They are asking TRAI to reject the plan in the interest of protecting the citizens' right to use Internet
The comments drew sharp criticism from netizens with some calling Facebook's Free Basics plan as Internet colonialism.
Facebook on Thursday announced that it has shut down Free Basics in India.
This puts an end to Facebook's Free Basics and Airtel's zero rating plans in India.
Programmes offers pared-down web services on mobile phones along with Facebook' s own social network and messaging services cost free
An open and free internet is a key contributing factor to innovation in the digital economy.
Zuckerberg is kicking off a tour of Europe on Monday.
Nandan Nilekani talks about moving towards a cashless economy and freedom of Internet, among others
Much of the loudest opposition comes from those in the start-up world, who fear this would put them at a disadvantage in reaching new users
Zuckerberg appeared on a video to personally promote Free Basics.
More than 19 million people in 38 countries have been connected through Facebook's different programmes.
Critics say the programme, launched 10 months ago in India in collaboration with operator Reliance Communications, violates principles of net neutrality
The company is to act as an ISP across rural areas for local entrepreneurs.
The minister also cautioned the social media giant and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg of repercussions under the IT Act in case of any data breach came to light.
If there is a lesson to be learnt from the 1980s, it is that mobocracy never works. And a government that yields before public protests will have ceded its right to govern, says Syed Firdaus Ashraf.
Climate change, air quality, nutrition, even connectivity are joining the political agenda, and it will force a shift in policies.
'Big countries do not agree on every set of issues.' 'Look, one of the differences in the relationship is that when we do not agree, we are sitting down and talking to each other.'
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