The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), North Bengal region, had joined hands with Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) to mark the day in order to promote the scheme among entrepreneurs in Siliguri as well as the North Eastern region.
STPI project associate Subrata Chatterjee and HR manager Debashree Bhattacharya were present at the programme at the WEBEL IT Park in Matigara today. It may be noted here that the India Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) scheme is a flagship programme under the Digital India programme.
Officials said that there are a few companies in Siliguri, which have benefited by the scheme and that the STPI has played an important role in helping IT companies to set up their units here.
According to experts in the IT industry, geographically, Siliguri in Darjeeling and Northeastern states have huge talent and people have strong command over the English language. “Almost 70 per cent of the employees in the Indian BPO industry belong to this region due to their adaptability with any foreign accent,” they say.
“CII has joined hands with the STPI to promote the scheme and bring in development in this region. We have been contacted by many entrepreneurs even from the Northeast region. Guwahati may be a wonderful part of this scheme,” said Chairman, IT Panel of the CII North Bengal, Ranadeep Bhattacharya
“Already 100 jobs have been generated by the companies in Siliguri and another 50 are under process. We hope a few more companies will be getting the benefits from this scheme by the end of July,” he added.
Officials also said that this scheme has enough potential to generate huge employment in this region, comprising Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong in the Hills, while educated boys and girls will have the opportunity to stay in their home town.
“There is a special incentive for employing girls in the scheme for women empowerment and skill development programmes for boys and girls in the society. So there is a special drive to recruit women by the companies,” Mr Bhattacharya said.