IT body’s wish list calls for another Cyberabad

ITsAP wants improved infrastructure and provision of high security for IT zones

Another IT district akin to Cyberabad, Rs.50 crore in government investment to upgrade security, a unique Chief Minister Grievance Cell and zero power-cut models are some of the recommendations of the IT industry for the soon-to-be-elected governments.

The ITsAP (IT and ITeS industry Association of AP), an apex body of 300 companies, has sent a nine-page recommendation to various political parties to consider them in their respective manifestos for the accelerated growth of the IT industry in the two new States.

“The new Chief Minister can leverage technology and set-up a 24x7 ‘Chief Minister Grievance Cell’ where any citizen across the State call toll-free number on any issue across all the ministries…the Chief Minister can [also] get a daily report on what issues were reported and what were addressed. The CM can call few citizens even from remote places on the action taken. This system can facilitate faster response from the government to citizens,” reads one of the recommendations.

In view of the growing security concerns, the association has asked for a one-time investment of Rs.50 crore to strengthen security infrastructure, besides declaring IT districts as high-security zones. At the same time, the members have discouraged the usage of third-party email IDs and urged the government to make compulsory the use of official email IDs across the board.

Develop tier II cities

One of the significant recommendations made by ITsAP is to develop tier II cities such as Visakhapatnam, Warangal, Karimnagar, Vijayawada, Tirupati and Nizamabad. The government should also appoint a dedicated officer for the promotion of IT and ITeS sectors in these cities.

It was also felt that the State’s brand image in IT had to be enhanced through planned visits to major markets including USA, Europe and UK.

Improve infrastructure

The government was also urged to speed up infrastructure development projects such as the Metro Rail, special-purpose business zones and inter-connectivity of IT clusters besides others. A request was also made for single-window clearance for all kinds of approvals, including land allotments and improved frequency of airline services in the region.

The industry has also recommended the formulation of preferential policies, incentives for start-ups, incubation centres and tax benefits, besides requesting the government to revise its stand on VAT.