Govt Clarifies Norms On Foreign Investors

New Delhi: The government has clarified that an Indian company engaged in a sector where FDI is prohibited can issue bonus shares to its pre-existing foreign shareholders, provided there is no change in the shareholding pattern. The issuance of bonus shares must comply with the applicable rules, laws, regulations and guidelines, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said.

“An Indian company engaged in a sector/activity prohibited for FDI (foreign direct investment) is permitted to issue bonus shares to its pre-existing non-resident shareholders provided that the shareholding pattern of the non-resident shareholder does not change pursuant to the issuance of bonus shares,” according to the DPIIT’s clarification which is inserted in the FDI policy.