The Delhi government is re-working its electronic city policy, among the big projects proposed in the Rozgar Budget last year, to explore the possibility of developing an AI hub in Baprola Vihar. 

The ‘Delhi Electronic System, Design and Manufacturing System’ (ESDMR) policy aims to boost the capital’s economy by creating more jobs for people and developing the city as a hub for high-end electronics and a refurbished electronics market.

An official stated that AI is now being used in all platforms, from education to maintaining roads. So, they plan to set up an AI hub with agencies with patent AI technologies. The plan is in its initial stage, but work is going on. 

According to officials, a meeting was held on June 8 to discuss the challenges, financial implications and other issues related to land and policy. 

Officials stated that the comments on the ‘Delhi Electronic System Design, Manufacturing, and Refurbishment Policy 2022-27’, as shared by the Dialogue and Development Commission of Delhi (DDCD), for the perusal of the Minister of Industries, GNCTD, were sought from the industries department and DSIIDC. The policy was prepared for five years. A meeting was held to review the comments of the department concerned, and it was directed that suitable amendments be made to the Draft ESDMR Policy for further circulation and comments from stakeholder departments.

They further added that it was also deliberated that the draft policy may be re-looked at and the possibility of developing an Artificial Intelligence Hub be explored. The draft policy is awaited from the DDCD. 

The government is planning to develop the Electronic City on a public-private partnership model, and there is also a plan to give the land parcels on lease for 30 years. The DSIIDC will completely develop the project on a PPP model. For the 30-year concession period, the total rent will be over Rs 5,287 crore. 

As the living and labor costs are high in Delhi, the government is also planning some incentives. Officials said they are seeking permission from the Government of India, through the UD Department, to utilize flats built under JNNURM in the vicinity for the industrial workers of the complex.