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India emerging leader in e-governance: Gates

Microsoft chief Bill Gates said on Thursday that India was emerging as a leader in e-governance and that his trip to the country had been very exciting.

Speaking on "Realising Potential with E-governance" at the Shilpakala Vedika auditorium near Hitec City, Hyderabad, just before concluding his trip to India, Gates said, "I am a big believer in e-governance. India has more energy and commitment than any other country." He said this was evident from the pioneering projects undertaken in the country and the competitive spirit displayed by Indian companies.

The gathering, comprising ministers, legislators and officials, heard him in rapt attention as he shared his vision of communication revolution and demonstrated the functioning of Tablet PC, a new addition to Microsoft's technology arsenal.

The work being done at the Microsoft India Development Centre in Hyderabad was very impressive, Gates said, adding that his company would double the activity at the centre in the next three years.

He expressed appreciation for the e-governance projects taken up in Andhra Pradesh and other states, particularly Karnataka.

Recalling his first visit to India in 1997, he said N Chandrababu Naidu of Andhra Pradesh was the only chief minister to meet him at that time. "He was the first politician whom I ever met who was carrying a computer. Since then, our relationship has come a long way," he added.

He said during his visit in 2000, he had interacted with 14 chief ministers and they had briefed him about the e-governance projects taken up in their states. However, it was obvious that Naidu was leading the way in e-governance, Gates said.

"I am excited to see lot of progress and the way India is competing all over the world. It can make unique contributions in this exciting digital decade. India is emerging as a leader in e-governance. It has a special role to play in the digital revolution sweeping across the globe," Gates said.

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