Punjab to explore IT potential of Tier II, III cities

Chandigarh, Aug 7 (UNI) After the growth of IT sector in Mohali, the Punjab Government would explore the IT potential of Tier II and III cities like Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar and Bathinda.

The Punjab Government stated this in a meeting held with experts from the IT industry, who are in the town to participate in the two-day IT event 'e-Revolution 2008', to chart out roadmap for the growth of the IT sector in the state.

In the meeting, the industry leaders endorsed the state's strategy to create a favourable ecosystem for IT, which focuses on the four pillars of infrastructure, human resources, policy framework and investor relations.

The formation of a core IT Vision Group for Punjab was also discussed at the forum.

NASSCOM Chairnan Ganesh Natarajan came out in strong support of such an initiative and said that NASSCOM will provide all necessary facilitation for the setting up of such a group which would meet at regular intervals and drive the agenda for growth in the region.

The 11 member delegation from the IT industry shared their views on how they see Punjab emerging as a significant player on the national scene, with Mohali's impressive growth as a cluster in recent years.

Industry Minister Manoranjan Kalia, invited the industry experts to come and explore various locations in Punjab, including Kapurthala which is being developed as a focal point, with an emphasis on IT.

IT Minister Adaish Pratap Singh Kairon assured the industry leaders of extending whole hearted support from the State Government to ensure that the IT sector grows and prospers in the state. He requested the leaders to reach out regularly to the government with their feedback and perspective.

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