Export Oriented Units (EOUs) and units located in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), EHTPs, STPs and BTPs shall be eligible for Status. A status category applicant shall be categorised depending on his total FOB (for deemed exports) export performance during current plus previous three years (taken together) upon exceeding limit given below.
Moroever, exports of High Technology products in free foreign exchange to all countries, shall be entitled for Duty Credit Scrip equivalent to 1.25% of FOB value of exports; or 5% of incremental growth in FOB value (realised as per BRC/FIRC) of exports of notified products for current year (ie 2008-09) over previous year (ie 2007-08) (all taken together) and similarly for each subsequent licensing year. The Duty Credit Scrip shall not exceed Rs 15 cr for an exporter for all shipments done in a licensing year put together, for which benefit is being claimed under this scheme.
Som Mittal, President Nasscom, said: "Integrated IT townships are a very welcome move for the IT industry, it helps in fuelling the growth of all IT units. However this is a long term plan, and we are not aware of of the details of the tax incentives to be provided in such townships. We will continue to demand an extension of the tax sops under the STPI scheme, since they are present all over the country and not in special units. Also our need for incentives is short term and we need it now, the implications of this move will only be seen in the long term."
Vinnie Mehta, executive director, MAIT, said: "It is a very welcome move, any move by the government to improve infrastructure is always welcome. We are waiting for more details on this issue, to judge the exact implication."