Visa related services will soon be available in post offices -- in remote areas.
India Post Friday said it has signed an agreement with VFS Global to provide the services. VFS Global is a leading outsourcing firm providing administrative functions for diplomatic missions across the world.
The agreement was signed Aug 8.
Under the pact, post office counters will be used for fee collection, sell visa application forms, provide information and other services.
India Post and VFS Global are also planning to cooperate in utilizing India Post?s courier service, Speed Post for moving passports to VFS offices and embassies, and their delivery back to the applicants.
Currently people from smaller cities and rural areas travel long distances to avail passport and visa services.
Lack of information is a major area of concern as this allows unscrupulous elements to cheat unsuspecting people. (IANS)
2011/10/20 8:18:40 A bill for revamping the postal department, which includes opening up some segments to private players, will be introduced in parliament soon, Communications and IT Minister Kapil Sibal said Thursday.
The bill also aims at registration of couriers by an independent registration authority, Sibal said while addressing the Economic Editors Conference here.
The minister added that a detailed project report on the setting up of a Postal Bank of India will be finalised in the next six months.
"This will enable India Post to extend micro credit and other loans through vast network of 1.55 lakh post offices, coupled with other financial services like micro-remittance, micro-insurance and micro-pensions," he said.
The revamped postal network will boast of over 1.55 lakh computerised post offices, banking services through post offices with ATM facility and delivery of banking, insurance and mailing services in rural areas through hand-held devices.
The RPO says that 100 post offices across the state will soon start accepting passport applications. The designated post offices all over the state would be notified soon.
The idea is to make people to apply for passports. The passport applications would be screened by the post offices and only those that are complete in all aspects would be forwarded to the regional passport office. This would enable the passport office to speedup the issue of passports.
The fake visa scam and the issue of actress Asha Saini being arrested for trying to smuggling out a girl by claiming her to be her make up artist has sent shockwaves in Tollywood. Many top producers and director are also said to be involved in this. Mallikarjuna Rao said to the media that some time back a delegation of about 20 artists went to the US to take part in TANA conference.
AVS tried to include his brother in the delegation as an astrologer. The US consulate did not issue a visa to him stating that the services of an astrologer were not needed in a cultural team. AVS now wants to know what this has to do with the visa scam.
Chandrabau Naidu who made a personal appearance at the US embassy in Chennai has been granted visa to visit the US. Babu spent about five minutes at the embassy. He has been given a visa for 10 years. His visa has expired and he applied for a fresh visa. Babu is visiting the US for about 10 days. He will leave Hyderabad on June 26. He is expected to take part in the TANA conference during his visit.
2011/10/25 7:59:03 (IANS) Post offices across the city sold 3.5 kg of gold on the occasion of Dhanteras, the ministry of communications and IT said Tuesday.
"On the occasion of Dhanteras yesterday three-and-a-half kg gold was sold by selected 23 post offices in Delhi circle," the department said in a statement.
The price of gold coins sold ranged from Rs.1,716.71 for 0.5 gm to Rs.146,255.90 for 50 gms.
Former chief minister and TDP chief Chandra Babu Naidu will wait for his turn like ordinary mortals for a visa at the US embassy in Chennai. Chandra Babu’s visa has expired and he needs a fresh visa to go to the US in the last week of June. Chandra Babu Naidu was exempted from physical appearance at the US Embassy all theses years in his capacity as the Chief Minister.
The US embassy normally waives the rule of personal appearance for certain categories of people like chief ministers. It would be a new experience for Babu, who is attending an interview for visa. Babu has rubbed shoulders with non other than the then US president Bill Clinton when he came to Hyderabad. Babu as the chief minister had issued recommendation letters to the US Embassy requesting visas for many people including party legislators. He even saw to it that his personal staff was not required to go to Chennai for a visa while he was in power.
However, it is learnt that Chandra Babu did not seek an exemption to make a personal appearance at the embassy for the visa. If he had sought permission, he would surely have been granted the privilege.
2011/10/27 5:08:58 There are all sorts of people around us. While, some are superstitious and some others are very greedy. Some are mischievous some are innocent. Some are keen to know about the end of world some others buy plots on the moon hoping one day they can get good returns for their investment. Believe it, we have all sorts of people around us. We also may belong to some category for which others laughing at us.
Let us see a fine example for this. People in Kakinada city in East Godavari district have queued-up before local post-offices today as some how a rumor has spread in the city which tells, those who have post office accounts are getting huge amounts being credited into their accounts from Satya Sai Trust and Gali Janardhan Reddy. The amount ranging between Rs.1-1.5 lakhs is being credited into the accounts by unknown. So, there was mad rush at local post office for opening accounts. Although, the concerned post-master condemns the news as mere rumors, people are not ready to take his words. Hundreds of people from poor and middle class families have queued-up before post-offices to open savings account holding necessary supporting documents in the hands like white ration card, application form etc. The post-office staff has tried to convince the people, but in vain. So, they were obliged to open tens of accounts with a minimum Rs.50 deposit and the mad rush is said to be still continuing.
US President Barrack Obama has signed an executive order (G.O.) recently, easing the norms for sanctioning US Visas to the tourists. It is mainly intended to attract the tourists especially from developing countries like India and China, which stood first and second in tourists visit to US.
America is expecting at least 14% growth in the tourists' inflow in next five years. James W Herman, the in-charge of counseling affairs in US Embassy in India has said "The decision will surely increase the inflow of tourists into our country. We have been taking all measures to ease the process for sanctioning US Visas to tourists. We have already increased 6% staff in our US consulates in India and also opened two new consulates at Hyderabad and Mumbai cities. We have also made several changes to reduce the waiting period for Visas in our offices. Majority of our tourists are from India. So, we are trying to ease the process of Visa sanctioning to Indians. India stood in 2nd place in working visas and student visas. We have allotted 68 thousands of H1b Visas during the last year and sorted out 7 lakhs Visa application in India alone. So, we give India utmost priority in granting Visas," said Herman.
2011/11/23 14:25:15 New Delhi, Nov 23 (IANS) The Indian Post through its offices collected Rs.2,74,720 crore during 2010-11 in small savings schemes, an increase of 8.78 percent over Rs.2,50,931 crore during the previous year, the Lok sabha was told Wednesday.
"The gross collection under various small savings schemes of Post Office during 2009-10 and 2010-11 were Rs.2,50,931 crore and Rs. 2,74,720 crore (provisional) respectively," Minister of State for Communications and IT Sachin Pilot said in a written reply.
"The gross collection has registered an increase of 8.78 percent, as compared to the previous year's collections," it added.
Pilot also said that the central and state governments take various measures from time to time to promote and popularise small savings schemes through print and electronic media, seminars, meetings and providing training to various agencies involved in mobilising deposits under these schemes.
Replying to another question, Pilot said that 24,015 Post Offices have been computerised, while 1,530 post offices have been given a face lift and upgraded under "look and feel" component of Project Arrow.
The minister also said that during 2010-11, Rs.244.64-crore fund was allocated for the project while Rs.88.38 crore has been allocated for 2011-12.
For 2008-09 and 2009-10, Rs.228.50 crore and Rs.178.01 crore were allocated under the same project.
2010/10/2 9:25:12 The latest sensation in the industry Tapsi Pannu who made her debut with ‘Jummandhi Nadham’ is supposed to go to Switzerland for her film shooting. But, when she went for visa interview held by Swiss Embassy in Mumbai, the officials of the Embassy demands her to show a proof as actress for sanctioning the visa. But, Tapsi’s agent failed to provide any proof about her profession and hence the officials have rejected her application. It’s learnt that Tapsi had a hot discussion with the Embassy Officials for their ignorance about her identity.
2008/3/14 12:58:37 The issue of fake visa and the smuggling of people, in the name of artists and technicians has taken a big twist. The US consulate officials state that there are some very big names in the list of 200 people who have been banned from entering into the US forever.
A bit producer, a leading hero and also a leading comedian are said to be in the list that is in the possession of the investigating agencies in Chennai. The gossip in film nagar is now about the identity of these three people. Many names are coming out but no one is yet to come out on record. Till then, the suspense over the names of the big fish involved in the fake visa racket will remain under wraps.
2008/3/14 8:11:11 The issue of fake visa and the smuggling of people, in the name of artists and technicians has taken a big twist. The US consulate officials state that there are some very big names in the list of 200 people who have been banned from entering into the US forever.
A big producer, a leading hero and also a leading comedian are said to be in the list that is in the possession of the investigating agencies in Chennai. The gossip in film nagar is now about the identity of these three people. Many names are coming out but no one is yet to come out on record. Till then, the suspense over the names of the big fish involved in the fake visa racket will remain under wraps.
2012/3/20 0:17:03 The Integrated Common Entrance Test for admission into MBA and MCA courses will be conducted across the State on May 18.
According ICET-2012 convener Prof Om Prakash of Kakatiya University, the last date for submitting filled in application forms without fine would be March 29 by 5 pm. Application forms with a fine of Rs 500 can be submitted till April 9 and with a fine of Rs 2,000 they can be submitted till April 16.
The cost of application form for the entrance test will be Rs 250. The candidates can obtain application form at all E-seva centres across the state and head post offices and post offices located on the university campuses. (INN)
2011/8/10 8:23:48 The Telangana Bandh call given by the Telangana Students' Joint Action Committee (TS-JAC) on Wednesday demanding deletion of Clause 14 F of the Presidential Order of 1975, in spite of the decision of the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs (CCPA) to scrap it, evoked partial response in the twin cities of Hyderabad-Secunderabad.
Government offices, banks and insurance firms reported thin attendance while private offices functioned normally.
The schools and colleges had already declared holiday for students, while business and traders downed their shutters and the state road transport corporation suspended bus services for a few hours sensing trouble.
With no violence reported from anywhere in the city, the RTC resumed it normal city services by mid-afternoon.
However, RTC suspended district services sensing trouble in Telangana region. Approximately 3,000 buses services were cancelled from Hyderabad to various districts in the state.
Earlier, the South Central Railway had confirmed that there would not be any cancellation of services, following which the MMTS services operated fully.
Hyderabad police commissioner A K Khan said that 38 companies of paramilitary forces were deployed across the city in addition to the 10,000 city police personnel.
Mr Khan said that armed police personnel guarded the Assembly and Secretariat, while police pickets were been put in place at all important government offices.
Security arrangements were also put in place at Habsiguda, Uppal, Vidyanagar, Amberpet, Ramanthapur , Ghatkesar and around the vicinity of the Osmania University.
Reacting to the news of the Centre’s decision on Clause 14 F, OUJAC spokesperson P Kailash said “It is a partial victory for the people of Telangana. But we will continue our agitation till the President signs on the file relating to the deletion of clause 14F.”
The Osmania and Kakatiya Universities have postponed their examinations and revised schedule of dates will be announced soon.(INN)
2011/10/18 3:04:41 The recent denial of visa to the Dalai Lama by the South African government has been dragged to courts here.
In an affidavit before the Western Cape High Court, representatives of the Tibetan spiritual leader in South Africa said the country's High Commission in New Delhi had declined to accept a visa application on his behalf on two occasions.
Then on the third occasion, the application was directed to a private processing agency. Since a reply to the request for visa was not forthcoming, the Dalai Lama eventually cancelled his visit.
He had been invited to attend the 80th birthday celebrations of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu in Cape Town Oct 7. He was also scheduled to speak at other engagements.
Indian officials accompanying Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said this matter, however, will not come up during his discussions with his host and South African President Jacob Zuma, since New Delhi considers it an internal matter of Pretoria.
Mumbai, April 22 (IANS) Singer Sonu Nigam, who was due to perform at London's O2 arena Sunday, is disappointed after he had to cancel his visit following visa issues.
Nigam was due to share stage with Pakistani singer Atif Alsam at Dhamaka Bollywood Concert London 2012, but had to pull out after his group members failed to get visas.
"Disappointed and enraged to inform everyone that I'm not coming to London. Hard to believe that except my visa, not a single visa for my group was done. Never happened in 20 years of overseas travel," Nigam tweeted.
"Don't know whom to blame. Our entire team's time and repute has been wasted. Only if the show is postponed now to another date, would we be vindicated. Prayers everyone," he further posted.
2011/9/23 8:54:15 Worried by continuing slide in the international students' numbers, the Australian government has decided to relax visa norms further.
The decision has coincided with former New South Wales minister Michael Knight's report that calls for loosening the onerous immigration requirements for international students.
The government has accepted all 41 recommendations made by the 'Knight Review'. These recommendations include similar assessment level for all international students regardless of their country of passport. The students would also need to show A$36,000 less to get Australian student visa.
The rising Australian dollar and global financial crisis have dealt a serious blow to the universities and vocational education colleges in the country as international students, especially from India and China, have started shunning Australia.
"The university and vocational education sectors have been concerned for some time that the visa system was making them uncompetitive in what is stiff competition among provider nations," Tertiary Education Minister Chris Evans said Thursday.
"They were wanting to make sure our visa system was allowing them to compete on an equal basis," the minister added.
The changes proposed by the Labor government include a more streamlined visa process for international students coming down under for higher studies. This would mean easing financial criteria. International students are now required to prove they have sufficient funds to finance their studies and living expenses in Australia upfront.
The proposed changes would also see introduction of a new work visa for international students. There are speculations that this work visa could be something similar to the ones offered by Canada and New Zealand to international students once they have finished their studies.
The post-studies work visa is likely to be of two to four years' validity depending upon the level of studies completed by the international student in Australia.
While the financial requirements would be relaxed considerably, the onus would be on the student to establish they are genuine students and have plans to return to home country after finishing the studies.
"It's not enough to be genuine about your studies and have no intention of going home, nor is it enough to be genuine about going home but not serious about your studies," Michael Knight said while speaking in a press conference in Canberra Thursday.
The assessment levels which decide financial requirements for various countries have been the major impediment for students from countries like India and China as they are classified as "high risk" countries. The higher assessment levels also mean students have to show much more funds in the bank accounts before student visa could be issued.
"Our consultations found that the financial requirements for student visas were too onerous, so we are reducing the financial requirements for some applicants, with students now needing around $36,000 less in the bank when applying for a visa," Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said in a statement accompanying the report's release. (IANS)
2011/12/11 10:49:26 Hyderabad, Dec 11 (INN): Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretary B V Raghavulu on Sunday accused the State Government of neglecting the 104 and 108 medical emergency services.
Addressing the employees of 104 and 108 services who are staging dharna at the Indira Park, Raghavulu said that the Congress government which introduced 108 and 104 services during the election time with fanfare has used the scheme for their publicity and later totally neglected the department. Though the government has been taking steps to enhance salaries of elected representatives’ manifold, it has failed to act on genuine demands of 108 and 104 service employees and their salaries, he stated.
The CPI (M) asked the government to implement eight-hour duty for 104 and 108 employees as per the GO Ms No 3 and also provide them job security. He also demanded that the government immediately release salary arrears for the employees and regularize their services.
2012/2/12 7:51:31 The family members of Jangam Praveen Reddy, the city youth who has been stabbed in London, have been granted UK visa.
Praveen, who was doing MBA from London School of Business, was critically stabbed on Friday night in the Newham borough of London.
Praveen's brother Jayashankar Reddy told reporters here on Sunday that the family members have been granted UK visa and they were rushing to London. He said Praveen was still critical, but there has been an improvement in his condition. Earlier on Saturday, Foreign Minister SM Krishna spoke to Praveen's father Sudhakar Reddy and assured him of all help from the Centre. Krishna also spoke to acting High Commissioner in the UK Rajesh Prasad asking him to extend all possible help to Praveen's family.
Meanwhile, three Indians have reportedly been arrested on the charges of attempt to murder. However, the motive behind the incident was not yet known. (INN)
Quiz YSR cabinet team for info on Jagan’s illegal assets: TDP
2011/8/18 8:25:48 Telugu Desam Party MLA Payyavula Kesav on Thursday demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation conduct raids on Ministers of former chief minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy Cabinet to get comprehensive information on Jaganmohan Reddy’s corruption.
Talking to media persons at Telugu Desam Legislature Party Office, Kesav said that former chief minister Y S Rajasekhar Reddy and his Cabinet ministers misused their offices and that help Jagan amass illegal properties. He appealed to Jaganmohan Reddy to provide information about YSR Cabinet ministers to complete the CBI probe in a fair manner.
Kesav also demanded that Jagan provide information to CBI about the involvement of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and political advisor Ahmed Patel for their alleged involvement in corruption of YSR.
Describing the CBI raids on Jagan offices as `war on corruption’, he said the raids necessitated to collect vital documents in connection with amassing of wealth. He also appealed to CBI to take measures for providing security to Vice-Chairman of Sakshi, Vijayasai Reddy, as he knows the people involved in the corruption.
Recalling that former telecom minister Raja’s close aide ended his life by committing suicide during probe, he asked the CBI to provide protection to Vijayasai Reddy as he might receive threatening calls to his life. As there was threat to life of witnesses, he appealed to government to provide police security to their lives. (INN)
Visa related services will soon be available in post offices -- in remote areas.
A bill for revamping the postal department, which includes opening up some segments to private players, will be introduced in parliament soon, Communications and IT Minister Kapil Sibal said Thursday.
(IANS) Post offices across the city sold 3.5 kg of gold on the occasion of Dhanteras, the ministry of communications and IT said Tuesday.
There are all sorts of people around us. While, some are superstitious and some others are very greedy. Some are mischievous some are innocent. Some are keen to know about the end of world some others buy plots on the moon hoping one day they can get good returns for their investment. Believe it, we have all sorts of people around us. We also may belong to some category for which others laughing at us. 
The recent denial of visa to the Dalai Lama by the South African government has been dragged to courts here.
Worried by continuing slide in the international students' numbers, the Australian government has decided to relax visa norms further.
