Times News Network
By R Raghavendra/TNN
Hubli: As you read this, about 120 people in Hubli are trying to ensure that patients visiting hospitals in the US for various ailments are well covered by their insurance companies. This group analyses all the data of the patient, makes necessary claims, and handles all rejected claims. They are part of N S Infotech, a H u bl i - b a s e d company that also has a presence in New York, Michigan
and Florida.
Another group of people, mostly ex-employees of Texas Instruments, are quietly trying to ensure that Hubli cashes in on the semiconductor boom in India. Going by the name Consortium for Technology to Interior India (CTTII), they have already got the state government moving for a Tech City, within the proposed integrated Hi Tech City between Hubli and Dharwad.
The desire to give something back to their homeland, Hubli-Dharwad, is perhaps at an all-time high among these individuals.
"Every single day, I get calls from my students in different parts of the world wanting to start something in Hubli. Many of them want to come back if there is a good business opportunity,'' says Ashok Shettar, principal of BVB Engineering College at Hubli, which is also rated amongst the best in the state. The present IT Park has been largely vacant for the last four years. The Hubli IT investors meet was the first conscious effort made by the government to sell this location. "Besides infrastructure, it is important to create a conducive ecosystem for the industry to grow. For instance, good job opportunities for spouses is equally important before convinc-
someone relocate here,'' says Vivek G Pawar, CEO of Sankalp Semiconductor
Pawar along with a few other like-minded individuals has already set the ball in motion by trying to ensure that the packaging of Hubli-Dharwad as an investment hub is bang on. Their consortium comprises five companies that employ a total of 1,000 people. They have already presented a plan for a Tech City within the proposed Hi Tech City. This would be an integrated township with all facilities for high-end semiconductor and design companies.
The Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation too is working to change the face of the region. It has bagged a Rs 1 crore fund from Cities Alliance Washington for its city development strategy. "From worrying about dial-up connections to reaching a stage where I can play golf the whole day enjoying the salubrious climate, I have seen the change. There is great hope for Hubli,'' says Santosh Huralikoppi, who heads N S Infotech.
