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New Delhi, The inter-ministerial board of approval, on request of a developer of an IT/ITeS sector special economic zone, can permit demarcation of non-processing area of that zone, according to an official notification. The inter-ministerial Board of Approval is the highest decision making body on <keyword id="69055" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="special-economic-zones" source="Orion">special economic zones</keyword> (SEZs). It is chaired by the commerce secretary. The <keyword id="6365809" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="commerce-ministry" source="Orion">commerce ministry</keyword>'s notification said that a non-processing area under such SEZs can be used for setting up and operation of businesses engaged in Information Technology (IT) or Information Technology Enabled services (ITeS) sector. For this, the ministry has amended the Special Economic Zones (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2023. Inserting a new rule, the notification said: "...the Board of Approval, on request of a developer of an IT or ITeS SEZs, may permit demarcation of a portion of the built-up area of an IT or ITeS SEZ as a non-processing area of the IT or ITeS SEZ to be called a non-processing area." In the processing area, units are located for manufacturing of goods or rendering of services. Non-processing areas are where supporting infrastructure is created. It also said that the board would permit the demarcation "only" after repayment, without interest, by the developer. "Demarcation of a non-processing area shall not be allowed if it results in decreasing the processing area to less than fifty per cent of the total area...," it added. The notification also said that the businesses engaged in these zones in a non-processing area would not avail any rights or facilities available to SEZ units. It added that no tax benefits shall be available on operation and maintenance of common infrastructure and facilities of such an IT/ITeS zone. Welcoming the move, Sanjay Dutt, MD &amp; CEO, <keyword id="672851" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tata-realty-and-infrastructure-ltd" source="Orion">Tata Realty and Infrastructure Ltd</keyword>, said that this revised policy not only facilitates the expansion of companies' office spaces but also extends the benefits of SEZ areas to non-SEZ entities. "It's a proactive move by the government, optimizing the utilization of real estate resources," he said, adding, "presently, the country boasts around 170 million square feet of ready IT SEZ office space in the top 6 cities, with nearly 20 per cent (over 30 million square feet) lying vacant. Additionally, about 10 million square feet of SEZ spaces are under construction and set to be completed within the next 2 years."

Inter-ministerial approval board can permit demarcation of non-processing area under IT sector SEZs

The Covid-induced work from home (<keyword id="1384155" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="WFH">WFH</keyword>) norms at workplaces has presented special challenges even for the government to mould tax regulations that take note of the new norm. One such issue is coming in the IT and ITeS sectors, who have become the flagbearers of country's resilience to the pandemic, growing both their operations and revenues even during the current difficult period. The pandemic-induced WFH has created doubts over continuation of income tax holiday extended to IT and <keyword id="10650622" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ites-units-operation">ITeS units operation</keyword> from <keyword id="69055" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Special-Economic-Zones">Special Economic Zones</keyword> (<keyword id="45393" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="SEZ">SEZ</keyword>) as the current functioning of staff is akin to employees delivering services virtually from their home location and not from the SEZs. "There is a need to clarify, whether services delivered by employees of SEZ-based IT-ITeS units, virtually from their home location, shall be eligible for income-tax holiday. This would not only ensure that future litigation is minimised but also provide some elbow room to the sector to drive higher operational efficiencies," said Naveen Aggarwal, Partner, Tax, KPMG in India. While the tax officials said that this issue should not be a concern as the department is constantly working to see that pandemic-induced disruptions do not impact functioning of businesses, sources said that a clarification over treatment of services rendered from work from home in case of IT and ITeS companies may come in Budget 2021-22. This would provide big relief to companies operating in the sector where WFH had almost acquired levels of permanency. Some organisations have announced long term plans on WFH while a few have already made this arrangement permanent. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/new-realme-stores-in-india-and-ceo-says-there-is-plan-for-new-devices/articleshow/80443801.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Realme plans to open 500 new stores in 2021⁠— the CEO reveals the company will go beyond smartphones in the 5G era</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/budget/news/indias-co-working-sector-wants-recognition-under-real-estate-tax-benefits-as-flexible-workspaces-aim-for-a-significant-revival-in-the-post-covid-era/articleshow/80431768.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">India’s co-working sector wants recognition under real estate, tax benefits as flexible workspaces aim for a significant revival in the post-COVID era</a>

WFH induced tax challenges a burden for India's IT cos, analysts seek clarification in Budget 2021

New Delhi, Mar 6 () The government has approved the proposals of software firm TCS and realty major DLF to set up special economic zones (SEZs) for IT sector in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. The approval was given by the Board of Approval, the highest decision-making body for SEZs, in its meeting on February 26 here. The inter-ministerial body is chaired by the commerce secretary. TCS has proposed to set up an IT/ITeS SEZ in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, on 19.9 hectares land. The total proposed investment for the project is Rs 2,433.72 crore. "The board, after deliberations, approved the proposal for setting up of sector specific SEZ for IT/ITeS at Noida over an area of 19.9 hectare," according to the minutes of the board meeting. Similarly, the two proposals of DLF also received nod from the board. DLF has proposed to set up two SEZs in Haryana. The proposed investments for these projects are Rs 793.95 crore and Rs 761.54 crore. However, the board said that the approval for DLF is "subject to the condition that the letter of approval for setting up of units would be issued only after the requirement of contiguity of the SEZ is fulfilled by the developer as per the relevant rules and instructions" SEZs are major export hubs in the country as the government provides several incentives and single-window clearance system. As on November 14, 2019, the government has approved 417 such zones in the country. Out of this, 238 zones are operational. Exports from these zones grew by about 14.5 per cent to Rs 3.82 lakh crore in April-September 2019-20. It was Rs 7.02 lakh crore in entire 2018-19 financial year. RR ANSANSANS

Govt approves TCS, DLF proposals to set up SEZs

New Delhi, Feb 24 () Software firm TCS and realty major DLF have sought government nod to set up special economic zones (SEZ) for IT sector in Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. These proposals will be taken up by the Board of Approval, the highest decision-making body for SEZ, in its meeting on February 26 here. The inter-ministerial body is chaired by the commerce secretary. TCS has proposed to set up an IT/ITeS SEZ at Noida in Uttar Pradesh in an area of 19.9 hectares, according to the agenda paper of the board meeting. The total proposed investment for the project is Rs 2,433.72 crore. Development Commissioner of Noida SEZ has recommended the proposal for grant of formal approval for setting up the zone. On the other hand, DLF has proposed to set up two SEZs in Haryana. The proposed investments for these projects are Rs 793.95 crore and Rs 761.54 crore. The requests of these two companies have been placed before the Board of Approval for consideration, it said. SEZs are major export hubs in the country as the government provides several incentives and single-window clearance system. As on November 14, 2019, the government has approved 417 such zones in the country. Out of this, 238 zones are operational. Exports from these zones grew by about 14.5 per cent to Rs 3.82 lakh crore in April-September 2019-20. It was Rs 7.02 lakh crore in entire 2018-19 financial year. RR ANUANU

TCS, DLF seek govt nod to set up SEZs

New Delhi, Mar 31 () Over 280 SEZ units engaged in manufacturing of essential items like drugs, pharmaceuticals or hospital equipment are operational to ensure these critical supplies are not disrupted during the lockdown period, the commerce and industry minister said on Tuesday. Besides, more than 1900 IT/ITES units have been facilitated to enable their employees to work from home, a statement by the ministry said. Further, Development Commissioners of SEZs have been requested to ensure that there is no hardship to Developer/Co-Developer/Units and no punitive action is taken in cases where compliances like filing of certain forms required to be filed by March 31, are not completed.It also said all Development Commissioners are closely coordinating with the units in their jurisdiction for their smooth functioning while ensuring that all necessary precautions of work-place safety, including social distancing are scrupulously adhered to. SEZs have been a significant contributor to the exports from India over the past years, contributing about 18 per cent of the total outbound shipments. During financial year 2019-20, exports from these zones have crossed USD 110 billion. RR SHW ANUANU

Over 280 SEZ units making drugs, hospital equipment are operational: Commerce min

New Delhi, Feb 18 () Exports from SEZs have crossed USD 100 billion mark by mid-February in the current financial year, surpassing the 2018-19 level, an official release said on Tuesday.The special economic zones (SEZ) continue to take lead in expanding the exports for the country, the commerce ministry said in a statement. "Even in the midst of volatile global economy, SEZs in India have shown resilience and have achieved USD 100 billion worth of exports in FY 2019-20, as on February 17, 2020," it said.SEZs had achieved the land-mark of 100-billion-dollar worth of exports in 2018-19 in full financial year.The ministry further said the services segment, constituting majorly of IT and ITeS services, was the main driver of export growth at 23.69 per cent."There was almost 4 per cent growth in manufacturing segment also. This reflects overall expansion and interest in SEZs in the country," it said.The number of operational SEZs has grown to 241 as against 235 at the end of 2018-19.Sectors that saw healthy growth include gems and jewellery (13.3 per cent), trading and logistics (35 per cent), leather and footwear (15 per cent), non-conventional energy (47 per cent), textiles and garments (17.6 per cent). Petrochemicals constitute a major segment of SEZ exports, however growth was muted in this segment which may be attributed to softening of global crude prices, the release added. RSN NKD CS MR

Exports from SEZs cross USD 100 bn mark by mid-Feb 2020

Chennai, May 2 () Following the Centre's freshguidelines on COVID-19 lockdown, the Tamil Nadu government onSaturday eased restrictions in non-containment areas andallowed resumption of construction activity, road works,opening of SEZs ,among others, from May 4.The cabinet gave its nod to the extension of thelockdown till May 17 and issued new guidelines to be followedduring the third phase.While ruling out any relaxation in rules in thecoronavirus containment zones, the Cabinet meeting chaired byChief Minister K Palaniswami said it permitted certainactivities in the non-containment zones.They include: Resumption of construction activity,road works, opening of SEZs, export units with minimum of 20employees or 25 per cent of staff strength.IT or ITES firms can function with minimum of 20employees or 10 per cent staff strength, the new guidelinessaid.Also, grocery shops selling essential commodities canfunction between 6 am and 5 pm and restaurants (only fortakeaways) between 6 am and 9 pm.The functioning of saloons or beauty parlours isprohibited while service providers such as plumbers,electricians, AC mechanics and tailors can work. These comewith a rider - all these activities are permitted in areasoutside the containment zones.Regarding non-containment zones in rest of Tamil Nadu,in the zones falling under municipal corporations andmunicipalities, the Cabinet has permitted re-opening of allfactories including textile mills with 50 per cent of staffstrength (minimum of 20 employees).In town panchayats with over 15,000 population, thetextile mills can function with 50 per cent staff strengthafter obtaining clearance from the district Collectors.SEZ, EOU, industrial estates / clusters in rural andurban areas can work with 50 per cent staff strength. Nopermission has been granted to textile mills located inindustrial estates ofurban areas.Collectors have been authorised to decide onre-opening of export units in urban areas with 50 per centstaff strength and units of designing and production ofsamples for exporting garment and leather products with 30 percent staff strength.The Cabinet permitted re-opening of hardwaremanufacturing firms with 50 per cent staff strength besidesspinning mills in rural areas with an equal staff strength.Shops, selling materials for infrastructure industryand repair shops for mobile phones and computers, can be keptopen from 9 am to 5 pm.The first phase lockdown in India was from March 25 toApril 14. The second phase commenced on April 15 and would endtomorrow. The third phase lockdown is from May 4 to 17.Chennai is among the Red Zones owing to the highnumber of COVID-19 cases and tight restrictions are in place.Chennai has 1,081 cases (till Friday) and the stateaccounts for about 198 containment zones and 5 clusters havealso been identified in the city. COR VGN SS BNWELCOME BNWELCOME

Lockdown: TN govt eases restrictions in non-containment areas

(Eds: combines related series)New Delhi, Apr 19 () E-commerce companies have been prohibited from selling non-essential items during the lockdown, as conditional relaxations in select sectors outside the coronavirus hotspot areas to kickstart the battered economy come into effect from Monday. With states gearing up to revive limited business activity after the Centre announced easing some of the curbs on April 15, Union minister Prakash Javadekar on Sunday said more relief measures are bound to come if the country continues to manage the coronavirus crisis well, asserting, "you cannot (have) lockdown permanently". "He(Modi) gave the call of lockdown at the right time and is now partially allowing economic activity while the lockdown continues. With such a (huge) population we have managed well, if this continues we will get more relief," Javadekar told in an interview. While the relaxations starting from April 20 are primarily aimed at boosting the rural economy, Javadekar, who is a member of the Group of Ministers(GoM) to oversee measures to combat COVID-19, expressed confidence that economic activities will resume in cities as well "sooner than later". Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said some industrial activity in the green and orange COVID-19 zones in the state will be resumed in a restricted manner. "We have to turn this 'arthachakra' (stuck wheel of the chariot of economy) from April 20." But Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said his government has decided not to relax lockdown restrictions which is in force till May 3 as of now since coronavirus appears to be spreading at a "faster pace" in the national capital. The government will assess the situation again after one week, he said. Kejriwal said Delhi has reported 1,893 COVID-19 cases and 43 deaths. Four days after e-commerce companies were allowed to sell products like mobile phones, refrigerators and ready-made garments, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla issued an order excluding non-essential items from their business. The April 15 order had said e-commerce platforms were allowed to sell such items from April 20. Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) officials had said Televison sets and laptops could also be sold online after which a few e-commerce companies had starting accepting orders. Asked to comment during a media briefing on the U-turn, Punya Salila Srivastava, a Joint Secretary in the MHA, said the COVID-19 situation was "extremely dynamic" and the decision to allow non-essential goods through e-commerce was withdrawn after it was felt the list of permitted items through the online platform was extensive and that it may impact the lockdown. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also wrote a letter to the chief secretaries of all States and Union Territories giving a clarification. "...I would like to clarify that while operations of e-commerce companies for non-essential goods stands prohibited, however they will continue to operate for essential goods as has been allowed earlier and continue to be allowed," he said. Bhalla also said labourers, who are stranded in different parts of the country due to the lockdown, will be allowed to go to their respective places of work within a state with certain conditions. He, however, made it clear there will be no inter-state movement of workers during the lockdown. Since additional activities, outside the containment zones, have been permitted in the 'consolidated revised guidelines' with effect from April 20, these workers could be engaged in industrial, manufacturing, construction, farming and MNREGA works, he said. Agriculture, construction, Information Technology(IT), industrial units in the SEZs and rural areas and e-commerce operations were among the select sectors where the coronavirus-induced lockdown restrictions are to be lifted from April 20 in a bid to also reduce the distress caused to millions of people. The announcement to ease the curbs to allow some "select necessary activities" in areas which are not COVID-19 hotspots was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14 while declaring the extension of the three-week nationwide lockdown for another 19 days till May 3 to battle the pandemic. The next day, the MHA unveiled the guidelines with some conditions. The relaxations lay strict emphasis on social distancing with a warning by the Centre it will be withdrawn if there is any violation of lockdown norms. Wearing of masks is also being mandatory besides making spitting a punishable offence with a fine of at least Rs.1,000. The permitted activities from April 20 are aimed at ensuring agricultural and related activities remain fully functional, rural economy functions with maximum efficiency, employment opportunities are created for daily wage earners and other members of labour force, select industrial activities are allowed to resume their operations, with safeguards and mandatory standard operating protocols and digital economy, the MHA said. Services provided by self-employed electrician, Information Technology(IT) repairs, plumbers, motor mechanics, carpenters will be allowed giving relief to people looking for such facilities. Highway 'dhaba' (eateries), truck repairing shops and call centres for government activities will remain open from April 20. In a video message, Chief Minister Thackeray said industries in green and orange COVID-19 zones will get permission to resume operations with some restrictions. Industries ready to provide accommodation to their workers during the lockdown will be given food grain supply and permission for raw material from the state, he said. The green zones are those which have not reported any coronavirus case, while orange zones are the ones where only a few cases have been reported. The chief minister said that except for movement of essential services, all the district borders would remained sealed. Thackeray also said his government will take care of all migrant labourers in the state. "I urge them to stay here till the lockdown is in force. I will take care of their food. Once the lockdown is over, I will ensure they reach their homes safely." The Tamil Nadu government is expected to take a decision on easing curbs on specified industries in the state after perusing a report of an expert committee. The committee, which held a meeting, will submit on Monday its report to Chief Minister K Palaniswami who will take a decision on relaxing the curbs after scrutinising the recommendations, an official release said. "The curbs in force will continue to be on till such time the government issues orders," it said. In Punjab, sand and gravel mining and stone crushing have been permitted as part of the construction-related activities from Monday, according to the state home department. The Centre has also allowed movement of all trucks and other goods vehicles with two drivers and one helper, subject to the driver carrying a valid driving licence. An empty truck or vehicle will be allowed to ply after the delivery of goods, or for picking up goods. 'Dhabas'(highway eateries) have been allowed to remain open but they will serve only packed food, according to the guidelines. Both government and private industries and industrial establishments "operating in rural areas, i.e. outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities" will be allowed to operate,it said. Manufacturing, industrial units with access control in Special Economic Zones(SEZs), export oriented units, industrial estates, industrial townships will also be allowed. Activities permitted include those related to agricultural and the horticultural sectors, farmers and farm workers in the field as well as procurement of agri products. Shops selling agriculture machinery and those dealing with spare parts, supply chains and repairs as well as 'custom hiring centres' related to farm machinery will also be open from Monday. Units manufacturing drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, medical infrastructure, including manufacture of ambulances, will also open. Noting that digital economy is critical to services sector, the ministry said e-commerce operations, operations of IT and IT enabled services(ITeS), data and call centres for Government activities, and online teaching and distance learning are all permitted. The IT and ITeS sector will be allowed to operate with up to 50 per cent strength. ACB ABS KR CHS VSD VGN BUN ND GSN GSNGSN

Govt U-turn on e-commerce rules, bars non-essential items; easing of lockdown curbs in select sectors  from Monday

(Eds: updates with latest COVID tally)New Delhi, Apr 15 () Agriculture, construction, Information Technology and industrial units in the SEZs and rural areas are among some sectors where the coronavirus-induced lockdown restrictions will be lifted with safeguards from April 20 in a bid to kickstart the country's battered economy and reduce the distress caused to millions of people. As the second phase of the national lockdown came into force on Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) unveiled the 'consolidated revised guidelines' relaxing the curbs with conditions. The relaxations lay strict emphasis on social distancing with a warning by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla that it will be withdrawn if there is any violation of the lockdown norms, as coronavirus cases crossed 1,000 for the second consecutive day on Wednesday. The 40-day lockdown period ends on May 3. The total number of COVID-19 infections crossed 12,000 while the death toll surpassed 400, according to official data. As part of series of restrictions, spitting in public places has been prohibited and it will be a punishable offence with a fine under the Disaster Management Act. Any violation may result in imprisonment of up to one year or a fine, or both. Wearing of masks in public places has also been made compulsory and sale of liquor, gutka and tobacco totally banned. The guidelines come a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the extension of the three-week nationwide lockdown for another 19 days till May 3 to battle the coronavirus pandemic. He had also indicated conditional easing of some curbs after April 20 in areas which are not hotspots to allow some "select necessary activities". The Union Health Ministry has identified 170 districts as COVID-19 hotspots and 207 districts as potential hotspots, officials said, reiterating yet again there has been no community transmission of the disease in the country so far. The permitted activities from April 20 are aimed at ensuring agricultural and related activities remain fully functional, rural economy functions with maximum efficiency, employment opportunities are created for daily wage earners and other members of labour force, select industrial activities are allowed to resume their operations, with safeguards and mandatory standard operating protocols and digital economy, the MHA said. Addressing the daily briefing, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health, said states have been asked to classify districts which have reported a higher number of cases as hotspots, the districts where cases have been reported as non-hotspots, and green zones where no cases have been reported. "Hotspots are those districts which are reporting more number of cases or where the rate of growth of COVID-19 cases is high," Agarwal said, adding a detailed direction has been issued to states stating consolidated efforts are required to utilise this period of lockdown to curb the spread of the virus. Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba held a video conference with all chief secretaries, DGPs, health secretaries, collectors, SPs, municipal commissioners and CMOs where hotspots were discussed and orientation on field level implementation of containment strategy was given. "They were told about large outbreak containment strategies, cluster containment strategies. Delineation of buffer and containment zone, parameter mapping, defining of entry and exit point were also discussed in detail," Agarwal said. The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 392 with 39 fatalities reported since Tuesday evening, while the number of cases saw a jump of 1,118 to go up to 11,933 on Wednesday, according to the Union Health Ministry. As many as 1,343 people were cured and discharged, and one has migrated, it said. A single day highest increase of 1,463 cases was recorded on Tuesday. A tally based on updated reports from the states showed the number of cases was 12,220 with 1,373 patients recovering. The death toll touched 417. Data obtained from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that till April 14 the number of samples tested stood at 2,44,893, an increase of 27,339 from the corresponding figure till the previous day (2,17,554). Experts feel the figures are modest for a country of the size of 1.3 billion and "much more number of tests" are needed to combat the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. "Given the massive size of our population, the number of tests needs to be ramped up and should be conducted more rigorously. We need to do effective contact tracing and test them so that those people in turn do not infect others," Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of Pulmonology at Fortis Escorts, Faridabad, told . The MHA guidelines broadly lists activities allowed from April 20 and restrictions till May 3. The exemptions given will not be applicable in COVID-19 hotspots/ containment zones and the State/UT governments shall not dilute guidelines in any manner but may impose stricter measures as per local requirements, according to the MHA. All work places which have been allowed to function shall have adequate arrangements for temperature screening and providing sanitizers at convenient places. India Inc backed the government's move to allow industrial units located in rural areas to function, and said it will ensure preventive measures for COVID-19 while restarting the economic activities. "The guidelines will boost the country's economic growth in a slow but steady manner," said Jaxay Shah, National Chairman of CREDAI, an apex body of private real estate developers associations. Services provided by self-employed electrician, Information Technology(IT) system repairs, plumbers, motor mechanics, carpenters will be allowed giving relief to people looking for such facilities. Laying out the dos and don'ts, the guidelines stated that all work places should make adequate arrangements for temperature screening and must provide sanitisers at convenient places. Educational institutions, coaching centres, domestic, international air travel, train services will remain suspended, the ministry said. Public places such as cinema halls, malls, shopping complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools and bars will be shut too till May 3. All social, political, sports, religious functions, religious places, places of worship will also be closed till then, according to the guidelines. However, highway 'dhaba' (eateries), truck repairing shops, call centres for government activities will remain open from April 20. Both government and private industries and industrial establishments "operating in rural areas, i.e. outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities" will be allowed to operate, according to the guidelines. Manufacturing, industrial units with access control in Special Economic Zones(SEZs), export oriented units, industrial estates, industrial townships will also be allowed. Activities permitted five days from now include those related to agricultural and the horticultural sectors, farmers and farm workers in the field as well as procurement of agri products. Shops selling agriculture machinery and those dealing with spare parts, supply chains and repairs as well as 'custom hiring centres' related to farm machinery will also be open from that day. Units manufacturing drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, medical infrastructure, including manufacture of ambulances, will also open. Noting that digital economy is critical to services sector, the ministry said e-commerce operations, operations of IT and IT enabled services(ITeS), data and call centres for Government activities, and online teaching and distance learning are all permitted. The IT and ITeS sector will be allowed to operate with up to 50 per cent strength. The home ministry said permitted industries must make arrangements for stay of workers within their premises or adjacent buildings by observing social distancing norms. The transportation of workers to workplace would also have to be arranged by the employers in dedicated transport by ensuring social distancing. The guidelines also stated that grocery stores, fruits, vegetables shops/ carts, milk booths, poultry, meat and fish shop will remain open during the lockdown period. ACB AKV ABS NES SKL RR PLB MJH KND RSN PM GSN GSNGSN

Coronavirus lockdown restrictions to be eased in some sectors from Apr 20 to open up economy; spitting to be a punishable offence

(Eds: combines related series)New Delhi, Apr 15 () Agriculture, construction, Information Technology, industrial units in the SEZs and rural areas are among the sectors where the coronavirus-induced lockdown restrictions will be lifted from April 20 in a bid to kickstart the country's battered economy and reduce the distress caused to millions of people. As the second phase of the national lockdown came into force on Wednesday, the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA) unveiled the 'consolidated revised guidelines' providing many relaxations to the restrictions in a range of areas with conditions. The relaxations lay strict emphasis on social distancing with a warning by Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla that it will be withdrawn if there is any violation of norms for the lockdown that ends on May 3, as coronavirus cases crossed 1,000 for the second consecutive day on Wednesday. The number of COVID-19 infections inched towards 12,000 while the death toll crossed 400, according to official data. As part of series of restrictions, spitting in public places has been prohibited and it will be a punishable offence with a fine under the Disaster Management Act. Any violation may result in imprisonment of up to one year or a fine, or both. Wearing of masks in public places has also been made compulsory and sale of liquor, gutka and tobacco totally banned. The guidelines come a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the extension of the three-week nationwide lockdown for another 19 days till May 3 to battle the coronavirus pandemic. He had also indicated conditional easing of some curbs after April 20 in areas which are not hotspots to allow some "select necessary activities" The Union Health Ministry has identified 170 districts as COVID-19 hotspots and 207 districts as potential hotspots, officials said, reiterating yet again there has been no community transmission of the disease in the country so far. Addressing the daily briefing, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Health, said states have been asked to classify districts which have reported a higher number of cases as hotspots, the districts where cases have been reported as non-hotspots, and green zones where no cases have been reported. "Hotspots are those districts which are reporting more number of cases or where the rate of growth of COVID-19 cases is high," Agarwal said, adding a detailed direction has been issued to states stating consolidated efforts are required to utilise this period of lockdown to curb the spread of the virus. Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba held a video conference with all chief secretaries, DGPs, health secretaries, collectors, SPs, municipal commissioners and CMOs where hotspots were discussed and orientation on field level implementation of containment strategy was given. "They were told about large outbreak containment strategies, cluster containment strategies. Delineation of buffer and containment zone, parameter mapping, defining of entry and exit point were also discussed in detail," Agarwal said. The death toll due to coronavirus rose to 392 with 39 fatalities reported since Tuesday evening, while the number of cases saw a jump of 1,118 to go up to 11,933 on Wednesday, according to the Union Health Ministry. As many as 1,343 people have been cured and discharged, and one has migrated, it said. A single day highest increase of 1,463 cases was recorded on Tuesday.A tally based on reports from the states showed the number of cases was 11,946 with 1,329 patients recovering. The death toll crossed 405Data obtained from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that till April 14 the number of samples tested stood at 2,44,893, an increase of 27,339 from the corresponding figure till the previous day (2,17,554). Experts feel the figures are modest for a country of the size of 1.3 billion and "much more number of tests" are needed to combat the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. "Given the massive size of our population, the number of tests needs to be ramped up and should be conducted more rigorously. We need to do effective contact tracing and test them so that those people in turn do not infect others," Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of Pulmonology at Fortis Escorts, Faridabad, told . The MHA guidelines broadly lists activities allowed from April 20 and restrictions till the end of the extended lockdown period on May 3. The exemptions given will not be applicable in COVID-19 hotspots/ containment zones and the State/UT governments shall not dilute guidelines in any manner but may impose stricter measures as per local requirements, according to the MHA. All work places which have been allowed to function shall have adequate arrangements for temperature screening and providing sanitizers at convenient places. The permitted activities from April 20 are aimed at ensuring agricultural and related activities remain fully functional, rural economy functions with maximum efficiency, employment opportunities are created for daily wage earners and other members of labour force, select industrial activities are allowed to resume their operations, with safeguards and mandatory standard operating protocols and digital economy, the MHA said. India Inc backed the government's move to allow industrial units located in rural areas to function, and said it will ensure preventive measures for COVID-19 while restarting the economic activities. "The guidelines will boost the country's economic growth in a slow but steady manner," said Jaxay Shah, National Chairman of CREDAI, an apex body of private real estate developers associations. Services provided by self-employed electrician, Information Technology(IT) repairs, plumbers, motor mechanics, carpenters will be allowed giving relief to people looking for such facilities. Laying out the dos and don'ts, the guidelines stated that all work places should make adequate arrangements for temperature screening and must provide sanitisers at convenient places. Educational institutions, coaching centres, domestic, international air travel, train services will remain suspended, the ministry said. Public places such as cinema halls, malls, shopping complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools and bars will be shut too till May 3. All social, political, sports, religious functions, religious places, places of worship will also be closed till then, according to the guidelines. However, highway 'dhaba' (eateries), truck repairing shops, call centres for government activities will remain open from April 20. Both government and private industries and industrial establishments "operating in rural areas, i.e. outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities" will be allowed to operate, according to the guidelines. Manufacturing, industrial units with access control in Special Economic Zones(SEZs), export oriented units, industrial estates, industrial townships will also be allowed.Activities permitted five days from now include those related to agricultural and the horticultural sectors, farmers and farm workers in the field as well as procurement of agri products.Shops selling agriculture machinery and those dealing with spare parts, supply chains and repairs as well as 'custom hiring centres' related to farm machinery will also be open from that day.Units manufacturing drugs, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, medical infrastructure, including manufacture of ambulances, will also open. Noting that digital economy is critical to services sector, the ministry said e-commerce operations, operations of IT and IT enabled services(ITeS), data and call centres for Government activities, and online teaching and distance learning are all permitted. The IT and ITeS sector will be allowed to operate with up to 50 per cent strength. The home ministry said permitted industries must make arrangements for stay of workers within their premises or adjacent buildings by observing social distancing norms. The transportation of workers to workplace would also have to be arranged by the employers in dedicated transport by ensuring social distancing. The guidelines stated that grocery stores, fruits, vegetables shops/ carts, milk booths, poultry, meat and fish shop will remain open during the lockdown. ACB AKV ABS NES SKL PLB MJH KND RSN PM GSN GSNGSN

Several coronavirus lockdown restrictions to be eased from Apr 20 to open up economy; spitting to be a punishable offence

Exports of IT software services from units under the government's Software Technology Parks (<keyword id="6356209" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="stp">STP</keyword>) scheme is estimated to have grown by nearly 9 per cent to Rs 3.19 lakh crore in 2015-16. 
 Government data showed that IT software services exports from STP units have grown steadily during the last three years from Rs 2.73 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 2.93 lakh crore in 2014-15, as per a news report by <keyword id="6367495" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="PTI">PTI</keyword>. 
 
This further grew to an estimated Rs 3.19 lakh crore in 2015-16. 
 
The total IT/ITeS export of the country is estimated at $108 billion during the financial year 2015-16. 
 
The government extends several incentives for the IT sector. These measures have been major contributory factors for the sector to flourish in India and placed the country at a dominant position in offshore services in the world. 
 
The aim also is to promote micro, small and medium businesses by creating conducive environment for entrepreneurship in the field of IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS). 
 STP scheme is one of them under which IT-ITeS units are eligible for various benefits like customs duty exemption on imported goods, reimbursement of Central <keyword id="47069" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="sales-tax">Sales Tax</keyword> (CST) and <keyword id="6356916" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="excise-duty">Excise Duty</keyword> exemptions on procurement of indigenously manufactured goods. 
 The scheme is administered by the <keyword id="181544" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Software-Technology-Parks-of-India">Software Technology Parks of India</keyword> (<keyword id="104083" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="STPI">STPI</keyword>), an autonomous society under the <keyword id="3524863" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="ministry-of-electronics">Ministry of Electronics</keyword> and IT. 
 The <keyword id="6416832" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ministry-of-Commerce-and-Industry">Ministry of Commerce and Industry</keyword> has so far notified 204 IT-ITeS specific Special Economic Zones (SEZs). Currently, the SEZ units are eligible for tax benefits as per sections 10AA of the <keyword id="6354751" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Income-Tax">Income Tax</keyword> Act for a period of 15 years in a phased manner.

IT
software export industry is getting bigger with 9% growth this year

New Delhi, May 3 () The third phase of the countrywide lockdown begins Monday with "considerable relaxations", but curbs will continue in containment areas so that the gains achieved so far in the fight against COVID-19 are not "squandered away", officials said Sunday.The country has been divided in three zones -- Red, Orange and Green - based on coronavirus risk-profiling. The extended lockdown is slated to last till May 17. According to the Home Ministry, activities prohibited throughout the country, irrespective of the zones are: air, rail, metro travel; inter-state movement by road; schools, colleges, and other educational, training and coaching institutions; hospitality services, including hotels and restaurants.Places of large public gatherings -- cinema halls, malls, gymnasiums, sports complexes -- social, political, cultural and other kinds of gatherings and religious or public worship places are in the prohibited list. However, movement of individuals for non-essential activities in all zones, barring containment areas, is allowed but strictly between 7 am and 7 pm.Barber shops, spas and salons in Green and Orange zones is allowed to open as is the sale of non-essential items by e-commerce firms.Sale of liquor will be allowed with certain conditions in all zones, barring containment area, in standalone shops, not in markets or malls. Sale of liquor, barber shops and salons were not allowed during the first two phases of lockdown. when sale of non-essentials by e-commerce companies was also not allowed. In all zones, persons above 65 years of age, those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and children below 10 years shall stay at home, except for essential and health purposes. Movement of people by air, rail and road is allowed for select purposes, and for purposes as permitted by the MHA. In containment areas, movements of people is totally banned and essential services are delivered at the doorsteps. The list of permitted activities also include: OPDs and medical clinics in all zones with social distancing norms and other precautions. However, these will not be permitted in containment zones. All goods traffic will be permitted and no state or UT shall stop the movement of cargo for cross land-border trade under treaties with neighbouring countries.In Red zones (outside the containment areas), some additional activities are prohibited: plying of cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws, taxis and cab-aggregators; intra-district and inter-district buses; barber shops, spas and saloons. Certain other activities have been allowed in the Red zone with restrictions: Movement of individuals and vehicles for permitted activities with a maximum of 2 persons (besides the driver) in four-wheelers, no pillion rider on two-wheelers.In Red zones, e-commerce companies are allowed to sell only essential commodities. Barber shops and salons are not allowed to open.In all liquor shops, customers will have to maintain a minimum six-feet distance (2 gaz ki doori), and no more than five persons allowed at one time. On domestic helps in red zones, resident welfare associations should take a call on allowing in outsiders. If allowed by RWAs, health protocols have to be maintained by the domestic helps and employers, and the responsibility lies with the person who employs maids in case of any mishappening. Industrial establishments in urban areas, like Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Export Oriented Units (EOUs), industrial estates and industrial townships with access control have been permitted from Monday in all zones, except containment areas. Private offices can operate in red zones with up to 33 per cent strength with the remaining persons working from home.In Orange zones, all activities permitted in red zone (outside containment zone) and taxi and cab aggregators (driver with 2 passengers only) are allowed. Inter-district movement of people and vehicles for permitted activities, 4 wheelers with 2 passengers besides driver, pillion riding on 2 wheelers are allowed. However, inter and intra-district movements of buses, except those permitted by the MHA, is prohibited. In Green zones, all activities are permitted except the ones prohibited throughout the country, irrespective of the zone.However, buses can operate with upto 50 per cent seating capacity and depots too at 50 per cent. A district is considered in 'Green' zone if there are no confirmed cases so far or there has been no reported case for the past 21 days. According to the health ministry, as on Friday, there were 130 'Red' zones, maximum of 19 in UP, followed by 14 in Maharashtra. The number of 'Orange' Zones was 284 and 'Green' was 319.All the districts of the national capital have been put under 'Red' zone.Other activities allowed outside containment areas of a Red Zone (with restrictions) in urban areas are: manufacturing of essential goods like drugs, medical devices and their supply chain, manufacturing of IT hardware, jute industry, construction (if workers residing on site).Operations of homes for senior citizens, children, destitute etc., government offices, and emergency, health, sanitation and security services. In rural areas: industrial and construction activities; agriculture, animal husbandry and plantation, financial sector including banks, NBFCs, public utilities, courier and postal services; media; IT, ITeS, warehouses services by self-employed persons, except barbers.States and UTs may put certain restrictions based on their assessment. ACB SKL TIRTIR

You Searched For "ites sez" and got 12 results

Inter-ministerial approval board can permit demarcation of non-processing area under IT sector SEZs

PTI

WFH induced tax challenges a burden for India's IT cos, analysts seek clarification in Budget 2021

IANS

Govt approves TCS, DLF proposals to set up SEZs

PTI

TCS, DLF seek govt nod to set up SEZs

PTI

Over 280 SEZ units making drugs, hospital equipment are operational: Commerce min

PTI

Exports from SEZs cross USD 100 bn mark by mid-Feb 2020

PTI

Lockdown: TN govt eases restrictions in non-containment areas

PTI

Govt U-turn on e-commerce rules, bars non-essential items; easing of lockdown curbs in select sectors from Monday

PTI

Coronavirus lockdown restrictions to be eased in some sectors from Apr 20 to open up economy; spitting to be a punishable offence

PTI

Several coronavirus lockdown restrictions to be eased from Apr 20 to open up economy; spitting to be a punishable offence

PTI

IT software export industry is getting bigger with 9% growth this year

BI India Bureau

Lockdown 3.0 begins tomorrow with 'considerable relaxations'; some curbs to continue

PTI

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