Bangalore:
The IT industry has called off the boycott of Asia's
premier technology showcasing event BangaloreIT.in 2005,
beginning on October 26, after detailed discussions with
the Karnataka Government on Thursday.
During
the discussions, the Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh,
assured a team of concerned businessmen led by Infosys
chairman N.R. Narayana Murthy, that infrastructure concerns
in Bangalore would be addressed on a priority basis.
He
announced that a six-member committee with representation
from both industry and the Government would be set up
to monitor the progress on various infrastructure projects.
"We have resolved the issues and are satisfied with
the initiatives of the Government. There is no question
of IT industry boycotting the IT show as it is meant for
the industry's growth in the State," Murthy told
a press conference after the meeting.
The
Chief Minister also agreed to ban trucks during certain
hours to reduce traffic congestion in Bangalore, and to
accelerate work on various projects, including some 10
major arterial roads and 15 flyovers.
It
may be recalled that the Bangalore Forum for Information
Technology (BFIT) and the Bangalore Chamber of Industry
and Commerce (BCIC) had given the boycott call, in protest
against the Government's apathy over the infrastructural
problems being faced by the city.
Heads
of leading IT firms, besides, representatives of BCIC
and the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and
Industry attended the meeting.
The
IT industry in Karnataka has ruled out reservation for
Kannadigas in jobs, while assuring that the talent in
the State would be
scouted and given opportunity. Narayana Murthy said 97.5
per cent
of the revenue for his company came from the first world
countries such as the US, Germany and Japan, and ``they
do not care what your problems are."
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