'Internet should be free from discrimination'

Focussing on the concept of Digital India, Union Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad highlighted the importance of technology in the field of education and health while speaking at the Mail Today Education Conclave at Hotel Taj Palace on Monday.

"Our government is focusing on two major aspects through technology, health and education. A total of 1.5 lakh community service centres have been started. People have started to understand the impact of Digital India," Prasad said.

Talking about the education sector, he said that the quality of education can never prosper until the country will have quality teachers. "Digital India will go hand in hand will Skill India. Four NITs have been selected to address the needs in electronic sector. Digital India is something that we owe to India. It is a transitional programme. The government comes and goes but certain initiatives change the entire country and this is one such initiative," he added.

Empowerment

The Union minister said that 2.5 lakh panchayats in the country were being digitally connected so that people were digitally empowered. "We are creating biggest infrastructure in the history of India by laying optical fibres to connect 2.5 lakh gram panchayats," he added.

The minister pointed out that 70,000 km optic fibre had been laid till now in the country "In a country having 125 crore population there are 98 crore mobile phones and 50 lakh are being added every year. The number is expected to grow up to 110 crore. We have a dream that drivers, carpenters, masons, potters, mechanics and others use smartphones to find employment," Prasad said.

Talking about the much 'controversial' net neutrality, Prasad said, "Internet availability should be there without any discrimination. Our government is working on the matter and we have to see how it works out. A team of officers have been appointed who will give a report on net neutrality. The report will be then sent to TRAI, and then TRAI will work on it and give it back to us. We will monitor each and everything before taking any decision."

Stressing on the need of digitalisation in government schools, he said, "We cannot deny digital exposure to a whole range of students studying in government schools. A plan should be chalked out in this regard."

Digital inclusion

Prasad also said the government is working towards "digital inclusion". "The government is working towards digital inclusion. In this regard, the process of digitally linking services, such as healthcare and postal, with community centres in rural areas have already begun. Digital India programme needs massive investments and the industry needs to take advantage of the opportunities in the sector," he said.

Stating that electronic manufacturing has been one of the neglected sectors, Prasad said his ministry has been pursuing it vigorously and has been able to take the entire country on board to drive this initiative. "We are also aiming at opening BPOs in small cities and towns as they will incur less cost. Electronic clusters are being created. Their number is already up from six to 21. These clusters will provide employment to three crore youths," Prasad added.