Tamil Nadu bets big on inclusive, digital growth: Infotech Minister

In his address at the Conference and Exposition on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) under the theme “Accelerating Progress: Inclusive Digital Growth” organised by the CII as a part of the 17th edition of Connect here on Tuesday, the Minister said all urban areas would also be provided with optical fibre cable connectivity for strengthening the information and communication sectors across the state.

He also said based on the importance of IT/ITeS sector, the State had proposed to establish IT Parks at Ramanathapuram and Cuddalore districts and a Centre of Excellence for Fin Tech at STPI in Chennai this year. “There is also a move to create a Tech Forum by the government to promote growth in the field of Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Machine Learning and Electronic Hardware Manufacturing, with a view to providing more employment opportunities,” he said.

Dr Manikandan said under e-Gramam Project, a model village would be selected and provided with ICT facilities such as wi-fi hotspot, smart street lights, tele education, tele medicine, etc, which move would help bridge the digital divide in the state.

Considering the higher mobile penetration, m-Governance is effectively implemented in the state, the Minister said and added, “To procure IT hardware and software at a competitive price for Government departments, it has been proposed to develop an e-market portal at a cost of Rs 30 lakh.’’

Tamil Nadu was one of the first states in India to come out with a separate policy for the IT industry in the year 2002 itself which really attracted several IT and IT enabled service companies to do business in the state, thus making the place as one of their preferred destinations of choice. The state continued to be the Innovation hub and knowledge capital of India on the strength of its world class institutions in various fields and best human talent, he remarked.

Under ICT Policy 2018, the standard fiscal incentives to IT companies like capital subsidy would be raised to Rs 1 cr from Rs 30 lakh, electricity tax exemption from 2 years to 5 years, additional capital subsidy of 50 per cent over and above eligible limit and additional capital subsidy of 10 per cent and 25 per cent respectively for B and C districts, he said.