Govt promises 'non-discriminatory' access to internet

Connectivity to internet must go in an unhindered manner, says Ravi Shankar Prasad

Government today promised to ensure "non-discriminatory access to internet" to all citizens as members cutting across party lines in Rajya Sabha slammed TRAI for its consultation paper that sparked off a debate over net-neutrality.

"Government stands for ensuring non-discriminatory access to internet for all citizens of the country...It is committed to the fundamental principles and concept of net neutrality, keeping the internet accessible and available to all without discrimination," IT and Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said while replying to a Calling Attention Motion.

"Connectivity to internet must go in an unhindered manner...I assure the House that the key principles of net neutrality will be followed while following concerns with a national outlook," he said.

Unlike the government-opposition clash during a debate on the issue in Lok Sabha when Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi had raised it a fortnight back, the Upper House today saw an unanimity on the issue.

Members from all parties including BJP and Shiv Sena voiced their concerns on the matter, noting which Prasad said, "net neutrality is party neutral, ideology neutral... Today the entire House has spoken in one voice... Substance without flamboyance is the hallmark of this House."

The debate saw members comparing net neutrality to supply of electricity and water in a house on which separate tariff cannot be put based on the use of electronic gadgets or the location of water taps.