Comments
State budget 2013-14 has evoked mixed response from the Group of Technology Companies in Kerala (GTech).
The emphasis on creation of new infrastructure is welcome, said Anoop P. Ambika, secretary, GTech. But no innovative schemes have been proposed to ensure sustenance of created knowledge ecosystem. Additional investments of Rs 125 crore for infrastructure development in Technopark, Infopark and Cyberpark are gratifying.
GTech suggestion to allocate Rs 5 crore for infrastructure to support start-ups in Technopark has found a mention in the budget.
Grant of Rs2 lakh for SME companies to participate in international trade fairs is in partial fulfilment of GTech’s demand to allocate funds for business development.
WELCOME THRUST
Ambika welcomed the thrust on electronics industry evident in the proposal for an electronic fabrication unit each in Technopark and Startup Village in Kochi.
But Kerala has been a pioneer State to have ventured into electronics and software export industry during the very early days of globalisation, he said. But we failed to capitalise on the advantage.
GTech urged the Government to lay out plans in a time-bound fashion for effective and timely utilisation of funds allocated.
GOOD INITIATIVES
“Creation of an innovation zone in Kochi with a projected expense of Rs 15 crore is welcome provided we clearly define innovation.”
ICT academy is another initiative with a total projected investment of Rs 14 crore, for which Rs 2 crore has been allotted in the budget.
Proposal of a new building for Kerala State IT Mission projects the importance that the Government intends to put into e-Governance initiatives.
Comments
COMMENT NOW
Comments
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.