Need to take IT to rural level: Raja

Gwalior, Jan 23 (UNI) Union Information Technology (IT) and Communications Minister A Raja today highlighted the need to take information technology to the rural level so that the country could progress in the true sense of the term.

''After developing IT in major cities, the Centre has decided to decentralise it and Software Techonology Park of India (STPI) units are being established in 50 towns. In the next step the government will set up STPI at rural level so that IT development reaches the common man,'' he told mediapersons here. STPI units are set up prior to establishing IT parks so that basic infrastructure for IT parks is available.

Emphasising on making education employment-oriented, Mr Raja added that IT was the best alternative for achieving that objective.

''With the setting up of an STPI unit here, Gwalior will come into the category of IT facility-equipped towns. The unit will be ready in 18 months and IT companies will flock here,'' he said while advocating a safe atmosphere for advent of industry.

UNI XC-AC 1754