The budget's focus on easing business operations and incentivizing states for business reforms is a welcome move: Sachin Panicker, Chief AI Officer, Fulcrum Digital
Sunil Sharma of Sophos India & SAARC;
Sachin Panicker of Fulcrum Digital;
Lakshmi Mittra, SVP and Head of Clover Academy
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, July 24, 2024: The Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2024-25 in Parliament on Tuesday. The provisions about IT & digital initiatives are admired by a number of industry leaders:
Sachin Panicker, Chief AI Officer, Fulcrum Digital: “We are pleased with the Union Budget 2024's focus on digitalization and data governance. The substantial investment in digital infrastructure and encouraging private sector involvement presents exciting opportunities. At Fulcrum Digital, we are committed to leveraging our expertise in AI and emerging technologies to support these initiatives.
The emphasis on improving data collection, processing, and governance aligns perfectly with our commitment to helping businesses make more informed decisions. Our work across various industries, including financial services, insurance, and education, positions us well to contribute to these efforts. By utilizing sectoral databases under the Digital India mission, we aim to enhance access to resources and services for everyone.
We also applaud the government's initiative to set up working women hostels and the allocation of over Rs 3 lakh crore for schemes benefiting women and girls. This is a notable step towards promoting gender diversity and inclusion, as these efforts are crucial in creating a more diverse industry.
The budget's focus on easing business operations and incentivizing states for business reforms is a welcome move. We look forward to playing a part in driving innovation and efficiency, helping India move towards a more digital and data-driven future.”
Sunil Sharma, Vice President-Sales, Sophos India & SAARC: “One of the biggest challenges that organisations face from a cybersecurity perspective is skilling of resources. It is reassuring to see the Government’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce with a provision of Rs 1.48 lakh crore been made for education, employment, and skilling. With this, we are confident that we will be able to create a pool of talented resources that can address India’s growing cybersecurity challenges.
At the same time the Union Budget 2024 emphasized stepping up of adoption of technology towards digitalization of the economy. Having the right talent, to be able to support this vision, will be critical to enabling the Government to achieve its goal of ViksitBharat @2047.
Additionally, the Government has also taken a positive step towards increasing the presence of women in the workforce. Through their various initiatives, we are hopeful of seeing a reimagined industry, one driven by diversity and inclusion.”
Puneet Gupta, Vice President & Managing Director, NetApp India/SAARC: “The Union Budget 2024, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, highlights digital infrastructure as a key driver of economic development. The substantial allocation of over 11 lakh crore rupees for infrastructure development and the support for private sector investments signal a strong commitment to advancing India’s digital capabilities. NetApp's objective of advancing intelligent data infrastructure closely aligns with this focus on digital infrastructure.
At NetApp, we recognise that effective digital infrastructure is essential for enhancing productivity, creating business opportunities, and fostering innovation. The Budget’s emphasis on improving data governance, including better data collection, processing, and management through sectoral databases and technology tools, supports our goals. By utilising AI and observability, we are committed to advancing these initiatives and improving data management, cyber resilience, and data governance. Additionally, the government’s significant provision of Rs 1.48 lakh crore for education, employment, and skilling will be instrumental in developing a workforce equipped to harness these advancements effectively.
The government's focus on promoting women’s participation in the workforce through the establishment of working women hostels and the allocation of over Rs 3 lakh crore for schemes benefiting women and girls is commendable. These initiatives will enhance diversity and inclusivity in the tech sector, fostering a more balanced and innovative workforce that drives industry growth and progress.”
Lakshmi Mittra, SVP and Head of Clover Academy: “The Union Budget 2024's focus on upskilling and education is a crucial step towards empowering youth and preparing them for the ever-changing demands of the tech industry. The allocation of Rs 2 lakh crore to five key schemes aims to create jobs and provide skill development opportunities to 41 million young people over the next five years. This strategic investment will bridge the gap between current skills and industry needs, equipping our young population for future challenges.
In addition, the initiatives to increase women's participation in the workforce are significant strides toward gender diversity. These include the establishment of working women's hostels in partnership with industry, the setup of creches, women-specific skilling programs, and the promotion of market access for women-led self-help group enterprises. With over Rs 3 lakh crore allocated for women's initiatives, the government is fostering an environment where women can thrive and make substantial contributions to the tech industry.”
