Highlights of this Issue
GDP grows at 7.1% in the second quarter of 2018-19
GDP growth increased from 6.3% in the second quarter of 2017-18 to 7.1% in the second quarter of 2018-19. Gross Value Added grew by 6.9% year-on-year.
Revised GDP data for the period 2004-11, with the base year as 2011-12, released
The GDP back-series was completed using new methodology. It indicates that growth in this period was lower than previously estimated.
Industrial production grew by 5.2% (year-on-year) in the second quarter of 2018-19
The Index of Industrial Production grew by 5.2% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2018-19. Electricity saw the highest increase of 7.5%, followed by an increase of 5.5% in manufacturing, and 1% in mining.
Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 promulgated
Changes introduced include re-categorization of 16 compoundable offences as civil penalties, and for certain companies, a shift in the approving authority for changes in financial year from NCLT to central government.
Comments invited on draft amendments to Companies Act, 2013
These include provisions related to issuance of dematerialized shares for private companies, and requiring a company to spend its unspent corporate social responsibility funds within three years.
Cabinet approves the Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018
The Bill aims to regulate and standardise the education and practice of allied and healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists and nutritionists. It also sets up an Allied and Healthcare Council of India.
Cabinet approves mechanism for sale of enemy shares
The Ministry of Finance has been authorised to sell enemy shares that are vested in the central government. Proceeds from the sale are to be deposited as disinvestment proceeds in the government account.
Cabinet approves leasing out six airports through PPP
The airports will be leased for operation, management and development through a PPP Appraisal Committee. These airports are Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, and Mangaluru.
TRAI releases consultation paper on regulation of over-the-top services
Key observations relate to regulatory differences between OTT service providers and telecom service providers and alternative approaches for their regulation.
Report on standardization of exclusions in the health insurance released
Recommendations focus on reduction in the number of exclusions that can be included in health insurance contracts. The report also defines specific areas of exclusion and proposes a new definition of pre-existing diseases.
Committee of Experts releases report on audit firms and their networks
Recommendations include empowering the National Financial Reporting Authority to publish their audit inspection reports, and impose penalties on international networks with whom Indian audit firms have a membership.
Macroeconomic Development
GDP grows at 7.1% in the second quarter of 2018-19
Ahita Paul (ahita@prsindia.org)
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (at constant 2011-12 prices) of the country grew at 7.1% during the second quarter of 2018-19, over the corresponding period a year ago.[1] This was higher than the 6.3% growth in the second quarter of 2017-18. The quarterly trend of GDP growth is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: GDP growth (in %, year-on-year)
Sources: MOSPI; PRS.
GDP growth across economic sectors is measured in terms of Gross Value Added (GVA). The growth rate of combined GVA by all sectors increased from 6.1% in the second quarter of 2017-18 to 6.9% in the second quarter of 2018-19. The GVA by all sectors grew in this quarter compared to the second quarter of 2017-18, except for the mining and quarrying sector, where it decreased by 2.4%. Table 1 shows the details on sectoral GVA growth, year-on-year.
Table 1: Gross Value Added across sectors in Q2 2018-19 (growth in %, year-on-year)
Sector |
Q2 2017-18 |
Q1 2018-19 |
Q2 2018-19 |
Agriculture |
2.6% |
5.3% |
3.8% |
Mining |
6.9% |
0.1% |
-2.4% |
Manufacturing |
7.1% |
13.5% |
7.4% |
Electricity |
7.7% |
7.3% |
9.2% |
Construction |
3.1% |
8.7% |
7.8% |
Services |
6.8% |
7.3% |
7.5% |
GVA |
6.1% |
8.0% |
6.9% |
GDP |
6.3% |
8.2% |
7.1% |
Note: GVA is GDP without taxes and subsidies, at basic prices (2011-12 base year).
Source: MOSPI; PRS.
Revised GDP data for the period 2004-11, with the base year as 2011-12, released
Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation released the GDP (at constant 2011-12 prices) data for the years 2004-05 to 2010-11.[2] The base year for national accounts was revised from 2004-05 to 2011-12 in January 2015.[3] Consequently, the methodology to calculate GDP was revised as per the recommendations of the United Nations System of National Accounts, 2008. The back-series data has been calculated using this revised methodology. The calculations also take into account improved coverage of economic activities in some sectors, sector-specific Consumer Price Indices, and latest data sources.[4]
Figure 2 shows the year-on-year growth rate of GDP (at constant prices) for the period 2005-12 with base years as 2004-05 and 2011-12.
Figure 2: Revised back-series data of GDP growth rate (year-on-year, at constant prices)
Sources: MOSPI; PRS.
Figure 3 shows the average share of primary, secondary and tertiary sectors in the total Gross Value Added (at current prices) during 2004-12.
Figure 3: Average share of sectors in GVA (at current prices) during the period 2004-12
Source: MOSPI; PRS.
As per the revised data, the share of primary (includes agriculture, mining, forestry) and secondary (includes manufacturing, construction and power generation) sectors in total GVA has increased. The share of tertiary sector (includes economic activities related to financial services, trade, transport, communication, and public administration) has decreased. These changes can be attributed to changes in data sources.
Industrial production grew by 5.2% (year-on-year) in the second quarter of 2018-19
Ahita Paul (ahita@prsindia.org)
The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) grew by 5.2% in the second quarter (July-September) of 2018-19, as compared to the same period in 2017-18.[5] Electricity saw the highest increase of 7.5%, followed by an increase of 5.5% in manufacturing, and 1% in mining. Figure shows the year-on-year growth in industrial production, overall and across sectors, for the second quarter of 2018-19.
Figure 4: Growth in IIP in the second quarter of 2018-19 (year-on-year)
Sources: MOSPI; PRS
Corporate Affairs
Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 promulgated
Roshni Sinha (roshni@prsindia.org)
The Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 was promulgated on November 2, 2018.[6] It amends several provisions in the Companies Act, 2013 relating to penalties, among others.
A PRS summary of the Ordinance is available here.
Comments invited on draft amendments to Companies Act, 2013
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued a notice inviting comments on draft amendments to the Companies Act, 2013.[7] The Ministry stated that the amendments are in pursuance to the recommendations made by the “Committee to review the offences under the Companies Act, 2013”, to strengthen the corporate governance and enforcement framework under the 2013 Act. Key draft amendments include:
The draft Amendments require any unspent funds to be transferred to an Unspent corporate social responsibility account. This amount must be spent within three years from the date of transfer.
Committee of Experts releases report on audit firms and their networks
The Committee of Experts (Chair: Mr. Anurag Agarwal) submitted its report to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs presenting its findings and recommendations on regulating audit firms and their networks.[8] Key recommendations include:
A PRS summary of the report is available here.
Comments invited on the Competition Act, 2002
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued a notice inviting comments on the Competition Act, 2002.[9] The Ministry had constituted a Competition Law Review Committee to review the 2002 Act in view of the changing business environment. The Committee will also look at international best practices in the field of competition law, including anti-trust laws, merger guidelines and cross-border competition issues. It will also examine other regulatory regimes, institutional mechanism, and government policies which overlap with the Act.
Committee constituted for finalising Business Responsibility Reporting Format for listed and unlisted companies
A committee has been constituted to finalise the Business Responsibility Reporting Format for listed and unlisted companies.[10] This Report describes the initiatives taken by a company from an environmental, social and governance perspective. The requirement for the Report is based on the recommendations contained in the National Voluntary Guidelines on the Social, Environmental and Economic Responsibilities of Business, 2011 (NVGs) issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).[11] The NVGs lay down basic requirements for businesses to function in a responsible manner.
Based on the recommendations in the NVGs, the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, mandated certain listed companies to submit a Business Responsibility Report every year, in the format specified by SEBI.[12] The NVGs were updated in 2018.[13] The Committee has been constituted to finalise the format of the Report, based on the updated NVGs. The Committee is required to submit its report within six weeks.
The Committee will be chaired by the Joint Secretary, MCA and will include eight other members including: (i) Joint Secretary, Policy in the MCA or his nominee, (ii) Representative of SEBI, and (iv) President of Institute of Company Secretary of India.
Report on transparency audit of public authorities released
Zarka Shabir (zarka@prsindia.org)
A report on a transparency audit of public authorities was presented to the Central Information Commission (CIC) on November 12, 2018.[14] The report examined proactive disclosures made under Article 4 of the Right to Information Act (RTI Act). Article 4 stipulates that disclosures made by public authorities (i) enable citizens to access information without having to take recourse under provisions of the RTI Act, and (ii) promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of government.
As a part of its findings, the report found that, out of the 838 public authorities audited, over 85% did not disclose information related to (i) budget and programming, (ii) publicity and public interface, and (iii) e-governance. The report also observed that while most public authorities had taken transparency-related measures, vital information was missing on official websites. Specifically, the report found that websites did not disclose information on:
Based on these findings, the report recommended that website audits of public authorities be conducted regularly. The report also suggested that CIC and the Department of Personnel Training set up a separate unit and use a predetermined methodology for website monitoring that includes: (i) a web-based mechanism to track updates, (ii) audit oversight by a central authority, and (iii) utilization of nodal officers to ensure compliance.
Health and Family Welfare
Cabinet approves the Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018
Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)
The Union Cabinet approved the Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018 to regulate and standardise the education and practice of allied and healthcare professionals.[15] Allied health professionals include individuals involved with the delivery of health services, with expertise in therapeutic, diagnostic, curative and preventive interventions.[16] These include physiotherapists, nutritionists, and lab technologists. Currently, there is no comprehensive regulatory framework education and training of allied and healthcare professionals.
The Bill provides for setting up of an Allied and Healthcare Council of India and corresponding State Allied and Healthcare Councils to: (i) frame policies and standards, (ii) regulate professional conduct, (iii) create and maintain registers of professionals, and (iv) lay down provisions for common entry and exit examination.
A copy of the Bill is not available in the public domain.
Report on standardization of exclusions in the health insurance released
Zarka Shabir (zarka@prsindia.org)
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) had constituted a Working Group on ‘Standardization of Health Insurance Contracts’ in July 2018.[17] The Group was tasked with reviewing existing exclusions (conditions or claims not covered by a policy) in health insurance contracts and presenting recommendations that lead to their standardization. The Group submitted its report in November 2018. Key observations and recommendations of the Group include:
A PRS summary of the report is available here.
Finance
Ahita Paul (ahita@prsindia.org)
Cabinet approves mechanism for sale of enemy shares
The Union Cabinet approved the mechanism for sale of enemy shares, under the Enemy Property Act, 1968.[18] The central government had designated some properties belonging to nationals of Pakistan and China as ‘enemy properties’ during the 1962, 1965, and 1971 conflicts. It vested these properties in the Custodian of Enemy Property for India (CEPI). A total of 6.5 crore shares, in 966 companies, belonging to 20,323 shareholders are currently under the custody of the CEPI.
The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Act, 2017 authorised the sale of enemy properties by the CEPI, or any other authority or department on the directions of the central government.
The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management, Ministry of Finance, has been authorised to sell these enemy shares. Proceeds from the sale are to be deposited as disinvestment proceeds in the government account maintained by the Ministry of Finance. The process for selling these shares is to be approved by the Alternative Mechanism, chaired by the Minister of Finance and also comprising of the Minister of Road Transport and Highways and the Minister of Home Affairs.
Transport
Prachee Mishra (prachee@prsindia.org)
Cabinet approves leasing out six airports through PPP
The Union Cabinet gave in-principle approval for leasing out six airports for operation, management and development under public private partnership (PPP) through a Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC).[19] These airports are currently operated by the Airports Authority of India. These airports are Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru. Currently, five airports are being managed under the PPP model. These are Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Cochin.
The Union Cabinet also approved the constitution of an empowered group of secretaries to decide on any issue falling beyond the scope of PPPAC. The group will be headed by CEO, NITI Aayog, and will include Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, and Secretary, Department of Expenditure.
Strategic disinvestment of 100% of government’s equity in DCIL approved
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave in-principle approval for the strategic disinvestment of 100% of central government’s shares in the Dredging Corporation of India Ltd (DCIL).[20] The shares will be sold to a consortium of four ports -Vishakhapatnam Port Trust, Paradeep Port Trust, Jawahar Lal Nehru Port Trust, and Kandla Port Trust.
DCIL is a mini public sector undertaking engaged in the business of dredging for Indian seaports exclusively. Dredging means clearing the bed of a harbour, river, or other water body with a dredge. Currently, the central government holds 73.44% shares in DCIL.
Information Technology
Vinayak Krishnan (vinayak@prsindia.org)
TRAI releases consultation paper on regulation of cver-the-top services
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) invited public feedback on a consultation paper on the regulatory framework for over-the-top (OTT) communication service providers.[21] These are providers that offer information and communication technology services, but neither operate networks nor lease network capacity from a network provider. OTT service providers rely on the internet to provide services. Key observations made by TRAI include:
Human Resource Development
Gayatri Mann (gayatri@prsindia.org)
Cabinet approves setting up of Central Tribal University in Andhra Pradesh
The Union Cabinet approved an amendment to the Central Universities Act, 2009 for setting up
of a Central Tribal University in Andhra Pradesh.[22] The Central Tribal University will be set up in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. Further, an amount of Rs 420 has been allocated for the first phase expenditure towards establishment of the university.
Earth Sciences
Suyash Tiwari (suyash@prsindia.org)
CCEA approves continuation of the umbrella scheme ACROSS
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the continuation of the umbrella scheme Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems and Services (ACROSS) for the period 2017-20 at an estimated cost of Rs 1,450 crore.[23] The ACROSS scheme consists of nine sub-schemes which address different aspects of weather and climate services, including cyclone warnings, storm surges, heat waves, and thunderstorms, among others. The scheme aims to improve weather and climate forecasts through sustained observations, research and development, and adoption of effective dissemination and communication strategies.
External Affairs
Vinayak Krishnan (vinayak@prsindia.org)
Vice-President visits Zimababwe
The Vice-President Mr. Venkaiah Naidu visited Zimbabwe.[24] India and Zimbabwe signed six agreements for cooperation in various areas including: (i) arts, culture, and heritage, (ii) medicine and homeopathy, and (iii) geology, mining, and mineral resources.[25]
President visits Vietnam and Australia
The President Mr. Ram Nath Kovind visited Vietnam and Australia.[26] Nine agreements were signed with the two countries. Details of these are as follows:
[1] “Press Note on Estimates of Gross Domestic Product for the second quarter (July-September) of 2018-19”, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, November 30, 2018, http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/PRESS_NOTE-Q2_2018-19%2030.11.2018.pdf.
[2] “Press Note on National Accounts Statistics Back-Series 2004-05 to 2011-12”, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, November 28, 2018, http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/Press-Note-28Nov2018.pdf.
[3] “New Series Estimates of National Income, Consumption Expenditure, Saving and Capital Formation (Base year 2011- 12)”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, January 30, 2015.
[4] Data sources include the Ministry of Corporate Affairs’ MCA-21 database, and results of latest surveys on consumption, employment and enterprises. These surveys include the unorganised enterprise survey of the NSS 67th round, 2010-11, the Employment and Unemployment Survey of NSS 68th round, 2011-12, the Annual Survey of Industries, among others.
[5] “Quick Estimates of Index of Industrial Production and Use Based Index for the Month of September, 2018 (Base 2011- 12=100)”, Press Release, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, November 12, 2018, http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/press_release/Press%20Note%20Sep%2718.pdf.
[6] The Companies (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, http://www.prsindia.org/sites/default/files/bill_files/Companies%20Amendment%20Ordinance%202018.pdf.
[7] Notice Inviting Comments, Amendments in the Companies Act, 2013, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, 2018, http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/NoticeAmendmentsCA2013_05112018.pdf.
[8] “Findings and Recommendations on Regulating Audit Firms And the Networks” Committee of Experts, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, October 25, 2018, http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/2018_CommitteeExperts_Report_08112018.pdf.
[9] Invitation for public comments on the Competition Act, 2002, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, 2018, http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/InvitingComments_16112018.pdf.
[10] Constitution of Committee for finalising the Business Responsibility Reporting (BRR) Format for Listed and Unlisted Companies, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, November 14, 2018, http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/NewandUpdateConstitutionOfCommitte_15112018.pdf.
[11] National Voluntary Guidelines on the Social, Environmental and Economic Responsibilities of Business, 2011, http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/latestnews/National_Voluntary_Guidelines_2011_12jul2011.pdf.
[12] SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, https://www.sebi.gov.in/sebi_data/attachdocs/1441284401427.pdf.
[13] National Voluntary Guidelines on the Social, Environmental and Economic Responsibilities of Business, 2018, http://www.mca.gov.in/Ministry/pdf/DraftNationalGuidelines2018_20062018.pdf.
[14] “Transparency Audit of Disclosures u/s 4 of Right to Information Act by the Public Authorities”, Central Information Commission, November 12, 2018, https://cic.gov.in/sites/default/files/Transparency%20Audit%
[15] “Cabinet approves the Allied and Healthcare Professions Bill, 2018 for regulation and standardisation of education and services by allied and healthcare professionals”, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, November 22, 2018.
[16] Allied and Healthcare Professionals Database, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, https://a2hp.mohfw.gov.in/.
[17] “Report of the working group for standardization of exclusions in health insurance contracts”, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority, November, 2018, https://www.irdai.gov.in/ADMINCMS/cms/whatsNew_Layout.aspx?page=PageNo36....
[18] “Cabinet approves Laying down procedure and mechanism for sale of enemy shares”, Press Information Bureau, Cabinet, November 8, 2018.
[19] “Cabinet approves leasing out six airports - Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangaluru through PPP”, Press Information Bureau, Cabinet, November 8, 2018.
[20] “Cabinet approves strategic disinvestment of 100% Govt. of India’s equity in the Dredging Corporation of India Ltd. (DCIL)”, Press Information Bureau, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, November 8, 2018.
[21] “Consultation paper on Regulatory Framework for Over-The-Top (OTT) communication services”, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, November 12, 2018, https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/CPOTT12112018_0.pdf.
[22] “Cabinet approves Amendment to the Central Universities Act, 2009 for setting up of Central Tribal University in Andhra Pradesh”, Cabinet, November 8, 2018.
[23] “Cabinet approves: i) Implementation of the umbrella scheme "Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services"; ii) Sub-schemes to continue during 2017-20; and iii) National Facility for Airborne Research(NFAR) to be set up”, Press Information Bureau, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, November 22, 2018.
[24] “Visit of Vice-President to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi (October 31-November 5, 2018)”, Ministry of External Affairs, October 30, 2018, https://mea.gov.in/outoging-visit-detail.htm?30551/Visit+of+Vice+President+to+Botswana+Zimbabwe+and+Malawi+October+31November+5+2018.
[25] “Documents signed during the visit of Vice President to Zimbabwe”, Ministry of External Affairs, November 3, 2018, https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/30564/Documents_signed_during_the_visit_of_Vice_President_to_Zimbabwe_November_03_2018.
[26] “State Visit of President to Vietnam and Australia (November 18-24, 2018)”, Ministry of External Affairs, November 16, 2018, https://mea.gov.in/outoging-visit-detail.htm?30603/State+Visit+of+President+to+Vietnam+and+Australia+November+1824+2018.
[27] “List of documents signed during the visit of President to Vietnam”, Ministry of External Affairs, November 20, 2018, https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/30613/List_of_documents_signed_during_the_visit_of_President_to_Vietnam_November_20_2018.
[28] “List of documents exchanged during the visit of President to Australia”, Ministry of External Affairs, November 22, 2018, https://www.mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/30619/List_of_documents_exchanged_during_the_visit_of_President_to_Australia.
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