Haryana plans IT hub and electronic toy manufacturing policy

Haryana is planning to introduce a new policy aimed at enhancing its IT and electronic toy manufacturing sectors. Currently, the IT and ITeS industry is mostly concentrated in Gurgaon, but the government seeks to expand its presence throughout the state. The proposed policy, which will last five years, aims to create 300,000 jobs and significantly boost the state's IT service exports. These are expected to grow from ₹79,000 crore to ₹1.2 lakh crore. The overall IT turnover in Haryana is projected to double from ₹1.5 lakh crore to ₹3 lakh crore during that time. Under the new policy, IT/ITeS units will be considered essential services. A committee will decide their eligibility. Additionally, the policy aims to encourage innovation and research in the IT sector by providing various incentives to both new and existing businesses. Currently, there are no electronic toy manufacturers in Haryana. The new policy aims to attract ₹1,000 crore in investments to create this industry and generate around 10,000 jobs. To improve the business climate, two draft policies have been developed — one for IT/ITeS and another for electronic toys. The government plans to offer an employment generation subsidy of ₹48,000 per employee per year for ten years, to encourage hiring local residents. The draft policies will also streamline business clearances and allow for flexible working conditions, including night shifts for women. Haryana is already recognized as a significant player in the IT industry, being the third-largest exporter of software in India. The state aims to broaden its reach to other cities to drive technological growth and digital transformation. Ultimately, the government's mission is to position Haryana as a leading destination for investment in both the IT and electronic toy manufacturing sectors. It hopes to create an attractive business environment with world-class infrastructure to facilitate growth and innovation.