U'khand to set up IT SEZ in Dehra Dun

The Uttarakhand government has decided to set up an IT (Information Technology) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Dehra Dun. The SEZ would be set up on Sahasradhara road here, where the State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Ltd (SIDCUL) "" a state government enterprise for the development of industries "" is already setting up an IT Park, official sources said here today.

The IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) companies will be provided space in the proposed SEZ. The proposal awaits final approval from the Board of Approval. SIDCUL has been appointed the nodal agency for the proposed IT SEZ which would invite Expression of Interests (EoIs) from top reputed companies.

The sources said top IT multinational companies like Infosys could be invited for the development of the IT SEZ, which is being set up over 14.2 hectares.

Other modalities like the participation equity would be worked out at a later stage. "Most probably, it would be a joint venture," said a top official. "We are making a detailed proposal to work out the final modalities for developing the IT SEZ at Sahasradhara," added the official.

Meanwhile, efforts are on to revive the proposed IT-BT Park at Pantnagar, which is hanging fire for the past two to three years in the wake of various alleged scandals surrounding it. "As of now, there is no progress in the IT sector at Pantnagar. Lets see how we can move forward," said the official.

The previous Congress government had proposed two IT parks in the state "" one in Garhwal (Sahasradhara Road in Dehra Dun) and other in Kumaon (Pantnagar) region. But now, the BJP government is taking fresh initiatives to revive both the parks.

The foundation stone for the IT Park in Dehra Dun was laid two years ago. A cyber tower in the IT Park is also being developed by SIDCUL in partnership with IDEB, a Delhi-based company. The floor spaces in the park have modern facilities like heath club, food courts, power back-up, serviced apartments and connectivity.

The space would be leased out to IT and BPO companies. The IT Park is envisioned as integrated and self-contained development to match similar projects elsewhere with best-in-class features and amenities, sources said.