Software exports from Chandigarh rise 12% in FY12-13

Growth in this region has been fueled largely by growth of SMEs, as it contributes 35% to the total software export

Despite precarious market conditions, software exports from the Chandigarh capital region, comprising Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, registered an increase of 12 per cent in the financial year 2012-13, compared to the previous financial year. According to the data, during the financial year 2011-12, total export from this region was Rs 1,929.6 crore, while in 2012-13 it touched Rs 2,155.8 crore.

Among the top software exporters are Infosys Technology Ltd, Dell International Services, Agilyst Consulting (P) Ltd, Emerson Design Engineering, Fidelity Information Services, IBM Daksh. According to Punjab industries and commerce minister, Anil Joshi, crossing Rs 2,000 crore in software export, the software technology parks of India in Mohali have emerged as the topmost tier-II city in northern India and the second best tier-II city in all India bases.

The region has about 170 units of which most are small and medium entrepreneurs (SME). The region has the capacity to grow into product development, as around 20 SMEs are into product development and their product is accepted worldwide.

Sources in the information technology (IT) Industry said growth in this region has been fueled largely by growth of SMEs, as it contributes 35 per cent to the total software export.

According to data, the top exporters like Infosys, Agilyst, IBM Daksh etc were based in Chandigarh, followed by Mohali(Punjab) and Panchkula(Haryana), which clearly indicates that the Punjab government has to be more aggressive to attract big IT Companies.

Joshi said , "Our vision is to deliver statutory and data communication services in a more effective way and create a centre of excellence, with special stress on small and medium entrepreneurs, and young entrepreneurs."

He added: STPI continues to invest in upgradation of the centre and support the activities which are critical for the development of IT exports from this region. In order to give a fillip to the sector, he said the state is coming up with the incubation center of about 140,000 square feet at Mohali, with an investment of Rs 55 crores.

The software exports from the region was Rs.1565 crore in the financial year 2010-11, registering a growth of about 31 per cent over the previous financial year. In the financial year 2009-10, the total export from region was to the tune of Rs. 1196.6 crore.