Policy and Regulatory

May 25, 2022 In Banking and Finance, Legal, Policy and Regulatory, Premium, SME/MSMEs, Start-Ups By editor

RBI Directions for Microfinance Loans, 2022

The Reserve Bank of India has instructed all the regular entities lending to the microfinance sector to ensure that the loans are collateral-free and not protected by a lien on the borrower’s deposit account.

Tune into the #LawWiser premium video on “RBI Directions for Microfinance Loans, 2022” featuring Prabhjot Singh briefly explaining the directions given by RBI.

In the video, Prabhjot tells us that the Reserve Bank of India has eliminated the margin caps that were previously solely applicable to non-banking finance businesses.

The collateral loans offered to low-income households, i.e., households with an annual income up to $3 lakh, will now be termed “microfinance loans”.

He shares that there must be a RE board-approved policy that brings flexibility to the payback period.

Interest rates on all three levels, i.e., minimum, maximum, and average on the microfinance loans must be informed in all RE offices.

RE or its agent will not utilize punitive recovery measures.

To learn more about these RBI directions, watch the full video.

#rbi #rbipolicy #collateral #loans #microfinance #borrowers #nbfc #business #finance #recovery #payback #interestrates #msme #startups #compliance #msmeindia

May 17, 2022 In Healthcare and Pharma, Legal, Policy and Regulatory, Premium, SME/MSMEs, Start-Ups By editor

Draft Food Safety and Standard (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations, 2021

Recently there were two main amendments made in the Food Safety and Standard (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued the Draft Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations, 2021 on December 27, 2021.

Authority of India

FSSAI has also issued a draft notification on Food Safety and Standard (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations, 2021.

Watch LawWiser video on Draft Food Safety and Standard (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Amendment Regulations, 2021 with Avani Shukla, Lawyer & Growth and collaborations at lawWiser.

Stay tuned for more such updates!

May 17, 2022 In Legal, Others, Others, Policy and Regulatory, Premium, Sectors, SME/MSMEs, Start-Ups By editor

National Automobile Scrappage Policy (Key Features)

In India, on an average approx. 12 billion new vehicles are added annually that spew noxious pollutants and at the same time huge number of automobiles are becoming old which further accelerates the growth of pollution.

One of the major highlights of Union Budget 2021-2022 was the announcement of vehicle scrappage

policy.

The policy aims to create an environment friendly ecosystem by elimination of unfit and polluting

vehicles. The intention behind implementation is also to promote and encourage cleaner emissions,

fuel emissions and better safety. It is important policy as older vehicles pollute the environment 10-

12 times more than normal vehicles.

Watch LawWiser video on National Automobile Scrappage policy with Avani Shukla, Lawyer & Growth and collaborations at lawWiser. In this video, Avani will help you understand what does this policy means and its significance?

She will help us understand key features of National Automobile Scrappage policy.

Stay tuned for more such updates!

April 4, 2022 In Others, Others, Policy and Regulatory, Premium, SME/MSMEs, Start-Ups, Video By editor

How MSMEs can be part of Global Value Chain? | Sanjay Notani | LawWiser

We all are aware of the role of MSMEs in shaping the Indian economy and now they also have various opportunities to tap globally. The Government of India has been consistently working with various countries such UK, Japan, Australia, the UAE, the European Union and many other countries for Free-Trade Agreements (FTAs). This is aimed to provide diverse export opportunities and open a wide market for MSMEs in India.

Watch Sanjay Notani, Partner, Economic Laws Practice (ELP) on LawWiser’s explainer on How MSMEs can be part of a Global Value Chain.

Sanjay very interestingly shares some key data providing insights on MSME about the MSMEs, how they constitute nearly 40 per cent of total exports, and more than half of them

are located in rural India. As per the data, India’s share of overall export to the USA is 15.30%, UAE 11.50%,

Hong Kong 4.60%, China 3.60%, and the United Kingdom 3.40%, respectively 7 and 40%

of this total export was by MSMEs. Out of all the existing MSMEs, 31% are engaged in the manufacturing sector and the remaining others are engaged in the service sector. Out of these 69% service sector MSMEs, almost 36% are engaged in trade.

He also shares the challenges faced by MSMEs and the steps taken by the Govt. He starts by highlighting the pain points of the market and taking us through the aspects of special and differential treatments. Aspects relating to Ethical Trade Imperatives (ETI) are also discussed. ETI imposes additional compliance burden through requirements such as those related to (not indulging in) child labour, observing work hours, health and safety of workers, wages and environment.

Lastly, he takes us through the geopolitics impact on the Indian MSME. India’s exports to Ukraine and Russia have mostly been led by MSMEs and hence, the current crisis may hit MSME exporters with multiple challenges such as delay in shipments, late payments, damage to consignments, and more.

Sanjay discusses all this and much more interesting aspects about how MSMEs can be part of a global value chain, watch the full video now.

March 21, 2022 In Corporate Commercial, Legal, Others, Policy and Regulatory, Premium, SME/MSMEs, Start-Ups, Video By editor

Government’s Initiative and Challenges for Manufacturing Sector

The government of India adopted a series of measures to improve the economic situation including major reforms undertaken under the Atmanirbhar package to include Credit Guarantee for MSME loans, sectoral structural reforms, reduction in compliance burden and single window systems for clearances.

To boost the make in India drive, the government has also undertaken sectoral reforms such as in May 2020, the FDI was increased in defense manufacturing under the automatic route from 49% to 74%.

Watch now #LawWiser premium video on “Government’s Initiative and Challenges for the Manufacturing Sector” featuring Namrta Rai, Partner at Juris Corp, analyzing government initiatives in the manufacturing sector.

The government of India has also rolled out various schemes, which play a key role in business promotion and local manufacturing by MSMEs in the country, thereby providing impetus to them for further growth such as:

Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) has been set up with an aim at providing financial assistance to self-employment ventures, in order to generate employment opportunities for unemployed youth and traditional artisans.

2. Credit Guarantee Trust Fund for Micro & Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) aims at motivating first-generation entrepreneurs towards self-employment by providing credit guarantee funding for third-party guarantee-free / collateral-free loans.

3. Financial Support to MSMEs in ZED Certification Scheme – To boost and support the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the scheme aims to inculcate Zero Defect & Zero Effect (ZED) practices in manufacturing done by Indian MSMEs and SMEs. MSMEs that supply to Defense can avail reimbursement additionally on Defense-related certificates/ Standards, but only once.

4. Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme – The scheme aims at enhancing the manufacturing competitiveness of MSMEs by introduction of Lean Manufacturing (LM) techniques – Increasing productivity; Inculcating good management systems; Reducing waste and Imbibing a culture of continuous improvement.

5. Then there is also the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme, which is also called (NMCP) – An umbrella scheme that aids MSMEs through the following sub-schemes:

Credit Linked Capital Subsidy for Technology Upgradation (CLCSS)
Marketing Support/Assistance to MSMEs (Bar Code)
Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness for MSMEs
Design Clinic for Design Expertise to MSMEs
Technology and Quality Upgradation Support to MSMEs
Entrepreneurial and Managerial Development of SMEs through Incubators
Enabling Manufacturing Sector to be Competitive through Quality Management Standards (QMS) and Quality Technology Tools (QTT)
Building Awareness on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

#manufacturingindustry #manufacturing #defence #defenceindustry #msmeloans #msmeindia #msmesector #sector #legalsector #Legalknowledge #legal #compliances #services #legalservices #schemes #financialassistance #intelligence #video

March 16, 2022 In Legal, Policy and Regulatory, Premium, Sectors, SME/MSMEs, Start-Ups, Taxation, Video By editor

Tax Holiday for Startups

There has been an increasing interest of global investors in Indian Startups. The startups are also playing a vital role in the economic growth of the country. The Government is also providing incentive schemes for start-ups to motivate more entrepreneurs.

Watch Now LawWiser’s explainer on “Tax Holidays for Startups” featuring Paras Nath, Partner, TR Chaddha & Co LLP, where he talks about startup income tax benefits and certain other startup tax exemptions.

Paras takes us through various incentives provided under the Income Tax Act for the startups. Some of them are :

The first incentive under the provisions of Section 80-IAC of the Income Tax Act, 100% of the profit of eligible start-ups can be claimed as a deduction for any 3 consecutive years out of a period of 10 years from incorporation.

The second one is a waiver from ‘Angel tax’. Any amount received by the company from residents in India more than FMV is liable to tax in the hands of the company, popularly known as ‘Angel tax’.

The other incentive available is for new manufacturing companies under Section 115BAB of the Income Tax Act. The effective tax rate provided for new manufacturing companies under normal provisions is 17.16% (15% plus surcharge plus cess) with MAT provisions do not apply to them.

However, certain conditions are required to be met for availing of this incentive which are:

-Incorporated and registered in India as a company on or after 1st October 2019 and commenced manufacturing on or before 31st March 2024.

-A company should not be formed by splitting up or reconstructing of an already existing business in existence.

The basis for allowing the reduced rate is to incentivize the new units, and therefore, to restrict the benefit being misused.

Watch the full video to know all about Tax Holiday for Startups in detail.

Stay tuned for more insightful content related to compliances for #MSME and #startup

#incometax #startup #startupbusiness #taxexemption #MSME #msmeindia #manufacturingindustry #compliance #industryupdates #angelinvesting #legalknowledge #Legalvideo #video

March 16, 2022 In Legal, Others, Others, Policy and Regulatory, Premium, SME/MSMEs, Start-Ups, Video By editor

National Manufacturing Competitiveness program

Tune in to watch the LawWiser video on National Manufacturing Competitiveness Program by Ramanpreet Singh Sidhu, Associate, Athena Legal. In this video Ramanpreet explains this program and details of various schemes that are offered under this for MSMEs.

National Manufacturing Competitiveness Program (NMCP) was introduced in 2014, essentially with an aim to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs in domestic and global markets. The Ministry of MSME in conjunction with the National Manufacturing Council highlighted the 10 components of the program.

He also shares some of the important schemes under the NMCP like,

-Lean Manufacturing Scheme –

This scheme is aimed at increasing competitiveness through reduced wastage in manufacturing by implementing suitable techniques. This is implemented through the Quality Control Council of India and the National Productivity Council.

– Technology and Quality Upgradation Support for MSME Scheme

This is one of the most important schemes of the NMCP. Keeping in mind the relative dearth in availability of technology and quality, high price, and its critical role in manufacturing units, this scheme aims to implement energy-efficient techniques in manufacturing via Energy Efficiency and Product Quality certifications, encouraging MSMEs to acquire licenses through international bodies, adopting techniques that adhere to global industry standards, and setting up Clean Carbon Accreditation Centres that will encourage clean energy practices among MSME.

– Promotion of ICT in Indian Manufacturing Sector

This ICT scheme encourages and assists the manufacturing MSME clusters to adopt ICT tools and applications in their businesses, thereby improving the productivity and competitiveness in national and international markets among these clusters.

– Entrepreneurial and Management Development of Small and Micro Enterprises through

Incubators

This aims to provide basic financial assistance and advice to innovative business ideas t help attract venture capital. This is to be done with the help of Business Incubators in the form of technical institutions that will provide ten business enterprises with workshops, facilities and expertise.

Watch the full video to know all about these and such other important schemes under the NMCP.

March 16, 2022 In Banking and Finance, Fin Tech, Legal, Policy and Regulatory, Premium, SME/MSMEs, Start-Ups, Video By editor

Proposed tokenisation of cards by the RBI

Watch now #LawWiser premium video on “Proposed Tokenisation of Cards by the RBI” featuring Gaurav Bhalla, Partner at Ahlawat and Associates sharing useful insights on RBI card tokenisation.

Gaurav explains the background, how tokenisation works, types of tokenisation, applicability, effects and much more in this video. He shares that tokenisation of debit and credit cards allows the generation of a ‘token’ number or an ‘alternate code’ to replace the 16-digit card number entered by the customer. Each token will be unique to the requestor, the user’s card, and the device with which the card is registered. The token request is made by the merchant of the online platform (on behalf of the card-holder or card owner) to a card network (eg – Visa; Mastercard and others) which will then issue a token.

There are different types of tokenisation available like

(i) Format preserving tokens – These tokens replace the 16-digit numbers on a card with an altogether different set of 16-digit numbers.

(ii) Non-format preserving tokens – This system does not follow the 16-digit number format; and. replaces the original 16-digit card number with alphanumeric characters. Entities such as Razorpay uses non-format preserving tokens.

The system of tokenisation has been introduced by the RBI and is only applicable to domestic transactions. Tokenisation is used only for online transactions and is specific to a merchant.

The Reserve Bank of India issued a notification dated January 8, 2019, titled ‘Tokenisation –

Card transactions wherein it was announced that card networks for tokenisation in card transactions for a specific use case. This announcement extended to all uses cases/channels [e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC) / Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) based contactless transactions, in-app payments, QR code-based payments, etc.] or token storage mechanisms (cloud, secure element, trusted execution environment, etc.). However, at that point, this facility is offered only through mobile phones/tablets.

Don’t forget to watch the full video to learn all about the Tokenisation of cards by RBI on LawWiser.

#tokenisation #rbi #transmission #tokens #merchants #merchant #mastercard #source #virtualassets #msmeindia #msme #msmesector #msmes #rbipolicy #bankingindustry #banks #compliancesolutions #startup #startupindia

March 16, 2022 In Legal, Others, Policy and Regulatory, Premium, Sectors, Taxation, Video By editor

Taxation of virtual digital assets in India under the Union Budget, 2022

Watch now #LawWiser video on “Taxation of Virtual Digital Assets in India under the Union Budget, 2022″ featuring Gaurav Bhalla, Partner at Ahlawat and Associates.

Gaurav takes us through Section 47A of the Finance Bill 2022, which defines a ‘virtual digital asset’. The Central Government, has, however, retained the power (through a notification in the Official Gazette) to exclude any digital asset from the definition of the virtual digital asset.

The Finance Bill has proposed the inclusion of Section 115BBH which provides that the amount of income-tax calculated on the income from transfer of such virtual digital assets shall be taxed at the rate of 30 per cent. However, there are issues with the interpretation of the term transfer. Whether the Government means that only the sale of Virtual Digital Assets will be considered as ‘transfer’? Or does the statute intend to include P2P transfer of Virtual Digital Assets as well? The answer to this can be found in the provision about the ‘gift’ of Virtual Digital Assets.

Gaurav further explains provisions regarding the deduction of TDS. The Finance Bill, 2021 has inserted Section 194S which provides that any person responsible for paying to a resident any sum as consideration for transfer of a Virtual Digital Asset, shall at the time of credit of such sum to the account of the resident, or at the time of payment of such sum by any mode, whichever is earlier, deducting an amount equal to one per cent of such sum as income-tax thereon. Accordingly, monetary transfers for Virtual Digital Assets will attract a TDS of 1%. While the statute doesn’t offer specific clarity on whether trading, the platform will be liable to deduct TDS; it can be presumed that they will be required to deduct TDS from its customers.

He also explains provisions relating to deductions and set-offs. The Finance Bill, 2021 under Section 115BBH mentions that no deduction in respect of any expenditure (other than the cost of acquisition) or allowance or set-off, any loss shall be allowed to the assessee. Accordingly, the Government intends to not offer any deduction in respect of any expenditure or allowance to the assessee.

Watch the full video to understand all about the taxation of virtual digital assets in India under the Union Budget 2022.

#taxation #Digitalservices #services #expenditure #virtualassets #union #budget2022 #budget #asset #tokens #token #transfer #pricing #strategy #consulting #firms #TDS #trading #customers #finance #governmentofindia #government #nonfungibletokens #legalnews #legalindustry #legalcommunity #expenditure

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