'Karna can easily become world's largest tech cluster'

Karnataka ICT Group Chairman T V Mohandas Pai said on Tuesday the state has the potential to become world's largest technology cluster in next five years provided the government implemented infrastructure projects here and other emerging cities.

"Karnataka could be world's largest technology cluster in next five years provided the government especially implements infrastructure projects in Bengaluru and other emerging cities like Mangalore, Mysore and Hubli-Dharwad," Pai said after presenting the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) Group Report to Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar.

Shettar said necessary budgetary provisions would be made in phases over a period of four to five years.

Short-term initiatives would be implemented immediately and continue in 2013-14 financial year, he said.

Pai said the government should address the issue of infrastructure development here as it contributes 35 per cent of India's

ICT revenues.

He recommended the government to develop 'Satellite Smart Cities' at Hoskote, Devanahalli, Bidadi and Electronics City in PPP model and extend 'Bengaluru Capital Region'.

Similar smart cities should be devloped around emerging cities like Mangalore, Mysore and Hubli-Dharwad, Pai said.

The government should infuse Rs 1,000 crore (Rs 10 billion) towards each of the emerging cities development and rest through individual connectivity funds mobilisation, Pai said.

He said the government should clear all pending IT projects within next 90 days.

For improving the quality of school education, Pai said the government should create a fully wired state by providing free wi-fi in Bengaluru and setting up Karnataka school and college networks.

The government should provide a tablet with wireless and 3G connection to students in 7th standard and above in government schools, preloaded with teaching material for each class and access to a portal where they can download the latest teaching material, Pai said.