MADURAI: While big names in IT have shied away from Madurai until now, some of the smaller firms which have their roots here are making an impressive mark. For instance, the Madurai-based i-Grandee Software Technologies Pvt Ltd., has been involved in e-governance projects at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Besides, it has designed and developed the personal website of former President APJ Abdul Kalam. Similarly, another small firm, A&T Network Systems Pvt Ltd., has worked on IT projects for the Indian Railways. The website of the famed Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple here was designed by another local firm, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software.Despite these success stories, when it comes to the actual numbers, just a little over 100 small software companies are functioning in Madurai, providing applications assistance for larger enterprises. Each company employs 25 people on an average, with some establishing branches in other states for back-end operations.Statistics reveal that IT firms in the Temple City exported software for just `28 crore in the financial year 2009-10, even as other tier II and III cities in Tamil Nadu recorded software exports of `870 crore.Smaller firms have a solution to boost the revenue options. “The State Government should consume the services of the local software companies for executing works in ELCOT facilities at Madurai,” said Kathir Kamanthan, chief executive officer of Madurai-based Chella Software P Ltd. “Software companies here are capable of providing services for the ELCOT. So, the government must come forward to utilise our services,” he stressed.Though Madurai’s IT growth started a decade ago, it figured in the software map of the country only after the renowned Honeywell Technology Solutions Lab entered into an MoU with a local engineering college to establish a training centre for recruitment. It gained momentum in 2008 when the Indian Government accorded the SEZ status to the IT parks in Illandaikulam and Vadapalanji.Both IT parks, collectively, were expected to provide direct employment to 60,000 people and indirectly benefit 1.65 lakh others. But that has not happened.R Sivarajah, president, Software Industries Development Association of South Tamil Nadu, said the government must take effective steps for providing better visibility for Madurai IT parks in the international arena. “The scope and potential in Madurai must be exhibited at the highest levels to attract MNCs to the Temple City,” he explained. Besides, he urged the new government to reduce the rent for the built-up area at the IT park from the present Rs 28 to Rs 15 per sq ft for local software firms.“The government should extend tax benefits and review the export policy in IT SEZ, which would support the Madurai-based companies at large,” Sivarajah added.Earlier, Madurai had lost heavily after IT leader Satyam, enmeshed in its financial bungling, failed to set up shop at an IT SEZ, for which it was allotted a 50-acre land.
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