The government's promise of a single-window clearance in reality opens a host of other windows. Speedy and one-stop clearances are just promises, say IT professionals. Industry points out that it takes three to four months to get a power connection or an upgradation on load. Load shedding is common during summer. Telephones are the lifelines of the IT sector.
Connections are erratic.
Processing of connections and transfers takes long time, say insiders. Optic fibre cable is likely to be laid in the entire state by the end of 2001 by Spectra Net. The Software Technology Park of India has already set up an earth station, besides the Puncom VSNL satellite link. The Punjab Government's package for the IT industry includes sales tax exemption, electricity duty exemption, capital investment subsidy and generating set subsidy. IT projects catering to clients overseas are exempt from income tax excise and Customs duty.