Durgapur software park inaugurated

Expanding the base of IT revolution beyond Kolkata, the West Bengal government has decided to set up a technology valley for it companies in this industrial town.

Announcing this here today, chief minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee said the project, which would be implemented by the Asansol and Durgapur Development Authorities, would house IT and software firms over an area of 100 acre.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Durgapur Software Technology Park, the chief minister said his government would soon come up with STPs in Haldia and Siliguri.

The Durgapur and Kharagpur STPs, set up for providing bandwidth, have already commenced operation.

State IT secretary G D Gautama said West Bengal has achieved a total software export of Rs 1800 crore last fiscal.

The state having 5.1 per cent share of India's software export, was aiming for a 15 per cent share of IT and 20 per cent share of ITES export earning by 2002.