Hyderabad: True to its reputation as a tech-savvy state, Telangana has emerged as the state with the highest percentage of urban households owning laptops in India at 19%. This figure jumped from just 10% a decade ago.According to data available with TOI based on a report from the PM’s Economic Advisory Council titled ‘Changes in Durable Goods Ownership in India’, Telangana’s urban areas rank second in the country for annual spending on durable goods such as refrigerators and washing machines. At 86%, the state has the lowest percentage of urban homes with mobile phones.Durable goods are items designed to last three years or more and are typically purchased infrequently. These include significant investments like cars, appliances and furniture which provide long-term utility. Non-durable goods are consumed quickly – usually in less than three years or intended for single use. This category includes essentials like food, cleaning supplies and clothing, all of which require regular repurchases.The key difference between these two types lies in their longevity: durable goods offer prolonged utility whereas non-durable ones are consumed rapidly. This distinction makes purchasing habits related to these products a crucial economic indicator.The Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) report reveals some intriguing trends in technology ownership in this state. Between years 2011-12 and 2023-24, the state saw a remarkable jump of 9% in laptop ownership. This is in stark contrast to the modest gains observed in neighbouring tech hub Karnataka, which recorded a rise of only 2% to 3% in the same period.The report indicated that mobile phone ownership rose across the board with narrowing gaps between urban and rural areas. There is near-universal access to mobile phones, reflecting improved connectivity and communication for almost the entire population. However, “laptop/PC growth remains slow and concentrated in fewer households, likely due to limited know-how and specialised educational and professional applications”. This is where Telangana made rapid strides in comparison with other states.Data on total durable consumption highlights noteworthy trends in urban spending across India. Here, urban area residents allocate an impressive Rs 1,022 per capita towards durable goods. This underscores the state’s position as a significant consumer region, ranking as the second-highest in the country. Only Maharashtra is ahead with an average expenditure of Rs 1,191 per capita on durable goods.
