J&K govt to take steps to fuel IT growth in the state

The Jammu and Kashmir government is roping in big companies and business houses to launch new mega projects to spur Information Technology growth in the state.

The projects, which are being implemented, include setting up of 1,100 IT kiosks named ‘e-Khidmat centers’ for the delivery of services at remote villages, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said while addressing an IT conference here.

Mr. Omar said approximately Rs 150 crore worth projects are being implemented to provide core infrastructure for growth of IT industry and e-governance initiatives in the state.

He said the BSNL authorities have informed him that high band width through optical fibre connectivity is being provided.

The Chief Minister said for the past 20 years big business houses arrive in the state with blitz and vanish silently after a few months on security concerns.

“Therefore, I feel it necessary to evolve a policy under which it is necessary for every company, which desires to establish its branch in the IT sector to have local partnership”, he said.

The Chief Minister said local partnership method will not only help in the perpetual presence of reputed companies in the state but also help in running their offices round the year.

He also announced that a task force in the IT sector will be constituted where experts from the companies functioning in the state will make suggestions to draft a new policy to shape up e-governance and integrated IT sector in the state.

“Proactive measures are required to be taken by setting up dedicated IT parks, rich and efficient infrastructure as per present requirements of the globe, in order to boost IT sector in the state”, he said.

The Chief Minister said job avenues in the state have lessened and the IT sector provides a golden opportunity to accommodate our youth who have expertise in the sector.