Odisha to be transformed into mega IT powerhouse with creation of 50,000 jobs

Odisha is poised to establish itself as a leading IT hub in India with ambitious plans to create 50,000 jobs in the sector over the next two years. The State government has crafted an extensive strategy to entice a greater number of investors into the IT industry by offering attractive incentives, official sources said on Sunday.

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The new information technology (IT) policy, which is currently pending cabinet approval, promises companies concessions on electricity, office rent, and capital outlay.

There are plans to improve internet connectivity via underwater cables from Singapore and Malaysia, along with the establishment of a data centre in Puri to strengthen the digital infrastructure.

Upcoming investment plans:

Furthermore, Odisha’s youths will receive a monthly incentive of Rs 25,000 for securing different positions within IT firms. Investment incentives include electricity bill waivers of up to Rs 35 Lakh along with 30 percent relief on capital investment on projects capped at Rs 100 crore. Projects valued between Rs 100 and Rs 200 crore are to benefit from 25 per cent relief while those exceeding Rs 200 crore will receive a 20 percent concession.

Additional incentives for land and office space are available for IT startups and companies aiming to take office spaces on rent. The government plans to cover 50 per cent of the rent for a duration of three to five years, along with a 30 per cent electricity bill reduction for costs up to Rs 35 Lakh. In the initial five years, the government will also cover internet fees up to Rs 12 Lakh annually.

BJP lashes out at previous BJD-led government

Odisha Minister of Electronics & Information Technology, Mukesh Mahaling highlighted that previous BJD-led government policies were inadequate. The IT Minister emphasised the current government’s commitment to delivering on its promises.

“Previous (BJD-led) government had brought an IT policy in 2022, which remained just an announcement. Nothing was done thereafter. The draft policy is available on the public website. We intend to invite more investors to the IT sector,” Minister Mahaling said.

To further the IT sector's growth, the budget includes dedicated funding for its expansion. Odisha intends to establish eight new Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) centres, supplementing existing ones, with proposed locations at Keonjhar and Koraput.

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This initiative necessitates substantial investment, running into several crores. The State is actively seeking feedback from both local and international IT experts and investors regarding the new policy, the Minister added.