ICT in rural sectors necessary for inclusive growth: Narayana Murthy

^-A ⁺A

ICT in rural sectors necessary for inclusive growth: Narayana Murthy

Feb 18,2011

Infosys Technologies' Founder-Chairman N.R.

Narayana Murthy Thursday called for information and communication technology (ICT) being used in agriculture and rural sectors for more inclusive growth.

"We have seen a lot of growth in ICT and it will grow at a higher rate in the future. The sector is constantly growing in India. But there is a need for adoption of ICT in agriculture and rural sectors. ICT adoption in these sectors is very critical," Murthy said at the inaugural ceremony of INFOCOM here.

Inclusion of the people living at the bottom of the pyramid in the overall growth of the ICT in the country was necessary, he said.

Stating that the country was facing several challenges like ensuring hundred percent literacy rate, food security and affordable healthcare, he said cost effective solutions were required to meet the challenges.

Murthy said the mobile sector in India had increased but broadband connection in the country was very low.

"Internet penetration level in the country is only five percent of the country's total population. It will be 30 to 40 percent in the near future," he said.

"The digital citizen of the globalised world is plying a critical role. Effective collaboration is needed...."

Cell phone penetration, mobile enabling services and comprehensive mobile-based governance programme were necessary for inclusion of people living at the bottom of the pyramid, he said.

"Digital activism is higher in other countries. But I have no doubt that it will increase once ICT increases in India," Murthy added.

Concluded.

.