The Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology P.P. Chaudhary has stressed the need for bridging the digital divide between the urban and rural areas. Addressing the closing ceremony of the 20th National Conference on e-Governance in Visakhapatnam today, he said that the Union government promotes research and development including innovative eco-system of Information Technology and also encourages acquisition of the Intellectual Property Rights by Indians.

The Minister further said that Cyber Security is the need of the hour and artificial intelligence will provide solutions to the problem of cyber security. There is need for developing Nano technology and Nano electronics built on Mission mode Nano Electronics, which is useful for imparting value-based education. India will be in a position to manufacture electronics devices and products in the country very soon, he added.

Chaudhary appreciated that Andhra Pradesh is a pioneer in providing 725 e-governance services in rural areas. He said that Prime Minister’s vision of Digital India can be achieved through e-governance. He also emphasized the need to use technology in making a 3D animation form in various languages and use it in medical, Higher and professional education, that would enhance the learning capabilities of the students.

The union minister held that the linking of the AADHAAR Cards has helped the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and the beneficiaries get their financial benefits directly to their bank accounts. On this occasion Chaudhary conferred the. National Awards for e-Governance 2016-17. AP Minister of Information & PR, IT & Communications Raghunatha Reddy, Visakhapatnam MP Dr. K Hari Babu were amongst the other speakers.