PANJIM: In a bid to promote the sunrise Information Technology (IT) sector, the State government has proposed to make Goa the most preferred destination for investors in the sectors of IT, Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) and Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM), attracting at least ten leading IT and ITES and five ESDM companies.
Offering 100 percent reimbursement in stamp duty, electricity duty, central sales tax, entry tax along with 10 percent reimbursement on salaries paid to the local employment up to 80 percent, the State intends to promote ‘IT Anywhere’ Concept, taking the example of some major social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, etc. Government has also proposed setting up of Incubation Centres by March-end to house startups.
The policy aims to achieve direct and indirect employment of close to 15,000 professionals in the sector, and keep a check on the IT brain drain in the State.
Hours before the calendar year 2015 could end, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar unveiled the ‘Information Technology Investment Policy 2015-2020’, with special focus on setting up a strong base in IT, ITES and ESDM in Goa. “Goa is an ideal destination for IT industries, owing to its inherent non-polluting nature, attractive policy incentives, along with excellent air, rail and road connectivity,” the policy document states.
The draft IT policy was kept open for suggestions and objections, with the government receiving an overwhelming response. The final policy, promotes Goa as an Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics (AVGC) hub, as the State has rich cultural ethos and artistic traditions with a strong base in tourism and entertainment.
“This is a major step initiated by the State towards promotion and development of the IT sector,” Parsekar told the media in the presence of Chief Secretary R K Srivastava, IT chairman Subhash Phaldesai and IT director Ameya Abhyankar.
An empowered committee under Parsekar’s chairmanship has been constituted for guidance, approval of grants and for monitoring and encouraging IT, ITES and ESDM establishments in the State.
While the policy objective is to promote modern, clean, green, eco-friendly working environment, its strategy is to create industry-ready skilled and technical manpower.
