Smartphone makers in India have requested the government to label phones as an essential commodity. They have also appealed to the authorities to let them deliver phones via e-commerce platforms amid 21 days lockdown to fight the outbreak of coronavirus in the country.
Industry bodies Manufacturers’ Association of Information Technology (MAIT) and India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), which include top smartphone and other electronics manufacturers have drafted letters to the government appealing to remove restrictions on transportation of components for both inland and export businesses.
MAIT, in its letter, proposed the government to list e-commerce companies under essential services so that they could execute deliveries of essential goods under a ‘controlled logistics framework’. On the other hand, the letter written by ICEA raises concerns of miscommunication between the home ministry and state/district authorities, which has led to the stoppage of the electronics goods movement as the local authorities are being overcautious.
Mau Kumar Jain, the managing director of Xiaomi India said that smartphones have become an essential item after food and groceries. He also added that smartphones can help in increasing social distancing but due to unavailability, sales have declined by one crore this month alone. Out of which, 30%-40% purchases are made by first-time smartphone buyers, who are in dire need of them at the moment. Hence, Xiaomi is asking the government to let them carry on their business so they could help the people in need.
Realme India CEO Madhav Sheth also made a similar claim that smartphones are a ‘gateway to other services’, which could be invaluable during these hard times. Apart from asking the government to let them sell their devices, he goes a step ahead and even urges to let the brand open its certain service centers with safety precaution as it has been receiving multiple requests from customers who need after-sales support badly.
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