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Indian Government Mulls Giving Away Mobile Phones To the Poor

Posted by samzenpus on from the let-them-eat-phones dept.

jalfreize writes "The Indian government is finalizing a $1.2 billion plan to hand out free mobile phones to the poorest Indian families (around six million households, according to some estimates). The Times of India reports: 'Top government managers involved in formulating the scheme want to sell it as a major empowerment initiative... While the move will ensure contact with the beneficiaries of welfare programmes (sic) ..., there is also a view the scheme will provide an opportunity for the (government) to open a direct line of communication with a sizable population that plays an active role in polls.'"

3 of 104 comments (clear)

  1. "programmes (sic)" by cupantae · · Score: 5, Informative

    "programme" is the British English spelling, and the predominate form outside of North America.

    Just so you know.

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  2. Re:I would guess.. by William+Robinson · · Score: 5, Informative

    No. This is done typically in India, just before elections, to make sure the voters forget their inefficiency and incompetency while choosing their leaders. This is nothing, compared to 80000 Crore rupees (US$ 20.8 billion) loan waiver before previous elections.

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    hilarious
  3. Re:(sic) by Chrisq · · Score: 3, Informative

    what's with these Wanker's who quote an article then correct it with a '(sic)'. So the original article had a spellen (sic) mistake, who gives a fcuk (sic) . Live with it. We don't care that you know your proper English. Live with it wanker

    Its not even a mistake, its British English