Maharashtra tops Internet readiness index: Report

Maharashtra has emerged as the top ranking state in terms of overall Internet readiness index, followed by Karnataka, Gujarat, Telengana and Tamil Nadu, according to a report unveiled here on Monday.

The report, Index of Internet Readiness of Indian States', was published by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Indicus Analytics.

Internet readiness index is a composite index on components like e-infrastructure index, e-participation index, IT-services and e-governance index.

Among the smaller states, Delhi has emerged as the topmost state in terms of Internet readiness index, followed by Puducherry and Goa.

Even in the smaller states, the northeastern States do not figure among the top three. "Therefore, much more needs to be done in the form of investment and infrastructure development in the region," the report stated.

Among the Union Territories, Chandigarh is ranked top in terms of Internet readiness index.

The purpose of the report was to help the business and governments to leverage the strength, policy measures can also be taken where improvements are required.

"Given the rapid advancement in e-services and e-commerce, it is essential to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the states," the report said.

"Internet readiness in this study is not limited to how industry friendly each state is for investment in the IT sector, but aims to give a more holistic picture of the digital ecosphere that presently exists in the states.

"This stems from the understanding that only an organic linkage between the digital world and the real world can lead to the development and wellbeing that digitalization promises to deliver," the report stated.