Panchayats to have broadband connectivity by 2012, says Pilot

Puducherry, Feb 27 (ANI): Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Sachin Pilot on Sunday said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government has decided to ensure that every panchayat in the country is equipped with high speed broadband internet access by 2012.

Speaking at a function here, Pilot said: "We will provide optical fibre cable connection to all panchayats across the country as connectivity is an important component to ensure quality in process of development.

"India's success in the IT sector was feasible because of the youth. We have also managed to make this mark of being a super power even though only eight per cent of the people in the country use Internet," he said.

The Minister further said there would be a standard shift soon if a larger number of population has access to the Internet.

"The government wants to grant financial and electronic empowerment and as part of this mission each of the panchayats would be provided high speed broadband access," Pilot said.

"Creation of infrastructure in the 21st century is a big challenge and this will be met successfully and it would be an unmatched infrastructure," he added.

Pilot later inaugurated the modernised post offices of Villianoor and Tirukanoor here.

"Times have changed from inland letters and postcards. People demand several IT based facilities and electronic mails. The UPA government is keen to ensure better services and realise its goal of inclusive growth and equitable distribution," he said. (ANI)