Establishment of IT Towers in both capital cities
IT players yet to evince interest in plans of J&K Govt
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Sept 2: Nearly eight months of the deadlines fixed by the Lieutenant Governor for establishment of IT towers in both the capital cities of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have lapsed but necessary approvals are yet to be given by the concerned authorities. Moreover, no IT player has yet shown any interest in the plans of the Government aimed at bringing reforms in the Information Technology sector.
The delay in the approvals from the relevant quarters is notwithstanding the fact that National Building Construction Company (NBCC) is in the state of readiness to execute the projects strictly as per the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the J&K IT Infrastructure Development Company.
The MoU was signed between NBCC and J&K IT Infrastructure Development Company for establishment of IT Towers in the capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar on January 4, 2021 in the presence of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and senior bureaucrats.
Stating that J&K have enough money and resources to give a fillip to the Information Technology sector and last year alone an amount of Rs 156 crore was provided to make substantial investment for effective penetration of digital technology in the entire Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor had set deadlines of 15 months and 17 months respectively for completion of the IT Towers at Jammu and Srinagar against the time period of 24 months which was earlier set for completion of the projects.
Following the signing of MoU, required land was transferred in the favour of Jammu and Kashmir IT Infrastructure Development Corporation in both the capital cities. In Jammu, 28 kanals of land situated at Exhibition Ground has been identified for the establishment of IT Tower.
However, nearly eight months of the deadlines fixed by the Lieutenant Governor have lapsed but the necessary approvals are yet to be given by the concerned authorities of the J&K Government, official sources told EXCELSIOR.
“We have completed all our formalities and submitted relevant documents like concept notes and designs to J&K IT Infrastructure Development Corporation but during the past over two months the necessary approvals are awaited”, said Chief General Manager of NBCC M K Chawla when contacted, adding “once the approvals are accorded we will start exercise for mobilization of men and machinery for early start of work on the projects”.
Sources said that while Government has fixed Rs 50 crore cost of each IT Tower, there is every possibility of the same increasing due to cost escalation during the past eight months and approval for the same is required so that there remains no problem at the stage of execution of the projects.
“Moreover, it is required to be ascertained how many IT players would come forward as till date none of them have evinced interest in the plans of the J&K Government vis-à-vis bringing reforms in the Information Technology sector”, they further said, adding “in the absence of this exercise the IT Towers after construction would become unfruitful expenditure”.
They further said, “even if the necessary approvals are accorded immediately the IT Towers are unlikely to be completed within the deadlines fixed by the Government”, adding “if the Government really wants to bring reforms in the Information Technology sector in J&K UT it should hold deliberations on all the relevant aspects as early as possible”.
The Government believes that the development of IT infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir would go a long way in creating conducive environment for startups, economic growth and creation of employment opportunities. Growth of the Information Technology sector is absolutely imperative for economic growth and for creation of gainful employment opportunities.
As per the plans of the Government, the proposed amenities in IT Towers include Raw Incubation Space; Raw Office Space; Plug and Play; Data Room; Conference Hall; Finishing School; Work-Station; Cafeteria; Gymnasium/Yoga Room; Electrical Room; HVAC, BMS,CCTV, Fire-fighting; Parking, STP, Sub-station; Landscaping and Horticulture.
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