NASSCOM statement on election results

NEW DELHI, INDIA: NASSCOM welcomes the results of the election, which are indicative of a stable government at the Centre. In the current global economic environment, it is important that India has a stable and progressive political environment that can focus on long-term policies for the sustainable development of the country, even as it takes decisive steps to immediately put the economy back on a high-growth trajectory.

The Indian IT-BPO sector is both an engine and a catalyst for the development of the Indian economy and we are confident that the government will continue to partner with this sector for leveraging the benefits of IT for India’s domestic economy and through international trade.

We also look forward to working with the government to promote inclusive growth and social benefits through the innovative use of IT. It is noteworthy that the biggest electoral process in the world – the globally-admired Indian elections –- is through the use of EVMs, itself symbolic of the significance of IT for the country.

Some of the immediate priorities that NASSCOM would suggest for the consideration of the government include:

* Specific policy initiatives to sustain industry’s growth through extension of tax benefits, particularly for SMEs; removal of inequities and multiplicity of taxes on issues like FBT, Service Tax and overall uniform policy environment to enhance India’s competitiveness and attract foreign investment.

* Develop public-private partnerships to accelerate implementation of the already-approved e-governance programs and evolve appropriate new programs; increase government IT budgets so as to provide a strong stimulus to the IT-BPO industry and to the economy.

* Partner with the industry to implement unique identity card for each citizen using IT, as mentioned in the manifesto.

* Implement the nation-wide skill development program and leverage IT expertise both for enabling education and imparting employable skills that can be deployed in the industry.

* Leverage international relations and build perspectives with key developed nations for continued bilateral trade development with no deviations on protectionist moves through visas and taxation.

* Continue and expand infrastructure development programs across the country and build integrated IT-BPO townships; provide fiscal incentives for growth of the IT-BPO industry in Tier II and III towns.