MAIT's revolving door: Three EDs in two years

What is wrong with MAIT, the apex body which claims to represent the interest of IT hardware industry in India? This question is significant because the association has replaced Sabyasachi Patra, executive director, MAIT with Anwar Shirpurwala. Though changing guard is not something extraordinary in the industry, it is in the case of MAIT which has seen three executive directors in less than two years. Prior to Patra, Ashwini Aggarwal held the position for less than 6 months. The frequent exit of key people raises several doubts and hints at the bitch in the manger. In addition, it puts in question the existence of the industry body.

There are undertones in the industry that MAIT simply wants a person who holds the position and does nothing to drive the sector ahead but merely works for the interests of the member companies. And one who dares to drive certain initiatives on his own for the sake of the industry is soon shown the doors. These are, however, misgivings spread around. But they are certainly for a reason.

When we raised the similar question with Patra, who is exiting the body, he darted away the question with a smile and rather gave personal reasons for the instant exit. "Well, I would only say that it is my personal decision to exit the association. I'm a wildlife film maker and want to scout for a life there. My films have already garnered awards and accolades globally and in India which inspired me to pursue wildlife film-making as a fully time career," regarded Patra.

But the question still remains unanswered. Many believe that MAIT members want a mere rubber-stamp in the shoes of an executive director. This belief stems further when we go down to analyse the reasons behind the sudden exit of Ashwini Aggarwal who was arguably thrown out of MAIT on the charges of running a side-business. Though none of the MAIT members had officially given particular reason for Aggarwal's exit, people in the sector were stunned.

Though a lot of this runs in the industry off-the-record, many do not hesitate to nod on the truth. Even though Patra is leaving on mild notes, it is hard to refrain from thinking about the quick changes on the key position. While the drive to make India a manufacturing hub is on and MAIT is seen a major partner in driving the initiative in a big way, the exit of its EDs in frequency throws its role in doubt. It would be great for the industry and its members, if they find out a solution and let MAIT be an active partner in the growth of IT hardware manufacturing.