Uttaranchal to get 25K jobs by 2008

New Delhi: Over 20 per cent of the employees working in BPOs across the NCR hail from Uttaranchal.

Wondering why? Well, over one lakh graduates pass out of the state's nine universities, 10 engineering colleges, 24 polytechnics and 85 ITIs every year. But not all of them are offered jobs in the state and the result is that most of them migrate outside.

However, as the proposal to set up three Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the state receives a green flag, the job-scene sure seems brighter. These include two IT SEZs at Dehradun, one SEZ at Sitarganj, three STPs each at Dehradun, Pantnagar and Roorkee.

The proposed project, which was aimed at attracting major IT and ITES companies, is already underway. In fact, almost 35 lakh square feet of land is currently being developed for IT-related SEZs and technology parks.

Each of these units will enjoy 100 per cent tax exemption for first five years and a subsequent 30 per cent exemption for next five years.

Twelve companies, including BPOs, have already acquired space in the Cyber Towers, launched this month. Among others investing in the state are Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) companies like CAD/CAM solutions' company Ramtech.

The credit for all the groundwork goes to State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttaranchal Ltd (SIDCUL), a Government of Uttaranchal Enterprise that was set up to promote Industrial development in the state.

The project is estimated to provide employment to at least 25,000 people by 2007-08. But the good news doesn't end there - the state has also tied up with IT majors such Microsoft, IBM, Intel, Oracle, HP and Aptech to provide IT education at a subsidised cost.

HR majors like Mafoi are being roped in to set up sponsored BPO training programs for students.