NEW DELHI: Reliance Industries will invest Rs. 2,50,000 crore for Digital India initiatives, said Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani at the launch of Digital India Week on Wednesday.

The investment will include an all-IP based next generation high speed network spread across all 29 states and a nationwide distribution network of small and medium retailers to distribute and service phones as well as digital devices. Reliance Industries will also skill over 1,50,000 indirect small retailers and service centres.

Ambani also launched a “Jio Digital India Start Up Fund” to encourage young entrepreneurs who are setting up businesses focussed around the Digital India initiative.

“Normally it is the industry moves faster; but with Digital India, the government has moved faster,” he said, addressing a packed audience at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in the city.

He added that Reliance Jio, the telecom arm of Reliance Industries, was working with reputed global manufacturers to “Make in India”or locally manufacture phones, tabs and other digital devices so that they become more affordable. In that effort, Reliance Retail will offer guaranteed offtake, Ambani added.

He further said Reliance Jio’s efforts and investments in the digital space are expected to generate approximately 5,00,000 jobs.

In addition, the industry magnate offered full support to partner with State and Central governments in their investments across Digital India initiatives.

Source: ETTelecom