Pitroda to work pro bono as IT advisor to Odisha state

Tasked with launch roadmap to make the state a frontrunner in e-governance and electronic system design and manufacturing

Telecom expert Sam Pitroda, who has been appointed as the technology advisor for Odisha, will work pro bono for the three years that he has been appointed for. 

As per the terms of engagement released by the state government. Pitroda will initially be engaged for three years. He has been given the rank and status of a Cabinet minister and will not be paid any remuneration and insurance during that period. He will advise the state government for formulation of strategies and policies to be adopted to achieve the goal of making the state a frontrunner in e-governance and electronic system design and manufacturing (ESDM). He will also guide the government for the development of IT/ITes and ESDM sectors in the state. Resources on advocacy to attract national and foreign investment will also be considered by the government.

 

"We have come out with the notification for appointment of Pitroda as the technology advisor He will be instrumental in bringing and domestic and foreign investments in IT and electronics sectors. The state government would arrange all resources and extend cooperation to him," electronics & IT minister Pranab Prakash Das said.

Pitroda, who was born in Titlagarh in western Odisha, is credited with having laid the foundation for India's telecommunications and technology revolution in the 1980s. Earlier this year, he was also named to the US' National Academy of Engineers, considered to be one of the highest honours in the profession. 

He will review the progress achieved in development of IT/ITes and ESDM sectors from time to time, and is expected to play a crucial role in launching a roadmap for telecom, IT and ITes at a time when the Odisha government is preparing a Vision Document 2036 to mark 100 years of formation of the state on linguistic grounds.

Pitroda who has earlier served as a Cabinet rank-level advisor to the Prime Minister of India on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovation, is also past chairman of India's National Knowledge Commission (2005-2009).

Appointment of Pitroda may give impetus to the ESDM sector to the state. To promote investments in the emerging ESDM space, the state government has finalized a slew of incentives to be offered to the investors in the sector.

Investors putting in more than Rs 200 crore and offering employment potential for more than 500 persons will be entitled to 25% investment subsidy on capital investment subject to a ceiling of Rs 50 crore. Further, if the project is financed by public sector banks, the state government will offer an interest subvention of 5%, among other benefits. 

The state is now looking to pull more investors in IT and electronics space. A mega hub for IT & electronics spread over more than 700 acres has been planned at Naraj near Cuttack. The state is also planning an electronics manufacturing cluster (EMC) on 207 acres of land on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.