Govt talks big to woo IT sector

Govt talks big to woo IT sector
Forum Unamused,Will Keep Off Bangalore.IT.In
The Times of India

Bangalore: The Karnataka government on Thursday went whole hog to appease the IT companies that have threatened to boycott its showpiece infotech event. But there were no takers for Operation Appeasement.

While state IT and BT secretary Shankarlinge Gowda announced on Thursday that 300 companies are expected to participate in this year’s Bangalore IT.In, the Bangalore Forum for IT (BFIT) maintained it does not wish to participate in the event.

BFIT comprises 18 companies, including Texas Instruments, Philips, Novell, vMoksha, Synopsis, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola.
Speaking to TOI, J. Veeraraghavan of Novell said: “Work may have begun on a few projects. But this changes nothing at present. The condition of the roads and traffic management continue to be bad. We would like to maintain our stand of not participating in this year’s event.’’

On its part, the IT department said it is committed to improving the city’s infrastructure. Gowda reiterated that asphalting of all major roads is under way, and work has commenced on the international airport.

Asked about the corporates’ threat of non-participation, Gowda said: “We do not take it as a threat. We are committed to getting into action towards improving infrastructure.’’

Elaborating on the government’s “growing beyond’’ Bangalore initiative, Gowda said the Bangalore-Mysore four-lane road will be open by the end of September. “The Airports Authority of India is expected to sign an MoU with the state government on September 5 to clear the upgradation and expansion package for Mysore airport.’’

Gowda said the government has identified land near Devanahalli for a hardware park. The Karnataka Infrastructure Area Development Board has been asked to go ahead with land acquisition.