Inclusive and Green Budget: GTech

Group of Technopark companies (GTech) have appreciated the state Government for presenting a Budget aimed at the Inclusive Growth of the economy. In a press release issued to the media, GTech felt that the initiative to launch a Green fund would help in mitigating the challenges posed by Global Warming and also in preserving the Environment. GTech also appreciated the Government Budget Proposals aimed at Infrastructure development, ensuring Food Security, providing health insurance and Urban Job creation and said that this would create an enabling environment for Growth and Equity.

GTech also welcomed the proposals of the Government to speed up the IT/ITES Infrastructure development in the state and also for the proposal to establish an ICT Academy in Thiruvananthapuram.

Business Line Coverage of GTech's Budget Statement

Budget regressive, inflationary'

Vinson Kurian

Thiruvananthapuram, March 1

The Kerala Finance Minister, Dr T. M. Thomas Isaac, has said that the Union Budget presented on Friday was not just regressive in intent but could also potentially trigger fuel-led inflation.

Speaking to Business Line, Dr Isaac said here that the total expenditure proposed in the Budget estimates for 2010-11 represented a rise of only 8.6 per cent over those in the revised estimates.

Headline inflation

This pales into insignificance when considering the runaway growth in headline inflation. In real terms, there has been a negative growth in budgeted expenditure, which would harm the economy even as it is just emerging out of a recession. Upward revision of excise levy on diesel and petrol would trigger a fuel-led inflation across the country, especially in largely consumerist Kerala. All indirect tax proposals would all hit the State's economy badly. Covert attempts to cut food and fertiliser subsidy was another major setback.

The Union Finance Minister should have come clean on the expected proceeds from the sale of spectrum for 3G services. This is a clear instance of an entry that needs to go under the head of capital receipts.

Mr Pranab Mukherjee will be ill-advised to appropriate the same under revenue receipts and stealthily claim attendant benefits from this none-too-transparent style of book-keeping, Dr Isaac said.

Group of Technopark companies (GTech) here has described the Union Budget as a focussed and balanced one, aimed at putting the country back on the path of economic growth.

It said that the allocations for infrastructure, agriculture and health would ensure sustainable growth. Containment of the fiscal deficit to 5.5 per cent would send a positive signal to investors.

But GTech was disappointed at the increase in MAT (minimum alternative tax) from 15-18 per cent . This will hit the mid-size IT companies operating in the State.

It felt that the STPI scheme should have been extended till 2015 to support IT companies operating in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

A Brief History of My Grandfather

Kannettil Ayurvedic Development Society & RPM Chikitsa Kendram is one of the most well-known and best Ayurveda hospitals in Kollam district in Kerala. It has a working experience of more than 97 years.

Late Vaidyakalanidhi P Raghavan Pillai founded it. He was born as the eldest son of Late Neelakanda Pillai, who was conducting Ayurveda practice as paramparya Vaidyan (traditional Ayurveda practcioner). Sri Raghavan Pillai was a disciple of Sree Narayana Guru, the famous social reformer and versatile genius of India and learnt the divine language “Sanskrit” which is considered as the soul of the Ayurvedic science. But his thirst for study made him to join the Sanskrit school and vaidya sastri (Ayurveda) in Changankulangara, Ochira. There he got the chance of becoming the student of Great Vaidyas including Cheruthitta Shankara Pillai. He passed from there with first class and joined the Trivandrum Ayurveda College in the first batch. During the period of studies, he was the best student in the college and he passed out from college with very good result. He enrolled in the Travancore-Cochin Medical counsel with registration no. 24.

The interest in service forced him to start a hospital rather than centering the practice as folk medicine with his father. So he started a clinic in his own village in karunagapally near to his house and named “Dhanwanthari Vilasam Vaidyasala”. Within a short spam of time, he developed the hospital by including inpatient departments and panchakarma departments. And thus it became one of the oldest Ayurveda hospitals with inpatient department and panchakarma in Kollam district.

He was a person with so many special qualities in treating patients among which his love and caring nature to the patients is very famous. He never failed to handover medicines to patients with his own hand after praying God and remembering his Guru, even in a busy situation.
In 1943, he was married to Smt. Madhavakuttiamma. After giving birth to two male children, she expired in the year 1949. He over come the tough situation with the small kids in the absence of his beloved wife.

In 1951, Dr. Pandavathu K Thankamani Amma lighted his life as his wife and thereafter she was with him for each and every step and development of the hospital and pharmacy. As their assistants, their sons; Dr. Ramachandran Pillai and Dr. Shankara Pillai were with them.
The second stage of development started with the starting of the new-sophisticated manufacturing wing with the most modern machineries and the new buildings for hospitals. The new hospital was inaugurated by ex. speaker R Shankaranarayan Thambi on May 1st 1986.
In the course of time, new buildings were constructed for hospital and manufacturing section. Now the hospital is under the management of Dr. Shankara Pillai, the son of founder and a medical graduate.

Now the pharmacy has the facilities of “GMP” standards as fixed by the government for the high standards in manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines. The hospital has well equipped panchakarma theater with well trained staffs.

Indian Express Coverage on the Union Budget

Budget balanced, says GTech

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Group of Technopark companies (GTech) has described the Union Budget as ``focused and balanced’’.

It is aimed at putting the country back on the economic growth trajectory, GTech said in a release here on Friday. GTech, however, expressed its disappointment over the increase in MAT from 15 to 18 percent.

"This increase in the MAT would hit the mid size IT companies operating in the state,’’ the release said

Hindu Coverage of the Budget

Budget focussed, balanced: GTech

Special Correspondent

Thiruvananthapuram: The Group of Technopark Companies (GTech) has lauded the Union government for presenting a “focussed and balanced” budget, aimed at putting the country back on the growth trajectory.

In a press note issued here on Friday, GTech said the budget allocation for infrastructure, agriculture and health sectors would ensure the sustainable growth of the economy. Hailing Finance Minster Pranab Mukerjee for fiscal prudence in containing the fiscal deficit to a new target of 5.5 per cent, GTech felt that this would send a positive signal to investors on India’s economic outlook.

GTech welcomed the proposals like changes in the income tax slabs, surcharge reduction to 7.5 per cent, maintaining status quo on service tax, implementation of the Uniform Direct Tax Code and Goods Services Tax (GST) by April 2011 and simplification of the refund of the accumulative credit to exporters in the IT and the BPO space. However GTech expressed disappointment over the increase in MAT (Minimum Alternate Tax) from 15 per cent to 18 per cent. This increase in the MAT would hit mid-size IT companies.

Budget Focuses on Infrastructure, Agriculture and Growth

Group of Technopark companies (GTech) have expressed appreciation to the Union Government for presenting a focussed and Balanced Budget, aimed at putting India back on the economic growth trajectory. In a press release issued to the media today, GTech said that the budget allocation for the Infrastructure, Agriculture and Health sectors would ensure the sustainable growth of the Indian Economy. Appreciating the Finance Minster for Fiscal Prudence in containing the Fiscal Deficit to a new target of 5.5 % , GTech felt that this would send a positive signal to Investors on India’s Economic Outlook.

GTech welcomed the proposals in the Budget like changes in the Income Tax Slabs, Surcharge reduction to 7.5 %, maintaining the status quo on service tax, Implementation of the Uniform Direct Tax Code and Goods Services Tax (GST) by April 2011 and Simplification of the refund of the accumulative credit to exporters in the IT and the BPO space. The thrusts laid down by the Finance Minister on the urban and rural development and also increase in the budget allocation for NREGA would help in the inclusive growth of the economy.


However GTech expressed the IT Industry’s disappointment for the increase in MAT from 15 % to 18%. This increase in the MAT would hit the mid size IT companies operating in the state.

The press release also noted the appreciable efforts taken by the Government in laying down a fiscal deficit management roadmap and also the emphasis to attain a GDP growth rate of 10% in the near future.

Interview carried by Business Line

GTech, Nabard may join hands to connect with farmers

Our Bureau

Thiruvananthapuram,

Jan 29

The Group of Technopark Companies (GTech) is planning to team up with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) to launch a rural connect programme with the aim of sharing technology trends and marketing strategies with the farming community of the State.

The proposal was floated at the end of a one-day conference on ‘Re-engineering Kerala agriculture sector: Information and Communication Technologies in agriculture' that the GTech had hosted recently in Technopark.

FINER DETAILS

According to Mr Binu Sankar, Chief Executive Officer, GTech, the proposal, originally mooted by farmer representatives taking part in the conference, would be taken up positively after working out the modalities.

The conference was held in partnership with the regional office of Nabard, the Kerala State IT Mission, the India Institute of Information Technology and Management (IITM-K) and Technopark.

The farmers' clubs set up under Nabard tutelage and the NGOs working in the farm sector presented two options for a platform to reach out to the farmers, Mr Binu Sankar said.

Finer details would be worked out after taking this up with Nabard officials. But, GTech already has a working model in its Campus Connect programme.

Meanwhile, the one-day conference in Technopark had three sessions dedicated to the use of ICT in agriculture marketing, production and extension services and examined several ongoing projects that aim to provide IT-based services to specific sectors.

It also discussed the core issues facing the agriculture sector and how ICT could be employed in addressing these challenges.

GLARINGLY LOW

In his special address, Dr Ajay Kumar, Principal Secretary IT, Kerala, said that one of the areas where IT can be beneficially applied is agriculture but, ironically, nowhere else was its implementation as glaringly low as it was in agriculture.

Dr Kumar highlighted the two initiatives of the State government in this context – Kissan Kerala and the eKrishi project in Malappuram.

A database of all farmers in at least five districts has been created and the exercise would now be extended to cover the rest of the districts.

According to Mr K.C. Shashidhar, Chief General Manager of the Kerala Regional Office of Nabard, the apex agricultural bank would fund a project to consolidate ICT initiatives for the agriculture sector. Prof Rajeev Srinivasan, said India could hope to become world's ‘food superpower' through proper implementation of ICT in agriculture.

Dr Satichananda Sagola, CEO of Global Risk Hub, Bangalore, spoke about the need for establishing a digital rural information infrastructure service.

Mr Satish Babu, Secretary, GTech and resident, InApp Information Technologies, announced that GTech would organise this event annually focusing on innovations and latest technologies in agriculture.

Interview carried by Indian Express

GTech planning CEOs’ tour to Germany

The Kerala IT sector is all set to make a post-recession take-off. As part of a new investment initiative, the Group of Technopark Companies (GTech) is planning to lead a CEOs’ delegation from the Kerala’s IT industry to Germany during June 2010 to showcase Kerala as a promising investment destination for German companies in the technology sector. Close to 25 companies would be participating in this event to explore the European market through Germany, said CEO, GTech, Binu Sankar.

GTech is in the process of preparing a framework for the German visit and is currently working out the modalities for organising business meetings in three German cities - Munich, Berlin and Frankfurt, said Binu. GTech has already started discussions with the State of Bavaria office to arrange business sessions and government meetings in Germany. There are also plans to seek the help of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce and Bitcom (NASSCOM of Germany) to help the member companies scout for business opportunities, he said.

``We have basically two objectives in undertaking this CEOs’ delegation to Germany. One is to showcase Kerala as a potential investment destination to German companies and second is to identify business opportunities for companies in Technopark and other IT parks in the State,’’ said MD, Palnar Transmedia Pvt Ltd, Syed Ibrahim.

Through this collaboration, Kerala IT industry offers a host of benefits to the German economy and industry with high cost competitiveness, technology-skilled human resources and knowledge of German language - which is very important because it infuses a lot of confidence in Germans.

``Technopark is also initiating the formation of a strategic Indo-German research team which will act as a catalyst in exploring opportunities for the Kerala IT industry and provide a platform for cultural and educational exchange programmes,’’ said Technopark CEO Mervin Alexander.

During his recent visit to Technopark, the German Ambassador to India, Thomas Matussek, had given his complete assurance to bring Kerala into the limelight and to the official IT business map of Germany. He also promised that he will talk to the Bavarian state, which is the silicon valley of Europe and Germany’s Tech capital.

According to Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) report, IT exports from Kerala in the year 2008-09 amounted to Rs 1,800 crore, out of which Technopark’s contribution was Rs 1,400 crore, said Binu.

Despite the global economic slowdown, Kerala has registered a growth of 43 percent in software exports compared to 2007-08.

GTech showcases the use of ICT’s in Agriculture

The Group of Technopark Companies (GTech) organised a one day conference on ‘Re-Engineering the Kerala Agriculture Sector: Information and Communication Technologies in Agriculture’ at Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram.

The conference was held in partnership with NABARD, Kerala State IT Mission, Technopark and Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management in Kerala.

The conference had three sessions dedicated to the use of ICT’s in Agriculture Marketing, Production and Extensions Services and examined several ongoing projects that aim to provide IT based Services to specific sectors. The Conference discussed the core issues of the Agriculture Sector and how ICT’s could be employed in addressing these challenges.

In his inaugural address Sri. Mullakkara Retnakaran, Hon. Minister for Agriculture, government of Kerala, said IT should be made farmer friendly and should empower farmers.

In his special address, Dr. Ajay Kumar IAS, Principal Secretary IT, Government of Kerala said one of the areas where IT can be beneficially applied is agriculture but the challenge remains that the lowest IT implementation is in agriculture. He highlighted the two initiatives of the Kerala government – Kissan Kerala and the eKrishi project in Malappuram. Database of all the farmers in 4-5 districts has been done and will be rolled out soon in other districts. Government has sanctioned the Agrinet project for Kerala. Kerala has achieved 100% connectivity but computer penetration remains extremely low in rural areas. Mobile has to take over e-literacy.

Mr. K C Shashidhar, Chief General Manager, Kerala Regional Office, NABARD said NABARD would fund a project to consolidate ICT initiatives for the agriculture sector. He asked IT companies to handhold ICT initiatives and at the same time farmers should have interaction with corporate sector. He wants ICT to reach financial services to farmers, projects on financial inclusion, networking of ICT innovators in Kerala. Mr. Shashidhar said that IT companies should add agriculture as a business domain to develop new solutions to bridge the knowledge gaps in the farm-level. For example, a farm credit platform could be worked out, which would be of inclusive nature.

Rajeev Srinivasan, Professor, Corporate Strategy, IIM Bangalore said India can be world’s food superpower by proper implementation of ICT in agriculture as food security can be a huge problem.

In his welcome address Mervin Alexander, CEO, Technopark said ICT can play a critical role in Agriculture and we should start using more IT in this area. Agriculture will be able to attract talented professionals if ICT is implemented.

Dr. Satichananda Sagola, CEO of Global Risk Hub, spoke about the need for establishing a digital rural information infrastructure services.

Satish Babu, Secretary, GTech & President, InApp Information Technologies announced that GTech would organise this event annually focussing on Innovations and latest technologies in Agriculture.

A request was placed before GTech to launch a Rural Connect Programme in partnership with NBARD to share the technology trends and marketing strategies with the farming Community in Kerala. GTech in a press release suggested that the request would be taken up positively after working out the modalities.

GTech to organise a Conference on IT in Agriculture

Thiruvananthapuram is all set to host the Group of Technopark companies Conference on IT in Agriculture with the theme ‘Re-engineering the Kerala Agriculture Sector: Information and Communication Technologies in Agriculture on 22^nd of January 2010

The conference is being organized by the Group of Technopark Companies (GTech) in partnership with NABARD, Kerala State IT Mission and Technopark to examine the several ongoing projects that aim to provide IT- based Services to specific domains such as Agriculture Marketing, Agriculture production and Extension Services. The Conference would also bring to the fore the core issues of the Agriculture Sector in Kerala and discuss how ICT’s could be employed in addressing these challenges. The conference would bring together experts and thought leaders from the Kerala IT Industry, Senior Government Officials, representatives from the National Development Organisations, NGO’s, representatives from the Kerala agricultural community and the Media.

Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management in Kerala (IIITMK) is the Knowledge Partner for the Conference. The Conference would have three sessions dedicated to the use of ICT’s in Agriculture Marketing, Production and Extensions Services.

Shri. Mullakara Ratnakaran, the Hon. Minister for Agriculture, Government of Kerala would deliver the inaugural address. The other speakers include Dr. Ajay Kumar IAS, Principal Secretary, IT Government of Kerala, Prof. Rajeev Srinivasan, Corporate Strategy, IIM Bangalore, Mr. K C Shashidhar, Chief General Manager, NABARD, Dr. Shri Jayadev Urs, University of Mysore, Dr. Satichananda Sagola, Global Risk Hub, Ms. Annie George, Building and Enabling Disaster Resilience of Coastal Communities, Nagapattinam, Dr. A K Sherief, Kerala Agricultural College and Mr. Ajith Kumar, IIITMK

In a press release issued today, Mr. S Rama Rao, President of GTech said that ICT in Agriculture sector is of special significance and plays a vital role in transformations relating to the delivery of services as well as in the marketing of agricultural products and added that GTech would play the role of catalyst in facilitating more such interactions between the technology and the farming community in Kerala.

Mr. Satish Babu, Secretary GTech said that the organisation would work closely with development organisations in Kerala to facilitate the usage of ICT in development sector and said that the conference would showcase successful case studies on Innovations in the Agriculture Sector