The wait for an information technology firm to start functioning from the Gangaikondan IT Special Economic Zone has come to an end.
Atos Syntel, a multinational company, which is all set to start its operations from Monday, is a partner for many world’s biggest brands in banking and financial services, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, retail, media and telecom, transportation and logistics.
Before being acquired by Atos in October 2018, Syntel revealed in April 2013 a plan to establish its Global Delivery Centre on 500-acre Gangaikondan IT SEZ for which the firm acquired 100 acres. In the first phase, 25 acres of land was developed for constructing a workspace with 2.50 lakh square feet to employ more than 2,500 skilled personnel.
Even though Syntel, as per schedule, could complete construction in two years, operation of the IT unit got delayed due to red tape and other reasons after getting all mandatory clearances from the Centre. Even after Central government officials asked the State IT department to expedite the process, nothing moved fast, sources said.
Though the firm had established its office on the IT SEZ, the delay in granting permission for operation was attributed to lack of Directorate of Town and Country Planning’s approval.
“After waiting for over 10 years, the first IT firm is all set to start its operations on Monday. This is really good news for the skilled workforce trained for IT and IT-enabled services, especially for the youth from Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari districts.
The Nellai District Small and Tiny Industries Association welcomes Atos Syntel and we are ready to extend all possible help to them,” said Sanjay Gunasingh, secretary of NELSTIA, and former chairman, Confederation of Indian Industries – Thoothukudi chapter.