This pillar focuses on providing training to the youth in the skills required for availing employment opportunities in the IT/ITES sector. There are eight components with specific scope of activities under this pillar:
The Indian BPO industry has witnessed significant growth over the past years and India has gradually emerged as one of the preferred BPO destinations globally. Several factors including operational cost effectiveness, availability of skilled manpower and ever-increasing demand for employment opportunities have increasingly contributed to the growth of BPO industry in the country. However, the BPO industry has largely been concentrated in and around large (Tier-I) cities where skilled manpower drawn from various parts of the country including NE Region seek employment.
In large (Tier-I) cities, the recurring manpower cost to the company is considered to be higher particularly keeping in view the relatively higher cost of residential accommodation and larger travelling distance for employees. Thus, it would be prudent for a BPO Company to migrate to smaller (Tier-II/III) cities including those in North Eastern Region, as it would result in significantly reduced manpower related expenses and thus making its operations far more profitable. It is understood that key concerns for setting up of BPO operations in the N.E. Region are related to various issues including reliable internet connectivity and power supply.
Promotion of BPOs in NE Region |
Current Scenario:
Changed Scenario
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In the aforesaid background, it has been decided to give special attention to the establishment of BPOs in the North Eastern Region through appropriate incentives. Currently a draft Scheme titled, “North East BPO Promotion Scheme (NEBPS)” to incentivize setting up of BPO/ Call Centres in the North Eastern Region is under consideration. It is envisaged to create a total seating capacity of 4000 till the end of the current five year plan, which is expected to generate direct employment to about 12000 persons.
The broad features of the proposed scheme are as under:
Objectives
The main objectives of NEBPS are as under:
Financial Incentives
The Scheme envisages the following financial incentives:
(i) Capital Support: Capital Support up to 50% of the one-time expenditure incurred on admissible items with a cap of `1 lac per seat, whichever is lower.
(ii) Rental Support: Rental Support of 50% of the actual rental expenses with a cap of `1000 per seat per month for the first two years w.e.f. date of commencement of operations, whichever is lower.
(Meanwhile, DeitY has proposed to initiate a Pilot Project at STPI Centres in Guwahati and Shillong, which have available space of 10,000 sq. feet (200 seats) and 5,000 sq. ft. (100 seats) respectively with an outlay of `3.72 crore based on terms and guidelines of the above scheme.)
The benefits would be available till two years from the date of notification of scheme. The budgetary estimate is done for a period of three financial years. The overall financial outlay will be limited to `50 crore during the 12th Five Year Plan. A review of the scheme in the ultimate year of the 12th Five Year would be undertaken to make a realistic estimate of the likely demand for the 13th Five Year Plan (as necessary).