'IT can enable SMEs to make a difference'

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Namrata Kath Hazarika | 18 Feb, 2012
Adoption of information technology is vital for SMEs and important to spur growth and innovation in the country, said a top government official on Friday.

"Information Technology is a tool which enables you to innovate and make a difference. IT enables better information use and better information management," said the Joint Secretary, Department of IT in the Ministry of Information and Technology, Government of India, Dr Ajay Kumar at a Seminar on “Information, Communication & Technology for Enhancing Competitiveness of Indian SMEs”, organised by PHD Chamber in New Delhi.

He added as Indian economy is entering into a new growth story and the functioning of business has changed, it is very important that SMEs understand the growth prospects and adopt IT solutions.

However, he cautioned that SME should know where to use IT in certain way that provides strategic strength. Proper deployment of IT solutions will open up potential opportunities for SMEs, Kumar said.

He mentioned that the Government will provide high quality broadband access in village Panchayats through National Optical fibre network by the year 2014. The process is in progress and this will be very beneficial. The semiconductor wafer fabrication project will be easy to carry with zero transportation cost.

He said proper skill development and training is essential for the growth of SMEs in the country. “We will train 10 million people in the field of IT for next ten years as a part of National Skill Development Programme,” he said.

Kumar also added that in each State one ICT academy will be created.

Most of the technologies are capital-intensive, which is difficult for SMEs to afford. It is essential to develop utility-based model for SMEs, which will help their business to grow, Kumar added.