Maharashtra registers 62.32 pc growth in IT

Pune, June 16: Maharashtra has added one more feather to its cap by registering an overall growth of 62.32 per cent in Information Technology (IT) sector during the last financial year 2006-07, the highest in the country.

This was stated by P Venugopalan, Director (Maharashtra) of STPI Department of Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.

Addressing a news conference, Mr Venugopalan said Pune is surging ahead in the IT sector by attracting investments. In addition, 80 per cent companies are located in Maharashtra, as they have been provided with the infrastructure facilities and air connectivity.

He said out of 20 top ranking IT service companies in India, 16 have presence in Maharashtra. Employment opportunities have gone up, which is reflected in the overall economy in the state. Investments in the IT sector were approximately Rs 39,225.00 lakh in FY 2006-07.

Of which, multi-national companies accounted for Rs 13,700.00 lakh (32 units), while Indian companies Rs 25,525.00 lakh (199 units).

Mr Venugopal said during the last financial year, 231 new units came into the state.

Giving a break up of new STP registrations, Mr Venugopal said Pune has the highest figure of 114 followed by Mumbai 104, Nagpur 08, Nashik 04 and Kolhapur 01.

Exports from Maharashtra during the financial year 2006-07 were at Rs 27,525 crore as against Rs 16,957 crores in the previous year.

The growth was 62.32 per cent as against 47 per cent in 2005-06, he informed.

He said the growth rate of Pune is 68 per cent followed by Mumbay 62 per cent recorded during the FY 2006-07.

Pune has registered approximately 11 per cent of the units registered on all India basis. The contribution to national exports is 11 per cent during FY 2006-07 as against 8.98 per cent in FY 2005-06. Out of 20 top-ranking IT service companies in India, 11 have presence in Pune, this trend is prevailing for the last 3 years, Mr Venugopal said.

Out of 14 third party business process outsourcing (BPO) players of India, 06 companies have presence in Pune. Out of 100 key players in global outsourcing, 16 companies have presence in Pune out of total 27 companies in Maharashtra. Presently, 100 private IT parks ( in Pune) are registered with the Maharashtra government, he added.

UNI