Information and Technology startups and existing IT firms in Goa could generate employment for over 8000 Goans if the government provided the right impetus for the sector, said vice president of Open Destinations and Goa Technology Association managing committee member Milind Anvekar.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of Goa Technology Association at the International Centre Goa, and citing data from a survey conducted by the association, Anvekar said that 80% of the employees in IT companies were local and that 65% of those employed in Goa’s IT sector were working in the 30 established IT companies in Goa.
The Goa Technology Association (GTA), is an association of about 80 local IT companies and they held their first meeting on Monday with almost full attendance by all its members, government officials and stakeholders.
“The challenge lies with meeting the expectations and overcoming the hurdles,” said president of the association Mangirish Salelkar.
IT director Ameya Abhyankar who was also present for the inaugural meeting said “I hope to see IT companies coming and partnering with the government to take Goa’s IT story forward.”
During the meeting, it was decided that an emphasis would be laid on creating employment for the local youth and that an IT policy will be unveiled soon. The concept of ‘IT anywhere’ will be promoted and that companies will have the freedom to operate from any area rather than only the notified ones.
A 48-seat incubation centre set up in Panaji in partnership with Software Technology Parks of India and independent funding mechanisms will be set up so that disbursement is not affected by budgetary issues.
Source: Times of India
