Nadella, IT min discuss rural digital programme

The Minister said Nadella represented a powerful statement of 'extraordinary contribution of India's talent' and accomplishments.

New Delhi, Feb 21: Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday met IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and discussed the company's rural digital initiatives and leveraging LinkedIn for creating employment opportunities.

"Microsoft is doing good work in India. In particular, we have appreciated their initiative for digital inclusion in village, the Harisal pilot project in Maharashtra where they brought in technology and connectivity for digital health and digital education...," Prasad said after the 30-minute meeting.

"This is something I am considering for replication in our larger vision for Digi Gaon initiative," he added.

Prasad said that other issues discussed included 'LinkedIn involvement in skilling professionals to be exposed to good job opportunities'.

The issue of H-1B visas did not figure at the meeting with the India-born CEO of Microsoft, he said.

The Minister said Nadella represented a powerful statement of 'extraordinary contribution of India's talent' and accomplishments.

Earlier, leading e-commerce major Flipkart on Monday tied up with global software major Microsoft to use its Azure Cloud platform for boosting its e-tail sales. The strategic partnership was announced by Satya Nadella on his maiden visit to Bengaluru after he took over the reins of the world's largest software product firm in February 2014.

PTI