In a communication to Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Indian Telecom Equipment Manufacturers Association (TEMA) asked for a level playing field for home grown telecom equipment manufactures.

According to the communication sent to the Prime Minister?s Office today, while appreciating the UPA Government?s resolve to support the Indian telecom equipment manufactures in terms of rightful share in the Indian telecom network business, the TEMA communication highlighted the absence of an implementation strategy by the UPA Government.

?We are not asking for anything out of context from the Prime Minister or which is outside the National Telecom Policies of 1994 or 1999 or the recommendations made in the draft Policy 2011. We are seeking support in reaching the milestones mentioned in these policy papers and also the statements made by the Prime Minister at various times by adopting transparent and logical methodology which does not negate the Indian telecom story in any way,?  said Ashok K. Aggarwal, honorary director general, TEMA.

In its communication to Dr. Manmohan Singh, besides creating a level playing field for Indian telecom manufacturers, TEMA has suggested the adoption of the following six points which would create a further impetus to the Indian telecom story.

  1. Identification of clear milestones and implementation plans for the telecom manufacturing sector
  2. Setting up a Nodal Expert Council for monitoring the implementation of NTP2011
  3. Preferential treatment to be mandated for Indian Products
  4. Introduction of an R&D cess on all licensed operators and incentives for operators by granting reduced contribution on meeting targets of purchasing Indian Products
  5. Compliance to national standards and certification of all telecom equipments by  TEC before induction in the Indian telecom network
  6. Remodeling the tax structure so as to dispense with the financial disadvantage for the home grown telecom equipment manufacturer

According to Aggarwal, the adoption of these six points would pave the way in ensuring the growth of manufacturing sector and commensurate with the growth of the telecom service in India in the next decade.