Emphasise on IT application, Jairam Ramesh tells Uttaranchal.

Dehra Dun, June 1 (UNI) Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh today said Uttaranchal government should emphasise on Information Technlogy (IT) aplications then IT Developments in the state.

''IT Applications in Education, Health, environment and forest management could prove fruitful for Uttaranchal as it has been the key areas of development,'' Mr. Ramesh said in his inaugural address of three-day seminar on IT.

He further said Rs. 20,000 crore has been so far invested in a span of four years in the state and it was a big challenge for the state government to translate it to projects. Refering money Order one of the important revenue generating source of the state, Mr.

Ramesh said that post office making use of IT could bring in a revolution in postal services in the state. He also emphasised on calendering the IT related programs in the state.

Mr. Ramesh revealed that by next year 50,000 people would be enrolled by IT companies like INFOSYS, WIPRO and CISCO.

Stating that Uttaranchal has a vast potential in horticulture, he said all assistance would be given to it under National Horticulture Mission to develop it into a major player.

Expressing his concern over Roorkie being not given much attention for technological development, he said Its potential has been so far underesimated and should receive due attention from the government.

He assured to establish foreign Trade Office and horticultural and floricultural laboratories in the state.

Earlier Mr.Sam Pitroda Chairman of Knowledge Commission,through video conferencing from Santiago said the development in IT sector in the country has given it a lot of confidence and recognition in the world senario. ''India has become a destination for IT enthusiast from all over the world,'' he said adding It was a great tool to improve productivity,efficiency and create opportunity all around. ''It is the key in modernising development and brings around accessibility and connectivity''. he said.

Chief Minister ND Tiwari refering BPOs stressed on looking at domestic opportunities in this sectors like Railways, Transport corporatons,Mandi Parishads.

UNI XC SBJ RN1722