CEAMA forms Mobile Council to represent handset makers

Industry body Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA) has set up a 'Mobile Council' to represent phone manufacturers and address issues pertaining to the sector.
The Council, which held its first meeting this week, saw participation from handset makers like Gionee, Karbonn, Intex, LeEco, Lava, Panasonic India, TCL, Videocon and Dixon, among others.
Matters related to promotion of local component ecosystem, anomalies in the taxation structure, frequent change in laws and regulations of the government and their implications on the industry were taken up at length, CEAMA said in a statement.
"The industry presents a higher potential (approximately USD 450 billion) for mobile phones with regard to other electronic products. The members agreed that the opportunity which India offers is huge and therefore, in terms of thought and the initiative taken by CEAMA, is crucial at this juncture," it added.

Currently, Indian handset makers are represented by Indian Cellular Association, headed by Pankaj Mohindroo.
The members present were of the view that there is uncertainty in government policies and presently, there is no ecosystem for complete end-to-end manufacturing in the country.
"All mobile manufacturers should come forward and actively participate in the association's activities to raise concerns related to the sector. These deliberations are much needed to communicate the challenges and their probable solutions to the government and thus, help empower the mobile manufacturers to do a business with ease," CEAMA Mobile and Communications Council Chairman Ravinder Zutshi said.
CEAMA, which represents the Rs 45,000 crore Indian consumer electronics and durables industry, has different councils on e-Waste, home appliances, BIS, small appliances, taxation, sector skill, and digital broadcast council to pay attention to the sectors.