India 2008 to 2009

June 2009 India

2009-06-06T14:19:00.005+08:00

June 1 my company was officially owned by another company. Many privileges are now restricted.

Hussain the trainee from Nigeria finished his contract while Colleen from US arrived to begin hers.

June 5 The first rainfall in Pune. Amazing breeze after continuous 38 to 40C temperature, this rain is certainly most welcome. The kids are running in the streets and most people are smiling. After the rain, the streets are flooded some trees fell down, major traffic.

June 10 My second successful V Share moderating session. Cheers Cheers!

June 17 The part 2 Advanced Yoga class has begun..

Verity's Birthday this month.

June 20 is the 3rd rainfall in Pune and its just amazing to see everything - people running, playing in the rain, street getting filled with water, and the cool breeze!

I volunteered in Deep Griha Society for this day to give mock interview to students who went for the 2months IT training. It was really nice and heartwarming after the mock interview, how enthusiastic the students are about the world, they keep on asking so much questions about Philippines too. After this event, i went to have ice cream and did some Fabindia shopping (famous shop for epxort quality indian wear-saree/kurta/linen/duparta/salwar/kameez, house decors, matt, natural herbal products-soap,food, etc

Andreea of Romania came over to Pune and we did our reunion as the last 2 trainees of Satyam for 2009 at 1000 oaks together with the other trainees of Pune.

New Trainee arrived in the flat at 3am in the morning, her name is Anna and she is from Russia, and she forgot her luggage in the bus from Mumbai to Pune..

India – TDS or TAX DEDUCTION AT SOURCE Guide 2009 for Trainees

2009-05-27T01:08:00.000+08:00

India – TDS or TAX DEDUCTION AT SOURCE Guide 2009 for Trainees

Note: This document are for trainees who requires TDS.

The SC held that the Indian entities were required to deduct TDS even on the foreign salary portion, i.e. in addition to the tax being deducted on the Indian salary portion.
http://www.psalegal.com/pdf/March%20-%202009.pdf

Income Tax Information as of Mar 25, 2009 http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/archive/NotificationNo.SO858_E_onTDS_31032009.pdf
NOTE: file the tax before July 15th
what to look for in the link: Certificate of tax collected at source (page 5-8)
37D.4.(d) for Form No.16, Form No.16A

What is form 16A ?
Form 16A is the TDS Certificate which every person deducting tax has to provide to the deductee for every month or for a year.
t is also called as Form 16 - TDS Certificate for Salaried Employees / Form 16A - For other Payments / Form No. 16A - Amended TDS Certificate.

Dates for Depositing of the TDS
Tax has to be deposited within one week from the last day of the month of deduction. Tax has to be deposited within one week from the date of deduction in case of TDS on Salary, Dividends, Winnings from lottery or Crossword Puzzles or Repurchase of units by Mutual Funds or UTI. The quarterly statement of TDS is filed on computer media CD/floppy (in case of a company, government deductor, deductor to be audited under section 44AB and deductor with 50 or more deductees in a quarter) and using Form 24Q (TDS salary) and 26Q (TDS other) with acknowledgment form Form 27A. The due dates are 1st Quarter - July 15, 2nd Quarter October 15, 3rd Quarter Jan 15 and 4th Quarter June 15. The TDS returns are accepted by only TIN centres and not by Income Tax Department.

Interest and Penalty on Late deposit of TDS
If the TDS amount is not deposited by the required date, then for each month you must add an interest equal to 1% of the TDS amount. Even if the delay is by one day, you will pay one month's interest. If the TDS return is not filed by the due date, there is a penalty of Rs. 100 per day subject to maximum limit equal to the TDS amount.

Where and how to Deposit?
The tax so deducted should be deposited with the Government Treasury within one week from the last date of month in which tax is deducted (in case of deduction of tax by or on behalf of the Government, it should be deposited on the same day) in challan No. 281. Tax on perquisites borne by the employer u/s 192(1A) should also be deposited into the Government treasury within on e week from the last day of each month (in case of payment on behalf of Government, it should be deposited on the same day), in challan No. 281.

If Employee Resigns
An employee resigns or otherwise leaves the service, tax shall not be deducted from the future salary, only the salary due and payable up to the date on which he leaves service shall be considered.

TDS Certificate for Salary
After Tax Deduction at source the employer shall issue TDS Certificate on 30th April. So that an employee can Claim refund accordingly.

Source:
http://www.incometaxindia.gov.in/

India Visa FRRO and PAN Card 2009

2009-05-23T21:16:00.004+08:00

India – Visa / FRRO and PAN Card Guide 2009
*Make sure word spelling and dates are correct when receiving any document. Keep all originals and make sure to go around carrying a photo copy at all times.
*Applications may take significantly longer to be issued because Indian authorities will want to verify the details.

Before Arrival
1.Foreign Nationals coming to India are required to possess a valid passport of their country and a valid Indian Visa.
2.No provision of 'Visa on Arrival' in India and no fee is charged for immigration facilities at the airports.
3.Ensure that you are holding the correct type of visa.
Sources:
http://india.gov.in/overseas/passport.php
http://india.gov.in/outerwin.php?id=http://passport.nic.in – Consular Passport and Visa Division
http://passport.nic.in/passport_act.pdf -INDIAN PASSPORT ACT LAW
http://www.tourismofindia.com/ - Tourism Information of India
http://www.indiavisa.in/ - India Visa & Indian Embassy Information Worldwide

Arrival in India
1.Required to furnish particulars in the disembarkation card (Arrival Card) as to your name and nationality, his age, sex, place of birth and address or intended address in India, the purpose of your visit and the proposed length of stay in India. Ensure stamping of Departure and Immigration stamp on your passport and Boarding card, before moving to the next counter.
2.It is a mandatory requirement for all Foreigners arriving on dependant X, XV, Missionary(M),Student(s), Employment(E),Research(R),Medical (M) or Medical Attendant (M X) visa to register themselves within 14 days of their first arrival in India in the FRRO Foreign Regional Registration Office, irrespective of duration of stay. Application forms [Fill out the Form A - 4 Copies]are available free of cost at FRO’s office but some area like Hyderabad you have to know the Challan code to quote when you are making your payment to the nearest State Bank of India, take the receipt and show it to the FRRO oficer. Foreigners have to pay a penalty of US $ 30 (commission is excluded) for overstaying, not registering with the FRO within the stipulated period and for grant of restricted/protected area permits. If delay days is more than 90 days, then the permission from Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi is to be required for the registration).
3.On registration, the FRO issues the foreigners with a registration certificate and residential permit.
Residential Permit : Every foreigner who enters India on the authority of a visa issued in pursuance of the Indian Passport Act 1920, shall obtain residential permit from the Foreigner Registration Officer having jurisdiction at that place, a registration report indicating the period during which he is authorized to stay in India and place or places for stay specified in the visa.

Requirements:
a) 4 copies of photograph.
b) Photocopy of the Passport.
c) Photocopy of the Visa.
d) Photocopy of passport showing date of arrival.
e) Residential proof of local person, like electric billing of the place you are staying and contract of house owner with AIESEC.
f) copy of contract with TN or Acceptance Note
g) Letter of undertaking on company letterhead and signed by a manager. It should read:
“We, [the company name], take full responsibility for the activities and conduct of [your name] of [your nationality], who has been employed as [job title] with our company, during his stay in India. If anything adverse against him comes to our notice during the period of his stay, we undertake to repatriate him at our cost.”
h) Certificate of Incorporation of your company under the India Company’s Act

4.VISA EXTENSION: Extension forms are available at FRO’s office. Foreigners should submit application along with extension forms with full details including reason for extension. For proof of residential address or telephone bill of the landlord or the person with whom the foreigner is staying should be submitted. Copy of bank account statement and rental agreement. Foreigners on employment visa should submit the employment agreement papers for the extension period.

Fee Structure regarding Foreigners Stay Extension
Transit Visa valid for 15 days (Single / Double Entry) : US $10
All kind of Visa Valid upto 3 months : US $40 (Multiple Entry)
All kind of Visa valid up to 6 months including tourists/business: S $40 (Multiple Entry)
All kind of Visa over 6 months and up to one Year including tourists/business: US $ 65 (Multiple Entry)
Student Visa for more than 1 Year and up to 5 Years(Multiple Entry) : US $ 75
All visas with validity between one to five years (Multiple Entry) : US $130
5. Shifting of Residence: At the time of registration of visa the foreigner should furnish his address in India which is known as his registered address. Whenever, the foreigner shifts his residence he should immediately inform the same to Foreigners Registration Officer. Based on the inquiry report, his registration documents will be forwarded to the new Foreigners Registration Officer.
6.If at any time a foreigner proposes to be absent from his registered address for a continuous period of 8 weeks or more, or changes his registered address in the district of registration or is finally departing from India he shall inform the Foreigners Registration Officer of his probable date of return in person or through an authorized representative or by registered post.
7.Foreigners who visit their native country during the period of Valid Residential Permit will be given "Return Visa" endorsement by the State Registration Officer. Return Visa is issued for a period of 90 days or less to those who have valid residential permits. They should return to India within the validity of return visa. Those who overstay the Return Visa period of 90 days will have to come to India on a fresh visa and such a case will be treated as a new arrival. The foreigner has to undergo Registration formalities afresh.
Sources:
http://www.immigrationindia.nic.in/instructions_foreigners.htm – Instruction to Foreigners
http://chandigarhpolice.nic.in/app_form.pdf – Application Form format pls edit accordingly to your purpose
http://www.mha.nic.in/uniquepage.asp?ID_PK=334 – India Govt Visa Info
http://punepolice.maharashtra.gov.in/passport.htm#staytour – Govt Visa /Extn Info

Departure / Exit from India
1.Secure an Exit Permit from FRRO by returning/surrendering your registration certificate with Clearance stamp.
2.For Trainees who have PAN Card, you need to have completely filed your Income Tax with the Indian tax authorities, paid them, get your CA/company Finance or Accounts dept. to get you an Income Tax Clearance Certificate after the payment has been made completely.
3.You can leave India simply on production of the confirmed ticket to the check post authorities concerned (after surrendering the ORIGINAL registration document at the check post).
4.Fill up the embarkation card before departure and hand it over to the Immigration officer.

PAN CARD - Indicates the tax deducted from salary is being deposited. This makes it easier for you to get your Income Tax Clearance Certificate.
Source: www.tin-nsdl.com
1.Find an agent near you using the link above. Fill the forms. provide 2 photographs. Proof of identity e.g. bank statement. Pay the service fee. Within 4-5 working days, you will receive the PAN Card number SMSed to you and within 7-8 working days the PAN Card will couriered to you.

May 2009

2009-05-04T01:40:00.011+08:00

May 1 is holiday in Pune, no work, election in Mumbai. 1 month long election for the whole of India, that ends on May 6th and results will be out on the 16th.

Fabindia for Indian clothes and soaps and house textiles.

Soul is a restaurant that has live music and offers continental food, Sunday's buffet for Rs330.

The auto rick shaw are like the Philippines-tricycle.The auto rick shaw started their strike Friday ,May1-not funny at all.The auto rick shaw is based on the total meter reading to its destination. 1.00 meter reading is equal to Rs.13.

May 4th: Auto rick shaw, my only transportation to work.All auto rick shaw drivers are on strike because there was an order to lower the amount per km.i managed to catch one this morning but after work i tried to take bus but it doesn't go my side of town huhuhuh

6days no rick shaw. The buses are full all the time.

New trainee from Canada arrived, Brenna.

May 7th-Full Circle:i am back in my first office location in India, Manikchand Ikon Bldg. Dhole Patil Rd. New desk, new floor, new roles & responsibilities.

Mothers Day May10 i got an email from my sister Rochelle containing the scanned letters from my mother-what a joy and strength it was for me.

May14 Aunt Helen's Birthday my second mom-big hug!

India Election means one month of voting and one week of counting.

Advanced Yoga class=Rs100=Mon to Fri=7 to 8pm.

April 2009

2009-05-03T23:27:00.003+08:00

Fool's day.

Reenu (my Indian colleague from Udaipur, Rajasthan) cooked Indian not spicy food for me and Chia Yu and two of her flat mates.

Malaka Spice is a restaurant that have all the Asian dishes except Philippines, sadly..but in fairness, the food was in huge servings and very delicious.

Watchmen Movie.

I attended - memorial.

Satoru of Japan is leaving after finishing 2months of internship. Farewell dinner with 15 or more, and all trainees. Chrys of Greece visited Pune from Hyderabad and stayed at the Aiesec Trainee.

Pune ZOO is very nice. The first zoo i have seen where animals have bigger areas to roam and have the jungle feeling of environment.

This month Satyam Computer Services Ltd's highest bidder is Tech Mahindra.

Marvin, Louise of New Zealand and myself went to see Choki Dani - 17kms from Aiesec Flat where we stay. It is a replica of Rajasthan Village in Pune. Amazing performances- bamboo balancing, fire dancing, rajasthani musicals instrument, girls balancing multi levels of pot on top of the head, the traditional dress, and the main highlight for me is the FOOD! it was spicy than i ever thought but i ate so much!

23rd is a holiday because its election -voting day for pune residents. it takes one month for the whole of india to cast their votes. amazing huh!! and so far in pune city it is very calm and they are raising the number of youths to register.

Timo of Finland was visited by his two friends who brought Reindeer and Moose canned meat. It wasn't bad as i thought, in fact, it was good.

My first Indian commercial and photo shoot casting (low budget but international exposure daw kasi internet medium not tv or radio-yay!).. the director and assistant director are the only ones i can speak english with..i never used that much of foundation heheh my skin was totally flawless. the product was about a software.

This month at work, we launched our unit's internal web portal that will be visited by 2,000 more employees. I'm so proud. :)

March 2009

2009-05-03T23:19:00.003+08:00

This month i visited Laxmi Rd known for textile road producing the variety and best of Saree - the official Indian womens attire that looks like a drape around the body.

March is for my dad and Ferdinand- brother's birthday!!!!

Summer: Timo of Finland, Michael and Marvin of Germany, Chia Yu of Taiwan, Petya of Bulgaria, Ritesh of India, off to Goa the Portuguese Catholic capital of India.
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/mabbagubernardine/GoaMarch2009#

My Filipina friend in Mumbai is Ms Nana. She is operating an IT company. She lend me a book about Bombay and cooked chicken adobo :) sarap sobra!!

February 2009

2009-05-03T23:02:00.003+08:00

Movie this month is LUCKbyCHANCE, Indian movie no subtitles heheheh its a good one.

My first dentist visit. The clinic have a website and only for Rs500 i can do check-up,cleaning and complete tooth xray. It was a very neat clinic i must say and the facilities are pretty new but since i was a foreigner the cleaning was Rs400 and Rs300 for check-up.

I joined Satyam Foundation that visits Deep Griha Society. The program teaches IT to out-of-the school citizens of the area.

This month i met a Filipino friend, Ms Rachel is very nice and she is studying HINDI Language this year.

I attended behavioral program offered by my company- Creative and Critical Thinking.

In Pune India we found out that they have Hard Rock Cafe -HRC! Pyramids Pune. I lost my phone :( i cannot be disconnected so now i have my new Samsung phone.

This month i have a new room mate, her name is Chia Yu Liu from Taiwan. Now the usual once a day power cut is officially made two times a day and longer hours-1hr and 30mins max.

We (Chia Yu of Taiwan, Satoru of Japan, Timo of Finland and I) made tours nearby area known as St.Patrick Church and Shinde Chatri Hindu Temple. We made friends to kids and we played cricket.

January 2009

2009-05-03T21:39:00.007+08:00

My first new year in a new country- away from HOME.

The first Saturday of the year was a farewell party to one of our house mate from Denmark, Daniel.

I attended the AIESEC Pune Induction of the new Executive Board together with Louie in Khadake EME Work Station Opposite SIMS. The place is a camp full of military personnels. Same day, Verity and Cristiane are in Mocha so me and Louie met them up, i met friends of Verity and Cris from Slovakia and Czech that night.

I was lucky to be with L&T friends because we motorcycled our way to SINHAGAD FORT which was 23kms. We were able to see the sunrise and from the top of the mountain we can see the people trekking their way to the peak. This fort is like BAGUIO-Philippines to me.
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/mabbagubernardine/January2009SinhagadFortPuneIndia#

January celebration: PONGAL. Sze my Malaysian house mate and Tom of Australia went to my Indian colleagues house to witness the tradition and eat delicacy - nice and yummy!!

In Mumbai, Phoenix mills (well known mall) i watched the movie "Changeling". My first Indian haircut at Bandra - Mad-O-What hair salon.

"Slumdog Millionaire" was shown. i find it very interesting.

Kung Hei fat Choy! Chinese New year and holiday - happy!!

Thanks to my roommate Cristiane, she invited me to the Brazilian party at Royal Orchard, Kalyani Nagar. The following day it was followed by her birthday celebration in Sheesha.