

Patna: State information technology and education minister Ashok Choudhary on Sunday said the government would initiate steps to make Bihar an IT hub.

Inaugurating the first IT startups' meeting at Adiveshan Bhawan here, the minister told budding entrepreneurs that the government would extend all support to them in their endeavour. "There is a notion that Bihar and IT is a lethal combination. Young and intelligent entrepreneurs can change this mindset of people. I need young minds to create an IT zone here," the minister said.

He said chief minister Nitish Kumar had already done a lot in electricity and road sectors. "The focus is now on tapping IT sector. Bihar produces maximum number of engineers in the country. If any one of you has a good concept, please approach us and we assure you all help from the government's side. A single mobile application can make a million dollar company here," he told the budding entrepreneurs.

Choudhary said of eight crore youths in Bihar, more than four crore are unemployed and majority of them are IT engineers. He emphasized that IT companies develop vertically and do not not require land, machinery or huge resources as required in the other sectors. The minister insisted that IT startups with their innovative ideas, especially in sectors like education, e-commerce and tour and travel, can make a huge difference. He said a national level IT conclave will be held in the state soon.

IT secretary Rahul Singh stressed on 'knowledge economy' and shared views on how Bihar could be developed as a next IT destination. He stressed on Intellectual Properties Right Protection and incubating more IT entrepreneurs in the process. Singh appealed to the participants to prepare a five-page expectation sheet of the ideas, suggestions and expectation from the government. "List down your requirements and we will provide you all the help," Singh said.

Bihar Entrepreneurs Association (BEA) president Kaushlendra said around 2,600 participants filled the online form to participate in the event. However, due to limited space, only 270 were selected on the basis of their proposals. Kaushlendra talked about the genesis of organising the IT Startups' Meet in Bihar. He said the government has prepared an IT roadmap for the state.

Abhishek Kumar, general secretary, BEA, lauded the vision of the government and listed the steps taken by it to make Bihar an IT and coding hub. Participants from as far as US, UK, Canada, Germany and major cities of India were present at the meeting.



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