Indian rural state to boost employment with new IT hubs
KERALA, INDIA — The Kerala State Information Technology Infrastructure Limited (KSITIL) recently launched its Fostering Technologies In Rural Area (FOSTeRA) to help set up IT, ITES, and BPO firms in the state of Kerala, southern India.
This initiative, funded with Rs 8.25 crores (US$989,000), plans to create more than 10,000 jobs in the villages across Kerala.
The project also encourages medium-sized IT companies, with employee strength ranging from 50 to 1000, to set up in non-urban areas. Firms are also incentivized to establish multiple units across various villages.
A key feature of this project is its focus on inclusivity. Companies employing a significant number of women, differently-abled, and transgender individuals will receive additional government aid. This move aims to foster a diverse workforce in these new rural tech hubs.
Furthermore, companies successfully operating for three years and significantly contributing to job creation will be financially rewarded, receiving support equivalent to half of their operational costs during that period.
This strategy by Kerala government marks a shift in IT development, prioritizing rural empowerment and technological growth. The transformation of villages into tech centers is a significant step in spreading the technological growth’s benefits to lesser-developed areas.
