Regulation is not an obstacle, it is facilitation: Kiren Rijiju

Interview with Minister of state for home affairs

Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju says his government is open to reviewing the draft Geospatial Information Regulation Bill, 2016. He tells Sahil Makkar that the Bill was not to target Google, the internet giant, or any other firm, but to protect India's sovereign position. Edited excerpts:

What was the intention behind this Bill?

Right now, we don't have any laws on mapping especially satellite geospatial images. We must have some system in place to regulate it. Some people say it would be adverse to big tech firms, but that's not the case.

Why are some people calling it a draconian law?

This is just a draft and is put before the public for suggestions. Rather than giving suggestions, people have started giving opinions. Give positive suggestions so that the government can address the concerns.

Is the Bill in response to Google, which allegedly showed Arunachal Pradesh as a disputed territory?

This is not Google-specific at all. I am a Google-friendly person. I don't know why people have started mistaking it.

 
It is said that since Google doesn't have servers in India and the government doesn't have the means to prosecute the company, the Bill is to make such firms liable in Indian courts...

The national interest and the sovereignty of India need to be respected. Sovereign state means you are sovereign in protecting your own interests, your people's interests, and at the same time you have a definite shape with aligned borders, recognised by the sovereign states. It must be respected by everyone.

Does the government want to promote Bhuvan over Google?

Everyone is free to do whatever they feel like, but it should be without infringing the sovereignty and integrity of a particular nation.

Will companies like Ola and Zomato have to take a licence for using Bhuvan?

Let me assure you that our efforts will not cause any damage to the business interest of anyone wanting to do business in India. It will not kill the efforts of tech firms or any other institution, putting a lot of efforts on innovation. Innovation will come only when there is freedom of research and access for study. We understand this well. But on the security front, we are concerned. There are many sensitive installations and locations in India.

So, the main purpose is to prevent display of these sensitive installations...

The main purpose is to regulate. Sensitive locations must have some kind of restriction.

People already know the whereabouts of these sensitive locations. So, why regulate them now?

It is dynamic. Whatever we may have today, may not continue to be in the same place. Whatever data and image people have in their possession doesn't mean it will be the same in due course of time.

The draft says people like you and I could be prosecuted...

If I am not carrying any malafide intention or involved in any act which is anti-national in nature, why should I be scared of?

So, companies and individuals need not worry?

The government wants to create a situation where ease of doing business is the topmost priority. Big companies are the drivers of the engine of the economy. How can we kill them? We are here to facilitate. Regulation is not an obstacle, it is facilitation.

But companies have to get a licence...

It is absolutely wrong to say 'Licence Raj' is coming back. How can we bring back the Licence Raj in this 21st century? What I am saying is authorisation is something which is necessary for regulation. Why should law-abiding citizens be scared of anything if they want to obtain a permit.