Is it possible to withdraw PF amount before 5 years of Service?

It is important to note that withdrawal of the EPF account by a salaried employee is not recommended(Technically not allowed). Many employees withdraw their EPF account at the time of leaving the organization. Legally right thing is to transfer the EPF account from old employer to new employer

After leaving your old job and being unemployed for 2 months you can withdraw EPF & EPS. EPFO handles EPF withdrawal within 20 days. It is planning to bring it down to few hours.

Exceptions.

·         A woman who quit their job for getting married, pregnancy or childbirth will not have to wait for two months to withdraw.

·         if you are quitting due to health reasons.

·         Who is going abroad for employment/settlement and don’t intend to return soon.

Provident fund withdrawal before five years of completion of service will attractTDS(tax deducted at source) effective from 1 Jun 2015.

TDS on EPF will be deducted if withdrawal is more than Rs 50,000. This is applicable from June 2016.Earlier this limit was Rs 30,000.

TDS will be deducted at 10 % provided PAN is submitted. Otherwise, TDS is deducted at the rate of 34.608 % if PAN is not submitted.If you withdraw offline you can submit form 15G/15H to avoid TDS.

·         You can withdraw online or offline

You can withdraw online using UAN member portal (if KYC is approved). Our article How to do Full or Partial EPF Withdrawal Online explains it in detail with images and video.To withdraw EPF offline through old employerIf you have UAN then you have to submit Composite PF Claim Forms (Aadhar based and Non-Aadhar based) which replaced forms No. 19, 10C, 31, 19 (UAN), 10C (UAN) and 31 (UAN)To withdraw EPF offline through old employer If you don’t have UAN You have to submit Form 19, and Form 10CTo withdraw EPF offline without going through old employer for un exempted organisations you can approach EPFO directly. Unexempted organisations are those where you are not contributing to EPF Private Trust.

·         You can Track EPF Withdrawal

·         You will get regular SMS updates

·         You’ll receive two different amounts. One is for your EPF withdrawal and one is for Pension contribution.

·         if you withdraw your PF balance before the expiry of five years of contribution, then it is taxable in the year in which you withdrew.Your employer’s contributions along with the accumulated interest amount will be taxed as “profits in lieu of salary” under the head Salary.However, relief under Section 89 will be available.Interest accumulated on your (employee) contributions will be taxed under the head “Income from other sources”.The tax deductions claimed on your contributions to EPF will be revoked or rolled back, and shall be liable to tax.

More details at EPF Withdrawal before 5 years,TDS,Form 15G,Tax and ITR

There is no minimum period for EPF withdrawal (for pension withdrawal benefit the minimum service length of 6 months is needed).

You may apply for final settlement of your EPF, which is subject to certain conditions  (I believe you fulfill), otherwise, after 36 months of non-contribution it will stop accruing interest.

If you wish, you may  get the withdrawal at later stage; you will loose some interest and will need to follow some additional procedure for settlement in Inoperative marked EPF accounts.

Also, you will have to submit details of PAN, Form-15G to avoid TDS (if amount of EPF withdrawal is above 30k) along with withdrawal form.

Charles Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities, which opens with

Charles Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities, which opens with:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,

it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness,

it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity,

it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness,

it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair …,

we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way …”

                                (Para.1, Line, 1)

What Is The Function of Literature?

What_Is_The_Function_of_Literature?

Why people reading literature? What is the function of literature? Is there any meaning full purpose for spending time on a book? I am trying to find a clear answer to these questions. Generally we call literature a novel, poem, short story, essay, biography, any other form of writing which is deviated from this general category. I am not considering the effect of popular fiction and cinema which is more often consider as a market commodity. A work of art is primarily concerned with the creation of beauty. In that sense the above mentioned commodities are not purely literature and long lasting. Tolstoy’s writing is considered as the greatest work of literature which has all the fine qualities of a model art work.

Literature is consumed for its own purpose and does not have to serve for any purpose. It is for pleasure, spiritual edification, broadening of knowledge, or may be just to pass time, without anyone forcing us to read them. I feel sympathetic to children who are forced to read literature in there part of curriculum. It is impossible to read serious novels, poetry, essays, and biographies, if we are not convinced that they largely enlarge our minds and refine our sprits, make us more sensitive and understanding towards our fellow human being.

Literature creates to help language, create a sense of identity and community. Every indigenous community has its own language and literature. India has its own classical writing which is giving an identity for Indians in this world. India’s regional language has produced vast amount of literature which is contributing immensely to growing regional language. Indian English has produced some good writers. But in world literature the place of Indian English literature is very little. Our regional writers are not translated and accepted in the global stage.

Literature transcends human limitation. It enriches life and gives readers a kind of perspective that they otherwise wouldn’t have. When we read literature we travel in space, we travel in time; we travel through all kinds of historical periods, and imaginary worlds. I think this give reader a kind of sensibility about the real world. I think if you are a book lover who is digging through some unknown authors writing, you are someone special in this world. I think literature evolve every time and give reader some unpredictable stuff but the basic purpose remains the same.

PSYCHOANALYTIC CRITICISM

Psychoanalytic Criticism

#Sigmund_Freud

Psychoanalytic criticism builds on Freudian theories of psychology. While we don't have the room here to discuss all of Freud's work, a general overview is necessary to explain psychoanalytic literary criticism.

#The_Unconscious_the_Desires_and_the_Defenses

Freud began his psychoanalytic work in the 1880s while attempting to treat behavioral disorders in his Viennese patients. He dubbed the disorders 'hysteria' and began treating them by listening to his patients talk through their problems. Based on this work, Freud asserted that people's behavior is affected by their unconscious: "...the notion that human beings are motivated, even driven, by desires, fears, needs, and conflicts of which they are unaware..." (Tyson 14-15).

Freud believed that our unconscious was influenced by childhood events. Freud organized these events into developmental stages involving relationships with parents and drives of desire and pleasure where children focus "...on different parts of the body...starting with the mouth...shifting to the oral, anal, and phallic phases..." (Richter 1015). These stages reflect base levels of desire, but they also involve fear of loss (loss of genitals, loss of affection from parents, loss of life) and repression: "...the expunging from consciousness of these unhappy psychological events" (Tyson 15).

Tyson reminds us, however, that "...repression doesn't eliminate our painful experiences and emotions...we unconsciously behave in ways that will allow us to 'play out'...our conflicted feelings about the painful experiences and emotions we repress" (15). To keep all of this conflict buried in our unconscious, Freud argued that we develop defenses: selective perception, selective memory, denial, displacement, projection, regression, fear of intimacy, and fear of death, among others.

#Id_Ego_and_Superego

Freud maintained that our desires and our unconscious conflicts give rise to three areas of the mind that wrestle for dominance as we grow from infancy, to childhood, to adulthood:

id - "...the location of the drives" or libido
ego - "...one of the major defenses against the power of the drives..." and home of the defenses listed above
superego - the area of the unconscious that houses Judgment (of self and others) and "...which begins to form during childhood as a result of the Oedipus complex" (Richter 1015-1016)

#Oedipus_Complex

Freud believed that the Oedipus complex was "...one of the most powerfully determinative elements in the growth of the child" (Richter 1016). Essentially, the Oedipus complex involves children's need for their parents and the conflict that arises as children mature and realize they are not the absolute focus of their mother's attention: "the Oedipus complex begins in a late phase of infantile sexuality, between the child's third and sixth year, and it takes a different form in males than it does in females" (Richter 1016).

Freud argued that both boys and girls wish to possess their mothers, but as they grow older "...they begin to sense that their claim to exclusive attention is thwarted by the mother's attention to the father..." (1016). Children, Freud maintained, connect this conflict of attention to the intimate relations between mother and father, relations from which the children are excluded. Freud believed that "the result is a murderous rage against the father...and a desire to possess the mother" (1016).

Freud pointed out, however, that "...the Oedipus complex differs in boys and girls...the functioning of the related castration complex" (1016). In short, Freud thought that "...during the Oedipal rivalry [between boys and their fathers], boys fantasized that punishment for their rage will take the form of..." castration (1016). When boys effectively work through this anxiety, Freud argued, "...the boy learns to identify with the father in the hope of someday possessing a woman like his mother. In girls, the castration complex does not take the form of anxiety...the result is a frustrated rage in which the girl shifts her sexual desire from the mother to the father" (1016).

Freud believed that eventually, the girl's spurned advanced toward the father give way to a desire to possess a man like her father later in life. Freud believed that the impact of the unconscious, id, ego, superego, the defenses, and the Oedipus complexes was inescapable and that these elements of the mind influence all our behavior (and even our dreams) as adults - of course this behavior involves what we write.

#Freud_and_Literature

So what does all of this psychological business have to do with literature and the study of literature? Put simply, some critics believe that we can "...read psychoanalytically...to see which concepts are operating in the text in such a way as to enrich our understanding of the work and, if we plan to write a paper about it, to yield a meaningful, coherent psychoanalytic interpretation" (Tyson 29). Tyson provides some insightful and applicable questions to help guide our understanding of psychoanalytic criticism.

#Carl_Jung

Jungian criticism attempts to explore the connection between literature and what Carl Jung (a student of Freud) called the “collective unconscious” of the human race: "...racial memory, through which the spirit of the whole human species manifests itself" (Richter 504). Jungian criticism, closely related to Freudian theory because of its connection to psychoanalysis, assumes that all stories and symbols are based on mythic models from mankind’s past.

Based on these commonalities, Jung developed archetypal myths, the Syzygy: "...a quaternion composing a whole, the unified self of which people are in search" (Richter 505). These archetypes are the Shadow, the Anima, the Animus, and the Spirit: "...beneath...[the Shadow] is the Anima, the feminine side of the male Self, and the Animus, the corresponding masculine side of the female Self" (Richter 505).

In literary analysis, a Jungian critic would look for archetypes (also see the discussion of Northrop Frye in the Structuralism section) in creative works: "Jungian criticism is generally involved with a search for the embodiment of these symbols within particular works of art." (Richter 505). When dealing with this sort of criticism, it is often useful to keep a handbook of mythology and a dictionary of symbols on hand.

LITERARY FORMS AND MOVEMENTS

LITERARY_FORMS_AND_MOVEMENTS

What is a round character?
A round character is a complex and dynamic. In this character improvement and change occurs during the course of work .

What is a soliloquy?
Soliloquy is a device use in drama in which a character speaks to himself or herself (thinking loud) by showing his feelings or thoughts to audience.

What is Neo-classicism?
Neo-classicism is a eighteenth century western movement of art, literature and architecture. They got inspiration from ancient Greece and ancient Rome.

What is a mock-epic?
Mock-epic is a poem in which satire, exaggeration, irony and sarcasm is used to mock the subject or used the epic style for the trivial subject etc.

What is a complex plot?
A complex plot according to Aristotle is that have ‘peripeteia’ (reversal) and ‘anagnorisis’ (denouement) without these is a simple plot.

What is interior monologue?
Interior monologue is the expression of internal thought, feelings and emotions of a character in dramatic or narrative form.

What is blank verse?
Blank verse is a form of poetry that written in iambic pentameter but un-rhymed.

What is Art for Arts’ sake?
“Art for Arts’ sake” is nineteenth century literary movement which gives importance to aesthetic pleasure instead of moral, didactic or utilitarian function of literature.

What is Epistolary novel?
Epistolary novel is a narrated work. In this type of novel the story is narrated through letters sent by the observer or by those who participating in the events. Example: 18th century’s novel ‘Richardson’s Pamela and Clarissa etc.

Differentiate between novel and novella.
Difference between novel and novella is length of the narrative work. Novella is shorter than novel and longer than short story but novel is long narrated work.

What is the difference between “Open form poetry” and “Closed form poetry”?
Close form poetry used the fix pattern of stanza, rhyme and meter etc. For example: sonnet, limerick, haiku and sestina etc. Open form poetry does not use these fix patterns.

What is the structure of Spenserian stanza?
Spenserian stanza consist of nine lines, eight lines are in iambic pentameter and followed by single line in iambic hexameter. The last line is called Alexandrine.

Differentiate between ‘Blank verse’ and ‘Free verse’.
‘Blank verse’ follows the fix meter like iambic pentameter and un-rhymed but ‘Free verse’ is also un-rhymed and does not follow the fix meter.

How can you define “Pastoral elegy”?
Pastoral elegy is a poem about death. In this poem poet expresses his grief for the dead in rural setting or about the shepherds.

What is ‘Point of View’?
‘Point of view’ is an opinion, judgment or attitude on a matter. It may be against are in favor.

Define plot. What are its various elements?
Plot is a logical arrangement of events in a story or play. The exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution are the elements of plot.

What is conflict?
Conflict is a problem or struggle in a story or play. It occurs in rising action, climax and falling action. It creates suspense and excitement in the story or play.

Define black comedy.
Black comedy is a humorous work in which human suffering regards as absurd and funny..

What do you mean by Theater of the absurd?
Theater of the absurd is one kind of drama in which absurdity emphasized and lack realistic and logical structure. For example: “Waiting for Godot” by Samuel Beckett.

How can you differentiate between flat and round characters?
A round character is a complex and dynamic. In this character improvement and change occurs during the course of work but flat character are uncomplicated and remains unchanged through the course of work.

What was the Oxford movement?
Oxford movement starts in 1833 and for the revival of Catholic doctrine in Anglican Church. It is against the conventional understanding of the religion.

Define Puritanism?
Puritanism is the religious movement starts in sixteen century and the goal of the movement is to purify the church of England from its Catholic practices.

What is Imagism?
Imagism is a movement of Anglo-American poets started in early nineteenth century in which they emphasize the use of clear images and simple and sharp language.

What is meant by Stream of Consciousness?
Stream of Consciousness is a technique of narration in which the series of thoughts in the mind of the character are presented. “To the Lighthouse” by Virginia Woolf is one example.

What is meant by Gothic Novel?
Gothic Novel is one type of novel. In this type the cruel passions and supernatural terror is presented. Example: Monastery or Haunted Castle etc.

What is Metaphysical Poetry?
Metaphysical poetry is a highly intellectualized poetry with the use of wit, imagery, conceits and paradox etc. It is obscure and rigid. For example: “John Donne’s poetry.

BLANK VERSE vs FREE VERSE

Blank_Verse_vs_Free_Verse

Blank Verse and Free Verse are two important features in poetry. Blank verse refers to poetry written in regular metrical but unrhymed lines.

Free verse refers to an open form of poetry that has no rhyme or rhythm. The main difference between blank verse and free verse is that free verse is not written in consistent meter patterns, rhyme, or any other musical pattern whereas blank verse is written in regular metrical patterns.

#What_is_Blank_Verse?

Blank verse is poetry written in regular metrical but unrhymed lines. Blank verse is mostly written in iambic pentameter. Blank verse is also known as unrhymed iambic pentameter. This type of verse contains a consistent meter with 10 syllables in each line. The unstressed syllables are followed by stressed ones; therefore, it contains five stressed syllables.

Blank verse is said to be one of the most common and influential forms in English poetry. Many of the English poems have been written in this style. Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, is considered as the first poet to use blank verse in English literature. This form was used by many prominent writers such as John Milton, William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, John Donne and John Keats. Given below are some examples of blank verse.

“…bid me leap, rather than marry Paris,

From off the battlements of yonder tower;

Or walk in thievish ways; or bid me lurk

Where serpents are; chain me with roaring bears;

Or shut me nightly in a charnel-house,

O’er covered quite with dead men’s rattling bones,

With reeky shanks and yellow chapless skulls;

Or bid me go into a new-made grave,

And hide me with a dead man and his shroud;”

– Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

“You stars that reign’d at my nativity,

Whose influence hath allotted death and hell,

Now draw up Faustus like a foggy mist

Into entrails of yon labouring clouds,……

So that my soul may but ascend to Heaven…”

– Dr.Faustus by Christopher Marlowe

#What_is_Free_Verse?

Free verse is a form of poetry that does not use a consistent meter, rhyme or any other pattern. Although it is devoid of regular rhyme, rhythm or meter, it still provides artistic expressions. It tends to follow the rhythm of natural speech. Since it does not follow set rules, the poet can give any shape to a poem. Free verse also gives a greater freedom for poets to choose words without bothering about the rhyme and rhythm. It is commonly used in contemporary poetry.

Free verse can be observed in poets like Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, Erza Pound, and John Ashbury.

“All truths wait in all things,

They neither hasten their own delivery nor resist it,

They do not need the obstetric forceps of the surgeon.”

– Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass

Come slowly, Eden

Lips unused to thee.

Bashful, sip thy jasmines,

As the fainting bee,

Reaching late his flower,

Round her chamber hums,

Counts his nectars—alights,

And is lost in balms!

– Emily Dickinson’s Come Slowly, Eden
Difference Between Blank Verse and Free Verse
Definition

Blank Verse is written in regular metrical but unrhymed lines.

Free Verse does not use a consistent meter, rhyme or any other pattern.
Metrical Pattern

Blank Verse is written in the regular metrical pattern.

Free Verse is not written in a regular metrical pattern.
Iambic Pentameter

Blank Verse mostly follows iambic pentameter.

Free Verse does not follow iambic pentameter.
Usage

Blank Verse began to be commonly used after the 16th century.

Free Verse is mostly used by contemporary poems.

MACAULAY A GIANT OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

MACAULAY A GIANT OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

Macaulay drafted the Indian Penal Code, which was exported to British colonies throughout the empire and remains largely in force in many former colonies, including India, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, today

Thomas Babington Macaulay was a giant of the British Empire who was in many ways the father of English as the global language of business it is today. He was also responsible for the legal system which still holds sway in many Commonwealth countries.

He was born in 1800, the son of Zachary Macaulay, a Scottish anti-slavery reformer who had served as governor of Sierra Leone.

At Cambridge he developed a reputation as a poet and essayist and at 30 was offered a seat in parliament where he made his name as a Whig reformer.

Despite being the beneficiary of a 'pocket borough', he played a key role in the passing of the Great Reform Act of 1832 which greatly reduced their number.

He travelled to India two years later when he was appointed to its Supreme Council and in 1838 convinced the Governor-General to introduce English to replace Persian and Sanskrit as the medium of education in schools from grade six onwards. The aim was to create an Anglicised English-speaking elite to act as a link between India's British rulers and the Indian masses.

He returned to Britain in 1838 and later served as War Secretary and Paymaster-General before being made a peer, Baron Macaulay of Rothley, in 1857.

His work as a historian was no less controversial than his record in office. Macaulay's History of England was published in four volumes but criticised by contemporary thinkers, including Karl Marx who denounced him as "a systematic falsifier of history".

His legacy is the survival of the English legal system throughout the former Empire and the rise of English as a global language. In India, his introduction of English in schools is honoured among Dalits for the education and rise to prominence of Dr B. R Ambedkar, the 'untouchable' author of the Indian constitution.