iPhone revenue increased 35 per cent YoY to $196 billion in 2021. It captured 44 per cent of total global smartphone revenue in 2021…reports Asian Lite News
The global smartphone market revenue crossed $448 billion in 2021. It grew seven per cent YoY and 20 per cent QoQ even as component shortages and Covid-19 restrictions continued to disrupt supply chains around the world, a new report revealed on Friday.
Smartphone average selling price (ASP) grew 12 per cent YoY to reach $322, mainly due to a higher share of 5G smartphones, which have a significantly higher ASP than the 4G models, as well as Apple’s successful launch of its iPhone 13 devices, according to Counterpoint.
Besides, more 5G-enabled models were released in 2021 as OEMs such as Xiaomi, Vivo, OPPO and Realme focused on fulfilling a greater demand for affordable 5G smartphones in emerging markets such as India, Southeast Asia, LATAM and Eastern Europe. As a result, 5G-enabled smartphones contributed more than 40 per cent of the global smartphone shipments in 2021, compared to 18 per cent in 2020.
There has also been a global increase in demand for mid-range and premium smartphones due to the pandemic-linked education, work and entertainment from home convincing some consumers to upgrade their devices for a better overall experience. Lastly, the global shortage of smartphone components has also led major OEMs to increase the retail prices of some of their entry and mid-tier smartphones.
iPhone revenue increased 35 per cent YoY to $196 billion in 2021. It captured 44 per cent of total global smartphone revenue in 2021. The high demand for 5G-enabled iPhone 12 and 13 series helped Apple register 14 per cent growth in its overall ASP, which reached $825 in 2021. The brand also managed to increase its share in key emerging markets such as India, Thailand, Vietnam and Brazil.
Samsung’s smartphone revenue increased 11 per cent YoY to reach $72 billion in 2021, compared to $64 billion in 2020. Its ASP grew five per cent to $263 in 2021.
Samsung managed to increase its global market share in the mid and premium segments with the launch of the Galaxy S flagship series and increase in the share of 5G phones. 2021 also witnessed the launch of two foldable smartphones a” Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 5G and Z Flip3, which also nudged the overall revenue higher. Samsung shipped three times more foldable devices in 2021 than in 2020.
OPPO’s Reno6 Z 5G offers highly efficient 5G support, and ColorOS11 makes it the perfect device for trendsetters around the world in the era of 5G video…reports Asian Lite News
Global technology brand, OPPO, takes the stress out of Gen Z gift-giving this festive season, with the perfect present, the Reno6 Z 5G powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 800U chipset. In line with OPPO’s passion for photography and videography, Reno6 Z 5G continues the Reno series’ pursuit of imaging and takes the portrait experience a step further by enhanced AI capabilities, making it the perfect portrait studio in the palm of your hand.
OPPO Reno6 Z 5G-The Perfect Gift for Gen Z
Reno6 Z 5G Reno6 Z 5G is the AI Portrait Expert with leading 5G performance perfect for camera native Gen Z users. Through its 64MP AI Triple Camera and range of AI portrait video enhancements, it delivers clear, natural portrait shots. At the heart of everything is the MediaTek Dimensity 800U 5G SoC, an ultra-connected dual SIM 5G chip that balances immense CPU Speeds with an efficiency-focused design featuring the worlds’ most power efficient smartphone 5G modem with UltraSave technology and carrier aggregate support (5G-CA) for maximum download speeds on operator networks. In addition, users can experience two big cores up to 2.4Ghz in an Octa-core configuration and HyperEngine 2.0 gaming technology for faster and more efficient gaming.
The Reno6 Z 5G has multiple AI-enhanced portrait video features including, Portrait Beautification Video to perform subtle and natural edits for portrait videos to improve appearance, Focus Tracking to deal with blurry, out-of-focus image problems and with Dual-view Video, users can use both the front and rear cameras simultaneously.
OPPO Reno6 Z 5G-The Perfect Gift for Gen Z
The Reno6 Z 5G also offers advanced photo features that can be found across the Reno series: Bokeh Flare Portrait creates a dream-like portrait with a bokeh light effect similar to professional cameras. Flash Snapshot enables users to capture moving subjects or take quick snapshots for sharper photos. Creative post-production tools like AI Palette can turn your images into the styles of those popular online with one click.
The phone comes in eye-catching Aurora and Stellar Black with the one-and-only Reno Glow, providing a beautiful aesthetic appearance and super comfortable handling. The Reno Glow effect gives the back covers of Aurora and Stellar Black a subtle glittery effect whilst also being fingerprint resistant. Aside from the stunning aesthetics, Reno6 Z 5G is equally thin and slim. Weighing 173g, the Aurora is 7.97mm thick, while the Stellar Black is merely 7.92mm thick making it easy to hold, silky-smooth and comfortable in hand.
Already loved by customers and influencers alike, when asked about the Reno6 Z 5G renowned tech influencer Omar Dizer (@Omardizer) said, ‘The perfect phone for the price point, a great Gen Z gift to give or receive. From its MediaTek Dimensity 800U 5G SoC providing 5G capability to eye catching design, fast charging and amazing photo and videography capabilities, the Reno6 Z 5G is packed with everything a Gen Z user needs, in a sleek lightweight design.’
The Reno6 Z 5G comes with ColorOS11 providing greater efficiency, unparalleled smoothness, and strengthened privacy for a more delightful and relaxing experience. To allow users to enjoy the 5G entertainment experience of Reno6 Z for longer, it also features a large 4310mAh battery and 30W VOOC Flash Charge 4.0.
OPPO’s Reno6 5G taken first place in DXOMARK Battery global rankings
The OPPO smartphone was awarded a total score of 96, making it the highest scoring smartphone among 40 phones tested to date…reports Asian Lite News
Global technology brand, OPPO’s Reno6 5G has taken first place in DXOMARK Battery global rankings following recent test results published by the independent testing organization. The OPPO smartphone was awarded a total score of 96, making it the highest scoring smartphone among 40 phones tested to date.
DXOMARK is an independent French technology company and the international leader in the quality assessment of smartphone cameras, display, audio and battery, and other consumer electronics, such as cameras and speakers with the aim of helping consumers to choose best-performing products. For its rigorous battery test, DXOMARK measures battery performance in three factors – charging, autonomy, and efficiency – through over 150 hours of testing and 70 measurements.
“OPPO Reno6 5G turned in a stellar battery performance, taking top marks in certain categories and coming in first globally among all devices,” cited DXOMARK in its review. “The device is very well-balanced and well-designed and provides a good comprehensive experience.”
Of the three factors tested, OPPO Reno6 5G came in first place in both charging and efficiency tests, secured the global top spot in DXOMARK’s global database for overall battery performance. Equipped with 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 fast-charge technology, Reno6 5G can be charged to an indicated 100% in 29 minutes and an actual full charge in 35 minutes, resulting in its score of 109 in the charging performance category.
DXOMARK’s test also shows that the device is able to gain over 10 hours of autonomy with just a 5-minute charge when the battery level is under 50% capacity, providing quick-boost autonomy ahead of any other smartphone. OPPO Reno6 5G has the best charge-up performance in its category, earning it a first-place score of 101 for overall efficiency across the entire Battery protocol database to date.
The DXOMARK test also indicates that the OPPO Reno6 5G is performing well in battery autonomy and that the phone would be capable of delivering 57 hours of autonomy with moderate use. OPPO Reno6 5G outshines the category average in terms of battery performance when using social apps, gaming, streaming music, and streaming video (both cellular and Wi-Fi), highlighting its strong performance under typical day-to-day usage.
The OPPO Reno series has proven to be a hit with smartphone users worldwide. Released in 2021 as the AI Portrait Expert, Reno6 5G is the latest edition in the series and offers outstanding all-round performance on top of a suite of cutting-edge portrait imaging features, the iconic Reno Glow design, and rapid 5G connectivity. Alongside Reno6 5G’s leading battery performance, OPPO’s proprietary 65W SuperVOOC 2.0 fast-charge technology provides a superior charging experience for users. Since the introduction of VOOC Flash Charge in 2014, OPPO has released over 30 devices that support the technology, bringing this fast, convenient, and safe charging technology to more than 195 million people worldwide.
OPPO’s Reno6 5G taken first place in DXOMARK Battery global rankings
OPPO’s Reno6 Z 5G offers highly efficient 5G support, and ColorOS11 makes it the perfect device for trendsetters around the world in the era of 5G video…reports Asian Lite News
Global technology brand, OPPO, continues to offer Gen Z users the best in smartphone technology with the launch of the new Reno6 Z 5G. Accompanying the highly anticipated Reno6 Series launch, OPPO’s Reno6 Z 5G features superior performance and functionality allowing users to capture every emotion in portrait.
Reno6 Z 5G is designed for multi-core high performance
Reno6 Z 5G is the AI Portrait Expert with leading 5G performance perfect for camera native Gen Z users. Through its 64MP AI Triple Camera and range of AI portrait video enhancements, it delivers clear, natural portrait shots. At the heart of everything is the MediaTek Dimensity 800U 5G SoC, providing a speedy 5G experience. Supporting dual mode 5G SIM (NSA and SA), the MediaTek Dimensity 800U leverages eight powerful cores of up to 2.4 GHz and fast memory to offer users an unprecedented performance when capturing content.
Ivan Wu, CEO OPPO GCC said, “With the camera native Gen Z being the most photographed generation and over 80% using their smartphone as their primary camera, it was imperative that at OPPO we focused on innovating the photography process without compromising any other features. With the Reno6 Z 5G, users can expect swift internet speeds, agile performance and fast charging alongside the ultimate photography and videography features.”
RAMI OSMAN, DIRECTOR FOR CORPORATE SALES AND MARKETING, MEDIATEK MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA: “Smartphones are no longer simply high-tech gadgets for early adopters but are intrinsically embedded in the lives of millions across the region. For young consumers, the OPPO Reno6 Z 5G powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 800U offers users the best experience whether they are capturing a video, playing a video game or surfing the internet. With the focus of powering myriads of high-performance devices for a range of customer segments with our innovative technologies, MediaTek looks forward to delivering the best-in-class products to meet the requirements of all customers.”
ENJOY THE EXCITEMENT WITH LEADING 5G PERFORMANCE
To deliver a speedy 5G experience with better energy efficiency, Reno6 Z features the octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 800U 5G SoC. It also offers 8GB of RAM with OPPO’s proprietary RAM Expansion technology, meaning that a portion of 2GB/3GB/5GB of the ROM storage can be used as additional RAM when the original 8GB of RAM runs out. Hence, Reno6 Z runs smoothly even with multiple apps running at the same time.
To allow users to enjoy the 5G entertainment experience of Reno6 Z 5G for longer, it also features a large 4310mAh battery and 30W VOOC Flash Charge 4.0.
To significantly boost the overall performance of Reno6 Z 5G, there is System Booster, a set of system-level optimization tools designed to ensure a smooth experience throughout the phone’s entire lifecycle. Moreover, Multi-cooling System is also introduced for better heat dissipation and to prevent the phone from overheating.
With its strong performance foundation, OPPO has optimized Reno6 Z to enhance the gaming experience. Customized gaming features like Quick Startup and Game Focus Mode contribute to bringing a more immersive gaming experience, blurring the boundaries between the world of virtual gaming and reality.
Reno6 Z 5G
STUNNING DESIGN WITH THE ICONIC RENO GLOW DESIGN
Inheriting the iconic design of the Reno series, Reno6 Z 5G is instantly recognisable for its stylish appearance coming in two fantastic new OPPO-exclusive Reno Glow effect colours: Aurora and Stellar Black.
The Reno Glow effect gives the back covers of Aurora and Stellar Black a subtle glittery effect whilst also being fingerprint resistant. In addition, with the new Diamond Spectrum process, the Aurora creates an “ever-changing” colour. It shines in a whole range of different colours like its namesake, the captivating Northern Lights, when looked at from different angles.
In the front, Reno6 Z 5G packs a 6.4-inch Punch-hole AMOLED screen with a 90.8% screen-to-body ratio, offering expanded and immersive graphics.
Aside from the stunning aesthetics, Reno6 Z 5G is equally thin and slim. Weighing 173g, the Aurora is 7.97mm thick, while the Stellar Black is merely 7.92mm thick making it easy to hold, silky-smooth and comfortable in hand.
THE PERFECT PORTRAIT. EVERY TIME.
Capturing portrait photos and videos have exploded in popularity for smartphone users in recent years. The OPPO Reno series currently serves more than 70 million users across the world each month, who on average, capture over 2 billion photos and over 200 million memories through video. Reno6 Z 5G continues the Reno series’ pursuit of imaging and takes the portrait experience a step further by enhanced AI capabilities, making it the perfect portrait studio in the palm of your hand.
Thanks to a triple-camera setup on the back, including a 64MP main camera, plus a 32MP selfie camera on the front, the Reno6 Z 5G has multiple AI-enhanced portrait video features:
• Reno6 Z 5G users can use Portrait Beautification Video to perform subtle and natural edits for portrait videos to improve appearances. With state-of-the-art AI algorithms, it can remove one’s unwanted skin blemishes while retaining natural features to highlight individuality. With the ability to recognize up to 193 different facial points in video mode, the Reno6 Z 5G allows users to apply beauty effects with better precision, personalization, and authenticity
• To deal with blurry, out-of-focus image problems, Focus Tracking has been introduced enabling enhanced video auto-focusing by identifying and automatically tracking main subjects consistently and steadily.
• With Dual-view Video, users can use both the front and rear cameras simultaneously, resulting in two perspectives within the same frame in videos. It breaks the limitations of the traditional single-camera perspective while enabling more interactive and creative video shooting.
The Reno6 Z 5G also offers advanced photo features that can be found across the Reno series: Bokeh Flare Portrait creates dream-like portrait with bokeh light effect similar with professional cameras. Flash Snapshot enables users to capture moving subjects or take quick snapshots for sharper photos. Creative post-production tools like AI Palette can turn your images into the styles of those popular online with one click.
MediaTek Dimensity 800U
THE ULTIMATE USER EXPERIENCE
The Reno6 Z 5G comes with ColorOS11 providing greater efficiency, unparalleled smoothness, and strengthened privacy for a more delightful and relaxing experience.
To significantly improve the productivity of Reno6 Z 5G, Freeform Screenshots allows for translation between over 100 languages on any selected screenshot area. Air Gesture allows users to perform tasks such as scrolling up and down through pages without even touching the display. Anti-peeping for notifications enhances privacy protection by automatically hiding your private message pops-ups from other people’s prying eyes.
Users are also given plenty of ways to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle with the O Relax, a built-in app containing a suite of soothing sounds and casual games to help users relieve anxiety and find inner peace, and the Artist Wallpaper Project – Envisioning Chemistry series of special wallpapers taking a look at the beauty of science and offering a burst of inspiration whenever you look at your phone.
The Reno6 Z 5G is now available at major retailers and e-commerce platforms, at a retail price of AED 1,499. For more information, visit www.oppo.com/ae.
Reno6 Pro 5G, Reno6 5G, and Reno6 Z 5G Smartphones Wow Users with Iconic Design Coupled with User-Friendly Functions…reports Asian Lite News
Today, the smartphone industry is always one step ahead when it comes to designing the next iconic offering. OPPO, the global technology leader, believes that well-designed technology should be seamlessly integrated into one’s life and adapted to our needs, and has been at the forefront of beautifying every series. The latest Reno6 series launch introduces unique devices in striking splashes of color which captivate users and stand out from the crowd.
Jin-Reno Glow
OPPO has been placing great importance on artistry and design aesthetics, and is committed to creating beautiful experiences for users by collaborating with multiple designers and institutes, as well as setting up an international Design Center in London.
For OPPO, exceptional design must fulfil three criteria: first, an appealing aesthetic should attract attention with its uniqueness. Importantly, the design must not compromise functionality – user experience needs to remain comfortable across the product’s life cycle. Finally, once these two factors are met, it is essential that the smartphone delivers additional value; user interaction must inspire excitement with every use, empowering the proud owner of an OPPO through brand value.
At OPPO, innovative technology and trendy design come together to give users a fresh experience with every series. The recently launched Reno6 is no exception – and with the introduction of the latest finishing processes and technology, OPPO is taking visual appearance and user-friendliness to a whole new level.
Jin-Reno Glow
The Look: A Sparkling Matte Finish with OPPO Reno Glow
OPPO’s exclusive Reno Glow is a trademark of the Reno Series, giving devices an edge as it evolves with each release. First introduced with the Reno4 Series, the subtle sparkling finish has been perfected for an even brighter, more sparkling look, yielding a shining Reno6 Series – the latest newcomer to the smartphone technology arena.
For the first time, the brand-new Reno6 Series’ color finishes all come with the Reno Glow effect. From Arctic Blue to Lunar Gray, the glass back cover undergoes a 14-hour, 50-step manufacturing process to achieve the paradoxical matte texture, paired with a shiny appearance. With 3D forming, ion exchange, etching and more, OPPO controls variables such as angle, temperature, and duration for a winning result.
Garen-Reno Glow
Fresh Snowflakes atop Arctic Blue
The new Arctic Blue Reno6 Pro 5G and Reno6 5G feature a shimmering, splendid Reno Glow effect – think ice and snow under a warm ray of midday sunshine. Tiny snowflakes embedded on the phone’s glass cover mimic nature’s growth and crystallization process. Created with a special liquid etching solution, the crystals expand with glistening branches that expand outwards, and feel silky smooth, delicate, and cool. In addition to making the phone look and feel good, the unique glass etching process also makes the back cover fingerprint-free and more resistent to scratches.
Sitting beneath the Reno Glow on the back cover of the phone, an all-new color finish awaits: Aurora, created using an upgraded version of the OPPO-exclusive Diamond Spectrum process, reflects an ever-changing effect when viewed from different angles and under varied lighting, which is further enhanced by the crystal-clear shine of the Reno Glow effect. With two new layers added to the Diamond Spectrum, Reno6 Series smartphones boast an enhanced transparent hue.
Garen-Reno Glow
OPPO Blends Quality and Comfort
Spectacular appearances aside, the Reno6 Series strikes the perfect weight-to-thickness balance, offering users a thin, lightweight smartphone with fingerprint- and stain-resistant properties. Based on technology research and consumer surveys, OPPO has identified a range of 7.0-8.0 mm as the optimal thickness for delivering a better user experience, while still guaranteeing durability and a premium feel.
The company’s Reno6 5G features an ultra-slim retro design with a sleek, flat-edged frame, which is unique to its range, for a better grip and a phone that is easy to hold.
OPPO’s Very Own Design Language
OPPO Reno designs are so distinctive, that they have given rise to a “language” of their own, easily recognized among consumers worldwide. Slim, shiny, and light are just some of the terms that are typically associated with OPPO aesthetics. In similar fashion to upgrades, the Reno Design Language will continue to be passed on with every generation of devices, incorporating more innovative advancements for a better user experience with every launch.
With Halloween just around the corner; get your OPPO Reno6 Pro 5G ready to capture the witching hour in all its macabre glory…reports Asian Lite News
Whether you want to create drama in your pictures and videos, experiment with light or focus on spooky expressions, the high-tech camera of OPPO’s latest offering, the Reno6 Pro 5G, has got you covered for one of the most photo-worthy holidays of the year.
Capture Content That is Out This World with OPPO This Halloween
Packed into the minimalist, sophisticated design are cutting-edge features that are way ahead of the carve, allowing users to capture every moment of the festivities with ease. The industry’s first Bokeh Flare Portrait Video and upgraded AI Highlight Video enable users to create a frighteningly good videography content, with a cinematic effect that will make people jump. Available on both the front and rear cameras, the DSR-like Bokeh effects can be applied to videos with just one click.
Halloween photography can be quite a daunting proposition, because all the action invariably starts when the sun goes down. But this is no obstacle for the Reno6 Pro 5G’s mighty 50 MP AI quad camera that comes with a raft of innovative features which can make a world of difference. Creep it real while shooting those gallivanting ghosts, pumpkin patches, and a cavalcade of costumes in gloomy, eerie settings.
Halloween photography is largely about visual storytelling and the Reno6 Pro 5G enables users to tell a memorable story in a single frame. Equipped with an ultra-powerful imaging sensor behind the main camera – Sony IMX766 if you are looking to heighten a picture’s dynamic range especially in low-light conditions,, which allows for professional-level nighttime shots of cute Jack-O-Lanterns and other Halloween décor.
Capture Content That is Out This World with OPPO This Halloween
Two sensors help the smartphone detect ambient light, the color temperature sensor and another hidden light sensor under the display, on both the front and back of the device, enabling 360-degree sensing. As a result, the accuracy of auto-brightness makes for a comfortable viewing experience, eliminating glare and the effects of environmental/ambience-related factors on performance.
Similarly, the phone’s advanced auto focusing capabilities ensure that the main subject in video always remains in focus. And if you would like to play with shutter speed to perfectly snap some paranormal pictures, the embedded flash snaphot function has got you covered. The smartphone also provides creative post-production tools such as AI Palette for easy editing and fine-tuning to bring that ghoulish look to your pictures.
Users needn’t worry about their battery mysteriously disappearing through the night either, as the Reno6 Pro 5G’s 4500mAh battery features a bewitched, super fast 65W flash charge. In addition, the sleek design ensures the smartphone won’t compromise your goal of winning a best costume competition, at just 7.99mm thick and weighing only 188grams.
Whether you’re staying in and watching a scary movie or heading out dressed up as ghouls, vampires and witches, this Halloween rest assured you won’t have to be petrified of low quality photos and videos with the Reno6 Pro 5G.
This isn’t the story of a single girl or an anecdote confined to a particular locality. It repeats itself with Salamuddin’s daughter Salia in Salarganj…reports Azeem Mirza
Shariba’s father Anwar Baig used to drive a school bus here in Uttar Pradesh. He would ferry the children studying in the prestigious Buddha Public School, earning Rs 8,000 a month, however, his own daughter couldn’t afford to study in that school.
When the pandemic struck, she was a Class 9 student in a local government girls’ school in Qazipura. Anwar’s livelihood came under the threat last year following the enforcement of lockdown and the subsequent closure of schools for an indefinite period.
A few months into the lockdown, the school stopped paying him.
Even as Anwar was staring at unemployment, Shariba’s cost of education shot up. Then, she needed to have a smartphone to attend her online classes. Unable to afford one, she missed all her classes last year. When the schools reopened, her family was unable to pay the fees.
She is at home now. She can’t even attempt her board exams as a private student because technically, she hasn’t completed her ninth grade and isn’t familiar with the tenth-grade syllabus. Shariba broke down when asked what she wanted to study.
This isn’t the story of a single girl or an anecdote confined to a particular locality. It repeats itself with Salamuddin’s daughter Salia in Salarganj.
The first-grader also became discouraged when she couldn’t obtain a smartphone to follow her lessons. The girl’s father works in the informal recycling sector and the lockdown has decimated his business. For him, the concerns of survival supersede his daughter’s education.
Since the lockdown came into force last March, the classroom has gone online. Lessons are being taught through smartphones, laptops and televisions but this has only served to further exclude children from marginalised groups who are already at the risk of dropping out of school at the slightest disturbance to their socio-economic circumstances.
A study titled ‘Gendered impact of Covid on the education of school-aged children in Uttar Pradesh’ revealed that only 15 per cent of children surveyed across 11 districts in UP watched educational TV shows or programmes for educational purposes, even though 53 per cent had a TV set at home.
Most children reported having a phone at home but only 22 per cent had access. This number was even lower for girls at 21 per cent compared to 29 per cent for boys.
The situation is still grim in the rural areas of the district. Khushauli residents and sisters, Muskaan and Shalini Mishra were studying in class 7 and 5 respectively when the pandemic struck.
Now, the government has attempted to make remote learning feasible for such children by making educational programmes available through television channels like Swayam Prabha and Doordarshan, but it has not been uniformly effective.
Muskaan says there is a TV in her house, but the village also suffers from crippling power cuts.
“Sometimes there is no power when the programme is on or the power goes off mid-way through the lesson,” she says.
Her father, Madhur Kumar Mishra, is a small farmer with just over an acre of land and the money they make from cultivating grains is barely enough to run the expenses of the home. She wouldn’t dare ask him for a smartphone.
Muskaan reckons more than half of her classmates have problems attending online classes.
In the same village, Kamlesh Mishra had big ambitions for his daughter Lovely. He too farms on his ancestral land and wanted his daughter to study further.
After Class 8, he pre-enrolled her at the Mahima Inter College, Gokulpur. But when the troubles with the pandemic started, her studies came to a standstill because the family neither had a smartphone nor a television at home. Lovely now spends her time helping her mother with household chores.
For those families owning at least a smartphone, its use for educating girls has been challenging with patriarchal mindsets at play. Geeta (name changed), a child bride, is one such girl who was caught by her brother and father innocently looking at a mobile phone.
Geeta was still living at home with her mother and father and was allowed to go to school before the pandemic. But her brother assumed she was talking to a boy, probably not her husband and decided she was bringing dishonour to the family. The lockdown is stoking anxiety and amplifying issues.
Geeta was first slapped by her brother and then, in anger and despair, she took poison and was rushed to hospital. She was lucky to survive, but as a result of the incident, Geeta was packed off to live with her in-laws and husband.
As soon as this happened, three other girls from her village were sent to their respective marital homes. Families are keen to have one less mouth to feed, and the spouses’ kin are happy to have a girl to work in the home.
In fact, according to the study cited above, 64 per cent of the girls surveyed spent their time on chores and care work as opposed to 78 per cent of the boys who spent their time on leisure. About 54 per cent of the girls were uncertain about returning to school on reopening.
Vikram Solanki, Head of Strategic Expansion (Uttar Pradesh) at Educate Girls, says, “With schools closed, girls, especially adolescent girls are at a higher risk of child marriage, or if already married, being forced to move to their marital home earlier than planned.
Chances of such girls going back to education via online or offline modes are almost nil as they get burdened with household chores and other caregiving responsibilities.”
Even before the pandemic, Bahraich had a dubious reputation as a hub for child trafficking. Children hailing from Bahraich were routinely rescued from Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and other places where they were found to be engaged in domestic work and other kinds of labour.
There is now enough evidence to suggest that the pandemic and the school closures have only compounded this problem.
In September last year, 48 children were rescued from various hotels and other establishments in Bahraich.
Superintendent of Police Vipin Kumar Mishra had warned that people who employ children would be booked under the Child Labour Act 2016, Bonded Labour Act and Juvenile Justice Act.
Only a month later, Mishra was made project director on a three-year-long research by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) into human trafficking, child labour and child marriage in districts of Bahraich, Shravasti, Gonda, Maharaj Ganj, Lakhimpur Kheri and Pilibhit along the Indo-Nepal border.
Another month later, in November, he rescued a nine-year-old girl who had been sold into servitude by her father for Rs 30,000.
Mishra said that according to the findings that have come out in the initial research, while child marriages during pandemic have been less, both child trafficking and child labour have increased.
He said that since the beginning of the pandemic, two operations were conducted in which 110 children were rescued, including the one in September.
He said there is no data on previous rescues but he believes there has been a hundred per cent increase. Both girls and boys were rescued but the boys outnumbered the girls.
Girls specifically are lured away from homes either on the promise of a job or marriage. They are then pushed into the sex trade or sold as bonded workers into homes where they are also sexually exploited. These girls are often not able to return home because they find no support there.
Despite the Indo-Nepal border being sealed during the pandemic, three cases of trafficking of girls came to light – one from India into Nepal and two from Nepal into India, according to Devyani Chaturvedi, the District Coordinator of CHILDLINE, who is involved in the ICSSR research on cross-border trafficking.
Jitendra Chaturvedi, Director of DEHAT, an NGO that works on child rights and other associated causes, said that there was one case of child marriage that came to his attention during the pandemic, from Risia block in the district. It was stopped with the help of the police but there have been dozens of cases of child labour.
The sad thing, he says, is that most of these children are those that dropped out of school.
Despite knowing fully well the need to keep vulnerable children in school, the district administration has not done much beyond monitoring the situation. The district inspector of schools in Bahraich, Rajendra Kumar, said that WhatsApp groups were formed in 299 schools for the one lakh students studying between Class 9 to 12.
Only 55 per cent of these students were able to study online. Out of these, only 40 per cent were girls.
Even this data is not available when it comes to primary and secondary school students.
The District Basic Education Officer Uday Raj Singh said there are 2,822 schools in Bahraich that cater to students between classes 1 to 8. Four-and-a-half lakh children are registered in these schools but the administration has no idea how many of them were able to access online teaching.
No solution was found to address this problem and now with the second wave of the virus upon us, there is no telling for how long schools will remain shut.
The Director of Panchsheel Development Trust, Dhruv Kumar, said that private donors should come forward to help such students who are missing out on learning due to lack of electronics and the government should provide solar-powered televisions through the gram sabha so that there is no hindrance to education.
Chaturvedi suggested that the government introduce mobile vans to serve these rural areas and, if the situation persists, design and deploy special devices that contain course materials that can be accessed by the children without the distraction of the Internet.
(The author is a Bahraich-based freelance journalist and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters)
