read till date.  Show your confidence in every word that you write in every page of your every subject in Company Secretary Foundation, Executive & Professional Programme.

 

“Just think you are given FRESH & NEW 3 hours in every exam, forget yesterday & tomorrow….Today’s exam is going to be the best exam you have written forever.”  Repeat this sentence whenever you go appearing for every exam.  Then you will say, CS Exams are as FUN!!!

At Learnlabz, we make CS learning an interesting experience!!! For more details, do visit www.learnlabz.com

Learnlabz wishes ALL THE BEST for your CS Exams and do communicate your results on February/August.

Professional Misconduct for CS,CA & CWA: Don't talk when your Client Drives (& viceversa) - if its true!!!

Many road safety campaigns targets the drivers and the passengers. But Bangalore Traffic police is different (Hats off)!!!

Believe, atleast if our Profession makes this as a Misconduct, everyone's Conduct will change! see Yes.