In a strategic move that shows the changing landscape of India’s IT industry, Hyderabad has quietly dethroned Chennai to become Cognizant largest global center.
This shift signals a pivotal moment for the Nasdaq-listed IT giant. It emphasizes its focus on growth and innovation within the country.
Cognizant The Numbers Speak
Chennai vs. Hyderabad: Sources reveal that Cognizant’s Chennai headcount currently stands in the range of 55,000 to 56,000 employees. Meanwhile, Hyderabad has surged ahead, boasting over 57,000 employees and growing at an impressive pace.
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) Influence: Hyderabad’s ascendancy is partly attributed to its robust BPO presence. The city’s agility in improving infrastructure and fostering skill development has played a crucial role in attracting global enterprises.
Expansion Plans at Cognizant
Cognizant has announced plans to add another 15,000 seats in Hyderabad. This expansion will give the city a definitive edge over Chennai.
On August 14, Cognizant will lay the foundation stone for its sprawling 10 lakh square feet campus in Hyderabad. The new facility will house cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), digital engineering, and cloud solutions.
Jayesh Ranjan, Telangana’s Special Chief Secretary for the Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (ITE&C) and Department of Industries & Commerce expressed his views on the move.
Jayesh said, “Unfortunately, the agility that other cities have shown, particularly Hyderabad, in improving infrastructure, focussing on skill development, and being proactive in making the global MNCs feel welcome, hasn’t been displayed by Chennai.”
“It comes as no surprise, then that Cognizant has now chosen to make Hyderabad their largest centre anywhere in India”, he added.
“It won’t surprise me at all if Hyderabad in days to come becomes Cognizant’s largest footprint in the world also. They have had a great experience in Hyderabad, and we the Government are committed to help them further thrive and flourish,” he added.
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Telangana’s Proactive Approach
Government Support: Telangana’s proactive approach in welcoming global multinational corporations (MNCs) has been instrumental. The state’s focus on infrastructure development and skill enhancement has set Hyderabad on the fast track.
Chief Minister’s Vision: Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, along with Cognizant’s CEO Ravi Kumar, has championed this transformation. Their successful meeting paved the way for Hyderabad’s elevation as Cognizant’s premier hub.
Kamal Karanth, the co-founder of staffing specialist firm Xpheno said, “A strong talent pull is evident with over 1.8 million jobseekers from other states stating Hyderabad as a preference to move in.”
“The city is best poised for new expansion and capacity creation plans of large players in the IT sector,” he added.
Summing Up
With Hyderabad’s momentum, it won’t be surprising if it becomes Cognizant’s largest footprint globally. The city’s sophisticated infrastructure, enterprise-friendly policies, and incentives have positioned it as a top choice for IT companies.
Investors will closely watch Cognizant’s strategic moves and Hyderabad’s continued growth. Transparency and effective communication will be key to maintaining confidence.
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