Kalimpong logs into IT park ...FIRST SUCH FACILITY IN HILLS SEEN AS GAME-CHANGER

VIVEK CHHETRI, TT, 10 Mar 2019, Kalimpong: A state government IT park logged into operations in Kalimpong on Saturday, the first such facility in the hills ushering in a new chapter in the economy of the area so far focused on tea and tourism.

Binay Tamang, chairman, board of administrators, Gorkhaland Territorial Administration, inaugurated the 8600square feet building at 12th Mile in Kalimpong. This is only a temporary arrangement, with the permanent site slated to come up later.

"A stand along IT Park will be constructed over 1.21 acres at Upper Cart Road area in Kalimpong town. The facility will be built at a cost of Rs 35 crore," said Tamang.

The proposed structure is being designed by Subin Pradhan, a Kalimpong architect.

"Once this new facilities comes up, 2,000 people will be directly employed while another 5000 indirect jobs will be generated," Tamang who thanked Bengal chief minister, Mamata Banerjee for ushering a new initiative.

Vishwanath, the DM of Kalimpong, said: "When the district was created (in 2017), chief minister, Mamata Banerjee had directed us to explore all possibilities and potentials. IT sector has much potential in the hills." Many IT professionals from the hills are successfully pursing IT careers outside the hills for lack of opportunities in the hills.

"We are hopeful that the hills will feature in the international IT map in future," said Tamang, who was also informed by state officials that a tender for setting up an IT Park in Darjeeling had also been uploaded.

"In terms of industry, the hill primarily boasted of tea and tourism sectors. The younger educated generations are reluctant to work in the tea industry, which is reflected in the high absenteeism in the gardens," said an observer. "The IT sector could be a future industry for the hills.".