40% of the country’s new tech jobs are contributed by Telangana : Jayesh Ranjan

The IT Landscape of Telangana is growing strong and strong. We began our journey three decades ago and are going strong each passing year. The IT industry in Telangana was seen initially as an IT Services Industry. But, that was not enough to sustain for a long time. This has changed, while it was still providing IT services in the past 10 to 15 years. The IT Services contribution to the overall software exports has been coming down over the years. Now IT services’ contribution is just 30% while non-IT services revenue is 70%, said Mr Jayesh Ranjan, special chief secretary, Department of IT, E & C, Govt of Telangana.

Mr. Ranjan was in a conversation with Mr. Pankaj Diwan, Chair of GROWTHX 2025 Summit, a platform designed to push digital transformation held on Saturday at HICC, Madhapur. The one full day summit was organised for knowledge sharing, business, partnerships, lead generation and revenue opportunities. The main purpose of the summit was to promote digital transformation for MSMEs

Speaking further, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan said the biggest driver of growth in the past seven or eight years has been Global Capability Centres (GCCs) which are offshore offices that multinational corporations (MNCs) set up to handle a variety of business functions. Over 70 of them chose Hyderabad over other cities. The reputation of Hyderabad has changed as the most happening IT Hub of the nation. The GCCs brought with them their cutting edge technology, he added.

The lot of Amazon Alexa work happens here in Hyderabad. Google Maps work is also happening in the city. So also cloud development, etc. Truly, Hyderabad has transformed from an IT services destination to an IT product development city, the officer made it clear.

Look at the last three years, Hyderabad has been contributing the largest number of technology jobs, Mr. Rajan said. Hyderabad has already surpassed Bangalore. Earlier we were marginally ahead of it, but now we have surpassed it. The 40% of the country’s new tech jobs are contributed by Telangana, he informed. Hyderabad truly symbolises growth and the growth of the IT Industry, Mr. Ranjan said in his fireside chat with Mr. Pankaj Diwan

Replying to a question on how he sees AI, Mr. Ranjan said AI is a transformative tool. The problems which were considered never to be solved are being solved now thanks to AI. It can solve any problem. It has that transformative power. However, he cautioned them about the disadvantages it brings with it, such as misuse of its power.

AI is still imperfect. Artificial Intelligence systems are not flawless and can still make mistakes, exhibit biases, and struggle with complex situations that require adaptability or creativity, which are inherent human qualities. The AI tools are yet to be perfected. SMEs need to realise the impact it will make to their businesses. Unfortunately, they are still hesitant to adopt it. There are mental blocks. No one is old to adapt to technology. AI needs to be taught right from the school age, so that there is no hesitancy not only to AI but any other technologies the markets will be confronted with in future, Mr. Ranjan said.

AI needs to be taught in schools in a way to learn 21 AI Tools in 21 days. The teaching has to be as simple as this, Mr. Ranjan suggested.

Mr Ranjan added that there are no job losses due to AI. Certain traditional jobs may be lost. One need not worry much about it. With a bit of upskilling, this challenge can be met. AI will also create certain new jobs, he gave assurance.