Five National Software Technology Parks coming up in Bengal

Kolkata, Jul 13 (UNI) The West Bengal government in association with the Centre is setting up five "Indian Software Technology Parks" in the state with provision for converting them into Special Economic Zones(SEZ).

This was announced here today by state Information Technology minister Debesh Das while replying to a query of CPI(M) legislator Samsul Islam Mollah in the Assembly.

He said under a well chalked-out programme with the Science and Technology department of the UPA government, his ministry had acquired about 30 acres of land in Durgapur, Siliguri, Kharagpur and Haldia and in the city here for the establishment of five ISTPs within the next 18 months at a cost of several crores of rupees.

Moreover, he said, the state government was planning to set up nine more software parks in smaller towns to help a large number of small and medium sectors units to set up industries in those areas.

This was in addition to nine such centres which had already come up in as many towns and cities,the minister informed the House and said this had altogether generated about 2,000 employment.

About the scope of further employment generation in IT sector, Dr Das later told newsmen in his chamber that within the next two years and following the establishment of five ISTPs as many as 110,000 software engineers would find suitable jobs, thereby opening a new vista in the industrial rejuvenation programme of the state government.

About the scope of hardware technology in the state, Dr Das said at least four such manufacturers had already set up their shops in the state with some more showing similar interest.

Regarding the scope of greater cooperation between the industry and academic institutes for creating more specialised jobs for different sectors, the I T minister said the proper methodology for this purpose was still being chalked out through continuous dialogues betwen the government and the industry.

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