Experts Foresee Bright Future For IT Sector In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has immense potential to excel in the field of information technology and information technology-enabled services (IT and ITeS) and the state government is doing its best to create a conducive environment for it, said secretary, Department of Electronics and Information (DEIT), Manoj Mishra.

Speaking at a webinar titled, “Opportunities in IT & ITeS,” organised by Odisha Corporate Foundation (OCF), a non-profit organisation, Mishra said so far as creating a proper environment to boost IT & ITeS is concerned, the progress in Odisha is at par with other developed states. Geographical location of Odisha serves as an advantage and this is the right time to prosper in this sector. 

“Odisha is among the few states where the big four IT companies have set up offices. In the past few years, we have been doing well. Last year, IT service exports from Odisha were valued at about Rs 4500 crore with the state getting the seventh position in the country,” the secretary said.

The contribution of “Make in Odisha” and skill development initiatives launched by the government has had its positive impact on the growth of IT & ITES. The skill development environment in Bhubaneswar is of very high quality and the city has all the potential to get the status of an IT hub, Mishra added. “We are going to provide broadband connectivity to all the panchayats of the state soon,” he informed.

The Software Technology Parks of India’s (STPI) commercalisation and industrialization strategy for startups has created opportunities for young entrepreneurs especially during the pandemic times, said Director, STPI, Bhubaneswar, Manas Panda. STPI has generated more than 20,000 direct employment opportunity, he said, adding that 3-4 more STPIs are on the cards in the state.

Besides, the Fab Lab is planning to open 12 next generation incubation centres in the country and Bhubaneswar will get one. A characterisation lab is also going to open in the city in collaboration with the state government, Panda said. 

Group president (strategic HR) of Reliance Industries, Mumbai, Bijay Kumar Sahoo shed light on chalking out strategies for growth of digital skills in Odisha and creating opportunities for it.

Around 23% start ups are IT-based, said Managing Director, TATWA Tech Ltd, Ayashakanta Mohanty. Since 2010, the state has a conducive environment for boosting the startup ecosystem. “The state has miles to go and it can secure a bright future in this sector,” he added.

Former Odisha chief secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik said prosperity of the state depends on the quality of technical education and progress of IT & ITeS. A combined effort by all stakeholders can ensure progress of this sector. 

Manmath Sahoo from Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Singapore, was the convenor of the event, which was attended by representatives of various IT and ITeS firms of the country and abroad.