FM: Role of IT Sector is Crucial in Order to Promote E-Governance for Empowering Citizens; to Promote the Inclusive and Sustainable Growth of the Electronics, IT and ITeS Industries and Enhancing India's Role in Internet Governance

The Union Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley said that the role of IT sector, be it hardware or software, is crucial in order to promote e-governance for empowering citizens. He said that the role of this sector is also important in promoting the inclusive and sustainable growth of the electronics, IT and ITeS industries and enhancing India's role in internet governance. The Finance Minister said that at a larger scale, the role of IT sector is crucial for boosting manufacturing sector in the country. He said that reviving manufacturing, diversifying its base and equipping it for robust long run expansion is one of the major challenges of our economic management in the next five years. The Finance Minister, Shri Jaitley was making his Opening Remarks during the Pre Budget Consultative Meeting with the IT (Hardware & Software) Groups here today. The Finance Minister further said that the government introduced 'Make in India' initiative in this context which refers to the production in India at a competitive price with global quality standards. The Finance Minister Shri Jaitley said that the idea is that large scale production at competitive price in India for the global market will create gainful employment and will help India reap demographic dividend, increase their purchasing power faster, and finally, with rising incomes will generate a huge market within India.