Uttar Pradesh is dexterously working to transform the state into a ‘global IT hub’ brand and thus create local job opportunities.
Under the guidance of UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government is spearheading the initiative to develop five districts as major centers for the Information Technology (IT) and IT enabled Services (ITeS) sectors.
These include Gautam Buddha Nagar (Noida), Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj districts.
While Gautam Buddha Nagar will be developed as an IT/ITeS hub, Lucknow will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
Likewise, Kanpur will become a center for Drones and Robotics, while Varanasi and Prayagraj will be established as hubs for Engineering Research and Development (ER&D).
The Yogi Adityanath government 2.0 is focused on transforming UP into $trillion economy within the next three years.
A key part of this plan is to elevate the IT/ITeS sectors, which includes prioritising skill development in emerging technologies to boost employment opportunities and create high-paying jobs.
Additionally, the government aims to establish a land bank for the IT/ITeS sectors and enhance infrastructure for the development of IT Cities and IT Parks.
Meanwhile, the state is considering form a state-level IT/ITeS advisory committee to establish the state as a leading IT hub’.
The committee will collaborate with industry and academic stakeholders to develop strategies and measures to promote the sector.
Additionally, the government is exploring the possibility of granting industry status to the IT sector, which would allow IT units to access electricity at industrial tariffs.
Furthermore, the government is devising a strategy to attract investors from the AI and drone industries, as well as from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to invest in the state’s IT sector.
There are also plans to enhance the branding of UP cities as IT hubs through technology-related conferences.