Tamil Nadu to unveil new ICT policy

The Tamil Nadu government will be introducing a new information and communications technology policy 2012, which will lay emphasis on attracting foreign direct and domestic investments.

According to the state IT department’s policy note, which was placed by state IT minister N Subramanian, currently there are nearly 350,000 professional employed in about 1,750 IT and IT-enabled (ITeS) companies in the state.

Software exports from the state, which stood at Rs.42,100 crore in 2010-2011, are expected to touch Rs 48,000 crore in 2011-2012. All efforts are being made to attract more IT/ITeS investments in the state.

“The new ICT policy 2012 will lay emphasis on creating large employment opportunities and the right atmosphere for the establishment and growth of the ICT sector in Tier-II and Tier-III locations of Tamil Nadu. This policy will be released soon,” the minister said.

 

The note further stated that the Tamil Nadu State-Wide Area Network, with 708 points of presence (POPs), has been established in the state by Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (Elcot).

The Tamil Nadu State-Wide Area Network, a shared scheme between the state and central governments, is being implemented at an estimated cost of Rs 181.69 crore (centre’s share is Rs.97.17 crore and the state’s share is Rs.84.52 crore).

The network provides services such as voice, data, internet and video to the government departments.

The build, own, operate and transfer (BOOT) period of the network will end by November 30, 2012, and the operation and maintenance of the network beyond the BOOT period is to be taken care of by the state government for which a necessary action plan is being devised.

The commercial taxes department is developing and hosting a comprehensive software, enabling the mercantile public to avail various e-services like online registration, e-filing and e-payment,. The government has sanctioned Rs 230 crore for the end-to-end computerisation of the department, the note said.