Hyderabad: Despite global obstacles, Information Technology and Industries Minister K.T. Rama Rao assured on Wednesday that the growth of Hyderabad’s IT sector will persist.
“The Minister expressed confidence that this year will be no exception, despite the global situation,” he stated, highlighting that IT exports from the state reached a significant ₹1.83 lakh crore in the last fiscal year. Additionally, out of the 4.50 lakh jobs generated in the IT industry nationwide last year, Hyderabad accounted for one-third, or 1.5 lakh jobs.
At the 2023 annual summit and awards of the Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association (HYSEA), Mr. Rama Rao praised the industry for its strong growth. “Hyderabad is thriving and will continue to do so… credit goes to the industry,” he declared, emphasizing its status as a preferred location for IT companies. He cited the expansion of U.S. firm Providence Health Systems in the city as evidence.
Previously, the Minister had tweeted about his meeting with the leadership of Providence Health Systems, stating, “Pleased to announce that the U.S.-based company is set to increase its employee count from 1,000 to over 3,000 in Hyderabad.”
The 2023 HYSEA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to former IAS officer R. Chandrashekhar, who held several key positions, including Secretary to the Department of Telecommunications and Department of Electronics, before serving as the president of Nasscom. The award was given in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the Indian IT industry, according to HYSEA.
Mr. Chandrashekhar expressed his gratitude for the privilege and honor of receiving the award and accepted it on behalf of all those who helped to grow the IT industry. He noted that the IT sector is a recession-proof industry for those who are willing to constantly learn new skills.
The Minister presented the HYSEA awards, which recognize IT/ITeS companies and startups for their accomplishments in exports, productivity, and product development for 2021-22. The ceremony was attended by IT Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, STPI Director General Arvind Kumar, LTIMindtree CEO and MD Debashis Chatterjee, Cyient founder chairman BVR Mohan Reddy, and HYSEA president Manisha Saboo.
In his address to the audience, Mr. Ranjan requested HYSEA’s support in realizing the Telangana government’s vision of extending IT industry growth beyond Hyderabad to tier II cities across the state.
Ms. Saboo discussed that the summit, with the theme “Rethink, Reimagine, and Rebuild the future,” took place in light of projections that India will add 2 million IT jobs over the next three years, with only 30-40% coming from traditional IT services organizations and the rest from GCCs and startups. She also highlighted HYSEA’s programs to promote innovation, prepare talent-ready youth, and achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.
Earlier in the day, Cyberabad Commissioner of Police Stephen Ravindra stressed the need for the industry to collaborate with the police to enhance cyber security in the face of rising cybercrime threats. Industry keynote speaker, Co-chairman and MD of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories G.V. Prasad, emphasized the importance of IT companies understanding the pharma industry and pharma stakeholders understanding the power of technology.
