ASSCOM has failed the IT industry in Bangalore

2.5 years back, we consulted asscom Bangalore on what should be potential location to start our global business Center.

Why ? Because asscom is supposed to be IT industry spoc for the government and has power to influence government to take care of the industry and in position to guide clients on location etc.

We were told Bangalore is best location. Reason given ? Youngsters across India want to get away with family and have freedom, booze, party etc and Bangalore gives that freedom opportunity and hence there will never be talent shortage. (Very strange reason to attract companies but it seems to be working for some companies)

When we asked about traffic, pollution etc. - we were told that’s a trade off to get talent and not relevant as in India people are used to traffic jams and all cities are equally polluted. (Again, very strange reason totally ignoring major civic challenges)

My leadership from US was amused and decided never to consult them again. We ended up opening our Center in a tier-2 city and couldn’t be more happier. I moved out of Bangalore to lead the project and never going back now.

Maybe if asscom leaders spent less time in cocktail parties with the government and spent more time in understanding genuine issues of people and arm twisting government to fix people issues, we would have been in much better situation. Industry made them like union leaders and they are now enjoying the limelight doing nothing for the industry

Rant over ..

this is not a diss in Bangalore but on industry bodies claiming to work for betterment of industry and not doing enough.