Bangalore remains IT hub despite Govt apathy

Bangalore remains IT hub despite Govt apathy
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: It was around 2002-03, when Bose Corporation, giant in audio components, decided to set up its shop at Hyderabad. But it realised that it will not get professionals with expertise and shifted its operations to Bangalore.

Much water has flown since then. Now, Karnataka does not have an IT-friendly Government, which is craving for better infrastructure. However, IT sector is not bogged down by this and it is still growing in the Silicon Valley of India.

Chennai-based Bearing Point, which had a small presence here, is planning expansion in the State. Even call centres like Accenture, made a rapid expansion in Bangalore, which they could not make in Hyderabad or Chennai, points out B.S. Murthy, Chief Executive of Human Capital.

STPI Director B.V. Naidu points out at new companies entering Bangalore as an indicator that the City still has a great future for IT. ‘‘During the last three months, 14-15 companies have come to Bangalore. Huge resources, compounded by maturity among professionals is available in the City and the industry has to depend on this,’’ he added.

During the last 15 months, Bangalore has witnessed largest recruitment in the IT industry. This shows that Bangalore is still the best destination. The City, for long was centre for science and technology, defence - which automatically created an atmosphere for growth of IT industry, Murthy says.

‘‘Where in India you have impeccable infrastructure ? One heavy down pour exposes Mumbai, while most parts of Chennai do not get potable water supply. In Gurgaon, most of the industries run on captive generation of power. In such cases, the industry is looking for the talent and Bangalore is the best destination,’’ Murthy added.

However, industry also feels that Government concentrating more on Bangalore infrastructure would have given further boost to the industry. ‘‘We have quality man power, but the industry is also looking for a better place. Since big companies have invested a lot of money here, they are compelled to expand in Bangalore,’’ contends A.M. Rajesh of R&M Associates.

Naidu said that the Government should look into long term infrastructure development of the City, which would further encourage growth of industry. ‘‘The only solace is that State IT & BT Minister has promised a Rs 500 crore special grant for infrastructure development. Some more such grants are required to keep the industry morale high,’’ he added.