(a) whether the workshop of Scientists and Technological Experts held on April 21.23, regarding development of Uttarakhand evolved a strategy for development of Information Industry in the region;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the strategy evolved to attract Foreign Direct Investment;
(c) whether the strategy include provision of a High Wide-Band- Internet connectivity to this region; and
(d) the action taken and being taken in regard thereto?
NISTER OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI PRAMOD MAHAJAN)
(a),(b) and (c): A workshop on the `Role of Science and Technology to the Integrated Development of Uttarakhand` was held during April 21-23, 2000 at Kosi-Katarmal, Almora. The workshop was not merely dedicated to the development of Information Industry, but covered a wide range of issues for integrated development of the region through S&T intervention namely
(i) Geo-resources
(ii) Bio- resources
(iii) Infrastructure and Technological Interventions and
(iv) Socio-economic aspects. Among the suggestions made one set of suggestions related to the provision of High Wide Band Internet connectivity to the region. A decision has also been separately taken to set up Community Information Centres (CICs) with full Internet connectivity in all the blocks of the Uttarakhand region along the lines of a similar decision taken for North-East and Sikkim in January, 2000.
(d): As a follow up measure, the Department of Science and Technology has recently set up a Steering Committee to evolve a Mission Mode project based on the recommendations of the said workshop and suggest ways and means for interaction, coordination and resource mobilization.