"STP Scheme is basically an export oriented
scheme, formulated to promote Software Development and IT enabled Services."
Dr. Omkar Rai
 An Interview with Dr Omkar Rai,
Director General, STPI, Mohali
What is the Vision & Objectives of STPI?
Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) is an
autonomous society set up by Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Government of India in 1991, with the objective of promoting the Software Exports from the country and played a seminal role in this regard. Starting with a few centres in 1991, STPI has grown all over the country with 52 centres. STPI centers have had a nucleating effect on the growth of software exports from these locations. Presence of STPI centers has generated employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. We strive to make India an IT superpower.
The objectives of the Software Technology Parks of India are:
- To promote the development and export of software and software services including Information Technology (IT) enabled services/ Bio - IT.
- To provide statutory and other promotional services to the exporters by implementing Software Technology Parks (STP)/ Electronics and Hardware Technology Parks (EHTP) Schemes and other such schemes which may be formulated and entrusted by the Government from time to time.
- To provide data communication services including value added services to IT / IT enabled Services (ITES) related industries.
- To promote micro, small and medium entrepreneurs by creating conducive environment for entrepreneurship in the field of IT/ITES.
What are the focus sectors for Industry for STPI?
STP Scheme is basically an export oriented scheme, formulated to promote Software Development and IT enabled Services.
What are the services offered by STPI?
The main services rendered by STPI for the software exporting community have been, Statutory Services, Data Communications services, state-of-the-art incubation facilities and Project Management and Consultancy.
How STPI does help its members in their business growth?
STPI has been providing Statutory Services on a single window clearance mechanism from various STPI centers spread across the country under the following scheme right from inception:
- Software Technology Park (STP) Scheme
- Electronics Hardware Technology Park (EHTP) Scheme
STPI has been facilitating regional development by promoting Tier II/III cities as software hubs by establishing STP Centers thereby resulting in uniform dispersal of IT/ITeS industry across the country. STPI is offering ultra-modern office facilities to small units and entrepreneurs. Plug-n-Play facilities for start up units enable short gestation period. This has encouraged many entrepreneurs to start their own operations and grow in a competitive environment.
Could you articulate your roadmap & strategies
for enabling IT investment in the State?
STPI – Mohali is dedicated for the regional growth
of IT and project the strength of the region. STPI has
been working closely with the State Govt. in hosting
the IT events and also taking active part through
participation in various similar events being
conducted at other regional STPI centers at different
states, to promote the state.
State Government through numerous industry promotion programs continues to give a fillip to the IT and ITeS sector in the State. The State can further reap the benefits by aligning with the triad of IT, Electronics and Telecom policies of MCIT which is under formulation with their IT policy for an inclusive growth in IT and Electronics sector of the State.
How can we promote domestic demand for IT in the state?
STP Scheme is basically an export oriented scheme. However, DTA Sales are allowed by a 100% EoU registered under STPI up to 50% of their export earning. To promote domestic demand for IT in the State, there is a need to catalyze and scale up and enrich the ecosystem. After all, an ecosystem is nothing but a system of interconnected stakeholders – Government, Academia, institutions and individuals - whose close linkages enable efficient production, diffusion, and use of new and economically useful knowledge.
How does STPI envision growth of this industry in the time to come?
The growth in the state is phenomenal & an ecosystem is already in place for the growth of the present IT units & nurture new upcoming units. However, for consistent growth, the ecosystem should be scaled up. The region specializes with the expertise into successful product development. We expect the continuous Year-on-Year Growth of 20% for the region.
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