Slashdot Mirror
Indian Government Mulls Giving Away Mobile Phones To the Poor
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.'"
"Programmes" is proper British English.
When there is no electricity supply in the villages, this is an innovative way of giving 'power' to the people!
Someone will have to manufacture the six million phones, batteries, sim cards and power adapters.....
How thoughtful of India to create all those jobs for Chinese children.