A billboard of Quantum IT centre in Matigara. Picture by Kundan Yolmo

Siliguri, May 16: Entrepreneurs in the IT sector in and around Siliguri and those about to set up units here have voiced their concern over the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha’s agitation, which, they think, has disrupted normal life and affected their business in town over the past few months.

In the past couple of years, the emergence of Siliguri as a potential IT destination in Bengal — second after Calcutta — led to creation of jobs for youths residing in the region. A number of companies opened units, some have decided to establish theirs, while a few more are working on proposals from the Bengal government.

“We have been running a 120-seat BPO here for the past couple of years and have taken another plot at Paribahan Nagar in Matigara to create our own infrastructure and open another centre,” said Subharthi Roy, the administrative head of the Calcutta-based Xploretech Services Limited. “There were initial hiccups which we managed to overcome. But recent changes in the political situation have left us apprehensive,” he added.

Kalyan Kar of Acclaris — the company has been running a 15-seat knowledge process outsourcing centre at the STPI building in Matigara since October — echoed Roy.

“We have plans to extend our centre, where we have been working on insurance and health sectors, and shift to a new building which will come up on the STPI campus,” Kar, the managing director of the company, said. “There has been no problems so far, but we hope that political parties shoulder the responsibility of maintaining an ideal atmosphere for investment in the IT sector, especially when local youths are working in these units.”

The IT companies are, however, still serious about investing in the region, if the unveiling of the foundation stones for two IT parks, to be built by Webel and Rungta Group, last month is any indication.

“Peace and normality are the two requisites considered by any entrepreneur before he decides to invest,” said Kushal Rungta, the director of Rungta Group. “We are likely to start construction from June-end.”

Rungta said they were aware of the agitation in the hills. “But we guess the leaders are sensible enough to ensure that the investment-friendly environment created for IT sector in Siliguri is not affected. The development also means creation of job opportunities for the youths, many of whom are well-versed in English and competent enough to be absorbed into the sector,” he added. The company will facilitate a number of IT players in establishing units in the proposed park.

The Morcha has responded positively. “We are not against investment or development and will encourage the progress of the IT sector which can offer employment to our youths,” said Binay Tamang, the media and publicity secretary of the party, which has recently revived the statehood demand in the hills. “We will cooperate with investors and welcome them to Siliguri.”