The Maharashtra government will start issuing Unique Identification Number (UID) cards from November 1 and finish the process in four months, said Chief Minister Ashok Chavan here on Friday.
He was distributing Information Technology awards for 2009 and 2010.
Mr. Chavan urged the IT companies to participate in the process of issuing the cards.
“The growth rate of Maharashtra's industrial sector is 24 per cent. The main contribution in this growth is made by the IT companies,” he said. He appealed to the firms to develop software for the better use of Marathi. “Marathi should be transmitted and accepted globally.”
He sought their suggestions in updating IT policies.
“We need to continuously review and upgrade our IT policy to stand in today's competitive environment.” Mr. Chavan urged the IT companies to explore new avenues.
“Many countries want to stop outsourcing. At such times of crisis, we should explore other possibilities.”
He said Maharashtra had always been the preferred destination for local and foreign investments and the government would give all the required policy and infrastructure support for the development of the industry.
Hassle-free
Mr. Chavan said that the upcoming Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor would help in the hassle-free movement of goods in various cities of Maharashtra.
“But the biggest challenge is employability of people. Can the IT industry help in skill upgradation of the young population?”
He expressed happiness that IT was spreading beyond the developed cities like Pune, Mumbai, Thane to smaller and underdeveloped districts like Amravati.
“IT should grow in all districts. After all, this is the only industry with no pollution problem and lot of employment opportunity.”
Maharashtra has 33 per cent of the country's Internet users and 32 per cent of India's IT professionals.
