SME WORLD: Comment

VC funds encouraged to invest  Reduction in customs duty
The reduction in customs duty on key inputs would further reduce the manufacturing cost and facilitate exports, particularly of textiles and gem & jewellry.  Credit rating of SMEs
The recognition given to credit rating of SMEs and the increase in credit allocation to SMEs as well as the enhancement in SSI exemption limits will add to the competitiveness of the sector.  Reduction in CST
The reduction of central sales tax from 4 per cent to 3 per cent and its subsequent phase out is a welcome move.  Pass through benefits for VC funds
It will encourage venture capital funding of bio-technology, nano-technology, information technology, especially for SMEs.

Ganesh Gupta President, FIEO , western region

Give infrastructure, not sops  Enhancement in SSI exemption limit for excise duty
This is not going to be of much help other than reducing administrative burden to some extent Infrastructure development.  Infrastructure development
What the industry needs is better infrastructure. With a severe power shortage imminent, the government is talking of providing uninterrupted power supply to SEZs, while it cannot provide power to the existing industries. Our productivity is being affected greatly because of this. Roads and other social infrastructure also need to be looked into to make production viable.

R Seshan Manager, Small Scale Entreprenuers' Association