PATNA, BIHAR: The Bihar government will soon have its own information technology (IT) policy and give industry status to the IT sector to help it attract more investments, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said Thursday.

"I am glad to announce that Bihar will have its IT policy soon and the IT sector will be given industry status, which will boost its development," Kumar said here at a programme organised by the industry forum Infocom.

"The thrust of the new IT policy would be to attract national and multinational IT companies to invest in the state," he said.

Last year, the government had put out its draft IT policy on its official website for suggestions and comments.

Speaking as chief guest, Kumar said the government was committed to providing all possible facilities to IT companies interested to invest in the state.

"I would like to personally request IT industry honchos to make Patna a new centre of IT in India. We will give you all help," said the chief minister.

He also said the government had decided to introduce IT education in all Plus Two schools in the state. "Students will be given IT education from class 9 onwards," he said.

Besides, 10 percent of school teachers will be given IT training.

Kumar also announced that the government would launch an e-governance mission for better coordination among all departments.

©IANS