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Information technology to play a big part in transforming India
| Government’s use of IT will set the trend, says CFO and executive director of TCS |
NEWER TECHNOLOGIES: S. Mahalingam, CFO and executive director, TCS (left), with P.W.C. Davidar, IT Secretary, at a seminar in Chennai on Friday.
CHENNAI: Creation of new initiatives by the Centre such as the Unique Identification Authority of India will foster innovation and give a big boost to the development of information technology eco-system in India, said S. Mahalingam, CFO and executive director, Tata Consultancy Services on Friday.
“We have now come to a stage where we expect IT to play a big part in transforming India. Nandan M. Nilekani, the co-chairman of the Board of Directors of Infosys Technologies, has been appointed to chair the new joint venture, in which over Rs.1,50,000 crore will be spent,” said Mr. Mahalingam while delivering the inaugural address at a student seminar on ‘Newer technologies in IT and career opportunities’ organised by the Computer Society of India, Chennai Chapter, and Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute University.
Mentioning that TCS was working on the area of providing linkages to citizens with businesses and government departments, he said: “We would like to have a digital society in India…Also, we need to provide the benefits of banking and insurance system to consumers wherever they are and enable them to come to the mainstream of economic activity. Self-Help Groups have to be supported with accounting system and other operations.”
He said the current global economic situation was not promising. The recovery process would not begin in another 12 months. This would result in Indian IT firms going slow on recruitment. However, the government’s use of IT would set the trend and create enabling conditions for the use of IT by private sectors.
India is not solely dependent on exports nor is it an export-led economy. The domestic demand can be met by filling the gap arising out of decline in global trade. The rural markets are strong in India. There is a need for extensive upgradation of infrastructure. All this will lead to growth for Indian businesses and consumers and that may drive demand for IT, he said.
In his keynote address, IT Secretary P.W.C. Davidar said that IT industry was correcting itself and jobs were available for everyone, provided the candidates were qualified. He elaborated on various IT initiatives initiated by the State.
G. C. Kothandan, executive director, Dr. MGR University, called for enactment of a stricter law and deterrent punishment to prevent cyber crime.
H.R. Mohan, CSI chairman, Division II, said the seminar was organised to brief students about emerging trends as well as applications and their direct influence on the IT sector.
S. Ramasamy, CSI Chennai chairman, said they had over 1,000 members and 3,000 student members.
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