(a) whether the Government is considering to create new hubs for information technology in smaller towns;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government is considering to introduce an incentive driven scheme so that BPO`s can be opened in smaller towns; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)
(a) to (d): The Government has approved North East Promotion Scheme (NEBPS) for promotion of BPO Operations in North East Region (NER) including smaller towns, for creation of emp- loyment opportunities and growth of IT-ITES Industry. The Administrative Approval for implementation of the NEBPS under Digital India Programme, to incentivize establishment of 5000 seats, with capital support in the form of Viability Gap Funding (VGF), with an outlay of Rs. 50 crore (Rupees fifty crore only) for remaining period of 12th Five Year Plan i.e. 31.03.2017 has been issued on 30th January 2015. The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), an autonomous society under the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY), Government of India, shall be the Nodal Agency for implementation of the NEBPS.
Further another Scheme for promotion of BPO Operations, for parts of the country is contemplated for creation of emplo- yment opportunities and growth of IT-ITES Industry. The proposed Scheme would, inter-alia, lay down the appropriate guidelines in regard to eligibility, location, nature of support to the Industry and other related aspects. This Scheme would be operationalized, after obtaining necessary approvals of the Competent Authority and subject to avai- lability of resources.