The Hindu Business Line : What after the clinking?

IT was a pretty impressive gathering of business leaders from the IT world in the East and North Eastern region at the recent Infocom 2002 Conference and Exhibition in Kolkata. The event witnessed the participation of over 600 delegates and 75 companies from across the country. From Y.C. Deveshwar of ITC to Roopen Roy of PricewaterhouseCoopers, R. Gopalakrisnan of Tata Sons Ltd, James Duckworth of Unilever and Keith Budge of Oracle, they, and many more, were there at the three-day conference.

Besides, there were three Chief Ministers and Ministers for IT from different States in the region.

And, for once, it was they who were listening to what the industry had to say. The idea was simple. To get to know what needs to be provided to get the IT industry to invest in the region and, in the process, tap its potential and help bridge the digital divide. And, perhaps sooner than later, facilitate the integration of the economy of the East and North Eastern region with that of South-East Asia.

At the end of it all, the Ministers recognised the crucial role IT can play in socio-economic development and providing information access to the masses. To attract investment, West Bengal showcased its potential in software and IT-Enabled Services while Arunachal Pradesh presented a strong case for the use of IT in biodiversity management. Assam and Manipur outlined the scope for the application of IT in textiles, handlooms and handicrafts.

On its part, the industry acknowledged that the region did have a large base of intellectual capital and the potential to emerge as a leading contributor to the Indian IT industry. However, that has not happened as yet. The feeling was that the region desperately needs to dispel myths, promote awareness, encourage investment in IT and implement policies expeditiously.

Ministers representing nine States in the region pledged strong support to the private sector in terms of providing infrastructure, including land lease on easy terms, and incentives such as tax holidays and other concessions.

There was also the issue of security — the biggest concern of potential investors in the region. The conference acknowledged security was an issue in select pockets of some, and not all, North-Eastern States.

Second, security was a non-issue in and around state capitals where IT outfits were expected to locate themselves. And third, the state governments were committed to providing security to the lives and property of all investors in the States.

A few things came out clear. It is imperative for state governments in the region to address both physical and perceptional issues if are to be successful in their efforts to attract IT investments.

Besides, consistent and sustained efforts need to be made to attract investments from non-resident Indians. For it has been proved that overseas communities are the biggest investors in their own countries.

All were in agreement on one vital point. That IT investments in the North-East was greatly dependent on the revitalisation of Kolkata as a major IT hub in the region.

When that happens, the rub-off effect will be discernible in the North-Eastern States. Towards this end, West Bengal seems to be perfectly willing to play the role of an elder sibling to its North Eastern counterparts.

Only time will tell if Infocom 2002 Conference & Exhibition has facilitated States in the region to find their rightful place in the Indian IT arena.

ambar_singhroy@rediffmail.com

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