The Union Government has been planning to introduce a policy regarding gadgets. The policy is the “One Nation, One Charger” policy. This policy will be introduced soon. Under the policy, there would be a single charger for different gadgets. It is also termed the “Common Charger policy” or the “Universal Charger policy”, which will benefit the consumer in many ways. The move could reduce the burden of separate chargers for laptops, tablets, iPhones, mobile phones, and smartwatches.
What is the One Nation, One Charger policy?
On August 17, the Department of Consumer Affairs and industry stakeholders discussed the need for the One Nation, One Charger policy. The policy of One Nation, One Charger, will allow consumers to charge all of their devices with a single charger. Be it laptops, tablets, smartwatches, iPhones, or mobiles,
The initiative will be launched under the mission “Life”. “LIFE” stands for “Lifestyle” and “Environment”. This mission was announced by the nation’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during the UN Climate Change Conference. It is expected that this One Nation, One Charger policy will reduce e-waste.
Who will be impacted the most?
It is stated by Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary of Consumer Affairs, that products by Apple will be most affected by the One Nation, One Charger policy. Apple has a lightning port for charging, which is different from the ports of other Android mobiles.
Due to the unique design of the charging port, Apple users have to use two chargers. On the other hand, it is also announced that users who own the new iPad or MacBook need not panic. These users can have access to a C-type charger. Most popular and widely spread brands, such as Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Realme, consist of C-type chargers. iPad or MacBook users of these brands’ mobile phones can use their chargers only.
Benefits of implementing the One Nation, One Charger policy
- E-waste reduction
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the UN Climate Change Conference, where it was proposed to achieve a target of 1.5 degrees. To achieve the target, the Union government started working on one of the reasons for climate change. Adopting a universal charger policy can contribute to the reduction of electronic waste in the country. On the other hand, a multiple charger gives birth to a carbon footprint, which introduces a single charger.
- Financially advantageous
Consumers of different brands’ products need other chargers for various gadgets. They only need one Charger for laptops, tablets, smartwatches, iPhones, and mobile phones. Many a time, customers have to pay extra for chargers. However, under the new initiative, customers need not pay for chargers. This scheme will save additional customer charges.
- Portability
Earlier, people used to carry separate chargers for separate gadgets, such as a student bringing a laptop, mobile phone, and smartwatch with him. He has to take three different chargers for his three other devices. Under the policy, the person has to carry a universal charge for all their gadgets.
Challenges To the One Nation, One Charger policy
- Loss to the industry of chargers
The newly introduced blueprint will be a loss for the industry of chargers. This policy will present only a single charger for all devices. Charger makers other than C-type chargers have to bear the loss. This initiative will diminish the employment of those charger makers.
- Damage to the gadgets
Using single chargers has the risk of damaging the gadgets. A universal charger for tablets, smart watches, mobile phones, and laptops will damage the gadgets, as every device needs a different current supply level. A single charger must be specialised enough to supply the particular current supply to the gadgets.
