If everything goes well, HCL Infosystems Ltd, one of the India’s premier information enabler and the country’s leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT) system integrator and distribution company would start its software development centre at the Mohali (Punjab) IT Park by June 2010. According to sources in the Punjab Infotech, the construction is in full swing and initially the company would pump in Rs 10-15 crore for setting up its own centre.
In an interaction with Business Standard, sources in the Punjab Infotech said, “Earlier, HCL Infosystems Ltd was interested in setting up a marketing office in Mohali (Punjab). But later on we convinced them to set up a software development centre at the IT Park at Mohali. We have allotted an acre to the company for the development of the centre and we are hopeful that it will start operation from June 2010.”
On being asked about the companies likely to start operation from the IT park, he added, “Initially we have allotted seven acres to seven IT firms. Already US headquartered KMG Infotech and Sebiz Infotech have started its their operations. We are hopeful that by this year the US-based Dibon Software Solution, which has pumped in Rs 12-15 crore for setting up of a software centre, would start operations. Also, Chandigarh-based Dr IT Planet, Competent Synergies, IDS Infotech would commence operations by this year.”
It is worth noting that around 104 IT/ITes units are operating from Punjab and the export was to the tune of Rs 825 crore in the last financial year. So far this year is concerned, the software exports have touched Rs 556 crore up to January 31, 2010. At present the IT companies in Punjab are concentrated in Mohali (adjoining Chandigarh) only. Therefore the state government wants to develop some areas which can attract IT companies.
The government has plans to set up IT park/SEZ projects at Kapurthala (50 acres), Ropar (240 acres) near a proposed IIT and Rail Majra (12 acres) and also mixed use industrial park including IT at Rajpura.
The Punjab government has decided to establish a self-contained Integrated Information Technology and Knowledge Industry Park spread over an area of 1,276 acres at Rajpura. Already, Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal gave in-principle approval for acquisition of common land in contiguity of six villages in one go for the setting up of the prestigious industrial park for IT/IT enabled services industry.
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Also, to attract IT investments in the state, Punjab Infotech has entrusted New Delhi-based Consulting Engineering Services (India) Private Limited to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) to set up IT park/SEZ projects at Kapurthala, Ropar and Rail Majra.
Further, to sustain, nurture and grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Punjab and the northern region, Punjab Infotech has partnered with industry body The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) to set up an incubation centre in Mohali. The incubation centre would be spread over 12,000 square feet in PunComTechnology Park at Mohali.