This story is from February 17, 2019

Chandigarh’s IT exports climb an Everest

Chandigarh’s IT exports climb an Everest
Rajneesh Aggarwal
MOHALI: The Chandigarh region, including Mohali and Panchkula, has seen a growth in information technology (IT) export from Rs 7 crore in 1998 to Rs 4,400 crore in the year 2017-18, says Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) director Rajneesh Aggarwal.
Speaking at TiECon, he appreciated the Punjab government’s grant of Rs 10 crore for startup hub at the STPI’s centre in Mohali.
He said: “Our upcoming STPI at Amritsar will be operational by June.” The IT export figures in the year 2007-08 were recorded at Rs 561 crore in the Chandigarh region, and the jump to Rs 4,400 crore is phenomenal.
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Aggarwal said the central and state governments were pitching in to take software and IT-enabled services at the doorstep of customers in tier-II and tier-III cities. Mohali is among the top tier-II cities of the north region. Rajender Srivastava, dean, ISB (Indian School of Business), said: “In April, the institute will launch an incubator to support entrepreneurs. We will also launch a Section-8 company to bring jobs to the region.”
Speaking on the occasion, Sameer Jain , TiE president for the Chandigarh chapter, said: “There is a need to dwell upon these vital issues to boost the start-up ecosystem in the region.” According to IT experts, as Chandigarh is a landlocked city, Mohali has emerged as a preferred destination for the industry. The Punjab government has set up a task force for promoting the IT industry in Mohali and earmarked 1,700 acres for IT City.
To become a hub for startups, Punjab has waived stamp duty and electricity duty for seven years.
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About the Author
Rajinder Nagarkoti

Rajinder Nagarkoti is Principal Correspondent with The Times of India, Chandigarh. He covers Chandigarh Administration and CBI, NIA courts in Panchkula.

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