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IT industry on recovery path
MUMBAI: India’s hardware industry is predicted to grow at over 15 per cent, thus crossing 1.9 million personal computer (PC) units in 2002-03.
The first-ever quarterly industry performance review for the quarter April-June of Financial Year (FY) 2002-03 undertaken by Manufacturers Association of Information Technology (MAIT) in association with IMRB (Indian Market Research Bureau) has revealed some startling results.
It shows that not only have resellers sought greater support from the industry but also that desktop PC market has grossed 5.08 lakh units,which is 63 per cent of that sold in the first-half of 2001-02. The market has shown signs of recovery, with sales in almost all product categories amounting to two-thirds of that sold in the last fiscal. FY 2001-02 had been marked with severe recessionary trend in the Indian economy, which had adversely impacted the hardware market.
With the buying sentiment in the market improving, PC sales in FY 2002-03 are expected to grow by 15 per cent crossing 19 lakh units. Fiscal 2001-02 had recorded 1.65 million units of PC sales.
Commenting on the findings of the study, MAIT ,executive director Vinnie Mehta said, “Though the entire country witnessed an economic slowdown last year, with signs of economic recovery this year, the IT market is expected to perform better. However, to ensure that IT reaches grass root levels in India, there is a pressing need to bring down the prices of IT products.”
The bi-annual survey aims to address the hardware sector’s efforts to manage the business environment, gauge the market potential and consumer trends. A new module in the study has now been introduced to monitor the industry performance every quarter, alternating with the half-yearly review, using the supply side estimation model involving data collection from the top IT vendors and leading channel players. The first round of the quarterly study (April-June) involved data collation from 6 major vendors and 367 resellers/vendors across 13 metros in India. The quarterly review covers the market size estimation for desktop PCs, notebooks, servers and peripherals – printers and UPS.
Being the first ever effort to map quarterly trends in the industry, year-on-year comparisons have not been possible. However, the findings lend themselves to identifying significant trends in buying and usage pattern.
In the first quarter of 2002-03, the desktop PCs, notebooks, dot matrix printers, laser printers have registered sales of close to two-third of their sales during the first half of 2001-02.In the PC market, among the business segment it was primarily the banks, educational institutes, government purchases, IT sector and IT related companies that have provided the recovery thrust to the hardware manufactures and vendors; while in the household segment, reduced prices coupled with increased selling efforts- schemes/ promotions/loans etc. have been instrumental in bringing in the recovery.
Replacement demand in PCs is also expected to enhance growth in this market. New technology and new features, application better suited to run on latest machines are likely to drive replacement market.
Notebook sales are still largely confined to business and establishment market and hence these segments would drive the current and future demand. The corporate office, IT companies and financial service sector institutes have emerged as the most sought after markets for notebooks. Households are yet to emerge as a major market. The cost of ownership of notebook versus desktop appears to be the major deterrent for this segment
The MAIT-IMRB study which attempted to understand the dynamics of this business and focused on issues being faced by the segment, came up with quite a few recommendations.
MAIT has recommended bringing down all local levies – excise duty and sales tax to this effect. According to Mehta, while there have been some admirable efforts in the industry in this direction, the government needs to facilitate and encourage this process by creating simple mechanisms for quick access to low-cost finance for product development and pilot production, with only the technology, materials, and components as security.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
