National fibre optic network to connect 2.5 lakh gram panchayats by 2018: Centre

Communication and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday said that Rs.6000 crores worth of projects have been approved under the 'Make in India' programme out of proposals worth Rs.20000 crores received.

He also revealed through a statement that as part of the Digital India programme, 2.5 lakh gram panchayats are to be connected through the national fibre optic network by 2018.

He said, "The digital divide at present is skewed towards Metro cities. The Digital India programme will try to bridge this gap."

Prasad said that the Digital India programme is expected to generate five crore direct and indirect jobs and added that digital equality will come only when the most backward Schedule Caste becomes digitally literate and operates a common service center. e added that, the digital empowerment will make a rural artisan sell their products like Madhubani paintings through e-commerce sites.

He said the government plans to create a digital locker for storing degree certificates, BPL certificates, etc.

India is at present the second largest smart phone consumer in the world, and most electronic goods are imported. To address this, the Make in India programme has been launched, he added.