10 more new Technolodes in Kerala

The success of the two technolodges (rural IT parks) at Perinad and Kadakkal panchayaths in Kollam district has inspired Kerala State Information Technology Department to sanction ten more technolodges across the state.

In addition to the techolodges at Perinad and Kadakkal, Infopark Kochi has already set up one at Thirumarady panchayath in Ernakulam district. It is expected to be operational within a month.

The newly sanctioned technolodges include the ones at Veliyam, Anchal and Poothakulam panchayaths in Kollam district, Mayyil panchayath in Kannur district and Kodakara block panchayath in Thrissur district.

Unused buildings belonging to government or local bodies will be used to set up the technolodges. These buildings will be leased out to Kerala State IT Infrastructure Limited (KSITIL) for 90 years. KSITIL will set up technolodges through implementing agencies like Technopark Trivandrum, Infopark Kochi, Cyberpark Calicut or other IT-centric non-profit organizations. These agencies will also market the technolodges to IT, ITeS and BPO companies.

The Technolodge initiative is the outcome of the Government of Kerala’s ambitious vision to encourage ITeS and BPO companies to operate from low cost rural centres and thereby create employment in rural areas. Accentia Technologies was the first company to set up BPO units in the technolodges at Kadakkal and Perinad.

The Kerala Government plans to establish around 100 Technolodges across the State. Over 60 panchayaths in the state have already come forward offering the required facilities for setting up a technolodge.