Easy access of ICT to SMEs to help in exploring new markets

Easy and affordable access of Information and Communication technology (ICT) to SMEs would help them in exploring new markets globally, a senior government official said today said.

"ICT is an enabling tool for any small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The moment you use ICT, you can reach out to large markets," Additional Secretary in the Department of

Information Technology N Ravi Shanker said here on the sidelines of the Indiamart.com function on SMEs. Shanker said the entrepreneurs can pay monthly bills to get access to the latest and modern technology at their doorstep.

"Pay monthly bills like you pay for electricity and use the latest technology," he said adding, it would help the sector to enhance its global competitiveness.

To give a boost to exports from SME sector, he said more private players should be encouraged to set up units in Software and Technology Parks of India (STPIs).

National Small Industry Corporation (NSIC), under the Ministry of MSME, has set up NSIC-STP Complex at New Delhi and Chennai to help entrepreneurs establish their units under the STPI Scheme.

STPs facilitate small scale enterprises to establish units for 100% export of software products. The units in these parks are provided various tax benefits, including duty free import of capital goods and raw material.

The sector employs about 1,63,098 people involved in software consultancy and supplies.