New Delhi: The Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) has written to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, requesting reconsideration of the withdrawal of the 6% Equalisation Levy on revenues of foreign digital companies. The letter was sent by Mariam Mammen Mathew in her capacity as Chairperson of DNPA.
The levy, earlier applicable on revenues earned by global technology platforms operating in India, was designed to ensure fairness between domestic and foreign digital businesses. Its rollback, linked to India’s commitments under OECD/G20 negotiations and trade considerations with the United States, has, according to DNPA, tilted the market against Indian publishers.
Highlighting that countries such as France, the UK, Italy, and Spain continue to impose digital services taxes until global tax reforms are finalized, DNPA has called for a review of India’s stance. The association emphasized that safeguarding the sustainability and competitiveness of Indian digital media is critical in a rapidly evolving global ecosystem.
Reiterating its support for the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, DNPA said it remained confident that the matter would receive due consideration in the national interest.
