With the threat of COVID-19 looming large in the country, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (“MCA”) introduced a web based form on 23 March 2020 to confirm the readiness of companies and LLPs to reign in the contagion.
This web form Company Affirmation of Readiness towards COVID-19 (CAR) is applicable to all companies and LLPs, both Indian and foreign. The compliance of advisory by the MCA to put in place an immediate plan to implement ‘Work from Home’ policy in headquarters and field offices to the maximum extent possible, as a temporary measure to contain the spread and avoid further transmission of virus at community level, will have to be reported in this web form. MCA has already relaxed the rules with respect to Board Meetings by enabling the companies to conduct meetings through video conference or other electronic or telephonic or computerised means up to June 30, 2020. MCA is also considering on other relaxations that may be necessitated on account of COVID-19.
Features of the Form
· The CAR form has minimum fields and can be filed with an OTP verification done by an authorised signatory of the Company.
· There is no filing fee for this form.
· No DSC is required to file the form.
· No Penalty or enforcement related action is applicable.
· Filing of this form is voluntary.
However, we urge all corporates to mandatorily take the necessary steps and preventive measures TO FIGHT THIS COVID-19 THREAT and contribute to a healthy community.
