Budget 2021: Auto sector expects quick announcements under the PLI schemeBudget 2021: In recent years, the automobile sector witnessed several challenges in terms of reduction in demand and increase in costs due to the introduction of new safety and emission norms.
In last year's budget, the demands for the sector were unmet.
Budget 2021 is significant as it will be presented amid the COVID-19 pandemic when the government is tryingto revive the economy.
In order to provide a significant boost to the auto sector, Brickwork Ratings suggests in its report titled 'BWR Pre-Budget Expectations FY22', thatan indication towards the transitory rationalisation of GST on automobiles from the current rate of 28 per centin the budget could be a catalyst in reviving sales.
(Also Read:Budget 2021: GST Tax Rates Must Be Reduced To 18% To Boost Demand In Auto Sector)The report also added that allowing the availability of the input tax credit of GST paid on automobiles for businesses will increase vehicle sales to corporates.
Some special deductions for interest paid on auto loans could also be a positive step in boosting demand.
As a part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat scheme, the automotive and related ancillary sector is included in the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme.According to Brickworks, the sector expects quick announcements ofdetails of the PLI scheme, followed by the faster disbursal of incentives.
Theincentives have the potential to startsignificant investments in coming years.
The sector also seeks measures to incentivise electric vehicleownership and promoting component localisation.
The government shouldprovidefinancing options, reduce GST on raw materials, reduce duties on lithium ion cell batteries.
These measures couldboost the sales of electric vehicles."We are expecting a GST reduction in Lithium batteriesfrom18 per centto five per cent.Also, if nationalized banks provide affordable loans forthepurchase of low-speedelectricvehicles.These will speed up EV adoption in India,'' saidNishcalChaudhary,Founder and CEO-BattRE, a tech-driven, electric mobility startup.