“We want IT to reach majority of people living in rural villages  of the country. The perception that IT is for the elite and developed class must change.” said Minister of Communication & IT Sachin Pilot.

The ministry has opened 10,000 common service centre (CSC) in June to improve e-governance initiatives. It plans to provide services like birth registration, and issue of other important certificate through these CSCs. As part of IT reaching rural India government has made available 16 vernacular languages software free of cost. Last year 131 million mobile connections were added, out of which 50 per cent came from rural parts.

Currently, the country has 400 m plus mobile connections. He also expressed confidence that the next 400m connections will also  come from rural mass.

Briefing reporters, Pilot, who was in City to interact with representatives of various IT companies and industry associations about the problems faced by the industry, said, the government was taking steps to improve R&D capabilites and revive policies that will promote the sector.