Gandhinagar: The government of Gujarat today declared the State IT and ITeS policy for 5 years period from 2022 to 2027.

Under this policy, an IT talent pool will be created for high skilled industries. It aims to encourage research and development in the newly emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum computing, blockchain after establishing a strong cloud ecosystem in the state. The unique concept of CAPEX-OPEX -capital expenditure and operational expenditure is included for the first time in the country in the IT policy of Gujarat.

An artificial intelligence school- and artificial intelligence centre of excellence will be established under this policy. The policy aims to raise the annual IT export of Gujarat to Rs 25 thousand crore from Rs 3 thousand crore at present. All the eligible IT-ITeS units will get 100 percent redemption of electricity duty, under the policy. Gujarat will be made the destination of choice for IT Ecosystem by the new policy.

The 25 percent CAPEX support will be given under the limit of maximum Rs 50 crore for the normal projects. The limit will be upto Rs 200 crore for mega projects. 15 percent OPEX Support will be given for normal projects upto Rs 20 crore every year and for mega projects upto Rs 40 crore every year. Two special incentives are included in the policy by the state government to encourage IT employment. A) Employment Generation Incentive (EGI) upto Rs 60000 per employee. B) The redemption upto 100 % for the EPF contribution of the employer by Atmanirbhar Gujarat rojgar sahay.