India's computer software and services exports is estimated to have touched Rs 31,200 crore (Rs 312 billion) in the first nine months (April-December) of the current fiscal, reflecting a 22 per cent increase over the year-ago period, as per the latest export data by ESC.

According to Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council, software and services exports is estimated at Rs 31,200 crore during April-December, against Rs 25,500 crore (Rs 255 billion) in the same period the previous year.

The electronics hardware exports, in turn, is projected at about Rs 4450 crore (Rs 44.5 billion) in the first three quarters of the current financial year, as compared to Rs 4300 crore (Rs 43 billion) in the corresponding period last year, showing a 3.49 per cent increase in rupee terms.

In dollar terms the software and services exports grew 18.32 per cent, while electronics hardware exports rose 0.08 per cent.

"The fourth quarter will see a lot of billing in software services and shipments of electronic hardware, adding on to the performance. We are optimistic and hopeful that the targets for financial year 2002-03 will be met and surpassed," D K Sareen, executive director of ESC told PTI.    

On Tuesday, Nasscom had released its export figures for software and services segment, which according to the apex software association, had posted a 28 per cent growth at 34,000 crore during April-December 2002.

The export performance of computer software and services and electronic hardware in the first nine months (April-Dec) of the current financial year, pitted against the full year's target, shows the percentage achievement at 67 per cent.

ESC's projected targets for 2002-03 is Rs 46,390 crore (Rs 463.9 billion) for the software and services segment, and Rs 6605 crore (Rs 66.05 billion) for the electronics hardware sector.

"The strong performance of the industry is despite the global slowdown and happenings in the US such as the hovering war clouds," Sareen said.