The given problem involves the calculation of the closing balance of the provision for depreciation account as at 31.3.2017, based on the provided information about the purchase of machinery, rate of depreciation, and a subsequent purchase of new machinery.

Given Information:
- Date of purchase of machine: 1.4.2014
- Cost of machine: 12 lakh
- Rate of depreciation: 10% p.a. on WDV method
- New machinery purchase date: 1.10.2016
- Cost of new machinery: Rs 8000

Calculation Steps:

1. Calculate the total depreciation for the period from 1.4.2014 to 1.10.2016:
- Determine the number of years between the purchase date and the subsequent purchase date: 2 years and 6 months.
- Calculate the depreciation for this period using the WDV method:
- Depreciation for the first year: 12 lakh * 10% = 1.2 lakh
- Depreciation for the second year: (12 lakh - 1.2 lakh) * 10% = 1.08 lakh
- Depreciation for the remaining 6 months: (10.8 lakh - 1.08 lakh) * (6/12) * 10% = 0.45 lakh
- Total depreciation for the period: 1.2 lakh + 1.08 lakh + 0.45 lakh = 2.73 lakh

2. Calculate the revised value of the machinery after the purchase of new machinery:
- Deduct the cost of the new machinery from the original cost of the old machinery:
- Revised value = 12 lakh - 8000 = 11,92,000

3. Calculate the depreciation for the period from 1.10.2016 to 31.3.2017:
- Determine the number of months between the subsequent purchase date and the given closing date: 6 months.
- Calculate the depreciation for this period using the WDV method:
- Depreciation for the remaining 6 months: 11,92,000 * (6/12) * 10% = 59,600

4. Calculate the closing balance of the provision for depreciation account as at 31.3.2017:
- Add the total depreciation for the first period (2.73 lakh) and the depreciation for the second period (59,600):
- Closing balance = 2.73 lakh + 59,600 = 3.32 lakh

Therefore, the closing balance of the provision for depreciation account as at 31.3.2017 will be Rs 3.32 lakh.

Is it 97600??