In an effort to meet the demand of projected 2.1 million people in the software and services sector by 2008, National Association of Software and Service Companies on Thursday announced the launch of an IT workforce initiative to focus sharply on the creation and nurturing of human resources in the country.

"To meet the targeted revenue of $50 billion, the software and services industry would require a manpower of 2.1 million by 2008 from the current 800,000 people. However, against the demand of 2.1 million, the industry can employ only 1.1 million by 2008," quoting a Mckinsey estimate, president of NASSCOM said while addressing the first ever 'NASSCOM HR Summit 2004' in Chennai.

He said that the IT Workforce of NASSCOM will closely work with the education sector (through curricula, faculty, infrastructure improvements) in line with IT industry's requirements.

Under its business process outsourcing initiative, this premier IT software and services body has been working towards improving the employment conversion ratio through use of pre-certification, use of counselling as well as providing awareness to attract young talent.

The important challenges are, he said, faculty training and the curriculum. "As we move ahead, especially in the knowledge economy, we need people with innovative skills, entrepreneurial, risk taking attitudes etc."

He also called for state government's role in the initiative to enhance HR skills. "On the demand side, we don't see any problem. But the other challenges will be the infrastructure and the quality of HR, he said.

"Apart from core software skills, we also need soft skills. With the industry dynamics are changing and the corporate work culture undergoing transformation, human resource challenges are the critical factors that will decide the growth process," said Karnik.

Karnik said that this conference will help us to chalk out a concrete plan in this area.

IT secretary of Tamil Nadu, Vivek Harinarain asked the industry to try to find solutions by themselves and not to seek government's help for all their problems. The government can only ensure better environment and infrastructure. We have created over 5.5 million sq ft of space in the state through private participation, he said.

"Tamil Nadu is a pioneer in providing computer education in schools. There are around 1200 government schools in the state are teaching computer education and this year it will reach 2000, said Harinarain, adding, the Tamil Nadu government will be happy to associate with any effort taken by NASSCOM to enhance the intellectual capital of the country.