To disperse the IT industry from Mumbai and Pune to tier -2 and tier -3 cities in the state, the Maha Vikas Aghadi government will provide incentives to the IT sector to set up projects in tier-2 and tier-3 cities like Nagpur, Amravati, Latur, and Satara, said minister of state for information technology and home Satej Patil.
He also said the government plans to launch a healthcare platform to connect public health centres, civic hospitals, and medical colleges in rural and urban areas.
The minister was speaking at an industry conference organised by IMC, Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The minister outlined the state's IT-related initiatives and pledged full support to IT-related businesses.
Patil said during the virtual conference that Maharashtra has led the way in IT and that the state government led by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray will continue to do so.
Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Aurangabad have proven to be IT hubs, and their human resources have kept the state on top in the sector. “Many important projects have been undertaken and implemented by the state government's MahaIT company. Last year, we waived over 30 lakh farmer loans, and 30 lakh students received scholarships directly into their bank accounts “he said.
The state wants to spread the IT culture from big cities to small towns, he said.
“Mumbai and Pune are saturated in the IT sector due to migration. We want to expand this progress to tier-2 and tier-3 cities like Nagpur, Satara, Amravati, Latur, Nanded, etc. by encouraging industries. A separate IT policy will help industries with electricity and other infrastructure needs “he said.
Patil added that the state IT department was developing a platform to address healthcare needs.
“We will connect local district authorities with hospitals and clinics so people can get help quickly. Using Mahanet and Bharatnet platforms, we have connected 12,000 Gram Panchayats and 25 districts and cities to the internet “said he
The minister said the state government was open to suggestions from IT industry stakeholders.
