Swachh Bharat Cess

Government decides to impose a Swachh Brarat Cess at the rate of 0.5% on all serviceS presently liable to service tax, with effect from 15th November 2015; Proceeds from this cess to be exclusively used for Swachh Bharat initiatives.
Swachh Bharat Cess is not another tax but a step towards involving each and every citizen in making contribution to Swachh Bharat. In this direction, the Government has decided to impose, with effect from 15th November 2015, a Swachh Brarat Cess at the rate of 0.5% on all services, which are presently liable to service tax. This will translate into a tax of 50 paisa only on every one hundred rupees worth of taxable services. The proceeds from this cess will be exclusively used for Swachh Bharat initiatives.
Employees Provident Fund Organisation

EPFO has clarified that student trainees who are paid stipend during on the job training while pursuing course in technical/professional educational institutions would not come under the definition of employee for the purpose of EPF & MP Act," the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation said in a statement.
Central Board of Excise and Customs

The CBEC has clarified that Board Circulars contrary to the judgements of Supreme Court become non-est in law and should not be followed. Reference of such circulars should be made to the Board so that further action of rescinding these circulars can be expeditiously taken up. Board may also initiate such action suo-moto. All pending cases on the issue, including those in the Call-Book, decided after the date of the judgement should, conform to the law laid by the Supreme Court or High Court, as the case may be, irrespective of whether the circular has been rescinded or not.