In order to promote the country's booming IT-enabled services (ITES) sector, the government is attempting to clearly define the areas that will be covered under the sector.
According to a senior government official, the move has been taken to bring clarity into the way various benefits are handed out to the ITES sector.
"There is a lack of clarity in the way the sector can be defined and the areas that are to be covered. A clear definition will help the sector secure the benefits handed out to it," the official said. The government will work with industry to come to an appropriate definition for the sector.
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Besides, there are proposals to create more awareness about the sector and to introduce various aspects of ITES training in the curriculum of educational institutions. According to the official, "We are in the process of taking separate initiatives in this regard along with universities."
It has been noted by a parliamentary standing committee that the curriculum in colleges and universities are not equipped to meet the requirements of the ITES industry.
The Confederation of Indian Industry, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India are said to be taking initiatives along with universities in this regard, and the committee will also like the department of information technology to associate itself in the matter.
The government is also planning to create infrastructure for the ITES sector in various parts of the country. "The government feels the growth of the ITES sector should not be limited to big towns. It is keen to develop infrastructure to promote the sector in smaller towns," the official said.
Besides, to promote India as a major destination for the ITES sector, the government is also considering a proposal to set up an "India Brand Marketing" fund. The fund will be utilised to promote the country as a preferred destination for the ITES sector.
According to an official of the department of information technology, the government will also embark on a major marketing blitz abroad to promote India as a major market in the ITES sector.