J&K signs MoU with NBCC to set up IT towers in Jammu, Srinagar

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LG sets deadlines for their completion; asks for incorporating scope for future expansion

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the NBCC to set up IT towers in the twin capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar, officials said.

The MoU was signed between top officials of the NBCC and the J&K IT Infrastructure Development Company in the presence of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for establishing the two IT towers at a cost of Rs 50 crore each, they said.

Sinha set a deadline of 15 months and 17 months for completion of the towers at Jammu and Srinagar, respectively, the officials said.

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Speaking on the occasion, the LG observed that the development of IT infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir would go a long way in creating a conducive environment for start-ups, economic growth and creation of employment opportunities.

“Growth of the Information Technology sector is absolutely imperative for economic growth and for creation of gainful employment opportunities” the LG remarked.

According to an official press release, the LG said that improvement in the regulatory environment and business ecosystem has been a major priority of the Jammu and Kashmir government. A number of reforms have been implemented to promote industry and services, he added.

“We have enough money and resources to give a fillip to the Information Technology sector and last year alone Rs 156 crore was provided to make substantial investment for effective penetration of digital technology in the entire Jammu and Kashmir,” the LG maintained.

He said that “many of our youngsters, who are working in cities like Bangalore and Gurugram may also like to return and contribute to our efforts of promoting innovation entrepreneurship culture. The UT government is working with a vision to promote the latest scientific and technology driven innovations to make J&K self-reliant.”

“Now, this infrastructure is expected to significantly increase Jammu and Kashmir’s appeal to top national investors in the field of Information Technology and enabled services,” said the LG.

It was also informed that the proposed amenities in IT Towers, Jammu and Srinagar include raw incubation space; raw office space; plug and play; data room; conference hall; finishing school; work-station; cafeteria; gymnasium/yoga room; electrical room; HVAC, BMS,CCTV, fire-fighting; parking, STP, sub-station; landscaping & horticulture.

J&K administration is also undertaking development of 20 rural BPOs with plug and play infrastructure, one each in every district. These facilities will be available to local businesses and entrepreneurs on rental basis and will help give impetus to local startups and generate local employment, an official press release informed.

The administration has also launched the J&K Startup policy to encourage startups and innovation in the UT, the officials said.

Baseer Ahmad Khan, Advisor to the LG; BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the LG; Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Commissioner/Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department; PK Gupta, CMD NBCC; Ankita Kar, JK IT Infrastructure Development Company; MK Chawla, CGM NBCC and Anoo Malhotra, Director, Industries & Commerce, Jammu were present on the occasion.