Why Aakash failed to bridge gap between rural India and technology?

12 March, 2012

After Aakash, many other low-cost tabs were launched by various Indian and foreign companies,..

TO BRIDGE the gap between rural India and the ongoing technology boom, the Indian government launched seven inch ‘Aakash tablet’ in month of October last year. Though it proved quite useful for many students but after it’s unveiling, a drastic change has take place in the Indian tablet market.

Introduction of this cheapest tablet has put other companies’ jobs at stake and thus hundreds of similar and less expensive tablets have been revealed, which also includes various ‘Chinese’ products. Moreover many feel that these economical products, including Aakash are of less use to professionals. The IT sector has seen the number of customers for cheaper tablets increasing at a steady growth, which is the key reason of introducing other similar tablets.

Agrees Piyush Chawla (name changed on request), from one of the leading city’s Government Technical institute: “I have personally received a demo of Aakash so that I would purchase various tabs for my company. But I feel that it is of mere use as its speed and storage capacity is very slow. After Aakash, various Chinese tabs have also been launched like ARKS, and Tabtec, which will further diminish the value of branded tabs in country. It is just the government’s propaganda and nothing else. They did this only to fetch votes in coming elections. They have no concerns with the development and technology. And likewise, other companies also launched cheaper products to deal with the competition in the market.”

Another IT expert from city, Inder Mohan Bhasker received an e- mail to purchase similar cheaper product. He says, “I have got an email from a company offering me to purchase few products for my company. The email mentioned ‘Any dealer who buys 6 units of the same before 9th of Nov 2011 will get one Pc HCL ME X1 tablet Pc @ 50% discount as demo discount.’ And the product costs near about nine thousand rupees. These are the various schemes and discounts being offered to us these days after the launch of Aakash. One day will also come when the Chinese tablet will overtake the government and other private companies as the electronic gadgets have done as in case of mobile phones.”

Jalandhar Computer dealer and Association’s member, Mr. Rajiv Khanna shared same opinion: “The Indian tablet market, especially the budget-tablet segment, is currently witnessing an intense competition. However, increasing number of low cost tablets is certainly adding to the confusion for the customers. It will be really interesting to see which of the budget tablet stands tests of time and creates a lasting impact.”