Budget expectations: Accelerate reform process, says Sanjay Rohatgi of Symantec

Sanjay Rohatgi, President of  Symantec India – a Fortune 500 company operating global data-intelligence networks, providing security, backup and availability solutions, tells Firstpost what he expects from the upcoming Budget which will be presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on February 28: Accelerate reforms unveiled in first eight months of office The upcoming budget 2015-16 is an opportunity for the new government to accelerate the reform process unveiled over its first eight months in office. While the growth rate has already started improving and the forecast for the next year is even better, we need a blueprint for sustained and sustainable growth over the next decade or two. [caption id=“attachment_2103515” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Sanjay Rohatgi,President - India, Symantec[/caption] Simplify overall tax regime The government should focus on simplification, predictability and consistency in overall tax regime even as it goes for fiscal consolidation and broadening the tax net. Budget should pave way for expeditious implementation of e-governance projects Technology has the potential to empower 1.3 billion Indians through visionary programs like ‘Digital India’, ‘Smart Cities’ and ’Skill India’. The budget is a perfect opportunity to charter a clear plan in this endeavour.  The budget should pave the way for expeditious implementation of e-governance projects, incentivizing investments in world-class data centres and cloud computing infrastructure, besides a chance to be a pioneer in the realm of Internet of Things. However, this should be done without causing disruptions in the free flow of data across borders – the lifeline of India’s IT exports. Such steps will ensure the availability of a trusted and secure information ecosystem thereby providing much-needed foundation for inclusive growth and development.