Tds u/s 194c of it act, 1961

1. Yes, such payments are liable for deduction of tax at source u/s 194C
2. Contractor means one who makes agreement with another to do a piece of work, retaining in himself control of the means, methods and manner of producing the result to be accomplished, neither party having the right to terminate the contract at will.
3. From the above definition, we can infer the meaning of contract. So I think it may not be relevant whether the word contract is used for not.

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