Information Technology giant, HCL has signed an MoU, with Andhra Pradesh (AP), to set up IT, training centers in Vijayawada, Amaravati.

The ceremony was attended by IT Secretary to Government, K. Vijayanand and HCL Technologies; Engineering and R&D Services President G.H. Rao; and HCL Technologies founder and Chairman Shiv Nadar.

AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, was even present at the event.

The company aims to hire, employ and train 5,000 local residents in the region, with a plan to hold an equal gender workforce.

The selected candidates, will undergo a training programme, on industry experts, based on skills required for working for global HCL customers.

The center will also work on developing innovative high-end technologies for global clients.

HCL, will invest Rs 500 crore, in two phases, over a 10-year period.

In the first phase, around Rs 300 crore will be invested in an IT Center at Kesarapalli village in Gannavaram Mandal.

The government has provided 17.86 acres of land, for this IT Center.

It is expected to provide, direct and indirect employment to 3,000 people.

Construction works of Phase I, are expected to be completed by August 2018.

Another Rs.200 crore, will be invested in the second phase. About 2,000 people are likely to get jobs with the second phase project.

The company has secured about ten acres of land, from the Government at Inavolu village in Amaravati. Works at this phase II are expected to commence in 2022.

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nara Chandrababu Naidu said, “The Andhra Pradesh Government is committed to economic development and providing more opportunities to the young workforce of the State.”

“The company’s IT and Training Center will provide a great platform to local talent in cities like Vijayawada.”

“The Center will even provide them growth opportunities and ultimately help in contributing to our vision of becoming the best state in the country by 2029,” said the Chief Minister.

HCL, Founder and Chairman, Shiv Nadar, said, “the company has always been at the forefront of bringing new opportunities to the Indian populace.”

“This is an innovative initiative to reach out to the local talent, refine their skills and make them future ready for IT careers.”

“Our main idea is to encourage women who are well educated in the southern part. That is how this idea came up,” said Mr. Nadar.

Nadar said, by leveraging the skilled talent pool available in the city, through the HCL Global Center, we can help put Vijayawada on the global IT map.

He further said, that the company, is ready to promote creative work force for global companies. The company has the largest R&D wing with around 6,000 people.

By Supraja