The exports of computer software and information technology -enabled services climbed 27.4 per cent to Rs 46,500 crore (Rs 465 billion) in 2002-03 from Rs 36,500 crore (Rs 365 billion) in 2001-02.

However, in dollar terms, software exports grew 25 per cent to $9.57 billion in 2002-03 from $7.65 billion in the previous year, according to the Electronics and Computer Software Export Promotion Council.

"The solid growth in the sector seems to be driven by offshore contracts particularly for IT-enabled services," said D K Sareen, executive director, ESC.

The council's estimates reveal that electronic hardware exports were almost stagnant during 2002-03 at Rs 6,000 crore (Rs 60 billion), against Rs 5,800 crore (Rs 58 billion) in the previous year.

In dollar terms, hardware exports showed a modest growth of 3.45 per cent to $1.23 billion in 2002-03 from $1.22 billion in 2001-02.

According to the ESC, overall infotech exports grew 24 per cent to Rs 52,500 crore (Rs 525 billion) in 2002-03 from Rs 42,300 crore (Rs 423 billion) in 2001-02.

In dollar terms, the exports climbed 21.82 per cent to $10.80 billion in 2002-03 from $8.86 billion in the previous year.

"The export growth of the infotech sector is mainly on account of the growth in the export of computer software and IT-enabled services," Sareen said.

Sareen also said a policy framework should be prepared to promote the business process outsourcing sector in the country, which showed considerable potential.

"Issues regarding the protection of secrecy of databases need to be addressed. A legislation has to be put in place ensuring the secrecy of offshore databases to facilitate business process outsourcing to India," Sareen said.

Exports head north

• In dollar terms, software exports grew 25 per cent to $9.57 billion in 2002-03 from $7.65 billion in the previous year.
• The council's estimates reveal that electronic hardware exports were almost stagnant during 2002-03 at Rs 6,000 crore (Rs 60 billion), against Rs 5,800 crore (Rs 58 billion) in the previous year. In dollar terms, hardware exports showed a modest growth of 3.45 per cent to $1.23 billion in 2002-03 from $1.22 billion in 2001-02.
• Overall infotech exports grew 24 per cent to Rs 52,500 crore (Rs 525 billion) in 2002-03 from Rs 42,300 crore (Rs 423 billion) in 2001-02. In dollar terms, the exports climbed 21.82 per cent to $10.80 billion in 2002-03 from $8.86 billion in the previous year.
• Sareen also said a policy framework should be prepared to promote the business process outsourcing sector, which showed considerable potential.