Bangalore, Sept 1 Notwithstanding the global economic slowdown, revenue from software exports in Karnataka grew 23 per cent to Rs 74,929 crore for 2008-09, and constituted 34 per cent of the national software export earnings.
The IT Minister of Karnataka, Mr Katta Subramanya Naidu, and the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI)-Bangalore Director, Ms R. Rajalakshmi, said the sector employed 5.54 lakh people in 2008-09, up from 5.2 lakh people during 2007-08.
During the period, 84 software units were added, which included 35 foreign equity companies, two Indian major and 47 small and medium enterprises, taking the total approved STP units to 2085 and electronic hardware technology park (EHTP) units to 68.
However, hardware exports have declined to Rs 2,889 crore in 2008-09, compared to Rs 3,100 crore the previous year.
“The growth shows that the sector has remained unaffected by the recession,” said Mr Naidu. Potential Tier II cities such as Mysore, Mangalore, Manipal and Hubli have contributed Rs 2,423 crore of revenue from 102 software units.
Mr Naidu said Infosys’ application seeking permission for the conversion of agricultural land for its project at Sarjapur had been cleared by the Government.
The Principal Secretary, Information Technology, Mr Ashok Kumar Manoli, said the government was taking steps to draw foreign investment in the electronic hardware sector. He said the State was wooing investment in manufacturing wafers and for photovoltaic cells.
Source : Business Line