HCL has massive expansion plans in Andhra Pradesh to provide 15,000 jobs

Amaravathi (Andhra Pradesh) (India), August 21 (ANI): Leading software major HCL is all set to massively expand its network in Andhra Pradesh, providing at least 15,000 more jobs to the youth.

An HCL delegation, led by corporate vice-president Siva Sankar and associate vice-president Siva Prasad, held a long meeting with the minister for human resource development, information technology (IT) and electronics at the latter’s residence in Undavalli on Tuesday. HCL executives later told the media that the company has plans for a large-scale expansion in the state, providing employment to at least 5,500 youth.

Phase 2 will see a new multi-story structure built and will employ another 10,000 people, they said. HCL already has 4,500 employees at its current unit.

“We are formulating plans to provide employment on a massive scale by adopting latest technology in line with changing trends across the globe. Moreover, we will be partners in the skill census and skill development which will be undertaken by the state government in the most prestigious manner,” Shiva Shankar and Siva Prasad told media persons.

They said they were ready to extend cooperation as part of the state government’s drive to create 20 lakh jobs in the coming years.

Siva Shankar and Siva Prasad said they have appealed to Andhra Pradesh Education and Information Technology Minister Nara Lokesh to take necessary steps to issue necessary permissions for network expansion and also release subsidies withheld by the previous government.

Responding to their appeal, Nara Lokesh recalled that during the last TDP regime, he had personally met HCL chairman Shiv Nadar and convinced him to set up a unit in Gannavaram, even though several states were competing with Andhra Pradesh at that time. “It was truly a great experience that permissions were granted and land was allotted in Gannavaram in record time to help HCL start operations on a war footing,” Lokesh recalled fondly.

Noting that whenever he visits Gannavarn, he feels immense satisfaction that he can provide work to 4,500 youth, Lokesh, however, rued that the company’s operations could not flourish due to the inefficiency of the rulers who later took over. “The company, which is ready to provide work to 20,000 people, is stuck at 4,500 because necessary permissions and subsidies were not given,” he added.

“As the people’s government is now in place, its primary objective is to provide 20 lakh jobs and the state government will extend all possible assistance to HCL to expand its network in the state,” Lokesh said.

He added that the subsidies withheld by the previous government would be paid in instalments and asked HCL delegates to focus mainly on providing employment to another 15,500 youth.

Lokesh extended heartfelt congratulations to HCL for its decision to provide employment to the youth by upskilling them. (ANI)