A licence to import computers created panic and triggered abrupt disruptions. Incentivise local design, work with industry, encourage component makers to shift to India
On August 3, GOI dropped a bombshell, frightening both industry and consumers. The free import of personal computers, laptops and tablets was banned with immediate effect. A licence would be needed to import a computer. Apple, Dell and Samsung stopped orders from abroad.
Students asked where to queue up for a licence. Parents wondered if prices would go up. IT companies were worried about the future of their business. There were anxious calls from overseas investors, asking if the Indian economy was in trouble. “Doesn’t India have comfortable reserves?” asked one. Another hoped India was not going the way of Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
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This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.
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