The new IT policy to be announced by the Telangana Government will provide incentives to IT firms in tier II locations, according to its IT Secretary, Jayesh Ranjan.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association (Hysea) here on Friday, he said four towns, Warangal, Karimnagar, Nizamabad and Khammam, have been identified to be promoted.

"The Government will make first round of investments for infrastructure. Companies can come forward to set up their own campuses. We will be offering incentives and some additional benefits,’’ the official said.

The draft policy is ready and will be announced after elections to Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation.

New players

Referring to new IT companies’ interest in Hyderabad, he said discussions were on with about 15 to 20 domestic and multinational majors and the companies will make announcements themselves on setting up new campuses in Hyderabad.

The land transfer for previously announced seven-acre campus of Google in Hyderabad was completed and the ground breaking ceremony could be held some time in the first quarter of next year, Ranjan said.

First regional IT forum

Hysea President Ramesh Loganathan said as the first regional IT forum in the country set up in 1991 by 15 entrepreneurs, it contributed significantly during the last 25 years.

"Today, our members contribute Rs 70,000 crore to the State Gross Domestic Product and provide direct employment to four lakh professionals besides indirect employment to one million,’’ he said.

As part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations, Hysea has lined up a series of programmes and will also work along with the government to push IT industry beyond Hyderabad, he added.

While replying to questions, B V R Mohan Reddy, Chairman of Nasscom, said the US decision to increase fee for H-1B and L1 visas and other measures of protectionism will have "fairly serious'' impact on India.

"The US economy has benefited significantly by Indian IT industry. Today they are trying to hurt it which is not good,’’ Reddy said.

On the impact of recent floods in Chennai, he said Nasscom was revising its figures at the moment as it is seen as a one-time impact. IT industry has lost three full working days and seven days partially due to the floods in the city.

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