Kerala's Secret Behind Indian Spices or Masala Ruling Indian Markets

 

Indian cuisine is as old as the civilization itself. A civilization that dates back five thousand years or more. It is perhaps the oldest civilization and the landmark is Varanasi which is considered the oldest city in the World.

A country that is rich in vegetation chiefly deserts - hot and cold, tropical forests, swampy grasslands all in plains, mountains, and the newest ranges the Himalayas. The diversity is incredible in all terms. It is an admixture of cultures, religions, and ethnicity besides the floral and fauna diversity.  

Indian Food

Indian food has been spice mixed since the Vedic Era. Well, forget that since the country is allabsorbing and the cuisine has been influenced not only by the prevailing regions but by an external source. For your information, chili and potato were influenced by the Portuguese and tomatoes came from Spain.

Many herbs and spices are of foreign origin but have been absorbed wholly and solely into the recipes. Almost all spices are grown in the country now albeit turmeric and asafoetida are imported from Afghanistan.    

Pepper is the most desired spice in the World that is part of India as well as Western Cuisine grows the best in the Indian State of Kerala. It grows the best in Kochi but many other spices grow in the temperate weather of Kerala.

• ·         Pepper
• ·         Cardamom
• ·         Cinnamon
• ·         Vanilla
• ·         Nutmeg
• ·         Ginger
• ·         Turmeric

The state is the largest producer of spices in the country. It is one destination that brought many overseas traders since ancient times to the state. Portuguese, French, Arabs, Chinese, and many more flocked to the state for trading. The spice route is famous for linking the east and the west. Many traders settled permanently in the state over a period of time. Apart from the exotic culture, they brought Islam and Christianity into the state. This is an example of how pluralism develops and enriches the local cultures. Pedro Alvares Cadro was the first to export spices from Kerala in the year 1501. He was from Portugal.    

Keralite Influence on Indian Food

Indian cuisine though much influenced by local spices is also influenced by spices from Kerala. The ingredients in the recipes are those that are also grown in the Southern State.  Hence in incredible diversity, there is a commonality and that is what Indian culture is all about. Perhaps a visit to New Delhi and Kerala will better explain the country to an overseas visitor. Both are a window to India.

Of late as urbanization creeps in and global influences grow the cooking styles are also changing. The trend of powdered spices fetched from the market is dominating Indian cuisine. But there is a catch nobody knows what is in that powder. As competition grows among the powdered spice manufacturers adulteration may creep in to wage price wars. Hence most chefs and housewives are switching over to the traditional way of using masalas. Buy the original from the market, roast and grind and then add to the recipe. But this is impacted by the time constraint and labor. The procurement from the market and demand for household popular recipes is a major cause of stress among gastronomic experts and housewives. Most use powdered spice to battle the constraints. Enter Premix Wholseome Spices from a trusted source. And the source is Living Beyond Company in Mumbai.    

Indian spice market reached a value size of 72,900 crores in 2021. It is expected to rise to a volume of over 123, 000 by the year 2027 at a CAGR of 9.20%.  

Premix or Fusion Spices

Living Beyond sells wholesome premix spices for specific recipes. Be it meat masala, biryani masala, chole or rajma mix, pav bhaji mix, sambar, or any popular recipe that is pan India favorite is available. All you have to do is roast and grind in a minute, add,  and bingo your recipe is ready to be served. The cooking takes a few minutes and you can impress the guests by serving amazing gastronomic delicacies.

Premix ready-to-grind and mix-in recipes are here to overtake the time-consuming traditional cooking, and yet make traditional food with aplomb.  Premix whole spices are available widely all over the country or you can simply order online.

    

Demonsterization & The Holy Cow of Corruption

"At the stroke of midnight when India awakens....." Nehru's memorable speech whence we gained independence."  

Now and then, India awakens but often with hiccups! This spasm that has come is of quake-like intensity... a thunderbolt.  

On one stroke, a little before midnight the sleeping country awakened. It gave sleepless nights to those with large stacks of black money in notes of 500 and 1000. The very instrument of exchange promised security was subject to demonetization. Since the legal tenders (read legal income) were being accepted albeit in a short period, this action was not that of distrust by the financial institutions in India.    

This was an event waiting to happen. A nation reeling under the corruption of unfathomable magnitude since Independence finally came to terms - enough is enough.  The corrupt with an immense amount of undisclosed wealth was running a parallel economy much to the impairment of the nation's real economy. 

The monsters hidden in all wakes of life were at extreme comfort, under a system that prevailed without any obstacles in their unholy path.

A holy cow that no one dared to touch.

The large-scale hoarders rarely faced any punitive action such was the invincible strength of this system.  This was also a blow to racketeers indulging in counterfeit currency in India and abroad. The lethal nexus of criminals, smugglers, and those involved in heinous terrorist activities, all those who survived on fake currency have been hit hard,..they were bound to.  

The scramble began as soon as the announcement was made. Some... real estate dons, businessmen, politicians...criminals, and habitual tax evaders all those who indulged in nefarious activities were caught unprepared. The attack on the tentacles of corruption led to an unprecedented upheaval...all were awoken by a little before-midnight announcement, for many, there was sleep lost forever.  

Amid mind-boggling consternation, things became clear whence the junta woke up in the morning. This was the right step that awaited for a long time, the average Indian put forth his views. Much discomfort was due but if the action augured a better future then all was bearable.

There is expected to be a big overhaul in the systems that prevail..systems that had failed in curbing the menace of parallel economy. This praiseworthy action calls for structural changes which are robust and effective.  

But if success strikes which are very likely...there are some fears.

Will those empowered go overboard?

Will the regulatory mechanism affect those who are not into nefarious activities?

Will there be a lack of pragmatic governance after being emboldened?

These are genuine worries, though the opposition which is the crying wolf is a safeguard against authoritarianism in our country. And so are the electoral imperatives and vibrant media.

There is a lot of hope from the present establishment in power. The action is not comparable to banning beef which was accepted stoically due to the large-scale sentiments that prevail in the country.

The impact will be accessible in the near future. But the gut feeling is that demonetization is a step in the right direction.      

Scotch Whiskey in India...Hic!

In spite of more and more states joining the dry bandwagon the consumption of liquor in India is on the rise. The rich and no so rich are all game for whisky more often as a social trend rather than a habit. One of the most expensive and desired types of alcohol in India is scotch whisky. Apart from being heavenly smooth, some types contain a smoky flavor thanks to the use of peat mass for firing in the distilleries. 

The malted barley mash is distilled, brewed, and matured using the water and peaty in the peat bogs of Scotland (Islay) this liquor is one of the most pricey in the World.  In India scotch is a prized catch. A status symbol unparalleled. The most popular brands in the country are as follows:

Johnnie Walker Red/Black/Blue Label Scotch - Diageo
Chival Regal - Pernod Ricard
Glenlivet Single Malt
Ballantine 

Many more brands are popular besides those mentioned above. But presumably, the above brands have a higher market consumption than the rest. 

The battle-hardened brands are Diageo and Pernod Ricard and the stiff competition amidst them is the talk of the industry. Though the figures are highly contentious Chival is definitely tightening the noose over its rival the famous Johnnie Walker stuff.    

Handicraft Business

Handicraft is popularly referred to as craft work or craft its purpose is to create home decorative or products that are worn. They are created hand using simple rustic tools by creative artisans. The people who make handicrafts are usually craftsmen from rural or tribal background. Hence most of the handicraft items have a traditional or ethnic touch. Most of the handicraft products especially statues have cultural or religious significance. This is more evident in case of Indian handicrafts, which comes from a country with strong ethnicity and diverse cultural backgrounds.

The handicrafts are created for sustenance by local communities in India and elsewhere. They have a hall mark of local communities which create unique styles and trendy items. The product design and style often marks the origin of the crafts work.

In current scenario the demand for Indian handicraft is increasing day by day. The designer jewelry and dresses are in vogue as well. This is  due to their diversity and ethnic stamp that attracts buyers especially from western countries. The developed seeks exotic products from various Asian countries for their decorative value as well as items of fashion to be adorned with.  

The handicraft industry favors the local artisan who makes handicraft items for survival on daily basis. With the demand increasing for genuine exotic items they are able to market their products easily. The India handicrafts exporters are a channel that tribal and other ethnic communities seek to sell their products through.  

The handicraft industry in India is thousand of years old whence the Kings and local landlords created a demand. The genuine crafts work are used as investment items too as their worth rises with passage of time.

Unlike arts and crafts which can be a creation of hobbyists handicrafts are more serious output meant for sustenance.  It is for this reason that NGOs government and businesses help create a market for the products. They help in providing outlet for products made by local artisans often poor. But Indian handicrafts are a source of generating foreign exchange as well as creating wealth for some traders in India.

Resort Business in India

The hospitality business in India has experienced a sea change in recent times. The economic developments and positive growth has stirred many industries including the resort business. For catering to inbound luxury class tourists the facilities have been upgraded to star class. Although expensive the  companies offer various holiday packages and off season package deals which makes the stay affordable.There are budget resorts as well for budgeted travel and tours. 

India is a diverse country with amazing terrain that contains many salubrious and picturesque settings. There is no shortage of places that offer cool retreat to holiday makers. The traditional hotel industry has increased its  presence rapidly all over the country. As trends change new concept entertainment and accommodations are being set up. Most recent addition is wellness and Ayurveda massage spas in the country. 

The resorts have spread out from hill stations and ski slopes to National Parks and vicinity of urban localities. Most of the resorts have fully contained spas for wellness and beauty care. They are getting greater  attention especially one's near major urban centers in the country.

Most of the spa resorts in India are of five star class while many are three star class. These  entertainment  and holiday places are very popular among the upper class. The picturesque location act as venues for royal weddings in India. The resorts are hired by the wealthy industrialists and celebrities for marriage ceremonies. These are preferred venues for business conference and seminars as well A fast growing economy has given boost to business travel in the country.              

With increase in ecotourism a number of wildlife safari resorts have been set up in National Parks.The accommodation is between luxury class and economy class. These accommodation are fully equipped to conduct wildlife safaris in the parks. 

Many holiday clubs in the country offer the benefit of membership and  lodging facilities. There are chains of resorts operated by multinationals. They are high popular and offer membership  and holiday packages at various rates depending upon facilities offered.   

Ready Made Garments - A thousand Jeans

Recently I accompanied a garment manufacturer from Ahmedabad in India. He had come to my home town in quest of buyers. Diwali is the peak time whence people buy cloths for tthe whole season. The Hindu festivals of lights is full of religious fervor, fun and gaeity. Garments play a vital role on the occasion especially during the family or social gathering.

Ready made garment manufacturing is a big industry in India worth millions of dollars. The different segments have level of volume as per their share.  The industry is highly dependent upon the purchasing power of the people. India in spite of all technological development, the country is very much dependent upon the monsoon rains. Every thing is related to agricultural output in the country. With a good yield the purchasing power of the public increase according buoyancy to the manufacturing segment.

The most popular garment in the country is Jean especially among the younger crowd. Almost all ready  made garment makers churn out jeans in massive scale. These are than shipped to the wholesalers all over the country. Of course the design is first approved mostly on personal visit.

The variety of fabric used is mind boggling from cotton to denim have various attributes. Stretch denim is most popular among the teens and collegians. Ahmadabad is one of the major center of manufacturing and job work in India. Though the industry is localized but major companies rule the roost.  The major markets are not based on size but on buying power and habits of the people. In some parts of India people buy more garments due personal choice or customs.

The wholesale business is of very large scale investment. Many wholesalers in India invest in millions to keep enough stock ready for small time retailers and distributors. On good sales impressive profitability is assured. The industry is divided into many segments depending upon the type of clothing they manufacture. Most of the manufacturing is done by the job work sector with fabric supplied by the makers. They done conduct the finishing work and brand it before presenting it to the market.  

Tea Production in India

Tea production in the country is booming with the gross at 1.2 billion kilos. A  large portion of tea is produced by small farmers. The exports have fallen marginally but the local demand is unquenchable.   

In spite of growth of tea production in India the country continues to import tea from many countries. South India, Assam Valley, Darjeeling District,  Terai Region and Dooars are the primary production centers in India. 

The rise in output has taken place in spit of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and rest of South India loosing out in production.  

In order to stabilize production a serious effort has been made to make Indian  tea conform to food safety. A  sustainability code has been established in this regard by the Tea Board of India and stakeholders have been invited to make the program a big success. Quality is the key concern and improvement will lead to better value and higher production as well.  

Tea Exports: From bulk to brands

India is established as bulk exporter of tea since a long time. In order to turn over to value added form The Tea Board is encouraging producers to promote brands in foreign markets. The country has failed in creating specific brands abroad with emphasis on fine blending. The constituents of majority of International blends contain leaves from India. Ironically the blends are being sold under foreign brands with no hint of India at all.       

Indian Tea Board plans to encourage tea producers to export premium tea that carry value addition. Premium black teas from Assam and Darjeeling tea from West Bengal have already created a niche in the global markets.  

Already major players like Wagh Bakri are pushing their flagship brands over board. The production capacity and blending expertise that the company has is leading success outside by leaps and bounds. 

The Indian tea Board is a statutory body under the aegis of Central Government Ministry of Commerce. The functions of this board is defined n the website as follows:

About Indian Tea Board

Tea Industry in India

Historically introduction of tea in India is a recent phenomenon. The beverage was introduced by the British during their rule in order to counter expanding Chinese tea industry. The British procured seeds of the tea plant from China and introduced it in Eastern India mainly in the state of Assam and West Bengal. The cultivation later spread to the Nilgiris in Southern India in the Western Ghats region.  

The introduction of tea consumption was initiated by the British. This led to inculcation of tea into Indian lifestyle. Today tea is widely consumed all over the country. After China, India is the largest producer of tea leaf in the World. The growth in terms of consumption a well as production has been tremendous. The country also exports the leaf to the tune of 2000 crores per year. 

The benefit has accrued from increased production and exports in terms of revenue generation. The industry is labor intensive hence offers jobs to a million laborers of which half are women. The cultivation in India takes place mainly in Assam, Darjeeling in West Bengal and the Nilgiri in the South.

A large number of tea estates are established in these regions. Most of the processing and packaging factories are also established within these estates or tea gardens as they are called. As in earlier times loose tea was circulated commonly before established brands came into the picture. Loose tea market in India is still substantial but the brand popularity has increased tremendously. 

The popularity of brands has introduced varied forms of tea blended to perfection. Black leaf from Assam is most popular but slowly premium varieties are also making their presence felt. Green tea and organic tea are also becoming popular. Besides the aromatic leaf from Darjeeling though expensive also finds consumers in India and abroad. 

Some of  the leading brands in India are:

Wagh Bakri Tea
Lipton Tea
Brook Bond
Duncans
Tetlay
Tata

These brands have a large share of the packet tea market in India. Innovative packaging and fine art of blending various leaves has lead to increasing popularity of branded tea in India.                     

Silk Business in India

Derived from the cocoon of the silkworm the fibers are woven into classic fabrics used as garments throughout the history. These garments were in the possession of the rich in earlier times but they can be afforded by the common man in the contemporary era.  

Hence the popularity of silk garments and fabrics is rising world wide. The product is not only used in making high fashion garments it is also popular among home furnishing items. Silk especially Dupioni Silk is used in making designer bedsheets, comforter sets, drapery and decorative pillows.   

Almost all of the silk production in India takes places in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka and West Bengal. The sericulture is prevalent in India since the Indus Valley Civilization in India. With the advance in production of silk weaving as a profession also developed in the country.  

Assam, South India, Gujarat and Malwa where important weaving centers using wide varieties of silk.  In the modern times pure silk usage has been reduced. The use of handlooms and powerlooms has also brought in dynamic changes in the industry.

The major products range from saris to contemporary garments created by fashion designers in India. The fabric as well as designer dresses are exported to many countries. While traditional varieties of silk are still in use Dupioni Silk takes precedent for home furnishings, interiors and fashion garments. Large quantities of Dupioni silk fabric is exported to many countries.  

The sericulture industry is at the forefront of job creation in India. With encouragement accorded by many Indian States more income opportunities will be created.  

UID - Aadhar Project

The cabinet committee on UID has approved to bring 600 million Indian citizens under the Aadhaar net. The cabinet committee is presided by the Prime Minster of India. 

After many glitches the the Aadhaar Project due to impending difference between the Authority and Home Ministry of India things seem to be straightening out. The eventual aim of the scheme is to cover all 1.2 billion Indians to register for the Aadhar Card also called the UID card.

The UID number is a twelve digit number that will be printed on the card. This is an all inclusive photo identity scheme that implements biometric data. This date is collected from the applicant using approved devices and methods. As per the latest news this data will be shred between the UID General and UID Authority.  Along with biometric data demographic profile is also screened to establish the persons identity.  

Nation Building

Seen through a myopic perspective top rung Indian industrialist always appear to amassing huge wealth. It is true on many instances but many have indulged into a philanthropy that has immensely benefited the Nation.  Foremost examples that come to mind are the Tatas & Birla Group.    

Number of institutions like education centers, hospitals and research centers where generously built through donations from these corporate giants. The personal wealth was transferred into Sir Ratan Tata Trust and
Sir Dorabji Tata Trust and both where instrumental in philanthropic work in the country.

The trusts went on to build TIFR, Indian Institute of Science and Tata Memorial Hospital. There are many other noted industrialist who have contributed to Nation Building is a commendable way. 

Cyrus Mistry - Profile

As a successor to Ratan Tata, Cyrus Mistry will head the mega empire of Tata Group and its holding company Tata Sons as chairman.  He is the son of eminent Mr. Pallonji Mistry. Born is the year 1968 he is a young businessman taking over on of the largest business house in India.  

Cyrus also serves as directory of his father's company besides some other companies. The Pallonji family holds more than eighteen percent share in Tata Sons and he happens to be the second non Tata Chairman in the history of the corporate. 

Mistry is highly experienced and has worked as a Director at Shapoorji Pallonji Infrastructure Capital Co. Ltd, Tata Sons, Oman Shapoorji Construction Co., Cyrus Investments Ltd, Tata Elxsi, Forvol International Services Ltd, Ltd and Muscat Pallonji Shapoorji & Co. Pvt. Ltd, Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. (Rajkot) Pvt. Ltd, Shapoorji Pallonji & Co. Ltd,  Shapoorji Pallonji Power Co. Ltd, Buildbazaar Technologies (India) Pvt Ltd, Sterling Investment Corporation Pvt. Ltd, Samalpatti Power Co. Pvt. Ltd,  Shapoorji Pallonji Finance Ltd and Tata Power Company Ltd.  

The eminent Chairman has studied at Mumbai based school Cathedral & John Conon School and graduated in civil engineering from Imperial College in London. He holds a master's degree in management from London Business School.   

His only Tata connection is Noel Tata betrothed to his sister Aloo and half brother of  Ratan Tata. He will takeover the reins in the year 2012 when Ratan Tata retires. 

Tit Bits Business News

USA 

Online shopping has shown a remarkable upward trend this year on Xmas Day in USA. Lot many purchasers used iphone, ipad droid powered devices. The survey was conducted by IBM on more than five hundred online shopping websites.  

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has opened its domestic routes to foreign airlines. This development is in wake of the SAA and National Airlines not able to cope up with the traffic in the country. The tenders would be invited soon but most foreign operators are circumspect and are awaiting the policy guidelines before entering this lucrative market. 

The Ambanis India

The scions of business in India have once again reconciled in a family gathering at Chorwad a small town in Gujarat. The great businessmen spent his childhood in the house at Chorwad. Kokilaben spent a considerable time with her husband here and retains a strong bonding for it. 

The two ambani brothers Anil and Mukesh met each other warmly and will spend about two days in the house along with their families and mother Kokilaben.    

Source Times of India

Jan Lokpal Bill India

After the approval of the president the anti corruption bill called Jan Lokpal is finally to be tabled in the Indian Parliament.  The bill was passed in the Lok Sabha yesterday and awaits clearance by the Upper House Rajya Sabha.

The bill if passed with the right provisions is going to be a big booster for business in India. Riddled with lot of impediments due to the corruption in various department the bill is supposed to provide relief to the business as well. The needles glitches faced during license approvals,  clearance of permits etc for under the table will go away. Thus projects could be approved faster in a profitable manner and bureaucratic interference will be mitigated.   

Nevertheless the approval from those taking a stance against what they refer to a weak Jan Lokpal is not coming. This would mean peaceful agitation by Anna and his team will continue. In absence of desired content the team will exert greater pressure on the ruling government and the opposition to create a more comprehensive bill urgently.   

Why the cards?

Be it national governance, departmental practice, personal finance, or even a supermarket the cards shone.  It is the card age right away especially in India. In case of subversive activities happening new and then photo identity proof help ward of the evil.

It all started with the diving license whence it turned into a portable card. Earlier it was a cumbersome practice of carrying the A4 size form that was often bound to a hard cover which could be folded for comfort. Like other instruments that came in later the driving license was introduced to certify you driving ability and to prevent road misuse.  Your name and particulars where in record and so was your identity.

The laminated card made all the difference perhaps it encouraged people to get one and be safe.But this card had no use in business or personal finance matters.  

Among these smart cards debit and credit cards issued by financial institutions such as bank became most popular. These transformed the way we manage our personal finance and even small business.  These instruments have accorded tremendous flexibility and movement. You need not carry loads of money any more in your pocket or bag and eventually get mugged.   A swish at the ATM and you get the moolah you require.   

The Ration card is also popular among those below the poverty line but it also acted like a fantastic address and photo identity proof which worked on many difficult instances. Along with your mark sheet which acted as proof of birth the ration card acted as photo and address identity for availing passport, electric connection etc.

The voter identity card also facilitated fair play in case of elections big or small. This also played a valuable role in its use as photo identity and address proof. But than those eligible for voting could avail this card. Hence still did not have an all purpose card that could be applied for by one and all.   

Project Aadhar by UIDAI recently launched as UID Card benefits those recipients beneficiary of Government based schemes and privileges. The card uses biometrics as means of identification and hence is fool proof. This instrument is an all purpose card very useful for photo identification.             

The permanent account number (PAN) in India was one of the major steps taken to create greater accountability regards taxation and financial transaction. Initially there was a great hesitation regarding this popular instrument in the country. Introduced by the ever vigilant Department of Taxation the usage brought into the net many tax payers who did not. There came a greater curb in illegal transactions and wrong banking practices. The mandatory subscription for opening bank account of purchasing properties etc brought in more people. In India, even the NRI require the pan card number for conducting financial transactions and property purchase. There are no disadvantages of this laminated card as people believe. 

Unlike credit and debit cards PAN and UID cards can be applied for online. The application forms can be downloaded with ease and submitted. Some formalities could be manual but nevertheless less bothersome.  

Reforms Key to India's Economic Growth

After years of stringent policies the socialistic pattern was done away with by Manmohan Singh as a finance minister. The UPA government promises more reforms under Manmohan now the Prime Minister of India.

The government announced to the industry a new set of reforms in order to boost the slow down in manufacturing sector. This reforms will come about with setting of a joint task force with India Inc.   

Several suggestions has been forwarded to the government for consideration. The reforms also include sectors like Income Tax, FDI, goods and services, and multi brand retail as well. All this transpired whence Commerce Mimister Anand Sharma held a review meeting with CII. He also intends to hold a review meeting with FICCI soon.      

The urgency came into picture due to dismal industrial performance where the growth slipped down to 5.6 %. It also augured the need for a positive business environment in the country.  Many factors and issues will be taken into consideration for a positive outcome. 

Jan LokPal Bill

Jan Lokpal Bill is an instrument to control corruption in sociopolitical, business and administrative life of India.  It is also designed to address public grievances and protect those who throw open the lid on major political or business scandals.  The bill is supposed to work like an ombudsman.

It has become big matter of controversy with varied  views. The major hindrance for political system to accept it in form advocated by its proponents is that it dilutes the power of the parliament.It is construed by many as being antithesis to the parliamentary systems.    

The bill incorporates power investigate corrupt politicians, administrative and all others under its ambit without prior permission and independently.  This bill first issued in the year 1968 has undergone many variations but has yet to be cleared by both the houses.

A compromise bill is being favored as against the one proposed by Anna Hazare and his supporters. The bill seeks to empower people to keep an eye on the systems and punish those found guilty. This is perceived unconstitutional by many among the ruling class.    

Economic revival of India

India has gone a long way since independence in economy and business. Not only this the country has advanced on all spheres. It is today assumed to be an economic giant a future leader perhaps. 

Just after the independence the country followed socialist, protectionist policies that encouraged public sector but not the private sector. Heavy taxation was a bane of all progress and it encouraged tax evasion hence black money. 

In recent time there has been as lot of reforms which has brought about a dynamic U turn in the economy. With corrective policies and reforms the industrial sector achieved phenomenal growth. Subsequently exports gained a big boost. The low cost manufacturing and affordable service sector made the country attractive for foreign direct investors. The manufacturing sector has gained a lot and is in position to challenge China.   

The country has vast man power which id skilled and semi skilled and understands or speak English. The resultant benefits are obvious and the Nation is engaged in enhancing this factor. Education in India is a priority and will change the country's profile and image abroad. The Indian management cadre, white and blue collar workers and cheap labor contribute to the economy most prolifically. 

The burgeoning technological, research and management institutes are the country's futuristic strength. Indian professional will pay an active role in global economy in time to come.     

Importance of Pan Card in India

It becomes perquisite for big economies to devise systems of control and facilitation. The pan card or permanent account number is one such system that the Government of India finds useful. It is a unique number allotted to the applicant an Indian Citizen or NRI. 

This unique number is based on alpha numerical characters which have a set pattern. The number is allotted to an individual group or a company. Though not mandatory it is required for filing returns and executing major transactions. In banks this card is required for large transactions and facilitates account opening. 

It is one of the best proof of identity and hence very useful. The 10 digit pan number is required on many instances and carries numerous benefits. In the initial stage  it was looked down as insecure or bothersome but now most of the citizens of India have applied for it or have it. 

This useful instrument as been issued by the IT Dept of India under CBDT.  The card is issued  in laminated form with a photograph of the applicant. Besides identity proof it also acts as address proof where ever required. 

The application for this number can be made online at UTI or  NSDL website. The income tax website has a  lot of information to offer. The procedure is simple with some identity proof being a prerequisite. After the application is made on can regularly check pan card status online using a search tool. Having the permanent account number even for non assessee or small business is a good step.  

One needs to quote the permanent account number where ever required. On many instance a photocopy works but sometimes original laminated card may be asked for.