As the government sets aside ₹6,000 crore for BharatNet in the Union Budget, the industry rejoices

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced that the government will set aside ₹6,000 crore for BharatNet, a step towards ensuring that the internet reaches every home.
• The government also intends to build data centre parks throughout the country to focus on new age technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT).
• Industry experts voiced their enthusiasm about the government’s steps towards giving digital ecosystem a boost.

Digital is the way forward and that is clear from the government's attempt to boost the country's digital infrastructure. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday announced that the government will set aside ₹6,000 crore for BharatNet, a step towards ensuring that the internet reaches every home.

While the digital ecosystem has already been seeing an impressive growth in the country these past few years, this step will further bolster the growth, giving digital-backed businesses a huge boost.

Moreover, the government also intends to build data centre parks throughout the country to focus on new age technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT).

Digital stakeholders from the industry were quick to acknowledge the boost that the move will give the entire ecosystem and came out together to laud the government's move. Here are some voices from the industry sharing their enthusiasm.

Gautam Sinha, CEO,Times Internet:

Budget 2020 is a promising step towards establishing India’s future as an enduring digital economy. The increased focus on improving data connectivity under Bharat Net, steps to boost the smartphone manufacturing industry and the Rs 8,000Cr allocation for the National Mission on Quantum Computing & Technology will help build better digital infrastructure to support this sector's rapid growth. Finally, deferring tax on ESOP's for startups is also a major move that will help promising startups attract and retain talent that would fuel our burgeoning digital ecosystem.

MVS Murthy, Head – Marketing and Digital, Tata Asset Management:

This Budget gives a strong tailwind to all things digital. Support to smartphone manufacturing while harnessing the engineering and design skills is another progressive step in the Make in India story.

Over 6 lakh anganwadi workers being equipped with smartphones to upload the nutrition status of 10 crore households, is a great step to leverage technology and address health care of children. Use of AI towards an endeavor to eradicate TB is yet another step towards human life enhancement.

Embracing technology through Analytics, IoT and AI augurs well for us as a 21st century powerhouse economy. Including 100,000 Gram Panchayats in this mission through BharatNet will integrate us as a nation digitally. Smart meters, use of solar panels alongside railway tracks benefit the households and also makes us seen as a conscious consumer of green-tech. There are enough opportunities for global companies, partners and startup’s in India to actively participate in India’s continued efforts in harnessing tech for public good and welfare.

Shrenik Gandhi, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, White Rivers Media:

There will be views that support right and views that support left, but I strongly believe, data and digital occupied the centrepiece of the budget!

The fact that we moved beyond jargon war and marching towards embracing digital technology is a very strong positive move. New age technologies, keeping data and digital at the heart of it shall lead to big reforms. Focus on IoT, Data Parks, AI shall make India a strong contender amongst the top digital economies, globally. The ambitious fibre to home proposal shall get the next 100M in the Digital universe soon. All in all, it’s a very positive budget for digital by the government which has always vouched for the power of digital. The same coupled with reduced tax slabs and abolition of DDT shall lead to higher disposable income; thus enabling more consumption.

Redickaa Subrammanian, Co-founder and CEO, Resulticks:

Digital disruption has transformed India’s business landscape and the announcement for building more data center parks will further aid in laying a strong foundation for a digitally connected country. Rs 8000 crore allotment for developing quantum technology is impressive, and this in tandem with the grassroots level skilling initiatives, make for a strong technology ecosystem. Engineering students will also gain real-world experience through the new internship programs, creating a digitally skilled talent pool equipped to work in a digital economy. As a fast growing AI and ML based technology start-up, we welcome setting up of the investment clearance cell. The proposed revisions in the income tax structure should lead to increased consumer demand and provide an overall impetus for economic growth in India. The announcement made in Budget 2020 showcases the government’s support for India's technological advancement and we are excited about the entrepreneurial spirit it promotes.

Ambika Sharma, Managing Director & Founder at Pulp Strategy:

The latest budget announcement for the year 2020 -21 bears vast potential in shaping India’s road towards achieving its target of emerging as a 5 trillion dollar economy. With India currently posed as the fifth largest economy in the world, I am particularly enthralled by the government’s decision to optimize new-age disruptive technologies such as Machine Learning, robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) towards attaining a seamless and integrated service sector. Further advancing the digital revolution in the country is the government’s resolution of developing state-of-the-art data centers across the nation. Moreover, the FM’s proposal to allocate Rs 6,000 crore for connecting 100,000 Gram Panchayats by FY21 will also prove instrumental in accelerating India’s journey towards becoming a tech –enabled nation.

Chetan Asher, Co-founder & CEO, Tonic Worldwide:

This budget makes me optimistic about the growth of digital ecosystem. Firstly the Rs 6,000 crore allocation towards BharatNet will give last mile connectivity the impetus that it needs and pave way for digital transformation at all levels. Allowing private players to build data centers and encouraging production of mobile and network devices will all compliment each other in growing the ecosystem.

Jasmeet Thind, Co-founder, Coutloot:

With technologies like AI, IoT and Data Analytics transforming the world, and cutting across streams, the Union Budget 2020 has introduced some ample changes that will certainly benefit the start-up community. The finance minister announcing that entrepreneurs from rural areas will be offered additional opportunities to learn and develop their skill sets is definitely a moment to rejoice. Stressing on digital connectivity throughout the country the Rs 6000 crore allocated for the same under the BharatNet program, we are happy that aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses from suburban and rural areas will be able to scale their business outside of their towns. We will continue to offer our support to enable them to achieve their goal and own successful businesses.