City
Epaper

Centre working on stimulus package to counter slowdown

By IANS | Published: August 08, 2019 7:56 PM

The slowdown-hit economy may soon get a booster dose from the government with the Finance Ministry working on a stimulus package for the industry including a slew of financial measures ranging from tax cuts, subsidies and other incentives, sources said.

Open in App

Official sources said the package would not only aim to reduce the cost for the industry but would also lay out procedures that would further provide impetus to ease of doing business.

As concerned voices rise in India Inc over a consistent fall in demand, the measures would also try to address the issues of raising consumption by providing more money into the hands of consumers and reducing the prices of consumables by reducing indirect tax rates of a host of consumption items.

Already, a separate package is being looked at for the auto sector whose representatives recently met Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The industry has sought lower GST rates on automobiles and introduction of a scrappage policy that incentivises new purchase. The Government has already reduced GST on electric vehicles.

The stimulus is also likely to cover the financial markets that may get relief from the tax on FPIs imposed in this year's Budget. While Finance Ministry officials are unwilling to indicate what changes could be made, sources said the matter has been discussed internally and certain changes could be announced this week.

Sitharaman is meeting representatives of the financial sector on Friday and a clarity is expected to emerge.

Also on the anvil for the financial sector is a relook at the long-term capital gains tax (LTCG). Sources said the Finance Ministry is studying implications of withdrawing LTCG after the three-year holding period.

The other taxation on the market transactions such as tax on dividend distribution may also rejigged and so is the case with tax on share buybacks introduced in the Budget this year.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday met industry representatives, and the business personalities who attended the meeting said the minister has assured them of taking steps to revive the economy.

Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and MD of JSW Group tweeted: "The @FinMinIndia has assured that special attention will be given to the MSME and NBFC sectors as they play a vital role in the revival of our economy. They have also committed to address the issues of the Steel, Auto & Textile sectors on priority.

"All industry leaders left the meeting in an upbeat mood about the revival of the Indian economy," he said in another tweet.

Sitharaman has scheduled a slew of meetings with representatives of different sectors to hear their issues as concerns of a slowdown have only risen over the last few months. On Wednesday, the minister met representatives of the auto sector and on Friday she is expected to meet representatives of the financial sector.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: FinanceFinance MinistryThe Finance MinistryNirmala SitharamanSajjan Jindal
Open in App

Related Stories

NationalCII Annual Business Summit 2024: 50 Million Net New Economy Jobs Are Going To Be Created in India, Says FM Nirmala Sitharaman

NationalTwo Questions From Middle Class Investor and House Buyer Leave FM Nirmala Sitharaman Speechless (Watch Video)

BusinessEPFO New Rule: Members Can Switch Jobs Seamlessly Without Worrying About PF Transfer

NationalKarnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar Criticizes Centre, Thanks Nirmala Sitharaman for Admitting Delay in Drought Relief Funds

BusinessMonetary Tightening Measures By RBI Stabilised G-sec Yields, Contributed To Investor Confidence In Indian Economy: Nirmala Sitharaman

National Realted Stories

NationalHeatwave Grips India: Delhi's Najafgarh Hits Scorching 47.8°C, Highest of the Season

NationalLok Sabha Election 2024: Voting Begins in Fifth Phase of Lok Sabha Polls, Several Bigwigs in Fray

NationalVoting starts on positive note in J&K's Baramulla LS seat

National'Vote in Record Numbers': PM Modi Appeals Voters To Cast Franchise in Festival of Democracy

NationalPolling begins on 14 LS seats in UP -- Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani, Rahul Gandhi in fray