By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal: Information technology has a special importance in today’s life. The Software Technology Park, (STP), foundation of stone of which has been laid at Ganga Malanpur in Gwalior, would usher in development in the state and provide jobs to thousands of youths in the area.
On this occasion, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reportedly promised Union Information Technology Minister TA Raja to give every possible cooperation. The Union Communications and Information Technology Minister was the chief guest at the function.
Chouhan assured the Union minister that the area around STP Centre would be developed as Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of information and technology. He said assurances from three big companies have already been received in this connection.
Describing January 23 as a very important and pious day, Chief Minister Chouhan recalled the memories of great freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose who was born today and paid tributes to him. Highlighting farmers woes, the Chief Minister said that as on today 37 out of 157 Tehsils of the state are in the grip of drought. We have declared these 37 Tehsils as drought-hit and the state government is extending all possible help and relief to these drought-hit Tehsils. He said that he met Prime Minister and Union Agriculture Minister yesterday at New Delhi and urged them to given Central assistance for these drought-hit Tehsils.
The Chief Minister said that he has included undertaking surprise raids in his style of work with a view to ensuring proper implementation of public-oriented schemes and projects. He also mentioned use of information technology including video-conferencing and e-budgeting by him for better administration.
Union Communication and Information Technology Minister Raja, while expressing pleasure over foundation laying of Software Technology Park, hoped for state government’s cooperation. He also expressed the hope that the park would be completed within the deadline. He said that India has carved out its distinctive place in the world in the field of information technology in which STP has played an important role. This institution was formed in 1991 when the quantum of export in this field was only to the tune of Rs. 50 crore. It has now risen to Rs. 220 crore. The Union minister said that now centres of STP would also be established at small places. He also termed as encouraging the results of the centre established at Indore.
At the outset of the programme, STP director general Bharat Bhushan threw light on the contribution of the institution in the area of information technology. He informed that 95 per cent units in the information technology field are directly connected to STP. He said that there are 48 centres of STP throughout the country.
Member of Parliament from Guna Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed gratitude towards both Union and state governments for establishment of Software Technology Park and assured for all possible cooperation in the development of the state as well as Gwalior by rising above political interests. He said that state government has also played an important role apart from the Union government in the establishment of this Software Technology Park. He said that the Union government has provided Rs 10 crore and the state government has allocated Rs 2 crore apart from land for establishment of the park.
Member of Parliament from Gwalior Ms. Yashodhara Raje Scindia said that establishment of the Software Technology Park would open new vistas of progress and employment in Gwalior area. Minister of State for Revenue Narain Singh Kushwah, Gird MLA Brajendra Tiwari and state BJP president Narendra Singh Tomar also addressed the function. ([email protected])