Speaking at a seminar organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) MGK Menon, co-chairman of National Task Force on Information Technology, said that only committed political leadership could take steps to tackle these issues.

The renowned scientist also made a strong case for greater accessibility, availability and affordability of telephone networks in order to engineer an information technology revolution in the country.

Commenting on the rapidly changing technological scene, Menon said that all technologies and systems that were outdated should be scrapped. He added that the entry and exit to telephone and information technology needed to be free and fair in order to encourage competitiveness and quality conciousness.

Menon said that Indian children, oriented in computers with a sound knowledge of mathematics and physics, could master information technology. He added that,"there should be convergence of all technologies and media to pave the way for the IT revolution". He said that sate governments have to play a more active role in the implementation of programmes and promote the use of technology.

Speaking at the seminar AV Gokak, chairman Telecom Commission, said that the IT revolution could only be brought about under a dispensation that focussed on modern techniques of planning, higher level of education and political accountability.

He said that multimedia computers and the Internet are going to play the dominant role in the future in generating business, facilitating communications and creating newer ideas and concepts. "Technical education should be given the maximum importance as it will determine the pace of transformation," he said.

Sunil B. Mittal, chairman of the Ficci telecom committee, said the Indian telecom system should give more stress to V-SAT which was necessary for quick communication and connectivity. "India requires massive investment in telecom and information technology", he said.

Vinay Rai, chairman of the IT committee of Ficci, emphasised the need for using information technology for alleviating poverty, as otherwise there would be a severe backlash from the deprived.