TV
The ambitious Software Technology Park of India (STPI), aimed to boost the local economy and generate employment for hundreds of local youths, is dying a slow death in Jeypore, Koraput. Once a dream project, the STPI in Jeypore has turned into a ghost den, thanks to the inordinate delay in the completion of the construction work.
Though years have passed, the construction work of the software technology park at Phulabado on the outskirts of Jeypore is yet to be completed. The foundation stone for the project was laid in 2016.
Almost eight years have gone by, but there seems no end to the construction work that is underway on 2.8 acres of land near National Highway-26.
“The construction work seems never-ending. We do not know when they will complete everything and inaugurate the building. Koraput is a tribal-dominated area and youths have no choice but to go to other states to work as migrant workers. Even educated youths are forced to go to Bengaluru, Hyderabad and other places in search of work,” Sudhanshu Shekhar Patnaik, a local resident said.
“The completion of the project would have provided them jobs at their own place. This would also go a long way in the development of our area,” he added.
Echoing similar views, Jeypore resident Nishan Patnaik said, “Due to delay, the building has turned into a ghost den. So, we demand that steps be taken to revive it immediately.”
“The construction work is almost complete. We have finished colouring, ceiling, furniture and glazing works. There has been a delay due to the rain. But, we will hand it over within a month,” informed STPI site engineer Debabrat Barik.
When contacted, Prabhat Kumar Parida, Jeypore Sub-collector said, “It is a proud moment for us that we have an STPI in our area. The work is already in the final phase. We are trying to complete everything within a couple of months and hand it over to the public.”
