American Idol Adds Kara DioGuardi as a Judge

It looks like the time-honored trio of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul is about to augmented to include an additional female judge.

In a statement released earlier today, American Idol creator Simon Fuller announced that the uber-popular singing competition judges panel will include Kara DioGuardi when Season 8 begins in January of 2009.

Fuller told press, “We are turning the heat up on Idol this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges’ table. She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America’s most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show.”

Amidst all of the hype and excitement, AI judge Paula Abdul said earlier today that she has her concerns as well. “I am concerned about the audience and acceptance. Time will tell. We’ll see. They always tried for a fourth judge because it followed the format of the original show, Pop Idol. We haven’t had much luck with that working, but we’re gonna give it another try.” She also noted, “It takes the fun out of all the hard work I do to push those kids through.”

Photo Credit: WireImage.com

Source: celebrity-gossip.net

India Inc welcomes 6th Pay Commission report

NEW DELHI: India Inc has welcomed the Sixth Pay Commission report that suggested an average increase of 40 percent in salaries of central government employees and said the move will not lead to a rise in inflation and revenue deficit of the government.

Industry body FICCI said the pay hike would not add to inflationary conditions and revenue deficit due to buoyant revenue collections.

"The revenue collections and the overall economy is growing. If these trends are kept intact, then this additional expenditure should not be too much of a problem," Ficci Secretary General Amit Mitra said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Assocham said increase in salaries would not fuel inflation and increase revenue deficit as the country is witnessing increased direct and indirect tax collections as a result of higher tax compliance.

"The government is going to witness substantial hike in its revenue collections, benefits of which ought to be given to its employees and there should be no grudge against such pay commissions recommendations," Assocham President Venugopal Dhoot said.

Assocham said the move would make the central government employees more accountable, productive and responsive as the exchequer would shed Rs 12,561 crore in 2008-09 itself on account of higher package.

Also, Ficci said the hike would reduce the problem of governance and attract talented personnel, besides making the employees more responsible.

The Sixth Pay Commission submitted its report to Finance Minister P Chidambaram recommending implementation of the revised pay from January 1, 2006, which would impose an arrear payout burden of Rs 18,060 crore on the government.


Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com

Details about 6th Pay Commission

Khabrein.Info News Desk,

New Delhi, Aug 15, 2008: The Union Cabinet has given its approval for implementation of the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission. The revised pay scales will come into effect from 1/1/2006 and revised rates of allowances from 1/9/2008. The Cabinet has also decided that arrears will be paid in cash in two instalments – first instalment of 40% during the current year (2008-09) and the remaining 60% in the next financial year (2009-10).

2. The Cabinet has broadly accepted the recommendations of Sixth CPC with some modifications in the wake of representations received from various sections/Associations of Central Government employees. The new system of four Pay Bands with 20 Grade Pays recommended by the Commission has been accepted with some minor modifications.

3. The minimum Basic Pay for a Government servant has been increased to Rs.7000 from Rs.6660 recommended by the Sixth CPC. Consequently, the total emoluments of an employee at the lowest level will exceed Rs.10,000 p.m., including allowances.

4. The other highlights of the Cabinet decision covering all Government employees including the Defence Forces are:-

(i) Enhancement in the fitment in revised pay bands, which was recommended by the Sixth CPC to be based on multiplication factor of 1.74 to 1.86. This would result in increased emoluments for Government employees.

(ii) Increase in the rate of annual increment from 2.5% to 3%.

(iii) Removal of Campus restriction for grant of Transport Allowance.

(iv) Increase in Transport Allowance at the lowest level to Rs.600 (from Rs.400 in A-1/A class cities recommended by the Sixth CPC) and Rs.400 (from Rs.300 in other cities recommended by the Sixth CPC).

(v) At least three promotions have been assured for all Defence Forces’ personnel and civilian employees under the modified Assured Career Progression (ACP) Scheme. While the civilians would get it after 10, 20 and 30 years of service, the Defence Forces Jawans would get ACP in 8, 16 and 24 years.

5. For the Armed Forces personnel, the Commission, for the first time recommended a Military Service Pay (MSP). The Cabinet has increased the rate of MSP for PBORs to Rs.2000 from Rs.1000 recommended by the Commission. The Officers of the Defence Forces would get an MSP of Rs.6000 over and above their Pay.

6. The middle level officers of the Defence Forces namely Colonels and Brigadiers have been placed in the highest Pay Band of PB-4.

7. Senior Lt. Generals overlooked for promotion as Army Commanders due to lack of residual service would now get the grade of Army Commander (Secretary’s grade). In the case of existing Major Generals/Lt. Generals, MSP will be taken into account notionally for fixation of pay on 1/1/2006.

8. As replacement of the pay scale of Rs.24050-26000, a separate pay scale has been carved for DGPs, PCCFs, GM (Railways), members of the Boards of Income Tax, Customs & Central Excise, Postal and Ordnance Factories, among others, who were in this pre-revised scale. This would take them to the level of Rs.80000 in two years as against three years in the pre-revised scale.

9. Further, the IPS Pay Rules and the Indian Forest Service Pay Rules will be appropriately modified to provide in each State cadre one post of DGP and one post of PCCF at the apex level of Rs.80000 for heading their respective Forces.

10. Middle level Police and Civilian officers i.e. DIGs, Conservator of Forests, Scientists E & F, Superintending Engineers, Directors, Additional Commissioners of Income Tax and Central Excise and posts in equivalent grades have also been placed in PB-4.

11. Other salient decisions taken by the Cabinet are:-

(i) The lower limits of Disability Pension for Defence personnel to be doubled from Rs.1550 to Rs.3100. War Disability Pension to be granted at 60%;

(ii) The rates of Special Forces Allowance for Army and Air Force to be equated with navy’s Marine Commando Allowance;

(iii) For the officers of Central Para Military Forces, all the posts of Additional DIG upgraded to DIG level by the Pay Commission to continue to be manned by the cadre officers of CPMFs;

(iv) For the Railway employees who are in receipt of Running Allowance, this allowance will be taken into account while fixing their pay in revised pay bands;

(v) Government has continued the present position of granting Group A scale to Group B officers after 4 years of service and these officers would be placed in PB-3 instead of PB-2 recommended by the Sixth CPC. This would benefit Group B officers of the Railways, Accounts Services, CSS, CSSS and DANICS & DANIPS.

(vi) For Doctors, the Cabinet has approved promotions under the Dynamic ACP Scheme upto Senior Administrative Grade (Joint Secretary level) for Doctors with 20 years of service. Counting of Dearness Allowance (DA) on Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) as on 01.01.2006 for fixing their pay in revised pay bands has also been approved;

(vii) For the scientists, continuation of the existing system of grant of Special Pay of Rs.2000 p.m. to Scientists G on promotion and doubling of the amount to Rs.4000 p.m. in Departments of Space and Atomic Energy and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has been recommended.

12. The financial implications in 2008-09 on account of the implementation of the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission as modified by the Cabinet will be around Rs.15700 crore on the Central Budget and Rs.6400 crore on the Railway Budget.

Source: http://www.khabrein.info

Punjab University (PU) announces result: Girls beat boys in BA/BSc exams

* Passing percentage drops to 24.67 percent from 26.68 percent last year
* Cash rewards of Rs 400,000 for 1st position, Rs 275,00 for 2nd position and Rs 240,000 for 3rd position holders
* Supplementary exams due in October

By Adnan Lodhi

LAHORE: The Punjab University (PU) announced the results of its Bachelors of Arts/Bachelors of Science (BA/BSc) Annual Examinations 2008 on Saturday and declared 24.67 percent of students as successful. Last year’s passing percentage was 26.68.

Around 172,888 students appeared in the examinations across Punjab, of which 42,653 candidates successfully passed.

BSc position holders: Mahwish Nadeem of Leadership College, Khadim Ali Road, Sialkot, grabbed the first position (overall) in the BSc exam by securing 665 out of 800 marks.

Wajeeha Sundas of Post Graduate College for Women, Satellite Town, Rawalpindi, and Saba Shehzadi of Ibn-e-Ameer Government College for Women, Jalalpur Jattan, shared the second position in BSc with 657 marks, while Usman Rafi of Government Municipal Degree College, Faisalabad, secured third position with 640 marks.

BA position holders: Sheikh Muhammad Umar Farooq, a private candidate from Shahdara, got first position in BA with 642 marks, followed by Sharmeen Azher of Govt Degree College for Women, Chakwal, who got 628 marks.

Shaista Mehtab, an external candidate from Rawalpindi, and Ayeasha Tariq of Government College for Women, Shakargarh, Narowal, shared the third position with 623 marks.

Rewards: The PU authorities have announced rewards of Rs 100,000 for students securing first positions, Rs 75,000 for students securing second positions, and Rs 65,000 for students getting third positions. The authorities have also announced free education and accommodation for all position holders if they apply for admission at PU.

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has also announced cash prizes of Rs 300,000 for students securing first positions, Rs 200,000 for those securing second positions, and Rs 175,000 for students getting third positions.

PU Controller Zahid Karim Khan, while announcing the result, presented a brief report on the examination system of the university. He praised the PU employees concerned for announcing the result within three months of the end of the exams.

Supplementary examination: The BA/BSc Supplementary Examination 2008 will be held in the third week of October. The authorities concerned will receive admission forms until September.

The BA/BSc Annual Examination 2009 will be held in March, for which admission forms will be accepted until October 25, 2008.

Mahwish Nadeem

I want to do my masters in Mathematics, said Mahwish, who secured first position in the examination. I have not yet decided what I will do after my masters. I believe the standard of education in Pakistan is good, but it needs further development. I think extremists are damaging the reputation of the country in the world. The credit for my success goes to my parents and teachers.

Wajeeha Sundas

I also want to do my masters in Mathematics and become a professor, said Wajeeha, who got second position in the BSc exam. I am against the rote-learning system. The country’s examination system should be developed according to modern demands. Extremists are those of our society who have not been given their due rights. The government should help the poor because poverty is the root cause of terrorism.

Saba Shahzadi

I want to do my masters in Physics and become a professor, said Saba, who shared the second position in the BSc exam. Pakistan’s examination system and curriculum needs to be upgraded in line with global standards. Acts of terrorism have disturbed the whole country and claimed hundreds of innocent lives. I have succeeded in the exams due to the prayers of my parents and teachers.

Usman Rafi

I want to do electrical engineering, said Usman, who secured the third position in the BSc exam. The country’s examination system should be upgraded and changes should be made in the curriculum, because other countries have also done the same. Acts of extremism and terrorism have brought a stigma to Pakistan. The people responsible for such acts should be taken to task and radicalism should be rooted out.

M Umar Farooq

I want to do my masters in business administration (MBA), said Umar, who got first position in the BA exam. I have appeared as a private candidate, but took tuition for the exam. Pakistan should be free from terrorism and extremism, and politicians should work for the welfare of the country. God’s blessings, prayers of my parents and hard work are the reasons for my success.

Sharmeen Azher

I want to do my masters in English and become a teacher, said Sharmeen, who came second in the BA exam. There are several flaws in the education system of Pakistan, which can be resolved by developing the system. There is a need to produce qualified teachers to uplift the standard of education. The major problems, like extremism and terrorism that our country is facing should be solved without delay.

Shaista Mehtab

I want to get a degree in calligraphy and earn a good name in that profession, said Shaista, who secured third position in the BA exam. Education in Pakistan is expensive and the poor segments of society cannot afford quality education. The government should make quality education accessible to the poor to elevate the literacy rate. Terrorism should be rooted out from the country.

Ayesha Tariq

I want to do my PhD and become a professor, said Ayesha, who shared the third position in the BA exam. The double standard of education in Pakistan should be abolished, because the poor cannot afford to approach English-medium institutes. Extremists are damaging the reputation of Islam. Our religion has always promoted peace and taught the principles of morality. There is no place for extremism in our religion.


Source: http://www.dailytimes.com.pk

Reliance Big TV DTH Service | www.bigtv.co.in

Reliance’s BigTV has launched it’s DTH service on August 15th.

Big TV DTH will be competing with already established players Dish TV and Tata Sky. DTH operators in the country, Tata Sky, DishTV and Sun are estimated to have a user base of around 7-8 million.

The service will have 32 cinema channels, and will be distributed via 700 distributors across the country.
It is estimated that India has over 124 million TV households, with roughly 80 million using the conventional cable delivery platform.


Following are some of the features that Big TV is promoting extensively in its advertisements.

Picture-in-Picture (PIP) that would enable viewers to watch twelve TV channels at the same time on any TV set in the country.

Enabled by worlds most advanced MPEG4 technology Platform for DTH services, BIG TV

BIG TV DTH service is available at 1 Lakh retail outlets, including over 240 Reliance World and 2000 Reliance Mobile Stores, across 6500 towns in the country.

First and only DTH operator to launch 32 Movie Channels and a Subscription Video on Demand service.

BIG TV’s Fully Digital Home Entertainment Service is available at Rs. 1490 including three months complimentary subscription.

The site is currently having lot of problem due to heavy traffic. I am also looking forward to having all the details about their plans. It is thought that Big TV would be providing the cheapest DTH service in India. The best thing is that they will be airing all the sports channels, which is not currently the case with Dish TV and Tata SKY.

Since the competition is hotting up amongst the DTH providers customers are set to benefit with this. Airtel is also launching its DTH service very soon.

You can get all the info regarding the Big TV at its official website at http://www/bigtv.co.in

Labels : big tv, tata sky, sundirect, bigtv.co.in, dishtv, bigtv, bigtv.com, www.indiabulls.com, bigtv dth, www.bigtv.co.in, www.bidtv.co.in, bigtv, www.bigtv.com, big tv, bigtv.co.in, www.ceodelhi.nic.in, voter list of delhi, ceodelhi, voter list delhi, voter list

Source: http://blog.kishalaya.com

Company Secretaries (CS) Final Results 2008 | www.icsi.edu

Company Secretaries (CS) Final Results 2008 http://www.icsi.edu/

Company Secretaries (CS) Final Results 2008 are availabe at http://www.icsi.edu/


Tags: icsi results, icsi.edu, icsi result, cs results, cs result, institute of company secretaries of india, icsi.edu, cs result, www.icwai.org, icsi result, icsi results, icsi, icsi result, cs results, www.icsi.edu, icsi, icsi results, icsi.edu, cs result, company secretary, icsi.edu, icsi, icsi result, cs results, cs result

Sikkim Pay Commission to submit report on time (Sixth Pay Commission)

GANGTOK: Former Sikkim High Court Chief Justice R K Patra, who is heading a two-member fourth pay commission for review of the pay structure of Sikkim government employees, on Monday, said that the commission would endeavour to submit its report on time. The Commission has just commenced its work for revision of the pay structure of the government employees in Sikkim.

The process would pick after various departments provide necessary information to the Commission with regard to the details which has been sought from them. The Commission was also awaiting the details of the formula applied by the sixth Central Pay Comm ission for recommendation of various benefits to the Central government employees and said that the modalities of the Central Pay Commission would act as a guideline for the state pay commission in revising the pay structure for the state government empl oyees in Sikkim.

On the state governments request for submission of an interim report by the Pay Commission within two months, Patra said that although the time-frame was too short, yet the commission would make sincere effort for submission of an interim report. - PTI


http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/27251533.htm

JetLite may merge with Jet Airways this year

MUMBAI: Jet Airways (India), the country’s largest private airline is likely to merge its wholly-owned subsidiary JetLite into Jet Airways in the current fiscal. Jet promoter Naresh Goyal is considering the merger to break even by the end of the current calendar year.

Jet Airways had acquired Air Sahara in 2007 and had rechristened it as JetLite, as a low-cost carrier. Jet Airways chief commercial officer Sudheer Raghavan told ET, “We are not ruling out the merger but haven’t finalised anything.”

“The company is analysing many options to break even by December end at any cost as aviation is our core business and we are in the industry to do business,” he added. It was learnt that Jet Airways wants to raise funds but bankers and financial institutions will put in money only if the business will be profitable and merged into a single entity. “It’s difficult to get funding from institutions as no one wants to invest in the airlines industry at present,” said Mr Raghavan.

Jet Airways, which has more than 25 per cent share of the Indian market, thinks it is difficult for low-cost carriers to remain in business with such low fares in current turbulent times.

“There are people who think crazy low fares will increase the load factor and subsequently sustain the airline. The fares should be fixed in the range where it makes the business profitable,” said a Jet executive. An analyst with a brokerage firm said JetLite has a weak balance sheet and merging JetLite into Jet Airways would be a wise decision in the current scenario as carriers are looking for mechanisms to stay afloat. Moreover, as a full-fledged carrier and business class target, JetLite didn’t fit into Jet Airways long play strategy.

The breakeven is possible but not before FY09 as Jet Airways posted losses in excess of Rs 700 crore during the first quarter of the current financial year, the analyst added.

JetLite, which has around 12 per cent market share, has already cancelled 15 flights and is likely to scrap around 10 more in the coming months. It may bring down its total flights to around 125 from 150. Domestic jet fuel prices, which constitute up to 45 per cent of an airline’s operating costs, have risen by 56 per cent since the start of the year on the back of high crude oil.

The Indian aviation industry had losses to the tune of Rs 8,000 crore in 2007-08. The number is expected to double this fiscal. Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) is mainly responsible for this situation.

Source: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com

Gaurav Gill creates history

S.V. Sriram

MAKASSAR: Gaurav Gill of Team MRF created history in the fifth round of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship.

He became the first Indian to win an APRC round, that too with a handsome margin of 1 minute 6.9 seconds.

Team MRF had a perfect finish to its weekend, when Katsuhiko Taguchi, thanks to some great driving, won three of the six special stages to make it a one-two.

Cody Crocker of Team MotorImage, who had a great run till the 11th special stage, was undone by a flat tyre in the 12th.

The 10th place finish in that stage cost him the round, as he had to be content with a third place finish overall.

“I was determined to do well here and get on the podium,” said an emotional Gill after the race.

Praising his co-driver, Gill added, “Jagdev (Singh) has been of great help to me because he has been co-driving Karamjeet, the ex-world champion in the PWRC (Production World Rally Championship).

“It is a 50-50 effort. Our cars and tyres worked really well.

“It was also a nice feeling to break my run of bad luck,” referring to the previous round. “The conditions were also tough. I was feeling unwell after the race, vomited a few times and was dehydrated. But it was all worth it.

“Further, winning against the likes of the experienced Taguchi is a high in itself,” added Gill.

For his part, Taguchi made up for lost ground on Saturday to further extend his lead over title-contender and defender Crocker.

Taguchi is now seven points clear of Crocker with 55 points to the latter’s 48. Said Taguchi: “we were planning to make up time on Sunday. Cody was very fast and very strong. But that flat tyre in the end stages cost him very much. And we pulled in to be second. The idea now is to win the next round in Malaysia and close the title race.”


Source: http://www.hindu.com

Two Olympic superstars and a few others

By Peter Auf der Heyde, dpa

Beijing (dpa) - Ask any person who they consider the superstars of the Beijing Olympics that ended on Sunday and you will - in all probability - get just two names: Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt.

With eight gold medals from these games and 14 overall, Phelps has set new records and standards that will most likely not be broken for a long-long time (unless, of course, he is still around in 2012 in London).

En route to picking up his eight gold medals (100m and 200m butterfly, 200m freestyle, 200m and 400m individual medley, 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relays and 4x100m medley relay) he broke seven world records.

The 23-year-old said that his success is built on total determination. "You make sure you are focused on what your goal is and what you want to achieve. That's just all that I did. I was focused on what I wanted to do and what I wanted to accomplish."

He admitted that he did not know what made him special. "I dont know what makes me different - it beats me. I do what I love. I love to compete and I love to swim. I have very, very high goals that I have set for myself and that's what really motivates me and keeps me going strong.

Bolt, who won three gold medals, will be remembered just as much for his three sprint medals (100m, 200m and 4x100m relay), in which he also broke the world record three times, as for his near-flippant way of running and exuberant celebrations.

The way he ends his runs and his celebrations thereafter prompted IOC president Jacques Rogge to say that his celebrations could be construed as disrespect for his opponents.

"I think he should show more respect for his competitors and shake hands, give a tap on the shoulder to the other ones immediately after the finish and not make gestures like the one he made in the 100 metres," Rogge said.

Bolt, however, countered that by saying that he would not change. "I am a performer. I come down here to perform and if the people enjoy themselves I did well. This is my job."

With the likes of Phelps and Bolt around, it was hardly surprising that most other performances and athletes paled into insignificance.

Bolt, in fact, was not the only athlete to win three gold medals. Chris Hoy, otherwise known as The Flying Scotsman, won the cycling men's keirin, the men's team sprint and also the men's individual sprint, to take his personal overall tally to four golds and a silver, making him the most successful cyclist in the history of the Olympics.

Australian Stephanie Rice, was the most successful swimmer behind Phelps, winning three golds (200m and 400m individual relay and 4x100m medley relay), while local favourite Zou Kai contributed three of the host nation's 51 gold medals.

Going into the competition, the 20-year-old was not considered as one of the favourites in the gymnastics, but gold on the floor and horizontal bar, as well as the team competition made him into one of the most popular athletes in his country.

Another star at these Games is undoubtedly Dara Torres. Although she does not rank in the top 20 with her three silver medals, she still became the oldest-ever swimmer to win an Olympic medal when she was a part of the US 4x100m freestyle relay.

The 41-year-old added a silver in the 50m freestyle and the 4x100m medley relay for a personal tally of four golds, four silver and four bronze from an astonishing five different Olympic Games.

"I think I managed to give hope to all the 40 somethings out there. I hope that I showed them that if you want something bad enough, you can get it," she said.

Another athlete who seemed to have followed the same saying was Sheila Taormina.

The 39-year-old American might have failed to medal in the Modern Pentathlon, but she still found her way into the record-books, becoming the first woman athlete to compete in three different sports at the Olympics - and that though she first became an Olympian at 26.

She won a gold in swimming with the US relay team in 1996, competed in the triathlon in 2000 and 2004 and then decided that she should try something else.

She said she was aware she lacked the talent of many top athletes. "I always feel like I don't have that physical gift, I just have the gift of determination and work, but it would be so fun to also have the other side of it that athletes like Michael Phelps are blessed to have."

But just like Phelps, Bolt, Rice and all the others, Taormina and Torres are stars. They might be stars without gold medals, but they are stars of the Beijing Olympics nevertheless.

Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com

PTET - 2008 Cut Off and Merit List

PTET 2008, Cut off marks and Merit

Please click on the following link to download the Cutoff and merit list of the PTET-2008 exam:

PTET-2008 Cut off List


Tags : ptet cut off marks, ptet2008 cut off amd merit list, ptet 2008 merit list, cut of ptet 2008, ptet 2008 result, ptet2008.org, ptet2008 result, ptet2008, ptet result, ptet2008.org, ptet 2008, www.ptet2008.org, ptet, ptet2008 result, patrika, www.patrika.com, patrika.com, ptet20008.com, www.ptet2008.com, www.ptet2008.org, ptet 2008, Pre Teachers Entrance Test

Source: http://blog.kishalaya.com

www.nos.org - Courses offered by NIOS

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. How different is NIOS from any other Institution for providing Education?
NIOS follows learner centric approach of teaching through Open and Distance mode. It offers a wide range of subjects in comparision to any other formal school. The learners are free to choose subject combination as per their needs and goals. The learners study at their own pace from specially designed self-instructional materials. This learning is supplemented by audio-video and face to face contact classes which are held at the study centres on holidays and weekends. The learners have freedom to appear in examination in their subjects one by one as per their preparation. There is a provision of credit accumulation. The registration of the learners is valid for the period of five years.

2. What are the Courses offered by NIOS?

NIOS offers the following courses:-
a. Open Basic Education Programme, Which includes following three levels courses
OBE 'A' Level Course -Equivalent to class III
OBE 'B' Level Course -Equivalent to class V
OBE 'C' Level Course -Equivalent to class VIII
b. Secondary Course-Equivalent to class X
c. Sr. Secondary Course-Equivalent to class XII
d. Vocational Education Courses
e. Life Enrichment Programmes

3. Whether Secondary/Sr. Secondary School Certificates obtained from NIOS have the same recognition as other Boards?
Yes. The Secondary/Sr.Secondary certificate obtained form NIOS have the same recognition as certificates issued by other Boards. NIOS is vested with the authority to conduct Public Examinations at Secondary and Sr. Secondary level vide Govt. Of India's resolution dated 14 September 1990. NIOS thus act as another National Board.

4. Whether change of subject is possible after taking admission?
Yes. A learner can change one or more subjects or take one/two additional subjects during the admission period of five years, provided the total number of subjects does not exceed 7.

5. What is the choice of medium offered by the NIOS at the Secondary/Sr. Secondary Courses?
NIOS offers its courses mainly in English, Hindi and Urdu medium. At the Secondary levels, besides theses mediums, Telugu, Gujarati Malayalam and Marathi mediums are also available.

6. Whether a learner can write examination in any scheduled Regional Language?
Yes. A learner can write examination in any scheduled Regional Language though question paper will be bilingual i.e. in English and Hindi or available regional medium.

7. Whether subjects already cleared from any other Boars/IOS are allowed tot be transferred and credited at the NIOS Secondary/Sr. Secondary Courses?
NIOS provides the facility of "Transfer of Credit" to a maximum of 4 subjects from NIOS(Old Registration), if passed in 1995 or later and to a maximum of 2 subjects for CBSE /CICSE /UP Board of Secondary Education / Uttranchal Board of Examination / State Open Schools, if passed in 2000 orlater, provided these subjects are also available in NIOS programme.

8. Can certified learners appear for various Competitive Examinations?
They can. NIOS learners do appear and compete in various competitive examinations. However, the eligibility criteria, such as age, requirements of specific subjects, minimum percentage of marks and so on must be fulfilled by the learners.

9. Can a learner take Vocation subjects along with Secondary or Sr. Secondary Courses of NIOS?
Yes, in order to make NIOS courses more meaningful, vocational course are offered independently or in combination with academic subjects at Secondary and Sr. Secondary level.

10. From where should a learner get study materials?
Learners admitted should collect study materials from their respective AIs without any extra payment.

11. How much fee should should be paid for the study materials?
No extra fee is to be paid for the study materials. The admission fee deposited by a learner includes the cost of the study materials.

12. What is Tutor Marked Assignments (TMA)?
Tutor Marked Assignments (TMA) are meant to help you learn and be a successful learner. They provide you practice in writing answers to questions and get feedback. These assignments will therefore help you to monitor your progress in studies. These assignments are available in a separate booklet, which is provided to the learners through their AIs.

13. What will happen if TMAs are not submitted?and how many assignments are to be submitted for evaluation?
ABSENT will be marked in the marksheet in the column for grades of TMAs.

14. Where and how many assignments are to be submitted for evaluation?
There are three assignments in each subject containing 5 question. In your own interest, you should atrtempt all the asignments and submit to the Subject Teachers at your AI for evaluation. No weightage in the public examination for the TMA will be given. However, grades of TMA will be reflected on the Marksheet separately.

15. In which month NIOS holds its Secondary/Sr. Secondary Public Examinations?
The Public Examinations are held twice a year in the months of April-May and October-November on dates fixed by NIOS.

16. What should a learner do to perform better in NIOS public Examination?
To perform better in NIOS a learner must appear for examination only when he/she is well prepared in he subject. Learners should also attend Personal Contact Programme (PCP classes) regularly at the AI to solve/clear their doubts and problems that they have faced while studying the material on their own. Also, Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) should be taken seriously as these help in knowing one's progress and preparation. Time talble for the PCP classes is to be obtained from your AI.

17. Is it necessary to have a two years gap between passing of Secondary and Sr. Secondary Examination?
Yes, a two years gap is essential between passing of secondary and Sr. Secondary examination. If a learner does not have the requisite gap of two years, he/she can appear in maximum of four subjects only in the first year. He/she will be eligible to appear in remaining subjects only on completion of two years gap.

18. How do the learners find examination results?
Results are made available on our web site and at the AI. On successful completion of the course as per certification criteria, a learner is provided Marksheet, Migration Certificate and Provisional Certificate through AI.

19. How does a learner know about his/her examination centre and schedule of examination?
The schedule of examination is made available on the web site about a month before the commencement of examination. The information about the examination centre is made available through the AIs as well as from the NIOS Web site about a week before the commencement of examination. This information is also sent to the learners by post.


Source: http://www.nios.ac.in/FAQ.htm

www.nios.ac.in - Courses offered by NIOS

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1. How different is NIOS from any other Institution for providing Education?
NIOS follows learner centric approach of teaching through Open and Distance mode. It offers a wide range of subjects in comparision to any other formal school. The learners are free to choose subject combination as per their needs and goals. The learners study at their own pace from specially designed self-instructional materials. This learning is supplemented by audio-video and face to face contact classes which are held at the study centres on holidays and weekends. The learners have freedom to appear in examination in their subjects one by one as per their preparation. There is a provision of credit accumulation. The registration of the learners is valid for the period of five years.

2. What are the Courses offered by NIOS?
NIOS offers the following courses:-
a. Open Basic Education Programme, Which includes following three levels courses
OBE 'A' Level Course -Equivalent to class III
OBE 'B' Level Course -Equivalent to class V
OBE 'C' Level Course -Equivalent to class VIII
b. Secondary Course-Equivalent to class X
c. Sr. Secondary Course-Equivalent to class XII
d. Vocational Education Courses
e. Life Enrichment Programmes

3. Whether Secondary/Sr. Secondary School Certificates obtained from NIOS have the same recognition as other Boards?
Yes. The Secondary/Sr.Secondary certificate obtained form NIOS have the same recognition as certificates issued by other Boards. NIOS is vested with the authority to conduct Public Examinations at Secondary and Sr. Secondary level vide Govt. Of India's resolution dated 14 September 1990. NIOS thus act as another National Board.

4. Whether change of subject is possible after taking admission?
Yes. A learner can change one or more subjects or take one/two additional subjects during the admission period of five years, provided the total number of subjects does not exceed 7.

5. What is the choice of medium offered by the NIOS at the Secondary/Sr. Secondary Courses?
NIOS offers its courses mainly in English, Hindi and Urdu medium. At the Secondary levels, besides theses mediums, Telugu, Gujarati Malayalam and Marathi mediums are also available.

6. Whether a learner can write examination in any scheduled Regional Language?
Yes. A learner can write examination in any scheduled Regional Language though question paper will be bilingual i.e. in English and Hindi or available regional medium.

7. Whether subjects already cleared from any other Boars/IOS are allowed tot be transferred and credited at the NIOS Secondary/Sr. Secondary Courses?
NIOS provides the facility of "Transfer of Credit" to a maximum of 4 subjects from NIOS(Old Registration), if passed in 1995 or later and to a maximum of 2 subjects for CBSE /CICSE /UP Board of Secondary Education / Uttranchal Board of Examination / State Open Schools, if passed in 2000 orlater, provided these subjects are also available in NIOS programme.

8. Can certified learners appear for various Competitive Examinations?
They can. NIOS learners do appear and compete in various competitive examinations. However, the eligibility criteria, such as age, requirements of specific subjects, minimum percentage of marks and so on must be fulfilled by the learners.

9. Can a learner take Vocation subjects along with Secondary or Sr. Secondary Courses of NIOS?
Yes, in order to make NIOS courses more meaningful, vocational course are offered independently or in combination with academic subjects at Secondary and Sr. Secondary level.

10. From where should a learner get study materials?
Learners admitted should collect study materials from their respective AIs without any extra payment.

11. How much fee should should be paid for the study materials?
No extra fee is to be paid for the study materials. The admission fee deposited by a learner includes the cost of the study materials.

12. What is Tutor Marked Assignments (TMA)?
Tutor Marked Assignments (TMA) are meant to help you learn and be a successful learner. They provide you practice in writing answers to questions and get feedback. These assignments will therefore help you to monitor your progress in studies. These assignments are available in a separate booklet, which is provided to the learners through their AIs.

13. What will happen if TMAs are not submitted?and how many assignments are to be submitted for evaluation?
ABSENT will be marked in the marksheet in the column for grades of TMAs.

14. Where and how many assignments are to be submitted for evaluation?
There are three assignments in each subject containing 5 question. In your own interest, you should atrtempt all the asignments and submit to the Subject Teachers at your AI for evaluation. No weightage in the public examination for the TMA will be given. However, grades of TMA will be reflected on the Marksheet separately.

15. In which month NIOS holds its Secondary/Sr. Secondary Public Examinations?
The Public Examinations are held twice a year in the months of April-May and October-November on dates fixed by NIOS.

16. What should a learner do to perform better in NIOS public Examination?
To perform better in NIOS a learner must appear for examination only when he/she is well prepared in he subject. Learners should also attend Personal Contact Programme (PCP classes) regularly at the AI to solve/clear their doubts and problems that they have faced while studying the material on their own. Also, Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) should be taken seriously as these help in knowing one's progress and preparation. Time talble for the PCP classes is to be obtained from your AI.

17. Is it necessary to have a two years gap between passing of Secondary and Sr. Secondary Examination?
Yes, a two years gap is essential between passing of secondary and Sr. Secondary examination. If a learner does not have the requisite gap of two years, he/she can appear in maximum of four subjects only in the first year. He/she will be eligible to appear in remaining subjects only on completion of two years gap.

18. How do the learners find examination results?
Results are made available on our web site and at the AI. On successful completion of the course as per certification criteria, a learner is provided Marksheet, Migration Certificate and Provisional Certificate through AI.

19. How does a learner know about his/her examination centre and schedule of examination?
The schedule of examination is made available on the web site about a month before the commencement of examination. The information about the examination centre is made available through the AIs as well as from the NIOS Web site about a week before the commencement of examination. This information is also sent to the learners by post.

Source: http://www.nios.ac.in/FAQ.htm

NIOS - National Institute of Open Schooling

The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is an autonomous organization that was established by the Government of India in November 1989. NIOS follows a student-centred method of teaching through Open and Distance mode.It offers a wide range of subjects in comparison to any other formal school. The learners are free to choose subject combination based on their needs. The students study at their own pace from specially designed self-instructional materials. This learning is supplemented by audio-video and face to face contact classes which are held at the study centres on holidays and weekends. The students have freedom to appear in examination in their subjects one by one as per their preparation. The registration is valid for five years.


Courses offered by NIOS

Open Basic Education Programme, Which includes OBE A, B, and C levels
Secondary Course-Equivalent to class X
Sr. Secondary Course-Equivalent to class XII
Vocational Education Courses
Life Enrichment Programmes


Source: wikipedia.org

Sensex steady; financial, realty stocks firm

The Sensex is steady around current levels and is now up 227 points at 14,629.

ICICI Bank has soared nearly 4% to Rs 670. HDFC Bank has rallied nearly 3% to Rs 1,228. HDFC and SBI have moved up over 2% each to Rs 2,330 and Rs 1,377, respectively.

DLF have surged nearly 4% to Rs 503. While Reliance Infrastructure has gained almost 3% at Rs 1,007, and Jaiprakash Associates has added 2% to Rs 168.

Grasim has moved up 2.4% to Rs 1,975. Larsen & Toubro and Satyam have added 1.8% each to Rs 2,654 and Rs 393, respectively.

Tata Motors has gained 1.7% at Rs 433. Mahindra & Mahindra, Reliance Communications and Wipro are up around 1.5% each at Rs 557, Rs 412 and Rs 424, respectively.


Source: http://www.business-standard.com

paycommissionnews.blogspot.com: Grade pay for armed forces enhanced

From the comments posted on paycommissionnews.blogspot.com

Source : The Tribune

The central government has upwardly revised the grade pay for armed forces officers, but the key question remains whether the enhancement would do away anomalies created by the Sixth Pay Commission (SPC) in the status of military officers vis-à-vis civilian officers.

According to information available with The Tribune, the increase in grade pay for armed forces ranges from Rs 400 per month to Rs 2,000 per month at different levels (see chart).

Sources reveal that though the grade pay for the armed forces has been raised, similar enhancement has also been done for civilian officers, which may not give the former any benefit as far as status is concerned. After the SPC recommendations, grade pay remains the sole determinant of status.

The basic pay scales of the armed forces as well as civilian officers as recommended by the SPC were increased after a review committee put in fresh suggestion. This, however, did not give any edge to armed forces personnel vis-à-vis their status.

To cite an example where the revision has further eroded the status of armed forces officers, lieutenant colonels and equivalents in other services have now been granted a grade pay of Rs 7,600.

The SPC had recommended a grade pay of Rs 6,600 for officers at this rank, while recommending Rs 7,600 for the equivalent non-IAS directors of central government and Rs 8,300 for ones from the IAS cadre.

The Army had accordingly sought a raise of grade pay for lieutenant colonels to at least Rs 7,600 since traditionally Lieutenant-Colonels(Lt- Col) had been enjoying a pay more than even directors from the IAS cadre.

Moreover, the time frame for promotion to Lt-Col and director was the same, thatis, 13 years. However, while acceding to the demand of raising the grade pay of Lieutenant Colonels to Rs 7,600, the government has, on the other hand raised the grade pay of directors to Rs 8,700 resulting in the same anomalous situation prevailing prior to the revision.

Though complete details are yet to filter down, officers fear that the same situation may crop up at other ranks. The services are expected to take up the issue with the central government.

While the arrears for the salary will be paid with effect from January 1, 2006, revised applicable allowances will be admissible from September 1, 2008.

http://paycommissionnews.blogspot.com/

What the CoS did about sixth pay commission report

A review on the major changes / addition on CPC report by the CoS

Modification

1 Enhanced the revised pay bands recommended by the pay commission to be based on multiplication factor of 1.74 to 1.86

2 The Armed Forces Personnel below Officers Rank will get a Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs 2,000 per month, Rs 1,000 more than that recommended by the Commission. The Officers of the Defence Forces would get an MSP Rs 6000 over and above their salary.

3 Increase in the rate of annual increment for 2.5% to 3%.

The middle level officers of the Defence Forces, namely Colonels and Brigadiers, have been placed in the highest pay band of PB-4.
Middle level police and civilian officers — DIGs, Conservator of Forests, Scientists E and F, Superintending Engineers, Directors, Additional Commissioners of Income Tax and Central Excise and posts in equivalent grades — have also been placed in the highest pay brand.

5 Increase in Transport Allowance at the lowest level to Rs 600 (from Rs 400 in A-1/A class cities recommended by the Sixth CPC) and Rs 400 (from Rs 300 in other cities recommended by the sixth CPC).

Removal of Campus restriction for grant of Transport Allowance.

6 At least three promotions have been assured for all Defence Forces personnel and civilian employees under the modified Assured Career Progression (ACP) Scheme. While the civilians would get it after 10, 20 and 30 years of service, the Defence Forces Jawans would get ACP in 8, 16 and 24 years.


Source: http://paycommissionnews.blogspot.com

with regard to the 6th Pay Commission: State begins preparations for Hooda govt’s last budget

Chandigarh, August 24 Like the current financial year, the state government is likely to hike the annual planned budget for next financial year
The Finance Department of the state has begun preparations for the budget 2009-10, to be presented in March next.

With the Haryana state assembly elections due in 2010, it will be the fifth and the last budget by the present Congress government.

The state has already earned a name for itself for fiscal management in the country. Like the current financial year, the state government is likely to hike the annual planned budget for the next financial year.

During the current financial year, the finance minister had substantially hiked the state annual planned budget to Rs 6,650 crore, while it was a mere Rs 2,000 crore during 2002-03.

The current budget is not just bigger in absolute term, but in terms of ratio to the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) as well.

Anticipating the 6th Pay Commission’s recommendations, the government has kept a provision for Rs 1,550 crore for payment towards increased salaries to the employees. Special provision will have to be made for additional funds for the next financial year for payment of arrears to the employees with regard to the 6th Pay Commission.

The state government guidelines for the budget preparations have already been issued by the Finance Department, according to sources. According to the guidelines, no new sub-head (scheme) both in the Plan and the Non Plan Budget will be included until it is approved by the Accountant General (AG), Haryana.

The department will have to acquire prior approval of the AG through the Finance Department if any new scheme is to be added to the budget estimates for the year 2009-10.

Departments would make specific budget proposals under object head ‘motor vehicles’ if they intend to purchase anew vehicle or replace old vehicle. Distinct provision for accommodation, transport/DA of ministers and officers travelling abroad should be made if required in the budget proposal.

According to guidelines, all the plan schemes for revised estimates 2008-09 and budget estimates 2009-10, which are exclusively meant for the SC component and covered under Plan ceiling will continue to be reflected under specific minor head for Scheduled Castes.


Source: http://www.expressindia.com

Sixth Pay Commission and voluntary retirement

By Khabrein.Info News Desk,

New Delhi, Aug 24, 2008: Sixth Pay Commission has brought many good news for central government employees. One of them is on Voluntary Retirement front.

The government officials who wanted to quit their job or retire voluntarily had never had it so good and enticing. It will be like having the cake and eating it too.

In fact the sixth pay commission has all the charms to both entice the government officials to be in job and/ or also prompt him to leave his well paying job.

The mid level or senior government officials who still think that they don’t get the pay package they deserve in their present government jobs may well like to seek a job change and here the new pay commission would help them.

The current practices don’t give full pension to a government employee who does not complete 33 years of services in his job. But the sixth pay commission has reduced this period to just 20 years.

So if you have completed 20 years in your government jobs and hope that you could get better options you can think of shifting to a corporate office without fearing that you may lose on your pension.

Sixth pay commission’s recommendation is this regard has been accepted by the Union Cabinet, along with other recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission on pension benefits for the estimated 3.84 million central government pensioners. Experts said the reduction in the number of years of service to 20 years to earn full pension benefit was a liberal move and would end stagnation in government service.

Another important benefit approved by the union cabinet are raising the gratuity limit to Rs 10 lakh, higher pension for octogenarians, exclusion of earned leave encashed while in service from the overall limit, clubbing of earned leave and half-day pay leave for encashment. Octogenarians will now be paid an additional 20 per cent of their basic pension, while those aged 85 will get 30 per cent more, rising to 100 per cent additional pension for centurions.

Source: http://www.khabrein.info

Sixth Pay Commission report getting finer

Sources said a wait for one more week may bring Sixth Pay Commission Report in Black and White as Men in charge are making the 6CPC report finer which was earlier approved by cabinet broadly a week back.

One of the senior level officers who are finalising the 6CPC implementation told that after the approval by the Cabinet, the report has been handed over to DOPT (Department of Personnel and Training) for making it executable. The Official has also told that the following areas are being concentrated by DOPT now before implementing the report.

* Pay Fixations relating to Group D cadre as the same is to be retained as per Cabinet's approval against the 6CPC recommendations otherwise.

* Workability of Uniform Date of increment (during every July of the year) recommended by 6CPC.

* Possibility of reducing HRA to higher level Officers stationed at A1 Cities, as 30% HRA on the Pay of certain high level cadres exceeds Market Rent prevails at Metropoliton Cities.

* Adjustments in Grade Pays relating to certain Pay scales of Group C and Group B which were merged by Sixth Pay Commission recommendations.

* Modility in the Grant of Personal Pay in the background of fixed annual increment which was the basis for payment of Personal Pay so far has been replaced with percentage based annual increment.


Source: http://www.khabrein.info

Highlights of Sixth Pay Commission (www.khabrein.info)

By Khabrein.Info Correspondent,

New Delhi, Aug 25, 2008: Sixth Pay Commission is an important step by the government. In the highlights given in the following lines we can understand the difference that the Sixth Pay Commission may well make on the lives of the ordinary government employees.

One thing is pretty sure. It will bring some welcome improvements in most government employees’ pay packages thus improving their lives at least slightly.

All efforts from some quarters to derail the sixth pay commission have failed. Instead the union government has made some changes in the recommendations and all for the better.

Sixth pay commission not only increases the pay package but gives some other and very important benefits. One of the most important benefits that it gives to government employees is on pension front and voluntary retirements.

You need no longer remain in government service for 33 years to get full pension benefit.

You can leave your government job after completing 20 years and you will still be given full pension benefits.

Some important highlights

* Minimum basic Salary - Rs. 7000

* Education Allowances for employees for upto two children - Rs. 1,000 per month (Earlier, it was Rs. 100)

* Maximum Basic Salary - Rs. 90,000 (Cabinet Secretary)

* National Holidays - 3

* Gazette Holidays to be canceled

* Pay hike will be implemented from January 01, 2006

* Maternity Leave : 6 Months

* HRA in A-1 Cities - 30% (Unchanged)

* HRA in A, B, B-1 Cities - 20%

* Increase in Transport Allowance at the lowest level to Rs.600 (from Rs.400 in A-1/A class cities recommended by the Sixth CPC) and Rs.400 (from Rs.300 in other cities recommended by the Sixth CPC).

* Incentive Schemes to be announced

* New Medical Insurance Scheme to be launched for government employees

* Market-driven pay for scientists and all other jobs that require professional skill set.

* Total number of salary grades to be reduced from 35 to 20.

* Government has continued the present position of granting Group A scale to Group B officers after 4 years of service and these officers would be placed in PB-3 instead of PB-2 recommended by the Sixth CPC. This would benefit Group B officers of the Railways, Accounts Services, CSS, CSSS and DANICS & DANIPS.

* The government increased the minimum entry level salary of a government employee to Rs 7,000 against Rs 6,660 recommended by the Commission headed by Justice B N Srikrishna who submitted the report in March this year.

* Consequently, it would push up the total emoluments of an employee at the lowest level beyond Rs 10,000 per month including allowances.

* It also increased the rate of annual increment from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent.

* In the defence sector, it approved at least three assured promotions for all defence forces personnel and civilian employees under the modified Assured Career Progression scheme.

* While civilians would get this after 10, 20 and 30 years of service, defence forces jawans would be promoted under ACP after 8, 16 and 24 years.

* Group D personnel to stay (peons in ministries and porters in Railways).

* For the Railway employees who are in receipt of Running Allowance, this allowance will be taken into account while fixing their pay in revised pay bands;

* For Doctors, the Cabinet has approved promotions under the Dynamic ACP Scheme upto Senior Administrative Grade (Joint Secretary level) for Doctors with 20 years of service. Counting of Dearness Allowance (DA) on Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) as on 01.01.2006 for fixing their pay in revised pay bands has also been approved;

* For the scientists, continuation of the existing system of grant of Special Pay of Rs.2000 p.m. to Scientists G on promotion and doubling of the amount to Rs.4000 p.m. in Departments of Space and Atomic Energy and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has been recommended.

* Further, the IPS Pay Rules and the Indian Forest Service Pay Rules will be appropriately modified to provide in each State cadre one post of DGP and one post of PCCF at the apex level of Rs.80000 for heading their respective Forces.

* Middle level Police and Civilian officers i.e. DIGs, Conservator of Forests, Scientists E & F, Superintending Engineers, Directors, Additional Commissioners of Income Tax and Central Excise and posts in equivalent grades have also been placed in PB-4.

* The rates of Special Forces Allowance for Army and Air Force to be equated with navy’s Marine Commando Allowance;

* For the officers of Central Para Military Forces, all the posts of Additional DIG upgraded to DIG level by the Pay Commission to continue to be manned by the cadre officers of CPMFs;

* As replacement of the pay scale of Rs.24050-26000, a separate pay scale has been carved for DGPs, PCCFs, GM (Railways), members of the Boards of Income Tax, Customs & Central Excise, Postal and Ordnance Factories, among others, who were in this pre-revised scale. This would take them to the level of Rs.80000 in two years as against three years in the pre-revised scale.

* The hiked salary would be given to the employees beginning September this year and the arrears from January 2006 would be given in cash in two installments - 40 per cent this fiscal and 60 per cent in 2009-10.

* The government for the first time approved Military Service Pay for armed forces personnel, under which officers would get Rs 6,000 over and above their pay per month.

* The lowest limit of disability pension for defence personnel would be doubled to Rs 3100 a month.

* No Cabinet Secretary rank for Intelligence Bureau chief, the three Service chiefs or the Chairman, Railway Board.

* Military service pay for persons below the officer rank (POBR) would be Rs 2,000 per month.

* Significant hike in salaries of Brigadiers: they move to Pay Band 4 (Rs 39,200-67,000) from the suggested Pay Band 3 (Rs 15,600-39,100).

* DIG-scale abolished in IPS and Indian Forest Service.

* The salaries of Brigadiers will be in Pay Band 4 (Rs 39,200-67,000) as against the suggested pay band 3 (Rs 15,600 - 39,100) previously.

The wage hike would increase the financial implication for the Centre by Rs 17,798 crore annually and the arrears with effect from January 2006 would cost Rs 29,373 crore, Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi told reporters after the Cabinet meeting. The financial implication of Pay Commission on the General Budget would be Rs 15,717 crore and Rs 6414 crore on Railway Budget in 2008-09. The government’s present salary bill is over Rs 70,000 crore and the pension bill is over Rs 30,000 crore. Finance Minister P Chidambaram said the budget deficit target would be adhered to, despite the implementation of the Pay Commission recommendations.


Source: http://www.khabrein.info