NASSCOM urges government to support startups, SMEs amid lockdown

30 Mar 2020 Evaluate
In a bid to provide relief to startups and SMEs, the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) has urged the government to suspend all deadlines, including for tax payment and return filing, until four weeks post lifting of the lockdown. It also underlined that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused high stress on startups, putting their continuity at risk.

NASSCOM also mentioned difficulties being faced by startups such as severe time loss and project delays due to the prevailing circumstances that has contributed to financial pressure on them. It requested  the government to consider rental subsidy for workspaces used by startups which are regulated/owned/managed by government agencies.

Besides, the industry  body suggested that payment of provident fund and gratuity deposits should be deferred for the duration of the lockdown, and provide an option to employees for a one-time PF opt-out option for the next financial year 2020-21 given that startups are unlikely to be able to provide any salary increments due to subdued business environment.

NASSCOM also sought deferral of interest payment deadlines and relaxation of loan interest payments. Moreover, it suggested that governments and PSUs be encouraged to procure Make-in-India software products, and incentives/sops for consumption of indigenous products. For MSMEs, NASSCOM said interest and penalties should be waived for delayed payments of TDS and GST due for the month of March, April and May 2020 if such payment is made by June 30, 2020.
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