'Chandigarh can be IT hub'

With an efficient infrastr-ucture and a big pool of human talent, Chandigarh could become an infotech hub, said Kiran Karnik, Nasscom chief, addressing a seminar on "Business opportunities and challenges in ITES and BPO," organised by the Chandigarh Administration here.

Remarking that the existing infotech centres had become crowded, Karnik said it was the time to explore alternative destinations. Chandigarh had the advantage of human capital and real estate expansion in the satellite towns of Panchkula and Mohali, he said.

Karnik said Chandigarh being a Union Territory had an edge over other states in inviting multinationals. Adequate supply of power, good connectivity and quality education institutes could play a vital role in the progress of the infotech industry in Chandigarh, he said.

Karnik stressed the need to develop the northern region for the infotech sector. The cities of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh had been ignored, he said. The development of infotech in Chandigarh would have a trickle down effect on the northern region, he added.

Though Chandigarh has been a late starter as it missed out on the first wave of infotech sector development, several IT majors have now offices in the city.