<h1>Finance Minister Meets IT Leaders for Pre-Budget Talks: Focus on Support Amid Global Challenges and Boosting Digital Economy Growth.</h1> The Union Finance Minister held a Pre-Budget Consultative Meeting with IT industry representatives, emphasizing the sector's dynamism and global recognition. Discussions highlighted the need for government support amid global protectionism, rapid tech changes, and broadband infrastructure improvements. Suggestions included promoting R&D, enhancing smartphone manufacturing for exports, extending the duty differential scheme for IT goods, and encouraging local PCB manufacturing. Proposals for easy PC loans and tax deductions aimed to boost digital economy growth. Concerns about digital divide and cybersecurity were raised, alongside calls for open internet access and a cyber test range. Participants included government officials and industry leaders.