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  • What is the Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure scheme?

    It is common knowledge that there is a need to promote agriculture marketing infrastructure projects for reducing the involvement of intermediates and minimizing post-harvest losses. A robust agriculture marketing infrastructure will ensure better remuneration to farmers and supply of better quality products to consumers and processing industries. During the XII plan period, the estimated investment for marketing infrastructure and value chain development was $8.61 Bn.

    To address this need, the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (DAC), Govt. of India has introduced the Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure (AMI) Scheme by merging the earlier GrameenBhandaranYojana (GBY) and the Scheme for Development/Strengthening of Agricultural Marketing Infrastructure, Grading and Standardization (AMIGS).

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  • What is agricultural biotechnology?

    Agricultural biotechnology is an advanced technology that allows plant breeders to make precise genetic changes to impart beneficial traits to the crop plants we rely on for food and fiber.

    For centuries farmers and plant breeders have labored to improve crop plants. Traditional breeding methods include selecting and sowing the seeds from the strongest, most desirable plants to produce the next generation of crops. By selecting and breeding plants with characteristics such as higher yield, resistance to pests and hardiness, early farmers dramatically changed the genetic make-up of crop plants long before the science of genetics was understood. As a result, most of today's crop plants bear little resemblance to their wild ancestors.

    The tools of modern biotechnology allow plant breeders to select genes that produce beneficial traits and move them from one organism to another. This process is far more precise and selective than crossbreeding, which involves the transfer of tens of thousands of genes, and provided plant developers with a more detailed knowledge of the changes being made.

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  • What are the benefits of Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2020?

    This Act empowers farmers to freely sell their produce from farm gate directly to the buyers/exporters/processors/retailers who are offering better prices as alternative to APMC Markets without paying any market fee in trade area. It will help to reduce transportation cost of farmers produce from the farm gate to the mandis. It will also help in reducing post-harvest losses. The farmers can now store their produce in warehouses after harvest and sell it directly from such warehouses at appropriate time at suitable prices without bringing the produce to APMC Markets for selling.

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  • Under Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2020, corporate companies are also becoming entity as ‘farmer’?

    Corporate companies are not included in the definition of farmer in this Act. Only Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs), which are registered under any law, are included under the definition of farmer apart from individual farmers.

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  • What are the payment procedures for FPO or Agricultural Cooperative Society under Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2020?

    • An FPO or an agricultural co-operative society shall make payment to the farmer immediately after sale, but not later than fourteen days from the date of aggregation or purchase subject to the condition that the receipt of delivery shall be given to the farmer on the same day.
    • When FPO aggregates or buys the scheduled farmers’ produce from farmer in the trade area and sells such produce in raw form itself, it shall make the payment immediately after such sale, but not later than three days from the date of aggregation or purchase, if procedurally so required, subject to the condition that the receipt of delivery shall be given to the farmer on the same day.

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  • What activities can be supported related to animal feed?

    Establishment of Animal Feed manufacturing and strengthening of existing units/ plant of the following categories:

    • Establishment of Mini, Medium and Large Animal Feed Plant
    • Total Mixed Ration Block Making Unit
    • By pass protein unit, Mineral Mixture Plant
    • Enrich Silage making unit, Animal Feed Testing Laboratory
    • Any other activities related to animal feed manufacturing.

     

     

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  • What is the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)?

    The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund was recently announced as a part of Prime Minister’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package with an outlay of $ 2.1 billion. It has been approved for incentivizing investments to establish dairy processing, meat processing, animal feed plant and value addition infrastructure.
     

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  • What are the financial incentives available to eligible beneficiaries under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)?

    The Government of India will provide a 3% interest subvention to eligible beneficiaries. There will be a 2 years moratorium period for the principal loan amount and 6 years repayment period thereafter. Additionally, projects will be a eligible for a loan up to 90% of the cost of the project. Moreover, a credit guarantee fund of $ 107 million has been set up to provide guarantees for viable projects. 
     

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  • What will happen when the repayment period exceeds eight years repayment period?

    The interest subvention will be provided only up to 8 years of repayment period. Beyond no interest subvention will be provided. 

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  •  What is National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)?        

    National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) is a flagship scheme launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister in September, 2019 for control of Foot & Mouth Disease and Brucellosis by vaccinating 100% cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population for FMD and 100% bovine female calves of 4-8 months of age for brucellosis with the total outlay of $ 1.9 billion for five years (2019-20 to 2023-24)    
                                                                                                                                                         

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  • What activities can be covered under Meat Sector?

    • Establishment of new meat processing unit and strengthening of existing meat processing facilities for sheep/goat/ poultry/pig/buffalo in rural, semi-urban and urban areas.
    • Large scale integrated meat processing facilities/ plant/ unit.
    • Product Diversification: Establishment of new or strengthening of existing value addition facilities for meat products like Sausage, nuggets, ham, salami, bacon or any other meat products.

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  • What are ‘Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog’ & ‘Rashtriya Gokul Mission’?

    The Government of India has constituted the Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for the effective implementation of laws and welfare schemes for cows with a corpus of $71.5 Mn. It was set up with the objective to organize animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and to take steps for preserving and improving breeds and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle.

    Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) was launched in December 2014 with an outlay of $289 Mn for development and conservation of indigenous breeds through selective breeding in the breeding tract and genetic upgradation of nondescript bovine population. The scheme comprises two components namely National Programme for Bovine Breeding (NPBB) and National Mission on Bovine Productivity (NMBP).

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  • What is the National Action Plan for Dairy Development Vision 2022? 

    Department has prepared a National Action Plan (NAP) on Dairy Development with following two key goals:

    • To double national milk production from 155 MMT in 2015-16 to 254.55 MMT by 2021-22 and 300 MMT by 2023-24 to meet the increasing milk demand by domestic milk production and also ensuring nutritional security at household level as well as exports of milk and milk products
    • To double the income of milk producers at farm level by 2021-22 by providing the milk producers with greater access to the organised milk processing sector
       

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  • How much grant-in-aid is provided for the establishment of frozen storage/deep freezers by the government?

    Under the Scheme for Integrated Cold Chain, Value Addition and Preservation Infrastructure, a grant-in-aid @ 50% for General Areas and @ 75% for North East States, Himalayan States, Islands & ITDP Areas, will be provided. The scheme is to provide integrated cold chain, preservation and value addition infrastructure facilities without any break. It will enable all groups of producers to processors for a well-equipped supply chain and cold chain.   

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  • What is Information Network for Animal Productivity and Health (INAPH)?    

    INAPH is a desktop/notebook/ android based field IT application that facilitates the capturing of real time reliable data on breeding, nutrition and health services delivered at farmers doorstep. It facilitates farmers and other stakeholders to monitor the progress of the project.

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  • What is Dairy Processing & Infrastructure Development Fund?          

    The Scheme envisages providing loan assistance to State Dairy Federations, District Milk Unions, Milk Producers Companies, Multi State Cooperatives and NDDB subsidiaries across the country who are termed as Eligible End Borrowers (EEBs). It focuses on building an efficient milk procurement system by setting up of processing and chilling infrastructure and other facilities. It has a financial outlay of $1.5 Bn, out of which, $1.14 Bn shall be loan from NABARD to NDDB/NCDC, $286 Mn shall be end borrowers contribution, $1.7 Mn would be NDDB/NCDC’s share and $123.5 Mn shall be contributed by DAHD toward interest subvention  

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  • What are some new technologies introduced by the Govt to promote sustainable energy?

    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is driving innovative technology programs, initiating projects for research, development, and demonstration. These projects span prestigious research institutions, universities, national labs, and industries. They catalyze indigenous research, industry expertise, skilled manpower, and prototype development within the country. Some sources of green energy are: Hydrogen Energy, Fuel Cells, Battery Operated Vehicles, Biofuels etc.

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  • Which key sectors of the Indian Economy are focusing on sustainability as a mission?

    India has set an ambitious target of Net Zero by 2070. In order to achieve the targets set at COP27, the Government has undertaken the Panchamrita Strategy and has identified green growth as one of the focus areas in the Union Budget 2023. Some sectors championing sustainability are:

    • Renewable Energy
    • Automobiles (EV)
    • Tourism
    • Agriculture

     

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  • What are some initiatives/missions launched by the Government to promote sustainability?

    The National Action Plan on Climate Change is a comprehensive framework adopted by the GOI to address the challenges posed by climate change. The NAPCC outlines strategies and measures across various sectors to promote sustainable development, mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance the country's resilience to the impacts of climate change. Eight missions under NAPCC are:

    • National Solar Mission
    • National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency
    • National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
    • National Water Mission
    • National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem
    • National Mission for a Green India
    • National Mission for Sustainable Habitat
    • National Mission for Strategic Knowledge on Climate Change

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  • What is a Circular Economy?

    A circular economy is a sustainable economic model that emphasizes reducing waste and resource consumption by designing products for reuse, refurbishment, and recycling. It aims to create a closed-loop system where materials and products are continuously regenerated, extending their lifecycle and minimizing environmental impact.

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  • What are PM Gati Shakti Multi-modal Cargo Terminals?

    In order to boost investments from industry in development of additional terminals for handling rail cargos, a new ‘Gati Shakti Multi-modal Cargo Terminal (GCT)’ policy has been framed. All new as well as under-construction/under-approval Cargo Terminals shall be covered under this policy.
    The policy seeks to promote proliferation of new Cargo Terminals and improve existing Cargo Terminals through investments from industry to accelerate the growth in Railways’ cargo traffic. 
    The salient features of Gati Shakti Cargo Terminals (GCTs) are as under –

    1. Simplified application and approval process, for quick and hassle-free approvals.
    2. No departmental charges will be levied on the applicant.
    3. No Land License Fees to be charged for the Railway land used for connectivity.
    4. No cost of commercial staff to be charged
    5. All common-user traffic facilities at the serving station to be constructed and maintained by Railway
    6. For Terminals giving 1 MT or more outward traffic, cost of mid-section Block Hut/ Block station to be reimbursed as 10% freight rebate.
    7. Maintenance of all assets (track, signalling, OHE) by Railway at its own cost, excluding the yard and loading/unloading lines
    8. Railway will reserve the right to grant connectivity to another Terminal(s) from such portions of track being maintained by Railway

    Union Budget 2022-23 has announced the target to set up 100 GCTs within the next three financial years.
     

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  • What is National Rail Plan 2030?

    Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) for India – 2030. The Plan is to create a ‘future ready’ Railway system by 2030.  The NRP is aimed to formulate strategies based on both operational capacities and commercial policy initiatives to increase modal share of the Railways in freight to 45%. The objective of the Plan is to create capacity ahead of demand, which in turn would also cater to future growth in demand right up to 2050 and also increase the modal share of Railways to 45% in freight traffic and to continue to sustain it. 
    The key objectives of the National Rail Plan are:  

    • Formulate strategies based on both operational capacities and commercial policy initiatives to increase modal share of the Railways in freight to 45% by 2030
    • Reduce transit time of freight substantially by increasing average speed of freight trains to 50Kmph
    • As part of the National Rail Plan, Vision 2024 has been launched for accelerated implementation of certain critical projects by 2024 such as 100% electrification, multi-tracking of congested routes, upgradation of speed to 160 kmph on Delhi-Howrah and Delhi-Mumbai routes, upgradation of speed to 130kmph on all other Golden Quadrilateral-Golden Diagonal (GQ/GD) routes and elimination of all Level Crossings on all GQ/GD route.
    • Identify new Dedicated Freight Corridors.
    • Identify new High Speed Rail Corridors.
    • Assess rolling stock requirement for passenger traffic as well as wagon requirement for freight.
    • Assess Locomotive requirement to meet twin objectives of 100% electrification (Green Energy) and increasing freight modal share.
    • Assess the total investment in capital that would be required along with a periodical break up.
    • Sustained involvement of the Private Sector in areas like operations and ownership of rolling stock, development of freight and passenger terminals, development/operations of track infrastructure etc.

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  • How much FDI is allowed under Metro sector?

    Up to 100% FDI is permitted for Railway Infrastructure sector without any govt. approval. You can file your FDI application online along with supporting documents at Foreign investment facilitation portal.

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  • What is the purpose of SFOORTI?

    The Ministry of Railways, Government of India, has launched the Smart Freight Operation Optimisation & Real Time Information (SFOORTI) application to optimise freight operations and manage traffic flows.

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  • What is R3i policy?

    The policy aims to attract private sector participation in rail connectivity projects to create additional rail transport capacity. The policy allows for 4 models: 
    a) Cost Sharing-Freight Rebate.
    b) Full Contribution- Apportioned Earnings.
    c) Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). 
    d) Private Line.

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  • What is the purpose of R2CI?

    This new policy was initiated to improve rail connectivity to coal and iron ore mines. The policy offers the developer involved in the construction of the line to levy a surcharge on the freight over a period of 10–25 years. 
    The policy has two models, i.e. Capital Cost and SPV Models. The Capital Cost Model is relevant when there are 2 players, whereas the SPV Model is intended for a large number of players.

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  • Define Participative models for rail connectivity and capacity augmented projects.

    This policy supersedes the R3i and R2CI policies notified earlier. The policy provides for supplementing government’s investment in rail infrastructure projects by private capital flows. 
    The policy contains the following models:
    1) Non-government railway.
     2) JV with equity participation by railways. 
    3) Capacity augmentation through funding by customers
    4) Capacity augmentation – annuity model applicability.
    5) Build Operate Transfer.
    A few projects undertaken under the participative policy of Ministry of Railways include Jaigarh Port-Digni Port, Hamarpur-Rewas Port, Chiplun-Karad, Vaibhavwadi-Kolhapur and Indore-Manmad.

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  • What is rolling stock?

    Rolling stock is all the engines and carriages including the locomotives, passenger coaches, freight wagons, guard's vans, etc. that are used on a railway.

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  • What is dedicated freight corridors?

    It is a broad-gauge freight corridor under construction in India by Indian Railway. It is a high-capacity railway corridor that is exclusively meant for the transportation of goods and commodities. There are 2 DFCs in the country, i.e. the Western and Eastern freight corridors. The Western DFC connects Dadri in Uttar Pradesh to Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) in Mumbai, and Eastern DFC connects Ludhiana in Punjab to Dankuni in West Bengal.

    The Dedicated Freight Corridors are expected to be a gamechanger for the logistics sector in India and are going to play a major role in increasing the Railways’ modal share of freight in India. While these two corridors spanning 3,360 Km are expected to be fully commissioned by end 2023, another three are at the planning stage. Key features of these corridor include double speeds, higher load carrying capacity, and double stacking capability.

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  • What are the investment opportunities available in railways sector?

    Some of the investment opportunities in the railways sector are as listed below:

    1. Components manufacturing
    2. Infrastructure projects such as Railway Station Redevelopment, Tunnelling
    3. High speed train projects such as Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project
    4. Projects relating to Electrification, Track doubling/laying
    5. Dedicated Freight Corridors
    6. Freight terminals operations
    7. Manufacturing of wagons, coaches and locomotive units

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  • Who will be responsible for Maintenance of Assets?

    State Implementation Agency shall be responsible for Operation and Management of assets created under the Scheme.

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  • Will exports be counted in the Incremental sale calculation?

    Exports of the Eligible Product(s) stated in the approval letter will be counted in the Incremental sale calculation.

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  • Will brownfield projects be eligible under the scheme? 

    No only Greenfield as per the scheme definition are eligible for the Production Linked Incentive scheme for Medical Devices. (refer scheme guidelines for more information).

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  • Can an Applicant apply for incentives under the scheme in multiple target segments? 

    There shall be no restriction on any applicant applying in more than one target segment. However, the applicant shall be required to submit a separate application along with the application fee for each target segment and shall be required to separately meet the eligibility criteria of threshold Investment and Incremental Sales of Manufactured Goods for each application.

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  • Is the list of common facilities applicable in the scheme exhaustive? 

    The list of common facilities/center given in the list are indicative and states are encouraged to plan for facilities, the implementing agency considers useful.

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  • How will funds for the Medical Parks be disbursed?

    Grant-in-aid will be released in four instalments in the following manner:

    Installment Percentage of Funds Remarks/ Pre-requisites
    First 30 On final approval of the project by the SSC and after the deposit of 30% of SlA's share in the project cost in the Trust and Retention Account (TRA) or Escrow or No Lien Account as the case may be, subject to the condition that all relevant environment clearances are in place.
    Second 30 60% utilisation of the first instalment and after the proportionate expenditure has been incurred by the SIA with proportionate physical progress of the Medical Device Park as per the DPR.
    Third 30 100% utilisation of first instalment and at least 60% utilization of second instalment and after the proportionate expenditure has been incurred by the SIA with proportionate physical progress of the Medical Device Park as per the DPR.
    Fourth 30 100% utilisation of second and third instalments and SIA has mobilized and spent its entire share in proportion to the grant and completed the project in all respects.

     

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  • What is the evaluation Criteria for selection of state under the Parks Scheme?

    Score will be given to a state based on 11 parameters. The top 4 states will be selected for incentives under the parks scheme. The Evaluation Criteria is as follows: 

    S. No. Parameter Maximum Marks
    1 Utility charges 25
    2 State Incentive Infrastructure 12
    3 Connectivity of the Park 12
    4 Lease rate 10
    5 Total area of the proposed park 10
    6 Uninterrupted 24*7 availability 7
    7 Stamp Duty and Registration charges 5
    8 Ease of Doing Business Ranking of the State 5
    9 Availability of Technical Manpower 5
    10 Presence of Institutes for technology transfer 5
    11 Industrial Network 4

     

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  • What is the tenure of the PLI Scheme for Medical Devices?

    The tenure of the PLI Scheme for Medical Devices shall be from FY 2020-21 to FY 2027-28

    The tenure of the PLI Scheme for Pharmaceuticals (with focus on in-vitro diagnostic devices) shall be from FY 2020-21 to FY 2028-29
     

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  • What does the notification called the Indian Medicine Central Council (Post Graduate Ayurveda Education) Amendment Regulations, 2020 deal with?

    The notification relates to the Shalya and Shalakya streams of Post Graduate Education in Ayurveda. The notification specifies (in clearer terms than the earlier notification on the subject)a total of 58 surgical procedures that PG scholars of these streams (cumulatively) need to be practically trained inso as to enable them to independently perform the said activities after completion of their PG Degree. The notification is specific to these specified surgical procedures and does not allow Shalya and Shalakya Post Graduates to take up any other types of surgery.

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  • What is the evaluation Criteria for selection of company under the PLI Scheme?

    Score will be given to a company based on 5 factors including manufacturing turnover, Existing Patent / Technology transfer, Existing ISO 13485, Average R & D expenses, and Regulatory approval. Applicants will be selected basis the score. (refer scheme guidelines for more information).

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  • Who grants Mining Leases (ML) and Prospecting License-cum-Mining Lease (PL-cum-ML)?

    As per the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act (MMDR) Amendment Act 2015, the grant of Mining Leases (ML) and Prospecting License-cum-Mining Lease (PL-cum-ML) happens only through an auction process.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Who grants mineral concessions in India?

    The State Governments grant the mineral concessions for all the minerals located within the boundary of the State, under the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957, and Mineral Concession Rules (MCR), 1960. Under the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957 and MCR, 1960, prior approval of the Central Government is required in the several cases.

    For more information, click here.

     

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  • Who has the authority to grant mining license?

    Mineral Resources Department & respective State Government is empowered to sanction Prospecting License/Mining Lease.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What are the precautions to be taken for filing applications for obtaining Mineral Concessions?

    The application must be filled within the prescribed format as per Mineral Concession Rule 2016. Entries must be complete in all respect and should be supported with documentary evidences as per the Rule.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What kind of mines does Central Government own?

    The Central Government is the owner of the minerals underlying the ocean within the territorial waters or the Exclusive Economic Zone of India.

    For more information, click here.

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  • How much FDI is allowed in mining and exploration of metal and non-metal ores?

    1. Coal & Lignite: 100% FDI is allowed under automatic route
    2. Mining and exploration of metals and non-metals ores: 100% FDI is allowed under automatic route
    3. Mining and mineral separation of titanium bearing minerals and ores: 100% FDI is allowed under Govt. route

    For more information, click here

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  • What is the GST rate for minerals and ores in Composition Scheme?

    In a case where the process amounts to manufacture, the rate of tax will be 1% (CGST) and 1% 
    (SGST/UTGST). In any other case, the rate will be 0.5% (CGST) and 0.5% (SGST/UTGST).

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  • Will the basic exemption limit from GST be applicable to the tiny and micro segment in mining?

    Yes, the basic exemption limit of $15,385 ($7693 in the case of special category States) is applicable to the tiny and micro segment even in mining. However, a person engaged in making taxable supply and having aggregate annual turnover (more than $15,385 in any State other than the special category States) would be liable to obtain registration under GST. The return has to be filed on monthly basis by regular taxable persons and on quarterly basis by the taxable persons registered under the composition scheme. 

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  • What are the Existing Legislative Provisions regarding safety, health and welfare of mine workers?

    Under the Constitution of India, safety, welfare and health of workers employed in mines are the concern of the Central Government (Entry 55- Union List- Article 246). The objective is regulated by the Mines Act, 1952 and the Rules and Regulations framed thereunder which are administered by the Directorate- General of Mines Safety (DGMS), under the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment.
    A list of the subordinate legislation under the Mines Act administered by DGMS are:
    1) Coal Mines Regulations, 1957. 
    2) Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961.
    3) Oil Mines Regulations, 1984. 
    4) Mines Rules, 1955. 
    5) Mines Vocational Training Rules, 1966. 
    6) Mines Rescue Rules, 1985. 
    7) Mines Creche Rules, 1966.  
     

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  • Will ITC be available on steel, timber and sometimes cement which are used in the underground mines to provide a protective device for security purpose?

    Credit will not be available, if these goods are supplied for construction of an immovable property. 
    But if these are temporarily placed for protective purposes, credit will be available.

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  • What is EPP or Export Parity Price?

    Export Parity Price is the price which oil companies would realize on export of petroleum products. This includes Freight on Board (FOB) Price and advance license benefit (for duty free import of crude oil pursuant to export of refined products.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What do you mean by import parity price?

    Import Parity Price (IPP) is the price that importers would pay in case of actual import of product at the respective Indian ports. This includes FOB price, Ocean freight, Customs duty, Port dues etc.

    For more information, click here

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  • What are biofuels?

    The National Policy on Biofuels categorises Biofuels as:

    “Basic Biofuels” viz. First Generation (1G) bioethanol & biodiesel and “Advanced Biofuels” – Second Generation (2G) ethanol, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to drop-in fuels, Third Generation (3G) biofuels, bio CNG etc.

    For more information, click here.

     

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  • What are various types of petrol/ diesel available in India?

    Various petrol types are as follows: MS 93/95, Bharat Stage (BS) IV, Bharat Stage (BS) VI, branded petrol (with additives) etc.

    Various types of diesels are as follows: Light Diesel Oil (LDO), BS IV, BS VI, Bio Diesel, Branded Diesel (with additives) etc.

    To know more about the Oil & Gas sector opportunity in India, please visit the Oil & Gas page at Invest India website.

    For further details on Indian Petroleum and Natural Gas Statistics, please refer this link: http://petroleum.nic.in/sites/default/files/APR_E_1718.pdf

    For more information, click here.

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  • Under what situations IGST is applicable?

    As per the GST law, if the location of the supplier and place of supply is in different states then IGST would be applicable.

    For more information, click here

     

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  • What is EBP programme?

    EBP (Ethanol Blended Programme) is the revision of ethanol prices for supply to Public Sector OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies). Currently this programme is being carried out in 21 States and 4 UTs with immediate target to achieve 10% ethanol blending in Petrol. This blended petrol is known as ethanol blended petrol.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Whether TIN number under VAT would be abolished? What will be the rate of GST on 5 KG FT cylinder?

    1) TIN number under VAT to the extent of 5 specified petroleum products will be continued. 
    2) GST Rate on on domestic supply of LPG will be 5% and for purposes other than domestic it will be 18%.

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  • What is refinery transfer price (RTP)?

    RTP – Refinery Transfer Price or RGP (Refinery Gate Price) is the price paid by the oil companies to domestic refineries for purchase of finished petroleum products at refinery gate.

    For more information, click here.

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  • As per the Bureau of India Standards what is the definition of motor spirit?

    Motor spirit means any hydrocarbon oil in the range of C4 -C12 (excluding crude mineral oil) obtained broadly by fractional distillation of crude oil which meets the requirements of Bureau of Indian Standards specification (BIS) No. IS-2796 and is suitable for use as fuel in spark ignition engines.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is the use of furnace oil?

    Major use of furnace oil (FO) /LSHS and LDO (Light Diesel Oil) is as a fuel in Power, Fertilizer, petrochemicals and steel sectors. Some of the fertilizer plants consume FO as feed stock also. Other industries engaged in manufacturing of cement, paper, pharmaceuticals, Synthetic fibers etc. consume FO/LSHS as fuels. LDO is broadly used for low RPM engines primarily employed in industry, transport and power sectors.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Is it mandatory for the name of the company to be indicative of the nature of its business?

    No, it is not mandatory for the name to be indicative of the nature of its business.

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  • What are the skill development measures undertaken in Pharmaceutical sector?

    To keep pace with the growing demand for highly skilled R&D professionals the government has undertaken the transformation of National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPERs)

    For more information, click here.

     

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  • What principles does National Pharmaceuticals Policy follow while pricing drugs?

    The key principles for the regulation of the prices are:
     a) Essentiality of drugs.
     b) Control formulations prices.
     c) Market based pricing.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is the objective of the Pharmaceutical Promotion Development Scheme?

    The objective of Pharmaceutical Promotion Development Scheme (PPDS) is promotion, development and export promotion in Pharmaceutical sector by extending financial support for conduct of seminars, conferences, exhibitions, mounting delegations to and from India for promotion of exports as well as investments, conducting studies/ consultancies for facilitating growth, exports as well as critical issues affecting Pharma sector.

    For more information, click here.

     

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  • What is the cluster development programme for pharma sector?

    The CDP scheme is implemented on a Public Private Partnership format through one-time grant-in-aid with aim to enhance Quality, productivity & Innovative capabilities of the SME Pharma sector in the country.

    The benefits of the scheme are:

    a) Access to world class facility.

    b) Cost of production will come down by 20%.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is a Generic Medicine?

    Generic medicines are unbranded medicines which are equally safe and having the same efficacy as that of branded medicines in terms of their therapeutic value. The prices of generic medicines are much cheaper than their branded equivalent.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana mission?

    The mission of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna (PMBJP) is to

    1. create awareness among people regarding generic medicines.
    2. create demand for generic medicines through medical practioners
    3. create awareness through education and awareness program that high price need not be synonymous with high quality.
    4. provide all the commonly used generic medicines covering all the therapeutic groups.
    5. provide all the related health care products too under the scheme

    For more information, click here

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  • What are the functions of Bureau of Pharma Public Sector Undertakings of India?

    Some of the key missions are:

    1. Create awareness among public regarding generic medicines.

    2. Create demand for generic medicines through medical practioners.

    3. Create awareness through education and awareness program that high price need not be synonymous with high quality.

    4. Provide all the commonly used generic medicines covering all the therapeutic groups.

    5. Provide all the related health care products too under the scheme.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana?

    Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana’ (PMBJK) is a campaign launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. Of India, to provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the masses through special kendra’s known as Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India?

    Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) is the implementing agency of Pradhan Mantri Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). BPPI was established in December, 2008 under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Government of India.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Who can be an Applicant under the Scheme for Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks?

    This is a Central Sector Scheme and so a one-time grant-in-aid will be provided for creation of common infrastructure facilities in selected Bulk Drug Park proposed by a State Government. The scheme will be implemented through a State Implementing Agency (SIA), a legal entity, set up by the concerned State Government.

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  • Which is the nodal agency for investments in ports?

    Major ports under the administrative control of Ministry of Shipping, Government of India invite investment proposals on their own. For non-major ports, investment proposals are routed through concerned State Governments.
    For further details, please refer the link.

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  • From where a person can get data for issue/transformation of a permit?

    The requirements for conversion/issue of licence are specified in CAR Section 7 Series ‘G’ Part I and schedule-II of the aircraft rules. The requirements for CPL are also clearly spelled out in the application form for issue / conversions of CPL.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What FDI policies are made for ports and shipping sector?

    100% FDI is allowed under the Ports & Shipping sector via automatic route.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Is security clearance required by foreign investors and how can security clearance be obtained by foreign investors?

    Yes, usually security clearance for foreign investors is obtained by project proponents. Foreign investors need to submit required documents with the project proponent who arrange to obtain security clearance.


    Please visit the following link for more information.

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  • Which are the major educational and training institutes for Maritime sector in India?

    Indian Maritime University is the premier institution for maritime education in India. In addition, there are 133 maritime training institutes approved by administration which provide pre-sea and post-sea trainings to individuals taking up career in maritime sector.
    For further details, please refer the link.

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  • Which is the nodal agency for regulation of lighthouse tourism?

    Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships (DGLL) is the nodal agency for regulation of lighthouse tourism.
    For further details, please refer the link.
     

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  • How is the allotment of land for shipbuilding projects done in India?

    Shipbuilding projects are generally established close to sea front. Land is allotted by the concerned State Government as per the prevailing land allotment policy. Shipbuilding projects may also be set-up within Major ports’ estates or existing shipyards.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Is there any agency for classification and certification of ships in India?

    Yes. Indian Register of Shipping is the recognized agency for classification and certification of ships.

    Please visit the following link.

     

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  • What is the length of concession period for port projects?

    Generally, length of concession period is 30 years.
    For further details, please refer the link.
     

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  • Which new ports are being developed by the Central government?

    Central Government has plans to build six greenfield major ports as follows:
    a) Vadhawan, Maharashtra.
    b) Sagar, West Bengal.
    c) Enayam, Tamil Nadu.
    d) Bellekeri, Karnataka.
    e) Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu.
    f) Paradip Satellite Port, Odisha.
    For further details, please refer the link.

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  • How many states are classified under solar city development programme?

    Under the 'Development of Solar Cities Programme'. there are in total 60 solar cities identified.

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  • What is a solar city?

    The Solar City aims at minimum 10% reduction in projected demand of conventional energy at the end of five years, through a combination of enhancing supply from renewable energy sources in the city and energy efficiency measures. The basic aim is to motivate the local Governments for adopting renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency measures.

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  • What are the new technologies undertaken by the government in this sector?

    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has taken up various programmes on new technologies. As part of these programmes, various projects pertinent to research, development and demonstration have been initiated. These initiatives have been at various research, scientific and educational institutes, universities, national laboratories, industry, etc. These projects are helping in the development of indigenous research and industrial base, expertise, trained manpower and prototypes/devices/systems in the country

    a. Hydrogen Energy
    b. Chemical Sources of Energy (Fuel Cells)
    c. Battery Operated Vehicles
    d. Geo Thermal Energy
    e. Ocean Energy
    f. Biofuels

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  • What is strategy related to R&D?

    R&D for technology development in industry -driven and goal oriented.

    1. Involvement of industry and scientific establishment.
    2. Access technological development elsewhere avoiding 'Reinventing the wheel'.
    3. Indigenous R&D for new and emerging technologies and improvement of available technologies.
    4. Time bound specific tasks for identified R&D activities to be assigned to recognized / identified industry and institutions with clear understanding on the achievement of results.

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  • What is the state-wise electricity generation capacity?

    The electricity generation capacity is listed state wise, which can be accessed from the 

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  • What is marine renewable energy?

    Ocean renewable energy or marine renewable energy are terms used to describe all forms of renewable energy derived from the sea including wave energy, tidal energy, ocean current energy, salinity gradient energy and ocean thermal gradient energy.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion?

    Ocean thermal energy conversion, or OTEC, uses ocean temperature differences from the surface to depths lower than 1,000 meters, to extract energy. A temperature difference of only 20°C can yield usable energy.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is the expected Potential of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) in India?

    OTEC has a theoretical potential of 180,000 MW in India subject to suitable technological evolution.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Where lies the focus of renewable energy sector?

    Research, design and development efforts should invariably lead to manufacture of complete systems, even if these efforts are required to be shared among different institutions. Thus, there would be a need for system integration broadly covering the following areas: -
    1. Alternate Fuels (hydrogen, biosynthetic)
     2. Green Initiative for Future Transport (GIFT)
     3. Green Initiative for Power Generation (GIPS)
     4. Standalone new and renewable energy products
     5. Distributed new and renewable energy systems
     6. New and renewable energy products
     7. MW scale grid interactive renewable electricity systems

    For more information, click here.

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  • What are the plans related to research and development?

    R&D for technology development in industry-driven and goal oriented.
     1. Involvement of industry and scientific establishment.
     2. Access technological development elsewhere avoiding 'Reinventing the wheel'.
     3. Indigenous R&D for new and emerging technologies and improvement of available technologies.
     4. Time bound specific tasks for identified R&D activities to be assigned to recognized / identified industry and institutions with clear understanding on the achievement of results.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is the Leather sector overview of India?

    India is the second largest producer and consumer of footwear in the world.

    The Leather industry in India accounts for around 13% of the world’s leather production of hides/skins and handles a robust annual production of about 3 bn sq. ft. of leather. The country accounts for 9% of the world’s footwear production. The industry is an employment intensive industry providing job to more than 4 Mn people. The industry is home to many leather and footwear clusters across the length and breadth of India.

     

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  • What are the major initiatives undertaken by the government in recent times in the leather sector?

    The Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP) (erstwhile IFLADP) has been approved for continuation from 2021-22 with an approved financial outlay of INR 1700 crore. IFLDP has been approved by the Union Cabinet on 19.01.2022 as continuation of the erstwhile IFLADP till 31.03.2026 or till further review, whichever is earlier. Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme(IFLDP) aims at development of infrastructure for the leather sector, address environmental concerns specific to the leather sector, facilitate additional investments, employment generation and increase in production. For more details please visit - https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1795797

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  • Where are major production centers for leather and leather products in India?

    The major production centers for leather and leather products in India are located in the states of :
    1) Tamil Nadu – Chennai, Ambur, Ranipet, Vaniyambadi, Vellore, Pernambut, Trichy, Dindigul and Erode. 
    2) West Bengal – Kolkata.
    3) Uttar Pradesh – Kanpur, Agra, Noida, Saharanpur; Maharashtra – Mumbai.  
    4) Punjab – Jallandhar. 
    5) Karnataka – Bangalore. 
    6) Andhra Pradesh – Hyderabad. 
    7) Haryana  – Ambala, Gurgaon, Panchkula, Karnal and Faridabad. 
    8) Delhi. 
    9) Madhya Pradesh – Dewas. 
    10) Kerala – Calicut and Ernakulam / Cochin. 
    11) Rajasthan - Jaipur. 
    12) Jammu & Kashmir - Srinagar.

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  • Is prior government approval required for investing in this sector?

    No, 100% FDI is allowed under the Automatic route.

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  • What are the sub-schemes approved under Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP)?

    Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme(IFLDP) aims at development of infrastructure for the leather sector, address environmental concerns specific to the leather sector, facilitate additional investments, employment generation and increase in production.

    The following sub-schemes have been approved under IFLDP during 2021-26:-

    (i) Sustainable Technology and Environmental Promotion (proposed outlay INR 500 crore):- Special Purpose Vehicle constituted for each CETP would be provided assistance @ 80% of the total project cost for Northeastern Areas with industry’s/beneficiary share to be 20% of the project cost and @ 70% of the total project cost for other areas with industry’s/beneficiary share to be 30% of the project cost with a limit of INR 200 crore.

    (ii) Integrated Development of Leather Sector (IDLS) sub-scheme (proposed outlay INR 500 crore):- Assistance would be provided to the sectoral units for their modernization/capacity expansion/technology up-gradation on or after 01.01.2020 @30% to MSME units and 20% to other units. Financial assistance is being proposed to North Eastern Areas also @40% of cost of plant & machinery to MSME units and 30% of the same to other units with additional 5% financial assistance for the domestically manufactured plant and machinery. Maximum assistance will be provided upto INR 15 crore per product line keeping in view 5 times increase in upper limit of investment in Plant and Machinery by MSME.

    (iii) Establishment of Institutional Facilities (proposed outlay INR 200 crore):- Setting up of International Testing Centre, Sports Complex, replacement of conventional light fixtures with LED lights and construction of girls hostel in FDDI campuses are planned.

    (iv) Mega Leather Footwear and Accessories Cluster Development (MLFACD) sub-scheme (proposed outlay INR 300 crore):- The sub-scheme aims at world-class infrastructure and to integrate the production chain in a manner that caters to the business needs of the leather and footwear industry so as to cater to the domestic market and exports.

    Graded assistance is proposed to be provided @50% of the project cost or @70% of the project cost in Northeastern areas, for land development, core infrastructure, HRD and social infrastructure, production facilities including ready to use sheds with plug and play facility, R&D support and export services excluding cost of land with maximum Government assistance being limited to INR 125 crore.

    (v) Brand Promotion of Indian Brands in Leather and Footwear Sector (proposed outlay INR 100 crore):- The GoI assistance is proposed to be 50% of total project cost subject to limit of INR 10 crore for each brand in next three year to promote 10 Indian brands in the International Market in 3 years. The designated agency to implement the sub-scheme is being proposed to be selected amongst institutes like NID, NIFT, IBEF, IIFT or Institutes of similar standing.

    (vi) Development of Design Studios (proposed outlay INR 100 crore):- This is a new sub-scheme. Assistance would be provided to develop 10 Indian design studio. The studios will promote marketing/export linkages, facilitates buyer- seller meets, display designs to international buyers and work as interface for the trade fairs. Design Studios will be kind of ‘one-stop- shop' providing a wide range of services: design, technical support, quality control etc. Institutes like FDDI, CLRI, NID, NIFT, IBEF, IIFT or institutes of similar standing or any large units of the industry or group of industry would be the implementing agencies. For more details, please visit the link - https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1795797

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  • Is FDI allowed under Multi-Brand Retail in India?

    As per the FDI Policy, foreign direct investment is allowed under Multi-Brand Retail Trading upto 51% through the government approval route.


    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in

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  • Are there any laws protecting consumer interests on online retail transactions?

    The government notified the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce ) Rules, 2020 in July 2020, with the aim of protecting consumer interests, as well as outlining duties of the sellers and e-commerce entities.

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in

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  • Can an SBRT entity commence e-commerce operations?

    Subject to the conditions of SBRT under the FDI policy (link:), a single brand retail trading entity operating through brick and mortar stores, is permitted to undertake retail trading through e- commerce. Further, as per policy, retail trading through e-commerce can also be undertaken prior to opening of brick & mortar stores, subject to the condition that the entity open brick and mortar stores within 2 years from date of start of online retail

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in

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  • Are there any sub-condition to Multi-Brand Retail Trade (MBRT) under the FDI Policy?

    The FDI Policy specifies few sub-conditions that must be met by entity undertaking Multi Brand Retail Trade:

    1. Fresh agricultural produce, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, grains, pulses, fresh poultry, fishery and meat products, may be unbranded.
    2. Minimum amount to be brought in, as FDI, by the foreign investor, would be US $ 100 million.
    3. At least 50% of total FDI brought in the first tranche of US $ 100 million, shall be invested in 'back-­‐end infrastructure' within three years, where ‘back-­‐end infrastructure’ will include capital expenditure on all activities, excluding that on front-­‐end units
    4. At least 30% of the value of procurement of manufactured/processed products purchased shall be sourced from Indian micro, small and medium industries, which have a total investment in plant & machinery not exceeding US $ 2.00 million.


    For more information, please refer to the FDI Policy

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in

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  • What is the Consumer Protection Act, 2019?

    Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is an Act instituted by the Government which covered consumer rights under the following areas:  

    1. Right to Safety 
    2. Right to be Informed 
    3. Right to Choose 
    4. Right to be heard 
    5. Right to seek Redressal 
    6. Right to Consumer Awareness

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in

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  • Where can I find regulations on food safety?

    Food Safety and Standards Authority of India is the regulatory authority and has created a comprehensive policy framework on food safety and standards in India.

    For more information, click here

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in

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  • What are the conditions for FDI under Single Brand Retail Trade?

    1. Products to be sold should be of a ‘Single Brand’ only i.e. sold under the same brand internationally products should be sold under the same brand in one or more countries other than India except for undertaking SBRT of Indian brands. 
    2. Single Brand’ product-retail trading would cover only products which are branded during manufacturing.
    3. A non-resident entity or entities, whether owner of the brand or otherwise, shall be permitted, directly or through a legally tenable agreement with the brand owner or through a legally tenable agreement executed between the Indian entity undertaking single brand retail trading and the brand owner.
    4. The investing entity shall provide evidence to this effect at the time of seeking approval, including a copy of the licensing/franchise/sub-license agreement etc. 
    5. In respect of proposals involving foreign investments beyond 51%, sourcing of 30% of the value of goods procured, will be done from India, preferably from MSMEs, village and cottage industries, artisans and craftsmen, in all sectors. The quantum of domestic souring will be self-certified by the company, to be subsequently checked by statutory auditor from the duly certified accounts which the company will be required to maintain. This procurement requirement would have to be met, in first instance, as an average of five years' total value of the goods procured, beginning 1st April of the year of commencement of SBRT business. Thereafter, SBRT entity shall be required to meet the 30% local sourcing norms on an annual basis.

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in

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  • What are the rules governing 'Franchising' in India?

    There isn't any umbrella legislation governing 'Franchising' in India. However, a broad set of laws and regulations can be applicable to 'Franchising'  governing different aspects of a particular franchising business in India. Given below is an indicative list of laws that can be made applicable:

    1. Indian Contract Act, 1872 - It governs the contractual aspects of a franchise agreement relating to offer, acceptance, indemnity, termination, breach of contract among other clauses inserted in the agreement.
    2. Intellectual Property Laws - The Trade Marks Act 1999, the Copyright Act 1957, the Patents Act 1970 and the Design Act 2000 governs and regulates the intellectual property aspects involved in a franchise agreement which would include brand names (owner), logos, designs, trademarks among others.
    3. Competition Act, 2002 - The competition law will check on the anti-competitive element of the franchise agreement, which is a vertical agreement (governed by Section 3(4) of the Act) and also on abuse of dominance by the franchisor.
    4. Foreign Exchange Management Act - It will govern payments and guarantees issued by Indian franchisees to foreign franchisors depending upon the franchising arrangement. The FDI Policy will also come into action to govern the investment aspect.
    5. Consumer Protection Act, 2019 - It will be applicable to remedy the consumers and hold the franchisee or the franchisor or both of them jointly liable in case of defective goods or unsatisfactory service.

    Other laws which will also become applicable include the Tax related Laws in India, Labour Laws, The Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, Information Technology Act, 2000, Transfer of Property Act 1882,Indian Stamp Act 1899, Registration Act 1908.


    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in

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  • Are Single Brand Retail Traders, as defined under the FDI Policy, required to locally source products?

    For projects under Single Brand Retail Trading involving foreign investments beyond 51%, sourcing of 30% of the value of goods will be done from India. This procurement would have to be met, in the first instance, as an average of first five years total value of goods purchased. Thereafter, it would have to be met on an annual basis or year 6 onwards.

    Further details on sub-conditions associated with SBRT are provided in the FDI Policy, click here.

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in

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  • What is the FDI policy for Duty free shops?

    "100%  FDI is allowed under Duty free shops via automatic route. As per the FDI Policy, duty free shops with foreign investment are not permitted to engage in any retail trading activity in the domestic tariff area of the country.  

    Further, such duty free shops are also required to comply with the conditions stipulated under the Customs Act, 1962 and the other applicable laws and regulations.  

    For more information, click here.

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in"

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  • Can an SBRT entity commence e-commerce operations?

    Subject to the conditions of SBRT under the FDI policy (link:), a single brand retail trading entity operating through brick and mortar stores, is permitted to undertake retail trading through e- commerce. Further, as per policy, retail trading through e-commerce can also be undertaken prior to opening of brick & mortar stores, subject to the condition that the entity open brick and mortar stores within 2 years from date of start of online retail

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in

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  • What is a marketplace and inventory based model of e-commerce?

    "1) Marketplace based model of e-commerce means providing an information technology platform by an e-commerce entity on a digital & electronic network to act as a facilitator between the buyer and seller. 
    2) Inventory based model of e-commerce means an e-commerce activity where inventory of goods and services is owned by e-commerce entity and is sold to the consumers directly.

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in"

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  • Is FDI allowed for inventory based model of e-commerce?

    "No, FDI is not permitted for inventory based model of e-commerce.

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in"

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  • Does India have an e-commerce policy?

    "A draft e-commerce policy was prepared and put up in the public domain on February 23, 2019 for comments/suggestions. Comments from over 120 stakeholders (companies, Industry associations, think tanks, foreign governments) have since been received. The Govt. is currently working on finalising the policy. Click here for the draft policy. 

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in"

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  • What is deemed inventory ownership by a marketplace under the FDI Policy on E-Commerce?

    As per the FDI Policy, E-Commerce marketplace is not supposed to exercise control or ownership of the inventory. Inventory is deemed to be controlled by the marketplace if more than 25% of purchases of a vendor on the marketplace are purchased from the marketplace entity or its group companies. 

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in

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  • Can sellers on e-commerce marketplaces have equity participation from the marketplace or its group companies?

    No, as per the FDI Policy, no entity having equity participation from the e-commerce marketplace entity or its group companies will be permitted to sell its products on the platform run by such a marketplace entity. 


    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in

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  • Can e-commerce marketplaces offer services to sellers hosted on its webite?

    As per the FDI Policy, e-commerce marketplace may provide support services to sellers in respect of warehousing, logistics, order fulfilment, call centre, payment collection and other services

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in

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  • Is E-Commerce allowed for Food Retail?

    For food product retail trading: 100% FDI is allowed under approval route, including through ecommerce, in respect of food products manufactured and/or produced in India. 

    For any further queries, please write to us at retail@investindia.org.in

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  • what is the objective of Bharatmala programme?

    Bharatmala Pariyojana program focuses on optimizing efficiency of freight and passenger movement across the country by bridging critical infrastructure gaps through effective interventions like development of Economic Corridors, Inter Corridors and Feeder Routes, National Corridor Efficiency Improvement, Border and International connectivity roads, Coastal and Port connectivity roads and Green-field expressways.

    For more information, click here.

     

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  • What are the different initiatives taken by the Govt. towards development of Highways in India?

    Some of the key initiatives taken by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) are:

    1.    Bharatmala Pariyojna
    2.    Eastern Peripheral Expressway – Western Peripheral Expressway
    3.    Indian Bridge Management System
    4.   Toll-Operate-Transfer (ToT)
    5.    Planning of multi modal transport system
    6.    Green Highways Division in NHAI
    7.    Project Monitoring Information System (PMIS)
    8.    INAM-Pro+ launched
    9.    Bhoomi Rashi

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is the Green Highways (Plantation, Transplantation, Beautification & Maintenance) Policy? What are the benefits of adopting this policy?

    This is a Policy to promote greening of highway corridors with participation of the community, farmers, private sector, NGOs, and government institutions. Further, the policy provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure uniformity of operations pertaining to enhancement of highway landscapes. The community shall be benefited in terms of huge generation of employment opportunities, entrepreneurship development and  environmental benefits. Overall, adoption of the policy will contribute to economic development of the country and the local groups can access their rights to the non-timber produce from the trees.

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  • What are the Fiscal incentives provided by the Government in Road and Highway Sector?

    Fiscal incentives for the sector are as follows:
    1) 100% FDI through automatic route allowed subject to applicable laws and regulation.
    2) Right of way (RoW) for project land made available to concessionaires free from all encumbrances.
    3) NHAI/GOI to provide capital grant (Viability Gap Funding/Cash Support) up to 40% of project cost to enhance viability on a case to case basis.
    4) 100% tax exemption for five years and 30% relief for next five years, which may be availed of in 20 years.
    5) Duty free import of modern high capacity construction equipment.

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  • What roles did Government play in highway sector?

    National Highways Authority of India implemented the National Highways Development Project (NHDP) which is India’s largest ever Highways Project in a phased manner. Prime focus of NHDP was to ensure enhanced safety features, better riding surface, road geometry and traffic management, bypasses and wayside amenities, over bridges and underpasses etc.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is the scope of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), ?

    The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), was launched by the Govt. of India to provide connectivity to unconnected Habitations as part of a poverty reduction strategy.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Does the road and highway sector provide any tax benefits post GST?

    Few tax benefits post GST in the Roads & Highway sector are:

    1. Interstate check posts removed, travel time of long-haul trucks, other cargo vehicles cut by at least one-fifth
    2. Rate for all goods expected to be in the range of 18%
    3. Logistics cost down to 10-12% of total value of goods

    For more information, click here

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  • What is Value Engineering Programme?

    The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India plans to implement 'Value Engineering Programme' in order to promote use of new technologies and material in highway projects being executed in India.

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  • What is Special Accelerated Road Development Programme?

    Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has taken up an ambitious Special Accelerated Road Development Programme (SARDP-NE) for development of road network in the north eastern States of the Country.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What amount of Foreign Direct Investment is permitted in streets and parkways?

    ​100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is allowed under the automatic route in the road and highways sector​. 

    For more information, click here​.

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  • What is the function of IN-SPACe?

    IN-SPACe, is responsible to promote, enable, authorize, and supervise various space activities of the NGEs that include, among others, the building of launch vehicles & satellites and providing space-based services; sharing of space infrastructure and premises under the control of DOS/ISRO; and establishment of new space infrastructure and facilities.

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  • What is the single window approval system in Space sector?

    Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) a single-window, independent, nodal agency which functions as an autonomous agency in Department of Space (DOS) facilitates single window approvals in the space sector.

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  • What is NSIL?

    NSIL is the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) with the primary responsibility of enabling Indian industries to take up high technology space related activities and is also responsible for promotion and commercial exploitation of the products and services emanating from the Indian space programme.

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  • What are industrial cluster of aerospace and where?

    Industrial clusters are a concentration of related or several industrial sites to aerospace that are grouped within proximity to one another. India has established several industrial clusters e.g. Salem aerospace cluster, Tamil Nadu and Belagavi Aerospace cluster, Aerospace and Innovation centre with IISc at Chitradurga, Devanahalli cluster and others.

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  • What has been the role of Non-Government Private Entities in developing the groundwork for sports in India?

    Private organizations for-profits and for non-profits have been playing instrumental role in funding, training, consulting and developing infrastructure through PPPs as well as independently. Capable corporate entities are actively partaking in evolving franchise-based leagues and sponsoring individual talents across the country.

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  • Why are the incentive schemes offered by the government for sports academies in India?

    India's high aspirations can be observed via TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme). In pursuance of this target, the Sports Ministry had introduced an incentivization structure to extend monetary support to 500 private academies, through the Khelo India Scheme over the next four years starting FY 2020-21.
     

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  • What is the National Monetization Pipeline?

    The Union Budget 2021-22 envisioned the preparation of a National Monetization Pipeline to provide a direction to the monetization initiative and visibility of investors. The National Monetization Pipeline has been created to be co-terminus with the balance National Infrastructure Pipeline period, a 4-year period from FY2022 to FY2025.
     

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  • What are some top export destinations for Indian Sports Goods?

    India exports sports goods to the USA, China, Australia, Germany, the UAE, the UK, Netherlands, France, South Africa, Sweden, Canada, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, and a total of more than 200 countries. During 2021-22, the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, and Netherland were among the top importers of Made in India sports equipment.
     

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  • What is the Sports Goods Export Promotion Council (SGEPC) and what are its functions?

    The SGEPC is a Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India sponsored organization established in 1958 that works towards the promotion of the export of Indian sports goods and toys. The council represents the leading manufacturers and exporters. The main activities of the SGEPC are trade promotion, trade events and fairs, information dissemination, export statistics tracking and projection. 
     

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  • What are some government initiatives for assisting the sports goods exports?

    • Market Development Assistance (MDA) and Market Access Initiative (MAI): These schemes works to assist the exporters in export promotion activities in the international markets by funding and capacity building assistance. Sports Goods have been enlisted as priority sectors under MAI scheme.
    • Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) is applicable for sports Goods exports will ensure that the exporters receive the refunds on the embedded taxes and duties previously non-recoverable.
       

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  • Which are the Key Industrial Clusters for sports goods manufacturing?

    Punjab and Uttar Pradesh are the Key Industrial Clusters with Jalandhar and Meerut accounting for 82% of the total production and hosting more than 3000 manufacturing units.
     

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  • How much FDI is allowed under telecom sector?

    100% FDI is allowed in the telecom sector under automatic route.

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  • What are the advantages of investing in telecom sector?

    Some key incentives for investors in the telecom sector are:

    1. Basic customs duty (BCD) and special additional duty have been withdrawn.
    2. Importers of mobile handset components such as chargers, adaptors, batteries and wired handsets need to pay only the countervailing duty of 12.5%.
    3. A duty advantage of 10.5% exists for local manufacturers of mobile speakers and batteries

     

     

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  • What are the government FDI policies for telecom sector?

    100% FDI is allowed in the telecom sector under the automatic route.

    For more information, click here [1] [2]

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  • List the admissible deductions.

    Deductions claimed on account of PSTN related call charges and roaming charges (Pass through charges/Interconnect Usage Charges) actually paid to eligible Telecom Service Providers and Sales Tax & Service Tax (if included in the Gross Revenue) actually paid to Government are admissible.'

    For more information, click here.

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  • What are Inter- Company/Group Company and Intra-Company/Group Company transactions?

    Inter-Company/Group Company transactions are those which occur between two separate legal entities e.g. transactions occurred between RCOM and RTL or transactions occurred between Vodafone Ltd and Vodafone South Ltd. are example of Inter-Company/Group Company transactions. Pass through charges between two legal entities may be routed through the bank only and not through mere ledger adjustment.

    Whereas, Intra-Company/Group Company transactions are those which occur within same legal entity e.g. transactions occurred between RCOM, Delhi and RCOM UP (East) or transactions occurred between Vodafone South Ltd, AP and Vodafone South Ltd., Karnataka are example of intra-Company/Group Company transactions.

    Please Note: Names of Companies used are for reference/illustration only.

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  • What are the documents required for verification of deductions by the CCA offices?

    The required documents are as follows-
    1) Covering letter with check list for submission of documents in prescribed proforma.
    2) Quarterly Statements of Revenue and Licence Fee (AGR).
    3) Photocopies of invoices duly signed by the Authorised Signatory.
    4) Payment proof duly signed by the Authorised Signatory.
    5) Certified copy of the ledger in case of Intra-Company settlement along with Annexure-AG.
    6) Certified copy of the statement of net settlement in Annexure-AO in case of Inter-Company settlement.
    7) Certified copy of Statement of part payments made in annexure – PP in case of part payments made due to billing disputes.
    8) Power of attorney by Authorised Signatory declaring that information and documents so provided are authentic and verified by the licensee.
    9) Power of attorney should be submitted with the concerned CCA offices.
    10) Complete Bank statements (with running page numbers) showing relevant payments of which 1st & last page (should not be blank) shall be signed by the Bank Authorities.
    11) At the end of the Financial Year, Audited quarterly statements of Revenue and Licence Fee (AGR).

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  • How will Invest India provide facilitation support if a company is looking to set up a new manufacturing facility?

    Invest India provides the following support to any company looking to enter India or already has presence in India and is looking to expand its footprint.

    • Pre-Investment Stage-
      • Opportunity Assessment
      • Market Strategy
      • Policy Guidance
      • Subsidy and Incentive Advisory
    • Investment Execution-
      • JV & Strategic Partner Research
      • Corporate & Industry Associations
      • Site Identification
      • Entry Route Advisory
      • Regulatory Clearances
    • Long Term Partnership-
      • Policy Advocacy
      • Issue Redressal
      • Expansion Support

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  • Details on Brand Sourcing from India at different price levels ?

    Price points are confidential information between the buyers and suppliers, however there are major International brands and retailers present in India who are sourcing on various price points, such as: H&M, Zara, Uniqlo, M&S, PVH, Decathlon, Hugo Boss, Bestseller etc.

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  • What is the time required for customs clearance for imports/exports ?

    ICD (Inland Container Depots) Delhi-Time taken from arrival of cargo to filing of declaration by importer- 10 days 14 hours 11 minutes.

    ICD (Inland Container Depots) Bangalore- 5 days 23 hours 36 minutes

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  • Brief on the FTA (Free Trade Agreements) ?

    India is currently in the process of negotiating FTAs with EU, Australia, UK, Canada, Israel and other countries/ region. Indian firms get an immediate price advantage when such duties become zero due to FTAs (free trade agreements). Indian firms also get a level playing field with firms from Vietnam and Bangladesh, whose products enter the EU and the US at zero duty.

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  • Government Plan / Vision for the Textile and Apparel sector. Is there a strategic vision / plan in place for the mid to long term? (i.e., export growth, employment, contribution to GDP, ecosystem development).

    The Indian textile and apparel industry is expected to grow at 12% CAGR to reach US$ 250 Bn by 2030. India has a 4% share of the global trade in textiles and apparel. The industry (including dyed and printed) attracted foreign direct investment (FDI) worth US$ 4 Bn from April 2000-December 2022. The textiles sector has witnessed a spurt in investment during the last five years.

    • Contribution to GDP- 2.3%
    • Employment- 45 Mn, Employed Labor, 2nd Largest Employer after Agriculture
    • 100 percent FDI allowed
    • Market Size: 154 Bn

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  • Which are some of the foreign companies which have Invested in India in Textiles?

    Some of the foreign companies which have invested in India and have set up their manufacturing facilities in India are Avgol (Israel), Hyosung (Korea), Perennials (USA), Lindstorm (Finland), and Youngone (Korea), Nanliu (Taiwan), Kimberly Clark (USA) amongst others.

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  • What is Market Research Department in Textile Committee?

    Market Research Department is one of the functional departments of the Textiles Committee dealing with the activities of Textile Economic Research. As mandated in the Textiles Committee Act, the Department is carrying out textile economic research.

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  • What is the export potential of the Textiles Sector in India and which are the top exporting destinations?

    Indian Textile Sector is the 3rd largest exporter of Textiles & Apparel in the world. India holds 4.6% share of the global trade in textiles and apparel, respectively, in FY 2021-22. India's annual textiles exports is expected to rise to US$ 100 Bn in the next five years from the current US$ 44.4 Bn in FY 2021-2022. Major textile and apparel export destinations for India are USA, EU-27 and UK, accounts for approximately 50% of India’s textiles and apparel exports.

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  • What is Export Promotion & Quality Assurance under Ministry of Textile?

    The Export Promotion & Quality Assurance Division carries out functions under various Sections of The Textiles Committee Act, such as conducting technical studies in the textile industry, Promotion of textile exports, establishing, adopting and recognizing standard specifications for textiles and packing materials, Specifying the type of quality control or inspection needs to be applied to textiles, providing training on the techniques of quality control to be applied to textiles etc.

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  • Is there any reliance on Migrant workers ?

    India has an abundant availability of skilled manpower. India has presence of world recognized education as well as training institute. India is the second largest non-native English speaking country. By, 2030 there will be additional 300 Mn workforce that will be added to the country and also, India has the youngest workforce to fuel the industry, the average age of the Indian workforce in 2022 is 28 years. Hence, there is no reliance on migrant workers in the textile industry.

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  • What are the government sponsored schemes in textile industry?

    The Ministry of Textiles has rolled out various schemes like the Production Linked Incentive scheme, PM-MITRA scheme, ATUFFS scheme, National Technical Textiles Mission Scheme, SAMARTH Scheme, Silk Samagra Scheme, Integrated Wool Development Programme. The Ministry of Textiles through the Textile Committee provides information on the various schemes available for the textile sector. The schemes are aimed at providing wholistic benefits and growth opportunities to this sector.

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  • What is Export Promotion & Quality Assurance under Ministry of Textile?

    The Export Promotion & Quality Assurance Division carries out functions under various Sections of The Textiles Committee Act, such as conducting technical studies in the textile industry, Promotion of textile exports, Establishing, adopting and recognizing standard specifications for textiles and packing materials, Specifying the type of quality control or inspection needs to be applied to textiles, providing training on the techniques of quality control to be applied to textiles etc.

     

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  • Is there a list of importers and exporters of technical textiles available?

    There are 369 technical textiles importers and 680 technical textiles exporters in India as per the latest available figures. The list of exporters and importers along with contact details, export segment & product exported is available in the website link. 

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  • What are the main objectives of the Market Intelligence in Textiles?

    The main objectives of MIT are:

    1)  Provide Real-time Database for the Policy, Industry and Trade (Country level, product level).
    2)  Suggest remedial measures/ information on change in business environment in domestic segment.
    3) Augmenting Market Information for export competitiveness and policy.  

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  • How can one apply for India Handloom Brand?

    One can apply for the registration by submitting:

    1. a duly filled application form in duplicate in the prescribed format;
    2. applicable registration fees; and
    3. sample of your product(s) of 0.25 meter length in full width of the fabric.

    For more information, click here

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  • What are the government sponsored schemes in textile industry?

    The Ministry of Textiles has rolled out various schemes like the Production Linked Incentive scheme, PM-MITRA scheme, ATUFFS scheme, National Technical Textiles Mission Scheme, SAMARTH Scheme, Silk Samagra Scheme, Integrated Wool Development Programme. The Ministry of Textiles through the Textile Committee provides information on the various schemes available for the textile sector. The schemes are aimed at providing wholistic benefits and growth opportunities to this sector.

    Was this helpful?

  • What is Export Promotion & Quality Assurance under Ministry of Textile?

    The Export Promotion & Quality Assurance Division carries out functions under various Sections of The Textiles Committee Act, such as conducting technical studies in the textile industry, Promotion of textile exports, Establishing, adopting and recognizing standard specifications for textiles and packing materials, Specifying the type of quality control or inspection needs to be applied to textiles, providing training on the techniques of quality control to be applied to textiles etc.

     

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  • Is there a list of importers and exporters of technical textiles available?

    There are 369 technical textiles importers and 680 technical textiles exporters in India as per the latest available figures. The list of exporters and importers along with contact details, export segment & product exported is available in the website link. 

    Was this helpful?

  • What are the main objectives of the Market Intelligence in Textiles?

    The main objectives of MIT are:

    1)  Provide Real-time Database for the Policy, Industry and Trade (Country level, product level).
    2)  Suggest remedial measures/ information on change in business environment in domestic segment.
    3) Augmenting Market Information for export competitiveness and policy.  

    Was this helpful?

  • What are the government sponsored schemes in textile industry?

    The Ministry of Textiles has rolled out various schemes like the Production Linked Incentive scheme, PM-MITRA scheme, ATUFFS scheme, National Technical Textiles Mission Scheme, SAMARTH Scheme, Silk Samagra Scheme, Integrated Wool Development Programme. The Ministry of Textiles through the Textile Committee provides information on the various schemes available for the textile sector. The schemes are aimed at providing wholistic benefits and growth opportunities to this sector.

    Was this helpful?

  • What is Export Promotion & Quality Assurance under Ministry of Textile?

    The Export Promotion & Quality Assurance Division carries out functions under various Sections of The Textiles Committee Act, such as conducting technical studies in the textile industry, Promotion of textile exports, Establishing, adopting and recognizing standard specifications for textiles and packing materials, Specifying the type of quality control or inspection needs to be applied to textiles, providing training on the techniques of quality control to be applied to textiles etc.

     

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  • Is there a list of importers and exporters of technical textiles available?

    There are 369 technical textiles importers and 680 technical textiles exporters in India as per the latest available figures. The list of exporters and importers along with contact details, export segment & product exported is available in the website link. 

    Was this helpful?

  • What are the main objectives of the Market Intelligence in Textiles?

    The main objectives of MIT are:

    1)  Provide Real-time Database for the Policy, Industry and Trade (Country level, product level).
    2)  Suggest remedial measures/ information on change in business environment in domestic segment.
    3) Augmenting Market Information for export competitiveness and policy.  

    Was this helpful?

  • What are the government sponsored schemes in textile industry?

    The Ministry of Textiles has rolled out various schemes like the Production Linked Incentive scheme, PM-MITRA scheme, ATUFFS scheme, National Technical Textiles Mission Scheme, SAMARTH Scheme, Silk Samagra Scheme, Integrated Wool Development Programme. The Ministry of Textiles through the Textile Committee provides information on the various schemes available for the textile sector. The schemes are aimed at providing wholistic benefits and growth opportunities to this sector.

    Was this helpful?

  • What is Export Promotion & Quality Assurance under Ministry of Textile?

    The Export Promotion & Quality Assurance Division carries out functions under various Sections of The Textiles Committee Act, such as conducting technical studies in the textile industry, Promotion of textile exports, Establishing, adopting and recognizing standard specifications for textiles and packing materials, Specifying the type of quality control or inspection needs to be applied to textiles, providing training on the techniques of quality control to be applied to textiles etc.

     

    Was this helpful?

  • Is there a list of importers and exporters of technical textiles available?

    There are 369 technical textiles importers and 680 technical textiles exporters in India as per the latest available figures. The list of exporters and importers along with contact details, export segment & product exported is available in the website link. 

    Was this helpful?

  • What are the main objectives of the Market Intelligence in Textiles?

    The main objectives of MIT are:

    1)  Provide Real-time Database for the Policy, Industry and Trade (Country level, product level).
    2)  Suggest remedial measures/ information on change in business environment in domestic segment.
    3) Augmenting Market Information for export competitiveness and policy.  

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  • What is the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)?

    The National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE) is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). NMEEE aims to strengthen the market for energy efficiency by creating conducive regulatory and policy regime and has envisaged fostering innovative and sustainable business models to the energy efficiency sector. The Cabinet had approved the NMEEE document, and funding for two years of the 11th Plan period (2010-12) with an outlay of $ 36.23 million. Continuation of NMEEE for the 12th Plan was approved by Cabinet on 6th August, 2014 with a total outlay of $ 119.23. The Mission seeks to upscale the efforts to unlock the market for energy efficiency which is estimated to be around $ 11.385 billion. The activities during the 11th Plan period created the institutional and regulatory infrastructure. The NMEEE spelt out four initiatives to enhance energy efficiency in energy intensive industries which are as follows:
    a) Perform, Achieve and Trade Scheme (PAT), a market based mechanism to enhance the cost effectiveness in improving the Energy Efficiency in Energy Intensive industries through certification of energy saving which can be traded.
    b) Market Transformation for Energy Efficiency (MTEE), for accelerating the shift to energy efficient appliances in designated sectors through innovative measures to make the products more affordable.
    c) Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (EEFP), for creation of mechanisms that would help finance demand side management programmes in all sectors by capturing future energy savings.
    d) Framework for Energy Efficient Economic Development (FEEED), for development of fiscal instruments to promote energy efficiency.

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  • What are the completed transmission projects?

    There are 260 projects/elements completed all over India in 2017-18.

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  • What are the upcoming projects transmission projects?

    There are 285 projects coming in all over India. You can find a detailed map of these projects on the link.

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  • What is TARANG?

    TARANG is the Transmission App for Real time Monitoring and Growth to monitor the progress of transmission system in the country.

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  • What is Central Electricity Authority and what is the information it provides?

    Central Electricity Authority (CEA) is a statutory organization originally constituted under the Electricity Act, 2003. The organization releases monthly reports related, state wise installed capacity on the link.

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  • How are thermal power plants (TPPs) classified among industries?

    The Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) has classified TPPs as one of the 17 Red Category industries. Red Category denotes heavily polluting industry. For obtaining EC:
    Category A projects are: 
    1) > 500 MW Coal/Lignite/Naphtha & Gas Based Fuel.
    2) > 50 MW Petcoke, Diesel and all Other Fuels, including Refinery Residual Oil Waste (excluding Biomass).
    3) > 20 MW Biomass Based or Non-Hazardous MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) as Fuel.

    Category B projects are -
    1) < 500 MW Coal/Lignite/Naphtha & Gas Based Fuel.
    2) <50 MW or 3 MW Petcoke, Diesel and all Other Fuels, including Refinery Residual Oil Waste (excluding Biomass).
    3) < 20 MW or 15MW Biomass Based or Non-Hazardous MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) as Fuel.

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  • Why is there a proliferation of TPPs along the coast?

    Situating a plant along the coast provides two important benefits to the Project Proponent:
    1) Easy transport of imported coal through ports and captive jetties.
    2) Easy availability of seawater for on-site seawater desalination technology for both once-through cooling and for boiler-feed water generation. This reduces fresh water requirement for running the thermal power plant.

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  • What is the CEPI (Comprehensive Environment Pollution Index)? How does it impact the location of TPPs?

    CEPI is a number to characterize the environmental quality at a given location. CEPI scores are calculated from time-to-time by the CPCB to identify critically polluted areas and industrial clusters, by monitoring their air, land and water. CEPI Score is an important tool to identify those clusters where industrial development activities have been restricted due to their pollution levels. In 2010, the MoEF imposed a moratorium on the consideration of projects for EC, if they were located in 43 critically polluted areas. It has been reduced to 7 clusters as of September 2013. TPPs cannot be located in those places where the moratorium is imposed.

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  • How long does it usually take for a plant to get Environmental Clearance?

    It depends on the size of the plant. Usually 1 to 1.5 years is the time for a plant to obtain EC after filing of Application. The following are the time-bound activities according to the EIA Notification: 
    1) Issuance of ToR: To be issued within 60 days of Application submission by Project
    Proponent. 
    2) Conducting of Public Hearing: The Public Hearing Report to be submitted to the MoEF/ SEIAA by the SPCB within 45 days of receiving request for hearing from the Project Proponent. 
    3) Issuance of EC: To be issued within 105 days of the Project Proponent submitting the
    Final EIA.

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  • What is the penalty for not complying with the eligibility conditions?

    In the event of the failure of any Letter of Intent (LoI) holder to comply with the eligibility conditions for the Grant of Permission Agreement or failing to sign the Grant of Permission Agreement within the prescribed period, the full deposit of the bid amount shall be forfeited without further notice, and Letter of Intent and the allocation of frequency, if any, shall stand cancelled.

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  • What is SACFA clearance and frequency allocation?

    ‘SACFA’ means the ‘Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation‘ of the Wireless Planning & Co-ordination wing of Ministry of Communications & IT, Government of India.
    ‘Frequency Allocation’ means the specific Radio Frequency (RF) carrier with associated technical parameters such as RF power, bandwidth etc to the particular FM channel as assigned by the Wireless Planning & Co-ordination wing of Department of Telecommunication, Ministry of Communications & IT, Government of India.

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  • What is the eligibility criteria for getting permission of FM radio channel?

    Only companies registered under the Company’s Act, 1956 are eligible for bidding and obtaining permission for FM radio channels. However, following types of companies are not eligible to apply:
    a) Companies not incorporated in India.
    b) Any company controlled by a person convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude or money laundering/drug trafficking, terrorist activities or declared as insolvent or applied for being declared insolvent.
    c) A company which is an associate of/or controlled by a Trust, Society or Non Profit Organization.
    d) A company controlled by or associated with a religious body.
    e) A company controlled by or associated with a political body.
    f) Any company which is functioning as an advertising agency, is an associate of an advertising agency or is controlled by an advertising agency or person associated with an advertising agency.
    g) Subsidiary company of any applicant in the same City.
    h) Holding company of any applicant in the same City.
    i) Companies with the same management as that of an applicant in the same City.
    j) More than one Inter-Connected Undertaking in the same City.
    k) A company that has been debarred from taking part in the bidding process or its holding company or subsidiary or a company with the same management or an interconnected undertaking.
    l) The defaulters of conditions under Phase-I & Phase-II, who have contested the revocation of their letters of Intent/License Agreements/Bank Guarantees, thereby continue to be debarred from participating in any future bidding process.

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  • What is the overview of the media and entertainment sector in India and the performance of this sector in recent times?

    The Indian Media and Entertainment sector is valued at approximately $ 12 bn in 2015 and expected to double by 2020. Out of the various sub sectors, one of the highest growing sub-sectors would be digital advertising with a CAGR of 30%. Further, India is known to have the second largest TV market in the world.
    The performance of the sector can be found in the achievement report at the following link. 

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  • Is the government proposing to create a regulatory agency for television broadcasters?

    In 2006, the government had prepared a Draft Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill, 2006. The bill made it mandatory to seek license for broadcasting any television or radio channel or program.
    It also provides standards for regulation of content. It is the duty of the body to ensure compliance with guidelines issued under the bill.

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  • After the application of WOL, can we start the transmission before we have obtained the Wireless Operating License?

    No, one is not legally supposed to begin the operational transmission. However, you can try doing test transmission.

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  • Who is responsible for interpolations?

    Any person who exhibits or permits to exhibit interpolated film is responsible. It has to be observed whether the characters involved in the main film are also involved in the interpolated bits. If it is so, then one can infer that the producer and the distributor may also be responsible for interpolation. According to Section 7(b) of the Act, if any person, without lawful authority, alters or tampers with in any film, after it has been certified, will be committing a crime under Cinematograph Act. It is to be noted that the burden of proving the lawfulness of the act shall lie on the person who altered or tampered with the certified film.

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  • When should we renew GOPA?

    Grant of Permission Agreement (GOPA) is valid only for a period of five years. End of five years, please download the form of renewal of GOPA from www.mib.nic.in. This form has to be printed on two $ 1.53 non-judicial stamp paper and be signed similar to the way the GOPA was signed.

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  • What are the different segments of Gaming industry in India?

    The gaming market has a few distinct segments in India. Firstly, there is the commonly used individual gaming, then comes multi-player gaming (both offline and online) followed by a rapidly growing ecosystem of fantasy sports.

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  • What are the steps taken by Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) to support the growth of the sector?

    The steps taken are as follows:
    a) Infrastructure support: The Department has set up Information Technology Investment Regions (ITIRs). These regions are supported equipped with excellent infrastructure.
    b) R&D promotion: 150% of expenditure incurred on in-house R&D is also available under the Income Tax Act.
    In addition to the existing scheme for funding R&D projects, the department has put in place the 2 key schemes:
    i) Support International Patent Protection in Electronics & IT (SIP-EIT).
    ii) Multiplier Grants Scheme (MGS).
    c) Tax incentives: Over the years, the Government has been taking steps to bring down the total taxation level on electronics hardware.

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  • What is the overview of the IT BPM sector in India and the performance of this sector in recent times?

    The technology industry revenue is estimated to be $245 Bn in FY 2023. Technology exports at $194 Bn, are expected to grow at 9.4% in reported currency terms. In terms of FDI equity inflow, the computer software and hardware sectors attracted the highest FDI in FY 2021-22. Between April 2000 and Dec 2022, it attracted FDI equity inflow of $93.58 Bn. India is one of the most preferred destinations when it comes to setting up Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Total number of GCCs in India are 1570+. The total installed GCC talent is 1.38 Mn+. Indian SaaS companies saw 2x growth in share of global markets. India has as many as 59 number of SaaS unicorns and potential unicorns.

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  • Which IT Enabled Services are considered to be part of BPO operations?

    As per Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) notification No. 890E dated 26 September 2000, the list of eligible IT enabled services under BPO operations considered in IBPS are as under:
    i) Back office operations.
    ii) Call centres.
    iii) Content Development or Animation.
    iv) Data Processing.
    vi) Geographic information System Services.
    vii) Human Resource Services.
    viii) Insurance Claim processing.
    ix) Legal Databases.
    x) Medical Transcription.
    xi) Payroll.
    xii) Remote Maintenance.
    xiii) Revenue Accounting.
    xiv) Support Centres.
    xv) Website services.

    As per NASSCOM, BPO includes following processes that may be IT-enabled, do not necessitate on-shore presence and are hence, offshore-able:
    1) Customer Interaction & Support (CIS)- CIS includes all forms of IT-enabled customer contact, inbound or outbound, voice or non-voice based support used to provide customer services, sales and marketing, technical support and help desk services.
    2) Finance & Accounting (F&A)- F&A includes activities such as general accounting, transaction management (account receivables and payables management), corporate finance (e.g. treasury and risk management, and tax management); compliance management and statutory reporting, etc.
    3) Horizontal-specific BPM services- Services that are reasonably similar across industries. Horizontal BPM services include Customer Interaction and Support (CIS), Finance and Accounting (F&A) and other related processing services, Knowledge Services, Human Resource Management (HRM), Procurement BPM, etc.
    4) Human Resources Processing- HR processing services includes services that support the core HR activities plus talent management activities and associated business processes such as benefits, payroll and talent management.

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  • What are the Export Promotion Schemes offered by the Ministry of Technology and Information Technology (MeITY)?

    The two major export promotion schemes launched under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology are:
     

    1) Software Technology Parks (STPs): STP of India was set up as an autonomous body in 1991.
     Some of the benefits offered are:
     a) Customs duty exemption
     b) Accelerated depreciation
     c) 100% FDI permitted through automatic route.


     2) Special Economic Zone (SEZ): They were set up with an objective of providing an international competitiveness. Some of the benefits are:
     a) 100% income tax exemption on export income
     b) Duty free import. Please note that SEZ are for multiple sectors and these benefits extend to sectors other than IT BPM 

    For more information, click here.

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  • How local entrepreneurs can participate in IBPS?

    An entrepreneur can form a Consortium with a Company registered anywhere under Companies Act 1956/2013 which is able to fulfil the other eligibility criteria(s). The eligible Indian Company must have at least 26 % equity shareholder in the Consortium and commit to maintain minimum equity shareholding (26%) for at least three years.

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  • What is PayGov?

    Dept. Of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY), Govt. of India has collaborated with NSDL Database Management Limited (NDML) for providing a centralized platform for facilitating all Govt. departments and services to collect online payments from Citizens for Govt. services. This platform is titled as ‘PayGov’. PayGov is a ready infrastructure with approved transaction costs which can be used to provide online payment services to citizens. 
    For more details on NDML please refer the link.

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  • What is VPA?

    A Virtual Payment Address (VPA) is an address which uniquely identifies a person's bank a/c. For instance, the Virtual Payment Address for BHIM customers is in the format xyz[at]upi. User can just share his VPA with anyone to receive payments (no need for bank account number/ IFSC code, etc.). User can also send money to anyone by using their Payment Address.  

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  • What is the objective of Cyber Surakshit Bharat Programme?

    The objective of the programme is to educate & enable the Chief Information Security Officers(CISO) & broader IT community to address the challenges of cybersecurity.
    i)Create awareness on the emerging landscape of cyber threats.
    ii)Provide in-depth understanding on key activities,new initiatives,challenges and related solutions.
    iii)Applicable frame works,guidelines & policies related to the subject.
    iv)Share best practices to learn from success & failures.
    v)Provide key inputs to take informed decision on Cyber Security related issues in the irrespective functional area.
    For further details please access following link.

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  • What is E-district?

    The e-District Mission Mode Project (MMP) is envisaged to strengthen the district administration of the state by providing ICT support to the participating departments and district administration in terms of providing centralized software application for selected category of citizen services and training for staff of the departments with a view to improve delivery of the citizen services being rendered by these departments. Services developed under e-District project would be delivered through various delivery channels like:
    i) Direct access by Citizens through e-District portal as a registered user.
    ii) Existing Atal Jana Snehi Kendra's / B1 / K1 service centres.
    iii) Common Service Centres (To be established uptoGrama Panchayat Level).

    For further details please access following link.  

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  • What is NeGP?

    The Government approved the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), comprising of 27 Mission Mode Projects and 8 components, on 18 May 2006. In the year 2011, 4 projects - Health, Education, PDS and Posts were introduced to make the list of 27 MMPs to 31Mission Mode Projects (MMPs). The Government has accorded approval to the vision, approach, strategy, key components, implementation methodology, and management structure for NeGP. However, the approval of NeGP does not constitute financial approval(s) for all the Mission Mode Projects (MMPs) and components under it. The existing or ongoing projects in the MMP category, being implemented by various Central Ministries, States, and State Departments would be suitably augmented and enhanced to align with the objectives of NeGP.
    For further details please access following link.  

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  • The scheme covers group companies. If two companies are having common one or more individual promoter(s), who is/ are directly or indirectly able to control such two companies by 26% or more voting rights or appointment of more than 50% Board members, can such two companies be treated as group companies under the scheme?

    Yes, as per clause 2.17 of the guidelines, such companies shall be treated as group companies under the Scheme.

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  • Is the minimum new domestic investment condition applicable per product or at consolidated level for all the AAT products?

    The minimum new domestic investment condition is applicable for the eligibility of the applicant during the tenure of the scheme and it will be tested as per table at Para 3.2 (c) of the scheme. Further, as per para 2.19 of the guidelines, investment has to be made for eligible products under the Scheme. Accordingly, investment made for eligible products at consolidated level shall be considered for arriving at new domestic investment.

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  • What would be the minimum threshold limit for Cumulative New Domestic Investment and Determined Sales Value for new automotive investor company applying under Champion OEM Scheme and Component Champion Scheme?

    New Non-Automotive Investor Company (NNIC) applying under both Champion OEM Incentive scheme and Component Champion Incentive scheme, will have to meet minimum cumulative domestic investment condition of ₹2,000 crore for Champion OEM Incentive scheme AND of ₹500 crore for Component Champion Incentive scheme i.e. ₹2,500 crore in aggregate, by March 31, 2027.

    New Non-Automotive Investor Company applying under both Champion OEM Incentive scheme and Component Champion Incentive scheme will have to meet minimum threshold determined sales value of ₹125 crore for Champion OEM Incentive scheme AND of ₹25 crore for Component Champion Incentive scheme in the first year (i.e. FY2021-22).

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  • What would be the minimum threshold limit for Cumulative New Domestic Investment and Determined Sales Value for existing automotive manufacturing company applying under Champion OEM Scheme

    Existing automotive manufacturing company (EAMC) applying under both Champion OEM Incentive scheme and Component Champion Incentive scheme, will have to meet minimum cumulative domestic investment condition of ₹2,000 crore for Champion OEM Incentive scheme AND of ₹250 crore for Component Champion Incentive scheme i.e. ₹2,250 crore in aggregate, by March 31, 2027.

    Existing automotive manufacturing company applying under both Champion OEM Incentive scheme and Component Champion Incentive scheme will have to meet minimum threshold determined sales value of ₹125 crore for Champion OEM Incentive scheme AND of ₹25 crore for Component Champion Incentive scheme in the first year (i.e. FY2021-22).

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  • As per the notified application form, applicants are required to submit details of AAT products to be manufactured during the tenure of the Scheme. Will selected AAT products be part of approval letter to be issued by MHI/ PMA?

    The information sought in the application form regarding AAT products is indicative only. There will not be any mention of AAT products in the approval letter to be issued by MHI/ PMA. The applicant once approved may change their selected AAT products at any time with intimation to MHI/ PMA. It may further be noted that post approval/ selection of applicant under the Scheme, the approved applicant will apply for registration of their products as eligible Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products to seek incentive in this scheme. Pre-approval of eligible product will be done by Testing Agency of MHI as AAT Product. Minimum 50% domestic value addition will be required. Applicant can register with Testing Agency for new AAT products on an ongoing basis.

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  • Is there any restriction on selection of AAT products by the approved applicants under the Scheme?

    An approved applicant under Champion OEM scheme will have option to seek incentive for any number of permissible AAT Vehicle products. Similarly, an approved applicant under Component Champion scheme will have option to seek incentive for any number of permissible AAT Component products. It may, however, be noted that Total Incentive per entire Group company(ies) is capped at ₹ 6,485crore (25% of total incentives outlay under this Scheme).

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  • Will the Testing Agency of MHI follow approval procedure after the applicant approval from MHI or at the time of pre-approval stage?

    Approved applicant (i.e. post receipt of Approval letter under the Scheme) shall apply for registration/ approval of their products as approved eligible Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products with Testing Agency of MHI on an ongoing basis.

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  • Whether expenditure on royalty is covered as eligible investment under the scheme?

    No. The expenditure on royalty is not covered under the scheme.

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  • Whether expenditure related to Transfer of Technology (ToT) Agreements including the purchase of technology are covered as eligible investment under the scheme?

    As per question 47 of the FAQs dated 8th October, 2021, the capital expenditure on Engineering Research & Development (ER&D) and product design & development is allowed under the scheme. It is further clarified that the Capital expenditure on ER&D and product design & development related to the eligible products shall be allowed for the purpose of Investment under the Scheme. The term “related” here refers to all stages in the entire value chain of the goods proposed to be manufactured including software integral to the functioning of the same. Such expenditure shall include expenditure on in-house and captive ER&D, directly attributable to eligible products, including all stages in the entire value chain of the goods proposed to be manufactured including software integral to the functioning of the same. Such expenditure shall include test and measuring instruments, prototypes used for testing, purchase of design tools, software cost (directly used for ER&D) & license fees, expenditure on technology & transfer of technology (ToT) Agreements including the purchase of technology, IPR, Patents and copyrights for ER&D, subject to all relevant documents for same being submitted to MHI/ PMA.

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  • Can the revenue/ investment/ net worth of individual promoters of the companies/ group companies be considered under Global group revenue/ Global Investment/ Global net worth, respectively, for eligibility under the Scheme?

    No. Revenue/ investment/ net worth of individual promoters will not be considered under Global group revenue/ Global Investment/ Global net worth, respectively, for eligibility under the Scheme because the scheme recognises company/ group company(ies), not individual promoters.

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  • Where are the forms for 'project import scheme' available?

    The general information and related forms relating to application for seeking concessional rate of customs duty under ’ Project Import. 

     

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  • What is the capital goods skill council?

    Department of Heavy Industry has been instrumental in setting up Capital Goods Skill Council. Through this organization National Skill Standards are being notified with the purpose of defining skill needs of the industry. This way training institutions will be able to impart skills which are valued by employers in Industry. The Council has been targeted to benefit 10 million people in this way. 

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  • What is the funding pattern under TAFP?

    Department of Heavy Industry has been instrumental in setting up Capital Goods Skill Council. Through this organization National Skill Standards are being notified with the purpose of defining skill needs of the industry. This way training institutions will be able to impart skills which are valued by employers in Industry. The Council has been targeted to benefit 10 million people in this way. 

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  • What is Technology Acquisition Fund Programme (TAFP)?

    TAFP will provide financial assistance to Indian capital goods industry to facilitate acquisition of strategic and relevant technologies and also development of technologies through contract route, in-house route or JV. 

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  • What is the capital goods policy 2016?

    National Capital Goods Policy is envisaged to provide ecosystem for capital goods growth and ensuring sustained incentive for domestic manufacturers to service domestic as well as export market demand. 

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  • What is Indian Electrical Equipment Industry Mission Plan 2012-2022?

    The plan aims at assured availability of quality power at competitive rate which is a sine qua non for industrial and economic development.
    For an efficient and developed power sector in a country of India’s size, a strong domestic electrical equipment manufacturing base is essential.

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  • Is there a focus on start-ups in capital goods sector?

    One of the key recommendations of the National Capital Goods Policy is To create a 'Start-up Center for Capital Goods Sector' shared by Department of Heavy Industries and Capital Goods industry/industry association in 80:20 ratio to provide an array of technical, business and financial support resources and services to promising start-ups in both the manufacturing and services space.

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  • What is Capital Goods in GST?

    As per section 2(19) of CGST Act, Capital Goods means goods, the value of which is capitalized in the books of account of the person claiming the input tax credit and which are used or intended to be used in the course or furtherance of business. 

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  • What is the meaning of ’Unavailed Cenvat Credit of Capital goods’ for the purpose of GST Act and Rules?

    The expression 'unavailed CENVAT credit' means the amount that remains after subtracting the amount of CENVAT credit already availed in respect of capital goods by the taxable person under the existing law from the aggregate amount of CENVAT credit to which the said person was entitled in respect of the said capital goods under the existing law. For example, as per the existing provision of Cenvat Credit Rule, Cenvat credit on capital goods can be availed @ 50% on the year of purchase and 50% can be availed at any other subsequent year from the year of purchase. There is possibility that the unavailed cenvat credit be there on the appointment day.

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  • What is DHI Capital Goods Scheme?

    The DHI Capital Goods Scheme is a pilot scheme designed to support the industry to modernize technologies from current status to global level and beyond. For this two windows are provided. For those technologies, which are commercially not available for transfer, indigenous development at IITs and like institutions by a consortium of technology seekers grants support given upto 80% of the cost of development subject to maximum of $ 15.38 million per case within a budget of $ 38.46 million. Those technologies, which are commercially available and can be acquired by a company or a group of companies the scheme provides grant support upto 25% of the technology acquisition costs or $ 1.53 million whichever is less, within an overall budget of $ 7.69 million.
    The scheme also supports establishment of Common Engineering Facilities by a group of user industries. Upto 80% of the project cost could be given as grants. The Scheme also supports setting up one each of Test Centre for Earthmoving & Construction Equipments and Industrial Park. ( 100% upto $ 15.38 million  and upto 80% subject to maximum of $ 19.23 million).

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  • Is the minimum new domestic investment condition applicable per product or at consolidated level for all the AAT products?

    The minimum new domestic investment condition is applicable for the eligibility of the applicant during the tenure of the scheme and it will be tested as per table at Para 3.2 (c) of the scheme. Further, as per para 2.19 of the guidelines, investment has to be made for eligible products under the Scheme. Accordingly, investment made for eligible products at consolidated level shall be considered for arriving at new domestic investment.

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  • Whether expenditure related to Transfer of Technology (ToT) Agreements including the purchase of technology are covered as eligible investment under the scheme?

    As per question 47 of the FAQs dated 8th October, 2021, the capital expenditure on Engineering Research & Development (ER&D) and product design & development is allowed under the scheme. It is further clarified that the Capital expenditure on ER&D and product design & development related to the eligible products shall be allowed for the purpose of Investment under the Scheme. The term “related” here refers to all stages in the entire value chain of the goods proposed to be manufactured including software integral to the functioning of the same. Such expenditure shall include expenditure on in-house and captive ER&D, directly attributable to eligible products, including all stages in the entire value chain of the goods proposed to be manufactured including software integral to the functioning of the same. Such expenditure shall include test and measuring instruments, prototypes used for testing, purchase of design tools, software cost (directly used for ER&D) & license fees, expenditure on technology & transfer of technology (ToT) Agreements including the purchase of technology, IPR, Patents and copyrights for ER&D, subject to all relevant documents for same being submitted to MHI/ PMA.

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  • The scheme covers group companies. If two companies are having common one or more individual promoter(s), who is/ are directly or indirectly able to control such two companies by 26% or more voting rights or appointment of more than 50% Board members, can such two companies be treated as group companies under the scheme?

    Yes, as per clause 2.17 of the guidelines, such companies shall be treated as group companies under the Scheme.

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  • Where can the applicant access the details of the Scheme and make submission of the online application form?

    The official portal of the Scheme is https://pliauto.in/. All the relevant information such as notifications on Scheme, Guidelines, FAQs, format of Application Form and List of Advanced Automotive Technology Products is available as public information on this portal. All applications are to be submitted through this online portal. The online application form shall be accessible after due registration by the applicant on the portal. 

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  • Who is the Project Management Agency (PMA) for PLI-AUTO?

    IFCI Limited (IFCI), having its Registered and Head/ Corporate Office at IFCI Tower, 61 Nehru Place, New Delhi – 110019, has been appointed as PMA for the Scheme. Email ID of the PMA is pliauto@ifciltd.com

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  • Which are the concerned government divisions/services for auto and auto-parts?

    The Ministry of Heavy Industries, Government of India, deals with areas related to vehicles and automotive parts. Entire Automotive industry falls under the concern of Heavy Industries Ministry.

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  • What is the PLI scheme for Champion OEM?

    The PLI Scheme for the auto sector envisages to overcome the cost disabilities of the industry for manufacture of Advanced Automotive Technology products in India. The incentive structure will encourage industry to make fresh investments for indigenous global supply chain of Advanced Automotive Technology products. It is estimated that over a period of five years, the PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components Industry will lead to fresh investments of over Rs 42,500 crores, incremental production of over Rs 2.3 lakh crore and will create additional employment opportunities of over 7.5 lakh jobs. Further this will increase India’s share in global automotive trade. The Government notified the scheme in Sep’21. The scheme was closed on 9th Jan. MHI has processed the applications received under Champion OEM Incentive scheme and 20 applicants (along with their 12 subsidiaries) have been approved under this category of the scheme. Applications for Component Champion Incentive scheme are being processed separately.

    For more information: Here

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  • Applications will be invited within 60 days of notification of this scheme. The window for receiving applications through the Notice Inviting Applications will be for a period of 60 days. What is the duration of the Application Window? Is the Application Window open?

    As per paragraph 5 of the notification dated 09/11/2021 regarding (i) Application Form and (ii) List of Advanced Automotive Technology Products, the window for receiving applications through the Notice Inviting Applications will be open for a period of 60 days from the date of its publication in the official Gazette. Accordingly, the window for receiving Applications is already open with effect from 11th November, 2021 till 23:59:59 hours IST on 9th January, 2022.

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  • Can the revenue/ investment/ net worth of individual promoters of the companies/ group companies be considered under Global group revenue/ Global Investment/ Global net worth, respectively, for eligibility under the Scheme?

    No. Revenue/ investment/ net worth of individual promoters will not be considered under Global group revenue/ Global Investment/ Global net worth, respectively, for eligibility under the Scheme because the scheme recognises company/ group company(ies), not individual promoters.

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  • Will the Testing Agency of MHI follow approval procedure after the applicant approval from MHI or at the time of pre-approval stage?

    Approved applicant (i.e. post receipt of Approval letter under the Scheme) shall apply for registration/ approval of their products as approved eligible Advanced Automotive Technology (AAT) products with Testing Agency of MHI on an ongoing basis.

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  • What is the Production Linked Incentive scheme for Advanced Chemistry Cells?

    Advance Chemistry Cells (ACCs) are the new generation advance energy storage technologies that can store electric energy either as electrochemical or as chemical energy and convert it back to electric energy as and when required.

    Integrated battery value can be broadly divided (at the sales end) into the battery pack and the ACCs. While several companies in India have already started investing in battery packs assembly, the capacities of these facilities are too small when compared to global averages. Investments in manufacturing and overall value addition for ACCs are still negligible in India. Hence almost entire domestic demand of ACCs is still being met through imports.

    Through this Scheme, the Government of India intends to optimally incentivize potential investors, both domestic and overseas, to set- up Giga-scale ACC manufacturing facilities with emphasis on maximum value addition and quality output and achieving pre committed capacity level within a pre-defined time-period.

    The budgetary outlay for this scheme is INR 18,100 cr and it envisages setting up of a cumulative ACC manufacturing capacity of fifty (50) GWh for ACCs and an additional cumulative capacity of (5) GWh for Niche ACC Technologies.

    The bidding for this scheme closed on 14 January 2022 and received overwhelming response.

    For further details,, please refer to our report on the PLI ACC scheme here: https://www.investindia.gov.in/team-india-blogs/inside-indias-production-linked-incentive-schemes-advance-chemistry-cell-acc

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  • What are the benefits from the government for purchase of EVs?

    Central as well as State governments have been promoting adoption of EVs by providing fiscal as well as non-fiscal incentives. Some of the incentives being provided on purchase of EVs are:

    • FAME India Scheme Phase II (mentioned above)
    • Goods & Services Tax (GST) on EVs has been reduced from 12% to 5%,
    • Income tax deduction can be claimed on the interest paid on loans taken for purchase of EVs
    • Various demand side incentives being offered by 15+ state governments such as exemption from registration fees, special parking zones, upfront incentives on purchase and much more.

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  • It is said that Electric Vehicles (EV) are also called as Emission Elsewhere Vehicle (EEV). Is it true that EVs are just transferring emission from city area to the place where power is being generated?

    The fact is that a typical conventional hatchback has 130-140 gm/km of CO2 emission comparing to an electric vehicle for 100 gm/km when charged by grid and when solar charged, there is ~0 gm/km CO2 emission from an electric vehicle.
    Please visit the link for more information.

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  • What is the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of hybrid and Electric vehicles (FAME) scheme?

    The FAME scheme was introduced in April 2012 to be implemented over a period of 6 years till 2020 to support hybrid/electric vehicles market development and its manufacturing. Under this scheme, demand incentives will be availed by buyers (end users/consumers) upfront at the point of purchase and the same shall be reimbursed by the manufacturers from Department of Heavy Industries, on a monthly basis.

    The Union government recently announced its decision to extend the second phase of the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme by two years to March 31, 2024

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  • How do citizen avail the demand incentive on the purchase of a xEV?

    The demand incentive benefit will be passed on to the consumer upfront at the time of purchase of the xEV itself by way of paying reduced price.

    For more information, please visit the following link.

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  • Which electric vehicles categories are not covered under this FAME scheme?

    The following categories are not covered under the FAME scheme: a) E-Rikshaw b) Electric Bicycles. c) Vehicles used for carrying person/goods used within closed premises like factory, airport etc. d) Electric Chair-cars. All those vehicles, which are not directly reducing fossil fuel, are not covered under FAME India Scheme. For more information, please visit the following link.

     

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  • Is the FAME incentive applicable along with any other incentives that may be available in my home state for electric vehicles?

    The FAME incentive will be available over and above any State level EV incentives being offered by any State/Local bodies. However for JNNRUM (AMRIT) funded buses, there is a specific incentive amount declared in the Scheme Guidelines. Please visit the link for more information.

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  • What are the clauses under performance guarantee?

    Some of the main clauses are as follows:
    a) Airline operator must enter into a three year contract with the implementing agency.
    b) Submit a performance guarantee fees of 5% of the total VGF amount.
    c) Additional guarantee required for non-operational airports.

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  • What are the proposal submission requirements of an airline / helicopter operator under the RCS?

    As part of the the proposal submission, an applicant shall be required to submit information under the following categories, as may be specified in detail from time to time:
    a) Information about the Applicant
    b) Technical Proposal
    c) Financial Proposal

    More details about the proposal submission can be found here: https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-12/Tender%20Document%20%281%29.pdf

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  • What is Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)?

    Regional Connectivity Scheme aims to make flying affordable for the masses, to promote tourism, increase employment and promote balanced regional growth. It also intends to put life into un-served and under-served airports.

    For more information, click here.

     

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  • What are the major objective under National Policy on Civil Aviation 2016?

    Major objectives under National Policy on Indian Civil Aviation industry:
    i) Establish an integrated eco-system which will lead to significant growth of civil aviation sector, which in turn would promote tourism, increase employment and lead to a balanced regional growth.
    ii) Ensure safety, security and sustainability of aviation sector through the use of technology and effective monitoring.
    iii) Enhance regional connectivity through fiscal support and infrastructure development.
    iv) Enhance ease of doing business through deregulation, simplified procedures and e-governance.
    v) Promote the entire aviation sector chain in a harmonised manner covering cargo, MRO, general aviation, aerospace manufacturing and skill development

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  • What is the procedure to carry out cargo services related transactions electronically with AAI?

    Any exporter/importer/Customs House Agents/Airlines etc. who wish to transact electronically with AAI, would be mandatory required to get register with AAI at http://aaiclas-ecom.org Registration is mandatory for Message Exchange activities also.

    Registration Process:
    User has to fill up the physical registration form along with relevant documents and submit to Airports Authority of India (AAI). AAI would ascertain the correctness of the details submitted. Users are requested to fill valid E-Mail address and Phone Number(s) in Registration form to enable AAI to perform further communications regarding User ID and Password allocation. Users are requested to immediately change the password(s) assigned by AAI.
    Non Registered Users are not restricted from functionalities pertaining to Consignment Status, Charges Calculation Estimate Sheet and Cargo Procedures. Same features are available for registered users. In addition, Registered Users enjoy the privilege of accessing functionalities related to Printing of Charge related Documents, Payment transactions and Pre- Deposit account related statements.

    For more details please refer the link.

     

     

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  • What is the procedure for seeking waiver of demurrage charges in import/ export?

    All applications along with relevant documents for waiver of demurrage charges shall be submitted within 15 calendar days from the date the 'Passed out of charge' is issued by customs authorities. However, delay beyond 15 days for submission and upto 30 days would be considered by APD/GM(Cargo) & M(Ops) respectively with the reason for condonation of delay and local finance concurrence.
    AAI has provisions for waiving demurrage charges accrued on export/import cargo, in deserving cases, as per laid down policy approved by the AAI Board. Salient features of the policy are as under:-
    1. Acknowledge request of waiver submitted by hand, on the spot.
    2. Process waiver applications within 15 days if within local powers, and 30 days in respect of cases referred to AAI Hqrs. where-ever all the relevant documents required are furnished along with applications.
    3. Application for Waiver/Remission of demurrage charges to be made by the consignee/shipper within 15 days after the consignment is passed “Out of Charge” or “Let Export Order” by the Customs, to the Airport Director/ G.M.(Cargo)/Dy. General Manager(Cargo), AAI, at the respective airports. It should be accompanied with legible photocopies of relevant documents such as AWB, Bill of Entry (with Customs Examination Report, Pass “out of charge” etc.), Shipping Bill, Detention Certificate of statutory authority , if any.
    4. The consignee/shipper can also make an Appeal to the AAI Appellate Authority for reconsideration of the order passed.
    Copy of waiver policy is available with In-charge of Cargo Dept., AAI and on the website of AAI.
     
    For further information please click here

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  • What is the policy of Govt. of India on airport infrastructures?

    As per the Govt. of India's Policy on Airport Infrastructures issued in December, 1999, no Greenfield airport will normally be allowed within a distance of 150 kms from the nearest existing airport. Where the Govt. decides to set up a new airport at such place through AAI on social economic consideration, even through the same is not economically viable, suitable grant-in-aid will be provided to AAI to cover both the initial capital cost as well as recurring losses.

    For further information, please click here

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  • Whether Passenger Service Fees (PSF) is levied to passengers fund development of new airports?

    Passenger Service Fees (PSF) is levied to meet the expenditure on airport security and passenger facilities at the airports and it is not utilised to fund new development / upgradation of airports.

    For further information, please click here
     

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  • What is the Development Fee (DF) and why development fee is charged by airport operators?

    Development Fee is a levy made under section 22A of the AAI Act, 1994, inter-alia, for funding or financing the cost of upgradation, modernization or development of the airport. The levy is in the nature of a "pre-funding" charge and is consistent with ICAO policies.

    For further information, please click here

     

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  • Which are the concerned industry associations for aviation sector?

    Federation of Indian Airlines is the concerned industry association for aviation sector

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is the size of the Ayush manufacturing industry and how has the industry been shaping up domestically and globally?

    The manufacturing industry in Ayush has been growing at a CAGR of 17% every year since 2014, with a market size of over INR 1,50,000 Cr in 2020 and projected at around INR 1,90,000 Cr in 2022 (in rupee-equivalent terms). Total Ayush export in India was also a healthy INR 13,000 Cr in 2020. In the period from 2014, some product segments have grown at much higher rate than the overall industry. Specifically, plant derivatives experienced 21 per cent growth in the period 2014-2020 followed by nutraceuticals (20.5%). 

    This industry has seen a recent surge owing to rising consumer awareness of the long and short-term harmful effects of chemical treatments and products, and due to the shift towards holistic wellness and traditional medicine, post-pandemic. India is one of the top exporters of alternative medicines in the world. Major export destinations include US and European countries like Germany and France. The Government is also supporting the industry with investment in scientific research in Ayush, building the necessary infrastructure and regulatory framework. It has also allowed 100 percent foreign direct investment in the Ayush sector. 

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  • What is the size & scope of the Ayush services industry?

    The size of the Ayush service sector in India has increased manifold & was projected at over ₹ 1,85,000 Cr  in 2022, making it almost equivalent in size, to the Ayush manufacturing sector. Wellness Travel & Medical Value Travel in Ayush are the fastest growing sub-segments within Ayush services.  Within health services’ export earnings too, Ayush ranks among the top five health services with total Medical Value Travel (MVT) in India projected at $13 Bn in 2022. More information about the same can be accessed here.

     

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  • Has Ministry of Ayush/Ayush sector conducted some marquee events that industry can participate in, if & when conducted in the future?

    1. GAIIS- The first ever mega event of this scale in Ayush sector facilitated agreements with international and national institutions and various other sectors, fueling financial considerations, mutual research and increasing Ayush reach globally. The event, inaugurated by the Hon’ble PM, saw the participation of total audience/visitors: 25000+, foreign delegates: 70+, total MoUs signed (global & domestic)- 70+, and Letter of intents (LoIs) worth more than Rs.9000 crore  in major categories like FMCG, Medical Value Travel (Heal in India), Pharma, Technology & Diagnostic and Farmers & Agriculture.

    2. World Ayurveda Congress- The event is held with an objective of providing a global platform for all the stakeholders, including industry leaders, practitioners, traditional healers, educationists, students, medicine manufacturers, growers of medicinal plants and marketing strategists, for networking and engaging in intellectual exchange to strengthen the Ayurveda sector, envision its future, and facilitate interaction between professionals and consumers to boost Ayurveda commerce. In its last edition, over 4500 participants from all over the world including 400 foreign delegates from 53 countries were participating in the 9th World Ayurveda Congress & Arogya Expo. The Arogya Expo is set to witness participation of more than 215 companies, leading Ayurveda brands, medicine manufacturers and Ayurveda related educational and Research & Development institutions.

    3. Global Platforms-

    • SCO (Shanghai Co-operative Organization): The Conference and Expo on Traditional Medicine is held to provide an opportunity for regulators, industries and business leaders in all the SCO and partner countries to deliberate on various aspects of Traditional Medicine, such as products, services, education, skill development, cosmetics and Policies. It further deepens the trade and friendship among each other in traditional medicine and allied field. More than 150 delegates from 17 countries, including India, participated in this event, including high-level delegates such as Health Ministers, official delegates, and foreign buyers from SCO & partner countries. In its first and latest edition held in 2023- an incremental trade interest of over ₹590 crores was generated during the two days of intense meetings among the buyers and sellers at the conference.
    • G20: As part of Health Working Group, Ministry of Ayush has participated in various G20 events, including 4 main Health Working Group Events, and also across Startup 20, Civil 20, Science 20, Women 20 and Think 20 Engagement Groups, where Ayush industry was suitably provided a global platform for showcase and awareness generation. 

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  • What is the lifecycle stage of the Ayush industry in terms of maturity and what is being done to promote the sector?

    Ayush is a nascent sector and is a sunrise sector for India, with tremendous promise for the world. There are over 900 DPIIT-registered startups in the Ayush sector and over 53,000 MSMEs, comprising over 80% of the sector, indicating the vibrancy and extent of opportunity in the sector.

    As India moves up in the global ease of business rankings ably supported by schemes such as ‘Make in India’ and ‘Startup India’, regulatory reforms such as 100% FDI and perpetual licensing, are expected to give further impetus to investor confidence in the sector. Tapping on this potential, State Industrial Policies have also included special incentives for promoting Ayush manufacturing.  The Ministry of Ayush experts are developing ISO standards in collaboration with the Bureau of Indian Standards. This will open a huge export market for Ayush in more than 150 countries. Further, initiatives such as the establishment of i-CAINE incubator under the All India Institute of Ayurveda, a push for standardization of products & services with a proposed Ayush Mark, Ayush Visa etc., will ably support the sector in times to come. 

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  • Highlight some key ecosystem facts & enablers for Ayush in India.

    • Cultivation: At the central level, programs for sustained supply of medicinal plants through cultivation/collection and market linkage in contract farming are being undertaken by NMPB, with the help and convergence with Ministry of Agriculture, and other GoI departments.  

    • Focused Research & Development in Technology: R&D by research councils under the ministry, CSIR, ICAR and 14 forest research institutes are enabling agro technology on the medicinal plant sector. 

    • Industry-Academia Partnerships: An investment friendly industry-academia partnership for transfer of technology (ToT) through research councils under the ministry is provided by the Ministry of Ayush to develop high value production along with world class R&D. 

    • Research Ecosystem: Government research institutes like the Central Council of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS), Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), Central Council for Research in Siddha (CCRS) and Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) have been developing and validating drugs and technologies in collaboration with reputed organizations like the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).  

    • IT Infrastructure: 

    1. E-Aushadhi - a web-based application which has allowed digitization of the licensing process, as well as the Ayush Grid, a one-stop umbrella platform for all IT initiatives of Ayush.  
    2. Ayush Grid - This nationwide umbrella digital platform for Ayush aims to bring all Ayush hospitals, research & academic institutions, and laboratories on board in digital healthcare 
    3. Ayush HMIS (Hospital Management Information System) - The Ayush HMIS is a dedicated portal for Ayush Electronic Health Records (EHR), with the purpose of improving patient care, work efficiency, research, efficient management of hospital, documentation, and to collect the morbidities codes. 
    4. NAMASTE (National Ayush Morbidity and Standardized Terminologies Electronic) Portal - NAMASTE has a provision to quote ICD-10 and ICD-11 along with Ayush morbidity code for reference, thereby employing a dual-code system. This dual code (ICD-10/11) system enhances the reporting of morbidity, helps with the easy integration of Ayush into insurance coverage and reimbursement systems - key steps in achieving universal health coverage. 
    • Inter-Ministerial Initiatives: Ayush focused initiatives in the MSME space would include CART (Centre for Agro Rural Technology) Division for medicinal plant sector in rural areas and Ayush focused Technology centers. There are many other collaboration initiatives ranging from development of Ayush MSMEs (under an MoU with the Ministry of MSME), promotion of Ayush in public health initiatives, promotion of information, education, and communication in Ayush etc. 

    • Regulatory Ease & Applicability: The country in collaboration with WHO, is developing standard terminology for ASU systems in line with the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 11 - Traditional Medicine Chapter 2, for its uniform applicability which will further enhance the usage & adaptation of Ayush at the domestic & international level. 

    • Capacity building: This has been one of the key focus areas of the Ministry of Ayush, especially for MSMEs, and has been the key motive of the recent MoU between Ministry of Ayush & Ministry of MSME, which includes the need assessment and identification of Ayush Clusters, Procurement & Marketing Support Scheme for National/International trade fairs, exhibitions, packaging, E-Marketing and export and Incubation – Start-Up / Enterprise Development. 

     

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  • What are some of the Government banking schemes?

    Some of the important Government initiatives undertaken in the banking sector in India are:
    •    Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
    •    Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
    •    Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana
    •    Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
    •    Stand-Up India Scheme
    •    Pradhan Mantri  Vaya Vandana Yojana
    •    Public Provident Fund
    •    Senior Citizens Sacings Scheme
    •    Sukanya Samriddhi Account
     

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  • How can one commence a banking business in India?

    Any entity desiring to carry on banking business in India are required to obtain a licence from the Reserve Bank of India. 'Banking business', as per Section 6 of the Banking Regulation Act, refers to acceptance of public deposits for the purpose of lending or investment, which would be repayable and capable of withdrawal, and includes guarantee and indemnity business, discounting, dealing in negotiable instruments, underwriting, participating or managing of any issue, and other incidental activities.

    For more information, please visit the RBI website here.

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  • Can banking activities be undertaken at GIFT-IFSC?

    Yes, a banking entity (both Indian and Foreign banks) can operate as IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) after getting a license from IFSCA. 


    For more information, please read the IFSCA (Banking) Regulations 2020 available here
     

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  • Where can one find information related to the Banking sector in India?

    Information related to the banking sector of India (rules, regulations, guidelines, statistics etc) are available on the RBI website here and on the Department of Financial Services, Government of India website here.

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  • What are the different kinds of banks included under the banking sector in India?

    Banks in India can be broadly categorised in 2 categories: commercial banks and cooperative banks.

    Commercial banks include: government-owned banks or public-sector banks (PSBs), private banks, branches or subsidiaries of foreign banks, small finance banks (scheduled commercial banks), and regional rural banks, which provide credit facilities for agricultural purposes to rural areas. 

    Cooperative banks are divided into 2 categories: urban cooperative banks; and state cooperative banks that provide financing services to small borrowers.
     
    The RBI has recently introduced payments banks to provide basic banking and remittance related facilities and accept small deposits.

    Since there are different categories of banks set up for different purposes, there are various statutes and regulations made under these statutes that govern and regulate banks set up for specific purposes. For more information, please visit the RBI website here .
     

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  • What are Priority Sector Lending Certificates (PSLCs)?

    Priority Sector Lending Certificates (PSLCs) are a mechanism to enable banks to achieve the priority sector lending target and sub-targets by purchase of these instruments in the event of shortfall. This also incentivizes surplus banks as it allows them to sell their excess achievement over targets thereby enhancing lending to the categories under priority sector. Under the PSLC mechanism, the seller sells fulfilment of priority sector obligation and the buyer buys the obligation with no transfer of risk or loan assets.

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  • Where can one find list of Registered NBFCs and instructions issued to NBFCs?

    The list of registered NBFCs is available on the web site of Reserve Bank of India and can be viewed at www.rbi.org.in → Sitemap → NBFC List. The instructions issued to NBFCs from time to time are also hosted at www.rbi.org.in → Notifications → Master Circulars → Non-banking, besides, being issued through Official Gazette notifications and press releases.

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  • What are the initiatives being taken for the FinTech space in India?

    To enable regulated and orderly growth of FinTech ecosystem in India, several steps are being taken by different regulators:

     

    a)    Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
    •    Setting up of a regulatory sandbox, which was established based on the recommendations of Working Group on FinTech and Digital Banking, set up by Financial Stability and Development Council - Sub Committee (FSDC-SC). Within the sandbox, the eligible entities can live test their innovative products or services in a controlled environment. RBI Sandbox is based on thematic cohorts; the first cohort was on Retail Payments, the second cohort was on Cross Border Payments, and the third cohort, which was recently opened by RBI, on MSME Lending. To know more about this, please visit the RBI website here.
    •    Innovation Hub is an entity set up to promote innovation across the financial sector by creating an eco-system that facilitates access to financial services and products. The Innovation Hub is expected to collaborate with financial sector institutions, technology industry and academic institutions and co-ordinate efforts for exchange of ideas and development of prototypes related to financial innovations, as well as develop infrastructure to promote FinTech research and facilitate engagement with innovators and start-ups. To know more, please click here.
    •    HARBINGER 2021-Innovation for Transformation is a global hackathon with the theme ‘Smarter Digital Payments’. The Hackathon invites participants to identify and develop solutions that have the potential to make digital payments accessible to the under-served, enhance the ease of payments and user experience, while strengthening the security of digital payments and promoting customer protection. To know more, please click here.

     

    b)    Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
    •    Regulatory Sandbox has been launched by SEBI with the aim to grant certain facilities and flexibilities to the entities  regulated  by  SEBI  so  that  they  can  experiment  with FinTech solutions  in  alive environment and on limited set of real users for a limited time frame. To know more, please click here.
    •    Innovation Sandbox will Innovation Sandbox facilitates access to an environment provided  by Enabling  Organizations like Stock Exchanges, Depositories and Qualified Registrar and Share Transfer Agents, wherein innovators would  be  testing  their innovations  in isolation  from the live  market  and  would be used  for offline  testing  of the proposed solution of the applicant. To know more, please click here. You can also visit https://innovation-sandbox.in/ .


    c)    Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
    •    Regulatory Sandbox has been created by the IRDAI with the objective to use innovative ideas to foster growth and increase the pace of most innovative companies, in a way that provides flexibility in dealing with regulatory requirements and at the same time focussing on policyholder protection. Recently, the IRDAI has extended validity of its sandbox regulations by another 2 years. To know more, please visit https://www.irdai.gov.in/Defaulthome.aspx?Page=H1.
       


    d)    International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)
    •    Regulatory Sandbox framework has been launched by the IFSCA. Under this framework, entities operating in the capital market, banking, insurance and financial services space will be granted certain facilities and flexibilities to experiment with innovative FinTech solutions in a live environment with a limited set of real customers for a limited time frame. These features will be fortified with necessary safeguards for investor protection and risk mitigation, and the Regulatory Sandbox shall operate within the IFSC located at GIFT City. For more details, please visit https://ifsca.gov.in/Circular .

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  • Which are some of the key regulatory authorities that are working towards the development of the FinTech sector in India?

    ·       RBI – RBI is India's central bank and regulatory body under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and regulates the banking and financial system, payment and settlement systems, the foreign exchange regime, and the currency system.

    ·       SEBI – SEBI is the regulatory body for securities and commodity market in India under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and regulates the securities market, including securities such as shares, scrips, bonds, debentures, commodities, mutual funds and government securities.

    ·       IRDAI – IRDAI is a regulatory body under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Finance, Government of India and is tasked with regulating and licensing the insurance and re-insurance industries in India.

    ·       IFSCA- The IFSCA is a unified authority for the development and regulation of financial products, financial services and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in India. At present, the GIFT IFSC is the maiden international financial services centre in India.

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  • What licenses are required for different activities in the FinTech sector?

    For undertaking Banking services or Payments, clearing and settlement services or Lending services – certain licenses / approvals from the RBI will have to be taken. For more information in this regard, please visit https://www.rbi.org.in/.

    For undertaking Securities trading activities, certain licenses / approvals will have to be taken from SEBI. For more information in this regard, please visit https://www.sebi.gov.in/

    Depending on the nature of the Investment management / advisory services or Market Provisioning services, approvals may have to be taken from IRDAI or SEBI or RBI or other sectoral regulators.

    Cloud-based information technology services may require approvals under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and/or Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules 2011 from the Central Government and/or the relevant Ministry, or other sectoral regulators.

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  • How is the use of FinTech in alternative finance activities regulated?

    •    Peer-to-peer lending - Non-banking financial company-peer to peer (NBFC-P2P) platforms are governed by the NBFC-P2P Lending Platform Directions 2017, issued by the RBI. An NBFC-P2P is defined as a non-banking institution that acts as an intermediary to provide loan facilitation services, whether online or otherwise, to participants. This does not include loan facilitation services for institutional lenders such as banks or NBFCs. Any FinTech activities related to NBFC-P2P, will require approvals from the RBI. 


    •    Payment platforms - The Reserve Bank of India has notified Guidelines for the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS Guidelines) setting up an institutional mechanism for financing trade receivables of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from corporate and other buyers including government departments and PSUs. TReDS covers clearing and settlement activities and is regulated as a payment system under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act 2007. For more information in this regard, please click here.

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  • How are payment services regulated in India?

    RBI regulates payments-related activities in India and issues circulars and directions applicable to different payments-related activities. Payment services are regulated under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act 2007. A payment system is defined as ‘a system that enables payment to be effected between a payer and a beneficiary, involving clearing, payment or settlement service or all of them, but does not include a stock exchange’. These include credit cards, debit cards, smart cards and money transfers. Any entity interested in commencing a payment system is required to obtain authorisation from RBI.

    The payment providers broadly fall under the following categories: payment aggregators and payment gateways, prepaid payment instruments, financial market infrastructure (clearing houses), retail payment organisations, card payment networks (Visa, MasterCard, etc), cross-border money transfers, ATM networks, white-label ATM operators and instant money transfer.

    There are three types of prepaid payment instruments: open payment instruments, which are payment instruments that can be used to make a payment to any merchant; semi-closed, which are payment instruments that can be used to make payment to a defined set of merchants; and closed, which are payment instruments of a merchant for payment only to that merchant.

    For more information, please click here.

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  • What are Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs)?

    PPIs are instruments that facilitate purchase of goods and services, conduct of financial services, enable remittance facilities, etc., against the value stored therein. For more information, please click here.

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  • Who are the issuers of PPIs? Who is a holder of PPI?

    PPIs can be issued by banks and non-banks. Banks can issue PPIs after obtaining approval from RBI. The non-bank PPI issuers are companies incorporated in India and registered under the Companies Act, 1956 / 2013. They can operate a payment system for issuing PPIs to individuals / organisations after receiving authorisation from RBI. A holder of a PPI is an individual who obtains / purchases the PPI from the PPI issuer. However, in case of a gift PPI, any other intended / targeted beneficiary, though not being the purchaser, can also be a holder. For more information, please click here.

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  • How many PPI issuers have been approved by RBI? Where can I find the list of authorised bank and non-bank PPI issuers?

    The list of PPI issuers is available on the RBI website. List of Bank-PPI issuers is available here, and Non-bank PPI issuers is available here. For more information, please click here.

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  • What are the various types of PPIs?

    PPIs that require RBI approval / authorisation prior to issuance are classified under two types:

     

    a)      Small PPIs (or minimum-detail PPIs): These PPIs are issued by banks and non-banks after obtaining minimum details of the PPI holder. These PPIs can be used for purchase of goods and services at a group of clearly identified merchant locations / establishments which have a specific contract with the issuer (or contract through a payment aggregator / payment gateway) to accept the PPIs as payment instruments. Funds transfer or cash withdrawal from such PPIs is not permitted.

     

    a)      Full-KYC PPIs: The PPIs are issued by banks and non-banks after completing Know Your Customer (KYC) of PPI holder. These PPIs can be used for purchase of goods and services, funds transfer or cash withdrawal.

    For more information, please click here.

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  • What are Closed System PPIs?

    These PPIs are issued by an entity for facilitating the purchase of goods and services from that entity only. Cash withdrawals are not permitted. These instruments cannot be used for payment or settlement for third party services. The issuance or operation of such instruments is not classified as a payment system requiring approval / authorisation by RBI and are, therefore, not regulated or supervised by RBI. For more information, please click here.

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  • What are some of the Government Insurance schemes?

    Some of the Government Sponsored Socially Oriented Insurance Schemes are:

    • Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
    • Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana(PMSBY)
    • Life Cover under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
    • Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana
    • Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana(PMFBY)
    • Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana(PMVVY) ·
    • Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (RWBCIS)

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  • How can one commence an insurance business in India?

    Any entity desiring to carry on insurance business in India should make an application to the Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for issuance of requisition for registration application form. For more information, please read the IRDAI (Registration of Indian Insurance Companies) Regulations, 2000 available here. Further, for foreign investments, please refer to the Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Rules, 2015 available on the IRDAI website https://www.irdai.gov.in/https://www.irdai.gov.in/, and the FDI Policy related to insurance activities available here.

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  • What are the classes of insurance business for which a registration application can be made?

    • Life insurance business
    • General insurance business
    • Health insurance business exclusively
    • Reinsurance business.

    For more information, please read the IRDAI (Registration of Indian Insurance Companies) Regulations, 2000 available here.

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  • How can a foreign reinsurer operate in India?

    Foreign reinsurers, both Lloyd’s and other reinsurers, can operate in India by registering under the IRDAI (Lloyds India) Regulations 2016 or IRDAI (Registration and Operations of Branch Offices of Foreign Reinsurers other than Lloyd’s) Regulations, 2015, respectively. For more information, please access the regulations here and here. Further, for foreign investments, please refer to the Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Rules, 2015 available on the IRDAI website here, and the FDI Policy related to insurance activities available here.

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  • What is the quantum of foreign investment allowed in Insurance business in India?

    The FDI policy permits 74% foreign investment in Indian insurance companies. Further, all Indian insurance companies with foreign investment need to ensure compliance with the Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Rules, 2015 (available on the IRDAI website here) and other applicable rules and regulations of the IRDAI. This includes the new resident directors/KMPs, additional independent directors and solvency requirements as mentioned in the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Rules 2019, available on the RBI website here.

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  • Whether insurance policies issued to Non-Resident Indians, where the premium is paid through the Non Resident External Bank account, will be ‘export of services’?

    No. The amounts paid from the Non-Resident External Accounts are paid in Indian Rupees and are not received in convertible foreign exchange. Therefore, the conditions for export of services as provided under section 2(6) of IGST Act, 2017 are not satisfied. Life Insurance services in such cases would be treated as inter-State supplies and subject to GST.

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  • Can insurance activities be undertaken at GIFT-IFSC?

    Yes, the following can set up offices at GIFT-IFSC:

    • Indian / Foreign Insurer
    • Indian / Foreign Reinsurer
    • Insurance Broker

    For more information, please read the IFSCA (Registration of Insurance Business) Regulations 2021 available here. Further, for more guidance on this please click here.

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  • How can one operate as an Insurance Web Aggregator?

    To operate as an Insurance Web Aggregator, one must conform to the eligibility requirements and file an application of registration as stated under the IRDAI (Insurance Web Aggregators) Regulations, 2017. The regulations are available here.

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  • Does BIRAC offer any capacity building support for researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs?

    Yes, BIRAC conducts roadshows and Intellectual Property workshops to sensitize the target audiences about the BIRAC support for the entrepreneurs and relevance of intellectual property. It also provides a platform for the aspiring entrepreneurs to gain knowledge about effective grant writing skills from the experts in the domain.

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  • Does the Department offer any support to researchers in this sector? If yes, then at which stage of the research are they supported in?

    Yes, the Department does offer support to researchers across all the stages of R&D - Ideation/ very early stage (SITARE, E-yuva), ideation to early stage (Biotechnology Ignition Grant Scheme (BIG)), ideation to late stage (Small Business Innovation Research Initiative (SBIRI)), (Biotechnology Industry Partnership Programme (BIPP)), translation (Promoting Academic Research Conversion to Enterprise (PACE)) and for social innovation (Social Innovation programme for Products: Affordable & Relevant to Societal Health) etc. This support is usually through awards, grants for research, provision of enabling platform for different stakeholders to collaborate and innovate. Usually, a researcher submits his/her proposal to Biotechnology Industry Assistance Council (BIRAC) based on which the support is provided.

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  • Does BIRAC also support in any exchange programs of researchers with other countries?

    Yes, BIRAC and Centre of Entrepreneurial Learning (CEL) of Judge Business School, University of Cambridge have initiated a partnership that enables five BIRAC supported applicants to take part in CfEL’s flagship intensive entrepreneurial boot-camp programme called “IGNITE”, which is aimed at providing academics (PhDs, post-docs and scientists) entrepreneurial opportunities to explore their innovative ideas and transform them into a business project. CfEL provides one week intense mentorship and training to the BIRAC supported candidates and for second week encourage them to interact and learn from the Cambridge’s entrepreneurial cluster.

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  • What is Grand Challenges India (GCI)?

    Grand Challenges is a family of initiatives fostering innovation to solve key global health and development. In 2012, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) signed an umbrella Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on mission-directed research and build Grand Challenges India to support health research and innovation which is the GCI. Under the GCI, proposals are called under various relevant topics on innovative solutions to help expand the pipeline of ideas to develop new preventions, therapies and interventions in this sector.

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  • Does BIRAC offer any support to start-ups?

    The Bioincubators Nurturing Entrepreneurship for Scaling Technologies (BioNest) allows harnessing of the entrepreneurial potential of start-ups by providing access to infrastructure as well as mentoring and networking platforms that the start-ups could use during their fledgling days. So far BIRAC has supported twenty bioincubation centers across India on similar lines.

    For relevant guidelines, access the link.

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  • What is the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) Incubators SEED Fund?

    Under Incubator SEED Fund, BIRAC will provide Grant-in-aid Assistance to selected BIRAC funded incubators based on certain establishment and operational criteria. Initially BIRAC shall identify up to five incubators and expand further in due course. Each such selected incubator will be granted up to $ 300,000 for implementation of SEED Fund. Each incubator can design a selection process to screen & select startups for equity and operational funding through SEED Fund (e.g Accelerator program or Direct investment).

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  • What is the Biosafety Research Programme?

    Under Biosafety research programme, main emphasis is given to facilitate the implementation of biosafety procedures, rules and guidelines under Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and Rules 1989 to ensure safety from the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and products thereof in research and application to the users as well as to the environment.

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  • Are there any plans to help R&D in the biotechnology area?

    The Department of Biotechnology and The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council have various schemes to support R&D through centres of excellence, industry partnerships and grants. The schemes are as follows:

    • Centres Of Excellence and Innovation in Biotechnology.
    • Research Resources, Service Facilities and Platforms.
    • Societal Development.
    • Biotech Parks and Incubators
    • Rapid Grant for Young Investigators
    • Glue Grant
    • Special Programmes-North-East region
    • Women Scientist Scheme

    For more information, click here

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  • What is the National Biopharma Mission?

    The NBM is an industry-academia collaborative mission for accelerating discovery research to early development for biopharmaceuticals innovate in India (I3). The aim of the mission is to enable and nurture an ecosystem for preparing India's technological and product development capabilities in biopharmaceutical to a level that will be globally competitive over the next decade, and transform the health standards of India's population through affordable product development. The department aims to achieve this through development of centres of excellence, strengthening of bio-clusters, creating shared infrastructure for product development, knowledge sharing etc.

    To submit one's proposal under the NBM, access the following with relevant details.

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  • What are the benefits of Biotechnology?

    This technology helps plants for pest resistance, helps plants to tolerate the stressful conditions like low temperature, drought, salt in soil, etc., helps to generate vaccines for the animals to fight against diseases, it is also used to produce pharmaceuticals etc.

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  • What is PCPIR?

    Government of India has approved 4 Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Regions (PCPIRs) in the state of Andhra Pradesh (Vishakhapatnam), Gujarat (Dahej), Odisha (Paradeep) and Tamil Nadu (Cuddalore and Naghapattinam) to promote investment and industrial development in these sectors.

    The PCPIR is envisioned to reap the benefits of co-siting, networking and greater effiencies through use of common infrastructure and support services. Each PCPIR is a specifically delineated region having an area of about 250 sq. km. wherein 40% of the area has to be for processing activities.

    For more information, click here

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  • What is Chemical Promotion Development scheme (CPDS)?

    Chemical Promotion Development scheme is a government scheme with an objective of promoting and developing the chemical & petrochemical sectors by extending financial support for conduct of seminars, conferences, exhibitions, conducting studies/ consultancies, for facilitating growth, as well as analyzing critical issues affecting chemical and petrochemical sector.

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  • What are OCPFs?

    OCPFs comprise of two different categories of organic chemicals and these are Discrete Organic Chemicals (DOCs) and PSF chemicals.  
    For more details, please visit the following link. 

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  • What is a DOC?

    Discrete organic chemical is defined as any chemical belonging to the class of chemical compounds consisting of all compounds of carbon except for its oxides, sulfides and metal carbonates, identifiable by chemical name, by structural formula, (if known) and by Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) registry number (if assigned). For instance: Acetic Acid ,Ethanol.

    For more details, please visit the following link.

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  • What are the objectives of the scheme for setting up of plastic parks in India?

    The major objectives of the scheme are:
    1) Increase the competitiveness, polymer absorption capacity and value addition in the domestic downstream plastic processing industry through adaptation of modern, research and development led measurers.
    2) Increase investments in the sector through additions in capacity and production, creating quality infrastructure and other facilitation to ensure value addition and increase in exports.
    3) Achieve environmentally sustainable growth through innovative methods of waste management, recycling, etc.
    4) Adopt a cluster development approach to achieve the above objectives owing to its benefits arising due to optimization of resources and economies of scale.

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  • What is the meaning of SCOMET?

    SCOMET is an acronym for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies. 

    For more details, please visit the following link. 

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  • What are dual-use goods and technologies?

    Dual-use items are goods, software, technology, chemicals etc. which can be used for both civil and military applications. Such items require an authorization for exporting out of the country. India’s list of items which need an export license is known as the SCOMET list. 

    Please visit the following link for more information.

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  • Is export of SCOMET items regulated?

    Yes, export of items in the SCOMET list is regulated as per India’s Foreign Trade Policy. Export is either prohibited or is permitted under an authorization. 
    For more details, please visit the link. 

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  • Where can we find the list of SCOMET items?

    Appendix 3 of Schedule 2 of ITC (HS) Classification contains the control list of India which is also referred to as the SCOMET list. You can go to the DGFT website to see the complete list. In the list as appearing in Appendix 3 of Schedule 2 of ITC (HS) Classification, SCOMET items are listed under eight (9) categories as follows:
    a) Category 0: Nuclear material, nuclear-related other materials, equipment and technology.
    b) Category 1: Toxic chemical agents and other chemicals.
    c) Category 2: Micro-organisms, toxins.
    d) Category 3: Material, Materials Processing Equipment, and related technologies.
    e) Category 4: Nuclear-related other equipment, assemblies and components; test and production equipment; and related technology, not controlled under Category 0.
    f) Category 5: Aerospace systems, equipment including production and test equipment, related technology and specially designed components and accessories thereof.
    g) Category 6: Munitions List.
    h) Category 7: Electronics, computers, and information technology including information security.
    i) Category 8: Special Materials and Related Equipment, Material Processing, Electronics, Computers, Telecommunications, Information Security, Sensors and Lasers, Navigation and Avionics, Marine, Aerospace and Propulsion.
    Each category contains exhaustive listing of items covered under that category. Special conditions applicable to items under different categories are mentioned under each category. 
    For more details, please visit the following link.

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  • Who gives license for Category 0 items in the SCOMET list?

    Licensing authority for items in Category 0 in Appendix 3 to Schedule 2 of ITC (HS) is Department of Atomic Energy. Applicable guidelines are notified by the Department of Atomic Energy under Atomic Energy Act, 1962. For certain items in Category 0, formal assurances from the recipient State will include non-use in any nuclear explosive device. Authorizations for export of certain items in Category 0 will not be granted unless transfer is additionally under adequate physical protection and is covered by appropriate International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards, or any other mutually agreed controls on transferred items. Export of items specified under the Note 2 of the ‘Commodity Identification Note’ of the SCOMET list would also be permitted against an authorization granted by the Department of Atomic Energy. 
    For more details, please visit the following link. 

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  • What are the Centrally Sponsored Schemes under Ayurvedic, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy?

    Please find below the details of Centrally sponsored schemes under AYUSH:  

    National AYUSH Mission (NAM) comprising of:  

    (i) AYUSH Services  

    (ii) AYUSH Educational Institution  

    (iii) Quality Control of AYUSH Drugs

    (iv) Medicinal Plants

    For more information, click here

    Moreover, below the details of Central sector scheme under Champion Services Sector Scheme (CSSS) comprising:

    • Central sector scheme for the establishment of AYUSH super specialty hospitals/day care centres for medical tourism under CSSS for medical value travel.
    • Financial assistance in the form of Interest Subsidy for the establishment of AYUSH super specialty hospitals/ day care centres in addition to separate guidelines for skill development under CSSS for medical value travel.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Who are entitled for Central Government Health Scheme facilities?

    The entitled parties include
     1) All Central Govt. employees and their dependant family members residing in CGHS covered areas.
     2) Central Govt. Pensioners and their eligible family members getting pension from Central Civil Estimates
     3) Sitting and Ex-Members of Parliament.
     4) Ex-Governors & Lieutenant Governors.
     5) Freedom Fighters.
     6) Ex-Vice Presidents.
     7) Sitting and Ex-Judges of Supreme Court & High Courts.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is CGHS?

    For the last six decades Central Government Health Scheme is providing comprehensive medical care to the Central Government employees and pensioners enrolled under the scheme. In fact CGHS caters to the healthcare needs of eligible beneficiaries covering all four pillars of democratic set up in India namely Legislature, Judiciary, Executive and Press. CGHS is the model Health care facility provider for Central Government employees & Pensioners and is unique of its kind due to the large volume of beneficiary base, and open ended generous approach of providing health care.
    CGHS provides health care through following systems of Medicine: 
    1) Allopathic
    2) Homoeopathic
    3) Indian system of medicine
    4) Ayurveda
    5) Unani
    5) Siddha 
    6) Yoga

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  • What do you mean by Family Floater Policy?

    Family Floater is one single policy that takes care of the hospitalization expenses of your entire family. The policy has one single sum insured, which can be utilised by any/all insured persons in any proportion or amount subject to maximum of overall limit of the policy sum insured. Quite often Family floater plans are better than buying separate individual policies. Family Floater plans takes care of all the medical expenses during sudden illness, surgeries and accidents.

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  • What are the different options for availing CGHS services to pensioners?

    Pensioners Residing in CGHS covered areas:
    a) They can get themselves registered in CGHS dispensary after making requisite contribution and can avail both OPD and IPD facilities.
    b) Such Pensioners are not eligible for Fixed Medical Allowance in lieu of CGHS.
    Pensioners residing in non-CGHS areas:
    i) They can opt for availing Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA) at $15.38 per month by not paying any contribution.
    ii) They can also avail benefits of CGHS (OPD and IPD) by registering themselves in the nearest CGHS city after making the required subscription. In such cases no Fixed Medical Allowance is given.
    iii) They also have the option to availing FMA for OPD treatment and CGHS only for IPD treatments after making the required subscriptions as per CGHS guidelines. 
     

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  • How developed is the healthcare industry in India for investments?

    Healthcare is one of the most promising sectors to invest in India. Being the second largest population of world, India has ever rising demand of good healthcare and world-class facilities. Healthcare industry, which comprises hospitals, health insurance, medical devices, clinical trials, outsourcing, telemedicine and medical tourism, is a $150 Bn industry as of 2018 and is expected to reach $280 Bn by 2022

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  • What is Ayushman Bharat?

    Ayushman Bharat is a centre-operated health scheme which can potentially cover over 10 crores poor and underprivilege families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries)

    a. It provides coverage of up to INR5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization

    b. National Health Protection Mission will incorporate the GOI sponsored schemes - Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) and the Senior Citizen Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS)

    c. To regulate expenses, treatment payments will be made on the grounds of the package price (to be established in advance by the government)

    d. For policy directions and better co-ordination, Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC) will be established at the apex stage, chaired by the Minister of Health and Family Welfare of the Union

    e. The benefits of the scheme are portable throughout the country and a beneficiary covered by the scheme will be allowed to receive cashless benefits from any public / private hospital throughout the country

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  • What are the trending technologies in India’s healthcare industry that I can invest in?

    There are various trending technologies which are being used in healthcare. Some of the key technologies are:

    • Robotic Process Automation (RPA): RPA can assist healthcare organizations in improving operational effectiveness, reduce expenses and restrict human error when handling data (such as Clinical documentation, Physician credentialing, Patient self-pay admin, Medicare billing, etc.)
    • Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR): AR has reduced our dependence on dissections and has invented new ways to study human anatomy.
    • 3D printing: It has found many uses in curing physical injuries, ranging from precise casts to accurate replacement of bionic parts.  
    • IOT: IoT-enabled systems have revolutionized patient monitoring, Realtime tracking of equipment, effective use of hospital equipment and has increased transparency in health insurance
    • Application of Big data & analytics: Big data relates to the vast amount of information generated by digitizing all that is collected and evaluated through different techniques 

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  • Is there any healthcare related GOI scheme similar to Ayushman Bharat?

    Other GOI initiatives:

    • Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana
    • National Tobacco Control Programme
    • Integrated Child Development Service
    • Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana
    • Pulse Polio 

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  • What is medical value travel (MVT)?

    MVT stands for Medical Value Travel (Also known as health tourism or medical tourism) it is defined as travel for the purpose of maintaining, improving or restoring health through medical intervention.

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  • Is MVT safe?

    Any medical surgery or procedure, no matter where it is carried out, entails some risk. To reduce this risk, this portal provides comprehensive information on various options available in India for high quality medical facilities.

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  • Is there a medical visa for patients opting for treatment in India?

    Yes, there is a special MEDICAL VISA for patients who opt for treatment in India. The Visa grants a stay for 60 days, travellers can visit India for their treatment and obtain second electronic visa if they need to. The Visa is available to citizens of all the countries. Check for visa details here:
    https://www.evisasindia.org/types/medical-visa/

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  • How long does it take to apply for the Indian Medical Visa?

    The Indian eMedical visa application online form takes a few minutes to complete and submit. Applications are processed quickly and approved eVisas are usually emailed to the patient within 24 hours. Applicants are advised to apply at least 4 days prior to their trip.

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  • What are investment opportunities under Swachh Bharat Mission?

    Some of the investment opportunities are:

    1. Solid & Liquid Waste Management
    2. Wastewater Management
    3. Construction of Toilets 
    4. In February 2021, the government allocated Rs. 141,678 crore (US$ 19.22 billion) to tackle water, land & air pollution besides waste management over the next five years.
    5. In October 2020, the National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) disbursed Rs. 12,298 crore (US$ 1.66 billion) under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) for construction of 32.9 million household toilets.


     

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  • What is 'Smart Cities' program of the Indian government?

    Government of India has launched a new urban development mission. Target is to develop 500 cities, which include cities with a population of more than 100,000 and some cities of religious and tourist importance. These cities will be supported and encouraged to harness private capital and expertise through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), to holster their infrastructure and services in the next 10 years. The strategic components of Area-based development in the Smart Cities Mission are:
    1) City improvement (retrofitting).
    2) City renewal (redevelopment).
    3) City extension (greenfield development).
    4) Pan-city initiative in which Smart Solutions are applied covering larger parts of the city.
    Please refer to these links for further details.

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  • How can we get our propriety building technology for affordable housing, certified and approved by government?

    Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council does evaluation, validation and certification of innovative building materials and construction technologies under performance appraisal certification scheme. For details please refer to link.

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  • What kind of real estate business activities are prohibited for foreign investment?

    FDI is not permitted in an entity which is engaged or proposes to engage in real estate business, construction of farm-houses and trading in transferable development rights (TDRs). “Real estate business” means dealing in land and immovable property with a view to earning profit there from and does not include development of townships, construction of residential/ commercial premises, roads or bridges, educational institutions, recreational facilities, city, regional level infrastructure and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) registered and regulated under the SEBI (REITs) Regulations 2014. Further, earning of rent/ income on lease of the property, not amounting to transfer, will not amount to real estate business.

    For further details, please refer to latest FDI Policy 2020 at the following link.

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  • What are the types of construction-development projects in which foreign investors/companies can invest in India?

    Government has permitted 100% equity under automatic route for construction-development projects (which would include development of townships, construction of residential/commercial premises, roads or bridges, hotels, resorts, hospitals, educational institutions, recreational facilities, city and regional level infrastructure, townships).

    We would also request you to refer to some conditions under which the investment in this sector is governed, as mentioned under section 5.2.10 of latest FDI Policy 2020.

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  • What does India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited do?

    India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL) was incorporated under the Companies Act as a wholly owned Government of India company in January 2006 and commenced operations from April 2006 to provide long term finance to viable infrastructure projects through the Scheme for Financing Viable Infrastructure Projects through a Special Purpose Vehicle called India Infrastructure Finance Company Ltd (IIFCL), broadly referred to as SIFTI. 

    The sectors eligible for financial assistance from IIFCL are the Harmonized list of infrastructure sub-sectors as approved by the Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure on 1st March 2012. These include transportation, energy, water, sanitation, communication, social and commercial infrastructure. IIFCL accords overriding priority to Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is PM Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)?

    Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U), a flagship Mission of Government of India being implemented by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), was launched on 25th June 2015. The Mission addresses urban housing shortage among the EWS/LIG and MIG categories including the slum dwellers by ensuring a pucca house to all eligible urban households. The Mission provides Central Assistance to the implementing agencies through States/Union Territories (UTs) and Central Nodal Agencies (CNAs) for providing houses to all eligible families/ beneficiaries against the validated demand for houses for about 1.12 cr. As per PMAY(U) guidelines, the size of a house for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) could be upto 30 sq. mt. carpet area, however States/UTs have the flexibility to enhance the size of houses in consultation and approval of the Ministry.

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  • Is there funding provided by the government for certain categories?

    Yes, projects under 'Make-I' sub-category involves Government funding of 90%, released in a phased manner and based on the progress of the scheme, as per terms agreed between MoD and the vendor.

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  • Are the any incentives for MSMEs under DPP?

    DPP 2016 provides great impetus to the MSMEs with certain categories of 'Make' products earmarked exclusively for MSMEs.

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  • How are the capital acquisition schemes classified under DPP?

    Capital Acquisition schemes are broadly classified as 'Buy', 'Buy and Make' and 'Make'. In decreasing order of priority the procurement of defence equipment, under this procedure are categorised as follows:
    1) Buy (Indian - IDDM).
    2) Buy (Indian).
    3) Buy and Make (Indian).
    4) Buy and Make.
    5) Buy (Global).

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  • What is the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016?

    The DPP is formulated to ensure timely procurement of military equipment, systems and platforms as required by the Armed Forces in terms of performance capabilities and quality standards, through optimum utilisation of allocated budgetary resources. It is worthwhile to mention that the document is not merely a procurement procedure but also an opportunity to improve efficiency of the procurement process to realize the vision of 'Make in India' in the defence sector.

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  • How many JVs/ FDI proposals have been approved in the defence sector so far?

    Since May, 2001 after opening the defence production sector for 100% participation in private sector, so far 36 JVs/FDI proposals have been approved for manufacture of wide range of licensable defence items.

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  • What is the FDI inflow in the defence sector since the opening for Private Participation?

    As per the FDI statistics available at DIPP’s website, an FDI inflow of $ 15.78 mn (INR 105.05 crores) has been received in the country till December 2022 (as per data available on DIPP’s website).

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  • Which is the Administrative Ministry for the grant of extension for Defence Industrial Licence? Where should the company apply for extension of Defence Industrial License?

    Ministry of Defence, Department of Defence Production is the Administrative Ministry for grant of extension of Industrial licence under the I(D&R) Act, 1951 to the private sector. The Company may send their IL extension application to Contract Purchase Officer, Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, D(DIP) Section, Sena Bhawan, New Delhi.

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  • What is the permissible FDI limit in the defence sector?

    According to the revised guidelines, Foreign Investment Cap upto 49% is allowed through automatic route and beyond 49% under Government route, wherever it is likely to result in access to modern technology or for other reasons to be recorded. The foreign investment in defence sector is further subject to industrial license under the Industries (Development & Regulation Act), 1951.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What is the FDI policy in Education Sector?

    100% FDI is allowed through automatic route in Education Sector. Under the Automatic Route, the foreign investor or Indian company does not require prior approval from Reserve Bank of India or Government of India.

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  • What does National Education Policy 2020 says about investment in the sector?

    The Centre and the States will work together to increase the public investment in Education sector to reach 6% of GDP at the earliest with provide easy approval for private investment. 

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  • How has National Education Policy 2020 supported foreign investment?

    Education Policy has envisioned setting up of Foreign University campuses in India and also collaboration with Indian Universities to provide Dual degree, Joint degrees and twinning programmes.

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  • What are the new regulations for offshore centres in GIFT CITY?

    For the first time, foreign universities or educational institutions are allowed to establish offshore centres in GIFT City and offer courses such as financial management, FinTech and courses in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

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  • What are the guidelines of UGC for foreign collaboration with home universities in India?

    University Grant commission has framed guidelines for foreign collaboration with home universities to offer joint and dual degrees in India. 

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  • Differentiate between dual and joint degree?

    Although the terms ‘joint degree’ and ‘dual degree’ are sometimes used interchangeably, it is important to note that there is a difference between the two concepts. A ‘dual’ or ‘double’ degree requires students to complete two separate programmes at two universities, whereas a joint degree programme is for a single degree with one curriculum designed and offered collaboratively by two universities.

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  • What is the duration of the SPECS scheme?

    SPECS shall be open for receiving applications for a period of 3 (three) years from the date of notification. Since the scheme was notified on 01.04.2020, applications under the scheme, complete in all respects, shall be received upto 31.03.2023. No application received after three years from the date of notification of the Scheme shall be considered for approval.

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  • Will capital expenditure made before the date of application also be considered for determining eligible capital expenditure under SPECS?

    Capital expenditure made on or after the date of acknowledgement of an application and within 5 years of date of acknowledgement of such application shall only be considered for determining eligible capital expenditure under the Scheme. Capital expenditure made before the date of acknowledgement of application under the Scheme shall not be considered for calculation of eligible capital expenditure under the Scheme. However, Capital expenditure made before the date of acknowledgement of application, but on or after the date of application, on the approved list of capital items, shall be considered for calculation of threshold.

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  • Will the expenditure incurred on Land and Building be considered towards determining eligible capital expenditure under SPECS?

    No, the expenditure incurred on land and building (including factory building / construction) required for the project / unit is not covered and, therefore, will not be considered towards determining eligible capital expenditure under the Scheme.

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  • Can an applicant make more than one application under SPECS?

    There is no restriction on any applicant from making multiple applications under the Scheme. A Project / Unit proposed under the Scheme may include manufacturing facilities at one or more proposed locations.

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  • Is the total size of Ready Built Factory (RBF) sheds limited to 10% as under the EMC 2.0 scheme?

    10% of the total saleable / leasable land area is the minimum requirement. The Project Implementation Agency may decide to earmark additional area for Ready Built Factory sheds depending upon the market / industry requirements.

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  • What is Electronics Development Fund Policy?

    Electronics Development Fund Policy provides a framework to set up an Electronics Development Fund (EDF) as a Fund of Funds which will foster R&D and innovation in technology sectors like electronics, IT and nano-electronics. EDF will support Venture Funds and Angel Funds, which will be professionally managed and are dedicated to these sectors.

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  • What is the MSIPS scheme and is it still active?

    In order to promote large scale manufacturing in the country, M-SIPS was announced by the Government in July, 2012 to offset disability and attract investments in Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) Industries. The scheme provided incentives for investments on capital expenditure- 20% for investments in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and 25% in non-SEZs. Applications under this scheme were received till December 31st 2018. The incentives however, will be made available for investments spanning a period of 5 years from the date of approval of the project.

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  • What is the National Policy on Electronics 2019?

    The National Policy on Electronics is a policy roadmap that has been created to position India as a global hub of Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) by encouraging and driving capabilities in the country for developing core components

    including chipsets, and creating an enabling environment for the industry to compete globally. It aims to promote domestic manufacturing in the entire value chain of ESDM, to increase domestic value addition and reduce dependence on import of electronic goods, strengthen global trade linkages, facilitate programs & incentive frameworks to boost ESDM exports, develop capacities in all sub-sectors and promote the R&D ecosystem within India.

    The policy can be accessed from here.

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  • Are there any incentives or schemes for electronics system design and manufacturing sector unit?

    Yes, Department of Electronics and Information Technology has launched the following schemes to promote domestic manufacturing of electronics items:

    1. Under the Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS), 25% of Capex is eligible for subsidy (20% for units in Special Economic Zones) for all investments made in manufacturing of ESDM products. 
    2. Production subsidy @10% of production turnover (ex-factory) in select high-tech units such as fabrication and ATMP of analog/mixed signal semiconductor chips, power semiconductors, LEDs etc.
    3. Preferential Market Access (PMA)- Preference to domestic manufacturers in Government procurement to promote domestic manufacturing in the country. 
    4. Specified items must meet the specified safety standards under the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) which has been brought into force from January 3, 2014. The CRO provides a framework to add other electronic items under this regime, thereby providing a quality barrier for unsafe and sub-standard electronic goods.
    5. For common facilities to be used by a set of units as part of a supply chain or in any other form of a cluster, assistance @ 50% subject to a ceiling of $ 8 million is available for common facilities. Such common facilities could include testing facilities, training facilities, social infrastructure, as also up gradation of hard infrastructure including supply of water, power, roads and other logistics. 

    6. Under the skill development scheme, 75-100% of the training fee is reimbursed for any specialized skills that may be required for prospective employees in India (training provided in any training facility recognized by Electronics Sector Skills Council)
    7. A scheme to support 3000 additional PhD (1500 in ESDM and 1500 in IT/ITES) was approved in 2014. Out of 1500 additional PhDs in ESDM, 500 are would be full time and 1000 would be part time. In addition, 100 PhDs (full-time) are to be supported by industry/State Government as a part of this scheme.

    Please refer link for details on incentives.

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  • What are the steps taken by Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) to support the growth of the sector?

    The steps taken are as follows:
    a) Infrastructure support: The Department has set up Information Technology Investment Regions (ITIRs). These regions are supported equipped with excellent infrastructure.
    b) R&D promotion: 150% of expenditure incurred on in-house R&D is also available under the Income Tax Act.
    In addition to the existing scheme for funding R&D projects, the department has put in place the 2 key schemes:
    i) Support International Patent Protection in Electronics & IT (SIP-EIT).
    ii) Multiplier Grants Scheme (MGS).
    c) Tax incentives: Over the years, the Government has been taking steps to bring down the total taxation level on electronics hardware.

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  • Who is an Applicant under the PLI Scheme for Electronics Manufacturing?

    Applicant for the purpose of the Scheme is a company registered in India, proposing to manufacture goods covered under Target Segments in India, and making an application for seeking approval under the Scheme. The applicant can operate new or existing manufacturing facility(ies) to manufacture goods covered under the Target Segments (i.e. mobile phones and specified electronic components). The aforesaid manufacturing can be carried out at one or more locations in India.

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  • What are the Qualification Criteria under PLI Scheme?

    Qualification Criteria for applicants under different Target Segments in the Scheme are as defined:

    • For category Mobile Phones (Invoice Value INR 15,000 and above); Consolidated Global Manufacturing Revenue of the applicant (including its Group Companies), in the target segment, should be more than INR 10,000 Crore in the base year.
    • For category Mobile Phones (Domestic Companies); Consolidated Global Manufacturing Revenue of the applicant (including its Group Companies), in the target segment, should be more than INR 100 Crore in the base year. Applicants under this category can only be Domestic Companies as defined in Para 2.25 of the Scheme Guidelines
    • For Specified Electronic Components: Consolidated Global Manufacturing Revenue of the applicant (including its Group Companies), in the target segment, should be more than INR 50 Crore in the base year

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  • How will the consolidated global manufacturing revenue of the applicant (including its Group Companies), in the Target Segment, be calculated if same group company is claimed and considered for two or more applicant companies?

    In case the manufacturing revenue, in the target segment, of an entity (group company) is claimed and considered for two or more applicant companies, the manufacturing revenue of such entity in the target segment will be equally divided among the applicants that are claiming revenue of such entity. Only such share of manufacturing revenue in the target segment, that is obtained after division of manufacturing revenue of that entity (group company), will be considered for determining qualification for such applicant under the scheme.

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  • What if the Consolidated Global Manufacturing Revenue of the applicant (including Group Companies) in the Target Segment is available in currency other than INR?

    If the Consolidated Global Manufacturing Revenue of the applicant company (including Group Companies) is available in a currency other than INR, the INR equivalent amount may be computed by applying an average of the exchange rate notified by the Reserve Bank of India as on the first day and last day of the reporting period.

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  • What are the criteria for determining Eligibility under the PLI Scheme?

    Eligibility under the Scheme shall be subject to thresholds of Incremental Investment and Incremental Sales of Manufactured Goods (covered under Target Segments) over the base year as defined. An applicant must meet threshold criteria to be eligible for disbursement of incentive for the year under consideration.

    To meet the threshold criteria of Incremental Investment for any year, the cumulative value of investment done till such year (including the year under consideration) over the Base Year (2019-20) shall be considered.

    In order to meet the threshold criteria of Incremental Sales of Manufactured Goods covered under Target Segments for any year, the Total Sales of Manufactured Goods covered under Target Segments for such year over the Base Year, irrespective of Invoice Value (whether below or above INR 15,000 in case of Mobile Phones) shall be considered.

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  • Is eligibility under the PLI Scheme for a given year achieved if one of the two threshold criteria namely incremental investment and incremental sale of manufactured goods over the base year are met?

    The applicant company will have to meet both threshold criteria i.e. incremental investment and incremental sale of manufactured goods over the base year to be eligible for disbursement of incentive under the scheme for a given year.

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  • What if an applicant company is not able to achieve PLI Scheme threshold criteria for a given year?

    Eligibility shall be subject to thresholds of Incremental Investment and Incremental Sales of Manufactured Goods (covered under Target Segments) over the base year. An applicant must meet threshold criteria to be eligible for disbursement of incentive for the year under consideration. In case an applicant does not meet threshold criteria for any given year, the applicant shall not be eligible for incentive in that particular year. However, the applicant will not be restricted from claiming incentive in subsequent years during the tenure of the Scheme, provided eligibility criteria are met for such subsequent years.

    For example, if an applicant company is not able to achieve threshold Incremental Sales of Manufactured Goods between 01.08.2020 and 31.03.2021, they will not be eligible for incentive in Year 1. However, this will not impact eligibility for any subsequent year. They will be able to claim the incentive for subsequent years provided eligibility is met for the years under consideration.

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  • What does Incremental Investment over Base Year in the PLI Scheme mean?

    To meet the threshold criterion for Incremental Investment in any year, the cumulative value of investment done till such year (including the year under consideration) over the Base Year i.e. 2019-20 shall be considered. For example, in case of Mobile Phones (with invoice value of INR 15,000 and above), the applicant company must invest INR 250 crore or more by 31.03.2021 to achieve threshold for incremental investment in that year. Similarly, a cumulative investment of INR 500 crore by 31.03.2022, INR 750 crore by 31.03.2023 and INR 1,000 crore by 31.03.2024 will have to be made to remain eligible under the scheme.

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  • Is the incremental investment amount mentioned in Annexure 2 of the PLI scheme cumulative? What if an applicant company fails to achieve the threshold investment amount for a given year?

    Threshold for Incremental Investment over Base Year is defined in terms of Cumulative Minimum Investment that must be achieved by the year under consideration. For example, in case of Mobile Phones (with Invoice value of INR 15,000 and above), a cumulative incremental investment of INR 500 Crore should have been made by the end of Year 2. For determining eligibility under the Scheme, Investment made on or after 01.04.2020 shall be considered.

    In case an applicant does not meet threshold criteria for any given year, the applicant shall not be eligible for incentive in that particular year. However, the applicant will not be restricted from claiming incentive in subsequent years during the tenure of the Scheme, provided eligibility criteria are met for such subsequent years.

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  • Can there be more than one Anchor Unit in an Electronics Manufacturing Cluster project as per the EMC 2.0 scheme?

    There can be more than one Anchor Units for the purpose of fulfilling the criteria of minimum investment commitment and land purchase / lease as per Clause 2.1 of the Scheme Guidelines.

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  • Can a Common Facility Center be built within a new Electronics Manufacturing Cluster project and claim benefits under the EMC 2.0 Scheme for both?

    Yes. A CFC can be built within a new EMC project. However, the financial assistance eligible for such CFC will be considered as a part of the overall EMC Project and will be in accordance with the Scheme Guidelines.

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  • What is Electronics Development Fund Policy?

    Electronics Development Fund Policy provides a framework to set up an Electronics Development Fund (EDF) as a Fund of Funds which will foster R&D and innovation in technology sectors like electronics, IT and nano-electronics. EDF will support Venture Funds and Angel Funds, which will be professionally managed and are dedicated to these sectors.

    Was this helpful?

  • Are there any incentives or schemes for electronics system design and manufacturing sector unit?

    Yes, Department of Electronics and Information Technology has launched the following schemes to promote domestic manufacturing of electronics items:

    1. Under the Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS), 25% of Capex is eligible for subsidy (20% for units in Special Economic Zones) for all investments made in manufacturing of ESDM products. 
    2. Production subsidy @10% of production turnover (ex-factory) in select high-tech units such as fabrication and ATMP of analog/mixed signal semiconductor chips, power semiconductors, LEDs etc.
    3. Preferential Market Access (PMA)- Preference to domestic manufacturers in Government procurement to promote domestic manufacturing in the country. 
    4. Specified items must meet the specified safety standards under the Compulsory Registration Order (CRO) which has been brought into force from January 3, 2014. The CRO provides a framework to add other electronic items under this regime, thereby providing a quality barrier for unsafe and sub-standard electronic goods.
    5. For common facilities to be used by a set of units as part of a supply chain or in any other form of a cluster, assistance @ 50% subject to a ceiling of $ 8 million is available for common facilities. Such common facilities could include testing facilities, training facilities, social infrastructure, as also up gradation of hard infrastructure including supply of water, power, roads and other logistics. 

    6. Under the skill development scheme, 75-100% of the training fee is reimbursed for any specialized skills that may be required for prospective employees in India (training provided in any training facility recognized by Electronics Sector Skills Council)
    7. A scheme to support 3000 additional PhD (1500 in ESDM and 1500 in IT/ITES) was approved in 2014. Out of 1500 additional PhDs in ESDM, 500 are would be full time and 1000 would be part time. In addition, 100 PhDs (full-time) are to be supported by industry/State Government as a part of this scheme.

    Please refer link for details on incentives.

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  • A registered person is sending semi-cooked food from his manufacturing unit at Gurugram to his branch in Delhi. Is he required to pay any tax?

    In accordance with the provisions of Section 25(4) of the CGST Act, 2017, branches in different States are considered as distinct persons. Further, as per Schedule I, this constitutes supply made in the course or furtherance of business between distinct persons even if made without consideration. As it is an inter-State supply, the registered person is required to pay IGST.

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  • What is FSSA, 2006 and why this Act is needed?

    FSSA 2006 is an Act enacted to keep with changing needs/requirements of time and to consolidate the laws relating to food and establish the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India. The Act was needed to bring out a single statutory body for food laws, standards setting and enforcement so that there is one agency to deal and no confusion in the minds of consumers, traders, manufacturers and investors which was due to multiplicity of food laws.

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  • What is National Livestock Mission?

    National Livestock Mission is an initiative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The mission, which commenced from 2014-15, has been designed with the objective of sustainable development of the livestock sector. 
    NABARD is the subsidy channelizing agency under Entrepreneurship Development & Employment Generation (EDEG) component of National Livestock Mission. This includes:
    1) Poultry Venture Capital Fund (PVCF).
    2) Integrated Development of Small Ruminants and Rabbit (IDSRR).
    3) Pig Development (PD).
    4) Salvaging and Rearing of Male Buffalo Calves (SRMBC).

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  • What is interest subvention to Small and Marginal Farmers against Negotiable Warehouse Receipts?

    In order to discourage distress sale of produce by farmers and to encourage them to store their produce in warehouses against warehouse receipts, Government of India (GoI) had introduced a scheme in 2011-12 for extending concessional loans to the farmers against negotiable warehouse receipts. Post-harvest loans against Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (NWR) provided by banks to Small and marginal farmers (SF/MF) having Kisan Credit Cards, would be eligible for interest subvention, for a period of up to six months on the same rate as available to crop loan. 

    SF/MF, who have not availed crop loans through banking system, would not be eligible. No additional subvention towards prompt repayment, as is available for crop loans, is envisaged under the scheme.

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  • Can foreign investors, private equity arms of foreign firms become members in SPV and invest in creation of common infrastructure in form of equity?

    Yes, such firms can join hands with Indian promoters to form the Special Purpose Vehicle and invest in the project by way of contributing equity. It may also be noted here that foreign direct investments in food processing sector is allowed under automatic route in India. However, adequate documents with regard to net worth and other relevant financial details in respect of such firms must be provided with the EOI proposal.

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  • What types of industries/units are permitted in Mega Food Park?

    Only food processing industries/units that make food products fit for human and animal consumption are permitted to be set up in the Mega Food Parks. Packaging facilities of food products as ancillary to the food processing industries will also be eligible for setting up in the Mega Food Parks. However, setting up of alcoholic beverage unit as an anchor unit will not be allowed.

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  • What is ’eligible project cost’ in Mega food park?

    The ‘eligible project cost’ is the total project cost but excludes cost of land, preoperative expenses and margin money for working capital. However, interest during construction(IDC) as part of preoperative expenses and fee to PMC up to 2% of the approved grant would be considered under eligible project cost (refer para. 4.1 of guidelines, at the link).

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  • For Mega food park, does the land needs to be changed from Agricultural to Industrial?

    Yes, it is mandatory to have Change of Land Use (CLU). CLU is not required in case the land is already in a designated industrial area.

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  • What is minimum land requirement for setting-up Mega Food Park?

    The minimum land required for setting-up a Mega Food Park is 50 acres of contiguous land and free from any kind of encumbrance. The selection of land needs to be justified in terms of connectivity and availability of basic infrastructure such as approach road, power, water etc. as also in terms of availability of raw materials/market.

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  • What are the commodities under the Warehousing development and regulatory authority?

    The authority had approved 115 commodities including cereals, pulses, oil seeds, spices, rubber, tobacco, coffee, etc. for issuing negotiable warehouse receipts and also 26 perishable commodities for cold storage.

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  • What activities can be supported related to animal feed?

    Establishment of Animal Feed manufacturing and strengthening of existing units/ plant of the following categories:

    • Establishment of Mini, Medium and Large Animal Feed Plant
    • Total Mixed Ration Block Making Unit
    • By pass protein unit, Mineral Mixture Plant
    • Enrich Silage making unit, Animal Feed Testing Laboratory
    • Any other activities related to animal feed manufacturing.

     

     

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  • What activities can be covered under Meat Sector?

    a) Establishment of new meat processing unit and strengthening of existing meat processing facilities for sheep/goat/ poultry/pig/buffalo in rural, semi-urban and urban areas.
    b) Large scale integrated meat processing facilities/ plant/ unit.
    c) Product Diversification: Establishment of new or strengthening of existing value addition facilities for meat products like Sausage, nuggets, ham, salami, bacon or any other meat products. 

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  • What are ‘Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog’ & ‘Rashtriya Gokul Mission’?

    The Government of India has constituted the Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for the effective implementation of laws and welfare schemes for cows with a corpus of $ 71.5 million. It was set up with the objective to organize animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines and to take steps for preserving and improving breeds and prohibiting the slaughter of cows and calves and other milch and draught cattle. 


    Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) was launched in December 2014 with an outlay of $ 289 million for development and conservation of indigenous breeds through selective breeding in the breeding tract and genetic upgradation of nondescript bovine population. The scheme comprises two components namely National Programme for Bovine Breeding (NPBB) and National Mission on Bovine Productivity (NMBP).

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  • What is the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)?

    The Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund was recently announced as a part of Prime Minister’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package with an outlay of $ 2.1 billion. It has been approved for incentivizing investments to establish dairy processing, meat processing, animal feed plant and value addition infrastructure.
     

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  • What are the financial incentives available to eligible beneficiaries under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF)?

    The Government of India will provide a 3% interest subvention to eligible beneficiaries. There will be a 2 years moratorium period for the principal loan amount and 6 years repayment period thereafter. Additionally, projects will be a eligible for a loan up to 90% of the cost of the project. Moreover, a credit guarantee fund of $ 107 million has been set up to provide guarantees for viable projects. 
     

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  • What will happen when the repayment period exceeds eight years repayment period?

    The interest subvention will be provided only up to 8 years of repayment period. Beyond no interest subvention will be provided. 

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  •  What is National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP)?        

    National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) is a flagship scheme launched by Hon'ble Prime Minister in September, 2019 for control of Foot & Mouth Disease and Brucellosis by vaccinating 100% cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig population for FMD and 100% bovine female calves of 4-8 months of age for brucellosis with the total outlay of $ 1.9 billion for five years (2019-20 to 2023-24)    
                                                                                                                                                         

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  • What types of industries/units are permitted in Mega Food Park?

    Only food processing industries/units that make food products fit for human and animal consumption are permitted to be set up in the Mega Food Parks. Packaging facilities of food products as ancillary to the food processing industries will also be eligible for setting up in the Mega Food Parks. However, setting up of alcoholic beverage unit as an anchor unit will not be allowed.

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  • For Mega food park, does the land needs to be changed from Agricultural to Industrial?

    Yes, it is mandatory to have Change of Land Use (CLU). CLU is not required in case the land is already in a designated industrial area.

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  • What is minimum land requirement for setting-up Mega Food Park?

    The minimum land required for setting-up a Mega Food Park is 50 acres of contiguous land and free from any kind of encumbrance. The selection of land needs to be justified in terms of connectivity and availability of basic infrastructure such as approach road, power, water etc. as also in terms of availability of raw materials/market.

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  • How much Foreign Direct Investment is allowed in food processing sector?

    a) 100% FDI is permitted under the Automatic route in food processing industries

    b) 100% FDI is allowed through Government Approval route for trading, including through e-commerce in respect of food products manufactured or produced in India.

    For more information, click here.

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  • Which are major fruits and vegetables that are covered under Operations Green Scheme?

    Fruits: Mango, Banana, Guava, Kiwi, Lichi, Papaya, Mousambi, Orange, Kinnow, Lime, Lemon, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Jackfruit, Apple, Almond, Aonla, Passion Fruit and Pear;

    Vegetables: French beans, Bitter Gourd, Brinjal, Capsicum, Carrot, Cauliflower, Chillies (Green), Okra, Cucumber, Peas, Garlic, Onion, Potato and Tomato.

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  • What effort is the Ministry of Tourism making to increase investment into the sector?

    The Ministry of Tourism is set to host the First Global Tourism Investors Summit in 2023 in collaboration with Central Ministries and State/UT Governments. 

    This mega event aims to highlight investment and trade opportunities while providing a platform for international investors to discover India's diverse tourism products and services.
     

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  • What are the initiatives taken by the Union Government to develop rural tourism in India?

    Recognising the potential of rural tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has identified Rural Circuit as one of the fifteen thematic circuits for development under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and is aimed at leveraging tourism as a force multiple for revitalizing the rural economy and for giving both domestic and international tourists a glimpse of rural aspect of the country.

    Further, Ministry of Tourism has formulated a Draft 'National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism in India - An initiative towards Atmanirbhar Bharat', which, inter alia, focuses on generating income and jobs in rural areas and empower local communities, youth and women, fulfilling the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

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  • What are the government's initiatives under Lighthouses Tourism in India?

    The GOI has identified 78 lighthouses in the country as centres of tourism, which are in the first phase under Public Private Partnership (PPP). The identified lighthouses are in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The GOI has kick started the ‘lighthouse tourism’ project by inviting initial qualification bids to develop eight lighthouses in the first phase, at a cost of INR 128 crore, under the public-private-partnership model for 7 lighthouses.

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  • What are the key features of the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme?

    The goal of the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme is to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in the country. The scheme is aimed at 360-degree holistic development with a focus on increasing self-employment, youth skilling, private sector investments, and preserving local cultures.

    The strategic objectives of the Scheme are:
    (i) To enhance the contribution of tourism to the local economies
    (ii) To create jobs including self-employment for local communities
    (iii) To enhance the skills of local youth in tourism and hospitality
    (iv) To increase private sector investment in tourism and hospitality
    (v) To preserve and enhance the local cultural and natural resources
     

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  • What is Prasad Scheme?

    Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India for enriching the religious tourism experience. It aims to integrate pilgrimage destinations in a prioritised, planned and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience. As on date, total number of destinations/sites identified for development under the scheme at present are 68 in 30 states/UTs.

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  • What is Swadesh Darshan Scheme?

    Under the Swadesh Darshan scheme, the Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments, Union Territory Administrations for the infrastructure development of identified theme-based tourist circuits. The scheme aims to promote, develop and harness the potential of tourism in India. As of date, 15 thematic circuits have been identified for development across 31 states/UTs for which INR 4,130 cr. has been utilised.

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  • What are the FDI policies for tourism & hospitality sector?

    • 100% FDI is allowed under the automatic route in tourism and hospitality
    • 100% FDI allowed in tourism construction projects, including the development of hotels, resorts and recreational facilities.

    For more information, click here.

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  • What are the different rates of an average hotel tariff or convenience lodging in India?

    A wide variety of hostels, home stays, villas and/or hotels are available across India. These lodging options have varied price points depending on the location, services offered, seasonality, etc.

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  • What GST rates will be applicable for travel by air?

    The GST rates applicable on air tariffs are as below:
    1. Travel by economy class - 5 %
    2. Travel by other than economy class - 12 %

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  • What is the minimum eligibility for sponsorship of events having potential for promotion of tourism to and/or within India?

    The Ministry of Tourism invites proposals to support culture, music, dance, literary, sports, cinema and other events which have potential or create potential for attracting large number of tourists, both domestic and international. The support to these events would be decided on a case-to-case basis based on the potential for promotion of tourism as well as the benefits that would accrue from it for the promotion of Incredible India brand.

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