Google evinces interest in Digital India programme

Bs_logoImage
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Jan 06 2015 | 8:21 PM IST
Google's Chief Internet Evangelist Vinton Cerf today discussed with Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad the role the US-based tech giant can play in the government's Digital India programme.
They also discussed ways to increase Internet penetration in the country.
"It is in a very early stage of discussion. Google is interested in being helpful. We have some ideas. We want to share with them (government) those ideas to find out which of them makes sense. May be, they will have better ideas than us," Cerf told reporters on the sidelines of a Ficci event.
"It is very clear that private sector is going to have to play a major role, but it won't work unless basic infrastructure that government proposes to bring in is out into place," he said.
According to sources, the discussions revolved around increasing Internet penetration in the country, helping small and medium businesses harness its potential and bringing more women online.
They added that Google is also keen on playing a larger role in the government's Digital India initiative.
In August last year, the government approved an umbrella programme, Digital India, comprising various projects worth over Rs 1 lakh crore to transform the country into a digitally empowered knowledge economy.
The programme includes projects that aim to ensure that government services are available to citizens electronically and people get benefit of the latest information and communication technology.
Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online

  • Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jan 06 2015 | 8:21 PM IST