This is a transcript of what was said in the Rajya Sabha There was a discussion on Net Neutrality in the Rajya Sabha today, initiated by Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien. The Minister of Communication & Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad opened the discussion. This is what he had to say*: Let me begin by making a commitment and assurance to this honorable house, and through the house to the people of India - this government is committed to the fundamental principles and concept of Net Neutrality. That is, keep the Internet available & accessible to all without discrimination. Within 100 days of assumption of office, the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the program of Digital India in the Mission Mode. It is designed to transform India into a digitally empowered society and economic. Digital India designed to break the divide between the 'digital haves' and the 'digital have-nots' and deliver connectivity to a billion citizens. Digital India has basically three components - creation of digital infrastructure, digital connectivity, and digital empowerment. Digital connectivity has worked as a key driver of economy and social development in an increasingly knowledge intensive global scenario, in which India needs to play a leadership role. The program is designed to ensure that socio-economic scenario across India is transformed through accelerated, equitable, intrusive economic growth with special emphasis on providing affordable and quality access to broadband and Internet in rural and remote areas. We recognize that digital technology can afford…
