New Delhi, Sept 11 (KNN) Almost after a decade, the Tamil Nadu government has released revised Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Policy 2018 with a focus on MSMEs and Startups.

The policy released by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami would provide 20 different incentives including fiscal incentives, capital subsidies, tax exemptions, relaxation of FSI, among other things, for the IT companies.

The policy aims to attract investment from IT companies by setting up Special Economic Zones in Tier-II cities.

The vision of the new ICT policy 2018 is to make Tamil Nadu number one State in IT sector and choice for foreign investors.

It aims to create large scale employment for skilled labors in the state and make Tamil Nadu a cost-effective investment destination.

The policy focus is also to encourage new entrepreneurs to establish data warehouse for startups and facilitate state growth.

The policy was released at an interaction meet on ‘Employability and placement opportunities for engineering graduates.’ Members from various chambers of commerce, investors and heads of educational institutions were present at the meet.

At the launch, CM Palanisswami appealed the industries captain to extend the support by way of fresh investments in industries and MSME sectors in the State.

The CM said that Tamil Nadu is known for its educated workforce and this asset must be made use of by investors.

The policy, drafted by the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (ELCOT), gives more thrust to new verticals including animation, gaming, digital entertainment and e-commerce.

It has provisions for incubating start-ups and creating research parks. Awards for promoting Green IT industry and single-window facility for early clearance from agencies concerned form part of this policy.

The Tamil Nadu government is setting up ELCOSEZ, an IT and ITeS Special Economic Zone in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchy, Salem, Tirunelveli and Hosur to act as the destinations of choice for attracting investments in the segment within the state.