We do not see Excise exemption for smartphones: Syberplace.com

We do not see Excise exemption for smartphones: Syberplace.com

We do not see Excise exemption for smartphones, to support Digital India and Make in India. Smartphone is the ‘first screen’ for many users accessing internet. This would have reduced pressure on civil infrastructure and propel growth from within. We also had foreseen a larger budget outlay for rolling out 4G and Wi-Fi in smart cities, to be subsidized, if not make them absolutely free. This could reduce the pressure on roads, in shopping malls and reduce gas pollution from vehicles. If homes can double up as home office and shopping, we could reduce investment requirement for commercial property.

The author is Urvesh Goel, Founder and CEO, Syberplace.com