Credit flow to MSMEs shrinks as lenders turn cautious owing to economic slump. The contraction in gross credit flow to the sector could be on the back of risk-averse lending by top banks as slowing consumption and stalling manufacturing growth. Between November 2018 and 2019, gross loans to micro and small industries fell 0.1%.
As January 7 deadline set by RBI looms, inter-creditor agreements are yet to be signed for exposures amounting to Rs 33,610 crore. Resolution plans under the ICA framework have been taking longer than anticipated because banks and non-bank lenders, such as mutual funds and insurance companies, appear to have differences of opinion.
“A finance ministry notification, dated December 30, has assigned a new harmonised system (HS) code (No: 8517 62 90) for routers to continue their zero customs duty status,” said a senior executive with direct knowledge of the matter. ET has seen a copy of the notification issued by the revenue department.
Panel of officials looking at option of small hikes in lower rates or moving up items in tranches. There is a view that rate increases can be carried out in a benign manner, either through small increases in lower rates or by moving some items to a higher bracket in tranches. Currently, GST has 7 categories – exempt, 0.25%, 3%, 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%.
Indian auto industry wrapped up one of its most difficult periods in the year 2019 as sales of cars and SUVs went into a free fall, witnessing the biggest decline in over two decades as rising uncertainties, difficult financing, and the economic slump kept buyers away despite heavy discounts.