State government has envisaged creation of five lakh jobs in the information technology (IT) sector through proactive steps, including promotion of sector-specific special economic zones (SEZs) and IT parks particularly in tier-II cities. The state, which had maintained first position in it growth rate in the last two years in the country, had targeted Rs 20,000 crore exports revenue during this fiscal.

Addressing a press meet here, state IT and communications Minister P Sabitha Reddy said as part of the strategy, the government had approved setting up 44 SEZs with built-up area of 50 million sq ft. She said the state planned to achieve employment of one lakh every year in the IT sector.

Noting that it growth so far was limited to Hyderabad only, Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy had directed her department to ensure percolation of it to at least 10 more tier-II cities, she said. While it majors, including Wipro, Satyam, Infotech Enterprises, had expanded their operations to Visakhapatnam, IBBS Technopark and Linus Infotech had come forward to make Rs 64 crore investment in Warangal and provide jobs to 1500 persons.

The world famous Kondapalli toys have been given the Geographical Indication. This confers them with a special identity and prevents their duplication.

Kondapally, a small village near Vijayawada is well known for the traditional toys made from the locally available wood. Some of the well known Kondapalli toys are the Dasavatharam, Bullock cart and a man climbing a toddy tree. The GI status will help the local manufacturers to progress economically.