Chief Executive Officer
Goa Electronics Limited (GEL)
Goa Electronics Limited (GEL) is responsible for the development of software projects in the State. It also ensures that all the guidelines of Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) are met, especially for mission mode projects like the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, says Revathi Majumdar, Chief Executive Officer, GEL, in conversation with Poulami Chakraborty of Elets News Network (ENN).
“We are taking every facility to the citizen, making business easy which will make Goa the next big destination for industries.”
Give us an overview of GEL.
The IT department is the governing body for all IT-related governance in the State. GEL is an IT Corporation of the State which assists the IT department and the State in its various eGovernance initiates. With a strong team of over 100 engineers and robust CMMI standards, we are currently managing eGovernance projects of over 30 government departments in the State and neighbouring States of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
We have two decades of experience in e-governance initiatives. We have a major role to play in consultancy, advising the best practices of the country to the State. All the Mission Mode Projects are excecuted in line with the guidance of the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY), Government of India. We are the e-governance arm of the State.
What are the key components of GEL?
The key distinguishing factor of the company remains its over 2 decades of experience in e-governance and its ability to in-house develop and implement softwares which not only meet all DIETY standards but more importantly, are useful for efficient governance. Though our forte has been software development for the government over the last decade, we have successfully diversified in areas of consultancy, system integration and programme and project management.
We ensure that all the guidelines of DeitY are met, especiallly for mission mode projects like the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana. We act as a system integrator for all the key stakeholders like National Informatics Centre, DeitY, putting everything together. In additiion to this, we also provide services related to data entry, help in setting up of data centres etc. We are going to set up Common Service Centre in the State whereby services will be provided to the grassroot level.
How are startups doing in the State of Goa?
The Hon’ble Minister for IT has been driving hard on Startup Goa which is in line with the startup INDIA initiative to give the required boost to the startups in the state. The startup policy which is formulated through extensive interaction and participation from the startups and the industry at large, will definitely be a game-changer for the startup ecosystem in the State. The plan to setup incubation centres will give the required shot in the arm to the growing ideas of the startups as well.
How far we have come to implement IT policy in the State?
We are one of the States which has done well in the IT parameters. We have the advantage of being a small State. We have the broadband connectivity to the village level till 1GB. The taluka level has broadband connectivity of 10 GB. All our applications are online.
We have a centralised system due to the availability of proper infrastructure in the State. What is the status of Wi-Fi in the State?
We are in the process of coming out with a solution whereby Wi-Fi will be available not only at prime locations like airports, railway stations, but tourist spots as well. We are in talks with various stakeholders to provide free Wi-Fi across the State.
We are coming up with the IT park and manufacturing cluster in Goa. These have been established to attract big and good industry players so that they can set up their plant there.The company wanting to expand their base in Goa should have the capaciy to hire manpower in the State.
How is Goa contributing to Digital India campaign of the Government of India?
IT departments in all the States are breathing Digital India. Everyone wants to be a part of Digital India. Our ground work for Digital India is strong. IT literacy is something we have started working on. We have been organising IT camps in the State. We also have the concept of Gramin Mitras. We have strong internet connectivity in the State. Now we have started the journey of taking services to the common man through Common Service Centres.
Who is taking care of skill development in Goa and what measures have been taken to develop it?
We want students to prepare for the industry. Unless the kids are industry- ready, there is no point of providing them education. We are working towards the skill development of students in a big way.
Where do you see Goa in the next five years?
We have arrived already and are in line with the vision of the Government of India. In the next five years, it will emerge as the model State in India. Implemenaing any project is easier here than in any other State in the country. We are taking every facility to the citizen, making business easy for the business fratenity which will make Goa the next big destination for industries.