ITV

Tag: Union Budget 2014

  • Customs duty imposed on telecom products not covered by Information Technology Act

    Customs duty imposed on telecom products not covered by Information Technology Act

    NEW DELHI: Basic customs duty at 10 per cent has been imposed on specified telecommunication products that are outside the purview of the Information Technology Agreement as part of an attempt to boost domestic production and reduce dependence on imports.

     

    The Telecom Equipment Manufacturing Association (TEMA)  is all smiles about this largesse from the finance minister. It states that it is likely to generate 500,000 jobs over the next three years.

     

    TEMA chairman emeritus N.K. Goyal gives his perspective: ” The Government signed ITA 1 on 25th March 1997 and committed import of duty free on 217 items. However, several items which were not covered under ITA 1, were also imported Duty Free. So, now this has been corrected by levy of import duty on non ITA-1 items. While ITA allowed import of finished product duty free, domestic manufacturers paid taxes on import of components used for making a complete unit which made indigenous production of electronic products expensive and wiped out almost entire hardware production in India. This budget gives a positive signal that while India will meet all its WTO commitments, it will also support domestic manufacturing. This will go in long way to promote indigenous manufacturing of telecom equipment.”

     

    Some of the telecom gear which will see an increase in production, TEMA, says are VoIP phones and some network equipment, which will be in high demand during the roll out of 4G services. It expects that the move will push industry production to around Rs 25,000 crore, while the requirement of 3G and 4G equipment is expected to be worth Rs 10,130 crore and 12,660 crore in 2015-16. On the whole it stated that the telcos will be pumping in close to Rs 5.21 lakh crore by 20120 to expand their networks.

     

    Noting that the demand for electronics is growing very fast, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his proposals for 2014-15 announced that all inputs/components used in the manufacture of personal computers would be exempted from four per cent special additional duty (SAD). Education cess has been imposed on imported electronic products to provide parity between domestically produced goods and imported goods.

     

    An exemption of four per cent SAD on PVC sheet and ribbon used for the manufacture of smart cards has also been proposed.

  • Govt to invest Rs 500 crore for internet and technology

    Govt to invest Rs 500 crore for internet and technology

    NEW DELHI: Budget 2014 has come up with an extensive plan to bridge the digital divide in India. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has proposed a national rural internet and technology mission for which Rs 500 crore has been set aside.

     

    ‘Digital India’ has been initiated to provide broadband connectivity and other IT facilities at village level. Also proposed is a national rural internet and technology mission for services in villages and schools, training in IT skills and E-Kranti for government service delivery and governance scheme.

     

    ‘Digital India’ will aim to bridge the divide between the digital ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’. This would ensure broadband connectivity at village level, improved access to services through IT enabled platforms, greater transparency in government processes and increased indigenous production of IT hardware and software for exports and improved domestic availability. Special focus will be given on supporting software product startups.

  • Govt allocates Rs 100 crore to promote community radio

    Govt allocates Rs 100 crore to promote community radio

    NEW DELHI: The Government today announced a new scheme to promote community radio with an allocation of Rs 100 crore.

     

    This will support about 600 new and existing community radio stations, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said while presenting his budget for 2014-15.

     

    He said that 400 permissions for setting up of a community radio stations had been issued so far.

     

    The Government had recently announced a scheme for grants to those who come up with innovations in development of community radio and has also instituted annual awards in various categories for community radio stations.

     

    “Budgetary allocations for promoting community radio are also welcome, though the sector policies needs re-visiting to ensure the viability of these stations on a long-term basis,” concluded PricewaterhouseCoopers leader- entertainment & media practice India Smita Jha

  • North east India to get new channel Arun Prabha

    North east India to get new channel Arun Prabha

    MUMBAI: After announcing the new Rs 100 crore 24 hour channel for farmers in the country, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has declared that a new channel will also be launched for the seven sisters in north east India.

     

    To be called ‘Arun Prabha’, Jaitley said that the channel will highlight the rich culture of the north east. However, he did not specify either the time frame within which it will be launched or the investment that will be put into it.

     

    Last year, talks were on between the government and the Prasar Bharati for launching an additional channel for NE. Currently, DD North East telecasts programmes in Assamese, English and other regional dialects with various types of programmes. Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar had been touring the area last year to find out the feasibility for this channel, subject to government investment.