Rajasthan unveils new IT and ITES policy

* E-governance, investments in IT & ITES and skill development to get a boost

* IT and ITES units have been declared as public utility services

* Rajasthan Knowledge Corporation to be set up

* IT sector to create up to 20,000 new jobs in near future

Mumbai, December 1, 2007: Government of Rajasthan today announcement a new IT policy on the occasion of 'IT Day'. The new IT policy was unveiled by the Hon'ble Chief Minister, Smt. Vasundhara Raje at the 'IT Day' celebrations. The function was graced by Dr Kiran Karnik, President, NASSCOM, Mr. D C Samant, Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, Mr CK Mathew, Principal Secretary, IT & C, Mr M D Pai, Head, HR, Infosys Technologies and several other industry leaders.

The leading IT sector personalities present on the occasion welcomed the new policy and projected a huge boost to the economic activity in the state including creation of upto 20,000 jobs in the next 12 months and more in the coming years.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister, Smt Vasundhara Raje said, "The new IT policy comes at an opportune time when the industry and business community have recognized Rajasthan as an ideal location for their investments. IT sector has been one of our focus areas. In a short span of last three years several leading IT companies such as Infosys, Wipro, Nagaro, Tech Mahindra, Genpact have come and established their presence in Rajasthan in response to success of our efforts.

"Going forward, the new policy will ensure further investments into the IT sector and compliment the rapid industrialization process and provide a conducive atmosphere for Rajasthan to become one of most IT enabled states in the country. Most importantly, it will result in employment opportunities and better delivery of public services to the people of Rajasthan. While Jaipur is currently leading the IT movement in Rajasthan, in the coming months, we will witness Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, Ajmer, Bharatpur and Udaipur equally participating in the spread of IT and ITES sector.

"We will pay special attention to creation of a IT savvy human resources pool for the benefit of IT and ITES sector. To this effect, we will soon be setting up the 'Rajasthan Knowledge Corporation'. We are committed to give all the requisite support to the IT sector for realization of the vision provided by the new IT policy."

Mr CK Mathew, Principal Secretary, IT & C, elaborating on the policy said, "Our new policy aims to leverage Information and Communications Technology as a tool for improving governance and public services delivery, create a favourable environment for investment into the IT & ITES sector and to build a quality talent pool in Rajasthan."

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kiran Karnik, President, NASSCOM, said, "Rajasthan has come out with the most forward looking Policy that will place the state at the forefront of country's fast growing IT footprint. The new IT policy announced by the government today has several innovations and provisions that will emerge as a model for other states in the country."

Mr M D Pai, Head HR, Infosys Technologies, said, "Rajasthan, especially Jaipur are well poised to actively participate in the next growth phase of IT & ITES sectors in India. With a visionary leadership, progressive policies, infrastructural components such as strong road network, ample power supply and human resources, Jaipur will emerge as an IT hub.

"Jaipur along with NCR and Chandigarh has secured its place in the fast growing IT triangle in north India."

The new IT Policy has several growth oriented features including:-

IT and ITES units have been declared as public utility services

State government will permit software units to be set up in residential areas

Private IT unit and IT park developers will be given assistance for land procurement and changes in land use

All new IT industry units will be given 50 % exemption on electricity for seven areas as and where relevant

Incentive of Rs 2000 per candidate will be provide to training centers whose candidates find placement after successful training and communications and soft skills

Reimbursement of the IT Patent filing costs

Exemptions under labour laws

Steps to strengthen IT infrastructure for e-governance

Promote use of internet and availability of broadband connectivity in all state government office

Budgetary outlay for IT expenditure on a year on year basis will be doubled by the year 2009-10

A separate budget head has been created for state wide IT enablement

The government will consider fee-based partnerships with empanelled international consultancy firms and investment promotion agencies.

The IT companies will be allowed for self-certification on various acts including labour and industrial laws.