Date:05/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/08/05/stories/2005080501980500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

IT can bridge rich-poor divide: Vittal

Staff Reporter

It can also play a significant role in checking corruption, says former watchdog

CHENNAI: Information Technology is today seen only from a capitalistic viewpoint and not from a social angle. It has not only played a great role in improving economic standards but also a noticeable role in reducing the demarcation between the rich and poor, men and women, and civil and military, said the former Central Vigilance Commissioner, N. Vittal.

Addressing the inauguration of the 10th anniversary celebrations of "LOGICA" — the Departmental club of Electronics and Communication Science, at Alpha Arts and Science College, Porur, Mr. Vittal lauded women as being "more capable than men." This was because women were better than men at multitasking. In the world of logic and multitasking, women would surely outsmart men in the long run. This was evident from the fact that the percentage of women being recruited by IT companies was increasing. Citing the large-scale reduction in corruption after railway reservations were computerised, Mr. Vittal said information technology could play a big role in curbing corruption.

This would increase the opportunities available to common man and break the stranglehold of money power. Increased job opportunities and reduced corruption would reduce the rich-poor barrier. K.P. Johny, college principal, presided.