Who We Are

MAIT is the apex body representing India’s electronics & ICT hardware sector. MAIT is recognised by both the Government, as well as the industry, for its role in the growth and development of the IT Hardware industry. At MAIT, we believe that technology is the primary contributor of economic growth and with our consistent policy advocacy efforts, we have emerged as a strong and effective industry mouthpiece, within government corridors.

Headquartered in New Delhi, and with key affiliates across the globe, MAIT offers a wide range of programs and services to our members, as well as the entire ICT industry across the country. These initiatives include organising conferences, seminars, training sessions, events and workshops; policy representation; domestic & international marketing support; technology initiatives; publishing industry related information in targeted publications; networking opportunities; and many other industry-directed services. MAIT works in multiple areas for public advocacy: Cloud & Analytics, IPR, Skill Development, Component Trading Hub, State IT/ ESDM Policies, Import/ Export Policy, GST, Procurement Reforms, e-Governance, SMEs, e-Waste, Innovation & Start-up, Industry 4.0, IoT Devices, Smart Cities Solution and Standards, amongst others.

Our member profile spans all areas within the industry, including manufacturers, system integrators, solution & service providers, e-Waste recyclers, testing labs, EMS players, IT park developers, consulting organisations, companies in the areas of cloud and IoT, etc. With the constant support of its members MAIT is, today, an influential and dynamic body that is committed to collect, process and disseminate information and knowledge pertaining to the development of the information industry, with government agencies and professional bodies. We work to ensure transparent governance leading to a responsive Government.

How We Began

MAIT was established with the purposes of scientific, educational and IT Industry promotion and has emerged as an effective, influential and dynamic organisation.

The origin of MAIT dates back to 1982 when the Society of Information Science (SIS), a registered scientific society, organised a meeting where information scientists and technologists exchanged their views with industry captains from the field of information science. This meeting was part of the National Symposium on the 'Review of Manufacturing Programme for Information Processing Industry in India,' held on 17-18 June 1982 in New Delhi.

All the members at the meeting unanimously decided to create an association of Information Technology Manufacturers.

As a follow-up, the Roundtable on 'Information Industry in India' was organised by the Society of Information Science on 27 August 1982.

The then Honorable Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Vasant Sathe, inaugurated the Roundtable on Information Industry in the Hotel Maurya Sheraton Conference Hall.

During the roundtable, the President of the Society for Information Science, Shri D N Jetly, highlighted that the discussion centered on the formation of MAIT (Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology).

MAIT was finally established at the initiative of the SIS on December 14, 1982, with Mr. R Bandhopadhyay of the Department of Electronics as its first president.

Serving Indian IT, Telecom & Electronics Hardware since 1982

1980
1990
2000
2010
2020

1980s

The foundation of the IT industry was laid with the setting up of the National Informatics Centre in 1975. The 80s saw the emergence of software exports and IT departments in major Indian companies.

1982

Electronics Commission was established to promote electronics manufacturing

Establishment of MAIT (Manufacturers' Association for Information Technology) to promote the ICT industry in India.

1987-1989

MAIT represented on the High-Level Working Group on Electronics Industry, influencing early policy discussions.

1989-1990

Introduction of simplified export schemes for electronics hardware.

MAIT members initiated a strategy for developing low-cost PCs.
1990s

The liberalization of the Indian economy in 1991 paved the way for rapid growth in the IT sector. The setting up of software technology parks gave a major boost to software exports.

1990-1991

Liberalization and globalization policies opened up the Indian economy, leading to increased foreign investment and technology transfer.

Project InTeND (Information Technology for National Development) conceptualized by MAIT.

1991-1992

The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) scheme was launched to promote software exports.

MAIT launched a Quality Certification Scheme to enhance industry standards.

1993-1994

Formation of InFAST (Indian Federation Against Software Theft) co-founded by MAIT.

Recommendations for modifications in the Export House (EHTP) Scheme by MAIT.

1994-1995

MAIT introduced Vision 2001 for the Hardware Industry, outlining strategies for industry growth.

India became the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer with over 200 mobile phone manufacturing units in 2004.

1997-1998

Institution of MAIT Awards for Quality Recognition and Excellence in Exports.
2000s

This period saw a boom in the IT & BPM industry in India with the industry reporting revenue of $194 billion in FY211. The telecom industry also saw substantial growth with key players driving the expansion.

2000

The National Telecom Policy aimed at liberalizing the telecom sector and promoting private investment.

2001-2002

MAIT launched the COILTech initiative to promote local language applications in ICT.

2003-2004

MAIT established the IT Anti-Counterfeit Coalition of India (IACCI) to combat counterfeit IT products.

2004-2005

India became the world’s second-largest mobile phone manufacturer with over 200 mobile phone manufacturing units.

2005-2006

MAIT promoted international relations with Taiwan, attracting IT hardware investments to India.

2007-2008

MAIT advocated for policy changes like the Accelerated Clearance of Import & Export Scheme (ACS) and MRP abatement on IT products.
2010s

India emerged as the second-largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world with more than 200 mobile phone manufacturing units having been set up on its soil2. The total value of mobiles made in India was US$ 20 billion in 2017

2010

MAIT collaborated with states like Telangana, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh to develop IT procurement manuals.

2012-2013

MAIT conducted a tablet study on IT industry performance.

2014-2015

The “Make in India” campaign was launched to boost manufacturing across sectors, including electronics.

Launch of the Digital India initiative focusing on digital infrastructure and e-governance.

2016-2017

The Electronics Development Fund (EDF) was set up to support innovation and startups in electronics manufacturing.

E-Waste initiatives undertaken by MAIT to raise awareness and address e-Waste management.

2018

The National Digital Communications Policy emphasized broadband connectivity, IoT, and 5G.

2019-2021

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for telecom and IT sectors was introduced to boost local manufacturing.

MAIT released reports focusing on enhancing export competitiveness, promoting indigenous manufacturing, and developing capabilities in emerging technologies like wearables.
2020s

The government introduced several policy initiatives to boost the ICT sector in India. These include the Digital India initiative, National Digital Communications Policy, 2018: DoT, Data Centre Policy 2020, Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Telecom & IT Sector, and the BharatNet Project

2020

The Data Centre Policy aimed at promoting datacenter infrastructure 2021

MAIT released a report on Developing India’s Leadership in Printed Circuit Board Assembly in Partnership 2023

2023

In association with MeitY, MAIT launched the pilot project on Electronics Repair Services Outsource (ERSO) in India

2024

India’s electronics manufacturing industry stands at nearly $100 billion, with the sector's workforce comprising approximately 2.5 million individuals.