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TIME ZONE IN INDIA, INDIAN TIME ZONE, TIME DIFFERENCES AROUND THE WORLD
Government of India, Indian Union, States and Territories In India, Indian government
The Indian Union is a federation compris ing 27 States and 6 Union Territories. Each state, and some Union Territories, has its own Legislative Assembly and Government, headed by a Chief Minister. The Central (federal) government is headed by a Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (Cabinet) responsible to the two houses of Parliament: the Lok Sabha (the Council of the People) which is directly elected by the people on the basis of adult franchise: and the Rajya Sabha (the Council of State), an indirectly elected body which functions somewhat like those of the British House of Lords. The President and Vice-President are elected by an electoral college consisting of Members of Parliament and members of the State Legislatures.
Each state has its own legislature and is responsible for a number of administrative functions such as health, education, forests and surface transport (except railways).
Elections are normally held every five years but can, in certain situations, be called earlier. India has had nine general elections since it became an independent country in 1947.
With a well developed, democratic politi cal and administrative structure, a large skilled labor force and an adequate communications system, the country has made considerable progress since independence. Despite the agrarian bias of its economy
industry has grown enormously, placing India among the 15 top industrial nations of the world. Her relatively low level of exports is partly due to a large volume of domestic consumption. The per capital national in come, although meagre in comparison with the rest of the world, is a considerable im provement over 1947. In the matter of production of foodgrains particularly, the ad vance has been spectacular - once a chronically deficit area, India can now export foodgrains. |
Money Matters in India, Keeping your money Safe, Money Transaction:
All encashments of travellers cheques and exchange of foreign currency must either be recorded on the currency declaration form or receipts kept, as hotel bills, airline tickets etc.. can be paid for in local currency only against proof of legal conversion. Encash ment certificates are also required for recon version of Indian currency left unspent on departure. Visitors leaving after a stay of 90 days or more will have to produce proofs of encashment of travellers checks or exchange of currency for income tax exemption and to show that they have been self-supporting.
Indian currency is based on the decimal system, with 100 paise to the rupee. Coins are in denominations of 5, 10. 20. 25 and 50 paise. One and two rupee coins are also in use. Notes are in 1,2, 5,10. 20. 50, 100 and the rarer 500 rupee denominations. Indian rupees may not be brought in nor taken out of the country. Exchange rates fluctuate against other currencies.
Major credit cards are accepted in the larger hotels, restaurants and shops. Although travellers checks and cash can get you a better (and illegal) rate of exchange in
small establishments, it is best to deal with banks and licensed money changers. Since encashing travellers checks can be laborious, it is advisable to change amounts adequate to cover a few days' needs at a time.
BANKING
Outward remittance, which goes through the Reserve Bank of India, is a difficult and lengthy process and at best avoided. However, should you require additional money while you are in India, have it remitted through a draft or mail transfer. Do remember to keep all receipts. |
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