Synopsis
Rajasthan's Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced the State Data Centre Policy-2025, which aims to attract Rs 20,000 crore in investments over the next five years, creating thousands of IT jobs and enhancing the state's digital infrastructure.Key Takeaways
- Investment of Rs 20,000 crore anticipated.
- Thousands of IT jobs to be created.
- Focus on digital infrastructure enhancement.
- Support for environmental sustainability.
- Encouragement for private sector participation.
Jaipur, April 12 (NationPress) Rajasthan's Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced on Saturday that the State Data Centre Policy-2025 is anticipated to attract approximately Rs 20,000 crore in investments over the next five years.
This initiative is set to generate thousands of new job openings in the information technology sector, significantly enhancing both the digital infrastructure and economic potential of the state, according to officials from the Chief Minister's Office.
In today's digital landscape, information technology plays a vital role in everyday life, influencing various sectors including education, healthcare, business, banking, and entertainment.
E-governance and online services have also become essential in promoting transparent and accountable governance.
Data centres form the backbone of these digital services, facilitating the smooth and secure operation of cloud computing platforms, co-location services, and content delivery networks.
These facilities are crucial for protecting business data, ensuring data accessibility, and providing dependable recovery solutions.
In recent years, India has witnessed substantial growth in data centre capacity, establishing itself as a rapidly expanding market.
By 2024, India's data centre market is projected to reach an estimated capacity of 2,000 MW, with forecasts suggesting an increase to over 4,000 MW by 2029.
In light of the growing significance of data infrastructure, the Rajasthan government has launched the Rajasthan Data Centre Policy-2025.
Introduced as part of the State Budget 2024–25, this policy aims to encourage private sector involvement in developing a strong data centre ecosystem within the state.
The objective is to transform Rajasthan into a leading hub for data centres by ensuring top-notch infrastructure and complying with international standards for performance, security, and data management.
The policy outlines a detailed framework that not only enhances operational efficiency but also boosts investor confidence through various incentives.
To create an appealing investment landscape, the policy includes financial support and exemptions across multiple aspects.
It promotes the establishment of large-scale data centres by ensuring easier access to land, providing significant interest subsidies, and waiving key charges related to electricity, transmission, and external development.
Special assistance is provided to the initial major investors, further incentivizing early adoption.
The policy also prioritizes environmental sustainability and human resource development.
It offers support for green initiatives, such as reimbursements for eco-friendly upgrades and incentives for adopting intellectual property rights.
Moreover, provisions are included to enhance the skills and efficiency of personnel working in data centres.
With this strategic policy in effect, Rajasthan aims to establish itself as a preferred location for data centre development in India.
While existing data centre hubs are primarily located in metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, Rajasthan presents significant advantages such as abundant land availability, renewable energy potential, and a business-friendly regulatory environment. These strengths, combined with the government's proactive approach, position the state favorably for the establishment of new greenfield data centres, officials stated.
