IT Industry in for major fillip in Vijayawada

Seven entrepreneurs make a beginning by joining hands in this endeavour

VIJAYAWADA: Making proper use of available human resources and expanding information technology (IT) industry to the city have formed part of the agenda of Krishnaveni Information Technology Association (KITA).

Formed recently by seven IT entrepreneurs from the city, the association has begun the exercise of bridging the gap between the industry and the State Government.

Core idea

Promoting IT industries in the city with the help of non-resident Indians (NRIs) is the core idea of KITA for which it is constantly communicating with some industrialists in the U.S., who had their moorings in the city.

"We have just made a beginning to promote IT in the city," says D. Ramakrishna, convener of KITA. He feels it is time to develop the industry on the lines of Karnataka, which is promoting IT in places like Mysore and Dharwad, besides Bangalore.

After putting in numerous efforts to make the city an IT hub, the entrepreneurs have understood the need for a common platform to realise their endeavour. Since the role of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) is limited to issuing of licences and providing connectivity, they established KITA three months ago.

Compared to other districts in the State, Mr. Ramakrishna says, youth from Krishna and Guntur districts are more career-oriented and are pursuing degrees in IT courses. People of these two districts have good contacts with NRIs, as at least one person from every third family with good academic background is settled abroad. "There is no dearth of investment, as many NRIs are expressing their willingness to invest in IT industries here," he says. Lack of infrastructure, air connectivity and fine-tuning of human resources are appearing to be major stumbling blocks to the growth of IT industry here.

Hands-on training

Since it requires two years of hands-on training for industries to absorb fresh graduates, the association plans to suggest some changes in the curricula of educational institutions. Imparting practical training to students at the college level is one of its ideas to reduce the duration of on-job training in the industries.

KITA has represented the issues to district Collector Navin Mittal. Allocation of 200 acres of land for IT industry on the outskirts of the city is one of its appeals. "Cost of land is one major problem here. We are discussing the issue with the APIIC. Other issues like air connectivity and widening of roads will be resolved in a phased manner," Mr. Mittal says.

Courtesy: The Hindu