'Scrap taxes on computers, laptops'

The economic growth and prosperity of any country is enabled greatly by the breadth and depth of its communication networks.

The more frictionless these networks are, the more people communicate…the more they communicate, the more they find opportunities to transact and engage in zero-sum transactions that power economic growth.

Without a doubt, India’s current rate of GDP can be attributed to the explosion of mobile phones, good roads, airlines and trains. Unfortunately, the growth of Internet usage, while good, has not been as spectacular.

If we want to sustain the 9+ percent of GDP growth, we have to ensure ubiquity of Internet access.

Towards this end, the Government of India must consider scrapping sales and service taxes on computers, laptops, Internet connections, online advertising and e-commerce for a period of 5 years.

Unlike landline and mobile phones, access to Internet opens up a virtual Alexandria of knowledge, information and social networks.

Imagine the power of millions of our students having access to Wikipedia with its millions of pages of content.

Access to Internet also provides a unique opportunity for young and old alike to hone their skills of expression and develop powerful networks of like-minded people.

Tax holidays on equipment and services that help Internet usage grow are an investment that would pay off handsomely for generations to come.

(The author is the CEO of Sulekha.com)