(a) whether Union Government has started a scheme `Served from India` for some manufacturers to increase foreign trade;
(b) if so, the details of the manufacturers covered under this scheme;
(c) the amount of total foreign exchange to be earned by the manufacturers to become eligible under the scheme;
(d) whether the meat traders are likely to be benefitted under this scheme;
(e) if so, the details in this regard; and
(f) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ( SHRI E.V.K.S. ELANGOVAN)
(a) to (c): Served from India Scheme was introduced in the Foreign Trade Policy 2004-09 on 31.8.2004. The objective of the Scheme is to accelerate growth in export of `Services` so as to make a powerful and unique Served from India brand, instantly recognised and respected world over. All such service providers who have a total foreign exchange earning of at least Rs.10 Lakh in the preceding and the current financial year are eligible to qualify for duty credit entitlement. However, for individual service providers, the eligibility criteria is Rs.5 Lakh in the preceding financial year.
All service providers (other than Hotels & Restaurants) are entitled to duty credit equivalent to 10% of foreign exchange earned by them in the preceding financial year. This entitlement is however restricted to 5% for Hotels of one star and above (including managed hotels and heritage hotels) and 20% for stand alone Restaurants.
(d) to (f): No Sir, as the Meat Traders do not get covered under the Served from India Scheme, which caters exclusively to Service Exports and not exports of goods.