NITI Aayog’s new ‘Data Centre Evaluation Framework’ isn’t just a policy doc; it’s a strategic tool to help states pick the right projects, avoid wasted investments, and boost local economies. With AI and cloud demand surging, every state now wants a slice of the data center pie. But without clear rules, chaos (and energy waste) could follow. This framework gives them structure; without red tape. Think of it as a checklist for smart, sustainable tech growth. For job seekers? Big clue: states investing in data centers will soon need engineers, planners, power specialists, and policy analysts. If you’re eyeing the future of tech infrastructure in India, this is your signal to start building those skills; or updating your resume. The next big wave of government-backed tech jobs isn’t in software alone; it’s in the very foundations that run it.