A host of initiatives have been planned by the State Government for development of Information Technology sector in Odisha.
The measures include formulation of BPO policy, promotion of brand Odisha, constitution of a vision group comprising eminent IT professionals of the country, holding national and international conferences, scaling up facilities at Infovalley and setting up of IT SEZs in various towns of the State.
According to official sources, these initiatives have been planned by the State Government for the first time as part of a comprehensive multi-pronged strategy to promote Information Technology (IT) sector in Odisha. With a growth of 12 per cent in the IT sector, Odisha is ranked among the best 10 States in the country with Rs 2,564 crore exports in 2014-15.
In order to achieve higher growth and to scale new heights, the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DoEIT) has chalked out the road map and strategy for such an initiative. DoEIT Principal Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena recently held discussions with his team of officials to review the progress, which revealed that Odisha has registered continuous growth in software exports with four STPIs already in operation and six more under proposal stage.
The proposed BPO policy includes several tax and non-tax incentives, single window clearance system, simplified labour laws, skill gap training, soft skill training, up-gradation of technology universities, tie-up with large BPOs for courses and training and subsidised capital investment, etc.
On the other hand, a vision group will be constituted with eminent IT professionals of the country to recommend strategies to be followed for its visibility and attracting investments to the State. Sources said the DoEIT has already approached several top IT professionals and their consent is being sought.
Besides, in a bid to promote brand Odisha, national and international IT conferences like NASSCOM CEO Meet will be organized at the State capital. Similarly DoEIT will sign MoU with NASSCOM for skill development and start up incubation facilities in the capital city.
Annual competitions among the entrepreneurs of the State on development of new apps using different platforms and getting new ideas having potential to be converted into enterprises, which will be judged by panel of eminent IT experts, are also on anvil.
Sources said IT SEZs will be set up in various towns of the State where all sorts of infrastructure will be provided. One of the initiatives planned includes celebration of annual State Information Technology Day, where awards will be given to IT/ITES/ESDM units for outstanding performances.