HCL, a leading software company, is set to significantly expand its operations in Andhra Pradesh, aiming to generate at least 15,000 new jobs. A delegation from HCL, led by Corporate Vice-President Siva Sankar and Associate Vice-President Siva Prasad, met with Minister for HRD, IT, and Electronics, Nara Lokesh, at his residence in Undavalli on Tuesday to discuss these ambitious plans.
Following the meeting, HCL representatives shared with the media that the company’s expansion in the state will create employment for 5,500 young people in the initial phase. In the second phase, a new multi-storey building will be constructed, providing jobs for an additional 10,000 individuals.
HCL already employs 4,500 people at its existing facility in Andhra Pradesh. “We are planning to generate large-scale employment by leveraging the latest technologies in line with global trends. Additionally, we will collaborate with the State Government on the upcoming skill census and skill development initiatives,” stated Siva Sankar and Siva Prasad.
Responding to the delegation’s proposals, Nara Lokesh reminisced about the previous Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government, during which he met with HCL Chairperson Shiv Nadar and convinced him to establish a unit in Gannavaram, despite competition from several other states. “It was a remarkable experience to facilitate the approval of permissions and allocation of land in Gannavaram in record time, allowing HCL to commence its activities promptly,” Lokesh recalled.
Lokesh expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in Gannavaram, where 4,500 jobs were created. However, he lamented that the company’s further expansion was hindered by the inefficiency of the subsequent government, which failed to provide the necessary permissions and subsidies. “The company, poised to create 20,000 jobs, was stalled at 4,500 due to these delays,” he added.
With the current government in place, Lokesh affirmed that the primary goal is to create 2 million jobs, and the State Government will offer full support to HCL in its expansion efforts. He assured that the subsidies withheld by the previous administration would be released in instalments and urged HCL to focus on creating an additional 15,500 jobs in the region.
