Thursday, August 17 2006 14:19 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: India has outstripped China and Russia in information technology (IT) race, the Rajya Sabha was informed today (Aug 17, 2006).

India ranks 40th as per the Global Information Technology Report, ahead of China (50th rank) and Russia (72nd), Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Shakeel Ahmad said in a written reply.

"The Global Information Technology Report's Readiness Index gives the degree of preparedness of a nation or community to participate in and benefit from ICT developments," he said.

India is ranked at 40th position out of 115 member countries.

Government has formulated a proposal for establishing one lakh plus Information and Communication Technology (ICT) enabled Common Services Centres (CSCs) predominantly in rural areas across the country, he said.

"These CSCs would have the flexibility to offer a mix of services (both Government and non-Government, including localised servies) that may be needed by the local community," he said.

E-GOVERNANCE: To another question, he said the Department of Information Technology has allocated Rs 300 crore for e-governance projects in 2005-06, up from Rs 215 crore in 2004-05.

"There is no Central pooling of funds for the implementation of e-governance projects. Concerned ministries or departments are expected to use their respective budget heads," he said.