14-Dec-2022: Atmanirbhar Bharat Scheme

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aims to promote ecosystem for research & development and make India a global hub of development of technologies and manufacturing of telecom equipment including Core transmission Equipment, 4G/5G Next Generation Radio Access Network and Wireless Equipment, Access & Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), Internet of Things (IoT), Access Devices, Other Wireless Equipment and Enterprise equipment like Switches, Routers, etc.

DoT has notified Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme on 24.02.2021 to promote telecom and networking products including design led manufacturing in India with financial outlay of Rs. 12,195 crores over Scheme period. Under this Scheme, there are 42 companies with funds sanction of Rs. 11,508 crores. Rs. 902.87 crores have been sanctioned under the PLI Scheme for companies in Tamil Nadu. However, no company has applied under PLI Scheme from Assam and Rajasthan.

Under PLI Scheme for telecom and networking products, these 42 companies have committed investment of Rs. 4,115 crores, additional sales of Rs. 2.45 Lakh crores and create employment of more than 44,000 over the scheme period. Against this target, achievements from 1st April 2021 till 31st October 2022 are cumulative investment of Rs. 952 crores, sales of Rs. 16,313 crores and employment of 11,847 numbers.

Under Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative of DoT, the target is to deploy end-to-end indigenously developed telecom technology products.  Efforts by the government and Indian industry members have led the development of indigenous 4G stack for deployment in the Bharat Sanchar Network Limited commercial network.  Further, with the objective to build a strong ecosystem for 5G, DoT has sanctioned 17 companies under design-led manufacturing.

5G Alliance & IoT Innovation Centre has been launched by Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) to support multiple Indian Startups and MSMEs for developing open RAN compliant 5G equipment.

28-Jul-2022: Aatmanirbhar Bharat Scheme

The Government has taken a number of initiatives under the Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to mitigate the negative impact of Covid-19 on small businesses, including MSMEs, in the country. Some of them are:

1. Rs. 20,000 crore Subordinate Debt for stressed MSMEs.
2. Rs.3 lakh crores Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) for   Businesses,    including MSMEs (which has subsequently been increased to Rs. 5 lakh crore, as announced in Budget 2022-23).
3. Rs. 50,000 crore equity infusion through Self Reliant India Fund.
4. New revised criteria of classification of MSMEs.
5. New registration of MSMEs through ‘Udyam Registration’ for Ease of Doing Business.
6. No global tenders for procurement up to Rs. 200 crores.

Promotion and development of MSMEs is a continuous process. The Government of India, interacts regularly with Stakeholders, Industry Associations, Individual Enterprises, State Government through Seminars, Video Conferencing, Meeting etc., to assess the problems and challenges faced by the MSMEs. The Ministry of MSME implements various schemes and programmes for the promotion and development of MSMEs across India including Maharashtra. These schemes and programmes inter alia include Prime Minister’s Employment Generation programme (PMEGP), Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI),  Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises, Micro and Small Enterprises - Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP), etc.

As informed by Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, they neither keep any record as to which major countries of the world play key role in dumping products of the small scale industries in the markets of other countries nor promote dumping of any kind of goods in any country.

The Ministry of MSME, in order to help the MSMEs to grow technologically and to enhance their competitiveness, has established new Technology Centres (TCs) and Extension Centres (ECs) across the country. These TCs/ECs provide various services like technology support, skilling, incubation and consultancy to MSMEs and skill seekers, leading to enhancement in employability of the skill seekers, competitiveness of MSMEs and creation of new MSMEs in the country.

26-Jul-2022: ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’: MoD accords high priority to indigenisation of Software Defined Radios for the Armed Forces

Ministry of Defence (MoD) has fast-tracked the indigenisation of Software Defined Radios (SDRs) with country’s premier R&D institutions viz. Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur to fulfill the increasing demand by the Armed Forces across a broad spectrum of operations. The complete product life cycle management framework is necessary for security sensitive SDR technology and products. It involves indigenous self-sustainable design, development, manufacturing, testing/certification and maintenance ecosystem. Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, while according high priority to the indigenisation of SDR technology, stated that it will be an important milestone towards achieving the goals of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ in the field of secured radio communication.

Two key elements of indigenous SDR technology are the standardised operating software environment (OE) and applications (also known as waveforms) with associated waveforms repository and test/certification facility. Standard OE enables waveform portability and interoperability among SDRs of multiple vendors. Towards this, the Ministry of Defence has taken a decision to define and develop reference implementation of India specific operating environment called India Software Communication Architecture (SCA) profile or Indian Radio Software Architecture.

Director, IIT Kanpur Dr Abhay Karandikar, who is the Chairman of SCA Committee constituted by MoD, has pioneered the idea of having ‘India SCA Profile’. A Draft Project Report (DPR) has been formulated by DEAL/DRDO towards indigenous development of SDR with a roadmap and timelines.

The Directorate of Standardisation (DoS) in the Department of Defence Production, MoD will steer the development of IRSA with DRDO, academia and industry with definition in three to six months and additional 18 months for associated reference implementation, testing and compliance certification tools.

Availability of IRSA through access control will enable the Indian software vendors to integrate and make SDRs interoperable and security gradable. The IRSA will be notified by DoS and shared with the industry towards development of indigenous SDR for use by Indian defence/security forces and export to friendly foreign nations.

The three institutions involved in the development namely, DEAL/DRDO, IIT-Kanpur and DoS have already started the work as per DPR. Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar exuded confidence on all organisations and said that it will create a new benchmark towards indigenisation of critical equipment which, so far, has been imported. This would give a boost to the endeavour to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’, reduce import budget and create secured radio network for the Armed Forces. He added that the efforts will be made to complete it in a time-bound manner.

8-Dec-2021: Collaboration with Foreign Companies under Atmanirbhar Bharat

The Government announced Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan - a special economic package of Rs20  lakh crore on 12.05.2020 with the aim of making the country self-reliant and to focus on local manufacturing. It focuses on preparing the country for tough competition in global supply chains, enhance the ease of doing business, empower MSMEs, attract investments including FDI and strengthen the policies for Make in India. The package comprises of several long-term Scheme/Programmes intended to make the country self-reliant. These Schemes/Programmes are being implemented by various Ministries/Department.

Government has taken a number of effective measures to make the country self-reliant. Some the key measures are: special economic and comprehensive package of Rs. 29.87 lakh crore, 34.5 percent increase in capital expenditure in Union Budget 2021-22, and relief Package of Rs. 6.29 lakh crore in June, 2021, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme with an outlay of Rs. 1.97 Lakh Crore for 13 key sectors, Rs. 3 Lakh Crore Emergency Working Capital Facility for Businesses, including MSMEs, Rs. 45,000 crore Partial credit guarantee Scheme 2.0 for Liabilities of NBFCs/MFIs , Rs. 1 lakh crore Agri Infrastructure Fund for farm-gate infrastructure for farmers, launch of the PM Gati Shakti - a National Master Plan for multi-modal connectivity, reducing compliance burden on citizen and business to simplify, decriminalize & remove redundant laws, a liberal and transparent policy for attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), launch of the National Single Window System (NSWS) as a one-stop for taking all the regulatory approvals and services in the country, building a strong eco-system for nurturing innovation and Startups in the country with the help of schemes such as Fund of Funds for Startups Scheme (FFS), and Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) schemes, achieving integration of India Industrial National Land Bank (GIS Land Bank) in states and Make in India for world.

No Global tenders are invited for Government tenders of upto Rs. 200 crore.  Beyond Rs. 200 crore, work by various central Ministries/Departments are undertaken based on merits of the proposal submitted by companies.

28-Jul-2021: Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence Sector

Total 41 AoNs worth Rs.86623.55 crore have been accorded to domestic vendors for capital acquisition since May, 2020.

Guidelines issued by the Government for mandatory purchase of items domestically and other action taken by the Government to ensure domestic procurement are enumerated below:-

• Ministry of Defence has notified two “Positive Indigenisation lists” dated 21st August, 2020 and dated 31st May, 2021 of total 209 defence items including Weapons/system/equipment/ammunition along with indicative timelines after which there would be an embargo on their import.
• Department of Defence Production has notified 46 items under the latest Public Procurement Order 2017 notified by Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), for which there is sufficient local capacity and competition, the procurement of these items has to be done from local suppliers irrespective of the purchase value.
• As per the Public Procurement Policy 2017 Dated 16th September, 2020 which states that “in procurement of all goods, services or works and with estimated value of purchases less than Rs. 200 crore in accordance with Rule 161(IV) of GFR 2017, Global Tender enquiry shall not be issued except with the approval of competent authority as designated by Department of Expenditure”.

Further, for the year 2021-22, the allocation for domestic procurement has been enhanced compared to previous year and this year it is about 64.09% of the allocated amount for military modernization (Rs.71438.36 crore).

26-Jul-2021: India to explore indigenous deposits of Phosphatic rock, a step towards becoming ‘AatmaNirbhar’ in Fertilizer production

Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare Shri Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level meeting today to assess the situation of raw materials in the country for the manufacturing of Fertilisers.

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Bhagwanth Khuba along with Senior officials of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Ministry of Mines, Geological Survey of India, National Remote Sensing Centre and Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited.

While addressing the meeting, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya mentioned that India is committed to reduce dependency on fertilizer imports and to gain ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in all fertilizers. He said that the Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given the clarion call of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ for all sectors. In order to achieve the goal of ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in fertilizer production, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers is working continuously and exploring newer avenues.

He said, “To achieve this goal, we have to focus on scaling up production of fertilizers through indigenous raw materials. Currently we are dependent on other countries for raw materials to produce DAP and SSP primarily. India of the 21st century needs to reduce its dependencies on import. In order to achieve that goal, we have to explore indigenous deposits of Phosphatic rock and Potash and make it available to indigenous industries to produce DAP, SSP, NPK and MOP to cater the needs of Indian farmers.”

It is pertinent to mention that Rock Phosphate is the key raw material for DAP and NPK fertilizers. Currently India is 90% dependent on imports for this raw material. Volatility in international prices affects domestic prices of fertilizers. It hinders the progress and development of the agriculture sector in the country and puts extra pressure on our farmers, he added.

Shri Mandaviya also mentioned that the Union Government is ready with an action plan and will begin meaningful dialogue and deliberations with the states having deposits of mineral resources used for making fertilizers.

Shri Mandaviya underlined the importance of commercial exploration of Phosphorite deposits. He called for taking all the necessary steps for ramping up the production in the existing 30 lakh MT of Phosphorite deposits. The Union Government has handed over fertilizer mineral resource bearing GRs to the tune of 536 million tonnes to various states. These deposits are available in Rajasthan, central part of peninsular India, Hirapur (Madhya Pradesh), Lalitpur(Uttar Pradesh), Mussoorie syncline, Cuddapah basin (Andhra Pradesh). It was further decided that the Department of Mining and Geological Survey of India is going to expedite the exploration in the potential potassic ore resources in Rajasthan’s Satipura, Bharusari & Lakhasar and Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka.

19-Jul-2021: Investment for Procurement of Indigenously Manufactured Defence Equipment

In line with Government of India’s initiative of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, it has been decided to earmark an amount of Rs 71,438.36 crore for domestic capital procurement out of the total allocation of Rs 1,11,463.21 crore for  Capital Acquisition.

Capital procurement of defence equipment are undertaken from various domestic as well as foreign vendors, based on threat perception, operational challenges and technological changes and to keep the Armed Forces in a state of readiness.  During last three financial years i.e.      2018-19 to 2020-21, 102 contracts have been signed with Indian vendors for capital procurement of defence equipment such as aircrafts, missiles, tanks, bullet proof jackets, guns, navy vessels, radars, networks etc.

In order to provide impetus to self-reliance in defence manufacturing as part of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, two Positive Indigenization Lists have been promulgated.  The first Positive Indigenization List was promulgated in August 2020, which included 101 items, and second list was promulgated in May 2021, which included 108 items.  The lists intend to implement the ban in a staggered manner up to December 2025.  The aim behind promulgation of the lists is to apprise the Indian Defence Industry about the anticipated requirements of the armed forces, so that they are better prepared to realize the goal of indigenization.  It provides a great opportunity for the Indian Defence Industry to manufacture the items in the list by using their own design and development capabilities or adopting those developed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), to meet the requirements of the armed forces in the coming years.

7-Jul-2021: First aircraft purchase agreement signed between GIFT city-based Vman Aviation & Airbus Helicopters under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan

Today marked another significant day in the history of Indian aviation industry with the signing of first aircraft purchase order by a GIFT city (Gujarat International Finance Tec) based leasing company under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan of the Government of India.

Shri Pradeep Singh Kharola, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) presided over the signing of the purchase agreement between Vman Aviation, GIFT City, Gandhinagar and Airbus Helicopters SAS (Marignane, France) in an event held today at the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, New Delhi. Shri Vishok Mansingh, CEO, Vman and Mr. Remi Maillard, President, Airbus India and Managing Director, South Asia region signed the agreement. Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman AAI and Shri Amber Dubey, Joint Secretary, MoCA along with other senior officials were present during the signing agreement.

Congratulating both the companies, Shri Pradeep Singh Kharola, Secretary, MoCA said, “The aircraft purchase signing is a landmark event in the Indian aviation history. This agreement is the result of the efforts put in for the last 4-5 years to create a viable leasing & financing ecosystem in the country. This is a new business segment coming to India and the Government of India shall continue to provide all possible help to promote leasing activities in India under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan.”

Under the Atman Nirbhar Abhiyan, GIFT IFSC, with various incentives from the government of India and low set up costs, has become very attractive for lessors.  They can leverage the fast growing civil and military aviation market in India and abroad.

2-Jul-2021: Six technology innovation platforms launched for development of technologies for globally competitive manufacturing in India.

Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Shri Prakash Javadekar today inaugurated (through virtual mode) six Technology Innovation Platforms which will focus on development of technologies for the globally competitive manufacturing in India.

Shri Javadekar said that these platforms are the gift to the nation during the celebration of ‘Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav-Celebration of 75 Years of Independence’ and will help in bringing all India’s technical resources and the concerned Industry on to one platform to kick start and facilitate identification of technology problems faced by Indian Industry and crowd source solutions for the same.

The Minister further stated that this will facilitate the development of the key ‘mother’ manufacturing technologies' indigenously through ‘Grand Challenges’ on the Platforms to help achieve the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and a globally competitive manufacturing sector in India.

The Six Technology Platforms have been developed by IIT Madras, Central Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI), International Centre for Automotive Technology(iCAT), Automotive Research Association of India(ARAI),BHEL and HMT in association with IISc Bangalore. These platforms will focus on development of technologies for the globally competitive manufacturing in India.

These platforms will facilitate industry (including OEMs, Tier 1 Tier 2 & Tier 3 companies & Raw Material Manufacturers), start-ups, domain experts/professionals, R&D institutions and academia (colleges & universities), to provide technology solutions, suggestions, expert opinions etc. on issues involving manufacturing technologies. Further, it will facilitate exchange of knowledge with respect to research & development and other technological aspects. Over 39000 Students, Experts, Institutes, Industries and labs have already registered on these platforms.

28-Jun-2021: India to become Aatmanirbhar in Phosphatic Fertilisers

In order to improve the availability of phosphatic fertilisers (DAP and NPK) and to reduce the dependence on imports by making India truly AatmaNirbhar in fertilisers, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers chaired a meeting with officials of Department of Fertilizers and stakeholders of Fertilizers industries.

On the occasion Shri Mandaviya said, “I am glad that Department of Fertilisers is ready with an Action Plan to make India Aatmanirbhar in Rock Phosphate, the key raw material of DAP and NPK Fertlisers. By following the clarion call of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ given by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India is surely marching towards achieving Aatmanirabharta in fertilisers in the time to come.”

An Action Plan was chalked out for making India Aatmanirbhar in fertiliser production through indigenous resources. Shri Mandaviya directed to commercially exploit and ramp up the production in the existing 30 lakh MT of Phosphorite deposits which are available in Rajasthan, central part of peninsular India, Hirapur(MP) ,Lalitpur(UP) , Mussoorie syncline , Cuddapah basin(AP). Discussion and planning with Department of Mining and Geological Survey of India is going on to expedite the exploration in the potential potassic ore resources in Rajasthan’s Satipura, Bharusari & Lakhasar and Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka. All the departments are working jointly to start the mining of potential reserves as soon as possible. The Action Plan included the steps to minimize the import dependency of costly raw material imported from abroad and make it accessible and affordable to farmers.

Rock Phosphate is the key raw material for DAP and NPK fertilisers and India is 90% dependent on imports. Volatility in international prices affects domestic prices of fertilisers and hinders the progress and development of agriculture sector in the country. Therefore, Shri Mandaviya called a meeting with stakeholders to expedite the exploration and mining of available rock phosphate reserves in India.

18-Feb-2021: Software Defined Radio (SDR) for Indian Army under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan

Communication is vital and critical to all military operations. The Combat Net Radio (CNR) is the mainstay of communications for the Indian Army in the battlefield. The contemporary CNR equipment in the Indian Army supports voice communication only and has limited or no data transmission capability. To arm the soldiers with advantages offered by technology and equip him to fight a war in the Net–Centric battle space, present radios are to be replaced soon by indigenously developed Software Defined Radio (SDR), which have enhanced data transmission capability, enhanced voice clarity and data transmission accuracy in spectrally noisy environments, support multiple waveforms, greater system security and better communication survivability in clear and secure mode to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Army.

Indian Army is in the process to revamp its communication systems by procuring Very/Ultra High Frequency (V/UHF)Manpack SDRs under Make-II category.  After successful evaluation of vendor responses, Project Sanction Order (PSO) has now been issued to 18 Indian vendors to start prototype development. The contract will be placed with one of the firms post successful development of prototype as per provisions of Buy (Indian-IDDM) category of DAP 2020.

Development of V/UHF Manpack SDR under Make-II will be a game changer for Indian Army. It is in sync with the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” policy of the Government which will lead to “Self-Reliance” in advanced communication systems.

13-May-2020: Finance Minister announce measures for relief and credit support related to businesses, especially MSMEs to support Indian Economy’s fight against COVID-19

Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced a Special economic and comprehensive package of Rs 20 lakh crores - equivalent to 10% of India’s GDP. He gave a clarion call for आत्मनिर्भर भारत अभियान or Self-Reliant India Movement. He also outlined five pillars of Aatmanirbhar Bharat – Economy, Infrastructure, System, Vibrant Demography and Demand.

During the press conference here today, Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said in her opening remarks that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had laid out a comprehensive vision in his address to the Nation yesterday. She further said that after spending considerable time, the Prime Minister has himself ensured that inputs obtained from widespread consultation form a part of economic package in fight against COVID-19.

“Essentially, the goal is to build a self-reliant India that is why the Economic Package is called Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan. Citing the pillars on which we seek to build Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan, Smt. Sitharaman said our focus would be on land, labour, liquidity and law.

The Finance Minister further said that the Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been listening and is a responsive Government, hence it is fitting to recall some reforms which have been undertaken since 2014.

“Soon after Budget 2020 came COVID-19 and within hours of the announcement of Lockdown 1.0, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna (PMGKY) was announced,” Smt. Sitharaman said. She further said that we are going to build on this package.

“Beginning today, for the next few days, I shall be coming here with the entire team of the Ministry of Finance to detail the Prime Minister’s vision for Aatma Nirbhar Bharat laid out by the Prime Minister yesterday,” Smt Sitharaman said.

Smt. Nirmala  Sitharaman today announced measures focused on Getting back to work i.e., enabling employees and employers, businesses, especially Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, to get back to production and workers back to gainful employment. Efforts to strengthen Non-Banking Finance Institutions (NBFCs), Housing Finance Companies (HFCs), Micro Finance Sector and Power Sector were also unfolded. Other than this, the tax relief to business, relief from contractual commitments to contractors in public procurement and compliance relief to real estate sector were also covered.

Over the last five years, the Government has actively taken various measures for the industry and MSME. For the Real Estate sector, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act [RERA] was enacted in 2016 to bring in more transparency into the industry. A special fund for affordable and middle income housing was set up last year to help with the stress in this segment. To help MSMEs with the issue of delayed payment by any Government department or PSUs, Samadhaan Portal was launched in 2017. A Fund of Funds for startups was set up under SIDBI to boost entrepreneurship in the country and various other credit guarantee schemes to help flow of credit to the MSMEs.

Following measures were announced today:-

1. Rs 3 lakh crore Emergency Working Capital Facility for Businesses, including MSMEs: To provide relief to the business, additional working capital finance of 20% of the outstanding credit as on 29 February 2020, in the form of a Term Loan at a concessional rate of interest will be provided. This will be available to units with upto Rs 25 crore outstanding and turnover of up to Rs 100 crore whose accounts are standard. The units will not have to provide any guarantee or collateral of their own. The amount will be 100% guaranteed by the Government of India providing a total liquidity of Rs. 3.0 lakh crores to more than 45 lakh MSMEs.
2. Rs 20,000 crore Subordinate Debt for Stressed MSMEs: Provision made for Rs. 20,000 cr. subordinate debt for two lakh MSMEs which are NPA or are stressed. Government will support them with Rs. 4,000 Cr. to Credit Guarantee Trust for Micro and Small enterprises (CGTMSE). Banks are expected to provide the subordinate-debt to promoters of such MSMEs equal to 15% of his existing stake in the unit subject to a maximum of Rs 75 lakhs.
3. Rs 50,000 crores equity infusion through MSME Fund of Funds: Govt will set up a Fund of Funds with a corpus of Rs 10,000 crore that will provide equity funding support for MSMEs. The Fund of Funds shall be operated through a Mother and a few Daughter funds. It is expected that with leverage of 1:4 at the level of daughter funds, the Fund of Funds will be able to mobilise equity of about Rs 50,000 crores.
4. New definition of MSME: Definition of MSME will be revised by raising the Investment limit. An additional criteria of turnover also being introduced. The distinction between manufacturing and service sector will also be eliminated.
5. Other Measures for MSME: e-market linkage for MSMEs will be promoted to act as a replacement for trade fairs and exhibitions. MSME receivables from Government and CPSEs will be released in 45 days
6. No Global tenders for Government tenders of up to Rs 200 crores: General Financial Rules (GFR) of the Government will be amended to disallow global tender enquiries in procurement of Goods and Services of value of less than Rs 200 crores
7. Employees Provident Fund Support for business and organised workers: The scheme introduced as part of PMGKP under which Government of India contributes 12% of salary each on behalf of both employer and employee to EPF will be extended by another 3 months for salary months of June, July and August 2020. Total benefits accrued is about Rs 2500 crores to 72.22 lakh employees.
8. EPF Contribution to be reduced for Employers and Employees for 3 months: Statutory PF contribution of both employer and employee reduced to 10% each from existing 12% each for all establishments covered by EPFO for next 3 months. This will provide liquidity of about Rs.2250 Crore per month.
9. Rs 30,000 crores Special Liquidity Scheme for NBFC/HFC/MFIs: Government will launch Rs 30,000 crore Special Liquidity Scheme, liquidity being provided by RBI. Investment will be made in primary and secondary market transactions in investment grade debt paper of NBFCs, HFCs and MFIs. This will be 100 percent guaranteed by the Government of India.
10. Rs 45,000 crores Partial credit guarantee Scheme 2.0 for Liabilities of NBFCs/MFIs: Existing Partial Credit Guarantee scheme is being revamped and now will be extended to cover the borrowings of lower rated NBFCs, HFCs and other Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs). Government of India will provide 20 percent first loss sovereign guarantee to Public Sector Banks.
11. Rs 90,000 crore Liquidity Injection for DISCOMs: Power Finance Corporation and Rural Electrification Corporation will infuse liquidity in the DISCOMS to the extent of Rs 90000 crores in two equal instalments. This amount will be used by DISCOMS to pay their dues to Transmission and Generation companies. Further, CPSE GENCOs will give a rebate to DISCOMS on the condition that the same is passed on to the final consumers as a relief towards their fixed charges.
12. Relief to Contractors: All central agencies like Railways, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and CPWD will give extension of up to 6 months for completion of contractual obligations, including in respect of EPC and concession agreements
13. Relief to Real Estate Projects: State Governments are being advised to invoke the Force Majeure clause under RERA. The registration and completion date for all registered projects will be extended up to 6 months and may be further extended by another 3 months based on the State’s situation. Various statutory compliances under RERA will also be extended concurrently.
14. Tax Relief to Business: The pending income tax refunds to charitable trusts and non-corporate businesses and professions including proprietorship, partnership and LLPs and cooperatives shall be issued immediately.
15. Tax related measures
    • Reduction in Rates of ‘Tax Deduction at Source’ and ‘Tax Collected at Source” - The TDS rates for all non-salaried payment to residents, and tax collected at source rate will be reduced by 25 percent of the specified rates for the remaining period of FY 20-21. This will provided liquidity to the tune of Rs 50,000 Crore.
    • The due date of all Income Tax Returns for Assessment Year 2020-21 will be extended to 30 November, 2020.  Similarly, tax audit due date will be extended to 31 October 2020.
    • The date for making payment without additional amount under the “Vivad Se Vishwas” scheme will be extended to 31 December, 2020.