A better digital future can only be built on pervasive digital infrastructure, developing digital platforms and ensuring access to digital services to all – Shri Devusinh Chauhan

Addresses the Ministerial Roundtable at Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 of the International Telecommunication Union in Bucharest, Romania

The Minister of State for Communications, Shri Devusinh Chauhan has said that a better digital future can only be built on pervasive digital infrastructure, developing digital platforms for delivery of government services to every citizen and ensuring access to digital services to all. He was addressing the Ministerial Roundtable, which is part of the Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Bucharest, Romania today. The theme of the conference is “Building Better Digital Future”.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Devusinh Chauhan highlighted the integrated approach of the Government of India under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for facilitating a better and more inclusive digital future. He said that we have ticked all the necessary checkboxes. Citing the examples of the commitment of the Government to building telecom infrastructure, the MoS indicated that the Government of India has made a plan to extend mobile services to all 6,40,000 villages of the country by 2023 and Optical Fibre by 2025.

He mentioned that the recent successful 5G spectrum auction, which attracted an investment of 1.5 lakh crores, indicates a very enthusiastic response from the industry. It is the result of citizen-centric and industry-friendly public policies and also an indicator of their positive outlook toward India’s future.

Shri Chauhan highlighted the success of the Digital India Initiative undertaken by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. He cited the success of Aadhar and Aadhar Enabled Payment Systems (AEPS). It was apprised to the august house that every day, 400 million transactions have been taking place of AEPS, which is a fine example of financial inclusion effected through the development of digital infrastructure.

He also mentioned that to reach the unconnected, India has set up 5,70,000 Common Service Centers in remote and rural areas, which ensure delivery of various Government-to-Citizen (G2C) and other citizen-centric e-Services. He said that India is ready to share its best practices with the world. Shri Devusinh Chauhan also solicited the support of member countries for India’s re-election to ITU Council and also for the election of Smt. M Revathi as Member of Radio Regulation Board.

Later on, the Minister of State for Communications also addressed the heads of the Common Wealth Telcom Organization. He said that the massive penetration of ICT in all aspects of life is leading to multidimensional changes in India. These initiatives have been taken in accordance with the philosophy of “Antyodaya” of the Government of India under the Prime Minister of Shri Narendra Modi.

We are committed to uplifting the persons at the bottom of the socio-economic pyramid and telecom has a key role to play. He also mentioned that India has been contributing to the Goals of ITU since 1869 and will take all steps to fulfil Sustainable Development Goals 2030. He said we believe in the principle of “Vasudeva Kutumbkam” and therefore we work for the welfare of entire humanity. He offered India’s expertise in bridging the digital divide to the CTO nations. Shri Chauhan called for further collaborations among the CTO nations.

Disclaimer : This is an official press release by PIB.