BANGALORE: The government of Karnataka has announced a policy on information
technology (IT) called "Mahithi" aimed at bringing the benefits of IT
to the common man.
"Mahithi", the IT policy is to address issues like eradication of
poverty, empowerment of women, unemployment and promotion of Kannada in IT.
Besides these, e-governance, incubation centers for startup companies and focus
on business with non-English speaking countries are the other highlights of the
policy.
Unveiling the IT policy Karnataka chief minister S.M. Krishna said, "Mahithi
is a futuristic step in taking the benefits of IT to the masses. Karnataka is an
established leader in the IT arena and it is only logical that we take the lead
in addressing the futuristic needs of the industry and citizenry."
Highlights of the policy are:
- Eradicate poverty and empower women.
- Nurture further employment in the IT sector of the state by liberalizing
higher education. - Promote Kannada in IT.
- Take IT to the common man and strengthen its focus on effective
implementation of e-governance. - To encourage incubation centers that will provide complete start up
facilities with the computer systems and telecommunication links for a
limited period of time. - To encourage business with non-English speaking countries
Mr Krishna also said, "Rs 300 crore for this policy will
be raised by floating Mahithi bonds. The proceeds of the bonds will be utilized
for HR development, training in schools, ITIs, polytechnics, colleges, pharmacy
& engineering colleges, training centres for uneducated youth, incubation
centres, earth stations, IT parks and communication infrastructure, etc."