Recently, the Modi government announced that it has restricted the import of laptops, tablets, personal computers, and servers with immediate effect. The move is aimed at boosting the domestic manufacturing of these products and reducing the dependence on imports from countries like China. However, some social media users have claimed that this decision is a ploy to benefit Reliance Jio's JioBook, a low-cost laptop that runs on a custom Android-based operating system called JioOS.
The JioBook was launched in October 2022 and is priced at Rs. 15,799. It features an 11.6-inch HD display, a MediaTek MT8788 octa-core processor, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage, and a 4G SIM slot. The laptop also comes preloaded with several Jio apps and services, such as JioMeet, JioPages, JioSaavn, JioCinema, and JioStore.
However, the claim that the Modi government's import restriction is meant to favour the JioBook is false and baseless. In fact, the JioBook itself is likely to be affected by the new policy, as it relies on imported components and parts from China and other countries. According to a report by TechCrunch⁹, the JioBook is manufactured by Bluebank Communication Technology, a Chinese company that specializes in making low-cost Android devices. The report also stated that Reliance Jio had initially planned to launch the JioBook in May 2022, but had to delay it due to supply chain issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Moreover, the import restriction does not apply to all laptops and personal computers, but only to those that fall under the Harmonized System (HS) code 8471. This code covers laptops, tablets, all-in-one PCs, ultra-small form factor PCs, and servers. However, there are other categories of computers that are not covered by this code, such as desktop PCs, monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, webcams, speakers, headphones, and other accessories. These products can still be imported freely without any license or permission from the government.
Therefore, it is clear that the Modi government's import restriction on laptops and personal computers is not a conspiracy to promote the JioBook or harm its competitors. Rather, it is a policy decision to encourage local production and innovation in the electronics sector and reduce India's trade deficit. The JioBook itself is not exempt from this policy and will have to comply with the new rules and regulations. Hence, the social media users who are spreading this false claim are either misinformed or maliciously motivated.
Source:
(1) Reliance launches JioBook, its maiden Android-powered laptop. https://techcrunch.com/2022/10/20/reliance-jiobook-laptop-price-specifications-launch/.
(2) India laptop Import: Govt restricts imports of laptop, PCs, tablets .... https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/govt-restricts-imports-if-laptop-pcs-tablets/articleshow/102384988.cms.
(3) A brave leap forward for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'? Modi Govt imposes import restrictions on PC, laptops, tablets; check details. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/a-brave-leap-forward-for-aatmanirbhar-bharat-modi-govt-imposes-import-restrictions-on-pc-laptops-tablets-check-details/ar-AA1eJlUp.
(4) India restricts laptop and server import to boost local manufacturing. https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/02/india-restricts-import-of-laptop-tablets-other-personal-computers/.
(5) India mandates licensing for laptop, tablet imports in blow to Apple, Dell. https://www.zeebiz.com/economy-infra/policy-initiatives/news-government-imposes-import-restrictions-on-laptops-tablets-247351.
(6) The new restriction on Personal Computers/laptop imports: Why the move .... https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/new-restriction-personal-computers-laptop-imports-explained-8874853/.
(7) Govt restricts import of laptops, tablets, personal computers. https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy/story/govt-restricts-import-of-laptops-tablets-personal-computers-392622-2023-08-03.
(8) Specifications ( JioBook 11(2023) Ultimate Learning Partner, N... ). https://www.reliancedigital.in/jiobook-11-2023-ultimate-learning-partner-nb1112mm-blu-4g-lte-mediatek-2-0-ghz-octa-core-4gb-lpddr4-64gb-emmc-jioos-expandable-256gb-29-46-cm-11-6-inch-/p/492337955.
(9) JioBook 11 (2023) NB1112MM (BLU) (Mediatek 8788 Octa-core 2 GHz/ARM .... https://www.amazon.in/JIO-NB1112MM-BLU-JioBook/dp/B0CCDRPGD8.
(10) JioBook (2023) Laptop With 4G, 8 Hours Battery Life Launched in India .... https://in.mashable.com/tech/57442/jiobook-2023-laptop-with-4g-8-hours-battery-life-launched-in-india-check-price-and-specifications.
FAQ's
Can we bring new laptop from USA to India?
Number of Devices, Duty-Free Limit, and Gadget Import Limit One can bring two laptops to India and for more laptops, they have to pay customs duty. There are some exemptions like if the laptop is a used one and you can prove that with its original receipt.
क्या हम अमेरिका से भारत में नया लैपटॉप ला सकते हैं?
उपकरणों की संख्या, शुल्क-मुक्त सीमा और गैजेट आयात सीमा कोई भी व्यक्ति दो लैपटॉप भारत ला सकता है और अधिक लैपटॉप के लिए उसे सीमा शुल्क का भुगतान करना होगा। कुछ छूटें हैं जैसे कि यदि लैपटॉप इस्तेमाल किया हुआ है और आप इसकी मूल रसीद के साथ इसे साबित कर सकते हैं।
Can I carry 3 laptops from India to USA?
TSA Rules for Multiple Laptops The Transportation Security Administration does not limit the number of laptops that you pack in your carry-on bag, even for international flights.
Can I carry 2 laptops on international flight?
Answer Yes, as long as the hand luggage is within weight/size regulations. You can take as many tablets, laptops or mobile phones as you want as long as you remain the airline's published carry on policy.
