FM woos investors

Frankfurt, Jan. 27: Finance minister P. Chidambaram will launch a promotion campaign here tomorrow to woo European investors to India as the government struggles to reverse an economic slowdown, rein in fiscal deficit and avert a possible downgrade by the rating agencies. Chidambaram will attend a road show on investment opportunities in India hosted by Deutsche Bank and Barclays Bank.

Equity scheme

New Delhi, Jan. 27: Fund houses are rushing to launch the Rajiv Gandhi Equity Savings Scheme (RGESS) with six players, including HDFC Mutual Fund, filing draft papers for it with market regulator Sebi in less than two months. RGESS, meant for first timers in the capital market, aims to attract more retail investors by offering tax benefits on investments.

EPFO move

New Delhi, Jan. 27: Facing opposition from trade unions, retirement fund body EPFO may put “in abeyance” its decision to make it mandatory to furnish Aadhaar number for its subscribers and new members.