Mumbai, June 25 -- In a push for the digital economy, the state government has unveiled new incentives offering long-term and permanent electricity-duty exemptions to Information Technology (IT) firms, Information Technology Enabled Services (ITeS) and data centres. The move is aimed at attracting fresh investments and expanding digital infrastructure across the state. The benefits, notified by the industries department on June 22, are part of the state's Information Technology and Information Technology Enabled Services Policy, 2023, and the Integrated Green Data Centre Parks Policy. Under the new policy, eligible IT and ITeS units will receive electricity duty exemptions ranging from 10 years to permanent waivers, depending on their category and location. Data centres have emerged as the biggest beneficiaries, with the state granting a 20-year electricity-duty exemption to all eligible new and existing facilities registered under the policy. According to a notification, all new and existing IT units operating in special economic zones (SEZs), IT parks within SEZs, standalone SEZ units and 100% export-oriented units registered with the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) or other competent authorities will receive a permanent exemption from electricity duty. "New IT and ITeS units established in public or private IT parks and registered with the Directorate of Industries will be eligible for an electricity duty exemption for 15 years," the notification further adds. Officials said the move is aimed at strengthening Maharashtra's position as a leading destination for technology and data-centre investments. The state is also pursuing an ambitious plan to transform the Mumbai Metropolitan Region into India's leading data-centre hub. Apart from the 20 operational data centres, 28 projects worth Rs.7.77 lakh crore are under implementation, while another 16 projects involving investments of Rs.8.91 lakh crore are in the planning stage....