A COVID19 Relief Package for SMEs
ECONOMY & POLICY

A COVID19 Relief Package for SMEs

Fiscal stimulus through Direct Benefit Transfer is surely the way to help the economically weaker sections but what about the 7,00,000 tax paying SMEs? Their businesses are completely jolted and disrupted. Even from the 70 million SMEs in the country 99% have a turnover of less than Rs 250 crores (Rs 2.5 billion). They do not have the cash to run the operation for more than a month or two and hence the government needs to act and FAST!

Here is the "Relief Package" that the Govt of India needs to introduce for SMEs due to the COVID19 outbreak.

1. Defer tax payment deadlines by a month
2. All defaults on contracts expecting execution by March to be given a three-month extension.
3. Allow corporates / firms paying taxes of less that Rs 50 lacs, a three-month extension
4. Loan defaults which have got triggered in Jan-March 2020 to be given a six-month extension
5. Extend Vivaad se Vishwas amnesty scheme by two months and release all dues back to the taxpayer once settled.
6. Announce 'interest payment holiday' for borrowers bearing loans during Jan - March 2020 for three months
7. Align GST rates to two slabs
8. All employers, who do not retrench staff during March - June 2020 and have a turnover of less than Rs 250 crores (Rs 2.5 billion), to be given a tax deduction of 25% of tax payable
9. Tax refunds & exporter drawbacks held up need to be released on an urgent basis
10. Legal compliances for PF/ GST/ TDS need to be considered leniently for April 2020

Pratap Padode, Founder, ASAPP Info Global Group, and Founder & Executive Director at FIRST Construction Council and Smart Cities Council India


Fiscal stimulus through Direct Benefit Transfer is surely the way to help the economically weaker sections but what about the 7,00,000 tax paying SMEs? Their businesses are completely jolted and disrupted. Even from the 70 million SMEs in the country 99% have a turnover of less than Rs 250 crores (Rs 2.5 billion). They do not have the cash to run the operation for more than a month or two and hence the government needs to act and FAST! Here is the Relief Package that the Govt of India needs to introduce for SMEs due to the COVID19 outbreak.1. Defer tax payment deadlines by a month 2. All defaults on contracts expecting execution by March to be given a three-month extension. 3. Allow corporates / firms paying taxes of less that Rs 50 lacs, a three-month extension 4. Loan defaults which have got triggered in Jan-March 2020 to be given a six-month extension 5. Extend Vivaad se Vishwas amnesty scheme by two months and release all dues back to the taxpayer once settled. 6. Announce 'interest payment holiday' for borrowers bearing loans during Jan - March 2020 for three months 7. Align GST rates to two slabs 8. All employers, who do not retrench staff during March - June 2020 and have a turnover of less than Rs 250 crores (Rs 2.5 billion), to be given a tax deduction of 25% of tax payable 9. Tax refunds & exporter drawbacks held up need to be released on an urgent basis 10. Legal compliances for PF/ GST/ TDS need to be considered leniently for April 2020 Pratap Padode, Founder, ASAPP Info Global Group, and Founder & Executive Director at FIRST Construction Council and Smart Cities Council India

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Greaves Electric Mobility Files for IPO

Electric-vehicle manufacturer Greaves Electric Mobility has announced plans to raise Rs 10 billion through an initial public offering (IPO), as stated in its draft papers filed. The company, recognised for its 'Ampere' brand of electric scooters, also produces three-wheelers under a separate brand. Greaves Electric’s major shareholders, Greaves Cotton—a publicly listed entity—and investment firm Abdul Latif Jameel Green Mobility Solutions, will collectively sell approximately 189.4 million shares through the IPO. This move positions Greaves Electric alongside larger competitor Ather En..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

IREDA Approves Rs 30 Billion for Odisha's Renewable Energy Projects

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) has approved funding exceeding Rs 30 billion for renewable energy projects in Odisha as the state strives to achieve its goal of 10 GW capacity by 2030. Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman and Managing Director of IREDA, shared this update during the Odisha Solar Investor Conclave organised by GRIDCO. He emphasised that accessible financing is crucial to fostering the adoption of renewable energy. Das outlined IREDA's significant contributions to funding renewable energy projects in Odisha, spanning sectors such as solar, hydro, ethanol, and renewable..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Oil Prices Rise Amid Light Pre-Christmas Trading

Oil prices edged higher during light trading ahead of the Christmas Day holiday. The increase was attributed to positive US economic data and growing oil demand in India, the third-largest importer of oil globally. Brent crude futures rose by 33 cents, or 0.45 per cent, to reach $72.95 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained 29 cents, or 0.42 per cent, settling at $69.53 per barrel as of 0114 GMT. Economic indicators in the United States highlighted a surge in new orders for key manufactured capital goods in November, driven by robust demand for machinery. Add..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000