IT-Secretary’s Message

As Kerala continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for technology-driven industries, Kerala IT remains dedicated to fostering an ecosystem built on robust infrastructure and the continuous development of human capital. Our state is undergoing a transformative journey, leveraging the power of technology to uplift citizens and advance society as a whole. The IT Department’s core objectives are focused on digitally empowering people through initiatives like digital identity, participatory e-governance, and the creation of a unified government portal. Additionally, by working closely with educational institutions, we are driving human capital development in emerging technology areas, ensuring our workforce remains future-ready.

This focus extends beyond immediate needs to cultivating sustainable entrepreneurship and attracting global industries to Kerala. Through strategic marketing efforts and an emphasis on both physical and digital infrastructure—including disaster recovery systems, enhanced connectivity, and state-of-the-art IT parks—Kerala is well-positioned to thrive in the digital era. These initiatives are key to enhancing governance efficiency, improving public service delivery, creating employment opportunities, and bridging the digital divide to ensure equitable access to essential services.

At the heart of our long-term vision is the Digital Science Park project in Technopark Phase IV campus, which will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and collaboration. This ambitious initiative reflects our commitment to fostering technological advancements that will shape Kerala’s future and further our goal of narrowing the digital divide.

To achieve this vision of a digitally empowered and progressive society, we have adopted a holistic strategy. By fostering public-private partnerships, forming working groups, and engaging with industry, we continuously refine our digital initiatives based on real-world feedback. Regular consultations with stakeholders ensure that our policies align with the needs of the industry. Our focus on skill development is also crucial, ensuring that our workforce is equipped with the competencies required by the industry, while incentives such as tax breaks and awards promote innovation.

In our quest to become a leader in the digital age, we are expanding internet accessibility, embracing 5G technology, and pushing towards 100% digital literacy. These initiatives are designed to ensure that the benefits of technology reach every corner of our state, enabling citizens to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

Furthermore, our efforts to attract investments and promote startups in key sectors such as AI, cloud computing, and IoT are supported by streamlined administrative processes and a forthcoming industry facilitation sub-policy. These measures will help create a business-friendly environment for tech companies, offering local market opportunities that promote innovation, drive economic growth, reduce import dependence, and position Kerala as a prime destination for emerging technologies.

India is rapidly emerging as a formidable force on the global stage, and the pace of progress leaves little room for slow down or errors. To ensure sustainable growth in IT parks and real estate availability, careful planning and strategic decision-making will be essential. Collaboration between government bodies, developers, and investors will play a pivotal role in navigating challenges and capitalizing on the rapidly evolving landscape. By working together, we can build a future-ready infrastructure that meets the demands of a dynamic and competitive global economy.

Dr Rathan U. Kelkar IAS

Secretary (Electronics & IT), Chairman – Executive Council