Budget 2022: What Technology Sector Is Expecting?
While some sectors are witnessing a sharp decline in valuations, some others are also getting the benefit of this crisis. Technology is one of the few sectors which showed resilience and the ongoing pandemic is acting as a catalyst for digital adoption across sectors. The big tech companies have seen their valuations increase by leaps and bounds.
It would be fair to say that all eyes will be on the tech industry in the 2022 budget. We reached out to industry stakeholders and experts to understand what are the current challenges and what are their expectations.
Budget 2022-23 Expectations: Tech Industry
Bhavin Turakhia, Founder and CEO of Nova (Flock and Titan)
“The Union Budget should accelerate the growth of the digital economy by making it easier for businesses to invest in tools and technology that are crucial to their growth. The government can spur innovation in India by creating policies that incentivize technology product exports and encourage startups to make in India for the world.”
Vijay Kumar Mikkilineni, Head of Marketing, TCL India
“Reduction on import tariff is something we are expecting, this will help us compete with countries like China, Mexico, Thailand and more. In the last two years, the PLI schemes have provided momentum to domestic and international investments, but so the investment from the Government side for infrastructure building will boost the ‘Make in India’ movement. We have to integrate India into the global supply chain scenario, to achieve that tariffs should be equal or less than competitive markets.”
Hamish Patel, Chief Product Officer, World of Play
"On the supply side, a much needed relief would be to waive customs duty on the import of electronic components. This will provide a boost to a growing electronics manufacturing sector and relieve stress that has built up over the last 18 months. It is important that we see a reduction in GST rates, given the component shortages we have seen the price of electronics skyrocketing. Lowering GST will make products affordable and give a boost to the electronics industry. A progressive take by the government would be to see the government providing incentives to companies with spends on research and development."
Sai Srinivas, Co-Founder and CEO, Mobile Premier League (MPL)
"We hope the Government of India will introduce measures to adequately support this next phase of growth. Online skill gaming companies, which have flourished amid phenomenal investor interest, are well-placed to create jobs in roles ranging from VFX designing to software development. The Budget should consider levying a lower tax slab than the existing 18% to aid this. With esports a medal event at the Asian Games, and continuing to gain prominence, this will also help incentivise a greater number of professionals to get into esports and represent the country at global tournaments of this stature."
Aakrit Vaish, Co-Founder & CEO, Haptik
"Due to the increased push toward digitalization, the usage of AI across industries has increased remarkably. While the previous two budgets had recognized the importance of technology in shaping the new India, we now anticipate opportunities and significant government efforts to locate India as one of the world's preferred AI attractions this year. Considering this, we hope this time too the Finance Minister will put special emphasis on AI and technology for future ready solutions. We at Haptik.ai are optimistic about the center's vision for a digital strong Bharat and are looking forward to favorable measures that will boost the tech ecosystem in India."
Niraj Hutheesing-Founder and Managing Director, Cygnet Infotech
"The Union Budget in India is always eagerly awaited by everyone, from corporates to taxpayers, with all hopes attached to having simplified compliances. In the wake of the third Covid wave, there is a certain expectation in terms of rebates and relief from the Finance Ministry on Indirect and Direct taxes. Stimulus packages and tax exemption policies designed for the COVID impacted era would help revitalize the economy. Moreover, the duration of compensation cess ends in June 2022, hence it would be great if the government could look at providing an extension on this by six months or a year. The Ministry of Finance may have some surprises in their bags for the GST regime specifically from a sectoral perspective, hence as a leading industry player we are looking forward to this. In order to provide a fillip to business growth the government is also expected to introduce financial aid to build a strong digital infrastructure for MSMEs and startups. This will help further strengthen organizations, enabling them to grow and thrive in today's remote work environment."
