Tamil Nadu's new IT Policy

The much-awaited new IT policy of Tamil Nadu will shortly be unveiled. The state has placed a major thrust on promoting tier-II & tier-III cities, skill development and hardware manufacturing through the new policy. The state’s IT secretary C Chandramouli said that the cabinet approval has been obtained for the proposed IT policy.The state has chalked out a new policy for IT sector to sustain growth. Chandramouli said that it would incorporate lot of fiscal incentives and lay strong emphasis on tier-II & tier-III cities growth skill development.
The state is aiming to capture 25 per cent share of India’s IT/ITeS exports by 2011. At present, Tamil Nadu, with IT exports of Rs 28,489 crore, contributes about 15 per cent to Indian tech sector, trailing behind Karnataka and Maharasthra. This also envisages creation of around three million jobs including 0.8 million direct jobs and 2.2 million indirect jobs.
The state is to launch an initiative to set up special finishing schools. According to Chandramouli, “These finishing schools for graduates will be set up in all district headquarters in Tamil Nadu. The state will provide the infrastructure and pre-training expenses for three months while companies will have to contribute with curriculum and faculty.” About three large companies have already signed up for the programme for which the state has allocated Rs 3 crore.
Also on the cards is the ICT Academy initiative through which the state is partnering with IT industry and Nasscom to train faculty and upgrade college curriculum. Coming under the prime minister’s initiative for skill development, the centre has given Rs 6 crore for the plan. IT secretary said that a not-forprofit society has been formed by 10-12 IT firms for the ICT academy initiative.