NEW DELHI: Madhya Pradesh is spearheading in e-governance in north Indian states, while Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have emerged as front-runners in e-governance initiatives, according to a Nasscom study. Madhya Pradesh has taken rapid strides in the last couple of years and is striving to be at the forefront of the IT revolution. The e-governance market in India is close to Rs 1,200 crore and is growing at about 18-20 per cent annually over the last two years. To this end, it has set up 20,000 kms of optical fibre backbone to cover its 313 development blocks across 45 districts, it said. The Madhya Pradesh agency for promotion of information technology (MAP-IT) has emerged as nodal point for its growth. To help sustain its technological edge, the state has invested in education, it said. The state has opened up private participation for computer education in schools and colleges. The Gyandoot scheme, a rural intranet network, launched in predominantly tribal district of Dhar has been very successful. The scheme has received wide recognition and has been awarded Stockholm Challenge IT Award 2000, the release added. It has established three international gateway hubs and has two basic telecom service providers. It also has the unique distinction of all its exchanges being digital.