Businesses
RBI FAQs for Paytm Payments Bank customers — All you need to know
Mumbai, Feb 16 (AINS) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday issued a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the convenience of the customers of Paytm Payments Bank and the general public at large to explain how the business restrictions that have been placed on the bank will work in practice.
These are:
Bank Accounts with Paytm Payments Bank
* I have a savings or current account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to withdraw money from this account after March 15, 2024? Can I continue to use my debit card issued by Paytm Payments Bank?
Yes. You can continue to use, withdraw or transfer your funds from your account upto the available balance in your account.
Similarly, you can continue to use your debit card to withdraw or transfer funds upto the available balance in your account.
*I have a savings bank or current account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I deposit or transfer money into this account after March 15, 2024?
No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to deposit money into your account with Paytm Payments Bank. No credits or deposits other than interest, cashbacks, sweep-in from partner banks or refunds are allowed to be credited.
*I am expecting a refund in my account with Paytm Payments Bank after March 15, 2024. Can this refund be credited into my account?
Yes. Refunds, cashbacks, sweep-in from partner banks or interest are permitted credits into your account even after March 15, 2024.
*What will happen to the Deposits maintained with partner banks through ‘sweep in/out’ arrangements, after March 15, 2024?
The existing Deposits of Paytm Payments Bank customers maintained with partner banks can be brought back (sweep-in) to the accounts with Paytm Payments Bank, subject to the ceiling on balance prescribed for a Payments Bank (i.e. Rs 2 lakh per individual customer at the end of day). Such sweep-ins for the purpose of making available the balances for use or withdrawal by the customer will continue to be allowed. However, no fresh deposits with partner banks through Paytm Payments Bank will be allowed after March 15, 2024.
*My salary is credited into my account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to receive my salary into this account?
No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to receive any such credits into your account with Paytm Payments Bank. It is suggested that you make alternative arrangements with another bank before March 15, 2024 to avoid inconvenience.
*I receive a subsidy or certain direct benefit transfers linked to my Aadhar from the Government in my account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to receive it into this account?
No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to receive any such credit into your account with Paytm Payments Bank. Please arrange to change your linked account to another bank before March 15, 2024 to avoid any inconvenience or disruption.
*My monthly electricity bill is paid automatically from my bank account with Paytm Bank Limited? Can this continue?
Withdrawal/debit mandates (such as National Automated Clearing House (NACH) mandates) will continue to get executed till there is balance available in your account. However, after March 15, 2024, credit or deposit in your accounts will not be allowed. Therefore, to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you make alternative arrangements through another bank, before March 15, 2024.
*My monthly OTT subscription is paid automatically through UPI from my bank account with Paytm Payments Bank? Can this continue?
Withdrawal/debit mandates through automatic UPI mandates will continue to get executed till there is balance available in your account. However, after March 15, 2024, credit or deposit in your accounts will not be allowed. Therefore, to avoid inconvenience or disruption, it is suggested that you make alternative arrangements through another bank, before March 15, 2024.
*The instalment (EMI) for my loan is automatically paid through my account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can this continue?
Auto debit mandates will continue to get executed till there is balance available in your account. However, after March 15, 2024, credit or deposit in your accounts will not be allowed. Therefore, to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you make alternative arrangements for setting up EMI payments through another bank before March 15, 2024.
*The instalment (EMI) for my loan is automatically paid through my account with a bank other than Paytm Payments Bank. Can this continue?
Yes, EMIs registered with any bank other than Paytm Payments Bank can continue.
Paytm Payments Bank Wallet
*I have a wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use money from this wallet after March 15, 2024?
Yes. You can continue to use, withdraw or transfer to another wallet or bank account upto the balance available in the wallet. Minimum KYC wallets1 can, however, be used only for merchant payments.
*I have a wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I top-up or transfer money into this wallet after March 15, 2024? Can I receive money from any other person into this wallet after March 15, 2024?
No. After March 15, 2024 you will not be able to top-up or transfer money into the wallet or receive any credits, other than cashbacks, or refunds into this wallet.
*I have a cashback due in my wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I receive this cashback after March 15, 2024?
Yes. Refunds and cashbacks are allowed to be credited.
*I have a wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I close this wallet and have the balance transferred to my bank account with another bank?
Yes. You may approach Paytm Payments Bank or use its banking app to close your wallet and transfer the balance to an account maintained with another bank in the case of full KYC wallets. In the case of minimum KYC Wallets2, you may use the available balance or request for a refund.
1) As per extant directions, small pre-paid Instruments (PPI) are issued by banks and non-banks after obtaining minimum details of the PPI holder. They can be used only for purchase of goods and services. Funds transfer or cash withdrawal from such PPIs are not permitted.
2) As per extant directions, small pre-paid Instruments (PPI) are issued by banks and non-banks after obtaining minimum details of the PPI holder. They can be used only for purchase of goods and services. Funds transfer or cash withdrawal from such PPIs are not permitted.
FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank (for more details on FASTag, you may visit website of IHMCL https://ihmcl.co.in)
*I have a FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use it to pay toll after March 15, 2024?
Yes. You can continue to use your FASTag to pay toll upto the available balance. However, no further funding or top ups will be allowed in the FASTags issued by Paytm Payments Bank after March 15, 2024. It is suggested that you procure a new FASTag issued by another bank before March 15, 2024 to avoid any inconvenience.
*I have a FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I recharge the balance after March 15, 2024?
No. After March 15, 2024 you will not be able to top-up or recharge your FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank. It is suggested that you procure a new FASTag issued by another bank before March 15, 2024 to avoid any inconvenience.
*Can I transfer the balance from my old FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank to a new FASTag obtained from another Bank?
Credit balance transfer feature is not available in the FASTag product. Therefore, you will have to close your old FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank and request the bank for a refund. National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) issued by Paytm Payments Bank.
*I have an NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use it after March 15, 2024?
Yes. You can continue to use your NCMC card upto the available balance. However, you will not be able to load or top up funds into the card after March 15, 2024. In order to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you obtain an NCMC card issued by another bank or non-bank pre-paid instrument (PPI) issuer, before March 15, 2024.
*I have an NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I add to its balance through top-up, recharge, etc. after March 15, 2024?
No. After March 15, 2024 you will not be able to top-up or recharge your NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank. In order to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you obtain an NCMC card issued by another bank or non-bank pre-paid instrument (PPI) issuer, before March 15, 2024.
*Can I transfer the balance from my old NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank to a new card obtained from another Bank?
Balance transfer feature is not available in the NCMC card. Therefore, you may use the card upto the available balance. In case you have some more balance which you have not been able to use, you may request Paytm Payments Bank for a refund.
Merchants using Paytm Payments Bank to receive payments
*I am a merchant and I accept payments using a Paytm QR code, Paytm soundbox or Paytm POS terminal, linked to another bank account (not with Paytm Payments Bank). Can I continue to use this set-up even after March 15, 2024?
Yes. If your receipt and transfer of funds is linked to any bank account other than Paytm Payments Bank, you can continue to use this arrangement even after March 15, 2024.
*I am a merchant and I accept payments using a Paytm QR code, Paytm soundbox, Paytm POS terminal linked to my bank account or wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use this set-up even after March 15, 2024?
No. After March 15, 2024 you will not be able to receive any credit into your bank account or wallet with Paytm Payments Bank other than refunds, cashbacks, sweep-in from partner banks or interest. In order to avoid any inconvenience or disruption, it is suggested that you may obtain a fresh QR code linked to an account with another bank or wallet to receive payments. You may also change your bank account details (in which you receive payments) through your service provider.
Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)
*Can I make payments through the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) using my account with Paytm Payments Bank?
Yes. You can continue to make payments from your Paytm Payments Bank account through Bharat Bill Payment System upto the balance available in your account. Since you will not be able to credit any further funds into your accounts or wallets with Paytm Payments Bank after March 15, 2024, it is advised that you may make alternative arrangements with another bank account for BBPS before March 15, 2024.
Aadhar enabled Payment System (AePS)
*Can I make withdrawals from my Paytm Payments Bank account with biometric authentication under Aadhar enabled Payment System?
Yes. You can continue to withdraw using the AePS authentication, upto the balance available in your account.
Money Transfer through UPI/ IMPS
*Can I transfer my money into my Paytm Payments Bank account through UPI/ IMPS after March 15, 2024?
No. You cannot transfer the money into your Paytm Payments Bank account after March 15, 2024.
*Can I withdraw my money from my Paytm Payments Bank account through UPI/ IMPS after March 15, 2024?
Yes. You can withdraw your money from Paytm Payments Bank account through UPI/ IMPS upto the balance available in your account.
Paytm Payments Bank Business Correspondent
*I have an account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can the Paytm Payments Bank Business Correspondent (also referred to as Paytm Payments Bank Agent) help me in withdrawing funds from my account after March 15, 2024.
Yes. The Paytm Payments Bank Business Correspondent (Bank Agent) can help you to withdraw money from your bank account upto the balance available in your account.
Accounts frozen, lien marked etc.
*What will happen to my Paytm Payments Bank account/wallet if there is a lien or freeze marked on the directions of Law Enforcement or judicial authorities?
Any lien or freeze (full or partial) marked as per the instructions of any law enforcement or judicial authorities on the account/wallet of a customer with Paytm Payments Bank will continue to be governed by the orders passed by such authorities.
*What will happen to my Paytm Payments Bank account/ wallet if there is a lien or freeze marked on account of internal policies of Paytm Payments Bank?
The bank has been directed to allow withdrawal or transfer to another bank account of the customer, upto the available balance in the account / wallets.
Onboarding of new customers.
*What is the status of the Business restriction placed on Paytm Payments Bank vide RBI Press Release dated March 11, 2022?
The business restriction dated March 11, 2022, prohibiting Paytm Payments Bank from onboarding any new customers for any of its services continues to be in force. Hence, Paytm Payments Bank cannot onboard any new customers after March 11, 2022.
–IANS
sps/danRBI FAQs for Paytm Payments Bank customers — All you need to know
Mumbai, Feb 16 (AINS) The RBI on Friday issued a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the convenience of the customers of Paytm Payments Bank and the general public at large to explain how the business restrictions that have been placed on the bank will work in practice.
These are:
Bank Accounts with Paytm Payments Bank
* I have a savings or current account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to withdraw money from this account after March 15, 2024? Can I continue to use my debit card issued by Paytm Payments Bank?
Yes. You can continue to use, withdraw or transfer your funds from your account upto the available balance in your account.
Similarly, you can continue to use your debit card to withdraw or transfer funds upto the available balance in your account.
*I have a savings bank or current account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I deposit or transfer money into this account after March 15, 2024?
No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to deposit money into your account with Paytm Payments Bank. No credits or deposits other than interest, cashbacks, sweep-in from partner banks or refunds are allowed to be credited.
*I am expecting a refund in my account with Paytm Payments Bank after March 15, 2024. Can this refund be credited into my account?
Yes. Refunds, cashbacks, sweep-in from partner banks or interest are permitted credits into your account even after March 15, 2024.
*What will happen to the Deposits maintained with partner banks through ‘sweep in/out’ arrangements, after March 15, 2024?
The existing Deposits of Paytm Payments Bank customers maintained with partner banks can be brought back (sweep-in) to the accounts with Paytm Payments Bank, subject to the ceiling on balance prescribed for a Payments Bank (i.e. Rs 2 lakh per individual customer at the end of day). Such sweep-ins for the purpose of making available the balances for use or withdrawal by the customer will continue to be allowed. However, no fresh deposits with partner banks through Paytm Payments Bank will be allowed after March 15, 2024.
*My salary is credited into my account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to receive my salary into this account?
No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to receive any such credits into your account with Paytm Payments Bank. It is suggested that you make alternative arrangements with another bank before March 15, 2024 to avoid inconvenience.
*I receive a subsidy or certain direct benefit transfers linked to my Aadhar from the Government in my account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to receive it into this account?
No. After March 15, 2024, you will not be able to receive any such credit into your account with Paytm Payments Bank. Please arrange to change your linked account to another bank before March 15, 2024 to avoid any inconvenience or disruption.
*My monthly electricity bill is paid automatically from my bank account with Paytm Bank Limited? Can this continue?
Withdrawal/debit mandates (such as National Automated Clearing House (NACH) mandates) will continue to get executed till there is balance available in your account. However, after March 15, 2024, credit or deposit in your accounts will not be allowed. Therefore, to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you make alternative arrangements through another bank, before March 15, 2024.
*My monthly OTT subscription is paid automatically through UPI from my bank account with Paytm Payments Bank? Can this continue?
Withdrawal/debit mandates through automatic UPI mandates will continue to get executed till there is balance available in your account. However, after March 15, 2024, credit or deposit in your accounts will not be allowed. Therefore, to avoid inconvenience or disruption, it is suggested that you make alternative arrangements through another bank, before March 15, 2024.
*The instalment (EMI) for my loan is automatically paid through my account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can this continue?
Auto debit mandates will continue to get executed till there is balance available in your account. However, after March 15, 2024, credit or deposit in your accounts will not be allowed. Therefore, to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you make alternative arrangements for setting up EMI payments through another bank before March 15, 2024.
*The instalment (EMI) for my loan is automatically paid through my account with a bank other than Paytm Payments Bank. Can this continue?
Yes, EMIs registered with any bank other than Paytm Payments Bank can continue.
Paytm Payments Bank Wallet
*I have a wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use money from this wallet after March 15, 2024?
Yes. You can continue to use, withdraw or transfer to another wallet or bank account upto the balance available in the wallet. Minimum KYC wallets1 can, however, be used only for merchant payments.
*I have a wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I top-up or transfer money into this wallet after March 15, 2024? Can I receive money from any other person into this wallet after March 15, 2024?
No. After March 15, 2024 you will not be able to top-up or transfer money into the wallet or receive any credits, other than cashbacks, or refunds into this wallet.
*I have a cashback due in my wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I receive this cashback after March 15, 2024?
Yes. Refunds and cashbacks are allowed to be credited.
*I have a wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I close this wallet and have the balance transferred to my bank account with another bank?
Yes. You may approach Paytm Payments Bank or use its banking app to close your wallet and transfer the balance to an account maintained with another bank in the case of full KYC wallets. In the case of minimum KYC Wallets2, you may use the available balance or request for a refund.
1) As per extant directions, small pre-paid Instruments (PPI) are issued by banks and non-banks after obtaining minimum details of the PPI holder. They can be used only for purchase of goods and services. Funds transfer or cash withdrawal from such PPIs are not permitted.
2) As per extant directions, small pre-paid Instruments (PPI) are issued by banks and non-banks after obtaining minimum details of the PPI holder. They can be used only for purchase of goods and services. Funds transfer or cash withdrawal from such PPIs are not permitted.
FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank (for more details on FASTag, you may visit website of IHMCL https://ihmcl.co.in)
*I have a FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use it to pay toll after March 15, 2024?
Yes. You can continue to use your FASTag to pay toll upto the available balance. However, no further funding or top ups will be allowed in the FASTags issued by Paytm Payments Bank after March 15, 2024. It is suggested that you procure a new FASTag issued by another bank before March 15, 2024 to avoid any inconvenience.
*I have a FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I recharge the balance after March 15, 2024?
No. After March 15, 2024 you will not be able to top-up or recharge your FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank. It is suggested that you procure a new FASTag issued by another bank before March 15, 2024 to avoid any inconvenience.
*Can I transfer the balance from my old FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank to a new FASTag obtained from another Bank?
Credit balance transfer feature is not available in the FASTag product. Therefore, you will have to close your old FASTag issued by Paytm Payments Bank and request the bank for a refund. National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) issued by Paytm Payments Bank.
*I have an NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use it after March 15, 2024?
Yes. You can continue to use your NCMC card upto the available balance. However, you will not be able to load or top up funds into the card after March 15, 2024. In order to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you obtain an NCMC card issued by another bank or non-bank pre-paid instrument (PPI) issuer, before March 15, 2024.
*I have an NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank. Can I add to its balance through top-up, recharge, etc. after March 15, 2024?
No. After March 15, 2024 you will not be able to top-up or recharge your NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank. In order to avoid inconvenience, it is suggested that you obtain an NCMC card issued by another bank or non-bank pre-paid instrument (PPI) issuer, before March 15, 2024.
*Can I transfer the balance from my old NCMC card issued by Paytm Payments Bank to a new card obtained from another Bank?
Balance transfer feature is not available in the NCMC card. Therefore, you may use the card upto the available balance. In case you have some more balance which you have not been able to use, you may request Paytm Payments Bank for a refund.
Merchants using Paytm Payments Bank to receive payments
*I am a merchant and I accept payments using a Paytm QR code, Paytm soundbox or Paytm POS terminal, linked to another bank account (not with Paytm Payments Bank). Can I continue to use this set-up even after March 15, 2024?
Yes. If your receipt and transfer of funds is linked to any bank account other than Paytm Payments Bank, you can continue to use this arrangement even after March 15, 2024.
*I am a merchant and I accept payments using a Paytm QR code, Paytm soundbox, Paytm POS terminal linked to my bank account or wallet with Paytm Payments Bank. Can I continue to use this set-up even after March 15, 2024?
No. After March 15, 2024 you will not be able to receive any credit into your bank account or wallet with Paytm Payments Bank other than refunds, cashbacks, sweep-in from partner banks or interest. In order to avoid any inconvenience or disruption, it is suggested that you may obtain a fresh QR code linked to an account with another bank or wallet to receive payments. You may also change your bank account details (in which you receive payments) through your service provider.
Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)
*Can I make payments through the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) using my account with Paytm Payments Bank?
Yes. You can continue to make payments from your Paytm Payments Bank account through Bharat Bill Payment System upto the balance available in your account. Since you will not be able to credit any further funds into your accounts or wallets with Paytm Payments Bank after March 15, 2024, it is advised that you may make alternative arrangements with another bank account for BBPS before March 15, 2024.
Aadhar enabled Payment System (AePS)
*Can I make withdrawals from my Paytm Payments Bank account with biometric authentication under Aadhar enabled Payment System?
Yes. You can continue to withdraw using the AePS authentication, upto the balance available in your account.
Money Transfer through UPI/ IMPS
*Can I transfer my money into my Paytm Payments Bank account through UPI/ IMPS after March 15, 2024?
No. You cannot transfer the money into your Paytm Payments Bank account after March 15, 2024.
*Can I withdraw my money from my Paytm Payments Bank account through UPI/ IMPS after March 15, 2024?
Yes. You can withdraw your money from Paytm Payments Bank account through UPI/ IMPS upto the balance available in your account.
Paytm Payments Bank Business Correspondent
*I have an account with Paytm Payments Bank. Can the Paytm Payments Bank Business Correspondent (also referred to as Paytm Payments Bank Agent) help me in withdrawing funds from my account after March 15, 2024.
Yes. The Paytm Payments Bank Business Correspondent (Bank Agent) can help you to withdraw money from your bank account upto the balance available in your account.
Accounts frozen, lien marked etc.
*What will happen to my Paytm Payments Bank account/wallet if there is a lien or freeze marked on the directions of Law Enforcement or judicial authorities?
Any lien or freeze (full or partial) marked as per the instructions of any law enforcement or judicial authorities on the account/wallet of a customer with Paytm Payments Bank will continue to be governed by the orders passed by such authorities.
*What will happen to my Paytm Payments Bank account/ wallet if there is a lien or freeze marked on account of internal policies of Paytm Payments Bank?
The bank has been directed to allow withdrawal or transfer to another bank account of the customer, upto the available balance in the account / wallets.
Onboarding of new customers.
*What is the status of the Business restriction placed on Paytm Payments Bank vide RBI Press Release dated March 11, 2022?
The business restriction dated March 11, 2022, prohibiting Paytm Payments Bank from onboarding any new customers for any of its services continues to be in force. Hence, Paytm Payments Bank cannot onboard any new customers after March 11, 2022.
–IANS
sps/dan
Businesses
Investors’ wealth eroded by a massive Rs 9.19 lakh crore
Investors’ wealth eroded by a massive Rs 9.19 lakh crore on Tuesday as markets came under heavy sell-off with the BSE benchmark index Sensex falling 930.55 points.
Extending its previous day’s decline, the BSE Sensex plummeted 930.55 points or 1.15 per cent to settle at 80,220.72. During the day, it tanked 1,001.74 points or 1.23 per cent to 80,149.53.
The market capitalisation of BSE-listed firms eroded by Rs 9,19,374.52 crore to Rs 4,44,45,649.22 crore (USD 5.29 trillion). “There has been no respite from FIIs selling in local equities in the current month so far, which has been creating uncertainty among domestic investors.
Also, foreign investors are fleeing Indian equities to invest in relatively cheaper locations such as China, especially after the stimulus announcement by its government to boost its slowing economy.
“Along with sectoral stocks, mid and smallcap stocks too bore the brunt as persistent buying had led to valuations in several stocks getting expensive and hence the breather,” Prashanth Tapse, Senior VP (Research) at Mehta Equities Ltd, said.
From the 30 Sensex pack, Mahindra & Mahindra, State Bank of India, Power Grid, Tata Steel, IndusInd Bank, Tata Motors, Larsen & Toubro, NTPC, Bajaj Finance and Reliance were among the biggest laggards. In contrast, ICICI Bank, Nestle and Infosys were the gainers from the pack.
Businesses
NITI Aayog shares a $300 billion economy roadmap for Mumbai Metropolitan Region
Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS) The NITI Aayog in its presentation to the Maharashtra government on Thursday suggested a roadmap for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) to become a $300 billion economy by 2030 from the present $140 billion.
NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam during his meeting with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, suggested that the state can achieve this ambitious target with the promotion of MMR as global services’ hub, affordable housing and slum rehabilitation, tourism, port-proximate integrated manufacturing and logistics hub, planned urbanisation and intensive transport oriented development, sustainability projects and world-class urban infrastructure and transport.
NITI Aayog has said that the state government can attract a private investment of $125-135 billion, incremental GDP growth of $130-150 billion and additional capital by the state government of the order of Rs 50,000 crore over 5-6 years to chase the goal of making MMR a $300 billion economy.
“MMR is a $140 billion economy across 5 districts and covering 9 municipal corporations with a 25.8 million population and 10 million jobs. Good news is that MMR is on a positive growth trajectory on the back of $50 billion ongoing infrastructure investments. Our vision is to grow MMR into a $300 billion economy by 2030 and $1.5 trillion economy by 2047,” said Subrahmanyam in the presentation.
According to NITI Aayog, MMR has a potential to become a global services hub due to the existing two world-class business districts, Wadala and BKC for financial services and after the development of Navi Mumbai Aerocity as a global aviation city.
It has suggested that the rehabilitation of 2.2 million slums will create new housing stocks in addition to around 1 million affordable housing for low income and middle income group segments.
NITI Aayog has suggested the state can promote two themed tourism development hubs at Gorai and Madh and Alibaug and implement a masterplan for a 300 km coastline.
Further, the MMR can promote port proximate integrated manufacturing and logistic hub with the development of Kharbav integrated logistic cluster as a multi-modal logistic park, circular economy parks and electronic manufacturing and manufacturing cluster for white goods assembly at Khalapur-Panvel section.
In the wake of the development of Rs 76,000 crore Vadhavan port, NITI Aayog has suggested that it can be exploited for the promotion of green hydrogen, steel, chemicals, integrated textiles and apparels.
Further, the NITI Aayog has suggested that the government should release a slew of policies for services, tourism, affordable housing, and transport-oriented development. In addition, the government will have to craft investment promotion and land allocation policy, simplified and enabling urban planning policies, women-inclusivity blueprint and Green MMR policy.
Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has said that the government is focusing on the construction of affordable housing, development of a data center in Navi Mumbai, and completion of Alibaug Multimodal Corridor. Recently, the state government has cleared projects with an investment of Rs 80,000 crore. The government has stepped up efforts to promote tourism along the 720 km coastline.
(Sanjay Jog can be contacted at sanjay.j@ians.in)
–IANS
sj/pgh
Businesses
Finance Ministry sees food inflation easing further on back of better monsoon
New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) Inflationary pressures in the Indian economy eased in July and food inflation is expected to come down further with this year’s better monsoon leading to higher agricultural production, according to the Finance Ministry’s monthly review released on Thursday.
Retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index eased from 5.1 per cent in June 2024 to 3.5 per cent in July 2024, the lowest since September 2019.
This was mainly due to a significant fall in food inflation. It declined to 5.4 per cent in July 2024 from 9.4 per cent in June 2024, the review states.
The substantial fall witnessed in food inflation was helped majorly by a decline in vegetable inflation from 29.3 per cent in June 2024 to 6.8 per cent in July 2024 and mild deflation in ‘oils and fats’ and spices.
On the other hand, core inflation (which excludes food and fuel) was at a moderate level of 3.3 per cent in July 2024.
Overall, the retail inflation rate moderated to 4.6 per cent in the first four months of FY25 as compared to 5.3 per cent in FY24 (April-July), according to the review.
With moderate core inflation and positive progress in the monsoon, the headline inflation outlook is positive. Assuming a normal monsoon, CPI inflation for FY25 is projected at 4.5 per cent by the RBI, with Q2 inflation at 4.4 per cent.
A steady progress in the southwest monsoon has supported agricultural activity. The cumulative southwest monsoon rainfall was 3 per cent higher than the long-period average up to August 19, 2024. Further, the spatial distribution has improved, with 84 per cent of subdivisions receiving normal or excess rainfall. This has enabled healthy Kharif sowing.
As of August 16, the actual sowing area under total foodgrains was 4.8 per cent higher than the corresponding period of the previous year, while progress in cereals and pulses was 4.6 per cent and 5.7 per cent higher than the previous year.
Corresponding to healthy progress in monsoon, availability of water level in reservoirs improving, ensuring water adequacy for irrigation during current Kharif and upcoming rabi crop production. The storage availability in 150 reservoirs as of August 15, was 111 per cent of the corresponding period of last year and 114 per cent of the average storage of the last ten years, according to the Central Water Commission. This augurs well for healthy food production that will aid in cooling food inflation in the upcoming months. Further, to enhance productivity and resilience in the agriculture sector, various measures have been announced in the Union Budget FY25, the Finance Ministry said.
–IANS
sps/vd
Businesses
Indian economy is on upswing: Finance Ministry
New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS) The Indian economy experienced a notable upswing across various economic indicators in July 2024, signalling strong and resilient business activities with both the manufacturing and services sectors posting a robust performance, according to the Finance Ministry’s monthly review released on Thursday.
“The month saw impressive milestones being reached, substantial growth in GST collections, and a significant rise in e-way bill generation, which points to an overall increase in economic activity. The stock market indices also reached record highs in July,” the review states.
On balance, India’s economic momentum remains intact. Despite a somewhat erratic monsoon, reservoirs have been replenished. Manufacturing and services sectors are expanding, going by the Purchasing Managers’ indices. Tax collections – especially indirect taxes, which reflect transactions – are growing healthily, and so is bank credit, according to the review.
Inflation is moderating, and exports of both goods and services are doing better than they did last year. Stock markets are holding on to their levels. Foreign direct investment is looking up as gross inflows are rising, the review states.
Gross GST collections for July 2024 maintained their momentum, achieving their second-highest level since May 2023. The total gross GST revenue rose by 10.3 per cent year-on-year (YoY), bringing the total for FY 25 (April to July) to Rs 7.4 lakh crore.
This increase in GST collections also highlights robust compliance and expansion of GST coverage across various economic activities.
The upward level shift is reflected in the average monthly GST collections rising from Rs 1.68 lakh crore in FY24 to Rs 1.85 lakh crore in FY25.
The year-on-year increase in e-way bills reached a nine-month peak of 19.2 per cent with the total number of e-way bills issued in July surging to 10.5 crore, setting a new single-month record.
According to the review, the manufacturing sector has continued to demonstrate robust performance in the first four months of FY25, as evidenced by the strong performance of various high-frequency indicators.
The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) Manufacturing, a crucial gauge of the economic vitality of the manufacturing sector, stood at 58.1 in July 2024, significantly above the series long-run average and among the highest recorded in recent years. This expansion, driven by buoyant demand conditions and a surge in production volumes, bodes well for the overall health of the economy.
Similarly, the service sector continued to perform well.
PMI services remained in an expansionary zone at 60.3 in July 2024, driven by expansion in international sales, an increase in new order uptakes, and a rise in new export orders.
Despite a rise in wages and material costs which pushed up business expenses, overall sentiment in the services sector remains upbeat, driven, among others, by an upswing in the tourism cum hotel industry induced by leisure travel, business travel, and social events, the Finance Ministry said.
–IANS
sps/pgh
Businesses
Sensex closes 147 pts up 81,053, Nifty above 24,800
Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS) Indian stock markets again closed higher on Thursday due to positive sentiment in the markets.
At closing, Sensex was up 147 points, or 0.18 per cent, at 81,053 and Nifty was up 41 points or 0.17 per cent at 24,811.
The market’s positive sentiment was bolstered by optimistic global cues, particularly from the US markets, where the S&P 500 extended its winning streak, reflecting investor confidence amid expectations of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
During the day, Sensex traded in the range of 80,954 to 81,236 and Nifty traded in the range of 24,784 to 24,867.
In the Sensex pack, Bharti Airtel, Tata Steel, ICICI Bank, Titan, Asian Paints, UltraTech Cement, JSW Steel, Maruti Suzuki and SBI were the top gainers. Tata Motors, M&M, Wipro, NTPC, TCS, Power Grid, Sun Pharma, Axis Bank, and Nestle are the top losers.
Thursday’s market rally was led by Nifty Bank which settled up 300 points or 0.59 per cent at 50,985.
Among the sectoral indices, PSU Bank, fin service, FMCG, metal, realty and Private bank were the major gainers. Pharma, IT and energy were the major laggards.
An upward trend was also seen in small and medium stocks in the trading session. The Nifty midcap 100 index was up 400 points or 0.69 per cent at 58,844 and the Nifty smallcap 100 index was at 19,099, up 32 points or 0.17 per cent.
According to market experts, the domestic market witnessed modest gains owing to positive global sentiments.
“Particularly, the recent signs of weakness in the US non-farm payroll data have strengthened the case for potential interest rate cuts in September. However, in the broader market, investors are being cautious, opting for a selective approach, awaiting more clarity from central bank leaders in Japan and the US,” they added.
–IANS
avs/vd
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