TEMA seeks Prime Minister's protection

NEW DELHI, INDIA: The Indian Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association (TEMA), in a communication to the Honorable Prime Minister, Government of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has asked for a level playing field for the home grown telecom equipment manufactures.

According to the communication sent to the Prime Minister Office, while appreciating the UPA Government's resolve to support the Indian telecom equipment manufactures in terms of rightful share in the Indian telecom network business, the TEMA communication highlighted the lack of implementation strategy on part of the UPA Government.

"We are not asking anything out of context from the Hon'able Prime Minister or which is outside the National Telecom Policies of 1994 or 1999 or the recommendations made in the draft Policy 2011. We are seeking his and UPA Government's honest support in reaching the milestones mentioned in these policy papers and also the statements made by the Honorable Prime Minister at various times by adopting transparent and logical methodology which does not negate the Indian Telecom Story in any way," said Ashok K. Aggarwal, honorary director general, TEMA.

In its communication to the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, besides creating a level playing field for the Indian Telecom Manufacturers, TEMA has suggested the adoption of the following six points which would create further impetus to the Indian telecom story.

* Identification of clear milestones and implementation plans for the telecom manufacturing sector;
* Set up a 'Nodal Expert Council' for monitoring the implementation of NTP2011;
* Preferential treatment to be mandated for 'Indian Products' ;
* Introduction of R&D Cess on all Licensed Telecom Service Providers and incentives for Service Providers by granting reduced contribution on meeting targets of purchasing "Indian Products;
* Compliance to national standards and certification of all telecom equipments by TEC before induction in the Indian telecom network;
* Remodeling the tax structure so as to dispense with the financial disadvantage for home grown telecom equipment manufacturer.

According to Aggarwal, the adoption of these six points would pave the way in ensuring the growth of manufacturing sector and commensurate with the growth of the telecom service in India in the next decade.