Move over IT: AP Inc.

By SNV Sudhir

Visakhapatnam, May 25, 2014:  Think Tanks and entrepreneurs in Seemandhra now want the new chief minister, N Chandrababu Naidu to concentrate on other industry sectors also than only, IT and Software.

Naidu, during his earlier regime, was rather known as CEO of Andhra Pradesh than the Chief Minister due to pro IT approach.  They want  him this time to concentrate on food processing, electronics, technology, petrochemical  and other process industry, manufacturing and SMEs. Four blue collar Jobs for every one white collar job should be the slogan, they say.

“I feel the software story is over. Whatever will come will come. But this time I request Naidu to please concentrate on food processing, electronics, technology, petrochemical and other process industry, manufacturing and SMEs. Please concentrate on the existing distributed growth centres within the state. This will also grow AP in a distributed manner. Four blue collar jobs for every one white collar job should be our slogan. He should be tech CM not high tech CM,” newly formed CoastaRayala Development Forum, chief coordinator, Harish Chandra Prasad told this correspondent.

A young entrepreneur Swathik Addala felt that encouraging SME's would be the key to growth and  government  should consider tax exemptions for entrepreneurs. Design should be given high importance for every initiative, he added.

 This comes at the time when Banglore Inc has shown worry over Naidu returning to helm of the affairs with his earlier aggressive attitude on building brand for Hyderabad, which gave a tough competition to the Garden city in IT and ITES sectors.  Recently a report from Banglore said that IT entrepreneurs there are jittery over Naidu returning to power and it may affect the Brand Banglore again.

However there is also a conflicting opinion being expressed over the suggestion to Naidu to concentrate on other sectors ignoring IT.

“How much employment does PCPIR gives, per crore of investment? For generating employment IT is best.  IT jobs will have cascading effect on economy.  IT is generating 5 lakh crore money circulation in the country which is equal to India's oil imports. Hyderabad has share of 60k crores in 2012-13. Service industry is contributing more than 50pc of GDP. Even china wants to emulate India in IT services.  Due to IT only state VAT collection will increase and state prosper,” said Ravi Babu, an Indian economy

 observer.

An IT enterprnuer Ramakrishna Garimelal said that is only one side of the coin.  “The money earned by Software is back into market and the revenue is generated from the purchases made by Software industry and people,” he added.

Harish Chandra Prasad further added “ Its not that IT firms should not be allowed in Andhra Pradesh. What we are saying is, in this age and time it is futile to go after IT companies like Naidu did 15 years back. That was the right time and he did a great job. With ITIR sanctioned in places like Hyderabad do other places stand a chance.  Today he has to concentrate on other sectors for the uniform growth of AP.”