BPO firms, CII meet to address security issues

In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Bangalore, the information technology industry in the national capital region is playing it safe.

Representatives of business process outsourcing companies including GEnpact, IBM and Convergys on Friday attended a high-profile meeting organised jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industry and the Call Centre Association of India, to address security issues facing the industry.

"About 70 representatives from BPO companies, security agencies and police officials from Haryana were part of the meeting aimed at improving security in the industry," said CCAI President Sam Chopra.

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The entire BPO industry in the region was part of the meeting, and there has been a consensus on greater emphasis on security issues pertaining to women employees, and the physical security of the building, added Chopra.

Smaller BPO players like Noida-based NorthStar, CyberCall and InfoVision were also part of the meeting. "While smaller BPO players need special security, there is a minimum security standard that will be adhered to by all the companies," Chopra said.

Mandatory camera on the premises and greater emphasis on vehicular safety were some key security initiatives that had been agreed upon by all representatives, Chopra added.

The meeting was attended by the administrative personnel of all the BPO players.

The terrorist attack on a scientist at the Indian Institute of Science campus and the murder of a BPO employee has made the IT industry more wary of its security practices.

"The Indian IT industry, located in many cities across the country, already has in place many security measures. This incident emphasises the need to review and upgrade these. The industry will work in collaboration with the police and the government, towards tightening security measures, to create a safer working environment for the industry," industry association Nasscom said in a statement.