Pitroda urges use of IT to solve problems

Sam Pitroda, chairman and CEO of the US-based World Tel, and the man behind India's telecom revolution said on Tuesday that information technology should not be looked at as only an 'instrument for export,' and should be used to solve several local problems and all current processes.

Speaking as chief guest at the 22nd convocation ceremony of Institute of Rural Management, Anand, Gujarat, he said, "The real challenge lies in using IT in areas like e-governance, e-health, e-banking, judicial and also political reforms in the coming decade."

Pitroda, said Gujarat has lost ground in IT and when it comes to the subject, big players only think about Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad.

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Speaking to media persons on Gujarat's role in IT, Pitroda said: "Political will is lacking and there is dearth in minimum critical mass."

The current telecommunication including mobile phone scenario in India is dominated by foreign players and it is high time Indian companies step up their stake in IT development, Pitroda said.

Earlier, he handed over diplomas in post-graduate programme in rural management to 58 students of IRMA, while the institute's chairman Dr Vargese Kurien gave away the 'angavastram' to each of the graduating students.