OTHER DECISIONS

PREVENTING DOUBLE TAXATION

The Cabinet gave its green light to entering into an agreement between India and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of China for avoidance of double taxation and prevention of tax evasion. It also approved the protocol amending the agreement between India and Kyrgyzstan for avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

CONVENTION CENTRE IN DWARKA

The Cabinet approved ~25,703 crore for development of an exhibition-cum-convention centre at Dwarka to put the national capital in the league of Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore in the area of exhibition markets. The centre and allied infrastructure will be developed by 2025.

SALARYOFJUDGES

Approved setting up a panel to look into the salary hike of lower court judges. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Union cabinet.

NATIONALTESTING AGENCY

The Cabinet approved the creation of a National Testing Agency (NTA) as a society registered under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860, and as an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organisation to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions. The NTA would initially conduct those entrance examinations which are currently being conducted by the CBSE.

RESTRUCTURING OFNATIONALRURAL DRINKING WATER PROGRAMME

The National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) would be restructured to make it competitive and outcome-based, with increased focus on sustainability of schemes to ensure good quality service delivery to the rural population. A sum of ~23,050 crore was approved by the Cabinet for the programme for 2017-18 to 2019-20.