On April 23, 2026, the policy and membership teams from Nasscom engaged in a constructive and forward-looking dialogue with the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Nayab Singh Saini.
The discussion centred on strengthening the IT-ITeS ecosystem in the state and advancing the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) agenda, an increasingly critical factor in attracting long-term digital investments.
Moving from Intent to Execution
Haryana has long held strategic advantages including its proximity to Delhi, strong infrastructure backbone, and a growing base of enterprises. However, as the IT-ITeS sector evolves and competition across states intensifies, the conversation has shifted from policy intent to execution effectiveness. The interaction underscored that while policy frameworks are in place, their real impact depends on how consistently and predictably they are implemented. Nasscom's recommendations were therefore anchored in making the ecosystem more measurable, coordinated, and responsive to industry needs.
Building a Measurable Growth Framework
A key suggestion was the creation of a robust performance matrix to track IT-ITeS sector growth. Today, states compete not just on incentives but on outcomes such as job creation, export growth, innovation output, and ease of compliance.
A well-defined matrix would allow Haryana to:
- Benchmark its progress against leading IT hubs
- Identify gaps in real time
- Drive accountability across departments
More importantly, it would signal to investors that the state is serious about data-driven governance.
Breaking Silos: The Case for Stronger Coordination
One recurring challenge in improving EoDB is fragmentation across departments be it labour, IT, urban development, or industries. The discussion emphasized the need for stronger inter-departmental coordination to ensure that policies are not only aligned but also executed seamlessly.
For businesses, even minor inconsistencies across departments can translate into delays and uncertainty. A coordinated governance approach can significantly reduce these friction points, making Haryana a more predictable and business-friendly destination.
Industry Status for IT-ITeS: A Strategic Enabler
Granting "Industry Status" to the IT-ITeS sector emerged as a critical recommendation. While the sector is already a major contributor to employment and exports, formal recognition as an industry would unlock tangible benefits:
- Easier access to institutional financing
- Improved infrastructure support
- Enhanced policy prioritisation
This move would also place Haryana on par with other progressive states that have already extended such recognition, strengthening its competitive positioning.
Revitalising the Steering Committee
Another important suggestion was to activate the state's Steering Committee as a structured platform for continuous policy review. Rather than ad-hoc consultations, a formal mechanism can:
- Enable regular industry-government dialogue
- Track implementation progress
- Address emerging challenges proactively
This institutional approach ensures that policymaking remains dynamic and responsive to a rapidly changing technology landscape.
Simplifying Labour Code Implementation
With the rollout of new labour codes at the national level, states play a crucial role in operationalising them. Industry feedback highlighted the need for clarity, consistency, and simplicity in state-level implementation.
Streamlined processes, clear guidelines, and reduced compliance ambiguity can go a long way in improving EoDB. For the IT-ITeS sector, where flexibility and agility are key, this becomes even more important.
Investing in Talent Through Strategic Skilling Partnerships
No digital economy can grow without a strong talent pipeline. The discussion also focused on deepening skilling collaborations, particularly through platforms like FutureSkills Prime.
By aligning industry needs with academic and training ecosystems, Haryana can:
- Build a future-ready workforce
- Attract high-value investments
- Support the growth of emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing
A Shared Vision for Haryana's Digital Future
The interaction reflected a shared commitment between the government and industry to position Haryana as a leading destination for IT-ITeS growth. The focus was not merely on policy announcements, but on creating an ecosystem that is transparent, efficient, and globally competitive.
As India's digital economy continues to expand, states that can combine strong policy frameworks with effective execution will stand out. Haryana has the ingredients to do so and with sustained collaboration between stakeholders, it can translate potential into tangible outcomes.
The April 23, 2026 discussion is a step in that direction: a reminder that meaningful reform lies not just in designing policies, but in making them work on the ground.
Director - Public Policy