The document summarizes key initiatives from the 2014-15 Indian Union Budget related to information technology. It allocates funds to roll out a nationwide Goods and Services Tax, develop 100 smart cities, launch the Digital India program, and boost small and medium enterprises. It also announces measures to promote domestic production of electronics through import duties and tax exemptions on components used in manufacturing computers and smart cards.
1. Information Technology
• Committed to roll out Goods and Services Tax and address all related issues by
end of this year, thus streamlining the tax administration across states
• Allocated Rs 7060 crore towards developing “One hundred Smart Cities” as
satellite towns of larger cities and modernising the existing mid-sized cities
• Proposed to launch ‘Digital India’ programme and set aside Rs 500 crore to
promote digital connectivity pan India, greater transparency in government
processes, improved production and exports of domestic IT hardware and
software products
• Announced that a committee will review the financial architecture to boost the
SME sector
• Announced a boost to SEZs in order to revive investor confidence and to
develop better infrastructure
Union Budget 2014-15 pushes for strengthening India through digital
and technological interventions
2. Information Technology
• Announced measures to boost domestic production of electronic products:
• 10 per cent customs duty imposed on specified telecommunication
products that are outside the purview of the Information Technology
Agreement;
• Exempt all inputs/components used in the manufacture of personal
computers from 4 percent special additional duty (SAD)
• Impose education cess on imported electronic products to provide parity
between domestically produced goods and imported goods
• Exempt 4 percent SAD on PVC sheet and ribbon used for the manufacture
of smart cards
Union Budget 2014-15 pushes for strengthening India through digital
and technological interventions
