NEW DELHI: Communications Minister Manoj Sinha today expressed the hope that 100,000 Gram Panchayats (GPs) will be connected through Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) by March next to set up a network infrastructure to serve the rural masses.

Delivering the key-note address here at the C-DOT Foundation Day, he said everyone was working with zeal to achieve the target of connecting 2,50,000 Gram Panchayats with Broadband Network within the stipulated timeframe which is the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Sinha praised C-DOT for launching 18 products and 56 technology transfers, which he said should be taken to Century and also lauded the role of C-DOT for its stellar role in providing security solutions including cyber related.

Stressing the need for innovation as India cannot afford to emulate the Developed Economies due to limited resources, he urged C-DOT to find new invention, new research and new technology and to give World Class products for achieving the vision of Transforming India through Digital Revolution.

Sinha said if India lags in catching up with emerging technologies in the coming 15 to 20 years, the very existence of the country will be at stake. He exhorted officials and other stakeholders to “Walk the Talk” and underlined that it is our bounden duty to digitally empower the huge chunk of population particularly in rural areas who are still deprived of IT revolution. He added that Digital divide should end as fast as possible.

Telecom Secretary J.S.Deepak said as India is on the verge of Data Revolution, the future of C-DOT is very bright as it is involved in making multi-terabit router, providing smart city solutions and security solutions to the Defence and Civil sectors. He urged C-DOT to partner with PSUs and dream big to make India truly a Digital India.

The Minister also launched three new Products developed by C-DOT on the occasion- WDM PON (WDAN) and Samvad App.