Porvorim, Jul 12 (TOI): The state cabinet approved the Goa Information Technology Policy, 2018, that aims to firmly establish Goa as a preferred destination for investment in highend software products and service capabilities and to meet the vision of the state. The policy was in the making over the last two years. Announcing the cabinet decision at a press conference after the cabinet meet on Wednesday, IT minister Rohan Khaunte said “the policy will be one of the best in the country” offering specific incentives to different segments of the industry. Khaunte said the policy aims “to create a vibrant ecosystem for IT and electronic industries.”

It also targets developing state-of-the-art infrastructure to provide for at least 8,000-10,000 working spaces. The government, through the IT policy, is also looking to attract the Goan diaspora to set up their business’ here. To encourage the Goan diaspora, the policy offers 100% reimbursement of the lease rentals provided for a period of first six months of operation. Also, they will be eligible for a reimbursement of Rs 35 per sqm or 80% of the total rentals, whichever is lower, which will be provided up to a maximum period of two years. Replying to a query, Khaunte said 8,000-10,000 job opportunities will be generated, spread over a period of five years. Some of the incentives, the IT minister said, includes providing economic support for early stage investment, to make advance coding skill ubiquitous across the student population in the state, to incentivise IT companies to employ female professionals, to provide hasslefree and proactive governance and regulatory user experience for IT investors.