STRENGTHENING OF TELECOMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE VITAL TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE : SUMITRA MAHAJAN

SMT. MAHAJAN TO LEAD A HIGH LEVEL DELEGATION TO THE PLENIPOTENTIARY CONFERENCE OF ITU AT MARRAKESH

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The Minister of State for Communications & Information Technology, Smt. Sumitra Mahajan is leading a high level Indian Delegation to the Plenipotentiary Conference of International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which is being held at Marrakesh, Morocco from 23^rd September to 18^th October, 2002.

ITU was established in 1865 and is the oldest inter-governmental organisation. Now, it is the UN specialised agency for all telecommunication matters and based in Geneva since 1948. India is a member of ITU since 1868. The ITU is fostering excellent international cooperation between all Member States for promoting and harmonising the use of telecommunications of all kinds with a view to extend the benefits of telecommunication technologies to all the world inhabitants in an efficient, rational and equitable manner. India attaches great significance to the activities of the ITU and is proud to be playing an active role in this global endeavour.

The Plenipotentiary Conference is the highest policy-making body of the ITU. It is held every four years. The Conference sets the ITU’s general policies, adopts strategic and financial plans and elects the senior management team of the organisation. It is the key event at which ITU Member States decide on the future and affect the development of issues such as convergence, telephone tariffs, the Internet, universal service and electronic commerce. This year, the Conference will also be determining the role of ITU in shaping the global telecommunication sector of the 21^st century and create a roadmap to ensure universal access of telecommunication to people and to bridge the digital divide through better convergence of telecommunication and information technologies and strengthening of the telecommunications infrastructure. The Indian Delegation would highlight the achievements of India so far and also the challenges that lie ahead before the developing countries in this regard, including in India.

India is also seeking re-election to a seat on the ITU Council, which is its governing body, as well as re-election of a Member of the Radio Regulations Board.