India's BPL population demanded iPhones at subsidized rates instead of food
Reacting to Indian Government's largest subsidy scheme of distributing food at huge subsidised rates, many Indians below poverty line (BPL) category demanded subsidized iPhones rather than food.
"Food we can somehow manage to earn. However, these days we feel that buying iPhone and paying its bill is difficult for us," said T Ramanna, a BPL person based in Chennai.
He said "It would be gripping idea and we will automatically force to vote to UPA Government if they give us free iPhone or at least Samsung SIII. The subsidy should also be on recurring basis as these companies update their models every 2-3 years."
A survey conducted by Gallop suggested that 80% of BPL ready to accept change the name of Food Security Bill into Rajeev Gandhi iPhone Distribution Scheme while rest 20% are ready to compensate iPhone but at least get one Samsung SIII.
"Indian consumerism is changing. People can manage something to eat but lavish lifestyle is the real crux. No BPL affords compromising on it," said Prakash Joshi, head Supervisor of Gallop Survey India.
Government thrashed the idea and said that entire survey doesn't valid here as Akash Tablets are already provided at subsidized costs.
"While I am giving you world's best tech phone at 2000 rupees what fucking else you want," asked Telecom Minister Kapil Sibal.
He said "I am planning to launch a better version of iPhone for 700-800 rupees range but right now votes for food is fine for us. After 2014 elections we will plan to think on the demand."
