How budget sops would grow power sector?

The budget has unveiled some good outlays for rural electrification and solar energy utilisation. It seems the nation is now confident of meeting its 100 per cent rural electrification target by May 2018. Around 7,000 railway stations are also targeted to be fed through solar power in the medium term. All these will indirectly benefit the smart grid component in the power industry in the long run because they would need to be supported with a strong smart grid infrastructure which is a good news for utilities, smart meters makers as well as technology providers like us.

Vinod Raphael,
Country Business Head, Omron Electronic & Mechanical Components, India

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As a professional stakeholder body, we are not too happy with the budget 2017 as there is nothing concrete on the renewable energy sector, considering it is one of the growing sectors in the country. The government has completely overlooked the wind energy division. The sector is in a developing phase and needs attention from the government as we are facing various issues. Service tax could have been rationalised and at least some state level reforms and policies should have been introduced that could have helped us in our road plan for the goal of achieving 60GW by2022.

Sarvesh Kumar, Chairman,
Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA)

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A course correction in CVD and BCD structure on renewable energy and LED products and components will give the necessary impetus to local manufacturers, aligned to governments `Make in India` vision.

Dinesh Aggarwal,
Joint Managing Director, Anchor Electricals

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Investment in Railways, airports, 20 GW of solar installations, 100 per cent electrification of all villages by May 2018 and continued thrust on T&D will provide lot to cheer for by the copper industry. We hope the focus on affordable housing and infrastructure will provide the much needed push to start the investment cycle and act as multiplier for future private players participation.

Sanjeev Ranjan,
Managing Director, International Copper Association India

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Increased allocation to Deen Dayal Upadhaya Gram Jyoti Yojna and Integrated Power Development Scheme will provide a much needed impetus to the sector. Tax relief of 5 per cent for companies below ` 50 crore turnover is welcome. This will encourage the morale of the industry as 80 per cent of electrical equipment industry is under MSME.

Sanjeev Sardana, IEEMA President