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The article, "Youth wishlist: Ease of biz, skilling, women power," presents a compelling overview of the aspirations and demands of young entrepreneurs and professionals in India, as they anticipate the upcoming budget announcement. The piece highlights a range of pressing concerns and expectations, reflecting the diverse needs of a generation shaping the nation's economic future.
Across various sectors, young individuals are calling for a budget that prioritizes their needs and facilitates their growth. Anuja Bhattacharjee, a digital marketing entrepreneur, emphasizes the importance of sustained funding for the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, believing it crucial for supporting early-stage ventures. Similarly, Sarthak Bhadkamkar, a tech graduate, urges the government to address the issue of dual taxation on employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs), arguing that simplifying regulations could unlock significant potential for India's entrepreneurial landscape.
The article dives deeper into specific sector-based demands. Ayush Kumar, an intern at SAP Labs, emphasizes the need for budget allocation to bolster the global supply chain in high-priority tech sectors like semiconductor fabrication. He believes that this move would foster innovation and create high-skilled jobs, driving a vibrant economy driven by young talent. Arushi Gandhi, an entrepreneur in residence at Antler, echoes the need for easier regulations, tax breaks, and funding for startups, while specifically advocating for increased support for female entrepreneurs through mentorship, training, and funding.
The article then shifts focus to the travel and tourism sector, where Ritesh Agarwal, founder and CEO of OYO Hotels and Homes, calls for sustained investment in road, rail, and air connectivity to boost tourism. He highlights the potential of rural tourism and advocates for granting industry status to the tourism sector, believing it would attract more investment and create new sub-sectors. Bhavik Sheth, COO of Evoke Experiences, further emphasizes the need for government support in training initiatives within the hospitality domain, aiming to bridge the gap between the surge in demand and the existing pool of talent.
The article explores the ambitions of the burgeoning space tech sector, where Arpan Sahoo, co-founder of KaleidEO, underscores the need for extending tax and customs exemptions to component levels, arguing that this move would empower startups with limited resources. He also calls for government involvement as a significant customer, recognizing the importance of government-driven initiatives to drive the sector's growth. Sahoo further emphasizes the need for substantial government support in addressing the lack of capital for risk-taking R&D, which he believes is crucial for ecosystem growth.
The article concludes by highlighting the concerns of individuals working in the agriculture and BFSI sectors. BK Charan, a deputy manager at IndusInd Bank, emphasizes the need for measures to improve productivity through fertilizer subsidy allocation and prioritizing farmers' welfare. Aparna Dubey, a brand manager in the BFSI sector, suggests the removal of long-term capital gains (LTCG) taxes and a structured plan to reduce inflation for lower-income earners. She also calls for a reassessment of taxation systems on advertising, marketing, and sales promotion expenses, advocating for a more equitable approach.
Overall, the article paints a vivid picture of the diverse aspirations of Indian youth, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit, tech-savvy approach, and commitment to building a brighter future. The piece serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of government policies that are responsive to the needs and ambitions of this generation, empowering them to drive India's economic progress.