Question : DEVELOPMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

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(a) the steps proposed to be taken by the Government to boost information technology during the Millennium year at National/State levels;

(b) whether the Government propose to give ifnrastructure status to this sector;

(c) if not, reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government have received proposals from State Government to open Information Technology Institute for advance computer and communciation Technology at the National level;

(e) if so, the areas identified therefor; and

(f) the time by which such institutes are likely to be opened and made opeational in the Country State-wise?

MINISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN)


(a): A Statement is at Annexure giving some of the key initiatives taken by the Government to boost Information Technology Sector.


(b) and (c): Telecommunication as backbone for IT sector already enjoys the status of infrastructure. Setting up of Software Technology Parks is also given the infrastructure status for purpose of investment & corporate tax.


(d), (e) and (f): Government has received proposals from Status Government to provide assistance for setting up of Indian Institutes of information technology (IIITs). So far the Government through funding from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has set up an Indian Institute of Technology and Management in Gwalior in 1996. More recently in 1999 the Government has set up a IIIT a Allahabad, again with funidn from





MHRD. In addition, Andhra Pradesh has set up a IIIT in Hyderabad while Karnataka has set up a IIIT in Bangalore, through initiatives of the respective State Government.