Overall budget impact will be positive: Rajiv Bhalla, Barco India

“We appreciate the deep-rooted changes introduced in the Union Budget 2017. The budget reflects the commitments of the Indian Government to truly promote digitalization in the country. This includes allocating Rs 10,000 crore for Bharat Net project which is dedicated to extending high-speed broadband, Wi-Fi hotspots and Fiber Optic network in India, especially to the rural landscapes, Gram Panchayats and more. Manufacturers of tech and electronic products will also receive a boost, following the announcement of Rs 745 crore fund allocation for the same. When viewed in the light of the upcoming GST bill, the entire budget caters to the unique needs of promoting digitalization in an emerging market. Besides, the boost to digitalization is well supported with a host of infrastructural overhauls as well. We appreciate an allocation of Rs 2,41,387 crore for transforming the transportation sector, including ships, rails, and roads. Railways further have a development expenditure of Rs 1,31,000 crore, out of which, the government will be providing Rs 55,000 crore. These changes are going to have a transformational effect, positively influencing the advent of smart cities in India.”

Rajiv Bhalla, Managing Director, Barco India

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