Karnataka to request Centre to restart STPI scheme: CM

The Congress-led Karnataka government would request the Centre to restart the software technology parks of India scheme to promote competitiveness and capacity of small IT companies to face global competition.

Stating this in the "revised" 2013-14 state budget, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also said it is proposed to increase exports in the IT sector from the current level of Rs 1.35 lakh crore to Rs 4 lakh crore by 2020.

"Similarly, it is proposed to implement IT Group recommendations in a phased manner starting from the year 2013-14 so as to increase jobs from eight lakhs to 20 lakh during the period", said Siddaramiah, who also holds the finance portfolio.

He said it is intended to recast rural BPOs keeping the viability issue in mind.

It is proposed to establish Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Dharwad at an estimated capital expenditure of Rs 128 crore for which the Government of India has given 'in-principle' approval. The state government will contribute Rs 45 crore.

The government also proposed to set up incubation centres for ICT sector in collaboration
with engineering colleges in selected district headquarters to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation in this sector.

"It is proposed to provide Mobile IT labs to create interest in Information Technology and to enhance knowledge of the school children", the Chief Minister said. "A grant of Rs two crore will be provided for this purpose".

e-District project would be launched in the State to initially enable nine Government departments to automate and eletronically deliver 132 citizen services. State portal and State Delivery Gateway (SSDG) project would be launched to provide a single window for citizen services.

Video-Conferencing facilities would be provided in all talukas under Karnataka State Wide Area Network Project. A total of 46 Citizen Service Centres would be opened in 10 cities of Karnataka. Common Service Centres for providing citizen services would be launched in all Grama Panchayats.