Unstable politics and the IT industry

April 18, 1999: The then Prime Minister Atal Behari

Vajpayee outlined his dream of making India an IT superpower by the year 2008. From him

came the slogan "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan". Yes, his government realized

that science, especially IT, is a must for the nation’s development.

April 99: The Vajpayee government has to pack its bag, as it lost the vote of

confidence.

The year gone by has seen the Indian government real keen on making India an IT state.

The entry of private ISPs, steps to corporatize DoT (Department of Telecommunications),

zero-tax regime for software, and much more was done to promote infotech in the country.

The year saw all-jubilant IT industry. The task force not only ensured making of

policies but also the implementation was taken care of. Therefore, the hope that India

will be a software superpower by the year 2008.

The economic condition of the country became stable from apparent to real. And World

Bank reported India as most sought-after investment area in South-East Asia.

Political stability adopted a positive attitude towards India. The investment

opportunities were explored. Not that everything was positive with the government, but

over all Vajpayee government staged a good show, at least for the IT industry.

Now, the industry is in the state of uncertainty. The on-going development of the

industry depends a lot on the new government.

First and foremost is the impact on the nation’s economy. Will Indian economy be

able to weather through the political stability? Be it Vajpayee government or some other,

the difference of but a vote.

Sound economy is the most important requisite for development of any particular sector.

Also, the question is that will the new government be able to realize the importance of IT

as this government did.

If yes, the sector won’t have a telling effect on the development of IT. If the

government doesn’t give prime importance to infotech development in the country

things will face a sudden death.

All we can do is wait and watch, and hope for the best. So watch out this column for

more…