The Budget proposals for the information technology sector will generate more jobs and an agenda for promoting digital inclusion with broadband connectivity up to the village level.
E-initiatives welcomed R Chandrashekhar, President, Nasscom, said, “The announcements on a pan-India digital initiative, funding for start-ups, district level incubator network and leveraging technology for good governance are welcome steps. These measures, along with the initiatives on skilling, smart cities and ease of business, reflect the thrust on the role of technology in Budget 2014.”
Leveraging technology for access and governance was another key highlight of the Budget. The Ebiz initiative, E-kranti, virtual classroom, e-visas, Financial Inclusion Mission and many others will help enhance technology usage in the Indian market. The industry will look to partner with the government on these initiatives. “This will enable in the making of digital India and offers opportunities to IT and software companies. In addition, Budget provides support to new start-ups through technology development fund which will promote growth and proliferation of Indian technologies,” said Hemant M Joshi, Partner, Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP
N Chandrasekaran, CEO & MD, Tata Consultancy Services, said the Budget has provided clarity on some long-pending issues in transfer pricing and offered a collaborative framework to minimise future disputes.
Tech focus “Through the Budget, I saw a huge focus on technology as the backbone for India’s future through an ecosystem of entrepreneurs and global start-ups. Further, the focus on MSME segment and technology use in SMB is a welcome,” said Bhaskar Pramanik, Chairman, Microsoft India.
Telecom players are also looking forward to getting a share of the investments earmarked for internet services in rural areas.
Morten Karlsen Sorby, CEO of Uninor, said. “We believe that India is ready for internet for all and we welcome the Government’s focus in this direction through the Digital India initiative. While we expect this effort to require more investments than ₹500 crore earmarked at this initial stage, this is certainly a good beginning towards internet for all.”