By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar,February 27, 2016: Central Navratna public sector unit (PSU) National Aluminium Company Limited (Nalco) has instituted a state-level award for the outstanding start-ups in the field information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITES).

The award shall carry a purse of Rs1 lakh and a citation, which will be handed over to the awardee during Nalco Foundation Day celebration. Nalco chairman cum managing director Dr Tapan Kumar Chand made this announcement here on Friday.

Bhubaneswar is fast emerging as a major IT hub of the country. During last few years, the city has attracted some of the largest IT companies in India. It is one of the choicest destinations to IT majors like TCS, Infosys, Wipro and Tech Mahindra. Odisha has also developed IT specific SEZs to cater to the demand of the IT sector.

“Odisha has emerged as a leading state in the ongoing change process. World Bank Report has identified Odisha as an ‘Aspiring Leader’ in terms of ‘Ease-of-doing- Business’ in India. In this context, there is a great need to further this growth trajectory through concerted efforts from all sectors. In this regard, the role of IT & ITES Sector is very significant,” Dr. Chand said.