Question : INCOME TAX REBATE AND WOMEN POTENTIAL

(a) whether for a number of services linked to Information Technology the Government have prescribed Income Tax Rebate under section 80-A of Income Tax Act;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any working Group has been constituted or any scheme has been formulated to tap the talent of women in I.T. sector;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether village women united under Development of Women and Children in Rural Areas (DWACRA) have shown keen interest in Information Technology; and

(f) if so, the facilities extended therefor and to what extent they have improved their lot due to this technology?

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN)

(a) and (b): Fifteen (15) Information Technology enabled services are eligible for income tax benefit under Section 80 HHE and Sections 10A/10B & the Income Tax Act.

(c): A proposal to constitute a Committee with a focus on women in the I.T. sector is under active consideration.

(d): Does not arise.

(e) and (f): Ministry of Rural Development have discontinued the scheme for Development of Women and Child for Rural Areas (DWACRA) w.e.f. 1st April 1999. Thus the question of showing interest in information technology does not arise.