The government’s decision to procure 14 million smartphones might be a good business and CSR opportunity for smartphones brands
Pic credits – PixabayAndhra Pradesh Government has said that it will procure 14 million smartphones for members of development of women and children in rural area (DWCRA) groups. The government has appointed Andhra Pradesh Technology Service as the nodal agency behind the procurement of these smartphones.
It is to be noted here that several smartphone brands, including the likes of Karbonn and OnePlus, have announced manufacturing as well as R&D units in Andhra Pradesh’s neighboring state.
Pankaj Mohindroo, founder-president of the Indian Cellular Association, had earlier told the Hindu, “AP has the potential to make at least 100-150 million out of the 500 million and emerge the leading player in the country. The State government and we are working towards achieving the objective.” He was speaking at the ‘Making AP the epicentre for electronics in the country’ event held last year.
Opportunity for smartphone brands?
The government’s decision to procure 14 million smartphones might be a good business, as well as social opportunity, for smartphones brands, especially ones originating in India. It was announced that a procurement committee will soon announce the guidelines for the procurement.
However, it is already clear that the government is looking to procure android based smartphones. Other requirements, as announced by the govt include unlimited calls, 50 SMSes daily and one GB internet data. The smartphones, as per the government, will be distributed to all members of women’s self-help groups on basis of guidelines announced by the technical committee.
