Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) Facility was officially inaugurated by Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar in the presence of Advisor IT&C, NRE, S&T, Mmhonlumo Kikon at Directorate of Information Technology & Communication on 17th September 2021.

Minister of State, Rajeev Chandrasekhar delivering his message said that electronic and information technology and skill development and entrepreneurship may be both very different but the underline common thing is that it both target the youth and the mission is to build a runway of opportunity of hope and prosperity for all the youths of India. He also said that the inauguration program of STPI is fulfilling part of PM’s vision of creating a technology eco system in the north east and thereby creating opportunities for future generations of youngsters of this region.

He said the main reason of his visit to the north eastern region is aimed at creating a real change in the technology ecosystem in the region and deepening the extent and quality of opportunities that comes from the ecosystem. He remarked that the main objective of NIELIT centers across the country is to take the delivery of skills, knowledge and expertise closer to the communities that will use them. He further opined that the training centers across the north east states is already creating appetite for more learning among the youths and aligning the learning to the opportunities that exist outside. He said that in the next six to eight months the other strategy that will be visible in north east region will be new ideas and new concepts that are more relevant in the post COVID world.

He called on the Ministry of Electronic & Information Technology to work closely with the State Government and State Administration in order to create the outcome of job opportunities. He further encouraged the IT department to create a rolling strategy to have monthly meetings with the Ministries. He suggested STPI that while core focus be on graphic design but that should not exclude other ideas to incubate. He also urged the state government to build a network using the STPI and NIELIT with the other education institutions to create more job opportunities in Nagaland. In conclusion he said that post COVID -19 there is tectonic shift in demand of technology around the world and one of the sectors in India which has grown in double digit is IT sector, which can create huge opportunities in delivering technology to the world.

Advisor, Information Technology & Communication, New & Renewable Energy, Mmhonlumo Kikon informed that the Government of Nagaland has silently invested a lot of energy and resources for the IT Department. He stated that the STPI is not just for giving grants and identifying entrepreneurs, but the Government of India will be handholding them through mentorship for achieving success of the programme that will be chosen.

Mmhonlumo declared that the Government of Nagaland envisions to create 5000 IT and ITeS related jobs in the next two years in active collaboration with the Union Ministry. He stated that due to changed scenario because of COVID-19, STPI, IT Department will create an ecosystem where internet will be made accessible to every nook and corner of Nagaland.

Mmhonlumo also called on the IT related agencies in the State like NIELIT, NIC to collaborate and coordinate with the IT Department in the days to come. He further stressed on the need for NIELIT courses to be relevant to the uneducated unemployed youth.

Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, IT&C and Power, Nagaland, K. D. Vizo stated that knowing the huge potential of STPI, Department of IT&C had given almost 40% of building infrastructure to STPI. He said that it is the right time to take Nagaland to the next higher level and make it the land of e-Governance, through extensive use of e-Governance and ICT based technologies. Vizo also added that the main aim of the Department is to make the State a major software exporter in South East Asian Region and make the State one of the richest states in the country by actively engaging unemployed youth in meaningful IT and e-Governance related activities.

Minister of State, Rajeev Chandrasekhar also virtually inaugurated the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology, Chuchuyimlang, Permanent Campus during the programme and interacted live with the students.

                                                                                                (Esuihangle & Nouneseno, IA)