Technologies enable and strengthen democratic systems and institutions, says Chauhan
The 2nd ASEAN Digital Ministers (ADGMIN) meeting, held virtually on 28 Jan 2022, has approved the India-ASEAN Digital Work Plan 2022, which aims for capacity building and knowledge sharing in emerging areas in the field of Information and Communication Technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, Advanced Satellite Communication and Cyber Forensics among others.
The ongoing and proposed projects in ICTs, will strengthen collaboration between India and ASEAN by leveraging complementary strengths of each other, the Ministry of Communications said on 29 Jan 2022.
The Work Plan also includes system for combating the use of stolen and counterfeit mobile handsets as well as WiFi Access network interface for nationwide public internet.
Information and Communication Technologies enable and strengthen democratic systems and institutions through enhanced engagement between citizens and the state, said Devusinh Chauhan, Minister of State for Communications (MoSC) at the meeting.
The use of ICTs promote free speech, human rights and the free flow of information besides expanding citizens’ opportunities to participate in decision-making process and have potential to transform lives of people living in rural areas, emphasised Chauhan, who also co-chaired the meeting with Admiral Tin Aung San, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Myanmar.
Chauhan pointed out that COVID-19 is not only a challenge for the public health system, but it is also shaking the economic and social orders of the countries.
“In this scenario, Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) have emerged as powerful tools to mitigate the effects of pandemic in different spheres of public life and they are foundations of the global economy,” he said.
The ADGMIN is an annual meeting of Telecom Ministers of 10 ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) countries – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam and dialogue partner countries – Australia, Canada, China, EU, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Russia, the UK and US. fiinews.com
