The Hindu Business Line : IT sector drops boycott plan of Bangalore fair

Mr N.R. Narayana Murthy (left), Chief Mentor, Infosys, and Mr Dharam Singh, Karnataka Chief Minister, at a meeting to discuss infrastructure issues and Bangalore IT.in 2005 on Thursday. — G.R.N. Somashekar

Bangalore , Sept. 22

THE IT industry has called off the boycott of Asia's premier technology showcasing event BangaloreIT.in 2005, beginning on October 26, after detailed discussions with the Karnataka Government on Thursday.

During the discussions, the Chief Minister, Mr N. Dharam Singh, assured a team of IT honchos led by Infosys Chairman Mr N.R. Narayana Murthy, that infrastructure concerns in Bangalore would be addressed on a priority basis.

He announced that a six-member committee with representation from both industry and the Government would be set up to monitor the progress on various infrastructure projects.

"We have resolved the issues and are satisfied with the initiatives of the Government. There is no question of IT industry boycotting the IT show as it is meant for the industry's growth in the State," Mr Murthy told a press conference after the meeting.

The Chief Minister also agreed to ban trucks during certain hours to reduce traffic congestion in Bangalore, and to accelerate work on various projects, including some 10 major arterial roads and 15 flyovers.

"We've become even more ambitious because we're comparing ourselves to Shanghai and Singapore," Mr Murthy said, adding, "There's great need for co-operation between the Government and the industry."

It may be recalled that the Bangalore Forum for Information Technology (BFIT) and the Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) had given the boycott call, in protest against the Government's apathy over the infrastructural problems being faced by the city.

Heads of leading IT firms, besides, representatives of BCIC and the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry attended the meeting.

Mr Anant Koppar, President, BCIC said, "The Government has made a promise, now they have to focus on the areas of their promise and build confidence. Bangalore Chamber withdraws the boycott with all due respect and supports the event in full earnest."

Rules out job reservation for Kannadigas: The IT industry in Karnataka has ruled out reservation for Kannadigas in jobs, while assuring that the talent in the State would be scouted and given opportunity.

Mr Narayana Murthy said 97.5 per cent of the revenue for his company came from the first world countries such as the US, Germany and Japan, and ``they do not care what your problems are."

``To ensure customer loyalty, we have to resort to a fair route of selecting meritorious candidates from across the country,'' he said. He added that the IT industry would not lack in initiatives to ensure that candidates from all parts of Karnataka were provided an opportunity.

The Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, Mr M.P. Prakash, who had recently raised the issue of IT companies ignoring Kannadigas in employment opportunities, said Mr Narayana Murthy had "candidly explained the situation and we appreciate the industry's stand."

He said the Government was clear about the implementation of the Sarojini Mahishi Committee report recommendations on providing employment to the locals in the private sector.

``However, to every rule, there is always an exception,'' Mr Prakash added.

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IT sector drops boycott plan of Bangalore fair