The Hindu Business Line : Raja gives top priority to rural telephony

TAKING CHARGE: The Minister for IT & Communications, Mr. A. Raja, assuming office at Electronics Niketan, in the Capital on Wednesday. - Ramesh Sharma

New Delhi May 16 The new Minister for Communication and IT, Mr Andimuthu Raja, said that rural telephony would be his top priority. Mr Raja, who took charge of the IT Ministry on Wednesday, replacing Mr Dayanidhi Maran, also said that he would look into the possibility of abolishing roaming charges for mobile users as planned by Mr Maran.

Mr Raja was received in his new office at the Electronics Niketan, which houses the Department of IT, by the Secretaries of the Department of Telecom, Posts, Information Technology and several senior officials of BSNL and MTNL. Earlier, he was the Union Minister of Environment and Forests.

Immediately after taking over charge, Mr Raja said: "Top priority will be given to rural telephony. During my tenure, my efforts and endeavour would be to provide the communication facilities to the people at the lowest ebb of the social order. The telecommunication sector's growth is yet to reach people at the lowest level. Since the telecom sector is a growing sector, all efforts required for maintaining its growth will continue."

Mr Raja said he will seek continuity of policies and will welcome overseas investment in telecommunications and computer services.

"I will discuss with my officers how we can attract more investments in the sectors from different countries," he said.

Roaming charges

The Minister also said that he would look into Mr Maran's plans to abolish domestic roaming charges starting June 3.

Mr Raja was elected as member to the Eleventh Lok Sabha for the first time in 1996.

He has also held positions in the Central Government as Minister of State for Rural Development, and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.

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