Congress Slams Government Over Import Management System for IT Hardware, Says Yet Another Example of Modi GovernmentтАЩs FAST Approach
New Delhi, October 20: A day after the government rolled out an тАШimport management systemтАЩ for IT hardware, including laptops and computers, modifying its initial stance of imposing physical restrictions, the Congress on Friday hit back saying that it is yet another example of the Modi GovernmentтАЩs FAST (First Act, Subsequently Think) approach.
In a post on X, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said, тАЬYet another example of Modi GovernmentтАЩs FAST (First Act, Subsequently Think) approach. On August 3, 2023 a mandatory licencing system was announced for import of electronic goods like laptops and tablets. Expectedly, the announcement was widely and rightly criticised. On August 4, 2023 the government deferred the licencing system by introducing a three-month-long transition period.тАЭ Government Issues Notification on IT Hardware Items; Imports of Laptops, Servers for Sale in Market Not Exempt From Licensing in New Rules
The Rajya Sabha MP added, тАЬOn October 13, 2023, complete withdrawal of laptop import restrictions announced. So this is the cycle. Announce then, defer then, withdraw.тАЭ His remarks came after the government on Thursday rolled out an тАШimport management systemтАЩ for IT hardware, including laptops and computers, modifying its initial stance of imposing physical restrictions, months after suddenly announcing the move to introduce a licence system which was aimed at boosting domestic production but had drawn flak from industry as an interference with free trade. No Restriction on Laptop Imports; We Are Only Monitoring, Says Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal
The move is a breather for companies like HP, Apple, Dell, Lenovo and others who rely on imports to meet the surge in demand in the country for their PCs, laptops and tablets, especially in the festive season. Under the proposed system, IT hardware companies will be required to register and disclose data related to their imports, and countries from which they import, among other things.
(The above story first appeared on Today News 24 on Oct 20, 2023 06:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website todaynews24.top).
