CIC operators of Darrang Dist, Assam,showed Online Teleconsultancy Session between Farmers and Agricultural Scientist

It is a matter of great pleasure that we the CIC operators of undivided
Darrang district showed a Service of Online Teleconsultancy Session
between Farmers and Agricultural Scientist in the Exhibition held at
Dhula, a remote Agriculture based village of Darrang Dist, Assam, on 
5th & 6th January,2007.

In this session there were about 20 nos. of Farmers interacted through
internet availed the infrustructure by the CIC operators of Darrang 
Dist.

The name of benefited farmers through the programme as follows :

1. Abul Kasem, Vill.- No.3 Thekerabari, P.O. Balabari, Darrang Dist.,
Assam 

2. Patiram Muchahari, Vill. & P.O.-Bhakatpara, Darrang Dist., 
Assam.

3. Habibur Rahman,, Vill.- Khataniapara, P.O. Dhula, Darrang Dist., 
Assam.

4. Anowar Hussain, Vill.- Pachim Kamarpara, P.O.- Kharupetia, Darrang
Dist. 

5. Eunus Ali, Vill.- Khataniapara, P.O. Dhula, Darrang Dist., 
Assam.

6. Abdul Majid, Vill.- No.3 Thekerabari, P.O. Balabari, Darrang Dist.

 
7. Joran Brahma, Vill.- No.1 Mazgaon, P.o.-Bhakatpara, Udalguri Dist. 

8. Ishab Ali, Vill.- Paniakhat, P.O. Dhula, Darrang Dist., Assam.

9. Chandu Ali, Vill.- Ondulajhar,P.O. Dhula, Darrang Dist., Assam. 

10. Rejaul Haque, Vill.- Paniakhat, P.O. Dhula, Darrang Dist., Assam. 

 11. Hasen Ali, Vill.- Kajia Char, P.O. Mangaldai, Darrang Dist., Assam. 

12. Ibrahim Ali, Vill.- Ondulajhar,P.O. Dhula, Darrang Dist., Assam. 

13. Kamaluddin Ahmed, Vill.- Hirapara, P.O. Dhula, Darrang Dist., Assam.

 
14. Hiren Deka, Vill.- Hirapara, P.O. Dhula, Darrang Dist., Assam. 

15. Latifur Rahman, Vill.- K.Bandia, P.O.- Mangaldai, Darrang Dist., Assam.

The Following Scientist & Agri Expert were pleased to answer the 
above farmer's questions.

1. Mr. Nripen Medhi, Agricultural Pathological Expert, Ulubari Bio
Chemical Laboratory, Guwahati, Assam.

2. Md. Abdul Baten Chaudhury, Agricultural Dev. Officer, Rani, Kamrup
Dist., Assam.

3. Mr. Khagen Sarma, Agricultural Dev. Officer, Bhakatpara, Dalgaon
Circle, Darrang Dist.

In this programme the Hon'ble Agricultural Minister,Assam,  Mrs. 
Pramila Rani Brahma was participated and encouraged the farmers to take the
opporunity of this type of service of IT in near future.

The Farmers were delightly confessed their this type of wonderful
experience of this programme.

Thanking you, sir.
With regards
For & onbehalf of CIC operators,Darrang Dist.

Nitu Nath, CIC operator,
Dhula, Darrang, Assam.

 news__32.pdf

Assam to hire McKinsey to boost economic growth

http://www.newkerala.com/news4.php?action=fullnews&id=3068

Guwahati: Assam hopes to tap the expertise of well-known consulting firm McKinsey to chart plans to boost the state’s economy.

“We have held one round of talks with McKinsey and we are very much interested to hire them to help us formulate plans for attaining a balanced economic growth in the state,” Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told journalists here Sunday.

“We are ready to spend money and hire the firm and our primary objective is to see how we can achieve all-round development of our state,” the chief minister said.

Gogoi said McKinsey could help chalk out plans to ease the growing unemployment problem.

“My immediate priority is to see how best we can develop sectors like agriculture and generate employment,” he said.

The chief minister said his government was not according the top priority to set in an IT revolution like other states.

“First I want to set in order village schools and generate employment. To set up an IT university or a college is my second or third priority,” he said. “I want to provide drinking water facilities, healthcare and other basic amenities first to my people.”

Gogoi, however, said during last six years his government was able to change the mindset of the people with development now being the catchword.

“Now you find people like (Infosys Technologies chief N.R. Narayana) Murthy coming to Assam to explore possibilities of setting up centres here,” the chief minister said.

The Infosys founder was in Guwahati over the weekend and said his firm was ready to set up a base in Assam if the state government provided basic infrastructures. “We told him we could provide what we want in a few years time. A five-star hotel is coming up in Assam very soon,” Gogoi said.

Value system key to success

Guwahati, Saturday, August 5, 2006

---

NR Narayan Murthy, Chairman Infosys Technologies Limited delivering his lecture at Assam Engineering College premises in Guwahati on Friday. — UB Pbotos

Value system key to success
By A Staff Reporter
GUWAHATI, Aug 4 – The chief of Infosys, NR Narayana Murthy emphasized the importance of value system, learnability, problem solving orientation, and teamwork as some of the major requirements for success in the field of engineering and technology. While addressing students and faculty members of the Assam Engineering College today, he also referred to some points, which would determine whether the tech major could set up a development centre in the State in the near future.

Narayana Murthy was noticeably circumspect while speaking on the prospect of Infosys establishing a development centre in Asom. He cited several requirements, which were determining factors in Infosys having a presence in any region, including efficient air connectivity, adequate telecom bandwith, five star hotels, and high quality schools for children of the work force among others.

Taking part in a lecture-cum-interactive session held to coincide with the start of the Multi Disciplinary Centre initiative in the college campus, Narayana Murthy spoke about the relevance of a multi-pronged approach in engineering and technological pursuits. He was of the belief that the multi-disciplinary approach was essential in a world where no single discipline could solve technological problems on its own.

Repeatedly stressing the need for a good value system, the Infosys chief said that he wanted students and the youth to be focused in their efforts, have a sense of fairness and have speed and imagination.

According to him, logic and communication were two of the abilities, apart from skill sets, which were highly valued by IT companies like Infosys. Teamwork was cited as the other quality that was appreciated in the area of work.

Laying special emphasis on the learnabilty and problem solving abilities of individuals, he said these were of particular pertinence in a world, where change was the only constant.

A notable aspect of Narayana Murthy’s lecture was his insistence on gender parity, and in the question-answer session he insisted that a girl student should raise the first question. He also made certain that female and male students asked questions alternately.

Admiring the sylvan surroundings of the AEC, Narayana Murthy described it as an ideal location for learning to take place. He wanted more students from the college to join Infosys, and hoped that at least 30 students would join his organization during recruitment this year.

Earlier, Sudha Murthy, the head of Infosys Foundation, and wife of Narayana Murthy, in her lecture highlighted gender issues by referring to her personal experiences. She recalled how she had sent a postcard to the legendary JRD Tata taking exception to an advertisement that sought to recruit only male candidates.

Thereafter, she was called for the interview, after which she became the first woman to work in the shop floor of TELCO in Pune. Even after that she had to put in extra effort to probe her expertise as an engineer. She urged female students to have self-confidence and said “you will have to run your marathon on your own terms.”

In her address, she referred to the ancient texts, and on one occasion mentioned that love for fellow beings, forgiveness, and control of the mind were keys to a fruitful life and career. “It is only money with compassion that brings happiness,” she stated.

On the work of the Infosys Foundation, she said that it was active in several parts of the country where Infosys was present. It served the weakest sections in the areas of health and education.

Meanwhile, the Infosys chief, during a meeting with Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, stressed the need for creating an investor-friendly climate in the State for attracting investors in the State. He particularly emphasized the importance of developing a sound transport and communication network in the rural and interior areas.

Meanwhile, the North East Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NECCI) submitted a memorandum to the Infosys chief to “make the presence of Infosys felt in the North-east as the leader of IT so that other could follow.”

Assam to go for IT

Assam to go for IT

IT Minister holds meeting with Murthy on setting up information technology centre

Saturday, August 05, 2006

http://www.ciol.com/content/news/2006/106080502.asp

Bhaskar Hazarika
NEW DELHI: Assam to realize its dream of being an IT City with the help of Infosys Technologies Limited.

N R Narayana Murthy, chairman and chief mentor, Infosys, who is on a two-day visit to Guwahati, will be meeting the state IT Minister and Secretaries. Official sources said that Himanta Biswa Sarmah, State Minister for Information Technology, Government of Assam is holding a meeting with Murthy to discuss plans on setting up a information technology centre in Assam.

A meeting with Tarun Gogoi, Assam Chief Minister is also scheduled for today.

A senior IT official said that Infosys is likely to set up a centre here within a short period time. However, the state government is making survey on allotting a plot for setting up the IT centre.

©CyberMedia News

Nat’l rural employment guarantee scheme kicked off in Kokrajhar

Nat’l rural employment guarantee scheme kicked off in Kokrajhar
From Our Correspondent

KOKRAJHAR, July 29 – Following the launch of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) 2006 in Kokrajhar district recently, the District Rural development Agency (DRDA) here has chalked out a series of measures and also identified the necessary course of action for implementation of the same for the benefit of the rural people.

Jagmohan Basumatary, executive engineer, DRDA, Kokrajhar district recently said that already 1,59,741 households have been registered under the scheme and 4451 registered job seekers given work on the day of launching of the scheme. He also added that as many as 1571 schemes for rural development have been approved to be implemented under this scheme of which 148 have already started.

Talking to this correspondent, Basumatary also informed that under the council of Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) formed a unique structure with village council development council (VCDC). These are the gaon panchayat and territorial constituency level coordination committee (TCLCC) involving revenue villages headed by the BTC to implement the scheme.

Basumatary also revealed that an amount of Rs 20 crore has been received recently under the scheme from the government. However, due to the engagement of registered jobs seekers in mostly agricultural works of our land during monsoon, further works will begin in earnest when the job seekers approach the BDOs of respective blocks, possibly after the end of the monsoons. He added that the authority has also decided to cover each area with a radial distance of 5 km for the local people only to prevent migration from outside for work under the scheme.

He further informed that works like plantation, connectivity, water reserves etc and those entitled by VCDC and TCLCC are identified as the avenues to absorb job seekers under this scheme.

Talking to this correspondent, Bistu Basumatary, chairman, Dumariguri VCDC under Dotma block said, ‘1200 households have been given job cards for 3200 plus job seekers from this area.’ Another employee Dhananjoy Brahma of the same area said, ‘such schemes are helpful for the rural people if continued uninterrupted and we are very much happy to get 100 days employment guarantee in a year.’

One Manik Chandra Brahma, chairman of Borshijhora VCDC informed that 5000 households are registered under the scheme within his area and said, ‘sufficient awareness and training is badly needed as many of the job seekers are confused with job cards as BPL cards.’

The local administration at Kokrajhar is seeking to implement the scheme in letter and spirit and they claim that the success in projects of ‘Food for work’ is highly satisfied in the district.

SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY PARKS (STP) SCHEME – ASSAM

SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY PARKS (STP) SCHEME

STP scheme is a 100% Export Oriented Scheme (100% EoU) for the development and export of computer software using data communication links or in the form of physical media including export of professional services. STP can be a virtual software development unit or can be infrastructural complex set-up for providing necessary support for the STP units.

H I G H L I G H T S Approvals are given under single window clearance scheme. An STP project may be set up anywhere in India. Director STP is empowered to approve projects with an investment of Rs. 100 million ($ 2.5 million) 100% Foreign equity is permitted and are approved under the Automatic Route delegated powers to The Director STPI. All the imports of Hardware & Software in the STP units are completely duty free. Import of second hand capital goods are also permitted. Simplified Minimum Export Performance norms i.e., US$ 0.25 million or 3 times CIF Value of imported goods whichever is higher & positive Net Foreign Exchange Earnings against Export Earnings. Use of computer system for commercial training purposes is permissible subject to the condition that no computer terminals are installed outside the STP premises. The sales in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) shall be permissible upto 50% of the export in value
terms. STP units are exempted from payment of corporate income tax upto 2010. The capital goods purchased from the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) are entitled for the benefits like levy of Excise Duty & Reimbursement of Central Sales Tax (CST). Capital invested by Foreign Entrepreneurs Know – How Fees, Royalty, Dividend etc., can freely be repatriated after payment of Income Taxes due on them if any. Domestic projects will not attract any local levies. Repartition of foreign currency for payments can be freely done

What is the Registration for ?
For establishing a 100% Export Oriented Unit engaged in development computer software for export.

Following activities are covered under the scheme:

Manufacture/development of software in India for exports

Onsite consultancy services for development of software at the client’s site abroad.

Supply of services / value added services from India to any other country and supply of service to the service consumer of any other country in India is also covered under the scheme,” provided payments for such services are received in free foreign exchange”.

Sales in the domestic market are also permitted to a limited extent under certain conditions.

Who can Register:

A sole proprietary concern.

A partnership firm.

An Indian company.

An Indian subsidiary of a foreign company.

A branch office of the foreign company

An existing software company operating in India.

Conversion of an existing DTA unit to STP unit is also permissible.

If an industrial unit is operating both as a domestic unit as well as an STP unit, it shall have two distinct identities with separate accounts. But all the transactions of the imports and exports or supplies effected relating to the 100% EOU activity of the STP unit shall be kept distinctly separate from those made by the other domestic unit of the company.

How to register:
Submit the following documents to the Director, STPI, Guwahati:

Application duly signed by the authorized signatory setting the official seal along with the copy of the Board Resolution nominating the authorized signatory in case of limited companies otherwise with Director’s signatures.

In three copies where the approving authority is Director, STPI. Otherwise in six copies for approval by the IMSC, New Delhi.

Project Report, justifying the ability of the enterprise as to the potential in manpower expertise, technology segment marketing and customer support arrangements, business plans, type of software development envisaged, profile of balance sheet, profit and loss a/c, cash flow statement, profitability statement etc.

Document evidencing sole proprietory concern/partnership firm/company registration certificate, memorandum of association, memorandum of articles.

Copy of agreement/MOU/purchase order/letter of intent with the overseas customer (if any) in support of the business potential.

Lease deed/sale deed of the premises.

In case of an existing unit:
Product line to be specified, copy of the audited annual accounts for the last 2 years to be furnished.

D.D for Rs.2500 drawn in favour of STPI. However in cases falling under S.No.2 & 3 of the the table below two demand drafts to be submitted as follows Rs.1500 in favour of the STPI, Guwahati and Rs. 1000 in favour of PAO, Department of Industrial Development, Ministry of Industry drawn on SBI, New Delhi.

In case of foreign collaboration, technical/financial, agreements thereof

For cases involving foreign investment

Board’s resolution in support of the foreign investment.

Certificate regarding the previous financial collaboration, if any.

If the foreign investment is covered under the RBI automatic route copy of intimation sent to RBI for the investment already made to be furnished.

Approval By Whom – How Soon
Sl. No.
Category
Approved by
How Soon
1
Where value of total imported capital goods <= Rs.100 crores and foreign investment if any is covered under the automatic route of RBI.
Director STPI
2 weeks
2
Where value of total imported capital goods > Rs.100 crores and foreign Investment if any is covered under the automatic route of RBI.
IMSC (New Delhi)
2 Months
3
Cases involving foreign Investment requiring approval FIPB*
FIPB (New Delhi)
2 Months
* Note :Foreign Investment- Automatic Route of RBI
Foreign Investment Upto 100% in IT Industry Permissible. Allotment of shares is against receipt of money. Upper limit of investment is Rs. 600 Crores. RBI to be intimated after allotment.

———————————
Terms of Operation
The period of operation is 5 years. It can be further extended to 10 years.

———————————
100% EOU Status
Steps to achieve 100% EOU Status under the STP Scheme:
Upon approval, the unit has to submit the willingness letter.

Execute legal agreement in the prescribed form on Rs.100 stamp paper duly signed by the authorized signatory.

Pay Rs. 45,000 as advance towards annual service charges (for initial three years).

STPI will adjust as per the following scale:

Scale for annual service charges
IF EXPORT IS
SERVICE CHARGES
Up to Rs 50 Lakhs
Rs. 15,000
> Rs. 50 Lakhs & < 3 Crores
Rs. 50,000
> Rs. 3 Crores
Rs. 1.00 lakh
Upon executing the legal agreement, the unit attains the status of 100% export oriented unit under the STP Scheme and it has to fulfill the obligation as set forth in the legal agreement such as, commencement of production within the stipulated period, fulfillment of export obligation etc.

———————————
Commencing Operations
Apply for IEC code to the DGFT, Guwahati.

Furnish to STPI a list (in triplicate) of capital goods to be imported, indigenous equipments required for the manufacture/development of the software.

STPI will endorse the list for filing with Customs and Central Excise.

Obtain clearance from STPI, Guwahati for custom bonding license. Apply to Customs and Central Excise department for license.

Furnish documents evidencing the owned/leased premises proposed to carry the operations along with the floor plan of the premises.

License is granted in two weeks.

Furnish copy of the above license to STPI, Guwahati.

If STPI datacommunication link is required, please apply for the same at STPI.

Forms are available in STPI Guwahati City Centre at Panbazar and in The Earth Station at Borjhar.
Imports

For imports of capital goods, apply to STPI, Guwahati in the prescribed form enclosing the proforma invoice of the seller, for issue of import license.

If import of items is on loan basis, please furnish supporting documents.
Second hand capital goods can also be imported.

Leasing of capital goods can be sourced from domestic / foreign leasing companies.

Import / indigenous procurement of office equipments permitted upto 20% of the total value of the capital goods installed.

———————————
How to Export Onsite Consultancy Projects and Sales in Domestic Market

Software can be exported through Data Communication link / physical media, or software can be developed at customer site abroad by deputing software professional of the unit.

Export of software developed in India :

Through Data communication Link : Obtain a softex form from R.B.I. Fill in the same and submit it in triplicate to STPI for clearance along with the following documents. Invoice (3 copies), Customers agreement /W.O. /P.O., Project details in the form prescribed by STPI, Data transmission details in support of the export of software.In case of using the data communication link from VSNL, certificate in the prescribed form to be furnished.

Physical Media : Obtain GR form from RBI and submit the same, duly filled in , along with the customers agreement, invoices in duplicate and shipping bills in triplicate to STPI, Guwahati, for clearance.After clearance, the documents should be presented to the Post office for dispatch.

Onsite Consultancy Projects: Submit to STPI, application in the prescribed Form A (in triplicate) along with copy of agreement /W.O./P.O from the customer abroad before deputing the software professionals abroad for development of software. The form will be cleared and signed, one copy being returned to the unit and another to the RBI.
After completion of the project or as soon as payment in respect of consultancy services is received, submit to STPI information in the prescribed Form B (in triplicate), along with invoice, and the FIRC. After clearance from STPI a copy of FORM B will be returned to the unit for submitting the same to the authorized banker.

Sales in Domestic Market :

After the export of the Software to the minimum extent (known as Export Obligation) is achieved for the financial year, the unit may obtain from STPI specific permission for sales in the Domestic Tariff Area to the extent of 50% of the value of Export made and money realised.

Domestic sales made by the unit for which payment is realised in foreign currency is also treated as export income. Specific approval of STPI has to obtained for this purpose.

Sub-contracting : STP units may sub contract part of the work/process through job works on the DTA units or to other EOU/EPZ/EHTP/STP units after obtaining necessary permission from the Assistant Commissioner of Customs.

———————————
Use of Computer System for Training
STP units may also be allowed to use the computer systems for training purpose after obtaining necessary permission from the Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise subject to export obligation and that no computer terminal shall be installed out side the bonded premises for the purpose.

———————————
Debonding of Equipment, Obsolete Equipment
Debonding of Equipment If an STP unit is not able to utilise the imported equipment /goods, it can re-export or dispose
them in DTA on payment of applicable duties.
———————————
Obsolete Equipment The equipment may be disposed off in DTA subject to payment of customs duty on the depreciated value.If such equipment is destroyed with the permission of Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise, no duty is payable.
———————————
Going out of the Scheme The period of operation for STP unit would normally be 5 Years. The Director, STPI would permit debonding of the STP unit if it has met the export obligation and other conditions of letter of approval.

In case the unit has not fulfilled the Export obligation and other conditions of the letter of approval , the case would be forwarded to the DGFT for taking Penal action for non-fulfillment of the condition of the letter of approval. The units would also be required to pay the customs duty, Central Excise duty and it will be liable for levy of liquidated damages.
———————————
What are the Unit’s obligations – Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s

The development / production of the unit under the scheme shall be carried on in a customs bonded area. For this purpose a warehouse bonding licence from the Customs and Central Excise Department has to be obtained and renewal of the licence on time has to be ensured.

Commencement of production within the gestation period is allowed under the scheme and exports started from the first day after the expiry of the gestation period. Intimate STPI of the date of commencement of commercial production of exports.

The unit shall be a net foreign exchange earner. Minimum Net Foreign Exchange Earnings as Percentage of exports (NFEP) and minimum Export Performance (EP) shall be achieved as specified here under:

Minimum NFEP (Value addition) – 20% Minimum export performance over the period of 5 years : US $ 2,50,000, or 5 times the CIF value of the capital goods imported, whichever is higher.

The unit shall realise the amounts due for the exports made within 180 days from the date of export, or the due date under the contract, whichever is earlier.

If the unit fails to fulfil the export and other obligations under the scheme, it will be liable to pay the customs duty and excise duty on the goods procured and such other penalties and liquidated damages as may be decided by the Government.

In case external commercial borrowings are resorted to, necessary permission from Ministry of Finance is to be obtained.

In case of import of US controlled items, please comply with the relevant provisions.

Maintain separate accounts for the operations under the scheme.

Maintain prescribed records and documents.

Furnish copies of customer’s contracts for Software development to STP for registration.

Pay the dues to STPI on time.

Submit the Quarterly Annual performance reports in the prescribed form on time.

At the time of debonding of the unit after the expiry of the period of export obligation, the unit has to pay the following:

Customs duty on the depreciated value of capital goods at the rate enforced on the date of payment of duty.

Customs duty on unused raw materials and components on the value at the time of import and at the rate enforced on the date of clearance.

In respect of excisable goods, duty to be paid on the value without allowing depreciation and at the rate applicable on the date of clearance.

Apply to STPI for clearance in the following cases

For any change of address, change of name or constitution of the unit.

For extension of premises for carrying out the operations.

For shifting of equipment from the bonded warehouse for repairs, temporary transfer, permanent transfer, inter unit transfer, disposal, etc.

For exporting the imported equipment for repairs/replacement.

For re-export of equipments imported on loan basis.

For enhancing the limit of capital goods to be imported.

For obtaining permission for sales in DTA .

For debonding of the equipment of the unit.

For reimbursement of CST.

For sale of imported capital goods and materials.

For disposal of obsolete equipment.

For donation of obsolete equipment.

Don’ts

Please do not utilise the equipment procured duty free for any activity not covered under the scheme.

Please do not carry on any operation not covered under the scheme in the customs bonded warehouse premises.

Data circuit is meant exclusively for the purpose of transmission of data between two designated locations and sub-lease to any company or re-engineering to any other

location is strictly prohibited.

Data circuit should not be used for voice purpose on PSTN, as per the Indian Telecom Act.

———————————
Compliance with rules and regulations
The various steps / procedures / requirements enumerated above are as per the relevant provisions in the rules and regulations mentioned below and the same have to be complied with by the units.
The STP scheme and the terms and conditions given in the 100% EOU approval letter and the annexure thereto and the legal agreement.

Provisions in the Import / Export policy and procedures, the Foreign Trade Regulation Act, Customs and Excise Regulations and Any other Govt. rules / instruction , orders of STPI etc. may be applicable.

IT POLICY GOVT. OF ASSAM

IT POLICY GOVT. OF ASSAM

1. Introduction
Information Technology (IT) occupies a key position in our modern age and is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world economy. Applications of IT have become pervasive, covering all spheres of life. Government of Assam has recognized this fact and has formulated the policy below keeping in mind all facets of IT.
2. Objectives of the policy
The basic objectives of the Information Technology policy of Assam shall be:

To accord primacy for the growth of I.T. industry for the purpose of socio-economic development of the State

To accelerate the use of Information Technology industry at the governmental level with the view to provide better services to the citizens of the state;

To improve productivity and efficiency of the Government services to the citizens of the state.

To serve as an important tool to enhance employability as well absorb a major portion of the educated employed in the state.

To enable the state reach an eminent position in the Information Technology sector.

To encourage and accelerate the growth of both the domestic and the export oriented I.T units in the state and make the state an attractive destination for I.T investment within India and abroad.

To encourage and accelerate the use of Information Technology in schools, colleges and educational institutions in the state to enable the youth to acquire necessary skills and knowledge in this sector making them highly employable.

To set up training institutes in the private sector and the joint sector in order to prepare skilled manpower within the existing system.

To organize Manpower Development Training in the field of Computer Applications for the successful implementation of the Information Technology Policy of Assam.

To develop appropriate networks between various departments and different spatially spread out administrative hierarchies through well designed database management systems.

To encourage the spread of IT in the private sector.

3. Salient Features of The Policy:
The salient features for the Information Technology Policy of Assam shall be:

3.1 Information Technology Policy for the Government Administration:

3.1.1 The Industry & Commerce Department would function as nodal department, for implementation of the IT Policy, which would co-ordinate with all the other departments of the government of Assam in order to ensure that the detailed objectives and goals of the IT Policy are achieved.

3.1.2 The Government shall endeavour to have connectivity among all its offices within 2004 so that communication can flow through e-mail/ video conferencing etc., to enhance productivity. The Government shall endeavour to provide video conferencing & e-mail facilities in all district head quarters to enable communication with the State Secretariat.

3.1.3 The Government shall endeavour to improve the process of governance so that citizens could file their documents required by the Government electronically. Web applications would be developed in the local language of the state.

3.1.4 The Government shall endeavour to put in place training programme to enable all government employees to use Information Technology to enhance productivity

3.1.5 The Government shall make a special budget allocation of at least 2-3 % of the plan fund allocated to the Government departments every year to complete its computerisation programmes in each Department. An I.T sub-plan would be formulated department-wise and closely monitored.

3.1.6 The Government shall improve infrastructure such as laying of communication cables for interconnecting the departments, setting up of data transfer exchanges, routers etc., and ensure reliable power supply, transport system etc., to improve the quality of work.

3.1.7 The Government shall encourage the use of Information Technology in all educational institutions by way of giving special grants every year to enable them to put up the necessary infrastructure. Connectivity between the various educational institutions would also be established by 2004.

3.1.8 The Government shall with the help of the industry start training programmes for teachers to help them use information technology in the teaching process.

3.1.9 The Government shall endeavour to teach the school level children the use of computers and to impart training through computers. All college students in the state of Assam would be encouraged to undertake three months course in the use of Information Technology and in working on computers by 2004.

3.2.0 The Government shall endeavour to increase the number of college students specialising in Information Technology to meet the needs of the Information Technology industry to cater to both the export and the domestic market. The syllabi for specialisation in computer education would be standardised and recognised to make it more relevant. The education department would monitor the placements on offer and make suitable changes in the design of courses according to the needs of the jobs.

3.2.1 The Government shall strengthen the Assam Electronic Development Corporation Ltd (AEDC Ltd). AEDC will play the role of facilitator and assist various govt. departments in selection of appropriate Hardware, Software and training programmes in accordance with their needs.

3.2.2 For specialised training in emerging areas of Computer and Communication Technology, the Government shall consider sponsoring employees of various Government departments, undertakings, autonomous organisations and other non-governmental organisations to institutions situated within or outside the state. All efforts would be made to set up an autonomous IIIT at Guwahati with assistance from Private sector and Union Government.

3.3 Information Technology Policy for the Industry:

3.3.1 Government shall set-up a Software Technology Park (STP) at Guwahati in the first phase with comprehensive infrastructural facilities which would include adequate power, water and telecommunication facilities. Adequate residential areas shall also be developed in and around the STP to enable easy accessibility to the professionals working in the STP units.

3.3.2 Government shall encourage the private sector to establish STPs in the State of Assam.

3.3.3 Government shall permit establishment of the IT industries in residential areas.

3.3.4 The Government shall endeavour to set up an electronic sub-urban town in an appropriate location having fully developed integrated infrastructural facilities. This Electronic City shall be solely for the use of the Information Technology Industry and allied services. The state government will encourage private sector participation in development of such infrastructure.

3.3.5 The Government shall co-ordinate and liaison with the Software Technology Park of India (STPI), the nodal agency for development for the software industry and organisations such as Videsh Sanchar Nigam (VSNL), Department of Electronics, Department of Telecommunication, National Informatic Centre, and other such
organisations of Government of India to expand communication links in the state of Assam. These agencies shall be encouraged to set up gateways and earth stations and Government shall try to provide land / building / space and other facilities whenever needed on priority basis.

3.3.6 In order to ensure that the Information Technology industries in the state are in a position to meet international quality certification like ISO 9000 etc., and Software Engineering Institute (SEI) certification which are insisted upon by International companies, efforts would be made to establish such an organisation or its branch at Guwahati, which shall be authorised to issue such certifications as may be necessary.

3.3.7 For development of 100% Export Oriented Units (EOU) in Assam, Government of India would be requested to designate an Officer at Guwahati to grant necessary clearances /and approvals under 100% Export Oriented Scheme.

3.3.8 Information Technology industries in the State would be assisted with the development of telecommunication network in the state for which Government and its agencies would constantly liase and co-ordinate with Department of Telecommunication and draw up time bound action plans for up-gradation and strengthening of telecommunication net works. As a short-term measure, development agencies of the Government of Assam viz. Assam Industrial Development Corporation Ltd, Assam Small Industries Development Corporation Ltd, Assam Electronic Development Corporation Ltd & Assam Industrial Infrastructural Development Corporation Ltd shall make block bookings for telecommunication connections in potential areas and locations. This would ensure that entrepreneurs who come forward to set-up Information Technology Industry can be sanctioned telecommunication facilities immediately on application.

3.3.9 Government shall endeavour to arrange financial assistance to the Information
Technology industries to be established and set-up in the state. Government will initiate dialogue with the Banks and Financial Institutions to evolve a suitable procedure for obtaining finance for the units on a priority basis. The state Govt. would create a corpus of funds as venture capital fund with AIDC to provide assistance to the IT sector.

4. Definitions and Eligibility:

Information Technology includes Information Technology and telecommunications.

Information Technology industry includes IT hardware and software industries; IT software industry includes IT software, IT services and IT enabled services, but excludes training institutions in this field.

Information Technology infrastructure means the physical infrastructure built by the Central Government, State Government, a firm, a builder and sold to an IT industry for its own use or the infrastructure built by an IT industry for its own use.

New unit means an IT unit which has commenced commercial production on or after the date on which the policy has been notified.

Existing unit means an IT unit, which is or was in commercial operation at any time prior to the date on which the policy has been notified.

100% Export Oriented Unit means an IT unit, which undertakes to export its entire value added goods subject to relaxation as permitted by the Government of India from time to time.

Fixed Capital means and includes cost of land & its development, building including operational space, godown, laboratory, plant & Machinery & its installation cost, pre-operative expenses capitalised, Electrical and such other equipment which are directly related to operational activity.

EXPANSION of an IT unit means additional fixed capital investment exceeding at least 25% of the capital investment of the existing unit. For the purpose of calculation, gross value of all the capital investment made on land, building and plant and machinery of the existing unit will be taken into consideration. Expansion shall also imply an increase of at least 25% in the existing installed capacity as well as increase an in additional employment by least 10%.

MODERNISATION means separately identifiable investment made by an industrial unit involving new/improved technology having definite advantages in reduction of cost of production provided the additional investment in fixed assets should not be less than 25% of the gross fixed capital.

4.1 Eligibility:

All industries defined as IT industries shall be eligible for the incentives enumerated. The units undergoing expansion / modernisation shall be eligible for incentives for the increased capacity created after expansion / modernisation of the existing unit.

4.2 INCENTIVES FOR PROMOTION OF INVESTMENT IN IT SECTOR :

Incentives shall be available to the new units as well as to the existing units
undergoing expansion / modernisation. The package of incentives shall be as
follows:

4.2.1 Sales Tax Exemptions

All new units and existing units undergoing substantial expansion / up-gradation / diversification shall be granted sales tax exemption on sale of finished products, value added products and purchase of capital goods and raw materials for the following period. However, sales tax exemption for purchase of capital goods will be given only if such goods are purchased locally:

1. New units – 10 years

2. Existing units – 10 years

(undergoing expansion/ up-gradation / diversification)

(A separate notification will be issued by the Finance (Taxation) Department in
this regard)

However, the sales tax exemption will be reviewed by the Industries and Commerce
Department after 5 years to decide their continuation or otherwise.

4.2.2 Power Subsidy:

Power subsidy shall be available for a period of 5 years from the date of going into commercial production. The amount of subsidy shall be 50% subject to a ceiling of Rs.5.00 lakh per year

4.2.3 Subsidy on Generating set:

The subsidy on captive generating set including non-conventional energy generation set shall be 50% of the cost of the generating set subject to a ceiling of Rs.10.00 lakh per industrial unit.

4.2.4 State Capital Investment Subsidy:

State Capital Investment Subsidy of 30% on the capital investment on land, building, plant & machinery etc., subject to a ceiling of Rs.10.00 lakh shall be provided to an IT unit under the policy. For 100% EOU and for units run by women S.C. And S.T. Entrepreneurs the ceiling of subsidy shall be Rs.15.00 lakh.

4.2.5 Subsidy on Infrastructure:

50% subsidy on shed rent payable to STPI shall be available for a period of three years from the date of going into commercial operation subject to a ceiling of Rs.2 lakh per annum.

4.2.7 Subsidy on Hot line / Lease line connectivity:

30% subsidy on Hot line / Lease line connectivity paid to STPI or VSNL subject to a ceiling of Rs.5.00 lakh per annum shall be available to the units for a period of three years from the date of commercial operation.

4.2.8 Manpower Development subsidy:

Subsidy on Manpower development shall be provided in respect of training / technical upgradation / Skill upgradation of local persons in a recognised training organisation / institution subject to the following ceiling:

Investment in fixed capital Total ceiling

Up to Rs.20.00 lakh Rs.1.50 lakh

Rs.20.00 lakh to Rs.25.00 lakh Rs.2.00 lakh

Rs.25.00 lakh to Rs.50.00 lakh Rs.3.00 lakh

Rs.50.00 lakh to Rs.100.00 lakh Rs.5.00 lakh

Above Rs.100.00 lakh and above crore Rs10.00 lakh

The above amount shall be available for a period of five years from the date of commercial operation of the unit only.

4.2.9 Subsidy on Quality Certification:

50% of the cost for getting ISO: 9000, Software Engineering Institute (SEI) certification and Quality Assurance Institute (QAI) certification shall be subsidised subject to a ceiling of Rs.2.00 lakh.

4.3 For mega projects the government would consider special incentives on a case by case basis in addition to the benefits already provided. A mega project may be defined as one having an investment of Rs.100 crore and more.
5. Special incentives for IT Enabled Industries
In addition to the benefits provided to IT Industries the following benefits shall be provided for IT enabled services.

5.1 Power subsidy shall be available for a period of 5 years, from the date of going into commercial production. The amount of subsidy shall be 60% subject to a ceiling of Rs.10.00 lakh per year.

5.2 The subsidy on captive generating set including non-conventional energy generation set shall be 60% of the cost of the generating set subject to a ceiling of Rs.15.00 lakh per industrial unit.

5.3 State Capital Investment Subsidy of 40% on the capital investment on land, building, plant & machinery etc., subject to a ceiling of Rs.15.00 lakh shall be provided to an IT unit under the policy

5.4 60% subsidy on shed rent payable to STPI shall be available for a period of three years from the date of going into commercial operation subject to a ceiling of Rs.5 lakh per annum.

5.5 40% subsidy on Hot line / Lease line connectivity paid to STPI or VSNL subject to a ceiling of Rs.10.00 lakh per annum shall be available to the units for a period of three years from the date of commercial operation.

The eligibility criteria specifically for the IT enabled sector are as follows.

a. The unit should provide employment for minimum 100 local persons.

b. Employment should be provided for a minimum period of three years.
c. A minimum wage of atleast Rs.4500 per month per employee shall be provided by the unit.
6. The Government would take all necessary steps to exempt the IT Industry from the relevant provisions of the following regulations –
a. Factories Act, 1948
b. Employment Exchange (compulsory notification of vacancies) Act, 1959
c. Payment of Wages Act, 1936
d. Minimum Wages Act, 1948
e. Contract Labour (Regulation & abolition) Act, 1970
f. Workmen Compensation Act, 1923
g. Shops and Establishment Act, 1971
h. Employees State Insurance Act, 1948
i. Zoning Regulations under the Gauhati Metropolitan Authority Act, 1985

(Notification for zoning vide No.TCP.79/83/56, dtd.25.9.1986 published in Gazette on 24.12.1986).
7. Implementing Agency
The Industries and Commerce Dept. would be the nodal agency for implementation of Information Technology Policy of Assam on behalf of the State Government. The Policy shall come into effect from the date of notification of this policy till such time, the Government may consider it fit and proper .The Government also reserves the right to make any amendments in the policy.
8. Eligibility Certificate:
8.1 Eligibility Certificate is a certificate, which shall be issued by the Udyog Sahayak Cell to be constituted at the Assam Electronic Development Corporation Ltd. For the purpose of implementation of this policy.
8.2 No right or claim for any incentives under the policy shall be deemed to have been conferred by the policy merely by virtue of the fact that the unit on its part has fulfilled the conditions of the scheme.

8.3 The incentives under the scheme cannot be claimed unless the FINAL Eligibility Certificate has been issued under the policy by the implementing agency and the unit has complied with stipulations / conditions of the Eligibility Certificate.

8.4 The decision of the implementing agency, subject to such direction as Government may issue from time to time in this regard shall be final and binding.
9. Procedures for application:
Separate guidelines for issuance of Eligibility Certificate & submission of claims for incentives would be issued.
10. Priority for disbursement:
The disbursement of the incentives by the implementing agency shall be in accordance with the chronological order of approved claims. Priority shall however be given to 100% Export Oriented Units.
11. Interpretation:
The decision of the Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Assam, as regards to interpretation of this policy resolution / incentive scheme shall be final. The State Government reserves the right to increase or decrease the incentives or frame new guidelines, amend any provision(s) including withdrawal of any of the incentives/ subsidies provided in this policy.
12. Implementation and Monitoring of the Policy:
12.1 Information Technology Cell (ITC):

In order to provide various information and facilities to the IT industry and to ensure proper delivery of all services a separate Cell known as Information Technology Cell (ITC) shall be created at the Assam Electronics Development Corporation Ltd (a Government of Assam undertaking). The primary objective of the ITC shall be to provide adequate information to the entrepreneurs, identification of projects and its implementation and also to keep in touch with similar organisation/ institutions on the line of IT within and out side the state.

12.2 Functions of ITC:

All administrative Departments shall refer all issues related to implementation of the Information Technology Policy to the ITC and keep the ITC apprised of all actions taken in this regard. ITC will perform the following functions:

i. Ensure adequate publicity of the Information Technology Policy of Assam, 2000 as well as render all assistance to the entrepreneurs to avail the benefit of the incentives.

ii Identification of prospective entrepreneurs, building up a data bank to guide and motivate the entrepreneurs and also to prepare viable project profiles in different categories of investment .

iii Enlistment of applications and issuance of eligibility certificate under the policy .

iv Co-ordinating with the connected agencies / administrative departments for implementation of the IT Policy.

v Proper and effective implementation of all incentives and issuance of sanctions thereof.

vi To refer all relevant issues to the Government or to the Committees framed thereunder for any matter connected with implementation of the policy.

vii To take up any other matter entrusted by the Government from time to time.

12.3 Procedures for issuing eligibility certificate:

The application for issuance of eligibility certificate shall be submitted to the Assam Electronic Development Corporation Ltd., directly for issuance of Eligibility Certificate. The Government shall issue a separate notification on constitution of a committee entrusted with the powers of approval on the proposals.

12.4 Information Technology Task Force

An Information Technology Task Force of the State (ITTFS) shall be constituted under the Chairmanship of the Chief Minister to review the implementation of the Policy as per references given below :

The Chief Minister of Assam
Chairman

The Minister of Industries & Commerce ,Assam
Vice-Chairman

The Chief Secretary of Assam
Member

The Commissioner & Secretary/ Secretary to the Govt. of Assam , Industries & Commerce Department
Member

The Commissioner & Secretary/ Secretary to the Govt. of Assam , Education Department

The Commissioner & Secretary/ Secretary to the Govt. of Assam , Finance Department

The Commissioner & Secretary/ Secretary to the Govt. of Assam , Science & Technology Department

The Commissioner & Secretary / Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Planning & Development Department.

Four representatives from the IT industry to be nominated by the Government

The Director IIT Guwahati

The Chief General Manager , DOT , Assam Circle

The Director , STP , Guwahati

The Director of Industries & Commerce , Assam

The Managing Director , AIDC Ltd

The General Manger , SIDBI

The Chairman NEDFI

The Managing Director , AEDC Ltd

Chairman \ Vice-Chairman may co-opt at least five expert (s) as members of
the committee.
Member Secretary
Function of the Committee:

To review the implementation of Information Technology Policy of Assam , 2000 and to make suggestions for improvement in this regard to the concerned departments from time to time .

To advise the State Government for constitution of any sub-committees or any study team for effective implementation of the policy for the State.

To examine the problems faced during the implementation of the policy and suggest remedial measures to solve such problems.

To discuss inter developmental co-ordination problems to suggest remedial measures.

To review and monitor development of infrastructure for IT Industry.

The Committee shall meet as and when necessary but not less than thrice in a year with the approval of the Chairman .

12.5 Inter-Departmental Information Technology Committee:

To co-ordinate inter departmental activities to propagate development of Information Technology in the State and to monitor the development in the sectors like education, Industry etc. an Inter Departmental Information
Technology Committee (IDITC) shall be constituted under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary as below:

The Chief Secretary, Govt. of Assam, Chairman

The Commissioner & Secretary/ Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Industries & Commerce Department ,Member, Secretary

The Commissioner & secretary/ Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Finance Department. Member

The Commissioner & Secretary / Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Planning & Development Department. Member

The Commissioner & Secretary/ Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Education Department

The Commissioner & Secretary/ Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Revenue Department

The Commissioner & Secretary/ Secretary to the Govt. of Assam, Science & Technology Department

The Managing Director , AIDC Ltd

The Managing Director , AEDC Ltd

The Director of Industries & Commerce

Chairman may co-opt at least two expert(s) as members for the committee.

Function of the Committee will be as follows:

To review the implementation of Information Technology Policy of Assam, 2000 and to make suggestions to the Information Technology Task Force from time to time.

To monitor the implementation of the various objectives of the policy and to suggest growth of IT industries in the State.

To examine the problems faced during the implementation of the policy and suggest remedial measures.

To look into the matters of different Government departments in relation to IT.

The Committee shall meet once in quarter in a year with the approval of the Chairman.