In the last fiscal, about 17 million online subscribers registered themselves to take advantage of this facility mainly on account of it being economical and less cumbersome, adds ASSOCHAM assessment.

Data compiled by Chamber Research Bureau on “Emerging trends on Rising Popularity of online Jobs and Matrimonial Alliances”, reveal that jobs and matri alliance seeking through online has many more takers now because combination of convenient and economic factors. This is evident from the fact that between 2005-06 and 2006-07, business transacted through online advertisement for jobs and matrimonial alliances registered a growth of 63% and 48% respectively. In case of matrimonial alliances, as per ASSOCHAM findings this also become indicative of  a much deeper phenomenon in social traits of all communities representing a substantive transformation, disowning superstitious and rituals.

Of the projected prospective job and match seekers through online, the number for job could be 15 million by 2007-08 as against 9.5 million for matri alliance. Their number in proceeding fiscal was 17 million (10 million jobs and 7 million for matri alliance), said Mr. Venugopal N Dhoot, ASSOCHAM President, adding that projections are based on estimates made by various sites for job providers and enablers involved in matri sites.

The number of online job seekers was estimated close to 7.5 million in 2005-06 and in the following year, their numbers rose to 10 million 2006-07. The paper however, has projected that the number of job explorers through online services will rise about 15 million in current fiscal. In the future to come, this number will witness a substantial hike because of convenient, easier and economic ways to access the job opportunities and their availability, said ASSOCHAM President, Mr. Venugopal N Dhoot.

The other observations of the paper reveal that in 2005-06, matri ads business transacted was Rs. 58 crore. In case for job search, the amount was Rs 150 crore. This respectively rose to Rs. 85 crore and Rs. 245 crore, showing a growth rate of 48% and 63% in 2006-07.  As per estimates made by ASSOCHAM, the size of matrimonial ads business is likely to further go up by 60% to reach Rs. 136 crore and that of jobs by 75% to touch Rs. 429 crore in current fiscal.

However, the paper highlights that online subscriber for matrimonial alliances which stood at 5.5 million in 2005-06 rose by 2 million and reached 7 million numbers in 2006-07 which is projected to grow by another 2.5 million to exceed 9.5 million users by 2007-08. The research also shows that the fastest growing age group is 25-34 years.  India has one of the youngest populations and the fourth largest Internet Population in the world with 100 million Online Indians today  and  all  set  to  touch  120  million by  2007-08.  Matrimonial websites are

increasingly turning into a better option for the new generation in their search for potential mates and for the NRIs looking for Indian match for their sons and daughters. And the payoff is certainly big as it provides a global choice of lakhs of members cutting across age groups, professions, regions, religions, and communities.

The interactivity, accessibility and hence effectiveness of the online medium make it a preferred medium for finding a life partner. These sites are proving to be a big draw for expatriates, living in the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand & Middle East. The web sites offer a more personal, interactive and quick way of searching for good matches. Shaadi.com, BharatMatrimony.com and Jeevansaathi.com are among the most recognised Indian websites.

Online Matrimony sites offer services that are user-driven. Even parents are agreeing and willing to pay for their services on an ongoing basis. Most sites promote both free and paid subscription for various kinds of services (ranges from Rs 400 - Rs 950). The business model is simple and straightforward where users utilize the Web site interface to first create catchy profiles and then pay for it. Content is available for free to any visitor at any point in time. However, to make contact with the person listed in the profile, the user has to start paying various fees depending on the service subscribed too.

Facts of Online Matrimonial Search: -

• Market Size - FY 2006-2007 - Rs 85 crore
• Estimated market size - FY 2007-2008 Rs 136 crore
• Online Matrimonial Search Subscribers: FY 2006-2007 – 7 million
• Estimated Online Matrimonial Search Subscribers: FY 2007-2008 – 9.5 million
• Age group: 20yrs - 55yrs
• Fastest growing age group is 25yrs - 34yrs
• Male / Female ratio matches the current internet gender ratio is 69% / 31%

The survey also found that junior, mid-level and senior executives accounted for more than 50% of online job seekers. In addition, in keeping with the overall pattern of Internet usage, among the states Maharashtra topped the list of online job seekers followed by Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and West Bengal. Most of the time it was noticed that 43% of online job seekers fall between 26 to 35 age group with 72% male and reaming 28 % female conclude the survey.

Mr. Dhoot also said “E-recruitment is gaining ground as a preferred medium of hiring in India. For job seekers, the Internet has opened up the world of job searching, turning it into a 24-hour-a-day marketplace. Internet is arguably the most immediate, convenient and comprehensive medium for employment seekers to research and prospect for jobs”.

Fast facts of Online Job Search:

• 43% in the 26-35 age group
• 72% male and 28% female

Top 5 states:

• 32% Maharashtra
• 25% Delhi
• 15% Tamil Nadu
• 10%   Karnataka
• 8%   West Bengal