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Journalism of Courage
NEW DELHI, JUNE 15: Planning Commission member Montek Singh Ahluwalia today said that the industry should use e-commerce instead of waiting for the draft E-commerce Act, 1998 to be put in place either through an ordinance or once the new government is formed at the Centre.
quot;Industry should make use of the concept of electronic commerce e-commerce and not wait for the perfect legal framework, as that being a complicated matter would take some time,quot; Ahluwalia said at a seminar on enabling e-commerce in India8217; organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry CII.
He, however, said that the policy on e-commerce should be framed with the objective of maximising competition and bringing in the best of technology, and designed to take advantage of reduction in costs brought about by advances in technology.
E-commerce would make possible a level of competition that would either not be possible otherwise, or possible only between just some top companies, he said. The concept was truly effective in equalising the advantage an incumbent has over a new entrant, and opening up a whole lot of possibilities for everyone, including India, he said.
Central Vigilance Commissioner N Vittal said that three CS- computers, connectivity and cost, plus an appropriate legal framework must all be put in place in order for e-commerce to really take off in India, a CII release said.
Vittal pointed out that second and third reports of the information technology IT task force must be implemented as soon as possible for improving computer density in the country. While for better connectivity and cost reduction part, Vittal emphasised that Internet service providers ISP policy and new telecom policy, 1999 should be implemented.
Stating that legal framework should be put in place at the earliest, Vittal said it would not be a problem, as the policies were non-controversial and supported by all political parties.
The government, he suggested, should take a clear policy decision to not tax e-commerce transactions. As this form of commerce was still in its nascent stage, it could be stunted by inordinately high taxes, and thus must be allowed to grow and develop.
