Kerala's IT policy to be finalised soon

Thiruvananthapuram: The Information Technology policy of the state will be finalised soon with certain changes in the draft policy based on suggestions of stakeholders.

According to government sources, reducing cancellation charge on lease agreements and modifications in a system to monitor minimum wages were suggested by the industry, and hence the policy would be finalised after getting the nod from taxes and labour departments.

A committee headed by chief secretary Nalini Netto vetted the draft policy and included the suggestions. Sources said no significant changes were likely.
During discussions with industry representatives, they raised the issue of the two percent cancellation charge on the lease. The IT department also agreed to reduce the charge and hence the matter was referred to the taxes department.
Another issue the industry raised was complications in the present system of labour department to monitor payment of minimum wages.

Many pointed out that the software system being used now was not user-friendly. Hence it was suggested that the system might be modified and the matter suggested to the labour department.

The government had rolled out the draft policy on March 15 and invited suggestions from the public and the industry. A series of discussions were also initiated at all the three IT parks. Lack of social infrastructure, closure of liquor outlets, space constraints and women safety were among the issues raised by the industry.