Karnataka to set up IT zones

Bangalore: Karnataka government has proposed to set up information technology (IT) zones in Mysore, Mangalore, Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, Shimoga and Gulbarga.

Speaking at the inauguration of ICT event Bangalore IT.Biz, state IT Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu said the Government has initiated a proposal to set up walk-to-work facility for the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) engaged in innovative technologies.

'We have initiated a proposal to set up an independent IT, BT and S & T authority, which will offer single window clearance for all IT/BT related projects', he said.

The Authority would not only promote these sectors in the State but would also provide facilitation, handholding and public-private partnerships for creation of IT infrastructure, the Minister said.

The IT policy of the State is under revision. Government is taking inputs from the industry, particularly the Vision Group on IT, for revising the policy, Naidu said.

Semiconductor policy for the state is also on the anvil. The focus would be on manufacturing of solar PV cells required for generation of solar energy, he said.