Another Immigration reform seems to be on cards in the US. According to InformationWeek, a 600-page Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America's Security and Prosperity Act of 2009 proposes changes to visas provided to foreign students who get advanced tech degrees in the United States.
It aims to make it easier for foreigners with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from the US universities and who have worked in their field in the US for three years to get green card employment visas.
According to the news report, they would be fast-tracked to green cards, which provide foreigners with permanent residency status, rather than lingering in H-1B visa limbo.
The legislation would also require employers applying for H-1B visas to prove that no US workers are available to fill the positions. It may also bar companies that have recently laid off US workers from engaging in the visa programme.
Foreign students with advanced technology degrees are required to leave the US shortly after graduating from a US university if they're unable to obtain or renew an H-1B visa or get a green card. The annual cap on H-1B visas is 85,000. This includes 65,000 general H-1B visas and 20,000 H-1Bs set aside for foreigners with advanced degrees.
Monday, December 28, 2009
TCS
Employees want TCS passport project reviewed
The indefinite wait for the start of the Passport Seva Project -- an e-project for faster delivery of passports has got another sting in its tale.
The employees have now done a U-turn and asked for a "review" of the Rs 1,000-crore project outsourced to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
"We are of the opinion that there is a need to review afresh the whole project," said a letter from the All India Passport Employees Association (AIPEA) to Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor.
The Passport Seva Project is an e-governance project of the Indian government which is supposed to streamline and bring efficiency in the process of distribution of passports.
The contract for implementing the project, worth Rs 1,000 crore (Rs10 billion or $21.4 million) was given to information technology major Tata Consultancy Services in October 2008, with an implementation timeline from June.
Since then, there have been multiple deadlines -- in October and November. But the project is yet to take off as TCS has been unable to provide fool-proof software.
Incidentally, AIPEA had earlier reached an agreement with the ministry before the contract was signed with TCS in 2008 for starting the project -- after long overdue promotions were given to a large number of employees.
The association consists of 2,400 employees located at regional passport offices around the country. Incidentally, there has been a freeze on the recruitment of new employees, despite the number of passports processed doubling in the last seven years.
The employees have now done a U-turn and asked for a "review" of the Rs 1,000-crore project outsourced to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
"We are of the opinion that there is a need to review afresh the whole project," said a letter from the All India Passport Employees Association (AIPEA) to Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor.
The Passport Seva Project is an e-governance project of the Indian government which is supposed to streamline and bring efficiency in the process of distribution of passports.
The contract for implementing the project, worth Rs 1,000 crore (Rs10 billion or $21.4 million) was given to information technology major Tata Consultancy Services in October 2008, with an implementation timeline from June.
Since then, there have been multiple deadlines -- in October and November. But the project is yet to take off as TCS has been unable to provide fool-proof software.
Incidentally, AIPEA had earlier reached an agreement with the ministry before the contract was signed with TCS in 2008 for starting the project -- after long overdue promotions were given to a large number of employees.
The association consists of 2,400 employees located at regional passport offices around the country. Incidentally, there has been a freeze on the recruitment of new employees, despite the number of passports processed doubling in the last seven years.
IT market, new openings
2010 to bring 50K IT jobs
After a long hibernation of 18 months, headhunters are actively out in the market as talent requirements have started trickling in. The hiring momentum is expected to pick up from April onwards.
Even in a worst scenario, calendar 2010 will create around 50,000 fresh IT/ITES jobs against zero fresh jobs except a very thin campus hiring - in the previous year. The calendar 2007 had witnessed a bumper hiring at over 3 lakh while the growth got tapered off towards the third quarter of 2008 clocking a total hiring of only 1.8 lakh.
B S Murthy, CEO, Leadership Capital says the new year will usher in recovery and a wave of general optimism across segments. “This means a complete change from the current skeletal and need-based hiring. The large volume-hiring realm (services space) will warm up by the second quarter of calendar 2010. A 15% increment in hiring volumes is expected in the first two quarters while the growth could cross 20% or double towards third and fourth quarter.”
According to Nirupama V G, MD, AdAstra, requirements will start pouring in like tsunami, HR departments of many corporates have already geared up for large scale hiring after a long standstill. “Normalcy will return to the industry by April. In addition to domestic hiring , India is going to emerge as a huge sourcing ground for global jobs across segments, positions and profiles.”
“When we enjoy a vantage position in human resources, talent is still a scare commodity in global markets. The year 2010 is going to be bright year for India in terms of domestic and global placements,” adds Mohan Menon, CEO, Sentient Consulting.
Even in a worst scenario, calendar 2010 will create around 50,000 fresh IT/ITES jobs against zero fresh jobs except a very thin campus hiring - in the previous year. The calendar 2007 had witnessed a bumper hiring at over 3 lakh while the growth got tapered off towards the third quarter of 2008 clocking a total hiring of only 1.8 lakh.
B S Murthy, CEO, Leadership Capital says the new year will usher in recovery and a wave of general optimism across segments. “This means a complete change from the current skeletal and need-based hiring. The large volume-hiring realm (services space) will warm up by the second quarter of calendar 2010. A 15% increment in hiring volumes is expected in the first two quarters while the growth could cross 20% or double towards third and fourth quarter.”
According to Nirupama V G, MD, AdAstra, requirements will start pouring in like tsunami, HR departments of many corporates have already geared up for large scale hiring after a long standstill. “Normalcy will return to the industry by April. In addition to domestic hiring , India is going to emerge as a huge sourcing ground for global jobs across segments, positions and profiles.”
“When we enjoy a vantage position in human resources, talent is still a scare commodity in global markets. The year 2010 is going to be bright year for India in terms of domestic and global placements,” adds Mohan Menon, CEO, Sentient Consulting.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
new openings, Wipro
Wipro to invest Rs 1,000 cr in Bengal's second campus
Azim Premji-controlled Wipro Ltd will invest close to Rs 1,000 crore in its second IT campus near Kolkata that will employ 20,000 tech professionals. But the company proposes to start construction work after more than a year, especially since land handover and creation of allied infrastructure is expected to take time.
On Thursday, Wipro chairman Azim Premji met West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee to assure him that his company had accepted the state’s offer price of Rs 1.5 crore per acre for the 50-acre plot in Rajarhat.
Confirming the development, a top source in the West Bengal government, who was privy to the discussions between Mr Premji and the chief minister, said: "Mr Premji has told the CM that his company will invest in a near Rs 1,000-crore IT campus in Rajarhat which will be equipped to house 20,000 IT/ITeS professionals once fully ramped up. Construction of the second Wipro campus in the city will start within 18 months and is expected to be operational by 2012."
While Mr Premji did not share details on the proposed investment in the Rajarhat campus, he did indicate that Wipro would fork out Rs 75 crore for the 50 acre plot. "We expect to start construction within 18 months, but before that the government needs to make the necessary infrastructure ready," he told reporters after his near 30-minute meeting with the chief minister at Writers’ Buildings on Thursday.
Significantly, Mr Premji inspected the campus site along with officials of the state IT department and Hidco, the government nodal agency that handles all land allotments in Rajarhat. Wipro’s new campus will be barely 15 minutes away from the Kolkata airport and will be right next to TCS’s upcoming 40-acre campus.
West Bengal IT minister Debesh Das said Wipro will pay the government the land price of Rs 75 crore in two installments. "The company will make the first tranche of payment of 25% of total land price in December 2009. The balance 75% will be paid subsequently. Wipro’s decision to invest in a second campus in Kolkata even during the downturn proves the state’s potential in the IT sector," he said.
Incidentally, Mr Premji also informed the chief minister that Wipro is significantly expanding headcount at its existing 20-acre IT SEZ in Sector V with growing business out of Kolkata. The headcount at its Kolkata campus will grow from 7,000 to 9,000 people shortly.
The much belated Wipro land allotment is a major breather of sorts for the Buddhadeb government, especially in the aftermath of the Vedic Village land scam that led to the scrapping of the mega IT township project in the vicinity where Wipro and Infosys were originally meant to receive 90 acres apiece. While the state managed has managed to make some headway in Wipro’s case, state IT department circles said Infosys was yet to respond to the government’s alternative land offer in Rajarhat.
On Thursday, Wipro chairman Azim Premji met West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee to assure him that his company had accepted the state’s offer price of Rs 1.5 crore per acre for the 50-acre plot in Rajarhat.
Confirming the development, a top source in the West Bengal government, who was privy to the discussions between Mr Premji and the chief minister, said: "Mr Premji has told the CM that his company will invest in a near Rs 1,000-crore IT campus in Rajarhat which will be equipped to house 20,000 IT/ITeS professionals once fully ramped up. Construction of the second Wipro campus in the city will start within 18 months and is expected to be operational by 2012."
While Mr Premji did not share details on the proposed investment in the Rajarhat campus, he did indicate that Wipro would fork out Rs 75 crore for the 50 acre plot. "We expect to start construction within 18 months, but before that the government needs to make the necessary infrastructure ready," he told reporters after his near 30-minute meeting with the chief minister at Writers’ Buildings on Thursday.
Significantly, Mr Premji inspected the campus site along with officials of the state IT department and Hidco, the government nodal agency that handles all land allotments in Rajarhat. Wipro’s new campus will be barely 15 minutes away from the Kolkata airport and will be right next to TCS’s upcoming 40-acre campus.
West Bengal IT minister Debesh Das said Wipro will pay the government the land price of Rs 75 crore in two installments. "The company will make the first tranche of payment of 25% of total land price in December 2009. The balance 75% will be paid subsequently. Wipro’s decision to invest in a second campus in Kolkata even during the downturn proves the state’s potential in the IT sector," he said.
Incidentally, Mr Premji also informed the chief minister that Wipro is significantly expanding headcount at its existing 20-acre IT SEZ in Sector V with growing business out of Kolkata. The headcount at its Kolkata campus will grow from 7,000 to 9,000 people shortly.
The much belated Wipro land allotment is a major breather of sorts for the Buddhadeb government, especially in the aftermath of the Vedic Village land scam that led to the scrapping of the mega IT township project in the vicinity where Wipro and Infosys were originally meant to receive 90 acres apiece. While the state managed has managed to make some headway in Wipro’s case, state IT department circles said Infosys was yet to respond to the government’s alternative land offer in Rajarhat.
IT market
Convergys and Microsoft set up community technology centre in Bangalore
Convergys Corporation, a global leader in relationship management, and Microsoft Corporation, the worldwide leader in software, services, and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential, announced on Tuesday the opening of a Community Technology Center (CTC) in Bangalore, India.
The CTC will aim to increase computer literacy and develop the job-related technology skills of underprivileged children in the Bangalore area.
The joint Microsoft/Convergys programme will have a significant impact in creating new avenues for social and economic opportunities for local students from the government higher primary school and other organisations. Through the CTC program, students will grow their knowledge of computers and upgrade important technology skills essential for future job opportunities.
A team of dedicated Convergys volunteers with strong computer training skills will routinely conduct the classes, which use a highly successful, technology-intensive digital literacy curriculum designed by Microsoft. The practical course will cover topics ranging from the fundamentals to day-to-day practical applications, such as using the Internet, sending e-mail, and creating a risumi.
As a socially responsible corporate citizen, Convergys and its employees are committed to supporting programs that help improve lives and build stronger communities around the globe, by focusing on education, social, and human services.
Vikas Goswami, Community Affairs Manager, Microsoft India, said, "Under our global Unlimited Potential initiative, we are committed to reaching the benefits of technology to those currently underserved by it. This alliance with Convergys is another step in that direction, and one that we hope will have a positive impact on scores of lives."
Mahesh Dadlani, Director of Convergys' Bangalore facility said, "Together with Microsoft, we hope to reach children early and significantly narrow the digital divide to broaden their future opportunities. Digital literacy will continue to emerge as a key enabler in empowering children to improve their employability in the future and to help them hold a competitive edge amongst an increasingly enlightened workforce."
Located in Convergys' Bangalore facility, the CTC will feature an informal and welcoming environment and will be well equipped with computers, printers, Internet access, and teaching aids.
The CTC will steadily increase its outreach with the aim of inducting close to 1,000 students from primary schools and non-profit organisations.
The CTC will aim to increase computer literacy and develop the job-related technology skills of underprivileged children in the Bangalore area.
The joint Microsoft/Convergys programme will have a significant impact in creating new avenues for social and economic opportunities for local students from the government higher primary school and other organisations. Through the CTC program, students will grow their knowledge of computers and upgrade important technology skills essential for future job opportunities.
A team of dedicated Convergys volunteers with strong computer training skills will routinely conduct the classes, which use a highly successful, technology-intensive digital literacy curriculum designed by Microsoft. The practical course will cover topics ranging from the fundamentals to day-to-day practical applications, such as using the Internet, sending e-mail, and creating a risumi.
As a socially responsible corporate citizen, Convergys and its employees are committed to supporting programs that help improve lives and build stronger communities around the globe, by focusing on education, social, and human services.
Vikas Goswami, Community Affairs Manager, Microsoft India, said, "Under our global Unlimited Potential initiative, we are committed to reaching the benefits of technology to those currently underserved by it. This alliance with Convergys is another step in that direction, and one that we hope will have a positive impact on scores of lives."
Mahesh Dadlani, Director of Convergys' Bangalore facility said, "Together with Microsoft, we hope to reach children early and significantly narrow the digital divide to broaden their future opportunities. Digital literacy will continue to emerge as a key enabler in empowering children to improve their employability in the future and to help them hold a competitive edge amongst an increasingly enlightened workforce."
Located in Convergys' Bangalore facility, the CTC will feature an informal and welcoming environment and will be well equipped with computers, printers, Internet access, and teaching aids.
The CTC will steadily increase its outreach with the aim of inducting close to 1,000 students from primary schools and non-profit organisations.
H1-B, Recession
Sharp drop in H-1B visas being used by Indian cos
Reflecting the changed ground realties in the US in the wake of economic crisis, there has been a sharp drop in H-1B work visas being applied for and obtained by major IT companies from India.
For instance the Infosys, which got as many as 4,559 H-1B visas in the fiscal 2008 and was on top of the list of firms bagging the coveted scheme for professionals, received just 440 H-1B visas in the fiscal 2009 (from October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009), according to the latest figures released by the US Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Similarly, Wipro, which in 2008 got 2,678 H-1B visas, received just 1,964 in 2009; but still topped the list in the fiscal 2009.
In 2008, four out of the top five spots for companies bagging the maximum number of H-1B visas were grabbed by Indian companies. These were Infosys (4,559), Wipro (2678), Satyam (1917) and Tata Consultancy Services (1539). Microsoft with 1037 H1-1B visas was the only US company to figure in top five.
However, the situation has changed dramatically in the year 2009 amid the global financial meltdown.
For instance the Infosys, which got as many as 4,559 H-1B visas in the fiscal 2008 and was on top of the list of firms bagging the coveted scheme for professionals, received just 440 H-1B visas in the fiscal 2009 (from October 1, 2008 to September 30, 2009), according to the latest figures released by the US Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Similarly, Wipro, which in 2008 got 2,678 H-1B visas, received just 1,964 in 2009; but still topped the list in the fiscal 2009.
In 2008, four out of the top five spots for companies bagging the maximum number of H-1B visas were grabbed by Indian companies. These were Infosys (4,559), Wipro (2678), Satyam (1917) and Tata Consultancy Services (1539). Microsoft with 1037 H1-1B visas was the only US company to figure in top five.
However, the situation has changed dramatically in the year 2009 amid the global financial meltdown.
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