The West Bengal IT department has been working towards creating an environment that is conducive to business growth and development. The department has taken several initiatives to improve the ease of doing business, attract local and global investments, and drive the state towards prosperity, shared Shri Randhir Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Information Technology & Electronics (IT & E), and Managing Director – West Bengal Electronics Industry Development Corporation Limited (WEBEL) in an exclusive interview with Puja Banerjee of Elets News Network (ENN).
The state has been focussing intensively on positioning itself as an IT hub with ample employment opportunities. Could you throw some light on the various initiatives being undertaken by your department to transform the IT environment & ecosystem in the state?
West Bengal has been making significant strides in the IT sector in recent years. The state government has been proactively promoting and facilitating IT industry growth, and has taken several initiatives to create an taken several initiatives to create an ecosystem that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector. The state government’s initiatives are aimed at improving the IT infrastructure, creating a skilled workforce, and encouraging startups and SMEs to establish and grow their businesses in West Bengal.
One of the most significant initiatives of the IT department in West Bengal is the setting up of IT parks in different partsof the state. The Salt Lake Sector V in Kolkata, for instance, has emerged as one of the biggest IT hubs in the country. The government has also set up IT parks in other locations like Durgapur, Siliguri, and Kalyani. These parks provide a conducive environment for IT businesses to operate and grow, with access to modern infrastructure, high-speed internet, and other facilities.
The government has also launched various skill development programs to train and upskill the state’s youth in various IT-related fields. For instance, the government has set up ITI (Industrial Training Institutes) and other training centers to impart training in different software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity skills. These programs are aimed at creating a skilled workforce and making West Bengal an attractive destination for IT businesses looking to set up their operations in the state.
The West Bengal government has also introduced several policies and schemes to promote IT entrepreneurship and startups in the state. The government’s Startup Policy thriving IT ecosystem that can attract investment and generate employment opportunities for the state’s youth. These efforts have resulted in the emergence of West Bengal as a major IT hub in the country, with a growing reputation for innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector.
What have been the efforts undertaken by your department to ensure ease of doing business, to attract local & global investment, driving the state towards attaining prosperity?
The West Bengal IT department has been working towards creating an environment that is conducive to business growth and development. The department has taken several initiatives to improve the ease of doing business, attract local and global investments, and drive the state towards prosperity.
To begin with, the department has introduced several e-governance initiatives that have simplified the process of obtaining licenses and permits, and have made it easier for businesses to operate in the state. The online portal ‘Shilpa Sathi’ has been introduced to help entrepreneurs and investors in setting up industries in the state by providing a single window clearance system for all their queries and applications.
Additionally, the department has also introduced several financial incentives to attract local and global investors. For instance, it has launched the ‘West Bengal Incentive Scheme’ which provides incentives and subsidies for setting up industries in the state. Moreover, the department has set up dedicated industrial parks, such as the ‘Silicon Valley’ and the ‘Information Technology Park’ to provide infrastructure facilities for companies looking to set up their operations in the state.
To create a skilled workforce, the department has set up several training institutes and has launched several initiatives to improve the skills of the workforce in the state. This includes programs like ‘Utkarsh Bangla’, which aims to provide vocational training to over 6 lakh people every year.
In conclusion, the West Bengal IT department has undertaken several efforts to create an environment that is conducive to business growth and development. These efforts have made it easier for businesses to operate in the state, attract local and global investments, and create a skilled workforce. With these initiatives, the state is well on its way to becoming a prosperous and business-friendly destination.
How do you see the role of newage technology in transforming the current infrastructure ecosystem and creating a future-ready enabling environment?
West Bengal, like many other states in India, has recognized the crucial role that technology plays in transforming the current infrastructure ecosystem and creating a future-ready enabling environment. The state government has been actively working towards adopting new-age technologies to improve its infrastructure and overall quality of life for its citizens.
One of the key areas where technology is being used is in transportation. The state government has been investing in the development of intelligent transportation systems, which aim to reduce traffic congestion, enhance public transport services, and improve overall mobility. The introduction of GPS-enabled buses, intelligent traffic management systems, and real-time passenger information systems has already made a significant impact in improving the efficiency of the state’s transportation system. In addition to transportation, technology is also being used in the areas of healthcare, education, and e-governance. The state government has introduced e-health services, which provide citizens with online access to medical consultations, health records, and prescription services. Similarly, technology is being used to improve the quality of education by introducing e-learning platforms and digital classrooms. The state government has also launched an e-governance initiative, which aims to provide citizens with online access to government services and information.
West Bengal recognizes that to create a future-ready enabling environment, it needs to adopt emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, the internet of things, and blockchain. The state government has already taken steps to create an ecosystem that can support the growth of these technologies by setting up incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs.
How has new-age technology been a facilitator in accelerating citizen & customer experience in the state?
New-age technology has revolutionized the way businesses and governments interact with their customers and citizens. In West Bengal, technology has played a crucial role in accelerating citizen and customer experience. The government has implemented various digital initiatives, such as e-governance, online services, and mobile apps, to enhance citizens’ access to services and streamline government processes. These initiatives have helped in reducing the turnaround time and increased transparency in governance.
The West Bengal government has launched several mobile applications, such as the “Karmo Bhumi” app, which provides a platform for job seekers to find employment opportunities in the state. Similarly, the “Swasthya Sathi” app helps citizens to avail health services and track their medical records. These apps have enabled citizens to access government services from the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for physical visits to government offices.
Moreover, businesses have also utilized new-age technology to enhance their customer experience. The state has witnessed a surge in the use of digital payment modes, which has made transactions quicker and safer. Retailers and restaurants have also introduced online ordering and delivery services, which have made it easier for customers to access their products and services.
Also Read | WEBEL leading the IT transformation in Bengal
In conclusion, new-age technology has been a significant facilitator in accelerating citizen and customer experience in West Bengal. The government’s digital initiatives and businesses’ adoption of technology have played a pivotal role in reducing the gap between citizens and service providers, thus enhancing the overall experience. The implementation of such initiatives will continue to benefit citizens and businesses in the state, making it more efficient and transparent.
The 5G rollout in India may provide infrastructure that could accelerate the digital transition of India’s economy. Your thoughts.
The 5G rollout in India has the potential to significantly accelerate the digital transition of the country’s economy. With faster internet speeds, improved connectivity and reduced latency, businesses and consumers will have access to new services and technologies, transforming the way they work, communicate and consume information.
5G will enable businesses to connect to the internet at much faster speeds, which will make it easier for them to run more complex applications and store data in the cloud. It will also enable them to adopt new technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT) and autonomous vehicles, which will drive innovation and efficiency across sectors. Additionally, the improved connectivity and reduced latency will help create new digital platforms that can facilitate the growth of e-commerce, fintech, and other digital businesses.
In addition, 5G will improve access to online education, telemedicine, and virtual reality services, which have become increasingly important in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. It will also improve mobile connectivity in rural areas, which will help bridge the digital divide and create new opportunities for farmers, small business owners and other entrepreneurs.
I believe the 5G rollout in India has the potential to drive innovation, create new jobs and stimulate economic growth. It will help India to become a leading digital economy, which is crucial for staying competitive in today’s global market. The government should work with the private sector to ensure that the infrastructure is developed efficiently, and that businesses and consumers have access to affordable and reliable 5G services.
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