Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Unveils New IT Policy During Vikas Saptah
In Gandhinagar, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has announced significant updates to the state’s IT and ITeS policy. These changes aim to create a strong environment for new technologies and innovation, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. The announcement was made during the Vikas Saptah celebrations, marking 23 years since Modi became Gujarat’s Chief Minister.
Key Policy Enhancements
The updated policy focuses on accelerating the growth of deep-tech startups in Gujarat. It includes support for technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things, Blockchain, Big Data, and Data Science. The policy also introduces guidelines for IT and ITeS parks and ensures global connectivity through technologies like Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, Mixed Reality, and Quantum Computing.
Incentives and Support
Under the new policy, CAPEX incentives for IT infrastructure have increased from 25% to 30%. OPEX support and special incentives are available for eligible entities, including up to Rs 60,000 for each new job created, interest subsidies, and reimbursement of employer’s statutory contributions under EPF payments. The policy also supports ICT and deep-tech incubators and accelerators, offering assistance in R&D, prototyping, and more.
Global Centers and Deep-Tech Development
The policy provides incentives for Global In-House Centers and Global Capability Centers, including CAPEX and OPEX support. It also promotes deep-tech development with a Center of Excellence for AI and quantum computing, fostering industry-ready talent and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
These policy changes aim to drive new investments and growth in Gujarat’s IT and ITeS sectors, contributing to the vision of Viksit Gujarat.
Doubts Revealed
Gujarat CM -: Gujarat CM stands for Gujarat Chief Minister. The Chief Minister is the head of the government in the Indian state of Gujarat.
Bhupendra Patel -: Bhupendra Patel is the current Chief Minister of Gujarat, a state in India. He is responsible for making important decisions and policies for the state.
IT Policy -: IT Policy refers to a set of rules and guidelines related to Information Technology. It helps in managing and promoting the use of technology in a region or organization.
Vikas Saptah -: Vikas Saptah means ‘Development Week’ in Hindi. It is a special week dedicated to announcing and celebrating development initiatives and projects.
ITeS -: ITeS stands for Information Technology enabled Services. These are services that use IT to improve and support business processes.
Viksit Bharat@2047 -: Viksit Bharat@2047 is a vision set by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It aims for a developed India by the year 2047, which marks 100 years of India’s independence.
Deep-tech startups -: Deep-tech startups are new companies that focus on advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain. They work on creating innovative solutions using these technologies.
AI -: AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. It is a technology that enables machines to mimic human intelligence, like learning and problem-solving.
IoT -: IoT stands for Internet of Things. It refers to a network of physical devices connected to the internet, allowing them to collect and share data.
Blockchain -: Blockchain is a technology that records information in a way that makes it difficult to change or hack. It is often used for secure transactions and data management.
CAPEX and OPEX -: CAPEX stands for Capital Expenditure, which is money spent on acquiring or maintaining fixed assets. OPEX stands for Operational Expenditure, which is money spent on the day-to-day functioning of a business.
Global In-House Centers -: Global In-House Centers are offices set up by multinational companies in different countries to handle specific business functions. They help in managing operations and services globally.