THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If your perception is that techies just improve life in the virtual world, then it’s time for a second thought. A recent survey by a team from the Indian Institute of Management-Kozhikode (IIM-K) on the socio-economic impact of the largest conglomeration of techies in the city - at Technopark here - has found that not only has it improved the overall quality of life in the region, but has also led to the rise in inter-caste marriages and maximum change in spoken language. The coming up of Technopark has resulted in change, with 76.30 per cent of the respondents feeling that there has been a steady rise in the inter-caste marriages in Thiruvananthapuram. They also feel that it has directly led to a spurt in the number of people visiting cinema theatres and festivals. About 80 per cent of the respondents feel that development of the IT industry leads to social benefits. They include 75 per cent of the outsiders and 96 per cent of those employed at Technopark who took part in the survey. The general perception of those who graduate from the city colleges is that after the coming up of Technopark here, there is no need for them to relocate in search of jobs, as there are more job opportunities in the IT sector. Almost 80 per cent of the employees believe that the IT Industry contributes to the economic development of the country. When it comes to IT development’s impact on the environment, 69 per cent believe that it does have an impact. When it comes to the much-talked about subject of introduction of trade unionism in the IT sector, for the techies in Technopark, it is a strict no-no. As much as 43.48 per cent of the respondents do not feel the need for trade unions in the sector, while 34.78 per cent feel that it is advisable. As much as 21.7 per cent respondents don’t have a view on the subject. People in the region, including those employed in Technopark, have a higher preference to English medium and CBSE boards for their children than Malayalam medium. As much as 40.60 per cent prefer English medium, while 33.30 per cent respondents prefer CBSE and only 15 per cent opt for Malayalam medium. Regarding the impact of the IT park on health and safety, 38 per cent believe that an IT park doesn’t pose any threat to health and safety of the people. As much as 26.32 per cent feel that there are potential hazards that IT parks could pose to public health and safety.
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