Industry bullish on the new govt

BANGALORE: As the results of the world’s largest democratic election has sprung surprises, the IT industry is bullish about the support that would be extended to them despite a new government which is all set to form in the central.

Industry chieftains in the Silicon Capital of India are quite confident that IT in India would grow with whichever government is at the helm. "The IT industry has reached a fairly self-reliant stage now and will continue its growth. The IT and the BPO sectors have a unique competitive advantage and we are certain that the new Government will provide all the necessary support," said Infosys Technologies, CEO, President and Managing Director, Nandan Nilekani

Sanjay Deshmukh of Business Development Director, Business Objects, shares the feeling, as he comments, "The results have taken the Industry by surprise. The Indian IT Industry has catapulted and has been recognized for its prowess and its excellent quality of services. I am optimistic that the business friendly policies will be carried forward by the new government and ensure that the tempo remains and grows. I am sure the new government understands that globally, India has already arrived and it would be prudent for them to continue with the existing policies, so that the momentum is not lost and show to the world that we are not only the largest but a mature democracy too."

Although the results are contrary to what the exit polls suggested, Mike Weston, Chief Executive, LogicaCMG, opines,"I am confident that the next Government will continue the good reforms and policies that are in force now. LogicaCMG is extremely bullish on India and will continue to invest and expand our Indian operations and we see no slackening in our growth rate. Our growth is governed more by client requirements than the political environment. We wish the next government the very best and expect them to continue the support extended to the IT industry."

While some continue to care less, which ever government comes to power, as Gautam Sinha, CEO, TVA Infotech, comments,"In my opinion the IT industry should be more or less insulated from the results. The industry is reaching a certain maturity whereby the momentum of its growth will enable it to move ahead. Whichever government comes to power is well aware of its potential and foreign exchange "earning" capacity and will therefore not take any backward steps. IT in India has flourished because Indian enterprise and the government (and the best form of support is a minimum interference!) have worked together and I don’t think this will change in any way."

Manoj Chugh, President, EMC-India and SAARC, joins him, as he thinks loud, "It is our firm belief that whichever government comes to power will have to improve the standards of living of all classes of society. This is possible only when citizens have access to a robust and intelligent information infrastructure. This, we believe, will be accorded top priority."

Others like Sridhar Jayanti, Vice President of engineering and Head of India Operations, McAfee Security Engineering Center (a Network Associates Center) is skeptical as he opines,"The new National Government may not have globalization on its mind. However given the revenue and the investment this brings in, I think there will be a continuation of policy of reforms, but nothing new. I anticipate focus on infrastructure related to rural development, rather than technology. The middle and upper income group will need to take a back seat for a couple of years."

The general opinion that IT will take a back seat in the agenda of the new government is reinstated with tech savvy Cyberabad CEO, Naidu being ousted in Andhra and his neighboring peer, SM Krishna also losing the battle in the state in terms of single majority. However much depends on who the others, including ex-PM Deve Gowda’s JDS will support to form the government in the state.

Nilekani, said, "SM Krishna has played an instrumental role in the growth of the IT industry in Karnataka. We believe that the industry has reached a fairly self-reliant stage and will continue to grow. There is a broad consensus on the economic reforms and we believe they will continue irrespective of whoever forms the Government."

His views are shared by Jayanthi, whilst commenting, "Karnataka in general and Bangalore in particular have weathered IT -Neutral Chief Ministers' in the past and maintained hi-tech leadership in the country. Even BJP has a reformed friendly image. At worst Things will remain status quo and at best stronger leadership will be established. I anticipate the latter scenario given the demise of Naidu Govt in Andhra Pradesh."

Others like Upinder Zutshi, COO, Infinite Computer Solutions, is confident, as he comments, "The Karnataka state government has had the vision and has been proactively helping the IT industry to invest in the state. We hope that which ever government comes to power puts together policies that are conducive for the growth of the industry and infrastructure will get more focus."

As a new government is all set to take the helm after eight years, the industry seems to be unfazed and sounds like business as usual.

CIOL Buerau