The State Government is coming up with the Policies on Global Capability Centre (GCC) and Semiconductor in the recent coming months, which will position West Bengal as the next IT destination in India, said Shri Babul Supriyo, Hon’ble Minister, Department of Information Technology & Electronics, Government of West Bengal, at the 23rd edition of ICT East organised by CII Eastern Region in Kolkata on 7th November.
The Minister further stated that in the coming years, West Bengal is aspiring to be the next IT hub in India, by facilitating the environment for the technological companies through various steps viz., 15% floor area ratio allowed to IT and ITES companies, 100% electric duty waiver, 100% waiver of stamp duty and registration cost and exemption of 50% property tax. However, the recent exemption of working hours from 8.5 hours to 9 hours for IT and ITES companies in the State, is helping the companies to increase their revenue in millions of rupees. Furthermore, he said that the State Government is trying to address all the areas, and the Industry Captains should also build the perception for West Bengal.
Mr Rajeev Kumar, IPS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Information Technology & Electronics, Government of West Bengal, emphasized that technology should be focused on solving problems and creating value for the citizens. Entrepreneurs are taking the first step to solve the problems through emerging technologies and as in the few months, West Bengal Government is coming up with Global Capability Centre (GCC) and Semiconductor unit to create a Digital Public Infrastructure. The draft policy of GCC and semiconductor will be coming soon, and Private Entrepreneurs must build around this Digital Public Infrastructure. The new policies will enhance the State in ICT sector.
Mr Trideeb Roy, Managing Director – Public Sector, CISCO, outlined that irrespective of different segments in the technology market, Security and Artificial Intelligence are the one of the two largest drivers of demand for technology. According to a recent survey, 62 percent of the cost in the technological companies are maintaining for sustainability goals. Sustainable AI and Data analytics will continue to empower the technology industry. Adoption of Smart agile technology is necessary for the future.
Mr Prosenjit Sengupta, Chairman, CII Eastern Region ICTE Sub-Committee & Group CDIO, ITC Ltd, asserted that IT spending in India is estimated to record a double-digit growth of 11.1% in 2024, totalling US$ 138.6 billion up from US$ 124.7 billion last year. India’s IT industry is likely to hit the US$ 350 billion mark by 2026 and contribute 10% towards the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), as per a report by Infomerics Ratings. Talking about the East, over the past few years, Kolkata is rapidly turning into a preferred IT/BPO destination. Kolkata, as the largest IT hub in Eastern India, has seen substantial developments with over 200,000 people employed directly in more than 900 IT companies.
Mr Manojit Sengupta, Co-Chairman, CII Eastern Region ICTE Sub-Committee & Delivery Centre Head, TCS, highlighted that an emerging technology can be a positive booster for achieving the financial inclusion targets. He also said, “With IT infrastructure available in the State, an ecosystem and quality education facilities of students, will help to promote IT in West Bengal.”
ICT East 2024 aimed to foster collaboration between technology providers and users, helped organisations understand market trends, navigated regulatory changes, and explored opportunities for growth. Furthermore, there were discussions on the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, leveraging emerging technologies for social good which is not just an opportunity—it is a moral imperative which requires collaboration amongst stakeholders.