The ongoing slowdown in the IT sector has failed to create a dent on software exports from the Chandigarh capital region (comprising Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali).

According to data available, software exports (including exports from SEZs) stood at Rs 1,049.93 crore during the 2008-09 financial year, as compared with Rs 806.02 in the previous year, implying a growth of 30.26 per cent.

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“The software and services industry saw a robust growth touching Rs 806.02 crore in FY08, as compared with Rs 560.63 crore in FY07,” STPI-Mohali joint director and head Ajay Srivastava told Business Standard, adding that the Chandigarh region had attracted many new startups.

“The number of IT/ITeS units had increased from 145 in FY03 to 275 in FY09.”

The growth in this region was largely fuelled by the increase in the number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In 2008-09, 19 new SME IT enterprises including Agilyst Consulting Private Limited (Mohali), Startup Farm (India) Private Limited, (Mohali), Knack BPO Private Limited (Mohali), Beta Soft Systems Private Limited ( Panchkula) and Talwar & Talwar Private Limited (Chandigarh) had registered with STPI and started their operations, he added.

STPI estimates a further growth of 20 per cent in software exports from the Chandigarh region. Apart from earning precious foreign exchange, the software industry in the region has also created direct employment to 10,000 professionals, Srivastava, said.

STPI, which at present has its office in Mohali, would soon set up its second office in Punjab at Kapurthala. The government had already identified 50 acres of land for the proposed IT park.

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