GIDC aims at outsourcing work to IIT-Gn, other engg colleges

In an attempt to focus on critical infrastructure projects and other development activities, Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) has, for the first time decided to outsource some of its activities to reputed engineering colleges of the state including Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar (IIT-Gn), MS University, Ganpat University, Dharamsinh Desai Institute of Technology (DDIT) to name a few.

While the outsourcing would fetch technical expertise of the colleges, it would increase the revenues if the colleges. To begin with, GIDC signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Gujarat Technological University (GTU) on Wednesday to engage the faculty and senior students of the colleges affiliated to GTU in the activities of GIDC.

"This is for the first time that we have decided to outsource work to engineering and technical colleges. Next month, we plan to initiate dialogues with other reputed private and government engineering colleges like IIT-Gn, MS University, DDIT, Ganpat to name a few. If these colleges agree to do our outsourced work, GIDC will benefit from the professional and technical expertise of these colleges, which in turn can earn additional income. Thus, it is a win-win situation for both," Arvind Agarwal, vice chairman and managing director, GIDC said at the press conference.

GTU has 1.5 lakh engineering students who stand a chance to be a part of various projects outsourced by GIDC.

"GIDC's work load is increasing with projects worth Rs 1200 crore sanctioned under the Critical Infrastructure Projects Scheme. In addition, GIDC has planned to spend Rs 516.55 crore for infastructure development in new estates during the year 2010-11. These activities have increased the role of GIDC, giving rise to the necessity for outsourcing. Other sections of the government should also get inspired and save huge money usually spent on consultants for various projects," Saurabh Patel, minister of state for industries, finance, energy and petrochemicals, Government of Gujarat, said.