On the anvil are rural BPO centres in Chamarajanagar, Hassan and Haveri districts.'

Manoli said the state government planned to provide a Rs.2 million capital investment subsidy for setting up a 100-seat BPO.

It would also provide Rs.10,000 for training and another Rs.5,000 for rental and Internet connection per employee, he added.

Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Katta Subramanya Naidu said the state government planned to create 100,000 IT jobs in rural areas over the next five years, including 10,000 this year.

'The government plans to establish 100 such rural BPOs and has earmarked Rs.40 crore (Rs.400 million) for subsidy and manpower training,' Naidu said while inaugurating the BPO in the village Aug 7.

Welcoming the latest trend of BPO sector penetration in the countryside, experts predicted it would pave a new chapter in rural economy.

'It's a noble concept and has immense potential. The rest of India can emulate the idea. Rural BPOs could emerge as sub-contractors for IT majors that handle international clients,' said technology expert Sridhar Mitta.

Over half a million people are employed in the IT industry across the state spanning software services and IT-enabled services, including BPO and call centres.

As India's tech hub, Bangalore accounts for about 450,000 jobs, with 300,000 in software services and the remaining (150,000) in back-office operations.

(Maitreyee Boruah can be contacted at m.boruah@ians.in)

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