Telecos and information technology companies’ representatives on Friday said while the idea of a Digital India is strong, there should be mechanisms and policies in place to ensure that rural areas get digital exposure.
For example, they said there should be a collective approach towards combining tower and broadband connectivity for connecting panchayats. There should also be mechanism to enforce such policies right up to the municipal level.
BottlenecksThe industry was interacting with Communications and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad here on Friday at the CEOs’ Roundtable on the theme ‘Investment in the NexGen Digital Infrastructure’, organised by FICCI.
Some industry players said there are not only hurdles at the central level but at the municipal levels too in various States and there should be a single window for approvals to projects.
In response to them, Prasad said the ‘Digital India’ programme needs massive investments, and urged the industry to take advantage of the opportunities in the sector, adding that the companies should also come out with their own solutions.
“I have heard there are not many app developers in the country and Indian handicrafts are not adequately promoted online as compared to other countries. My answer is who is stopping you? Develop…there is a big market waiting for them,” he said. He has also urged the telecom companies to improve their services to avoid call drops. “I have always said you have to improve your services and that is in your hands. Alibi will not work.”
Prasad also said electronic manufacturing has been one of the neglected sectors, which holds great promise. Hence, his ministry has been pursuing it vigorously and has been able to take the entire county onboard to drive this initiative.