PANAJI
Minister of IT Rohan Khaunte promised that the IT Startup Policy, which he said is finalised and is awaiting Cabinet approval would be the best in the country and would ensure that not only Goans working in the IT industry would return to the state, but would also help stop the brain drain in the state.
"We've not missed the IT boat, train or bus. The intent of this government is very clear. For all the Goans who have moved to Bangalore, Hyderabad and other cities because of lack of opportunities here, a policy is going to be in place," Khaunte announced why replying to the discussion on demands for grants to the IT Department.
"In 120 days with personal intervention of CM we have finalised the policy. It has to go to the cabinet and then it will be notified. I sat with GITP (Goa IT Professionals), GTA (Goa Technology Association) and after studying all the other state's policies, ours will be one of the finest policy making Goa the most preferred destination for startups," Khaunte said.
Khaunte also promised a fresh IT Policy for the existing 81 IT companies registered in the state, which he said have an employee count of 1150 of which 800 are Goans, Khaunte said.
"We don't have vast spaces to offer to IT giants like Infosys and Wipro. Our priority is to take care of Goans who are unemployed, to stop the brain drain. We need incubation centres: IT anywhere concept," Khaunte said adding that there would be a 48-seater incubation centre in Panaji to encourage youth not to opt for government jobs but a chance to be entrepreneurs to be a job giver and not a job seeker.
Khaunte also spoke of including IT in school education saying that children need to be allowed to tinker including with robotics, and artificial intelligence to help groom students to prepare for a future, in which "IT will be everywhere."
He spoke of his experience in Hyderabad, in which he said their policies are geared towards the youth.
"This government is clear on what we want to do. We have to get the things in place," Khaunte said.
