That's an inference you see to be making, because I see no evidence in the story that this machine is being targeted at households too poor to have (or afford) electricity in their homes.
Just for reference, the cheapest semi-automatic washing machine I could find online is Rs.3990 or ~$65 [0] (there are cheaper models available offline, usually).
Its not about affording electricity. Its availability of electricity. Even when you can afford a washing machine, electricity shortage makes it impossible to run the machine. Sometimes the power goes right in the middle of a wash cycle and you have to wait couple of hours before the power is restored. And in summer, power cuts are more prevalent.
Just for reference, the cheapest semi-automatic washing machine I could find online is Rs.3990 or ~$65 [0] (there are cheaper models available offline, usually).
[0] http://compareindia.in.com/specification/washing-machines/ak...