Software exports from Tamil Nadu are expected to cross Rs 40,000 crore

Software exports from Tamil Nadu are expected to cross Rs 40,000 crore (Rs 400 billion) in 2009-10, Tamil Nadu Information Technology Minister Poongodhai informed the assembly.

The software exports in 2008-09 stood at Rs 36,680 crore (Rs 366.80 billion), she said. She said 69 new software companies had commenced their operations last year. According to a study, the growth of IT sector would be around 14 per cent and around $67 billion is expected to be invested in the country.

Taking into consideration this growth, the Tamil Nadu government would invest close to Rs 675 crore (Rs 6.75 billion) for setting up Information Technology Parks in Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, Salem and Hosur, she said.

The state government has modified the rules of providing space for IT companies, which hitherto was applicable only for those companies having a turnover of Rs 3 crore (Rs 30 million).

Now even companies having Rs 1 crore (Rs 10 million) of turnover can invest in IT parks. A 'Information Security Policy' would soon be introduced to safeguard government websites, she said.