Latest news with #ReportCard
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Focus of GST on promoting ease of doing biz, ensuring better compliance
The focus of the Goods and Services Tax ( GST ), which completes eighth year on Tuesday, will now be on promoting ease of doing business, ensuring stronger compliance and fostering broader economic inclusion, the finance ministry said. The GST, which was implemented from July 1, 2017, has unified 17 taxes and 13 cesses, creating a seamless national market by simplifying compliance and digitising tax systems. It has also expanded the taxpayer base and strengthened cooperative federalism. "As GST enters its ninth year, it continues to evolve, prioritising ease of doing business, stronger compliance, and broader economic inclusion, solidifying its role as a driver of India's economic progress," the finance ministry said while releasing 'GST's 8-Year Report Card'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software Esseps Learn More Undo The gross GST collections in the first year of operation (9 months) were Rs 7.40 lakh crore. Over the years, it has witnessed exponential growth. In 2024-25, gross GST collections hit a record Rs 22.08 lakh crore, marking a year-on-year growth of 9.4 per cent. This rise reflects the growing formalisation of the economy and improved tax compliance. Live Events Annual GST revenues nearly tripled, rising from Rs 7 lakh crore in FY 2017-18 to Rs 22 lakh crore in FY 2024-25, it said. Consistent double-digit growth signals not just a strengthening economy but a maturing, tech-driven tax ecosystem marked by better compliance, reduced leakages, and lower taxpayer burden, it said. Rising collections reflect better enforcement and input tax credit (ITC) controls, it said, adding that India's GST collection rose to its highest-ever of Rs 2.37 lakh crore in April 2025. Over 162 crore GST returns have been filed as of May 2025, reflecting the scale, adoption, and growing trust in a streamlined, digital-first tax system over just eight years, it said. GST unified indirect taxes into one simplified regime with standardised slabs (0 per cent, 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent, and 28 per cent) and a centralised digital platform (GSTN) for seamless registration, filing, and payments, cutting compliance costs and boosting ease of doing business. Eight years since its launch in 2017, it said, the GST remains a cornerstone of India's economic reforms, replacing a fragmented web of indirect taxes with a streamlined, unified tax system. By fostering a common national market, GST has enhanced efficiency, reduced business costs, and increased transparency in taxation, it said.
New Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Delhi Assembly unveils 100-day ‘report card'
NEW DELHI: The Assembly on Friday celebrated the completion of 100 days of the Eighth Delhi Legislative Assembly with a ceremonial release of its Report Card – a document that highlights its key achievements, innovations, and its 'evolving, inclusive legislative ethos.' The event was held within the Assembly premises in the presence of Union minister Harsh Malhotra who lauded the Assembly's work, describing the Report Card as 'a reflection of remarkable accomplishments' and lauding its theme of 'Virasat' and 'Vikas'. He further praised Speaker Vijender Gupta's balanced leadership, highlighting a shift in the conduct of Assembly proceedings in the first 100 days. 'In this period, not once have we witnessed the kind of disruptions that had become commonplace in the previous decade,' he remarked. 'Gupta has upheld democratic traditions, provided equal space to the Opposition, and ensured the dignity of the House.' Gupta, in his address, reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to transparency, sustainable development, and cultural preservation. He highlighted key milestones achieved during the Assembly's first 100 days, including the implementation of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) to facilitate a paperless legislature and the laying of the foundation stone for a 500 kW solar power plant.
Hans India
07-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
‘Virasat se vikas ki ore': Delhi Assembly marks 100 days with Visionary Report Card
New Delhi: In a grand ceremony held today, the Delhi Legislative Assembly unveiled its 'Report Card' marking the completion of the first 100 days of its 8th term. The report highlights key achievements, innovative initiatives, and a people-centric legislative approach aimed at inclusive growth. The event was graced by Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra, who attended as the Chief Guest. Speaker of the Delhi Assembly, Vijender Gupta, presided over the ceremony, joined on stage by Social Welfare Minister Ravindra Indraj Singh, Deputy Speaker Mohan Singh Bisht, and Chief Whip Abhay Verma. In his address, Malhotra praised the Delhi Assembly's functioning and commended the report card as a 'reflection of noteworthy accomplishments.' He lauded the report's theme, 'Virasat se Vikas ki Ore' and fondly recalled his early days in public service under the mentorship of Speaker Vijender Gupta, whose discipline and dedication, he said, continue to inspire his parliamentary work. The Union Minister also noted a positive shift in the Assembly's proceedings over the past 100 days. 'The sessions have remained orderly and disruption-free, which was uncommon earlier. Gupta has strengthened democratic practices by ensuring equal opportunity for the opposition and maintaining the dignity of the House,' he said. He further described the Assembly building as a 'living heritage' that must be preserved for future generations. Speaker Vijender Gupta emphasized the Assembly's commitment to transparency, sustainable growth, and cultural preservation, stating that the report card goes beyond legislative statistics to showcase a progressive and citizen-focused legislative culture. Among the key accomplishments of the past 100 days was the successful implementation of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), which enabled the Assembly to transition to a completely paperless format—an important step toward digital governance. In support of environmental sustainability, the Assembly also laid the foundation for a 500-kilowatt solar power plant, reinforcing its move toward green energy practices. Additionally, the traditional Assembly library was transformed into a Digital Knowledge Center, providing better access to legislative resources. A comprehensive plan has also been initiated for the conservation of the Assembly's architectural and historical heritage, ensuring that its legacy is preserved for future generations. The report card also outlined several initiatives designed to promote engagement and excellence within and beyond the legislative environment. These included the introduction of the "Best Legislator Award" to recognize outstanding performance among MLAs, as well as orientation programs for newly elected legislators to help them understand procedural and policy matters.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
My music students will play at CMA Fest. More kids need this opportunity
I was 11 years old when I first played with a brass band on a big stage outside my home city of New Orleans. I can still remember the thrill of hearing our jazzy, rhythmic sound meet the roar of applause from an appreciative audience. This weekend, 62 adolescents and early teens from the Tremé and surrounding neighborhoods of New Orleans will, like me, get their chance to perform away from home at the CMA Fest here in Nashville. It's a big deal. These kids, part of the Marching Crusaders band program, come from low-income communities and under-resourced schools. Our afterschool program gives them the opportunity to learn the foundations of music, join a marching band, and perform live — while also getting academic tutoring, hot meals, and the chance to forge connections with their peers and the adults who care about them. I started the program in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which left our city bereft of so much — including music education. Our marching bands, a mainstay of our schools and a highlight of community events, were struggling. Fast forward two decades and the tradition is as popular as ever, particularly in high schools. More: Can music education boost grades, attendance? A new case study suggests it might Our program enrolls both elementary and middle school students and aims to get them ready for high school and college band opportunities, and — for those with the dream — life as professional musicians. But there are plenty of other reasons to provide wraparound services and music programs to students nationwide. Too many families who need aftercare programs don't have access to them. And music education isn't reaching many kids from low-income backgrounds who would benefit from the training and the support services that organizations like ours provide. We designed the Marching Crusaders program for students ages 9-14, because it's a formative time in a child's life when they can use help beyond what's available in the traditional school day. Risk taking increases, and mental health challenges are up. The Nation's Report Card shows middle schoolers are experiencing major academic declines and having difficulty making up lost ground related to the pandemic. Learning music helps children develop discipline and has been linked to positive academic outcomes. Our program also offers daily tutoring and celebrates the Crusaders' academic progress on a weekly basis when our staff distributes prizes, provided by our generous partners, to top academic achievers. I really enjoy having the kids run over to pass me their report card and get a photo of us showcasing their accomplishments. I always try to learn from others, and there are nonprofits in Music City worthy of attention and public support. I'm impressed with the work of W.O. Smith Music School, which provides low-income students with high-quality music instruction; the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's Words & Music program, focused on songwriting; and Notes for Notes, which provides youth access to instruments and recording studios, to name just a few. More: Inside the nonprofit studio that lets Nashville kids make music for free. 'When you walk in here you're an artist' And. of course, there's the CMA Foundation, which invests the proceeds from CMA Fest into music education programs, including the one I lead. But there's no question kids need more, and perhaps we should all be looking for ways to provide it. The Marching Crusaders program serves around 200 kids, but we have a waitlist that garners hundreds of applications within days of opening, even if we only have 20 slots to fill. It hurts to have to turn kids away every year. Especially at this moment of economic uncertainty and proposed education funding cuts, communities can strengthen music education. That can happen when nationally known artists, like those who call Nashville home, use their voice for good, or when communities find a way to expand and fund in-school and out-of-school music education. Helping can also mean letting young artists take the stage during events like CMA Fest — even when those kids look and sound a little different from other performers. More: Country stars share how music teachers changed their lives. Top moments from CMA Foundation awards It's also so valuable to mentor kids and provide space for them to practice and play. I got my start learning drums in the childhood home of famed jazz musician Trombone Shorty. His mom, Lois Nelson Andrews, had a big heart and open door for budding musicians. Later, trumpeter Milton Batiste put me on the stage with the Olympia Brass Band. Today, I'm just paying it forward. The Crusader Marching Band is the largest of several programs that fall under our nonprofit, The Roots of Music. The others include an in-school kindergarten and elementary program and a high school audio engineering and production program. I believe children are the roots of music. We must nourish and take care of our roots. We'll all be better off for it. Derrick Tabb is the founder and Executive Director of The Roots of Music nonprofit. An acclaimed musician, he plays the snare drum with the Grammy-award winning Rebirth Brass Band. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville CMA Fest is a great lesson, chance for children | Opinion
Indian Express
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Self-congratulatory report card: AAP slams BJP govt's 100 days in power; Cong says ‘deserves zero rating'
The AAP delivered a scathing 'failed' verdict on the BJP's 100-day performance after forming a government in Delhi. The Delhi Congress also issued a list of 'sins' of the government. AAP Delhi convenor Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the government of abandoning key welfare schemes, failing to deliver poll promises, and claimed that the party pushed Delhiites into distress. In a letter to CM Rekha Gupta, Bharadwaj wrote, 'The BJP government has completed 100 days in Delhi, but in these 100 days, the people of Delhi have had to endure many hardships. Delhi is experiencing long and frequent power cuts. Electricity prices have gone up significantly. Private schools have started arbitrarily increasing fees.' At a press conference, Bharadwaj said, 'We've seen in films that mischievous children who fail in school sometimes make their own fake report cards. A similar mischievous children's government is currently running Delhi… How is it possible that the same child who gave the exam also creates their own report card and declares they passed?' Listing several questions for the BJP government, Bharadwaj said, 'Where is the Rs 2,500 promised to women? Today is May 30, and there's no trace of it.' He further questioned, 'When will 10,000 bus marshals, rendered jobless by the L-G, be reinstated and given permanent jobs as promised?' The AAP leader also questioned fee hikes in private schools, and the BJP's failure to roll back school fees despite claiming audits: 'Under BJP rule, loot is the system; private schools have hiked fees in an inhumane manner.' On healthcare, Bharadwaj said, 'The BJP government scrapped Farishtey Yojana and Daak Yojana, which provided free treatment at private hospitals for the poor… Hundreds of accident victims have not received treatment. This is the direct impact of the BJP shutting down the scheme.' Bharadwaj said the 'Report Card' would be sent to all MLAs, MPs, and members of the media. 'We cannot let this self-assessment fool the public. Delhi deserves better,' he said. Addressing the media at Rajiv Bhawan, Delhi unit chief Devender Yadav alleged that the Rekha Gupta government had failed on all fronts and claimed it deserved a 'zero' rating for its performance so far. 'The people of Delhi voted the BJP to power after 27 years with great hope, but all they have received in return are false claims and betrayal,' Yadav said. He listed what he termed the '10 sins' of the new government: accused the government's Rs 1 lakh crore budget of being misleading, questioned the allocation of Z-Plus security to the Delhi BJP president, allegation of indulging in large-scale corruption in electricity procurement, criticism over the appointment Kapil Mishra as a minister who has previously been accused in communal riots, of rebranding existing schemes instead of initiating original ones, and for endangering the livelihood of the poor through a crackdown on street vending, among others.
