Hyderabad has reinforced its status as a major technology hub, with the state of Telangana now boasting the highest percentage of urban households owning laptops across India. The latest data reveals a significant leap in tech adoption and consumer spending patterns in the region.
Telangana's Digital Leap: From 10% to 19% in a Decade
According to a report from the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council titled ‘Changes in Durable Goods Ownership in India', 19% of urban households in Telangana now own a laptop or personal computer. This marks a dramatic increase from just 10% recorded a decade ago, between 2011-12 and 2023-24. The state's 9-percentage-point growth starkly outpaces neighbouring tech powerhouse Karnataka, which saw a modest rise of only 2% to 3% during the same period.
The report, which analyses the Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE), highlights that while mobile phone ownership has become nearly universal across both urban and rural areas, the growth in laptop and PC penetration remains slower nationwide. Experts attribute this trend to the devices' specialised applications for education and professional use, alongside a potential knowledge gap. Telangana, however, has made rapid strides in overcoming these barriers.
High Spending on Durable Goods Defines Urban Consumption
Beyond laptops, Telangana's urban consumers are leading big-ticket purchases. The state ranks second in the country for annual per capita spending on durable goods, which are items designed to last three years or more. Urban residents in Telangana allocate an impressive Rs 1,022 per capita towards products like refrigerators, washing machines, cars, and furniture.
This spending underscores the state's position as a major consumption region, trailing only Maharashtra, where the average expenditure stands at Rs 1,191 per capita. The data clearly differentiates between durable goods, which offer long-term utility, and non-durable goods like food and clothing that are consumed quickly. Purchasing habits for durable goods are considered a crucial indicator of economic health and household investment.
Contrasting Trends in Tech Ownership
The report presents an interesting contrast in technology adoption within Telangana. While the state leads in laptop ownership, it records the lowest percentage of urban homes with mobile phones at 86%. This figure, however, is part of a national trend where mobile access gaps between urban and rural India are narrowing rapidly, reflecting near-universal connectivity.
The significant investment in both high-end electronics like laptops and traditional household appliances points to a diversified and robust urban consumer economy in Telangana. The state's focused development as a technology and innovation corridor appears to be directly influencing household consumption patterns, setting it apart from other regions.
The findings from the PM's Economic Advisory Council offer a detailed snapshot of evolving consumer priorities. Telangana's dual distinction—leading in laptop penetration and ranking high in durable goods expenditure—solidifies its reputation as a tech-savvy state with considerable purchasing power, shaping new economic benchmarks for urban India.
