KEEN to give the necessary impetus to bring about growth in the information technology sector in the state, the Punjab Infotech is now on the verge of selecting a consultant to help it evolve a sector specific strategic policy and a road map for sustained growth. Likewise,Punjab Infotech has invited private consultancy groups for appointment as a consultant not only for formulating a strategic plan with a definite road map but to also asssit the corporation in the implementation of the proposed plan so as to enable private sector to consider Punjab as an IT investment destination. With land prices skyrocketting and availability of land in Mohali at affordable rates becoming a remote possibility at this juncture, the government has realised that it would be inevitable to make industry consider alternate sites in and around major Punjab towns as well as the interiors for new investments so that there is allround growth. While six companies evinced their keenness in being appointed as a consultant,five of the six companies eventually made their presentations to the corporation amongst them being Ernst & Young, Deloitte, TCS, ICRA and IL &FS. While PWC also showed its interest,it could not make it at the time of the presentation,hence moved out of the race, it is pointed out. Talking to ET here today, Mr Rakesh Kumar Verma, MD, Punjab Infotech said that the consultant would be selected by the end of this month out of the five who had made their presentations. “ We want the IT industry to flourish in Punjab and due to the high cost of land it is but imperative for industry to look at sites in the interiors of the state,” he said. So far efforts to enable industry to set up shop in the IT sector have been focussed in and around Mohali but now efforts would need to be channelised to rope in prospective investors with sound projects to look for alternate sites, he added. The consultant, it is understood, will take cognisance of the present status of the industry in Punjab, its growth potential and theraby evolve a road map for its development.