Tag: PM

FADA appeals to PM, demands immediate solution to compensation cess dispute

Fada Urges PM Modi to Address Compensation Cess Concerns Before GST Phase Two

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (Fada) has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging for a solution to the pressing issue of the compensation cess before September 22, which marks the commencement of the second phase of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The automobile industry is bracing for a significant impact, with an estimated loss of ₹2,500 crore anticipated due to the removal of the compensation cess on high-end vehicles.

In a letter addressed to Modi on September 8, Fada requested that the balance in the compensation cess credit ledger as of September 21 be transferred to the credit ledger of integrated GST/Central GST. Such balance may then be utilised for the discharge of regular GST liability (CGST/SGST/IGST),” the letter stated. It emphasized that GST 2.0 represents a transformative reset aimed at simplifying processes for citizens and small businesses.

The letter also highlighted the critical need for a clean transition regarding compensation cess credits, which would ensure a seamless implementation while sustaining confidence among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). CS Vigneshwar, president of Fada, noted, “A small administrative step now will unleash the full multiplier effect anticipated.

Currently, automobile dealers are managing an inventory of approximately 600,000 vehicles, stockpiled in preparation for the festival season. Fada previously approached Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman with the same request to safeguard their sales from being adversely affected.

The letter pointed out that auto dealerships across India hold substantial, validly availed compensation cess balances in their electronic credit ledgers. Under the existing regulations, these balances cannot be applied against CGST/SGST/IGST and will become void unless a transitional pathway is established. This situation effectively transforms legitimate, tax-paid credits into dead capital, especially critical as the festive season approaches.

The systemic implications of this situation are severe, as over 95 percent of dealer inventory is funded through bank loans. If these credits become unusable, it could lead to reduced borrowing capacity, increased interest costs, and strained covenants, precisely when the industry is ramping up stock for deliveries in the September-to-Diwali period.

Fada reiterated that this issue is not merely about revenue loss; it’s about preserving legitimate, tax-paid credits and preventing unnecessary strain on MSMEs and the financial system. Furthermore, it was noted that by abolishing the cess and rationalizing rates, GST 2.0 has made mass mobility—such as small cars, two-wheelers, commercial vehicles, and tractors—8-12 percent more affordable, thereby catalyzing demand, formalization, and job creation. Early analyses indicate a potential 8-10 percent uplift in volumes by 2025-26, aided by reduced logistics costs, as buses and trucks transition to an 18 percent tax rate.

Who is Nidhi Tiwari? She became the personal secretary of Prime Minister Modi, know what will be her responsibilities

On March 31, 2025, the Government of India announced an important appointment in which Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Nidhi Tiwari has been appointed as the new Personal Secretary (Private Secretary) of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The appointment has come into effect with immediate effect and has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, according to an official order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). Let us know who Nidhi Tiwari is, how has been her career so far and what will be her responsibilities in this new role.

Who is Nidhi Tiwari?

Nidhi Tiwari is a 2014 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer who has held many important responsibilities in her career. She was serving as Deputy Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) since November 2022. Prior to this, she served as Under Secretary in the Disarmament and International Security Affairs Division of the Ministry of External Affairs. Nidhi Tiwari started her career by clearing the Civil Services Examination in 2013. Before passing this exam, she was working as Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi and along with the job, she also prepared for the civil services.

During her tenure as Deputy Secretary in the PMO, Nidhi Tiwari worked in the ‘Foreign and Security’ vertical, which reports to National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. During this time he focused specifically on issues related to foreign affairs, nuclear energy, security matters and the state of Rajasthan. Her more than three years of experience in the PMO has prepared her for this new and important responsibility.

How was the appointment done?

The process of appointment of Nidhi Tiwari was conducted by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). According to an official memorandum issued on March 29, 2025, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved her appointment. This appointment has come into effect with immediate effect and Nidhi Tiwari will now serve as Private Secretary at Level 12 of the Pay Matrix. This appointment has been made on the basis of co-terminus, that is, it will be effective as long as she remains in this post or till further orders.

What will be the responsibilities of Nidhi Tiwari?

As the Private Secretary to the Prime Minister, Nidhi Tiwari’s responsibilities will be very important and extensive. Her role in this position will focus on the following aspects:

Managing the daily work of the Prime Minister: Nidhi Tiwari will be responsible for managing the daily schedule, meetings and visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She will have to ensure that all the programs are completed smoothly and on time.

Policy and administrative coordination: She will be an important link in coordination between the PMO and various ministries, departments and other stakeholders. Her role will be important in implementing policy decisions and monitoring their progress.

Focus on foreign and security affairs: Given her previous experience, Nidhi Tiwari will pay special attention to issues related to foreign policy, security and international affairs. She will provide advice and assistance to the Prime Minister in these areas.

Communication and confidentiality: As a Private Secretary, she will have to handle sensitive and confidential information. She will manage the Prime Minister’s messages, correspondence and communication, as well as ensure that all information is secure.

Implementing the Prime Minister’s Priorities: Nidhi Tiwari will have to ensure that the Prime Minister’s priorities and directives reach all concerned parties and are followed. She will monitor the progress of various projects and initiatives.

Nidhi Tiwari’s Career and Achievements

Nidhi Tiwari faced many challenges in her career and proved her worth at every step. Before joining the civil service, she worked as Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) in Varanasi and prepared for the civil services examination along with the job. After passing this examination in 2013, she entered the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). As Under Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, she worked on disarmament and international security matters, which is a complex and sensitive area.

Her tenure as Deputy Secretary in the PMO gave her in-depth experience of high-level administration and policy making. Her role in the foreign and security vertical gave her a deep understanding of working at the national and international level, which will now prove extremely useful in her new responsibility.

Urgent Reminder: Registration for Prime Minister Internship Scheme Closes on November 10

Last Call for Prime Minister Internship Scheme Applications

The registration window for young applicants on the dedicated portal under the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS)—a landmark initiative aimed at boosting employability among Indian youth—will close on November 10, as announced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) on Monday.

“Last Call! Don’t miss your chance to apply for the PM Internship Scheme! Applications close on November 10th—seize this opportunity to shape your future!” read a social media post by the MCA on platform X.

The response to the PMIS has been overwhelmingly positive, with a diverse array of industries eager to engage young talent and shape the future workforce. To date, 280 companies have onboarded to the dedicated portal www.pminternship.mca.gov.in and offered 1.28 lakh internship opportunities under this scheme. The corporate registration window closed on October 20, official sources confirmed.

Launched on October 3, the pilot scheme under PMIS allows corporates to onboard and register their internship opportunities. The youth registration window was opened on October 12. The MCA is administering the PMIS, which was announced in this year’s union budget, to address the growing need for employable skills and industry readiness among India’s youth.

The Government has allocated ₹800 crore for the pilot scheme, aimed at providing 1.25 lakh internships to youth aged between 21 and 24 in FY’25. The target date for providing these internships under the pilot project is set for December 2. Youth aged 21-24 who have completed their 10th, 12th, ITI, Polytechnic, Diploma, or are graduates are eligible to benefit from this scheme. Top 500 corporates by CSR spend (average of the last three financial years) have been permitted to participate and offer internship opportunities to youth.

Enhancing Employment

The PMIS aims to provide young Indians with practical industry experience while enhancing their employability. The scheme seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements by offering internship opportunities across diverse sectors, including technology, manufacturing, finance, retail, healthcare, and more.

The government’s focus on making India’s youth job-ready and aligning their skills with market demands resonates with companies eager to contribute to workforce development, according to economy watchers. Notable corporates offering internship opportunities include Mahindra & Mahindra, Tata Consultancy Services, Larsen & Toubro, Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, Maruti Suzuki, Tech Mahindra, ONGC, Bajaj Finance, Eicher Motor, Max Life Insurance, Muthoot Finance, and Jubilant Foodworks.

Sectors witnessing the most internship opportunities include oil, gas & energy, automotive, travel and hospitality, banking and financial services, and metals and mining. Other key sectors include manufacturing & industrial, infrastructure and construction, IT and software development, FMCG, and telecom.

Presently, internship opportunities are available in 737 districts across 37 States and Union Territories, indicating a strong response from youth towards the pilot scheme.

The PMIS aligns directly with the Prime Minister’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat,” an India that is prosperous, advanced, and equipped to face future challenges. By recognizing that practical skills are as essential as theoretical knowledge, the scheme integrates real-world experience into academic learning, preparing students for the workforce and reducing the skills gap.

The PMIS is part of the government’s broader strategy to boost India’s human capital development and improve youth employability.

PMIS Benefits

Under the PMIS, interns will receive an allowance of ₹5000 per month, along with a ₹6000 one-time grant. However, the MCA has recently stipulated that internship aspirants looking to avail benefits under the PM Internship Scheme must possess an Aadhar number or undergo Aadhaar authentication.

This is a vital opportunity for youth to gain valuable experience and enhance their skills for a successful future. Don’t miss your chance—apply before the deadline!