‘We are thinking of creating a separate fund for start-ups, incubators’

All eyes are on the Information Technology (IT) industry’s prospects in Telangana, pre-dominantly around the IT hub of Hyderabad. K Taraka Rama Rao (KTR), son of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao, who has just taken over as the newest State’s IT Minister spoke to Business Line on the road-map for the State’s IT industry and key priorities. Excerpts:

Hyderabad is already an IT hub. What are your plans for the city in the context of tough competition from hubs in other states?

The biggest advantage I see here is the infrastructure. Possibly, the city has overtaken Bangalore as an IT destination. This will continue. From the policy point of view, we would like of focus on encouraging start-ups in IT industry and providing incubation facility. Creation of a separate fund for IT start-ups/incubation is being considered.

Will you continue with the IT policy put in place by the erstwhile Government of undivided Andhra Pradesh ?

We are very clear that there will be no political vendetta or witch-hunt . I find that some aspects of the existing policy are also good. But we will re-strategise the priorities in the context of changed realities with a focus on job creation.

Any specific plans for Hyderabad?

Yes. I want to make Hyderabad the first city in the country and among the few in the world to become a completely free Wi-Fi city.

From a people’s point of view, this will be very beneficial, while for the industry it shows that we are doing something for the city. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has already stated that law and order and other eco-system would be improved in Cyberabad.

By when will this happen?

I need to work out the details. There may be some issues with the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) initially as it would affect them. But, I am keen on doing this at the earliest.

Will the IT-industry continue to be Hyderabad-Centric?

First of all, why should all multinational companies go to tier-II cities? Honestly, they don’t get the infrastructure that is available in Hyderabad . A better model could be encouraging IT-start-ups in these towns and creating job-opportunities for local talent. Let’s see how this goes.

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