IBNLive Chat: 'FBT on ESOPs unnecessary'

NO FBT, PLEASE: Dr Anil Gupta, COO, Aditi Technologies, wants FBT to be scrapped this Budget.

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Adhiraj Badyal: With so many sectors competing for budgetary support from the FM, what makes you think that IT/software has a case for getting more sops? I ask this question because IT, which contributes around 6% to national GDP, can now be categorized as a mature industry and not a nacsent one.

Dr Anil Gupta: Adhiraj, the IT industry has presented some legitimate requests to the FM and I believe many will be granted. At the same time, you do bring up a good point and the industry may not see quite as many sops as it has seen before.

Aditi: Is it good for an employee to work in a Product Development Company or a Services Company?

Dr Anil Gupta: It is good to work for a company that does a good job with whatever it does; has satisfied customers; and values its employees. It is less about a product development company or a services company.

Subhasis Das: How will the Budget2008-09 affect the IT sector?

Dr Anil Gupta: Subhasis, I expect positive news for the IT sector. The sector may not see its entire wish list granted, but I do think there will be good news.

Dileep: Do you think Indian Software companies can always survive depending on US/Europe Economy? Wouldn't it be good, if we even look at India as a potential software market and do our expansion plans?

Dr Anil Gupta: Dileep, This is a good idea. Indian IT companies are indeed focusing on Indian economy as well as the growing economies in other parts of Asia.

Kumar: What is the impact of US economy slowdown on Product Development companies (MNCs, not Indian companies) in India?

Dr Anil Gupta: Good companies will continue to invest in R&D and build products for long term competitive advantage. Hence, recession or not, I feel the R&D and product development focus will not come down.

A: What do you feel is the challenge before India in IT in the next 5-10 years?

Dr Anil Gupta: A sustainable talent pipeline is by far the number 1 challenge of the IT industry in India.

Kunal Ojha: What according to you will be the prime force to keep up the momentum within the software industry as it has been in the last decade? Especially considering the ineffectiveness that has crept in the present outsourcing market due to rising salaries?

Dr Anil Gupta: Kunal, The IT industry MUST move up the value chain and take on more sophisticated work. The industry is doing that, but should put increased focus. This is the only way to grow and be competitive. Somebody else, somewhere else, can always do the job cheaper.

Vivan: Hi, what is the social responsibility of software industry? How can minimize risk in the common people, those who lost their jobs because of unstabilised policy of government and companies?

Dr Anil Gupta: Vivan, Social responsibility should be a key part of any company's core values. I am a believer in Gandhi's philosophy on this. He felt the role of the capitalist is to create wealth, only to redistribute it to those who will benefit most. The companies should also focus on upgrading the skills of employees so they remain employable.