Representatives from 15 IT channel partner associations from all across
Gujarat gathered in Ahmedabad on June 14 to discuss the formulation of a common
IT body, under which all IT associations in the state would converge.
This would be something akin to the Confed-ITA, which is an umbrella body of
associations in Tamil Nadu. Uttar Pradesh also boasts of a similar association
called UP Computer Dealer Welfare Association (UPCDW).
The initiative in Gujarat has been taken by Ahmedabad Computer Merchants
Association (ACMA), which hosted the 'All Gujarat Associations' meet. The meet
saw participation by associations like South Gujarat IT Association (SITA),
Baroda Information Technology Association (BITA), Ankleswar/Bharuch IT
Association (ABITA), Junagadh Information Technology Association (JITA),
Association of Bhavnagar Computer Dealer (ABCD), Mehsana Computer Merchants
Association (MCMA), Surendera Computer Merchants Association (SCMA), Palanpur
Information Technology Association (PITA), Rajkot Computer Traders Association (RCTA),
Valsad Association of Infotech Company (VAITCOM), Vapi Information Technology
Association (VITA), Morbi Computer Association, Gandhinagar Computer Hardware
Association, Jamnagar Information Technology Association (JITA).
Discussing the reasons why ACMA decided to have the meet, Kaushik Pandaya,
President, ACMA said, “The idea of the meet was to help members of all leading
associations in Gujarat to share their ideologies and build a roadmap for the
future growth of Gujarat IT industry.”
One of the most pertinent points on the agenda of the meet was to brainstorm
about the idea of forming a federation of associations of Gujarat, which would
fight for the cause of the dealers across the state. Explaining the need for the
same Pandaya said, “Formation of a federation would help us in addressing the
issues of partners of the entire state rather than focusing on one particular
region. A federation may also help in growing a healthy business as well as
maintain better relationships with vendors.”
Speaking about the benefits of the meet and the federation, Hitesh Patni,
President, Baroda Information Technology Association (BITA) said, “The meet will
help associations across Gujarat to addresses common issues and concerns. Also,
the formation of the federation would help us push our demands of more resources
for the development of Gujarat IT industry to the government in a better way.”
Agreeing with him was Ketan Patel, President, South Gujarat IT Association (SITA),
“The federation would help address grievances and issues pertaining to the IT
market of the entire state of Gujarat. It would create a bigger platform for the
channel community to voice their views and concerns.”