Information Technology is one of the fastest growing sectors in the Indian economy both in terms of output and exports. According to National Association of Software Services Companies (NASSCOM), the overall IT industry in India has grown by 32% in 2004-05 registering of US$ 22 billion. Exports from India grew to some US$ 17.7 billion in 2004-05 and are expected to have grown at over 30% in 2005-06. The IT sector n West Bengal has grown at a Compunded Average Growth Rate (CAGR) of 88% between 1996-97 to 2002-03. The government’s aggressive IT literacy programme in the schools and colleges of the state in collaboration with some of the top software and IT training organizations and the State’s inherent advantages has helped the cause.
Aggressive marketing and series of initiatives have put West Bengal on the global map of IT expansion with some 233 companies employing more than 32,000 IT professionals. During 2001-2005, it has witnessed 70% growth against the national average of 37%. The State’s vision is to be among the top three IT destinations in India by 2010 contributing 15% to the country’s IT revenues.
Almost all the major players of the world in this sector, like IBM, Tata Consultancy Services, Cognizant, PwC, Skytech, NIIT, HCL, Genpact, Wipro have set up their offices in West Bengal. While others like Satyam Computer Services, ITC Infotech, Infosys are already on their way to establishing software units in Kolkata. In order to meet the surging demand for IT space, some 13 IT Parks are coming up n the State that will create an additional 13.3 million sq feet of built up space. SEZ status has been obtained for the Kolkata IT Park at Bantalla (130 acres) while the government has planned for acquisition of additional land near the airport for over 300 acres which may house the 3rd IT hub after the Salt Lake Electronics Complex and New Town in Rajarhat which are the current hot sports for knowledge industries. A number of towns such as Durgapur, Siliguri, Haldia are also emerging as suitable IT destinations with appropriate infrastructure in the form of Software Technology Parks (STP). |
