The government on Wednesday unveiled a draft information technology (IT) policy with focus on establishing Kerala as a knowledge powered society by 2020 through the application of digital technologies in empowering citizens, creating lifestyles, and promoting commerce.
Tabling the policy in the Assembly, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said digital technology had become imperative for the development of modern industries and the general well-being of the State. He said the government would take the initiative to integrate IT with the manufacturing sector and use it to improve citizen service delivery and generate employment.
Mr. Vijayan stressed the need to harness the unlimited possibilities of Internet of Things, social media, mobility analytics, and Cloud computing.
The draft document proposes the creation of one crore sq ft of office space in the IT sector to provide employment to 2.5 lakh people. It calls for utilising the capabilities of the cooperative sector and non-resident Malayalis to develop IT parks and create technology hubs.
Electronic goods making
The document outlines an ambitious scheme to broadbase the manufacture of electronic goods and components among different sections of the population, including home-makers. It also seeks to modernise the activities of Keltron and strengthen its R&D division.
The policy framework calls for establishing research institutions in the areas of convergence of IT and biotechnology and harness their activities to improve the quality of exports from Kerala such as fruits, vegetables, fish and spices.
It envisions a connected ecosystem of academic institutions leveraging Telepresence, audioconferencing, online portals, and app-based learning.
The document seeks to create a safe framework for digital living by improving cyber security and ensuring privacy and freedom of internet.
Government hospitals would be computerised and networked and patient data used for planning and implementation of health schemes. The policy seeks to leverage current and emerging technologies like Massive Open Online Courses, Artificial Intelligence and Smart Home technologies to improve citizen service. It also calls for promoting technologies like robotics, flexible electronics, wearable technologies, autonomous vehicles, 3D printing, and virtual currencies.
Single sign
To improve citizen services, it proposes a single sign in for government interactions, digital government, and right to service.
The document also moots a digital advisory board comprising experts from the IT, telecom, and other related domains to help the government in formulation of guidelines, project execution, and governance.
The draft policy is open to the public and experts for debate.
