Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) Scheme Context: To support exporters facing challenges related to freight costs and transport disruptions caused by the geopolitical crisis in West Asia, the Government of India has reinstated the full rates and value caps under the RoDTEP scheme, thereby lifting the previous 50% restriction. About the RoDTEP Scheme RoDTEP is a flagship export promotion scheme launched on January 1, 2021. It is implemented by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This scheme provides for the reimbursement of unrefunded Central, State, and local duties and taxes levied on exported products. It was introduced to replace the erstwhile Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS). It ensures that taxes are not exported—meaning taxes are not embedded in the cost of exported goods—thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of Indian products. It compensates for duties and taxes that are not covered under the GST or duty drawback schemes. The scheme aims to increase both the volume and value of India's exports. Current Facts Election Commission of India The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional authority responsible for administering Union and State election processes in India. The body administers elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies in India, and the offices of the President and Vice President in the country. The Election Commission was established in accordance with the Constitution on 25th January 1950. The Commission celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 2001. Originally the commission had only a Chief Election Commissioner. It currently consists of Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners. For the first time two additional Commissioners were appointed on 16th October 1989 but they had a very short tenure till 1st January 1990. Later, on 1st October 1993 two additional Election Commissioners were appointed. The concept of multi-member…
NATIONAL SCHEMES
Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme Context: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has announced a 50% cut in benefits under the Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme, effective immediately. About RoDTEP Scheme The RoDTEP scheme was introduced in 2021 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to support Indian exporters. Policy Change RoDTEP replaced the Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS). The earlier MEIS programme provided fixed export incentives, which were considered inconsistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules because they were viewed as trade-distorting subsidies. Fundamental Principle The scheme is based on the global trade concept that taxes and duties should not be passed on to exports. In other words, exported goods should be free from domestic tax burdens so they can compete internationally at their actual production cost. WTO-Compliant Framework Unlike MEIS, which functioned as a direct subsidy programme, RoDTEP follows a remission-based approach. It reimburses exporters for embedded taxes and levies using pre-determined average rates, ensuring compliance with WTO norms. Dual Administrative Structure The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), operating under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, identifies eligible products and specifies the applicable rates. Meanwhile, the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance handles the disbursement of refunds. E-Scrip Mechanism Benefits are issued as transferable electronic scrips via the Indian Customs Electronic Gateway platform. Exporters may use these e-scrips to pay Basic Customs Duty or trade them in the open market.
