SHILLONG: A workshop for decision makers on IPv6 was held on Friday at Yojana Bhawan Auditorium, Main Secretariat, Shillong.
The workshop was conducted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications & IT, and the State Information Technology Department.
Around 150 officials from various departments of the State Government attended the workshop which was held to create awareness among the Government officials and Organizations on Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) which will enable them make suitable plans for smooth transition of their network from Internet Protocol (IPv4) to the Next Generation Internet Protocol (IPv6).
This is essential in view of the exponential increase in devices connecting to the Internet, including computers, mobile tablets, mobile phones, data cards and latest gadgets, which require more number of IP addresses.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Secretary P.B.O Warjri, while referring to the recently launched ‘Digital India’ programme by the Central Government, said that Meghalaya may perhaps become the first state in the country to have the State Data Centre on Cloud Technology.
He was also happy to note that the Information Technology Department has already completed the first round of Universal Digital Literacy programme and was planning for the second phase through the Rainbow Common Service Centres.
He stated that in order to encourage IT amongst students, the IT Department had already distributed free Tablet PCs to about 25000 Class 12 students and the same was being planned again this year.
Warjri also mentioned that 70 acres of land have been allotted by the State Government for setting up of an IT Park at New Shillong Township, wherein adequate space for BPOs will be available.
Commissioner and Secretary, Information Technology, D.P. Wahlang stated that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has been given the mandate for upgradation of IPv4 to IPv6. The migration was initially targeted to be completed by March 2012, but could be achieved, he added.