State mulls new IT policy

Semiconductor and electronic hardware policy also on the anvil

According to Principal IT Secretary Ashok Kumar C Manoli, the government has started discussion with various industry organisations like Manufacturers Association for Information Technology (MAIT), Indian Semiconductor Association (ISA) and Nasscom for revision of nine-year-old IT policy.  “We are taking steps for revival of state IT policy and bringing in new electronic hardware policy and a semiconductor policy,” he said. 

Electronics market

India is emerging as one of the largest electronics markets in the world, with an estimated 11 per cent global market share by 2015 and is expected to employ more than 2 million people. The new semiconductor and electronic manufacturing policy will help semicon fabrication, electronic manufacturing and other micro and nanotechnology manufacturing industries.

 Karnataka is largest exporter of software and semi-conductor design technology in India. Industry associations like MAIT and ISA were demanding new hardware technology policy and semiconductor policy.

The proposed semiconductor policy will be similar to the Indian semiconductor policy announced by the Union government in 2007. “We are  studying various options, which will help not only semiconductor design but manufacturing of electronic chips in the State,” Manoli said.

Niche segments

On niche segments like gaming, animation and cartoon, where few neighbouring states have made headway, the government is also planning to put up new policies.

 “We are in early stage of discussions with various animation and gaming associations to promote animation and gaming sector by setting up academy or training institute,” he added.

The Department of Information Technology will conduct Conference on Cyber security on September 4& 5, 2009 and a Conference on Green IT with objective of saving energy and climate change.

DH News Service