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New Delhi, Asset management companies launched 212 <keyword id="20372350" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="new-fund-offerings" source="keywords">new fund offerings</keyword> mobilising Rs 63,854 crore in 2023, marginally higher from previous year, on the back of significant uptrends in broader markets. In comparison, Asset Management Companies (AMCs) garnered Rs 62,187 crore through 228 New Fund Offerings (NFOs) in 2022. Further, they collected Rs 99,704 crore in 2021 and Rs 53,703 crore in 2020, according to data compiled by <keyword id="20372349" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="morningstar-india" source="keywords">Morningstar India</keyword>. "The trend towards the financialisation of assets in India is unmistakable. Aligned with changing consumption behaviours and a need for a higher standard of living, investors recognise the importance of long-term investing. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity for financial planning and the creation of liquid assets to address emergencies and pave the way for wealth-building," FYERS Research said in its report. It further said that "despite indices exhibiting strength, propelled by robust economic activity, steady <keyword id="19951327" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gst" source="keywords">GST</keyword> collections, and confidence in government reforms and policies, anticipating a similar outperformance in 2024 may not be prudent. Valuations across various market capitalisations look elevated, advocating a cautious approach to direct equities in the short term". As per the FYERS report, the January-March period of 2023 saw the highest number of NFOs at 57. However, the peak fund mobilisation occurred in the July-September period, totalling Rs 22,049 crore. Additionally, 29 thematic or sectoral funds raised an aggregate of Rs 17,946 crore in 2023. With an increased risk appetite for equities and awareness of products and offerings, retail investors opted for higher-risk products like thematic and sectoral funds compared to other products. Usually, NFOs come during a surging market when investor sentiments are high and optimistic. The NFOs were floated to capitalise on the mood of investors and attract their investment as they were willing to invest at that time. Industry experts said that the stock market performance along with the positive investor sentiments led to higher fund mobilisation through NFOs in 2023. In the year 2023, Nifty 50 index delivered a return of 20 per cent, majorly supported by earnings growth. <keyword id="19994732" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nifty-midcap" source="keywords">Nifty Midcap</keyword> and <keyword id="20118967" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nifty-smallcap" source="keywords">Nifty Smallcap</keyword> indices recorded impressive returns of 47 per cent and 56 per cent, respectively. Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) infused a substantial Rs 1.7 lakh crore into the market and the infusion played a pivotal role in propelling Indian equities beyond the USD 4 trillion market capitalization milestone. Overall, the mutual fund industry saw a net inflow of Rs 2.74 lakh crore in 2023 as compared to an inflow of over Rs 71,000 crore in the preceding year. The huge inflow could be on the back of sustained investors' interest in equity funds, arbitrage funds, and index funds &amp; ETFs. Debt schemes experienced a net outflow of Rs 46,100 crore last year, while equity schemes saw substantial inflows of Rs 1.62 lakh crore, closely followed by hybrid category schemes at Rs 93,208 crore.

Mutual funds collects ₹63,854 cr via new fund offers in 2023

India's gross <keyword id="6354679" type="DEFINITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="gst">GST</keyword> revenue collection fell below the psychological mark of Rs 1 lakh crore for the first time this year, clocking Rs 92,849 crore in June 2021, as collections fell due to disruptions caused by the fresh wave of Covid-19. Though the GST revenues during June 2021 are lower than the over Rs 1 lakh crore collections recorded in the previous month and a record Rs 1.41 lakh crore collection made in April, it is still a growth over June 2020 collections when GST numbers had remained low due to the first set of lockdowns. Most tax experts had feared that the real impact of the pandemic and lockdowns in different parts of the country would pull down GST revenues significantly in May and then in June. "The revenues for the month of June 2021 are 2 per cent higher than the GST revenues in the same month last year", a <keyword id="47209" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Finance-Ministry">finance ministry</keyword> statement said. According to the statement, the gross GST revenue collected in the month of June is Rs 92,849 crore of which CGST is Rs 16,424 crore, SGST is Rs 20,397, <keyword id="6360947" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="IGST">IGST</keyword> is Rs 49,079 crore (including Rs 25,762 crore collected on import of goods) and Cess is Rs 6,949 crore (including Rs 809 crore collected on import of goods). The June numbers include <keyword id="4943720" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="gst-collection">GST collection</keyword> from domestic transactions between 5th June to 5th July 2021 since taxpayers were given various relief measures in the form of waiver or reduction in interest on delayed return filing for 15 days for the return filing month June '21 for the taxpayers with the aggregate turnover upto Rs 5 crore in the wake of the second wave. During this month the government has settled Rs 19,286 crore to CGST and Rs 16,939 crore to SGST from IGST as regular settlement, the statement said. With June collections staying close to below the Rs 1 lakh crore mark, it would be the first month after a gap of eight months in a row when GST revenues had remained above the threshold. The collection is surprising as most of the States have been under strict lockdown due to the pandemic. The GST collection for June, 2021 is related to the business transactions made during May, 2021. During May, 2021, most of the States/UTs were under either complete or partial lockdown due to Covid. A finance ministry statement said that the e-way bill data for the month of May 2021 shows that during the month, 3.99 crore e-way bills were generated as compared to 5.88 crore in the month of April 2021, down by more than 30 per cent. However, with reduction in caseload and easing of lockdowns, the e-way bills generated during June 2021 are 5.5 crore which indicates recovery of trade and business. The daily average generation of e-way bills for the first two weeks of April 2021 was 20 lakh, which came down to 16 lakh in the last week of April 2021 and further to 12 lakh in the two weeks between 9th to 22nd May. Thereafter, the ministry said, the average generation of e-way bills has been increasing and has again reached the 20 lakh level since the week beginning 20th June. Therefore, it is expected that while the GST revenues have dipped during the month of June, the revenues will see an increase again from July 2021 onwards, the finance ministry said. "While the collections are lower than Rs 1 Trillion, which had become the norm for the past few months, considering the fact that it relates to transactions in May 2021 which was badly impacted by the pandemic, it would be considered as a very satisfactory collection. These numbers also reflect the economic resilience shown during the recent pandemic phase," said MS Mani, Senior Director, <keyword id="6356108" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="deloitte-india">Deloitte India</keyword>. SEE ALSO- <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/payments-firm-pine-labs-raises-600-million-as-it-plans-to-go-public-by-2022/articleshow/84162996.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Payments firm Pine Labs raises $600 million as it plans to go public by 2022</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/what-happens-if-you-forget-to-claim-your-fixed-deposit-proceeds-after-maturity-explained/articleshow/84161710.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">What happens if you forget to claim your fixed deposit proceeds after maturity? Explained</a>

India's GST revenue falls below ₹1 lakh crore for the first time this year

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (<keyword id="354719" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="fada" source="Orion">FADA</keyword>), the leading body of automobile retail in India, on Thursday submitted a critical representation to the Goods and Services Tax (<keyword id="6354679" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="gst" source="Orion">GST</keyword>) Council, urging an immediate reduction in the GST rate on two-wheelers from the current 28 per cent to 18 per cent. This timely and decisive intervention is aimed at making two-wheelers more affordable, reviving demand and reinvigorating an industry that has seen a significant slump in sales over the past few years, according to a statement from FADA. FADA President Manish Raj Singhania affirmed, "The two-wheeler industry is at a critical juncture, grappling with unprecedented challenges such as rising inflation, stringent emission norms, and the post-COVID-19 effects in Bharat of India." He said this is the opportune moment for the GST Council to reduce the GST rate on two-wheelers, making them more accessible for the common man, thereby providing the much-needed boost to the industry, generating employment opportunities and fostering India's overall economic growth. FADA's compelling appeal has been forwarded to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, chair of the GST Council, all GST Council members; the Ministry of Heavy Industries, which supervises the automobile sector and the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This action underscores the urgency and significance of the issue, it added. FADA said over the past few years, the prices of various two-wheelers have risen significantly, impacting their affordability for consumers across India. This surge in prices can be attributed to multiple factors, including the rising cost of raw materials, stricter emission norms and higher taxes and levies, FADA said, adding that for instance, the price of the popular -- Honda Activa -- has escalated from Rs 52,000 in 2016 to Rs 88,000 in 2023. Similarly, the Bajaj Pulsar has witnessed a substantial increase from Rs 72,000 in 2016 to Rs 1,50,000 in 2023. The Hero Splendor and <keyword id="1871753" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tvs-jupiter" source="Orion">TVS Jupiter</keyword> have also experienced considerable price hikes over the same period, with their prices soaring from Rs 46,000 to Rs 74,801 and Rs 49,000 to Rs 88,498, respectively. The continuous rise in two-wheeler prices has consequently led to a decline in sales, emphasising the pressing need for intervention and GST rate reduction to restore the industry's growth trajectory, according to the statement. In 2016, two-wheelers accounted for 78 per cent of the total automobile sales in India. However, due to continuous price increases since 2020, this contribution has fallen to 72 per cent in FY23, underlining the impact of the steep price hike. FADA believes that a reduction in the GST rate will address several critical issues facing the industry, including rural distress, the transition from BS-4 to BS-6 emission norms and the sharp increase in two-wheeler prices. Lowering the GST rate will enhance the competitiveness of two-wheelers compared to other transportation modes, thereby increasing sales and revenue for the industry. The association also said two-wheelers play a pivotal role in providing affordable mobility to a large segment of India's population, especially in rural areas where public transportation is sparse. FADA also asserted that two-wheelers, being essential for millions, should not be categorised as sin goods or luxury items for GST taxation purposes. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-app-store-prevented-over-2-billion-in-fraudulent-transactions-last-year-banned-282-million-user-accounts/articleshow/100322718.cms">Apple App Store prevented over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions last year, banned 282 million user accounts</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/electric-scooters-and-bikes-may-get-costlier-as-government-looks-to-revamp-the-fame-ii-scheme/articleshow/100321089.cms">Electric two wheelers may get costlier as government looks to revamp the FAME-II scheme</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/how-to-find-phone-numbers-registered-in-your-name-and-block-those-that-arent-yours/articleshow/100297548.cms">How to find phone numbers registered in your name and block those that aren’t yours</a>

Automobile dealers' association seeks GST cut on 2-wheelers from 28% to 18%

<ul><li>Entry-level passenger vehicle segment has fewer buyers, suggesting that customers at the bottom of the pyramid are still hesitant to upgrade from 2-wheelers to 4-wheelers </li><li>For the first time in eight months, passenger vehicles witnessed a Y-o-Y degrowth. </li><li>The 2-wheeler industry is facing challenges as the demand for entry-level vehicles decreases. </li><li><keyword id="354719" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="fada" source="Orion">FADA</keyword> has adopted a cautious stance for the month of May due to unfavourable weather conditions.</li></ul> The retail performance of vehicles in April marks a slow start to FY2024, with a 4% decline in total vehicle retails. Two-wheelers and passenger vehicles led the declines, according to data released by Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations of India. Despite a healthy year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth of 57% in 3-wheelers and marginal growth of 1% and 2% in tractor and commercial vehicles respectively, 2-wheelers faced a setback, declining by 7%. In April, the passenger vehicle (PV) segment experienced a slowdown with a 1% Y-o-Y decline in retail sales, after achieving record sales in FY 2023. The decline was attributed to a high base from the previous year and the implementation of OBD 2A norms, which caused an increase in vehicle prices and prompted advanced purchases in March. OBD 2A refers to on-board diagnostics 2nd generation type A, which is a set of regulations implemented by the Indian government to reduce vehicular pollution. “Entry-level PVs have fewer buyers, suggesting that customers at the bottom of the pyramid are still hesitant to upgrade from 2-wheelers to 4-wheelers,” said <keyword id="14931734" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="manish-raj-singhania" source="Orion">Manish Raj Singhania</keyword>, president, FADA. 2-wheeler segment continues to struggle The 2-wheeler segment continues to struggle, down by 19% compared to pre-Covid April 2019, and contributing to a 12% decline in total vehicle sales. Unfavourable weather conditions, including untimely rains and hailstorms, caused crop damage in several states in April, aggravating farmer concerns and potentially impacting entry-level 2-wheeler and passenger car sales. “The 2-wheeler segment's continued low sales, with a 7% YoY decrease, can be attributed to limited supplies due to the OBD 2A shift, untimely rains, and pre-buying in March. Model mix availability, rural sentiment, and demand in the 2-wheeler motorcycle segment remain weak. The rural economy has yet to show significant progress,” said <keyword id="1114" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="singhania" source="Orion">Singhania</keyword>. Inclement weather conditions likely to impact May sales The 2-wheeler industry is facing challenges as the demand for entry-level vehicles decreases. FADA said it has requested the <keyword id="6355040" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="gst-council" source="Orion">GST Council</keyword> to consider reducing the <keyword id="6354679" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="gst" source="Orion">GST</keyword> on 2-wheelers from 28% to 18% to revive this important segment, which makes up 75% of total auto sales. However, there is hope that the upcoming wedding season in May will lead to a sales resurgence due to increased customer interest. Additionally, as electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, customers are considering switching from internal combustion engines (ICE) to EVs, which may delay their purchasing decisions temporarily, FADA said. The demand for medium and heavy commercial vehicles (M&amp;HCV) in the commercial vehicle (CV) segment is growing rapidly, thanks to the active infrastructure development projects across the country. The segment's growth is also attributed to better supply of products from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and customers' willingness to adapt to changes in pricing. Concerns are being raised regarding the increasing inventory levels in the PV segment. FADA has requested original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to re-evaluate their inventory and prioritise production and supply of products that are in demand to ensure a better alignment between market demand and available inventory. This move will benefit both customers and manufacturers alike. Although the market conditions are somewhat sluggish, and there is a shortage of chips, the upcoming marriage season in May is expected to provide a slight boost in sales for the current month. Unfavourable weather conditions, including untimely rains and hailstorms, are causing crop damage in multiple states. This is worsening the concerns for farmers and has the potential to impact sales of entry-level 2-wheelers and passenger cars. In light of these factors, FADA has adopted a cautious stance for the month of May. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/go-first-suspends-sale-of-tickets-till-may-15-dgca-asks-airline-to-process-refunds-for-passengers/articleshow/99982706.cms">Go First suspends sale of tickets till May 15; DGCA asks airline to process refunds for passengers</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/go-first-flight-cancellations-make-summer-travel-and-vacations-expensive/slidelist/99983101.cms">Go First flight cancellations make summer travel and vacations expensive</a>

Retail vehicle sales decline 4% in April, says FADA as it remains cautious about May

The <keyword id="6355040" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="GST-Council">GST Council</keyword> will meet here on Thursday to take up the single-point agenda of <keyword id="9025375" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="GST-compensation-to-states">GST compensation to states</keyword> affected by delays in the release by the Centre, a government official privy to meeting agenda said. The meeting was earlier proposed in July, as announced by Union Finance Minister <keyword id="129243" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Nirmala-Sitharaman">Nirmala Sitharaman</keyword> after the first GST Council meeting in the backdrop of Covid-19 pandemic in June. "The Council will meet tomorrow with a single-point agenda to discuss the compensation cess. Any changes in the GST rates or cess structure would also relate to how timely compensation to the states could be released," the official said. Faced with sharp decline in GST collections due to the nationwide lockdown and disruptions in economic activities across the country, one of the options before the Centre is to pay <keyword id="2600993" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="GST-compensation">GST compensation</keyword> to states by using a portion of its borrowings. The compensation has not been paid to the states since March. Even the compensation for March was delayed and paid in late July. A legal opinion on the matter sought by the Centre from the Attorney General earlier suggested that the former is under "no obligation to pay GST compensation shortfalls to the states" and it is the GST Council which has to decide on making good the shortfall in the goods and services tax compensation fund by putting sufficient amount into it. The AG had opined that the GST Council can recommend to the Centre to allow the states to borrow on the strength of the future receipts from the compensation fund, sources said. It would, however, be for the central government to take a final decision in the matter under Article 293(3) of the Constitution. "If there is need for borrowings to meet compensation to the states and who is going to borrow? How we are going to pay for it?" the Finance Minister had said about the Council meeting in June, hinting that the fall in revenues has become a huge cause of concern for the Centre to meet its liability towards the states as per the GST legislation. Under the GST law, states are guaranteed full compensation for any revenue loss for the first five years after the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in July 2017. The compensation is the difference between actually revenue collected and projected revenue. The projected revenue is revenue growth of 14 per cent for the states per year over the base year 2015-16. As per the GST Act, full compensation to the states has to be paid for a period of five years till FY22 only through the compensation fund that gets its money through the levy of GST compensation cess on a few items. However, with the fund not getting enough collections since August 2019, the GST compensation to the states has been delayed. The Centre is now looking at getting GST Council nod for a mechanism to finance the compensation. The situation vis-a-vis the GST revenue has worsened in April 2020, with several states indicating a shortfall in collections to the tune of 80-90 per cent of the average monthly collections during this time of the year. In fact, Delhi has said its GST collections may end up at a mere Rs 300 crore in April as against a collection of Rs 3,500 crore in the same month previous year. Other states like Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh are also facing severe revenue decline due to shrinking economic activities during the Covid-induced lockdown. The problem has continued into May as well. With economic activity and GDP growth projected to remain subdued for most part of FY21, the Centre is looking at all possible means on how it could meet its constitutional obligation of compensating the states for their revenue losses. After February, when the Centre released GST compensation of Rs 19,950 crore for October and November 2019, the Centre has cleared dues for December, January and February only now. In late July, the Centre released Rs 13,806 crore to the states as compensation for their revenue losses in the GST goods regime for March 2020. "The total amount of compensation released for the year 2019-20 is Rs 1,65,302 crore whereas the amount of cess collected during the year 2019-20 was Rs 95,444 crore," a government statement had said. The monthly compensation requirement for the states in 2020-21 is pegged at Rs 20,250 crore, government sources said, which leaves a big gap between what needs to be paid and what is getting collected. Even in FY21, monthly cess collections could be at a low Rs 7,000-8,000 crore, or even lower. According to previous releases of the Finance Ministry, in the FY 2017-18, a total GST compensation cess of Rs 62,611 crore was collected, of which Rs 41,146 crore was released to the states/UTs as GST compensation. In the FY 2018-19, Rs 95,081 crore was collected as GST compensation cess, of which Rs 69,275 crore was released to the states and UTs as GST compensation. As on March 31, 2019, Rs 47,271 crore collected as GST compensation cess remained unutilised after the release of GST compensation to the states and UTs in the FYs 2017-18 and 2018-19. Since the end of August 2019, the central government has started realising the impending precarious position in paying the GST compensation to the states and UTs as the compensation cess requirement was twice of the average monthly cess collection. The sources said that though the GST Council also has the option to either bring in more items under the cess base by expanding the base of GST cess items, or to increase cess rate on the existing items. Any increase in compensation cess on a few items could yield only about Rs 2,000-3,000 crore a year. Therefore, the Council in its earlier meeting also discussed other options like forego full cess compensation, which was increasing @14% per annum, or to go ahead with whatever compensation is available. One more option looked at was to raise the tax rate on items through rationalisation via shuffling of slab rates. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/if-you-have-a-bank-loan-that-you-are-unable-to-pay-restructuring-is-on-its-way/articleshow/77391894.cms">If you have a bank loan that you are unable to pay, restructuring is on its way</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/loan-moratorium-still-ends-on-aug-31-while-supreme-court-gives-the-government-another-week-to-clarify-if-accrued-interest-should-be-waived/articleshow/77758597.cms">Loan moratorium still ends on Aug 31 while Supreme Court gives the government another week to clarify if accrued interest should be waived</a>

GST Council meet on Thursday to figure out how states will be compensated for delays in payment

<ul><li>The survey conducted among MSMEs during and post the lockdown period delves into major problems faced by entrepreneurs .</li><li>This study shows that of those surveyed only 31 per cent were aware of schemes launched under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.</li><li>The study was conducted over 2020 and 2021 in two rounds, each across 1955 micro businesses.</li></ul> A study on the impact of Covid-19 on microbusinesses in <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> has found that nearly 40 per cent of them were denied loans (both formal/informal) as they did not have sufficient collateral or lacked positive credit history. According to non-profit organisation '<keyword id="6815383" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="global-alliance-for-mass-entrepreneurship" source="Orion">Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship</keyword>' (GAME), which conducted the study, 21 per cent of the microbusinesses lacked requisite documentation for the application. The report, titled '<keyword id="15622525" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="road-to-recovery-examining-the" source="Orion">Road to Recovery: Examining the</keyword> impact of Covid-19 on microbusinesses in India', released recently, is a nationwide study on how the Indian MSME (micro, small and medium enterprises) sector managed the pandemic period lockdowns, GAME said. The survey conducted among MSMEs during and post the lockdown period delves into major problems faced by entrepreneurs regarding financial impact, business confidence, and stress management, it said. The study conducted over 2020 and 2021 in two rounds, each across 1955 micro businesses, pointed out that over 50 per cent of enterprises reported having no coping strategies or mechanisms to cushion the pandemic's impact, GAME said in a statement. GAME Founder, Ravi <keyword id="205709" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="venkatesan" source="Orion">Venkatesan</keyword> said there is a dire need for building adequate knowledge of bank managers, field officers, and banking correspondents on bank and government schemes. This study shows that of those surveyed only 31 per cent were aware of schemes launched under the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, he said. "As part of the package, financial institutions introduced a credit product for MSMEs whose loan accounts were categorised as special mention accounts by lending institutions. While this was created to support MSMEs unable to repay loans, similarly, financial solutions can be created to encourage business modifications as a response to external challenges", Venkatesan said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/elon-musk-may-produce-alternative-smartphones-to-compete-with-apple-android/articleshow/95780494.cms">Elon Musk may produce 'alternative' smartphones to compete with Apple, Android</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-sees-a-single-day-rise-of-new-389-coronavirus-infections-tally-rises-to-530608/articleshow/95779680.cms">India sees a single-day rise of new 389 coronavirus infections, tally rises to 5,30,608</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/centre-releases-17000-cr-as-gst-compensation-to-states/uts/articleshow/95768144.cms">Centre releases ₹17,000 cr as GST compensation to States/UTs</a>

Over 50% of microbusinesses had no mechanisms to cushion Covid impact, Road to Recovery report says

New Delhi, May 8 () The ATM industry has pitched for a stimulus package along with several relaxations, including lowering of the GST rate, saying the current lockdown due to the coronavirus infection has hit transactions and posed severe challenges.In a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Confederation of ATM Industry (CATMi) mentioned that it has been recognised by the government as a crucial player to further the financial inclusion. The COVID-19 situation has caused a sharp decline in the ATM transactions and has posed severe business challenges to the ATM industry, the CATMi stated."Specifically, in the battle against COVID-19 pandemic, we form a critical link in the distribution of the vital sustenance subsidies (direct benefit transfer) which the Government of India under your leadership has been kindly extending to the financially disadvantaged sections of the society," CATMi said in the letter.It has urged the government for an increase in ATM interchange rates, citing recommendations by a committee submitted to the Reserve Bank in December 2019. A bank pays ATM interchange charges for transactions done by its card customers at other bank ATMs. CATMi said it is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to keep ATMs up and running, the economic slowdown due to coronavirus pandemic has worsened the financial issues the industry has been facing over the last five years because of increasing cost on operations and compliances."The ATM industry today badly needs a stimulus package to keep afloat and augment the banking system in the country and we seek your kind support on the same," the body said.Seeking for an urgent intervention by the finance ministry, CATMi said measures such as bringing down GST rates from the current 18 per cent to 12 per cent, increase in contract terms by public sector banks for two years to recover costs as well as compensation to brown label ATMs (BLA) with an average transaction of last six months post-COVID may help the industry to a great extent as there has been a huge drop in transaction volumes post the pandemic.CATMi has also asked for incentives to deploy cash dispensers/cash recyclers for ATM operators to increase penetration in line with the RBI scheme of incentives for banks. It has also requested for GST deferral for six months, extension of working capital loans at RBI repo rates for next nine months, lending up to Rs 10 lakh to white label ATMs (WLA) franchisees from SIDBI at affordable rates without collateral with basic KYC.The ministry should also consider to extend interest subvention scheme for exporters and include ATM manufacturers in the scheme (scheme has expired on 31st March 2020) and classification of ATM industry as a priority sector for lending activity. KPM MR

ATM industry seeks lower GST rate, stimulus to address COVID-19 challenges

New Delhi, May 5 () Certain sections of economists and academicians have suggested various measures such as an incentive package for exporters and relaxation to businesses for delayed GST payment, with a view to help the economy tide over the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The recommendations are part of a report titled 'COVID-19: Challenges for the Indian Economy - Trade and Foreign Policy Effects'. The Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC India) in a statement said it is an initiative where 40 economists and academics of Indian and international institutions have written their assessment of the economic, social and political impact of COVID-19. The Council said it would brainstorm various ideas and assessments. Nitya Nanda, director of Council for Social Development, suggested that the government could allow delayed depositing of GST, "say, one more month to deposit GST dues without any penalty". Businesses may be allowed to deposit only a part of the GST dues and retain the balance that can be adjusted against the input credit, Nanda said. Sanjib Pohit, professor, National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER), said that a cut in intermediate tax during this time would definitely help the economy. It is essential that the Union government transfers the states' share of GST amount due immediately, Pohit said adding that the Centre should be proactive in releasing the GST due amount of firms immediately. Another academician has stated that the government should invest heavily on infrastructure like power, roads, ports, and water possibly in a public-private partnership (PPP) mode to motivate the private sector to have some ownership of the infrastructure for long-term sustainability. Sacchidananda Mukherjee, associate professor, National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP), has stated that on revenue mobilisation, the government may consider acceleration of disinvestment programmes, auction of licences of natural resources extraction and utilisation (such as 5G spectrum and coal blocks) and reduction of unproductive subsidies. Another writer has recommended that the exporter community will need to be given "big incentives and stimulus" to overcome the challenges in tough times. The ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) at Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) in collaboration with the EEPC has produced this report. It has also mentioned that views expressed by the authors in the report are their own and do not represent the views of the AIC, RIS or EEPC India. RR HRS

COVID-19 crisis: Certain economists, academicians for incentive to exporters, delayed GST payment

New Delhi, Apr 14 () With aviation and hospitality sectors seeing mass cancellation of bookings following Covid-19 outbreak, the CBIC has allowed businesses to claim refund of GST in cases where invoice was generated but was subsequently cancelled. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) issued a set of clarifications in view of certain challenges being faced by taxpayers in adhering to the compliance requirements post Covid-19. Clarifying on the issue of advance received by a supplier and invoice generated for a service contract which got cancelled, the CBIC said "in cases where there is no output liability against which a credit note can be adjusted, registered persons may proceed to file a claim under "Excess payment of tax, if any" through Form GST RFD-01". Similarly, where goods have been supplied for which tax invoice have been generated, but were subsequently returned by the recipient, the CBIC said in cases where there is no output liability against which a credit note can be adjusted, supplier of goods can file a refund claim through Form GST RFD-01. The CBIC clarification comes at a time when sectors like aviation and hospitality are grappling with mass cancellation of bookings in view of the lockdown due to the pandemic. Rajat Mohan, Senior Partner at AMRG &amp; Associates, said "this clarification would help worst-hit sectors of the business fraternity to claim a tax refund from the government, which would also have a ripple effect in the entire supply chain". Further, the CBIC has also clarified that exporters can now file letters of undertaking (LUT) till June 30 for full fiscal 2020-21, as against the earlier requirement of filing it by March end. Under Goods and Services Tax (GST), exporters are allowed to ship consignments overseas by just furnishing LUT, without paying integrated tax (iGST). JD ANSANS

Covid-19: Businesses can claim GST refund for cancellation of services, goods contract

<ul><li>The 45th meeting of the <keyword id="6355040" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="gst-council" source="Orion">GST council</keyword> has clarified matters pertaining to the rate of <keyword id="6354679" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="gst" source="Orion">GST</keyword> applicable on several services.</li><li>This includes cloud kitchens, alcoholic liquor, ice cream parlours among others.</li><li>Check out the latest news and updates on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/">Business Insider</a>.</li></ul>The <keyword id="6359833" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="goods-and-services-tax" source="Orion">Goods and Services Tax</keyword> (GST) regime was introduced in 2017 in India to simplify the consumption-based tax system, but several dozens of issues and complexities remain in the system more than four years after its introduction. One of the reasons behind this is the ever-evolving business landscape – for instance, while cloud kitchens have been around in informal setups for a long time now, the formal sector has only caught up recently largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With many of these cloud kitchen companies coming under the ambit of GST due to an explosion in popularity, it’s important to understand how the government looks at them, so they can collect GST at the applicable rate. To clear the confusion and clarify what rate of GST is applicable on many of these services, the government has issued a circular that goes into each category’s detail. Here is a summary: <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Cloud kitchens are restaurants" comment="subhead" text="Cloud kitchens are restaurants">Cloud kitchens are restaurants</cmsannotation> The GST council has clarified in its circular that cloud kitchens provide the same services that a restaurant does, and as such, they would be covered under the definition of a restaurant under the act. This includes regular restaurants, cafes, takeaway services, room services and food delivery services. This means that cloud kitchen firms will have to charge GST at the rate of 5%, without taking any input tax credit (ITC), under the GST composition scheme. Alternatively, they can charge GST at the rate of 18% if they want to claim input tax credit. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Ice cream parlours are not restaurants" comment="subhead" text="Ice cream parlours are not restaurants">Ice cream parlours are not restaurants</cmsannotation> Another important aspect that affects consumers directly is whether ice cream parlours are to be considered as restaurants or not. The council observed that ice cream parlours do not engage in any form of cooking at any stage, and as such, are not covered under the scope of restaurants. It noted that these parlours sell already-manufactured ice cream. As such, this would attract GST at 18% and not 5%. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Amusement parks with rides" comment="subhead" text="Amusement parks with rides">Amusement parks with rides</cmsannotation> The council clarified that amusement parks, which have casinos or race clubs, will have to charge GST at the rate of 28% on the services provided by them. However, if these parks do not have casinos or race clubs, or if they do not provide access to them, the applicable GST rate will be 18%. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Coaching services to students with disabilities" comment="subhead" text="Coaching services to students with disabilities">Coaching services to students with disabilities</cmsannotation> The council clarified that coaching institutes and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which provide coaching services under the central government’s “Scholarships for students with disabilities” scheme are exempt from GST, and as such, there will be no GST on the coaching services offered by them. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Alcoholic liquor is not food" comment="subhead" text="Alcoholic liquor is not food">Alcoholic liquor is not food</cmsannotation> Firms which manufacture alcoholic liquor for human consumption for brand owners will have to charge GST at the rate of 18%. A clarification was sought whether alcoholic liquor is covered under the definition of food and food products, and the GST council underlined that alcoholic liquor is excluded from the purview. As such, this would attract GST at 18% and not 5%, which is otherwise applicable on food and food products. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/legal/news/can-you-claim-input-tax-credit-on-csr-expense-three-authorities-have-two-different-rulings/articleshow/86609122.cms">Can you claim input tax credit on CSR expense ⁠— three authorities have two different rulings</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/legal/news/sc-landmark-ruling-in-the-samsung-heavy-industries-case-could-have-a-positive-effect-on-ease-of-doing-business-in-india/articleshow/77148341.cms">Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in the Samsung Heavy Industries case could have a positive effect on ease of doing business in India</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/policy/legal/news/these-are-the-common-laws-that-you-may-be-inadvertently-breaking-in-india/slidelist/76638782.cms">These are the common laws that you may be inadvertently breaking in India</a>

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COVID-19 crisis: Certain economists, academicians for incentive to exporters, delayed GST payment

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Covid-19: Businesses can claim GST refund for cancellation of services, goods contract

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Cloud kitchens are restaurants, ice cream is not food and other important clarifications that will affect GST rates

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