Mr. Debashis Sen, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, IT&E Department and CMD of WBHIDCO, chaired a meeting to discuss the 3rd Phase Allotment of Bengal Silicon Valley on March 20th, 2019. Ms. Amada Kidwai – Regional Director – Eastern Region, AMCHAM was invited to the meeting. Mr. Sen gave a detailed view of the government’s position, the bidding process and explained the different pricing policy. He spoke about the different size plots and said that the government was committed to encourage young entrepreneurs. He said that the 3rd phase of bidding would commence from June 3rd, 2019. Some of the giveaways and objectives include:

• Bengal Silicon IT Hub – set up on 200 acres of land
• Location – New Town, Kolkata near Eco Park in AA-II close to airport
• Proposed in the style of ‘Silicon Valley’ of USA
• Target Group – technology based enterprises working in the domains of IT/ITeS/ITeS enabled telecom services
• To create and nurture talent
• To promote a culture of innovation and research on emerging technology
• To invite large investments
• Economic growth of the state – higher industrial growth
• Tech-led employment generation and state GDP boost
• Branding the state of West Bengal and city of Kolkata a tech-savvy and friendly city