Solid base of companies IT Park in two decades, good scope in future: 22 IT companies provide jobs to 4,000 youths

Aurangabad, June 20:

Aurangabad, which has been a hub of automobile, medicine and beer industries, is now a perfect option to start an Information Technology (IT) industry. A total of 22 IT companies have been established here in the past two decades in the IT Park and are providing jobs to 4,000 youths. These companies have created a solid base in the IT sector and are exporting their designs/software to 10 to 12 different countries including America, Europe and Gulf. There is a huge scope of expansion to the small and medium IT industries in the city.

The Software Technology Park was established in Chikalthana MIDC Area way back in the year 2000. Initially, there were two IT companies. Later on, there were eight companies having the strength of 70 employees by 2004. Today, 22 IT companies are there and 4,000 personnel are working in them.

The feature of the IT industry is that the high-end technology jobs are undertaken here. They include design services, medical, mechanical, structural and architectural designs of top-end quality. The work of BPO is also done. The 22 IT companies through exporting their designs to 10 to 12 different countries are recording a monthly transaction of Rs 20 crore to Rs 22 crore. Owing to the lockdown, the industries were closed in Aurangabad, but the industries of America and Europe were functioning. As a result, following the huge pressure of assignment, these 4,000 personnel worked from home (WFH). The IT work is totally based on internet, therefore, it could be done from home. There were some works which require high speed (heavy) internet connection. Hence, working from the office of IT Park was the only option, but it was not possible during the lockdown. Despite all odds, the functioning of IT industries did not stop. The industry exported various designs valuing Rs 8 crore by working from home. The IT sector is now restoring to its speed in a gradual manner.

According to an expert in the IT sector, "The small and medium companies can do low budget works relating to BPO, Web Applications, Back Offices, etc. Besides, there is a huge opportunity to undertake jobs relating to telecom, insurance services, warranty claim, e-Governance. There is ample scope for IT companies including BPO where 200 to 1000 personnel work under one roof."

Favourable atmosphere for IT companies

The day to day expense and salaries of employees in Aurangabad are 30-35 per cent less than cities like Pune and Mumbai. The cost of land in Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru is sky-rocketing. As a result, the companies here are forced to divert towards developing cities like Aurangabad. The IT industry will not face a shortage of expert manpower here. In Pune, more than 25-30 per cent of youths are working in the IT sector. Pune is facing a severe traffic jam. As a result, eight hours are spent on work and 2-3 hours in travelling. On the other hand, in Aurangabad, one can work for 8 hours and only 20-30 minutes are spent on travelling. A favourable atmosphere is available to set up an IT company in Aurangabad due to such differences.

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Government aspires to develop the city as an ' IT Hub'

Aurangabad is well-known across the globe as an industrial destination and it is the state government's desire that the city should be developed as an ' IT Hub.' Accordingly, the government is striving to attract IT sector industries in the city.

The required talent is available in Aurangabad and other districts of Marathwada. The students after studying move to Mumbai, Pune or foreign countries. Many successful IT students have started industries in Mumbai, Pune, Noida, Gurugram, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. There is a five-star industrial estate ' Shendra Auric' and if all the required facilities are provided, IT industries will be started here and many big companies will also get attracted.

There are reputed educational institutes with excellent facilities in Aurangabad. There is a need to think that if the facilities on par with Mumbai and Pune are provided to these students from the city's engineering colleges they would be motivated to work here. Accordingly, the city's youth will start IT companies and will be able to provide employment opportunities to others. Now, there is a need for the state government to take an effort in this direction, opined the experts.

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Strengths of Aurangabad

1. IT companies are functioning in the city for the last 20 years.

2. There are few companies, out of 22 IT companies, which are functioning for the last 30 to 40 years.

3. There is adequate availability of basic amenities.

4. Favourable atmosphere to establish IT companies.

5. Less salaries of employees compared to other big cities.

6. There is less percentage of changing jobs amongst employees (from one company to another).

7. Good scope for the functioning of small and medium companies.