Rourkela, Jan. 1: The Software Technology Park of India (STPI) here is struggling to survive due to lack of trained manpower, air connectivity and absence of local market.

'We are here, because we are serious about what we are doing,' said IT entrepreneur Abha Mahanta of Hi-Tech Technology. She is here since 2003-04 when STPI, Rourkela was established. Her company is one of the few firms that have tasted success here.

'The biggest problem we are facing here is lack of trained manpower. Those we get from local technical colleges cannot be retained for long, as they have their own dreams to pursue,' said Akhaya, Abha's son. At present, 90 per cent of their business is done with overseas market that includes the US, UK, New Zealand and Australia.

'Here we are not into any kind of software training or education,' said Abha.

There are nine companies operating at this moment from STPI, Rourkela. Other than Hi-Tech, there are Swaraj Enterprise and Nisha.com - who are into export. All other companies are managing through various training programmes. 'I cannot bring my clients here for a spot visit. New clients are hard to get as there is no air connectivity,' said an entrepreneur.

Since industry is not booming here, lack of domestic projects and awareness among the local industry owners are some of the problems inflicting the STPI.

'It is hard to get good clients as they cannot come in for a spot verification due to the lack of connectivity. Besides, the staff members also do not stay long,' said an employee.

The STPI stands on 3.8 acres, which was given by the Rourkela Steel Plant. Earlier, the industrial museum was functioning from this place. The land at Sector-V was handed over to the STPI after an agreement had been inked between the state and central governments.

However, sources said the property was yet to be officially transferred on pen and paper to the STPI. As a result, no new projects or additional floors can be built, said a former employee here.

Manas Panda, director of the STPI, said: 'The land would shortly be in our possession as we are seriously pursuing it.'

In another development, the government's decision to open an STPI in Sambalpur has evoked sharp reaction. P. Purohit, who hails from Sambalpur, said: 'This STPI is just an eyewash. A visit to the business park in Rourkela will reveal its condition.'