Microsoft plans to expand its operations in India over the next couple of years by opening centres in new locations.

At present, the software company is present in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Indore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Nagpur, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh and Kochi.

"We intend to expand our operations in India to 30 centres. We have one of our biggest research labs in India. Our focus on India will continue to grow," Microsoft President (International Operations) Jean-Philippe Courtois told reporters here today.

Microsoft also plans to increase its headcount in India. "Since we are expanding in India, we will increase the headcount from 5,000 by a couple of thousand," Courtois added.

He was in Bangalore to discuss the e-governance initiatives for the Karnataka government. Microsoft has submitted a letter of intent to launch a 'paperless office' concept for the government.

The Karnataka government signed a memorandum of understanding with Microsoft on Monday to implement the e-governance projects.

The agreement was signed by Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy.

"It will eliminate the dependence on paper work (manual files) in government offices. More computerisation of government process will also be taken up. This will help the state serve the public better," Sudhakar Rao, principal secretary to Kumaraswamy said.

Initially, Microsoft will launch the 'paperless office' concept in the IT&BT department. "The project will run on a trial basis. Subsequently, it will be extended to other departments. The letter of intent submitted by Microsoft enables the government to use the company's software applications for e-governance projects," Rao added.

The project will not have any financial implication for  Karnataka.