Software exports from Tamil Nadu are expected to cross Rs 40,000 crore in 2009-10, Tamil Nadu Information Technology Minister Poongodhai informed the assembly today.

Software exports in 2008-09 were of Rs 36,680 crore, she said.

She said 69 new software companies had commenced their operations last year.

According to a study, the growth of IT sector would be around 14 per cent and around USD 67 billion is expected to be invested in the country.

Taking into consideration this growth, Tamil Nadu government would invest close to Rs 675 crore for setting up Information Technology Parks in Madurai, Tirunelveli, Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore, Salem and Hosur, she said.

The state government has modified the rules of providing space for IT companies, which hitherto was applicable only for those companies having a turnover of Rs three crore.

Now even companies having Rs one crore of turnover can invest in IT parks.

A 'Information Security Policy' would soon be introduced to safeguard government websites, she said.

Under free television sets distribution scheme, for which government has allocated Rs 3,480 crore for distribution of 1.52 crore television sets in a five year period, she said 1.15 crore TV sets have been distributed in last four years.

The remaining 37.37 lakh television sets would be distributed before November this year, she said.