Budget Highlights for the Tech Sector

Budget Highlights for the Tech Sector

Techtree News Staff, Jul 06, 2009 1400 hrs IST

What to buy and what not to...

Here we have it folks -- following are the consumer technology budget highlights.

1. Set-top boxes to be more expensive

A 5 percent customs duty will be imposed on Set Top Box for television broadcasting. Hence, be prepared to shell out more money when you purchase set-top boxes used under Conditional Access System.

Full exemption from basic customs duty was provided to Set Top Boxes in 2006 to enable their free import for the smooth introduction of the Conditional Access System (CAS).

Now that the set top box market is flowing in the country, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, has announced the tax to be levied upon it.

2. LCD televisions to get cheaper!

Customs duty on LCD Panels for manufacture of LCD televisions to be reduced from 10 percent to 5 percent. Hence, it is safe to say that postponing the decision to purchase that LCD TV was worth it.

The finance minister has explained this decision as an attempt to support indigenous production of LCD televisions.

3. Mobile phones and mobile phone accessories won't get cheaper, or expensive

There will be full exemption of 4 percent from special Countervailing Duties (CVDs) on parts for manufacture of mobile phones and accessories to be reintroduced for one year.

This full exemption from CVD of 4 percent was available to accessories, parts and components imported for the manufacture of mobile phones till the 30th of June, 2009. With its reintroduction of exemption for another year, we could say that there will not a price hike in the mentioned commodities.

4. Also, the First Unique Identification Card to citizens to roll out in 12-18 months. The aim of this card would be "to act as a deterrent for future illegal immigration". The finance minister has proposed provision of Rs. 120 crore for the project.

There we have it, not that an exciting budget for the common people -- so go ahead, buy that smartphone, Apple notebook and home theater system with all your savings.