Ten Internet of Things (IoT) hubs will be set up across the State either with government or private efforts as part of the decision to transform the State into a Silicon Corridor.
The hubs will come up at major towns. Investments in domain-specific hubs will be sought with total private investment or on public-private partnership (PPP) mode. The government has promised a slew of incentives after unveiling its IoT Policy for 2016-20.
IoT is a network of physical objects, devices and other items embedded with electronics software, sensors and networks of connectivity. Besides IT and electronics, social mobility, analytics and cloud series (SMAC) is being encouraged in a big way.
“The places where the hubs will come up will be finalised shortly. The government will zero in on areas based on domains that suit different places,” CEO of AP Electronics & IT Agency A. Srinivasa Moorthy told The Hindu on Saturday. GO Ms. No. 5 dated March 31, 2016 issued by the IT and Communications Department says the focus of investments will be in R&D, IoT devices and manufacturing, software applications and analytics and office space and other infrastructure.
Land allottees have to create employment
The land allottees have to create employment at the rate of 250 per acre failing which they will not be eligible to avail of financial incentives. The land allotment to IoT investors will be made by the Consultative Committee on IT Industry.
Among the slew of incentives, the GO says the government will offer 10 per cent of capital and investment subsidy up to Rs.3 crore and waive electricity duty for five years and give partial reimbursement towards stamp duty and registration.
The government has also promised reimbursement of 50 per cent lease rentals subject to maximum of Rs.10 lakh for three years, 25 per cent bandwidth/internet charge up to Rs.15 lakh for three years and fixed power cost at Re.1 per unit, IoT entities will be exempted under the AP Pollution Control Act. IoT will be treated as essential services. “We expect to AP will be successful in grabbing opportunities in IoT if the all the promises made by the government are implemented in toto,” Rushikonda IT Park Association vice-president Naresh Kumar said.
The government will zero in on areas based on domains that suit different places
Srinivasa Moorthy
CEO, AP Electronics & IT Agency
Government promises a slew of incentives to investors
