Bihar has launched a ‘digital agenda’ for itself with an ambitious vision to become one of India’s top information technology hubs, with state minister Nitish Mishra presenting a plan to focus on digital infrastructure, investment, startups and job creation. The minister formally took over the Information Technology Department, while the government is in the process of bringing about a significant technological change to enhance economic growth and provide for the youth.
Addressing in Patna, Nitish Mishra said Bihar is blessed with tremendous potential to become a good technology and innovation hub in eastern India. He said the government is all set to modernize its digital infrastructure and draw in national and international IT corporations to invest in the state. The minister said the technology industry has the potential to be a major development force and help Bihar catch up with other IT hubs such as Karnataka, Telangana and Maharashtra.
The implementation of the Bihar IT Policy 2024 and the Bihar GCC Policy 2026 will be one of the key focuses of the government. This is to promote investment in digital services, start-ups, Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and information technology. The policies are expected to create job opportunities for thousands of skilled workers in the state.
The minister also pointed out a few projects that will be scaled up in the upcoming months, such as the Bihar State Wide Area Network (BSWAN), digital connectivity programmes, programmes based on Artificial Intelligence and digital libraries at assembly constituencies. The government’s objectives include building up internet access and technology infrastructure in both urban and rural areas to enhance governance and public services.
The presence of a younger population is one of the best assets of Bihar, said Nitish Mishra. Many talented students and professionals from Bihar are now moving to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Gurugram, etc., in search of better opportunities in the IT field, he said. The government now wants to build a robust ecosystem to ensure that the youth who are skilled can get jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities within the state.
Experts in the field think that the enhancement of the infrastructure, policy help, and digital education can take Bihar’s situation in the expanding technology sector to another level in India. Artificial Intelligence, digital government, fintech and start-up culture are new opportunities that have opened up for States to grow beyond traditional sectors.
The announcement has created hopes for the students, entrepreneurs and technology professionals in Bihar. Despite the various challenges that exist in the state, including infrastructure deficiencies and a lack of private investment, the state government feels that specific planning and policy action can place Bihar in the years to come as one of the new IT and innovation hubs.
In the future, the Bihar government plans to reveal more information and investment plans and programs related to digital development as part of this long-term strategy in the coming months.
