Latest news with #Divyangjan
Mint
10 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
LIC's Smart Pension Plan: 5 key things you need to know before you invest
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) provides for a lucrative Smart Pension Plan to provide investors with an efficient tool to plan and invest for their retirement. This is a non participation, individual, non linked and group immediate annuity plan. This has been designed to facilitate efficient retirement planning for investors, this scheme provides a choice of annuity options thus catering to both members of group superannuation schemes and individuals as well. Here are five must know facts you should know before you consider investing: According to LIC's official documentation, the minimum entry age is 18 years. The maximum age varies from 65 to 100 years, primarily depending on the annuity option selected by the applicant. Furthermore, the minimum purchase price is ₹ 1,00,000. The plan is available for individual applicants including National Pension System (NPS) subscribers and 'Divyangjan' (dependents with disabilities). Note: The basic eligibility criteria discussed above is illustrative in nature. Refer to the official website of LIC for the update eligibility criteria, terms and conditions. The Smart Pension Plan offers for several different annuity options: Annuity type Key features Lifetime Annuity (Single/ Joint Life) Annuity continues for life; in joint life, 100% payable to survivor Annuity certain with life Fixed annuity for 5, 10, 15, or 20 years, then for life Increasing annuity Annuity increases at a simple rate of 3% or 6% per annum Return of Purchase Price Purchase price returned after death or a specified period It is important to acknowledge the fact that annuity payouts can be monthly, quarterly, half yearly or annual. Note: The key features discussed above are illustrative in nature. For the updated features, terms and conditions refer to the website of LIC. All policyholders who invest higher amounts in the plan, receive enhanced and boosted annuity rates. Further, nominees of deceased LIC policyholders are also eligible for better terms. These increased annuity rates act as a financial incentive for individuals planning for a prudent and stable post retirement income stream. Furthermore, nominees or beneficiaries of deceased LIC policyholders are also eligible for favourable terms and added benefits, depending on the policy conditions and the selected annuity option. These features make the plan not only lucrative for individual investors but also considerate of their respective family's financial security. To assist in financial flexibility, LIC permits policyholders to avail of loans after three months from the policy commencement date or after the end of the free look period whichever comes later. This allows individuals to avail and access funds during sudden emergencies or difficult or unforeseen circumstances. That too without terminating the policy. Furthermore, partial surrender of the policy is also permitted under critical, unforeseen circumstances including serious illness or life altering events. This particular feature ensures that the investors are not locked into their annuity completely and can avail liquidity when genuinely required. Death benefit flexibility: Nominees can opt for lump sum payout, instalments or even annuitised benefits. Nominees can opt for lump sum payout, instalments or even annuitised benefits. Joint life annuity: Upon first death, 100% annuity continues for the remaining survivor. Upon first death, 100% annuity continues for the remaining survivor. Payout customisation: Carefully select the frequency and payout mode as per requirement and your future financial goals. Through the online mode: Visit the official website of LIC to apply directly. Through the offline mode: You can purchase the plan through LIC agents, designated representatives, or local CSC centres across the country. Documentation needed: You must keep your Aadhaar card, PAN card, address proof, age proof along with recent photographs and bank details ready to meet any required eligibility requirements. Select options: Choose your preferred annuity type and payout frequency. The payout frequency can be either monthly, quarterly, half yearly or annually depending on the applicant's choice. Discuss with experts: You can also consult an LIC agent or refer to the official web link of the plan for detailed plan features and benefits before opting for it. Hence, with a growing elderly population, rising cost of living, lack of efficient planning etc., structured pension products such as LIC's Smart Pension Plan aim to provide financial independence to retirees. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult the official LIC website or authorised representatives for the latest details before making any investment decisions.
New Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Rahul Gandhi's 'lame horses' remark 'insensitive', 'legally objectionable', says champion para swimmer
BHOPAL: Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has drawn flak for his "lame horses" remark made at the Madhya Pradesh Congress convention in Bhopal on Tuesday. In a post on social media platform X on Thursday, international para swimmer and Padma Shri awardee Satendra Singh Lohiya voiced his strong objection to the remark by Gandhi, saying it was not only 'insensitive' but also 'legally objectionable'. Hinting at minimising the role of inactive and jaded leaders and promoting active and committed ones in the state, Gandhi had said, 'We must identify and segregate race horses, wedding horses and lame horses. The race horses will be promoted, the wedding horses will be set aside for 'weddings', while the time has come for the lame horses to retire.' In response, Lohiya wrote, 'I'm an international level para swimmer and a Divyang (specially-abled) and also a responsible citizen of the country. In a recent public statement in Bhopal, he (Gandhi) used the word 'langda,' which hurt me a lot. The word is not only insensitive, but according to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, this terminology has been abolished and is legally considered objectionable. This Act was passed by the Parliament with the purpose of giving Divyangjan a place of respect and dignity in the society. We were given a positive word like Divyang by the PM Narendra Modi, which reflects our capabilities, not our challenges. In such a situation when the country hears such an insensitive word from a national leader, it hurts the sentiments of not just one person, but the entire Divyang community,' Lohiya posted. 'I don't know in which context he (Gandhi) used the word, but I request him to clarify on this matter and avoid using such language in future, keeping in mind the sentiments of specially-abled people. He is requested to take this matter seriously and give an appropriate response, respecting the sentiments of Divyang people of the country,' he added in the post.
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Punjab Cabinet approves Rs 68 crore loan waiver for Dalit families
CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Cabinet on Tuesday gave its nod to waive loans amounting Rs 68 crore taken by over 4,000 Dalit families from the Punjab Scheduled Castes Land Development and Finance Corporation, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said. At a cabinet meeting chaired by Mann in Chandigarh, it was decided that loans disbursed till March 31, 2020 will be waived. Addressing the media after the meeting, the chief minister said the state government will waive the debt incurred due to loans taken by Dalit families from the corporation for various purposes, including for opening shops, dairy farming, etc. The decision will benefit 4,727 beneficiaries, he said. Mann said Finance Minister Harpal Sigh Cheema in his budget speech this March had promised to waive the debt. With the cabinet approval, the promise will now be fulfilled, he said. Cheema, who was also at the media briefing, said the debt would include the principal amount and any interest on it, including penal interest. It is a big relief for the SC community, he said. The minister said the debt had been pending for the past 20 years and added that neither the Congress nor the Akali Dal-BJP governments of the past cared for SC families when they were in power. Later, an official spokesperson of the chief minister's office stated that the loan waiver covers all loans disbursed by the PSCFC, offering significant relief to SC and Divyangjan (persons with disabilities) loanees. All 4,727 cases (including 4,685 defaulting loanees and 42 regular loanees) will be covered under this loan waiver scheme. No due certificates will be issued by the district managers of the PSCFC. "The full amount of Rs 67.84 crore comprising Rs 30.02 crore in principal, Rs 22.95 crore in interest, and Rs 14.87 crore in penal interest will be reimbursed to the PSCFC by the state government. The cut-off date for calculating the final interest amount will be the date on which the government issues the notification to implement the scheme," said the spokesperson.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Narendra Modi Railway Inauguration: PM Modi to inaugurate 103 railway stations, unveil ₹26,000-crore projects in Rajasthan, ET Infra
Advt Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Get updates on your preferred social platform Follow us for the latest news, insider access to events and more. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate 103 redeveloped railway stations across 86 districts in 18 states and Union Territories on Thursday, as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme , aiming towards boosting further modernisation of the Indian scheme aims to transform more than 1,300 railway stations nationwide into modern transport hubs with upgraded passenger amenities and regional architectural 103 stations, redeveloped at a cost of around ₹1,100 crore, are located in 86 districts and include major and minor stations across Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Modi will travel to Rajasthan's Bikaner on Thursday to lay the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth more than ₹26,000 part of his visit, the Prime Minister will first offer prayers at the sacred Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, followed by a visit to the newly re-developed Deshnoke railway station. This station is one of the 103 stations revamped under the Amrit Bharat Station the event, PM Modi will also flag off the new Bikaner-Mumbai Express train. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will accompany him throughout the the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, railway stations across the country are being upgraded to offer enhanced passenger facilities, accessibility for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities), and culturally rich Stations being inaugurated in Maharashtra are Amgaon, Chanda Fort, Chinchpokli, Devlali, Dhule, Kedgaon, Lasalgaon, Lonand Junction, Matunga, Murtizapur Junction, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Itwari Junction, Parel, Savda, Shahad, Wadala Uttar Pradesh, Balrampur, Bareilly city, Bijnor, Fatehabad, Gola Gokarannath, Goverdhan, Govindpuri, Hathras City, Idgah Agra Junction, Izzatnagar, Karchana, Mailani Junction, Pokhrayan, Ramghat Halt, Saharanpur Junction, Siddharthnagar, Suraimanpur, Swaminarayan Chhapia, Ujhani will be Tamil Nadu stations such as Chidambaram, Kulitturai, Mannargudi, Polur, Samalpatti, Srirangam, St Thomas Mount, Tiruvannamalai, Vriddhachalam Junction are also part of the Amrit Bharat Station scheme which will be inaugurated by the Stations being inaugurated in Gujarat are: Dakor, Derol, Hapa, Jamwanthali, Jamjodhpur, Kanalus Junction, Karamsad, Kosamba Junction, Limbdi, Mahuva, Mithapur, Morbi, Okha, Palitana, Rajula Junction, Samakhiyali, Sihor Junction, Utran Katni South, Narmadapuram, Orchha, Seoni, Shajapur, Shri Dham stations in Madhya Pradesh will also be PM will also flag off the Bikaner-Mumbai express train on Indian Railways is marching towards 100 per cent electrification of its network, making railway operations more efficient and the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, railway stations across the country are being upgraded to offer enhanced passenger facilities, accessibility for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities), and culturally rich designs.A total of 103 stations, modernised at a cost of ₹1,100 crore, will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister. These include eight stations in Rajasthan - Fatehpur Shekhawati, Deshnok, Bundi, Mandalgarh, Gogamedi, Rajgarh, Govindgarh, and Mandawar-Mahua Deshnoke station, in particular, has been designed to reflect local architectural traditions, including temple-style arches and decorative part of this vision, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation for the 58 km Churu-Sadulpur rail line and dedicate the electrification of key railway sections, including Suratgarh-Phalodi (336 km), Phulera-Degana (109 km), Udaipur-Himmatnagar (210 km), Phalodi-Jaisalmer (157 km), and Samdari-Barmer (129 km).In terms of road infrastructure, the Prime Minister will launch projects aimed at both enhancing civilian connectivity and strengthening national includes laying the foundation for three vehicular underpasses on NH-58 in Pushkar, as well as the widening of NH-11 and he will dedicate seven major national highway projects worth ₹4,850 crore, which are expected to improve military mobility and boost the regional Prime Minister's visit will also emphasise India's commitment to clean energy. He will lay the foundation stone for several solar power initiatives, including a 300 MW ground-mounted solar project by NEEPCO in Bikaner and a 100 MW project by SJVN in projects in Didwana and Kuchaman will also be initiated. Transmission systems under Powergrid's Sirohi and Mewar divisions are set to be launched to enhance grid he will inaugurate three key power infrastructure projects - Power Grid Neemuch Transmission System, a power evacuation project in Bikaner, and capacity expansion of the Fatehgarh-II Power other projects, the 500 MW Kalasar and 300 MW Shimbhu Ka Bhurj solar power plants will play a pivotal role in strengthening India's renewable energy framework, supported by indigenous solar PV modules under the "Make in India" regional connectivity further, the Prime Minister will launch the upgradation and maintenance of 12 state highways covering 757 km under the Rajasthan State Highway Development Programme, with a total investment of ₹3,240 routes include Mangaliyawas-Padukalan (State Highway-102), Beawar-Tehla-Alniyawas (SH-59 & SH-104), and Dantiwada-Pipar-Merta City (SH-21).Plans are in place for the future upgradation of another 900 km of roadways, including the Gotan-Sathin Highway, linking industrial and border areas more bolster the state's healthcare infrastructure, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate four new nursing colleges in Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, and institutions will help strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve access to quality medical education across addition, two electrical substations - 132 kV GSS Rajpura in Bikaner and 132 kV GSS Sarda in Udaipur - will be inaugurated to improve power distribution in the upgrades are a vital part of ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply across Rajasthan.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- The Hindu
More coaches to be added in five trains to cater to rising demand
To enhance passenger convenience and accommodate the rising demand for travel, Southern Railway will attach extra coaches in five express and passenger trains. The Sengottai-Mayiladuthurai-Sengottai Express (16848/16847) will be permanently augmented with 14 coaches instead of 12. The trains will run with 12 general second class coaches instead of 10 and two second class coaches (Divyangjan friendly) with effect from May 26. The Mayiladuthurai-Thanjavur passenger (56739) and Thanjavur-Tiruchi passenger (56745) will be augmented with 12 general second class coaches instead of 10 and two second class coaches (Divyangjan friendly) with effect from May 26. The Tiruchi-Mayiladuthurai passenger (56700) will be augmented with 12 general second class coaches instead of 10 and two second class coaches (Divjyangjan friendly) with effect from May 27, a press release from the Tiruchi Railway Division said.
