Infra sector demands rationalisation of GST, easier bank credit, hike in public expenditure

New Delhi: The infrastructure industry on Monday demanded rationalisation of Goods and Services Tax (GST), easier bank credit, and a hike in public expenditure at the customary pre-budget meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Cellular Operators' Association of India (COAI) in its presentation to the Finance Minister has sought a reduction of levies and taxes on the telecom sector amid new new-age 5G networks and services roll out across the country.

"...Our demand for cost reduction should be looked at expeditiously," Director General of COAI SP Kochhar said after the online meeting of the infrastructure industry experts with the Finance Minister. The telecom industry has also pitched for rationalisation of GST, reduction of license fee to one percent from three percent, and lowering of customs duty on equipment. (Also Read: Asset monetisation of Rs 33,422 cr in FY23 so far, Coal Min leads with Rs 17K cr)

COAI counts telecom operators like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea as its members. According to sources, the representatives of the auto industry sought the government's support in terms of long-term policies for establishing India as a strong electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing base. (Also Read: Union Budget 2023-24: Focus should be on job creation, steps to broaden tax base, India Inc tells FM Nirmala Sitharaman)

They also pitched for government support to the EV companies for reskilling the workforce. The Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) was of the view that the bank loan rating (BLR) requirement is proving to be a great dampener in the growth of MSMEs and sought immediate intervention in setting up a joint committee of the RBI, banks, and stakeholders to develop a unique rating model for MSMEs, which focuses on solvency alone.

Observing that some private sector banks levy pre-payment penalties (four percent) on MSMEs who try to change the bank if unsatisfied with poor services, FISME made a plea to form a task force to study the extent of the spread of the malice and suggest remedial measures in a time bound manner.

Industry body PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) suggested that infrastructure investments in the country must not be less than 10 percent of the GDP to achieve state-of-the-art infrastructure and become a developed economy by 2047.

CII pitched for setting up separate SPVs in the infrastructure sector in a bid to execute individual infrastructure projects due to the mandate of tender conditions issued by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Sitharaman kicked off pre-budget consultations by holding meetings with industry chamber heads and infrastructure experts on their expectations from the upcoming Budget. The meetings were held virtually and Union Ministers of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, and other senior officials also attended the meeting.

The participants gave suggestions on the 2023-24 Budget, which will be presented in Parliament by the Finance Minister on February 1.