 "IT Minister asks Nitish to expedite IT initiatives in Bihar")
IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has written to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to expedite various initiatives related to electronics sector in the state as it will create employment and give greater opportunities to young people.
Ruing the slow pace of progress shown by Bihar government, Prasad said the state’s IT Department had conveyed about earmarking 250 acres of land for setting up electronics manufacturing cluster in Nalanda district on October 8, 2014.
“However, no proposal in this regard has so far been received in spite of many follow-ups by my department,” Prasad said in the letter.
The Minister, who also hails from Bihar, said Department of Electronics and IT (DeitY) had accorded in-principle approval on August 7, 2015 for setting up Greenfield electronic manufacturing cluster in Gaurichak district, being promoted by AV Ispat.
The applicant was required to submit the final application with detailed project report within six months for consideration of grant assistance.
However, the Minister said, despite several follow-ups, no final application has been submitted in this regard.
The electronics manufacturing scheme provides financial incentives to offset disability and attracts investments in the electronics hardware.
It provides subsidy for investments in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and 25% in non-SEZs, is open to receive applications till July 26, 2020.
Regarding other issues faced by DeitY and its attached offices, Prasad said the state government is yet to finalise land allotment for opening of National Institute of Electronics and IT (NIELIT) at Muzaffarpur and Buxar. The Minister had declared in November 2014 to set up the centre at these two cities.
Prasad also raised issues regarding setting up of software technology parks of India (STPI) at Bhagalpur and Darbhanga, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and common service centres (CSCs).
The Minister, who had also made personal requests to the Bihar Chief Minister, has again sought intervention of Kumar to implement the programmes.
“Hailing from Bihar, I am willing to render all cooperation. However, the state government, I need to emphasise, has to play a proactive role,” Prasad said.
