Entrepreneurs express desire to launch own platform hosting apps: Atmanirbhar Bharat

It is interesting to note that this development comes after Google had removed Paytm from its Play Store last month for allegedly violating its gambling policies. The app was later restored.  

New Delhi: With an aim to realise the true meaning of Atmanirbhar Bharat, many entrepreneurs have come forward to join hands to launch a platform that hosts several other apps. 

The targets are Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Reports added that entrepreneurs including Paytm's Vijay Shekhar Sharma, PolicyBazaar's Yashish Dahiya and Matrimony.com's Murugavel Janakiraman also deliberated on a national-level lobby group to represent their interests.

The group also plans to approach the country's banking regulator as well as the finance ministry seeking redressal for Google's recent move to increase commission on purchases made on its app store, it further noted.

It is interesting to note that this development comes after Google had earlier last month removed Paytm from its Play Store for allegedly violating its gambling policies. The app was later restored.

The US-based tech giant on Tuesday had also reiterated its policy under which it will deduct 30% commission for all in-app purchases for digital goods.

One of the entrepreneurs, Janakiraman, proposed that India should have app neutrality on the line of net neutrality. He added that over 80% of those accessing the internet in India do so through digital applications and "it can't be completely controlled by Google since they own the Play Store."

He further said that a body monitored by the government can ensure app neutrality, fairness and openness.

Another entrepreneur Vishwas Patel, who is the founder of payment gateway CCAvenue, said the government has to certainly step in and take the lead in the matter.

The group will reportedly approach the Electronics and IT Ministry to put the case for an Indian app store. It will also approach the Competition Commission of India (CCI) and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for other related grievances.