HCL Infosystems Ltd, country?s premier information technology (IT) company has started the process of setting up its unit in Punjab. The company is expected to commence operations at the IT Park in Mohali, by June this year.
Talking to FE, Omjeevan Gupta, general manager (northzone), HCL said , ?This is the first time that we have entered Punjab and the centre will cater to the entire north. The state government has assured us of uninterrupted power supply. Besides, we can get trained manpower here. We have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state government, under which we are bound to hire the local youth from polytechnic institutes every year. We are also looking at participation in e-governance projects here?.
The IT major will set up a software development unit at the Information Technology (IT) Park in Sector 67 in Mohali, with a capital outlay of Rs 10-15 crore. The firm will employ around 500 persons.
In December 2006, the Punjab government had allotted one acre to the company for setting up a marketing office. Later, following talks with the state government officials, the company decided to set up a software development unit at the IT Park.
Four other IT firms are expected to commence operations at the IT Park in Mohali by the end of this year. These are Dr IT Planet Limited, Competent Synergies Limited, Dibon Software Solutions Limited and IDS Infotech. The state government had allotted land to seven IT firms in 2006-07 at the IT Park in sector 67, which covers 60 acre. At present, two firms, KMG Infotech Limited and Sebiz Infotech are operational in the IT Park.
With these companies starting operations, employment for 3,500-7,000 persons will be generated. The total investment by these companies stands at Rs 200 crore.
State industry and commerce minister Manoranjan Kalia said, ?Due to land shortage, we could not invite big IT companies. A self-contained Integrated Information Technology and Knowledge Industry Park spread over 1,276 acre at Rajpura will also be set up.?
The state goverment has decided to invite applications shortly to allot seven plots to the IT firms, to fill the remaining space. Besides, bids will also be invited for setting up a commercial complex at the IT park.
?A special economic zone (SEZ) has also been planned in the proposed industrial hub. Clusters of different types of industries including of information & technology (IT) would be developed here. The process of acquiring land is on, and work should be completed within a year. We have identified 50 acre in Kapurthala for the IT industry,? Kalia added.
