We’ve got no problem working with government again
How many units will you supply and what time frame has the MHRD set?
The mandate is to deliver 100,000 units by December. The 100,000 unit mandate is a pilot, which includes training of teachers in 240 engineering colleges. The ministry wants to cater to 22 crore students and we can't supply all that demand.
Have you lost out in the last one year with your peers who have developed capacities to bring out similar products?
We have not lost out because the issue is not of profitability. We wanted to reduce our hardware margins, break the price barrier and make money from applications, content and network services, which we can sell commercially. However, I feel that big companies will not be keen to enter this market as they would have done it before -- this market is huge.
What new applications have you developed for the product?
We funded a research at IIT Kanpur to develop an app for fuitwallas, who maintain khatas to maintain accounts on the Aakash. Besides, we are also working with the UIDAI to develop an app for Aadhaar.
Have states also approached you to buy the Aakash?
States want much higher specs and have a different thinking. MHRD wanted to break the price barrier while for states, it is an election promise. UP and Punjab are looking at tenders.
Are you still keen to work with the
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