Karnataka - Bangalore   

Perfect balancing act for IT industry

Mohandas Pai

Bangalore: The Information Technology sector is happy over several plans announced in the State Budget. Industry veteran and Director of Infosys Technologies, T. Mohandas Pai said, “It is a growth-oriented Budget, balancing the needs of Bangalore and its industries with those of more backward parts such as North Karnataka.”

The consultative approach taken up by B.S. Yeddyurappa to draft policies affecting the industry is a welcome change and showed “the people are an important part of governance”, Mr. Pai said.

The large funding announced for the city’s infrastructure, including areas brought within Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (where many IT companies have campuses) and the Rs. 700 crore allotted for the Metro Rail has been welcomed by the industry. Some executives felt the high-speed rail link planned between the city and the new airport would considerably reduce travel time.

Another aspect in the Budget which the IT and allied industries find positive is the Bio-informatics and Information Technology Park proposed to be set up in Bangalore, with industry participation. Others to come up in towns like Hubli, Belgaum and Mysore would be cost effective for prospective investors. The funds marked to enhance power generation would help all sectors of industry.

Human Resources professionals in the industry have been going through a phase of “many jobs but few eligible candidates. The move to upgrade the curriculum, especially in technology oriented subjects, and funds to open more ITIs, with the Government investing Rs. 20 crore this year, would produce employable young men and women from Karnataka. IT training planned for rural youth could eventually lead to a larger talent pool. The 5,000 cyber centres to come up in the taluks could be the beginning of bringing the benefits of information technology to a larger section of the State’s population.

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