Gujarat allots Rs 60 lakh for new software lab

GANDHINAGAR: It could be one of the bridges that the government is trying to build for the growth of IT in Gujarat. But the government says that it is certainly not the last. Keeping in mind that the state has lagged behind in terms of IT and in order to speed up the pace of growth of IT sector that matches with international standards, the government has set up a software testing and training laboratory in the state capital, Gandhinagar.

According to Rajesh Kishore, state IT secretary, the lab would not only serve to the development of IT in the state but would also help as a booster in developing the IT skill in neighboring states of Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

The lab is set up under the standardization testing and quality certification program of the central government and would be a unique testing facility in the entire western region. It would mainly supplement to the efforts of a large number of schools and colleges that teach IT. The government earmarked Rs 60 lakh for the project.

"I urge the software sector to reap the benefits of this unique project," Kishore said while announcing the launch. Responding to the offer, Gujarat Electronics and Software Industries Association President S N Khemka said that the association members would take full benefit of the facility to attain high standards of software production.