KERALA GETS SET TO BE POWERED BY IT

Business StandardKeralas transition form Gods own countrys to Gods own e-state has come about pretty steady. A late start not withstanding, certain inherent strengths provided the state with the capability to log on to the IT revolution and Kerala made itself ready to be networked. Though not in the scale of the other southern IT regions, Kerala too has it share of unique tech boosters that continue to attract global players to its soil.

The governments role has helped much. As pointed out in the states latest economic survey document, "the government is keen to play a catalytic role for the development of IT and ITeS industry within the state, as it is ideally suited for such a densely populated state, having a multitude of highly qualified and experienced human resources uniformly spread across the state".

The government has in fact identified its role and the part it needs to play. Plans to develop Thiruvananthap-uram and Kochi as the foremost IT locations in the region come first on the agenda.

According to Chief Minister VS Achuthanan-dan, who also is the Minister for IT, the state government has commenced work on integrated townships, specifically for IT and ITeS industry. It has been pointed out that the Technocity project planned in Thiruvananthapuram and the Smart City project coming up in Kochi will boast of global standards, complete with the most modern stateof-the-art infrastructure.

The Thiruvananthapuram Technopark is already home to nationally and internationally reputed IT and ITeS companies. As the Chief Minister pointed out recently, "Kerala is in the threshold of many new initiatives in this sector. Within the next few years the state will be one of the leading states in India in the IT and ITeS sectors".

The Kerala State IT Policy 2007 had clearly spelt out a frame work in evolving the state into a knowledge society with sustainable economic growth with equity, social harmony, and high quality of life. It out lines an attractive incentive package for IT industry, enhances infrastructure capacities at our IT parks, sets up statewide e-governance network and offers single window clearance among others. The government, in the meantime, has prioritized yet another dream. It is developing parks in all districts of Kerala in a hub-andspoke model with the hubs in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode, and spokes in all the remaining districts.