The lack of digital connectivity is impeding development in one of India’s richest regions culturally and ecologically- the North-East. The government has put in place some policies and programmes to bolster the use of information and communication technology (ICT) here, but their poor execution means a colossal loss of opportunity for both the region and  [ Read More ]

HT column by Osama Manzar (Date-2-June-2011)

Let’s suppose Facebook is a nation. It is then the world’s third most populous nation, after China and India. It is perhaps the only nation  whose citizens come from all parts of the world—where everyone lives harmoniously, meets and corresponds with each other seamlessly, shares information, thoughts and ideas openly. Everyone wants to be in this  [ Read More ]

The government’s approach towards universal Internet access is marred by dichotomy. While the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, calls Internet one of the most effective means of communication and urges authorities to post more information online, some newly issued guidelines appear to be an attempt to gag freedom of online expression. The RTI Act  [ Read More ]

India’s nearly 250,000 panchayats are the gateways to its villages, where the bulk of the population resides. The objective of e-governance cannot be realised without digitizing these village councils and ensuring that their three million officers are trained to be a part of the nationwide drive. Sadly, we are a long way behind. The country  [ Read More ]

HT column by Osama Manzar (Date-15-June-2011)

The environment ministry has published draft rules to regulate the management of information and communication technology (ICT) waste. Although an important step towards sustainable development, the E-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules 2010, likely to come into force next year, fall short on some key parameters. First, the rules fail to integrate the informal sector in  [ Read More ]