One Lakh Engineering Jobs Expected from India Expanding Data Centre Sector: Dr Jitendra Singh

📌 Summary:

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said India expanding data centre sector is expected to generate nearly one lakh engineering jobs in areas such as AI systems, cooling technologies, smart grids and renewable energy integration
• India data centre capacity is projected to grow from 1.5 GW to nearly 6.5 GW by 2030
• He described data centres as the "next oil economy", stressing that the future will revolve around data control and secure digital infrastructure
• Under the National Quantum Mission, India has crossed 1,000 km of secure quantum communication infrastructure in three years, against a target of 2,000 km over eight years
• He cited reforms including tax incentives for foreign cloud providers, the National Research Foundation, the Semiconductor Mission, and the opening of space and nuclear energy to private participation
• He stressed that resilient supply chains, sustainable energy, subsea cable infrastructure and smart cooling are key to India becoming a trusted global data centre hub

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 Economy and Science & Technology — the digital economy, employment, AI and quantum technologies, and infrastructure for the data economy.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• India data centre capacity is projected to grow from 1.5 GW to about 6.5 GW by 2030
• The National Quantum Mission targets 2,000 km of secure quantum communication over eight years
• The data centre sector is expected to create about one lakh engineering jobs

🔑 Key Term: Data Centre Economy — an economic model in which data storage, processing and secure digital infrastructure become central drivers of investment, employment and competitiveness.