Enabling tier-II and -III cities so that they can host IT-ITES establishments, making them livable, improving inner city transport and delivering enough power are the most obvious areas where action is required.

As for the talent pool, a constant threat of developing inadequacies in it hangs over the head of the industry like a sword. Not only does the talent pool need to multiply, the proportion of ready-to-be-employed products from institutions has to go way up from the present dismal levels which require extensive training by industry. This adds to costs. Curriculum and faculty need to be transformed and industry has to play a role in making this happen.

In boosting domestic demand the government has to play a major role by taking forward programmes like e-governance, connectivity and a national identity card system. None of all this is beyond the reach of the stakeholders. The corporate leadership of the IT-BPO industry has till now more than risen to emerging challenges. The government, from the STPI innovation and tax break of the early nineties onwards, has been an exemplary partner. As an industry association Nasscom has more than delivered. What is needed is consistent action by the three over time in concert.

Source: Business Standard