Thaindian News

Kolkata, Dec 7 (IANS) IT major Wipro Technologies chairman Azim Premji Wednesday indicated to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that the company would pump in Rs.700 crore-Rs.800 crore into its second campus here which would provide employment to 15,000 youths.

Premji met Banerjee at the state secretariat, Writers’ Buildings, and discussed the IT service provider’s expansion plans in the state.

“Premji came with his full team. He has indicated that his company is looking at employing 15,000 additional young men and women by expanding its operation in the state,” Finance Minister Amit Mitra, who was present at the meeting, told media persons here.

Neither Banerjee nor Premji spoke to the media.

Wipro had purchased 50 acres of land from the previous Left Front regime for setting up its second campus at New Town, Rajarhat, on the northeastern fringes of the city.

Wipro has its existing centre in the IT hub in Sector V of the satellite township of Salt Lake, employing 7,500 people.

“He told the chief minister that his company was looking at reinvesting Rs.700 crore-Rs. 800 crore in the state. The chief minister asked him to finalise the project,” said Mitra.

Premji also proposed a public-private partnership with the state government for providing e-services towards ensuring e-governance.

“They work in the PPP (public-private partnership) mode with seven state governments as also the central government in ensuring seamless operation as part of e-governance. He said Wipro will be happy to help. This is encouraging,” the finance minister said.

The state has attracted all big names in the sector. Tata Consultancy Services and IBM are among the other companies which have already set up bases here during the Left Front regime.