Constraining access to jobs will be a mistake: Daisy Chittilapilly

Cisco’s newly inaugurated manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur, Chennai, seems to have the potential to reshape India's technology landscape not only through its technological contributions but also by creating much-needed employment opportunities. With an expected generation of over 1,200 direct jobs in its first phase, this investment marks a pivotal step towards boosting local employment in Tamil Nadu, a state already known for its manufacturing prowess.

A New Job Hub in Tamil Nadu

As Cisco begins its multiyear investment plan, the first manufacturing facility in India will produce the Network Convergence System (NCS) 540 Series routers. These routers are critical for telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring robust and scalable networks. However, the facility is about more than just technology. It is expected to drive job creation across several levels, including high-skill engineering roles, manufacturing, and supply chain management positions.

Daisy Chittilapilly, President of Cisco India & SAARC, emphasized the importance of Cisco’s commitment to India’s technological growth. She noted, “This facility is a significant step in our investments in India, not just in technology but in people. We are creating 1,200 direct jobs here, and this number will only increase as we expand our product lineup.”

Job Reservation and the Local Workforce

Cisco’s Chennai facility has also brought up important discussions around job reservation and local hiring. The Tamil Nadu government is keen to ensure that local residents are prioritized for employment in manufacturing projects. With the government pushing for job reservations for local talent, the expectations surrounding Cisco's hiring practices have grown.

While Cisco is committed to fostering local employment, Daisy Chittilapilly expressed her views on the broader issue of job reservation, pointing out the need for balance; “Constraining access to jobs will be a mistake,” she remarked. “We need to ensure that the best people have access to the best opportunities, and restricting this based on geography could limit the growth of both the company and the local talent pool. Our focus is on hiring the best talent available, which includes a significant portion of skilled workers from Tamil Nadu.”

This comment reflects Cisco’s broader vision of job creation, not just in terms of numbers but also in building a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and excellence.

Impact on the Local Economy

The creation of 1,200 direct jobs is only the start. Beyond the initial roles, Cisco’s presence is expected to generate indirect employment opportunities across the local economy, particularly in ancillary industries like logistics, raw materials supply, and services. The development of high-tech manufacturing hubs often leads to the growth of local businesses and suppliers, creating a ripple effect throughout the region.

Tamil Nadu, known for its advanced manufacturing sector, is set to benefit from the technological expertise that Cisco brings. The state’s local workforce will have the opportunity to gain experience in cutting-edge telecommunications technology, enhancing their skills and employability for the future.

Opportunities for Growth

As Cisco’s Chennai facility expands its product portfolio, job creation is expected to scale up further. With plans to eventually produce more than just routers, including printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) components and rugged industrial-grade equipment, the scope for employment will grow in both technical and managerial domains.

Daisy Chittilapilly noted that the job creation process would align with demand in both domestic and international markets. “The product lineup at this facility will solely depend on the amount of demand we receive from both the domestic and export markets. We are prepared to scale production accordingly as we move forward,” she said.

This flexibility indicates that Cisco is ready to adjust its workforce requirements based on market conditions, which could lead to the creation of more jobs as the company’s product offerings grow.

Daisy Chittilapilly’s emphasis on inclusivity and the value of a skilled workforce underscores Cisco’s approach to hiring, focusing on the best talent, regardless of location, while recognizing the importance of integrating local expertise. This approach not only strengthens Cisco’s position in India’s manufacturing landscape but also contributes to the economic growth of Tamil Nadu and its people.