GTech wants Kerala exempt IT from shutdowns

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA: The Group of Technopark Companies (GTech) will soon ask the Kerala government to take steps to see that shutdowns do not affect the nascent IT industry in the state.

"The investor perception of Kerala still continues to be not that good and the frequent shutdowns, if not curbed, will certainly affect the smooth progress of the IT industry in the state," V.K. Mathews, the newly elected GTech president, told reporters here.

In the last four years, the state has witnessed 295 shutdowns. And every time police had to operate special convoys to carry the IT professionals to their places of work in the capital Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi.

"Over the years the state has become a bit expensive and this is going to be a deterrent for new investors and this issue would be taken up at appropriate forums. We have decided to see that the security aspects of all IT institutions are strengthened because IT parks have come under threats," said Mathews.

He said the GTech would collaborate with the state government in its IT initiatives.

GTech was formed a decade ago to promote the cause of IT companies at the Technopark campus here. The new leadership has decided to expand the forum to include all IT companies in the state.

Software exports from Kerala this year is expected to touch Rs.3,000 crore.

"A quantum leap in exports from Kerala will take place when big companies grow bigger in the state. Moreover, another area where we would concentrate is to see small IT companies begin operations from smaller cities. We will extend help to such ventures," added Mathews.