IT firms worst hit by bandh

Hyderabad, Dec. 7: City-based software firms have suffered the most due to the ongoing violence in and around the city.

Most of the IT offices have remained closed as the employees are reluctant to attend work. Many companies fear their staff may not attend duties for a few more days if the Telangana agitation and attacks on public and private properties continue. A large number of IT employees are transported in cabs their offices. With private vehicles being attacked, they are scared to commute.

The IT firms, which were hit by the global recession last year, have just started on the recovery path. In 2009-10, they had expected Rs 35,000-crore worth software exports from the state. However, the target will not be reachable if the agitation continues to hamper work.

The Hyderabad Software Exporters Association (HYSEA) has expressed its concern over the on-going attacks. The HYSEA president, Mr Narsimha Rao, said, “Violence will send out a wrong signal and investor sentiment will be affected.”

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) executive committee member, Mr Suraj Prasad Agarwal, too felt Hyderabad’s reputation will be damaged. “Progress is ensured only when peace prevails. The investors will think twice before investing in Hyderabad,” he said.