Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday sought additional funds from the Centre for the Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR).
The Chief Minister raised the demand when Union for Communications and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad called on him at the State Secretariat here on Saturday. KCR told the Union Minister that Centre has set up the ITIR in Hyderabad and identified certain places for creation of IT infrastructure. He said that existing IT companies have been planning to expand their operations and therefore, need better facilities like education and health in the ITIR region. Responding to this, the Union Minister endorsed the fact that Hyderabad is an intellectual place and is globally recognised as a IT Hub. KCR mentioned about the National Geographic identifying Hyderabad as one of the top best places in the world.
Informing that the Central Government had agreed to provide Rs 165 crore for the ITIR, the Chief Minister requested Ravi Shankar Prasad to enhance the funds as they were inadequate for such a large project. Reacting to this, the Union Minister responded positively and asked KCR to send a a formal request to his ministry from the State Government.
The ITIR has been set up to promote investment in IT/ITES and Electronic Hardware sector. ITIR, Hyderabad in an area of 202 Sq.Kms .(49.913 acres) is identified in and around Hyderabad Metropolitan Area – such as (i) Cyberabad Development Authority (CDA), including Gachibowli and Madhapur; (ii) Hyderabad Airport Development Authority (HADA) covering Mamidipally, Raviryal, Adibatla & Maheswaram and (iii) Uppal & Pocharam areas. The ITIR is expected to attract a total investment of about Rs. 2,19,440 crores of which the IT/ITES sector is expected to attract investments of Rs. 1,18,355 crores and the EHM sector will attract investment of Rs. 1,01,085 crores. For creation of external physical infrastructure, a financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 4863 crores (Phase-I Rs. 942 crores and Phase II- Rs.3921 crores) is sought from GoI and on consideration Government of India approved Central support to an extent of Rs. 3275 crores (Phase-I Rs. 165 crores and Phase-II Rs. 3110 crores).
KCR also briefed the Union Minister about the State’s new industrial policy, which is first-of-its-kind in the country. Stating that the policy facilitates self certification, he handed over a copy of the policy to him.
The Union Minister appreciated the efforts being made by the State Government for the development of Telangana and offered all his assistance, especially in the fields of Information Technology and Communications.
Telangana IT Minister K Tarakarama Rao, Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma, Principal Secretary to CM S. Narsing Rao and Parliament Member Boora Narsaiah Goud were present in the meeting.