E-governance plans get more budget support

New Delhi, Feb 28 (UNI) The government today said e-governance projects will get a boost in budgetary allocation from Rs 395 crore in 2006-07 to Rs 719 crore in 2007-08.

In his Budget speech, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said the Central Government supports e-governance action plans at state level and also proposed to increase the allocation for such support from Rs 300 crore in 2006-07 to Rs 500 crore in 2007-08.

''I also propose to provide Rs 33 crore for a new scheme of manpower development for the software export industry,'' Mr Chidambaram said.

He said the tele-communicatons industry has repeatedly requested that the multifarious taxes, charges and fees applicable to the industry be unified and single levy on revenue be collated.

''The request merits consideration. Hence I propose to request the Department of Telecommunications to constitute a committee to study the present structure of levies and make suitable recommendations to the government,'' the Finance Minister said.

UNI