The Government of India (GoI) has taken various initiatives to promote Information Technology and Information Technology enabled Services (IT/ ITeS) sector in the country. Some of the initiatives are as detailed below:

1. Software Technology parks of India (STP) Scheme: Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), an autonomous society under Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is implementing Software Technology parks of India (STP) Scheme, which is a 100% export oriented Scheme for the development and export of computer software, including export of professional services using communication links or physical media. The exports by STPI registered IT/ ITeS Units for the year 2020-21 were ₹ 5.02 lakh crore.
2. Special Economic Zones (SEZs): The SEZ Act, 2005, supported by SEZ Rules, came into effect on 10^th February, 2006, providing for simplification of procedures and for single window clearance on matters relating to central as well as state governments. The main objectives of the SEZ Act are:

• generation of additional economic activity
• promotion of exports of goods and services
• promotion of investment from domestic and foreign sources
• creation of employment opportunities
• development of infrastructure facilities

The exports by IT/ITeS units in SEZs for the year 2020-21 were ₹ 5.1 lakh crore.

3. National Policy on Software Products-2019: GoI has approved National Policy on Software Products-2019 with an aim to develop India as the global software product hub, driven by innovation, improved commercialization, sustainable Intellectual property (IP), promoting technology start-ups and specialized skill sets, for development of the sector, based on ICT. The objective of the policy is to create a robust Indian Software Product development ecosystem leading to ten-fold increase in India share of the Global Software product market and so as to generate direct and in-direct employment for 3.5 million people by 2025.
4. Next Generation Incubation Scheme (NGIS) has been approved to support software product ecosystem and to address a significant portion of National Policy on Software Product (NPSP 2019). It is envisaged to create a vibrant software product ecosystem to complement the robust IT Industry for continued growth, new employment and enhance competitiveness.
5. Some other initiatives to promote IT sector exports include Future Skills PRIME, Market Development Initiative in Nordics and Africa Region, Market Outreach Initiatives etc. under Champion Sector Services Scheme (CSSS).

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Smt. Anupriya Patel, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

Export promotion schemes for IT services drive regulatory support and incentives to boost software and ITeS exports. Government initiatives provide a regulatory and incentive framework to promote IT/ITeS exports: the Software Technology Parks Scheme as a 100% export-oriented program administered by STPI; the SEZ Act and rules offering simplified procedures and single-window clearances to promote exports, investment and employment; the National Policy on Software Products, 2019 to develop India as a global software product hub; and complementary measures including the Next Generation Incubation Scheme and market development initiatives to strengthen export competitiveness.