Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Monday, May 18, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version | Audio | Blogs
Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Monday, May 18, 2009 ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version | Audio | Blogs |
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Info-Tech
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Outlook Tech cos say e-gov, STPI extension should top agenda Indian companies are somewhat jittery over negative signals coming from the US on issues such as outsourcing, taxation and H-1B visas. Our Bureaus New Delhi/Bangalore, May 16 As the UPA returns to power, the IT industry is hoping that the new Government would take a tough stance against protectionism in the US, and also provide a breather to Indian companies in a difficult year, by extending the STPI benefits. The industry wish-list also entails commitment from Government on IT spending, as well as reforms in the education sector. The Infosys Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Mr Kris Gopalakrishnan, says that the Government — armed with a decisive mandate — should focus on education reforms and infrastructure. “It will have to restore GDP growth back to the 8-9 per cent, so that a larger number of people can benefit and more jobs can be created,” he said, adding that the industry also expected the Government to take a posture against protectionist measures. According to the TCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr S. Ramadorai, the Government should transition swiftly into action mode and prepare the Indian economy for rapid growth. “Given the proven benefits of technology usage in programmes such as NREGA to speed-up development and enable efficient public administration as well as deliver government services to the citizens’ doorsteps, the Government should embark on a $5-10 billion investment programme in e-governance initiatives,” Mr Ramadorai said. The Nasscom Chairman and President of Genpact, Mr Pramod Bhasin, pointed out that issues such as STPI and FBT need immediate attention. “As far as protectionism is concerned, India needs to convey its views on comments emanating from the US,” he said. STPIEchoing the sentiment, the Chairman of Satyam Computer Services, Mr Kiran Karnik, said that India should leverage its economic prowess to oppose the protectionist measures in overseas markets. Mr Karnik said that the industry also needs a five-year extension of the STPI scheme. The scheme is set to come to an end on March 2010. Mr Raman Roy, founder of Quatrro BPO Solutions, felt that the STPI concessions should continue for 7-9 years as it would enable India to effectively compete with rival offshore destinations (Philippines and China), which were doling out tax sops to woo investments. The $47-billion industry has been facing a severe slowdown in the US and the UK — which together account for nearly 80 per cent of its export basket. While there are apprehensions that IT export growth may slip into single digit for the year ahead, Indian companies are also somewhat jittery over negative signals coming from the US on issues such as outsourcing, taxation and H-1B visas. The Zensar Technologies Managing Director, Dr Ganesh Natarajan, said formulation of a PPP model for higher education would be critical. Outsourcing benefits may override tax concerns for US cos More Stories on : Outlook | E-Governance | Politics
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