UP govt approves IT Policy 2012

The decision was taken at a cabinet meet here, chaired by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.

To boost Information Technology (IT), IT Enabled Services (ITES) and electronics industry in the state, the government approved the setting up of an IT city in Lucknow and transfer of 150 acres of Gajaria farm land on Lucknow-Sultanpur road for the purpose, official sources said.

UP, which was among the top three IT exporters of the country, has now slumped to the sixth position.

Among the other decisions, the Cabinet decided to hike the cash prize of Yash Bharti Samman from Rs Five lakhs to Rs 11 lakhs. This award is presented to those excelling in the field of classical music, folk music, literature and fine arts.

For promotion of handloom weavers and acknowledging their works 'Janeshwar Misra handloom Award Scheme' with the prize money of Rs 25 thousand has also been approved by the cabinet.

The cabinet okayed farmers' insurance of Rs five lakhs and finalised the guidelines for determining the farmers' accident insurance scheme. The scheme would come into effect from April 1, 2012.

Sources said that the colour scheme for vehicles being run on permit contracts besides giving its nod on the ordinance proposal to amend UP Municipality Act.