Government of Rajasthan has announced a new IT policy. The new IT policy was unveiled by the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje at the ‘IT Day’ celebrations.

Vasundhara Raje said, "The new IT policy comes at an opportune time when the industry and business community have recognised Rajasthan as an ideal location for their investments. IT sector has been one of our focus areas. In a short span of last three years several leading IT companies such as Infosys, Wipro, Nagaro, Tech Mahindra, Genpact have come and established their presence in Rajasthan in response to success of our efforts."

"Going forward, the new policy will ensure further investments into the IT sector and compliment the rapid industrialisation process and provide a conducive atmosphere for Rajasthan to become one of most IT enabled states in the country. Most importantly, it will result in employment opportunities and better delivery of public services to the people of Rajasthan. While Jaipur is currently leading the IT movement in Rajasthan, in the coming months, we will witness Jodhpur, Bikaner, Kota, Ajmer, Bharatpur and Udaipur equally participating in the spread of IT and ITES sector."

"We will pay special attention to creation of a IT savvy human resources pool for the benefit of IT and ITES sector. To this effect, we will soon be setting up the ‘Rajasthan Knowledge Corporation’. We are committed to give all the requisite support to the IT sector for realisation of the vision provided by the new IT policy," she added.

CK Mathew, Principal Secretary, IT & C, elaborating on the policy said, "Our new policy aims to leverage Information and Communications Technology as a tool for improving governance and public services delivery, create a favourable environment for investment into the IT & ITES sector and to build a quality talent pool in Rajasthan."

The new IT Policy has several growth oriented features including:

-- IT and ITES units have been declared as public utility services

-- State government will permit software units to be set up in residential areas

-- Private IT unit and IT park developers will be given assistance for land procurement and changes in land use

-- All new IT industry units will be given 50 % exemption on electricity for seven areas as and where relevant

-- Incentive of Rs 2000 per candidate will be provide to training centers whose candidates find placement after successful training and communications and soft skills

-- Reimbursement of the IT Patent filing costs

-- Exemptions under labour laws

-- Steps to strengthen IT infrastructure for e-governance

-- Promote use of internet and availability of broadband connectivity in all state government office

-- Budgetary outlay for IT expenditure on a year on year basis will be doubled by the year 2009-10

-- A separate budget head has been created for state wide IT enablement

-- The government will consider fee-based partnerships with empanelled international consultancy firms and investment promotion agencies.

-- The IT companies will be allowed for self-certification on various acts including labour and industrial laws