Time to migrate to knowledge societies: Sinha

Calling for migrating from 'information societies' to 'knowledge societies' to ensure that information is not only created and disseminated but also put to the service of mankind, Union Telecom Minister (I/C) Manoj Sinha said that several countries have evinced keen interest in emulating India's success story in the use of information technology as the key enabler for promoting inclusive development.

India has utilised ICT as a key enabler of governance, based on the principles of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas (development for all), Sinha pointed out while speaking at the World Summit on Information Society, WSIS Forum-2017 at Geneva on Thursday.

At the meeting, the minister highlighted the success story of India in leveraging ICT for providing citizen centric information and services in the timely and reliable manner under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The minister explained in detail about the ambitious Bharat Net Project, which aims to provide broadband connectivity to over 2,50,000 gram panchayats via indigenously developed Gigabyte Passive Optical Network by the end of the year 2018. This ambitious digital connectivity project, which is also the world's largest connectivity project, is unique in many of its dimensions and will ensure reliable and quality broadband connectivity to rural areas, the minister said.

Sinha highlighted India's success story of direct benefit transfer through Aadhar, e-payments facility through BHIM, use of National Digital Literacy Mission, digital platforms such as national e-governance platform, m-governance and government e-marketplace during the address. He also highlighted the role of Digital India in ensuring citizen-centric services and its role in building a knowledge-based society.

In order to enhance cooperation between India and International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the minister, who also met ITU secretary general Houlin Zhao and deputy secretary general Malcolm Johnson, said there was a strong desire on the part of ITU to enhance cooperation with India and study the flagship programmes such as Aadhar, Digital Financial Services so as to put it as global standards.