WIRC makes representation for including CA services under essential services amid COVID-19
Amid this situation government is giving permission to only essential services and goods to operate i.e. hospitals, news channels, grocery store, medical store etc and that too at less capacity and amid this a representation has been made by WIRC to the Hon’ble CM of Maharashtra for including CA services in the list of essential services of Home Ministry.
The main point raised by the western council is:
“…They also provide funding solution and arrangement of the working capital finance for their MSME clients from the banking and other institutional finance channels. The MSME sector is engaged in labour intensive manufacturing, services and commercial activities and is the largest employer of the labour force in India.
It is not practical and possible for the CA fraternity and their staff members to render these services from their home since the client data is not available on the cloud besides the computation, compliances and payment of Indirect and Direct Taxes require extensive communication and in-house discussion. Any delay in the determination and payment of the taxes on large scale by the clients due to shut-down of offices pf the CA fraternity will affect the on-time revenue collections of the direct and indirect taxes. On the other hand, additional burden due to levy of interest and penalty for belated return filings and payments will precariously affect the financial position of the MSME clients already reeling under the impact of the COVID-19.
Late Dr. Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, in his lecture delivered at the International Conference on Accounting Profession: Adding Value to New Horizons of Economic Growth at New Delhi, had focussed on the role of CA fraternity as Chartered Accountants: Partners in National Development for the upliftment of millions f Indians below the poverty line or just on the border of the poverty line or just above the poverty line. Shri Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister and other key Ministers have also lauded the role of the Chartered Accountants in the economic and social development of the country from, time to time and urged them to play even greater role.
In the backdrop of the far reaching and value additive impact of the services rendered by the CA fraternity on the economic and social fabric of the country and the greater aspirations expected of the CA fraternity, it will be desirable that the services rendered by the practising CAs be classified as “Essential Services” under the guidelines expected to be issued by the Home Minstry for granting exemption or relaxation in the matter of operation of offices and staff attendance in the offices of the practising CAs, of course, subject to adherence to guidelines/instructions/restrictions issued and applicable to other providers of other essential services in this respect.”
There are various other points raised by WIRC. To read full representation CLICK HERE.
Many professionals are of the opinion that till what date will they sit at home as this will have no end and on the other hand many professionals are of the opinion that if permission is given to CA profession many other profession like CS and all will make representation and this will have no end as every one thinks their profession is most important for the economy.
Let us know your opinion in comments below. Will you join office if it’s included in essential services?
Our Opinion:
According to our opinion as of now since most of businesses are shut its better that we support this by staying at home till the time we see a reduction in the rate or else we would have nothing to practice in future. It’s the cost we have to pay for better future.
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