‘Make in India’ offers big opportunity for IT manufacturers, says MAIT

IT manufacturers have a good opportunity to participate in the ‘Make in India’ campaign and join the mainstream ICT community.

This is the message that rang out at the ‘MAIT ICT SME Conclave’ held here last weekend by the Manufacturers Association of Information Technology, the apex body representing the IT hardware, training and R&D services sectors.

As per estimates, domestic demand for IT hardware and electronics is expected to touch $400 billion by 2020.

At current rate and base of domestic production, an expected $320 billion worth of IT hardware and electronics is expected to be imported into India to cater to this burgeoning demand.

MAIT is aiming to work closely with both the government and SME manufactures towards making India a manufacturing hub.

Union Ministries of Communication & Information Technology and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises were co-sponsors of the conclave here.

Rahul Gupta, Chairman, SME Chapter, MAIT, said the government’s role in pushing the growth of the manufacturing sector and paving the way for the growth of SMEs cannot be underestimated.

By opening doors for investment in the country to domestic and international players, it aims to further give a boost to economic growth. Gupta, however, said that some concrete SME-focused initiatives are still awaited.

“What is required is the right mix of government intervention for creating market for locally manufactured products and freedom, which could lead to the creation of dynamic exporting SMEs,” he said.

MAIT has set up a website www.maitsme.com catering to all information needs of the SMEs, he said.

This portal will give SMEs the opportunity to showcase their solutions to a wider audience. It also aims to create ample B2B opportunities within SMEs.

While giving an overview of IT and e-governance services in Kerala, Ajith S, Head, e-governance, Kerala IT Mission, said that SMEs are the backbone of the economy and have a crucial role to play in promoting inclusive growth at the grassroots level.

“Our aim is to create a platform for SMEs and young entrepreneurs in Kerala to innovate, contribute to the development of our economy and expand their business in a dynamic market situation,” he said.

SMEs are essential part of the government initiative to promote the use of IT in e-governance, he added.

MAIT SME Conclaves offer a single window for small enterprises to connect with each other and various government bodies.

They can highlight key issues related to policy framework and funding and get a better understanding of various schemes and opportunities on offer.

The conclave here discussed issues related to training of manpower and skill development; funding procedures; setting up of electronic manufacturing clusters; and supportive schemes for SMEs.