BANGALORE: Andhra Pradesh is all set to announce a new Information Technology and Communications Policy ­ 2004. The government has taken several initiatives in IT and e-governance ever since Congress-led government headed by Chief Minister Dr. Y S Rajasekhara Reddy came into the power. The forthcoming policy, which would give a road map for the state in the next 4-5 years, would likely to facelift the state in the area of software exports and human resource capital development. J C Mohanty, Principal Secretary, Department of ICT, Government of Andhra Pradesh, shares his department's plans in an interview with CIOL.

Excerpts of the interview.

What is the prime objective of the new IT Policy?

We are in the process of drafting a new ICT Policy-2004, which is aimed at garnering about 30 percent of the country's overall software exports by 2008-09 by laying special emphasis on infrastructure and human resource capital development.

In 1999, the previous government unveiled the first IT policy in Andhra Pradesh. Its upgraded version came into existence in 2002. The new policy is in the finalizing stage in association with three expert committees created by the government in partnership with the private sector.

What are your concerns in software exports?

At present the state accounts for about nine percent in IT software exports and 13 percent ITES exports in the country. We are aiming to achieve 30 percent of total exports by 2008. The policy is aimed at helping the state to grow in the software exports.

What is the future demand for manpower and infrastructure in the state?

It is projected that the state would require about 30 million SFT of office space and about six lakh trained manpower. Of the 90,000 people required every year. About 60,000 would be needed to meet the requirements of the ITES sector. To address this we plan to train people, rework college curricula and involve private participation. Further to enhance the quality at the entry level, the government proposes to bring in changes in the curriculum in the undergraduate level. The new syllabus will be implemented from the next academic year. In fact, the issue would be discussed and the new syllabus for certain forthcoming Vice Chancellors' meeting.

What is your strategy for e-governance?

With regard to e-governance, the state government plans to adopt a three-pronged strategy of better delilvery of citizen services through kiosks, setting up a major broadband network and strengthening the government to citizen delivery system. The state ICT department already invited tenders for the broadband project and has achieved good response from private sector players. The government has initiated 50 e-governance projects in the state. Among include eSeva, CARD, CFST, e-Procurement, etc.