SMEs unclear about how helpline will work

The toll-free helpline for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), recently launched by the Central government to help them deal with problems relating to taxation, laws, policies and the like, has been welcomed by the SMEs, but entrepreneurs are still unclear as to how exactly it will benefit them.

They note that certain things would need to be kept in mind if the helpline is to really help. Ravindra Bam, managing director of Ajay Windecor Products Pvt Ltd, a company that makes curtain rods, listed three requirements.

“Whatever the helpline does, it must be interactive and not be directed by mere selection of options listening to a recorded voice. What is most important is that after we voice our problems, whether follow up is done or not. Also, since SMEs is a state subject, the helpline should be done at a regional level, so that callers can interact in languages known to them,” he said.

The helpline aims to enable entrepreneurs to find solutions by merely dialling a number, and some are delighted with the idea.

Abhijeet Munot, director of KayGee Engineering Private Limited, a manufacturer of auto components, said, “This is a great idea and will definitely help the back offices of business units. There are various issues related to duty, tax deduction at source, tax returns and the like for which we could make use of this toll-free number.”

However, businesswoman Vidula Rao, who owns a printing press on the outskirts of Pune, has her doubts. “Most business units, small or medium, have consultants on board to help them out. They are aware of the latest change in policies and laws. What role will this helpline play?” she asked.

In principle, factory owners were in favour of the helpline, but had their doubts about how exactly it would work.

“I have been struggling hard to get my VAT refund for the past 18 months. Will such problems be solved through the helpline? Will we be able to get information on new policies, changes in tax structures and the like, or not,” asked Shirish Pande, director, Ameya Engineers, which manufactures and exports valve components.