Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Law & Justice PP Chaudhary said that the Government is making concentrated efforts to ensure the last mile connectivity of broadband services across the country to make Internet available to all.
“Digital India will ensure that government services are available to Indian citizens at all times,” the minister said while Inaugurating the event.
The Convergence India 2017 expo and Internet of Things India 2017 expo (IoT India 2017) opened its doors, celebrating the 25th anniversary of South Asia’s most influential and relevant trade event for the ICT, broadcast and digital media industries.
The expo runs through Friday, February 10, in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, where 635 companies are showcasing ground-breaking technologies and services with new product launches. Organised by the Exhibitions India Group, the event is supported by the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Digital India campaign.
Speaking about demonetisation, he said, “Demonetisation has led to exponential growth in digital apps such as BHIM, RuPay, etc. A website (cashlessindia.in) has also been launched by the Ministry to make people aware about digital modes of payment.”
While calling for private sector support, the Minister said, “Private sector support will uplift the Digital India initiative and help reach the bottom of the pyramid. Convergence India 2017 gives us the platform to showcase the initiative under this umbrella and provide opportunities for future collaboration. We welcome all your suggestions and recommendations.”
Guest of Honour at the event, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, said, “For the first time in the history of humanity, it is being demonstrated that we all are very strongly connected. Machines and technology enable this connection and empower human beings in all spheres of life. We are moving into an era of autonomous digital from passive digital, which was started in the 70s. But the most important factor is that in the midst of the technology evolution, people should be at the centre. ”
At the inaugural conference session, discussions focused on the Digital India 2020 priorities and building a successful digital service ecosystem.
The inaugural event was attended by key government officials, telecom players, MSO’s, cable TV professionals, system integrators, broadcasters, telecom and satellite operators, distributors, information technology & network security experts, among others.
By Baishakhi Dutta
