Induction of  AI & emerging technologies in  traditional businesses needs to create sustainable ROI 

West Bengal is emerging as future destination  of IT /ITES  industries hub in India. 

 

Shri Babul Supriyo, Minister, Department of Information Technology & Electronics, Government of West Bengal said West Bengal Government is coming up with Policies in Global Capability Centre (GCC) and Semiconductor  in coming  months while speaking at 

 23rd edition of ICT East organised by CII Eastern Region in Kolkata, on 7th November 2024. 

 23rd ICT East of CII (ER) had theme ” Leveraging Emerging Technologies, Achieving Social Good” 

 

The Minister highlighted West Bengal is aspiring to be the next IT hub in India  by offering a series  incentives to investors viz….100% electric duty waiver, 100% waiver of stamp duty and registration cost and exemption of 50% property tax. The Minister highlighted  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. Furthermore, The Minister mentioned West Bengal  Government is making efforts to  address all challenges faced by IT / ITES companies.

The Minister called upon entrepreneurs operating in IT /ITES industries to act as Ambassador of IT sector of the state. 

Mr Rajeev Kumar, IPS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of IT & Electronics, Govt. 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…. 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 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 recent report .  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 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.”

There was 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. AI and emerging technologies can play important role in  development of MSME & Start-up sectors in West Bengal.