The Maharashtra state govt has decided to roll out a policy on data centre business shortly. The state currently has a comprehensive policy governing the technology sector under which data centres are operating, however, the state govt with the rapid rise in data centres has cited the need of a separate policy exclusively for the data centres business. The policy additionally would also work on power issue by stressing on green and sustainable energy.
Also Read: Strategic Need for Development of Digital Assets and Regulation of Data Centres in India
Industries have been deliberating on the policy, sources said. It added that the policy will be formulated under the leadership of Uday Samant- head of the ministry of Industries. The announcement of an exclusive policy came at an event hosted by industry lobby grouping CII. Kaustubh Dhavse, said- “This government will provide an adequate, optimal policy for data centres, which is beneficial to the citizens and enables the entrepreneurs and the ecosystem.” Dhavse serves as a joint secretary to the government, who also serves as the official on special duty for deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis who made the announcement.
It is worth noting that Maharashtra is the first state in the country to adopt cloud computing, In 2015 the state was operating 75 big and small data centres and spend Rs 450 crore a year to add space which it flagged as a ‘big wake up call’.
The new policy is expected to have investors from Qatar who would provide guidance on the use of LPG for the energy needs of the state.
