Uttar Pradesh Sets Ambitious Goal to Become National Data and AI Hub
In a significant move to transform the state's technological landscape, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Friday the establishment of a State Data Centre Authority. This strategic initiative is designed to position Uttar Pradesh as a leading hub in the burgeoning data and artificial intelligence economy, marking a pivotal shift in the state's development trajectory.
From Oil Economy to Data-Driven Future
Addressing the growing importance of data in the global economic framework, Chief Minister Adityanath highlighted a fundamental transition. "While the world once revolved around the 'oil economy', the future unequivocally belongs to data-driven technologies," he stated. He elaborated that artificial intelligence is rapidly gaining prominence and possesses the potential to occupy the central role that oil once held in the global economy. "AI requires robust and extensive data centres, and Uttar Pradesh has proactively taken steps to promote and develop this critical sector," Adityanath emphasized.
Ambitious Targets and Infrastructure Development
The state government has set an ambitious target of establishing data centres with a cumulative capacity of up to 5 gigawatts by the year 2030. This represents a monumental leap from the pre-2017 era when Uttar Pradesh had very limited data centre infrastructure. In recent years, the state has made substantial progress in creating a favourable ecosystem through comprehensive policy support, dedicated infrastructure development, and proactive investment facilitation.
The newly formed State Data Centre Authority will spearhead these efforts, ensuring coordinated growth and innovation in the sector.
Fostering AI Innovation and Digital Entrepreneurship
Beyond infrastructure, the government's focus will extend to setting up specialized AI hubs and nurturing startups across vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture. This multi-pronged approach aims to firmly position Uttar Pradesh as a central node for emerging technologies.
In a groundbreaking announcement to boost grassroots digital participation, the Chief Minister revealed a new scheme to select "digital entrepreneurs" in 8,000 nyay panchayats across the state. "Half of these digital entrepreneurs will be women, ensuring gender inclusivity in our digital revolution. The government will also provide interest-free loans of up to Rs 10 lakh to support these entrepreneurs," Adityanath declared.
Support for Women Entrepreneurs and Maternal Health
Furthering its commitment to women's empowerment, the government announced the Women Entrepreneur Product Marketing Centre, modelled after the She Mart scheme introduced in the Union Budget. This initiative is designed to provide a dedicated platform for women-led businesses to market their products effectively.
Simultaneously, underscoring a commitment to public health, the Chief Minister detailed provisions for maternal and child welfare. "A provision of Rs 1,000 crore has been made to ensure six million safe deliveries annually. Arrangements will be enhanced at empaneled hospitals, and appropriate incentives will be provided to safeguard motherhood and childhood," Yogi Adityanath stated, linking technological advancement with societal well-being.
The comprehensive announcements signal Uttar Pradesh's determined push to not only participate in but lead the next wave of the digital and AI-driven economic transformation in India.
