New IT policy soon, says minister; 99.5 crore allocated for startup mission

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance Minister K N Balagopal said that a new IT policy will be released soon. The announcement was while presenting the last budget of the second Pinarayi government. Rs 99.5 crore has been allocated for the Startup Mission and Rs 20 crore for the Pravasi Industrial Park in the budget. The minister also stated that a cultural incubator will come up in Kochi.

Rs 159 crore has been earmarked for infrastructure development in the tourism sector. The work near home project will be expanded to 200 centres. Rs 150 crore has also been allocated for the project. The minister said that steps will be taken to provide better employment conditions for gig workers. The minister added that facilities will be provided for gig workers to join welfare funds. Rs 20 crore has been allocated for gig hubs and Rs 20 crore for the nativity card project.

Rs 22.27 crore has been allocated for the marketing of Kudumbashree products and Rs 50 crore for the textile sector. K N Balagopal also announced that a multi-sector logistics centre will be set up in Kannur. Rs 1000 crore has also been allocated for the development of Vizhinjam. Rs 27.21 crore has been allocated for the digital university. Rs 57 crore has been allocated for K Space.