Jharkhand to acquire 1,000 acres for IT hub

RANCHI, INDIA: The Jharkhand government is planning to acquire 1,000 acres to set up information technology projects, a top official said here Monday.

Chief Secretary Ashok Kumar Singh said Chief Minister Arjun Munda has ordered acquisition of 1,000 acres near here to develop the state as the new "silicon valley" of the country.

He said companies like Infosys, WIPRO and HCL would be invited to set up their software and research and development units after the development of the necessary infrastructure.

The opposition Congress party soon reacted to the move calling it "Mungerilal Ki Haseen Sapnay".

"Talking about Sillicon valley in a poor state like Jharkhand where more than half of the population live in poverty is a cruel joke. The state needs policies which could improve infrastructure and increase the foodgrain production in the state," said Radha Krishna Kishore, state Congress spokesperson.

Jharkhand produces only half of the foodgrains it consumes. Only 12 per cent of the land is irrigated against the national average of 40 per cent.