The founder chairman of Infosys Technologies Ltd, Mr N. R. Narayana Murthy, on Thursday called for adopting information and communication technology (ICT) in the rural and agriculture sectors to bring about inclusive growth.
He was hopeful that the penetration of ICT in the country will see an increase in digital and social media activism.
“We have seen a lot of growth in ICT and it will grow at a higher rate in the future. But there is a need for the adoption of ICT in agriculture and rural sectors,” Mr Murthy said, while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of Infocom 10-11.
“Digital activism is higher in other countries. But I have no doubt that it will increase once ICT increases in India,” he added.
Pointing to the increasing number of mobile phone users in the country, which has gone up from around 10 million users in 2002 to around 584 million in early 2010, he said this number is likely to touch 800 million very soon.
“Cell phone penetration, mobile enabling services and comprehensive mobile-based governance programmes are necessary for inclusion of people living at the bottom of the pyramid,” Mr Murthy added. Stating that the country was facing several challenges in ensuring 100 per cent literacy, food security and affordable healthcare, he stressed on the need to have cost-effective solutions to meet these challenges.
He further maintained that there was a need to re-look the traditional model of businesses as convergence would lead to a transformation in the “traditional fabric.”