Puducherry is seeking technical and financial assistance from the Centre to upgrade its State Data Centre and strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure. IT Minister P Rajavelu raised the request on Thursday during a meeting of Information Technology Ministers from states and Union Territories, chaired by Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Rajavelu said central support would help Puducherry develop a technology-driven ecosystem and create employment opportunities for its young workforce. He also urged the Centre to connect the Union Territory with relevant central schemes, investment programmes and technology initiatives, enabling businesses operating there to access opportunities available across the country.
The minister called for Puducherry to be considered a priority destination for emerging technology investments, particularly in semiconductors, electronics and artificial intelligence. He also sought support for companies planning to establish manufacturing units and corporate facilities in the Union Territory.
Highlighting steps to improve the business environment, Rajavelu said Puducherry had adopted the Telecom Right of Way Rules and integrated its departments with the Department of Telecommunications’ online portal to speed up approval processes.
He also outlined the progress made in digital connectivity. Fibre connectivity under the revised BharatNet programme has reached all village panchayats, along with rural schools, healthcare centres and government offices.
Building on this progress, Puducherry is ready to pilot the ‘Samruddh Gram Digital’ or ‘Phygital Village’ model. The initiative aims to use digital services to improve access to healthcare, education and agricultural services.
Rajavelu also highlighted the Union Territory’s efforts to support entrepreneurship. The Atal Incubation Centre at Puducherry Technological University has mentored more than 60 start-ups.
Additionally, 2 new Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are expected to strengthen investment and employment opportunities. These include an IT/ITeS SEZ and a multi-sector SEZ at Karasur. Together, the projects are expected to attract around ₹2,000 crore in investments and generate 8,500 jobs.
The proposed data centre upgrade, combined with digital infrastructure development and investment initiatives, reflects Puducherry’s efforts to strengthen its technology ecosystem and expand economic opportunities.
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