In a dynamic regulatory environment, adaptability and efficiency are paramount for seamless corporate governance. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), Government of India, has introduced the Change Request Form (CRF) on MCA-21, a pivotal step towards enhancing administrative processes. General Circular No. 02/2024 dated 19th February, 2024, sheds light on the deployment and usage of the CRF, aimed at providing stakeholders with a mechanism to address specific requirements not covered by existing forms or services.
Understanding the CRF
The CRF, accessible via the V3 portal of MCA-21, serves as a web-based tool catering to exceptional circumstances. It empowers stakeholders, including the Directorate General of Corporate Affairs (DGCoA), Regional Directors, and Registrar of Companies (RoCs), to make requests that cannot be accommodated through conventional channels. However, it’s imperative to note that the CRF does not supersede reporting, application, or registry obligations mandated by the Companies Act, 2013, and LLP Act, 2008.
Purpose and Scope
Primarily, the CRF is intended for master data correction and compliance with specific directives from Courts/Tribunals, beyond the purview of existing forms or services on the MCA-21 platform. While it offers flexibility, stakeholders must exercise discretion and ensure that requests align with the intended purpose. Misuse or inappropriate usage may result in rejection, emphasizing the importance of understanding the CRF’s scope and limitations.
Process and Timeline
Efficiency lies at the core of the CRF mechanism. Upon submission, RoCs are mandated to process requests within three days, followed by forwarding to the Joint Director (e-governance cell) for further deliberation within seven days. This streamlined process not only expedites resolution but also ensures accountability and adherence to stipulated timelines.
Conclusion: Embracing Efficiency in Corporate Governance
The CRF on MCA-21 represents a significant stride towards modernizing corporate governance practices. By providing stakeholders with a platform to address exceptional circumstances, it fosters agility and responsiveness in regulatory compliance. However, adherence to guidelines outlined in General Circular No. 02/2024 is paramount to ensure the judicious and effective utilization of the CRF. As stakeholders navigate the evolving regulatory landscape, leveraging the CRF responsibly underscores their commitment to transparency, efficiency, and compliance.
In conclusion, the CRF stands as a testament to India’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for corporate governance and underscores the government’s resolve to embrace technological advancements in streamlining administrative processes.
File No. 04/130/2021-eGov-MCA
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Government of India
5th Floor, ‘A’ Wing Shastri Bhawan,
Dr. R.P. Road, New Delhi
General Circular No. 02/2024 Dated: 19th February, 2024
To
The DGCoA
All Regional Directors
All Registrar of Companies.
Subject:- Deployment and usage of Change Request Form (CRF) on MCA-21 – reg.
Stakeholders are informed that Change Request Form (CRF) has been made available on V3 portal for the convenience of users of MCA-21 services. This web- based Form is to be used only under exceptional circumstances, for making a request to Registrar of Companies (RoCs), for the purposes which cannot be catered through any existing form or services or functionality available either at Front Office level (users of MCA-21 services) or Back Office level (RoCs). It is not a substitute to any reporting, application and registry requirements as per Companies Act, 2013, and LLP Act, 2008, and for such purposes the Form shall not be entertained and requests through this form are liable to be summarily rejected. This Form should also not be used as a substitute for any approval related and registration related queries for which existing tickets and help desk facilities must be used.
2. This Form primarily is intended to be used for purposes like Master Data correction and to comply with certain directions of Courts/Tribunals, which ordinarily cannot be complied with through existing functionality of forms or services on MCA-21 system.
3. The Form should be processed by RoCs within 03 days of its filing, after which it should be forwarded to Joint Director (e-governance cell), who shall process and decide the matter within a maximum time of 07 days.
4. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
Regards,
(Vivek)
Deputy Director(e-Gov)
