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IT associations across Maharashtra are
all to set to form a federation of associations to highlight their
issues regarding
and other major services. Octroi is a local
tax collected on various articles brought into a district for
consumption. For quite a long time now, the IT dealers association in
Pune, Computer and Media Association (CMDA) has been protesting
against the proposed move by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to
privatize Octroi collection in the city. Last week, associations from
all over Maharashtra held a meet to discuss about the issue and take
necessary steps to work towards the solution.
Sharing more on this,
Godbole,
Secretary, CMDA Pune said, “At the recently held meet, all the
members of the association have decided to form a federation of
association only for the western region, which will include
Maharashtra, Goa, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The main agenda would
be to speak on vendor policy and address the government issues for
all the four states. As far as the CMDA is concerned, we have passed
a resolution that all our members will only bill Octroi-paid products
from distributors and vendors. We have also initiated a communication
process with the vendors as well as the distributors and we are happy
that they all are ready to co-operate to support the cause. CMDA Pune
has been making constant efforts to make companies like HP, Lenovo,
Sony, Canon, Samsung, etc to deliver Octroi-paid material in Pune,
which has in turn increased the Octroi collection of the PMC. All
members have pledged to do business in Octroi-paid material only.
Also, many distributors agreed that they will bill Octroi-paid
materials only.”
Also, it has been decided that
beginning from August 15, the partners would boycott all vendors and
distributors who refuse to comply on their demand for uniform pricing
policy. Support for the issue has been pouring from other
associations as well. Goa IT association and FITAG (Federation of IT
Associations of Gujarat) will also be voicing their displeasure over
this issue.
Elucidating more on the matter,
Prashant Kuncolienkar, President, GIBA (Goa IT Business Association)
said, “I think collectively we can handle many issues and it will
definitely make an impact. We will have a better negotiating power
and will be successful in dealing with the pricing policy. Because of
Octroi, many people find out illegal ways to obtain materials. With
this policy, it will be convenient for people to buy materials from
both within and outside Octroi. In fact the government collection of
revenue will also be affected in a positive way.”
Supporting the issue,
Ketan Patel,
President, TAIT (Trade Association of IT) said, “To help the
business from getting affected, almost 75 percent of the vendors have
systems in place, but most component vendors do not adopt this
policy. Also, all vendors selling Octroi-paid products within city
will ensure faster and better logistics for product delivery to
partners.”
Also talking about the BEE (Beureau of
Energy Efficiency) meet, which was held on the same day, Champak Raj
Gujrar, MD, Maxtone said, “As we all are aware that the government
has passed a rule regarding the ratings being mandatory for all the
electronic items, now they have also made it compulsory for the IT
sector as well. Thus we have expressed our concern for the 5 lakh SIs
in the country and we have forwarded some norms to the government,
which will be beneficial for the channels. We are happy that the
government did think of consulting before imposing a law on us.”