IT sector likely in industrial area

After multiplexes, hotels, offices and banks,the industrial area in Chandigarh might see creation of an Information Technology (IT) industry in the near future, as the union territorial administration has allowed IT units in the industrial area of Chandigarh recently, before the imposition of the pre-election code of conduct.

Currently, the IT Industry is concentrated in Rajiv Gandhi Chandigarh Technology Park (RGCTP). Since the Supreme Court has put a ban on further acquisition of the land for IT sector by the Chandigarh administration after hearing landowners' plea, several units willing to expand have been battling for space.

With the new order, the entrepreneurs would heave a sigh of relief. Also, finding manufacturing process unlivable, the existing plot owners in the area could venture in IT sector.

There are around 2,000 plots in the existing area. Speaking to Business Standard, Chamber of Chandigarh Industries, Vice-President Naveen Manglani said, "It's a welcome step by the administration. The industrial area was established to motivate manufacturing units. But over time, many of the units shifted out of Chandigarh and currently, manufacturing process is not viable. So, in 2006, the administration brought conversion policy in which many of the plots were converted into hotels, multiplexes, office spaces and banks. Now, with Chandigarh administration allowing IT units to operate in the area, it would likely give fillip to the sector which was battling for space."

Earlier, the administration had formulated draft industrial policy with an emphasis on the expansion of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises in the city along with major thrust on development of the IT sector.

In the draft policy, stress was also laid on promoting the city as a major IT centre. It was said the growth and development of the IT sector will be facilitated by providing necessary infrastructure support like setting up of software technology parks, IT institutes, networking infrastructure and other fiscal and non-fiscal incentives.

There are over 170 companies operating from Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali, also called the Chandigarh capital region, and the total IT exports from the region is over Rs 22,00 crore. Further, the setting up of Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) centre as well as state-of-the-art incubation facilities at Mohali would act as pivotal role in promoting IT culture in the area.