Central Govt Employees can now buy iPads with computer advance

The government has issued an office order whereby the Central Government Employees can purchase iPads with the computer advance. The Department of Expenditure of the Finance Ministry stated in an office memorandum that it has received requests for clarification on whether the iPad falls under the criteria of a personal computer for the purpose of granting a computer advance.

"It has been agreed that an official may acquire an iPad using a computer advance, subject to certain restrictions...," the order stated.

Read the order: iPad is considered as a personal computer for the grant of computer advance

In October 2016, the department revised the rules to make all government employees eligible for a personal computer advance of Rs 50,000 or the real price of the computer, whichever is lower.

Computer Advance for Central Government Employees

The computer advance is an interest-bearing advance offered to the central government employees: Initially, the ceiling was Rs. 80,000 but later reduced to Rs 50,000 as the cost of the computer fell. This amount is recoverable in a maximum of 150 monthly instalments. This advance can be availed a maximum of 5 times during the service of the employee. The rate of interest is reviewed by the government every year. Currently, the interest rate for the computer advance is 9.8 % for the year 2033-2023 i.e. from April 1, 2022, to March 31 2023. This is charged on a simple interest basis. 

According to CMR's Tablet PC Market Report Review for Q1 2022, India's tablet market expanded by 68 per cent year over year (YoY), with 4G tablets growing by 74 per cent YoY. In the Indian market, shipments of tablets with an 8-inch display accounted for 26% of total shipments. Tablets with 10-inch or larger displays, on the other hand, accounted for 61% of all shipments.

With a 22 per cent market share in Q1 2022, Apple remained in second place. The Apple iPad 9 (Wi-Fi) had a 45 per cent market share in the tablet market, followed by the iPad Pro 2021 (Wi-Fi) with an 11 per cent share. In the first quarter of 2022, Apple shipments increased by 31% year over year.