Mumbai: Patni Computer Systems Ltd, has received the ''highest export award'' in the ''computer software and related services'' category for "meritorious performance and exemplary focus in the IT industry," for 2002- 2003 from the Department of Information Technology.

The awards were presented by Dayanidhi Maran, minister for communications and information technology, to O P Kalra, location head, Noida, at the all-India ESC export awards presentation function held in New Delhi.

The award comes on the heels of the ''Amity global corporate excellence award'' presented to Patni by the ''centre of international business'', Amity Business School, Noida.

Commenting on the awards, P J Kutar, resident director, Patni said, "Over the years we have emerged as one of the largest software solution providers in India. We stand committed to the growth of the Indian IT industry."