PCAIT likely to lead state-level body

Considering the fact that in the last couple of weeks UP and Tamil Nadu have announced
state-level IT associations, a similar opportunity remains to be explored in Delhi. When
DQ Week delved into the possibility of a state-level IT association in Delhi, all fingers
pointed at PCAIT (Progressive Channels Association of IT) with hope.

Puneet Singhal, President, Computers Media Dealers Association (CMDA) welcomed the
idea but shared that finding an association willing to take the initiative was what was
delaying the process. He said, "You need to give time to your business and then to
your respective associations. Now if we will have a state-level association then people
would be required to put in that extra effort from their end."

"CMDA just takes care of a section of the partner community, but the kind of reach
PCAIT has gained in a considerably short time span is remarkable," added Singhal.

Associations like West Delhi Computer Dealers Association (WDCDA) are already working
towards this and banking high on PCAIT. Mohit Purdhani, President, WDCDA said, "We
are already in talks with PCAIT about the possibility of a state-level IT confederation in
Delhi. Soon, Delhi associations will have an umbrella organization to create mass impact
while tabling issues to the authorities."

When RK Malhotra, President, PCAIT was informed about the response from the
associations in Delhi he was really happy seeing the kind of faith they were showing in
PCAIT. He said, "It is indeed a very good idea and PCAIT has no problem in taking
steps towards it. But the problem is that as of now we are busy with our own internal
governing body elections. The moment we are through with it, the new committee would start
working towards it, provided all approach us together."

When it comes to the benefits, a state-level association would be able to bring all the
issues on to a common platform so that a common solution is derived. "Issues like
VAT, sealing and gray market would be better addressed," quipped Singhal.

New entrants like Ravikant Gupta, President, East Delhi Computer Traders Association
(EDCTA) had a different story to share. According to him, "Associations like us,
which are new, are busy with brand building. We have not been able to get a majority of
our members from our own area, so we still have to put in lots of efforts to bring all the
IT partners operating from trans-Yamuna area under one umbrella."

What is encouraging is that not only members of Delhi associations, members of UP
associations are also showing much interest in joining the Delhi state-level body.

Syeda Beenish Khalid