Month: August 2021

Table of Contents-

• What is Government e-Marketplace?
• Advantages of Buyers and Sellers
• How to make a purchase on GeM portal?
• GeM registration process.
• Procedure for registering on GeM
• GeM registration fees.

What is the Government e-Marketplace portal?

A geM is a short form of one-stop Government e-Market Place hosted by DGS&D. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) platform was launched on 9th August 2016 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India as an online, end to end solution for procurement of commonly used goods and services for all Central Government and State Government Ministries, Departments, Public Sector Units (PSUs), and affiliated bodies. The platform is owned by GeM SPV(Special Purpose Vehicle) which is a 100 percent Government-owned, a non-profit company under the Ministry of Commerce and industries, Government of India. According to an independent assessment made by the World Bank, the average savings for buyers in the Government e-Marketplace portal is about 9.75% on the median price. The Government of India has made it mandatory for sellers to display the ‘country of origin’ on products to be sold on the GeM portal.

It was basically created in a time of 5 months to facilitate online procurement of Goods & Services, it aims to facilitate public procurement through a centralized web portal. It is a contactless, paperless and cashless online marketplace that replaced the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals(DGS&D) in 2016.

GeM is a one-stop portal that aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and speed in public procurement. The tools available on the portal include e-bidding, reverse e-auction, and demand aggregation to facilitate the government users, achieve the best value for their money. If someone is looking for business this might be the best place to begin, from finding a business partner and growing into the business to exploring new opportunities you can have access to all these through this portal. Since everything happens via technology and digital processing, more than 3000 orders are placed on the GeM every day across India.

Let’s look at Who are the buyers and sellers and what advantages are they having.

Buyers-

All Central government and State Government Ministries/Departments including its attached/subordinate offices, Central and State autonomous bodies, Central and State Public Sector Units and local bodies, etc. are authorized to make procurement through the GeM portal.
If someone wants to find a business partner through GeM they will definitely be working with one of their government representatives. The government also allows private companies and businesses to buy on this marketplace to further expand the horizon of the portal by bringing more buyers to the small business sellers.

Some of the advantages for Buyers-

Rich listing of products for individual categories of Goods/Services
Search, compare, select and buy facilities
Enables buying Goods & Services whenever required
Provides transparency, efficiency, and ease of buying
Ensures continuous vendor rating system
Up-to-date user-friendly dashboard for buying and monitoring supplies and payments
Provision of easy return policies

Sellers-

If someone is manufacturing or providing genuine products or services they can become a seller on GeM by registering themselves on the GeM portal.
To get themselves registered they will need to submit the following documents-

• PAN card
• Aadhaar card
• The mobile number that is linked to the Aadhaar card
• Bank account
• KYC documents
• Cancelled check copy
• Address proof

Once their registration gets approved and activated they can start listing their products and services on the portal.

Some of the advantages sellers can avail-

• Direct access to all the government departments and public sector units who are looking for products and services to buy.
• One-stop digital facility for bids and reverse auctions on products and services.
• A seller-friendly dashboard for sending and monitoring transactions and pending requests.
• Making new product suggestions to prospective buyers.
• Dynamic pricing based on market conditions.
• Responding immediately to purchase requests.

How to make a purchase on the GeM portal?

• Log-in on GeM portal (https://gem.gov.in)
• Search the item to be purchased in the Search Box
• If it is available, set parameters like the location of the vendor, item specs, make, model, etc.
• The screenshot may be taken for the items NOT available on GeM (due to required specifications/ delivery period/ minimum quantity per consignee etc.), and purchase can be done as per Institute Purchase Rules. Approval of the Competent Authority may be sought if required. This is only for the items costing less than Rs.2,50,000
• After receiving material in good condition, the buyer will generate CRAC (Consignee Receipt & Acceptance Certificate) using his/ her GeM login ID.
• Bill for payment along with ‘C’/ ‘NC’ is to be sent to the concerned Accounts Section. Payment to supplier will be made electronically (RTGS/NEFT) as per Institute norms.
• After making payment, detail of the same is to be uploaded on GeM portal.

What is the GeM registration process?

GeM, or Government E-Marketplace, is a procurement portal, which can be used to purchase or sell any item or goods by anyone. Nevertheless, like anything else, an individual will need to comply with the registration form to begin their endeavour on the platform.
The GeM registration process for businesses (or sellers) is extremely easy and can be done via the GeM portal.
Since there is no GeM Registration Fee, the sellers can be assured of the least expensive way to become part of GeM and start offering their services and products.

The procedure for registering on GeM:

Step 1- Go to the official Website

Step 2- Fill up the Application Form correctly and upload the necessary documents and submit the application.
Details to be filled-

• Name of the Business firm
• Address of the Business firm
• Nature of Business
• List of products and services to be sell in GeM
• Owner’s name
• Owner’s Aadhar or PAN number
• Type of Firm
• E-mail ID
• Mobile No.
• Bank Account details(A/C holder name, Account number, IFSC code, DOB)
• Did you file Income Tax Return?

Step 3- Make online payment to process your Application with their Secured Payment Gateway.

Step 4- Schedule Callback.
(Schedule a callback for validation)

Step 5– Validate and complete registration
(Recieve a call from the validation department and complete your registration)

So, above mentioned are some of the steps that you need to go through while working on the GeM seller registration procedure.

GeM Registration Fee:

To be clear, there is no registration fee for sellers. The GeM registration process is entirely free for all sellers and businesses. However, effective June 1st, 2020, the Govt of India has introduced a monetization policy within GeM portals, which is applicable to all sellers.

This is how it works:

• Once a seller crosses Seller Merchandise Value (SMV) of Rs 20 lakh in a year, then they will be required to pay a one-time fee of Rs 10,000 to stay active on the GeM portal as a seller.
• In case a seller has already exceeded SMV of Rs 20 lakh, then a transaction charge will be levied on all orders of Rs 5 lakh or more value. It will depend on the value of the goods and services being offered.
• In case the order value is between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 50 crore, then a 0.5% transaction fee will be charged from the sellers.
• If the order value is between Rs 50 crore and less than Rs 100 crore, then 0.5% is charged for Rs 50 crore (which is Rs 25 lakh) + 0.4% for next Rs 50 crore (which is Rs 20 lakh) + 0.3% charge of value above Rs 100 crore of goods.
• If the order value is more than Rs 200 crore, then 0.5% is charged for Rs 50 crore (which is Rs 25 lakh) + 0.4% for next Rs 50 crore (which is Rs 20 lakh) + 0.3% charge for the next Rs 100 crore (which is Rs 30 lakh) + 0.2% of order value above Rs 200 crore.

In case any product is returned or refunded, then the subsequent charges will be rolled back.

If you are not satisfied with services provided by the company or the seller, then file a complaint online at Voxya, an online consumer complaint forum trusted by 85,500+ consumers across India.

Table of Contents

• What is a COVID vaccine?
• What vaccines are available in India?
• How to register for COVID vaccines?
• Common problems faced by consumers

What is a COVID vaccine?

To tackle the mass outrage caused by the novel Coronavirus in 2019, many reliable biotech companies came with an effective game-changing tool to put a full stop to the pandemic. After getting vaccinated, it does not mean we are immune from the virus. We have to follow the basic protocol of social distancing, wear masks, wash hands from time to time, and ensure proper ventilation.

COVID vaccines are safe and effective. These are manufactured with standards, authorised by national regulators and then distributed. Since these were developed in the past few months, it will be too early to say these vaccines are fully effective. Yet, the tested data is encouraging and suggests that people are somewhat immune to this virus after getting vaccinated.

What vaccines are available in India?

Three vaccines are allowed by the Government of India. They are:

COVAXIN: Developed in a high containment facility by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Virology, COVAXIN is an indigenous, inactivated and effective vaccine for the COVID-19 virus.

COVISHIELD: COVISHIELD, developed by the Serum Institute of India, has proved to provide immunity against the novel Coronavirus.

SPUTNIK: Developed in Russia and brought by Dr Reddy Laboratories in India, Sputnik registrations have also started in many metropolitan cities, and many have got their doses as well.

How to register for COVID vaccines?

Since the vaccines are less and the population so much, people are having trouble getting themselves vaccinated. Do not worry anymore! Just follow the steps, register and get the jab!

Step 1:- Check the vaccine slots available on https://www.cowin.gov.in/. One can search by PIN code (the quickest option), by district, and by MAP (the lengthiest option).

Step 2:- Sign in/register to the CoWIN web portal. Follow the link to do the same. https://selfregistration.cowin.gov.in/

Step 3:- Once you get the OTP, log in to the portal. After login, you can add up to 4 family members from one mobile number using their Aadhaar cards. Register the members in the CoWIN portal.

Step 4:- Schedule dose 1 or 2 as required by searching the vaccine slots available in your area. And you are done! Visit the centre at the allotted time and date and get your vaccination done.

One can also register using the Aarogya Setu app and Umang app. The steps are the same as those in the CoWIN portal.

Common problems faced by the consumers

I am not getting OTP while registering in the CoWIN app. What should I do?

Due to network congestion, one might not get the OTP in the CoWIN app. Try to log in from the PC/laptop to get the OTP.

Are there any side effects of either of the vaccines?

There are no side effects on an individual after the COVID vaccine dose. The following symptoms can be seen usually after the vaccination for a day or two:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Diarrhoea
• Pain at the injection site

There are no other symptoms reported rather than these. If there is any severe trouble, one must visit the hospital as soon as possible.

I had to pay for the vaccine at the vaccination centre. Was that right?

The vaccine is free of cost at the Government allotted centres. While at the private hospitals, they can charge depending upon the cost of the vaccine. There are no charges for the application process. Only fees for the dose is applicable.

What must one do if not able to download the vaccination certificate?

If one cannot download the vaccine certificate from the CoWIN app, Umang, Digilocker and Aarogya Setu are other alternative apps for downloading the certificate. You can also download the certificate from the CoWIN portal from the PC/laptop using your registered mobile number, beneficiary ID and reference ID.

I am not getting SMS or the secret code at the vaccination centre. How to get that?

The secret code might have come at the time one has registered the dose at the portal. There is no need to get the code again at the vaccination centre as the secret code remains the same. You can also check the secret code in the registration certificate that you might have got at the time of registration.

Is there any other method to get registered if I am not able to register online?

Those who are unable to register online can visit the nearest local Government health centre for the registration, verification and vaccination on the same day. One has to carry their mobile phone and a photo identification document for the dose.

Citizens above the age of 45 can walk into the vaccination centre directly for their doses. But the people aged between 18 and 44 mandatorily have to book their slots before vaccination.

How to get the vaccine if you do not have an Aadhaar card?

One can take any photo identification from the following documents if not having Aadhaar card:

• Voter ID
• Passport
• Driving License
• PAN Card
• NPR Smart Card
• Pension document with photograph
• Service identity card issued by Govt. of India

How to find my second dose due date?

The due date is shown as soon as you log in to the CoWIN portal. You can also check your due date by downloading the certificate of dose 1 from the CoWIN portal. One can also look for the due date on the slip provided by the authorities at the time of dose 1.

Is there a need to book dose 2?

Citizens above 45 can directly walk-in at the vaccination centre, whereas citizens between 18 and 44 should register before getting dose 2. However, everyone should book doses 1 and 2 at the earliest for a hassle-free experience at the centre.

My second dose due date is about to expire. Can I get another vaccine dose?

One has to get the same vaccine that they got in the first place. You can look at other centres for the dose if the nearest centre is not having the slots before your due date expires.

I am having a high fever post-vaccination. What should I do?

One must contact the doctor in case of any discomfort after the vaccination. If necessary, take an over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen, paracetamol, acetaminophen, aspirin or antihistamines. Inclusion of light diets, plenty of fluids, and light dressing can also help ease the pain and provide comfort for a better recovery.

Where to find FAQs related to vaccination? Is there any helpline number?

One can find all the details on the MOHFW official website. https://www.mohfw.gov.in/. Yes, there’s a helpline number +91-11-23978046 and a toll-free number 1075 for queries related to vaccines only.

Table of Contents

1. What is Aadhaar?
2. How to enrol for Aadhaar?
3. How to locate an Aadhaar centre near me?
4. Common problems and their solutions faced by the consumers

What is Aadhaar?

In 2009, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launched the world’s largest and most sophisticated biometric identification system, called Aadhaar in India. Aadhaar is a 12-digit random number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to Indian citizens after they satisfy the verification process. Any resident of India, irrespective of age and gender, is eligible to enrol for Aadhaar and they should be aware of the Aadhaar Enrollment process.

Aadhaar is provided free of cost. It can be used as an identification document and as a financial address proof so that many weaker sections of the society can benefit from various Government schemes, programmes and subsidies.

How to enrol for Aadhaar?

Want to get an Aadhaar for yourself or a family member? know the complete Aadhaar enrollment process. Here is how you can avail the 12-digit number:

Step 1: Visit an enrollment centre: The first step is to visit the Aadhaar enrollment centre. One cannot apply from home and has to visit the enrollment centre for getting the Aadhaar.

Step 2: Fill and validate demographic data: The person-in-charge will fill in your name, address, age, gender, and required demographic details in the form.

Step 3: Give biometric details: One has to submit their biometrics like fingerprints, iris and photographs at the enrollment centre for the next step. Aadhaar holders under the age of 15 need to revisit the enrollment centre to update biometric details.

Step 4: Submit Proof of Identity and Address: Aadhaar enrollment process accepts 18 and 33 documents as proof of identity and proof of address, respectively. One can see the list of all documents here-https://uidai.gov.in/images/commdoc/valid_documents_list.pdf

Step 5: Get the enrollment ID: After submitting the above details, the supervisor will give the acknowledgement/resident copy to the person who comes for the Aadhaar enrollment process. This slip, which consists of 14 digits enrollment ID, time and date of the enrollment, can be used to download the Aadhaar card once the internal verification gets completed.

How to locate an Aadhaar centre near me?

If one has trouble finding the Aadhaar enrollment centre, visit this website https://appointments.uidai.gov.in/easearch.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 to make your search based on three methods: State, Postal (PIN) Code, or by Search Box.

Search by State: In this method, the system asks to input the state, district, sub-district and village/town/city to locate the enrollment centre. That will give you the list of all the centres present in your location. It is usually time taking as one has to search the nearest centre manually.

Search by Postal (PIN) Code: One of the quickest and easiest ways to locate the Aadhaar enrollment centre. Just put your postal PIN, and there you go! The nearest Aadhaar enrollment centre flashes on your screens!

Sometimes, there might not be any centre in your postal area. So you have to search for the nearest PIN where the centre is situated.

Search by Search Box: If you want to locate the Aadhaar enrollment centre by entering the locality name, city and district, and want only permanent centres, then search using the search box. How easy is that!

Common problems and their solutions faced by the consumers

What are the documents required for verification? Are original documents also needed at the time of enrollment?

Common identification and address proofs include an election photo ID card, ration card, passport, and driving license. Documents that can be used only for identification proofs are PAN cards and Government ID cards. Familiar address proofs include water, electricity and landline bills that should not be three months old. One can see the list of all documents here: https://uidai.gov.in/images/commdoc/valid_documents_list.pdf

Yes! Original documents are a must at the time of enrollment for verification.

I want to apply online for the Aadhaar. How can I do it?

There is no way to apply online for Aadhaar. One has to visit the nearest Aashaar enrollment centre for the application.

How to get Aadhaar if one has lost the enrollment ID?

One can retrieve the lost enrollment ID if the portal has the registered mobile number. For this, one has to:

• Visit the official website of UIDAI.
• Click on Retrieve Lost UID/EID under the section Aadhaar enrollment.
• Select UID/EID that one wants to retrieve.
• Enter the registered mobile number.
• There you go! You will receive the UID/EID on your mobile phone.

I have a mobile number but no email. Can I still get Aadhaar?

Yes! You can still get Aadhaar. Mobile numbers and emails are required to track updates and retrieve Aadhaar if lost.

UIDAI rejected my application. What should I do?

You have to revisit the enrollment centre. The supervisor has to check details of why the Aadhaar was rejected and will take the relevant information for the process completion.

There are errors in my Aadhaar card. Can I update my details? Where can this be done? Are there any fees for this process?

You can only update your address from the Self Service Update Portal (SSUP). For the rest of the update process, you have to revisit the Aadhaar enrollment centre. The charges are Rs 50 for a demographic update and Rs 100 for a biometric update. The Aadhaar update of children under 15 is free of cost.

How to link Aadhaar with PAN and other bank accounts?

1. Visit the Income Tax e-Filing website.
2. Under the quick links option, click on link Aadhaar.
3. Enter the PAN and Aadhaar details.
4. Enter the name as mentioned in the Aadhaar card.
5. Tick the relevant boxes.
6. Click on the Link Aadhaar button.
7. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
8. Click on validate, and done! Now, your Aadhaar has been linked with your PAN. A successful message also flashes on the screen.

My Aadhaar got leaked. What should I do?

Your Aadhaar number can be misused if it gets leaked. So to prevent any damage, lock your biometrics by visiting the official website of UIDAI. Under the ‘My Aadhaar’ section, go to lock/unlock biometrics. Enter the valid Aadhaar number, OTP from your registered mobile number and then click on submit. Viola! Your biometrics are locked.

I am not able to get benefits from the Government schemes. Why?

There can be two possible reasons:

1. Either your Aadhaar details are not with the bank- Contact your bank and give them the required documents. They will link your bank account with the Aadhaar number.
   
2. Or your PAN/Aadhaar details are mismatched- If any of the information, like name, date of birth, etc., are not the same then, the PAN and Aadhaar will not link due to which one cannot avail the benefits of a Government scheme.

What if my Aadhaar is lost or misplaced?

You can download the e-Aadhaar from the online portal with your registered mobile number or email.

How long do I have to wait for the details to be updated and shown on my Aadhaar card?

Once you have given your updated biometric or demographic details, it may take up to 90 days for your Aadhaar to show the correct information.

I did not receive my Aadhaar card. What should I do?

One can download an e-Aadhaar from the official UIDAI website. One can also contact the help centre via call on 1800-180-1947 or mail them at help@uidai.gov.in.

Are the UIDAI services accessible outside India?

Non-Resident Indians can apply for Aadhaar but cannot avail services like the resident portal, e-Aadhaar, Self Service Update Portal, Aadhaar Linking Status because these services are geography-based. Hence, can not be accessed outside India.

Where can I get solutions for all my questions?

Here is the link for all the FAQs: https://uidai.gov.in/contact-support/have-any-question/277-faqs.html

Have you ever gone through the trauma of getting up in the morning and finding unexpected transaction messages in phone from your Bank saying that some amount of money has been deducted on account of buying something you didn’t purchase!

You don’t understand what has happened and how? Your world starts to fall apart as it was your hard-earned money.

Such instances have become too common in India, not only in PNB but almost in all the leading banks. According to a report by Economic Times, there have been 52,000 bank fraud or unauthorised transaction cases in India between March-December in 2019.

Obviously, the figures are quite alarming, right?

What is a fraud or unauthorised transaction?

A fraud or unauthorised transaction is when a transaction is performed using your banking details, but you did not perform it.

Recently CSITE (Cyber Security & Information Technology Examination) released a worrisome alert that over 1.3 million debit and credit card data of Indians is available for purchase on the dark web.

However, soon after this, RBI has informed all the major banks of India to tighten the security to minimize these fraud transactions.

What should you do when an unauthorised transaction happens in your Bank account?
If an unauthorised transaction happens in your bank account, you must follow the below mentioned steps:

Step 1. Inform your Bank immediately
Inform your bank within the three days of fraud. You can inform them via SMS, email, toll-free number, customer care, visit their website, or simply by visiting their closest branch.

Step 2. Analyse your Account activity
This step will be essential to analyze that where did you compromised your information and to keep a keen eye on the bank transactions in the statement.

Step 3. Change your Passwords & PINs
Without wasting a second, immediately change your online passwords and pins to prevent further fraud.

How to report unauthorised transaction in PNB account?

Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s first Swadeshi Bank, commenced its operations on April 12, 1895, from Lahore, with an authorised capital of Rs 2 lac and working capital of Rs 20,000. As of the end of June 2021, Bank has total of 36851 delivery channels with a network of 10641 domestic branches, 2 International branches, 13690 ATMs & 12518 Business Correspondents. PNB is the second largest Public Sector Bank (PSB) in the country with Global Gross Business at Rs. 18,23,685 crore. If you have noticed any fraud or unauthorised transaction in PNB account, then here is what you have to do:

1. Firstly, call PNB toll-free numbers 1-800-180-2222 and 1-800-103-2222 and report unauthorised transaction in PNB account.
2. Secondly, visit your PNB branch and inform them about the fraud in writing.
3. Thirdly, write your PNB complaint on the PNB customer care email i.e care@pnb.co.in.
4. Fourthly, register an online complaint.

Here is a step to step guide on how to register an online complaint to report unauthorised transaction in PNB Bank:

Step 1. Visit the PNB website, pnbindia.in.

Step 2. Go to customer care menu and click on the complaint.

Step 3. You will redirect to the “lodge complaint” page. You can go with two options 1. Lodge Complaint about Digital Transactions

and 2. On scroll, you will get the “Submit Complaint” button.

Step 4. On submit a complaint, you will get a complaint form, fill the form to submit your complaint in PNB.

What are the common types of Banking frauds?

Unauthorised transactions are carried out in the following ways:

1. ATM Fraud: ATM frauds refers to fraud, where the fraudster uses the innocent user’s card details to withdraw the funds using the ATM pin for the transaction. ATM frauds can happen in the following forms :

i. Card Skimming: Card skimming is a fraud where electronic card data is stolen and then is used to produce inauthentic cards to withdraw the money.

ii. Cash Shimming: A foreign device is installed on the ATM to steal the data from the chip of the withdrawer’s card. The main target is to capture the data contained in the card.

iii. ATM Malware/ Jackpotting: A malware that takes control of the ATM functions, thereby allow fraudsters to take out the cash.

2. Credit Card Fraud: Credit card frauds happen when a fraudster steals the credit card information to make an unauthorised transaction in the name of the card beholder.

Fraudsters get their hands on the credit card information in the following ways:

I. Fraudster digs through the trash files to find the old receipts or statements that will include all your banking information and then will use the information to perform the unauthorised transaction.

II. A fraudster will take you to an unauthentic website where you would fill up your card details and then later would use the information to perform the fraud.

III. When you swipe your card at a store, your credit card details may get exposed, and you later notice an unauthorised transaction. You might wonder what happened? But by using cedit card skimmer, a frauduster can steal your information.

3. Phishing: Phishing is email trap where fraudster sets an email trap in the name of the bank or government asking for credentials. Later on, these credentials are used to penetrate your bank account.
4. CNP Fraud: CNP or card not present fraud happens when a fraudster uses your card details such as card number and expiry date to perform the unauthorised transaction via email or phone call.
5. Account Takeover: Account takeover happens when you mistakenly share your account details or your computer / mobile session with the stranger, and then they use the information to make a purchase online.

No matter what kind of fraud has happened but please report unauthorised transaction in PNB immediately. As per RBI guidelines, can only help if you act in timely manner.

Conclusion
It is advised not to share your bank details with anyone because the government and bank officials would never ask for the same. However, if something unfortunate happens with you, then do not hesitate to report unauthorised transaction in PNB immediately.

But if you are unable to get any resolution from Bank even after informing them about fraud or unauthorised transactions then you should File a Complaint at Voxya.com to take legal action and approach the consumer forum.