Bangalore : E-governance has become the latest buzzword among the North-Eastern states of India. However, lack of proper infrastructure and funds have become a major cause of concern in these hilly regions.The state of Sikkim, which participated in Bangalore IT.COM 2000, is projecting itself as the new IT destination for software companies seeking quality manpower with low labour cost.Speaking with The Financial Express, Sikkim information technology department joint director Rajesh Verma said: "We participated in the event to showcase the potential of Sikkim as a good place for setting up software operations. There are more than 100 unemployed software engineers in the state and we expect this number to increase in the coming year. We also have a fibre optic network for greater bandwidth throughout the state."
The government of Sikkim has set up a department of Information Technology with an investment of Rs 50 lakh. A software technology park would also be opened the coming year.
"We want to bring transparency in all levels of the government and hence we will be computerising most of the departments. The entire police department has a computerised system for maintenance of crime records and budgeting. We have launched CM-online, a Website for redressing the grievances of the people,'' Mr Verma said.
The Sikkim IT department has roped in city-based Shonkh Technologies to provide smart cards for vehicle registration and licences. Magic-sw.com has been retained to implement computerisation of police stations.
Copyright © 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.