the goan I network
PANAJI
As a sector, IT is a lot different from manufacturing or services industry like tourism. Logically speaking, compliance requirements of IT industry should
be different from what other industries have to adhere to.
Amarsh Chaturvedi, founder, Transerve Technologies, said, “We expect that compliance for IT companies will become easier with the start-up policy. As of now, we have to comply with regulations, which don’t really pertain to our industry.”
Chaturvedi further explained, “For example, an IT start-up is required to do e-waste return filing. For a start-up, it doesn’t make sense because we have to get a consultant on board just for this compliance. Similarly, we have to
follow regulations regarding pollution control as well, which isn’t really
applicable to IT start-ups.”
Clearly, the regulatory framework has to evolve to suit the needs of IT start-ups or else a lot of time is spent on following rules, which are not relevant to this industry.
There are quite a few incubation centres in Goa for tech-start-ups, where really small companies can commence their operations and start standing on their own feet.
Apart from these incubation centres, Chaturvedi said that it is also important that the state government hand-hold some of these start-ups when they come out of such centres. He continued,
“The government can support start-ups by helping them in becoming a part of industry expo. Support can also be given if such companies can get business from government sector.”
Sources in IT industry agree that the state government will have to improve the infrastructure, particularly the quality and speed of broadband in the state.
Mangirish Salelkar, founder president, Goa Technology Association (GTA), said, “If the dream is to make Goa a start-up destination,
then the government will have to provide proper infrastructure, incubation spaces, mentoring and access to venture capitalists.”
Access to capital is one of the important things
for a start-up. It’s at this
stage that a number of start-ups, even those having potential, fizzle out, as they are unable to find capital. That’s the reason, Salelkar mentioned that the government will have to play a role in this regard.
Salelkar further added, “Equal stress has to be given to existing tech companies as well, which have survived so far without any support. With proper focus and incentives, these companies can become employment powerhouses.”
