STPI RECORDS 47% HIGHER GROWTH DURING 2001-2002
The Software Technology Parks of
India (STPI) have registered a growth rate of 47% higher than
the previous year (Rs.29,523 crore during 2001-02 as against Rs.20,051
crore in 2000-01). The total National Software Exports, as reported
by NASSCOM during the financial year 2001-02 is Rs.36,500 crore,
which makes STPI’s total contribution towards national export
to more than 80%.
The State-wise export figures of
STPI centers also present encouraging trend. Among the main centers
Karnataka(Rs.9904 crores), Tamil Nadu(Rs.5014 crores), Maharashtra
(Rs.4603 crores), Andhra Pradesh (Rs.2805 crores) and Haryana(Rs.2140
crores) are the top five States, which have recorded an excellent
growth rates. Closely on the heels are Uttar Pradesh(Rs.2000 crores)
and Delhi(Rs.1750 crores), while States like West Bengal, Kerala,
Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan have begun to register upswing
in percentage growth. Gujarat, Punjab and Pondicherry too have
started contributing. The STPI is also hopeful of enhanced contributions
from the newly established centers in due course which overall
shows that despite receding market trend, STPI’s track record
is encouraging.
STPI, an autonomous body, under the
Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communication
and Information Technology was established with an objective to
implement STP scheme, set-up and manage infrastructure facilities
and provide other services like technology assessment and professional
training. It has grown into a 35-centre strong entity in the last
decade. The network covers entire country, catering to the requirements
of 100% EOUs and the software exporters of international competitive
tariff.
STP Scheme has attracted many entrepreneurs
and over 7200 have been approved by March 2002 end. The figure
for exporting software units stands at about 3500. These units
are entitled to a number of facilities such as completely duty
free imports, exemption from payment of local duties, exemption
from corporate income tax upto March 2010, single window government
clearance and upto 50% of export DTA sales is allowed. STPI also
offers incubation facilities to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
STPI provides state-of-the-art
High Speed Data Communication (HSDC) facility. It has installed
35 International Gateways at its centers.
